Encore 209X45 starting point??

[Trav]

I receintly aquired a fast twist 1 in 14" VVCG custom 209X45 barrel.  Does anyone have any suggestions as to what would be a good starting load for such a barrel?  This is my first muzzle loader, so the starting slate is clean here.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Billyboy]

I have the standard  1-20" 209x45 and got good results with the T/C sabot/180gr XTP or 200gr XTP using 120gr Triple 7.  Most groups are 1.75-2" @ 100.  These are three shots straight off a clean barrel without swabbing in between (to better simulate real hunting conditions).  Most threads I have seen indicate that accuracy in the 45's is much better with loose powder than with Pellets.  I think Hodgdon just released .50 Triple 7 pellets, .45's shouldn't be far behind.   Good luck!

[Underclocked]

Try some 350 grain PowerStar saboted bullets from http://www.splitfireguns.com/ seated firmly on 80 grains of FFg Triple 7.  Just tried these today and they shot beautifully.   I put a little bit of Bore Butter in the lube grooves on the sabot - yes, it has two lube grooves and that's what they are there for.  Seating them still took a good amount of push but they're worth it!  Use a palm saver on your ramrod.

[Underclocked]

And here's what I'm talkin' about:


The first two bullets in the group are the two left-most at ~50 yards(if you can tell the difference) and the third at a measured 100 yards was at the right of the group.  Under 1/2" for the three shot group at two ranges.  Kewl!

I didn't know the two shots at ~50 yards were touching when I asked my buddy (on his 4-wheeler) to move the target on down to 100 yards just to check POI.  He didn't tell me until he came back with the cardboard box that had the target attached.  By the way, in the cardboard you could actually see three distinct but partial bullet holes behind that cluster.

That faster twist might like these heavier saboted bullets just as well.