Limits of Muzzleloading Accuracy

[Twanger]

Sharpsman's thoughts on the relative accuracy of Sabot loads vs. full-bore sized loads got me thinking about this a bit. I don't know that there is an intrinsic accuracy advantage of full-bore loads over plastic sabots. Some years ago they had a 'accelerator' sabot round for the 30-06 that sped a tiny projectile up to 4000+ fps, and it was notoriously in-accurate. Personally I haven't experimented around enough with sabots vs. conicals to know what the ultimate limits are. I own two fairly accurate guns... an Encore, and a White. The Encore likes saboted bullets. The White M97 just plain loves full-bore knurled bullets ([e-mail] makes 'em). I don't know that anyone is claiming significantly better than 1" 5-shot groups at 100yds for bore-filling conicals, but don't mind saying that I'm fairly ignorant of the 'state of the art.' I'd love to hear just how well full-bore conicals can shoot! I do know that Sabot loads can be EXTREMELY accurate by anyone's measure.

Here's a link to an article on Randy Wakeman's muzzleloading site.

members.aol.com/randymagic/ballltd87.htm

I've seen him post some pretty fantastic groups. The link shows two targets shot back-to-back at 100yds with 3-shot group sizes of 0.4 inches and 0.3 inches respectively. The shooter is a comely diminutive redhead named Krystel from Cullman, AL, shooting a smokeless SAVAGE ML-II muzzeloader, 250gr Saboted SST @ 1910 fps.

It's well worth pointing out that theses groups were shot from a gun built on a factory line, and used for hunting. It's not some custom multi-thousand dollar bench rest machine.

Given that I can't even hold 0.3" at 100yds, I find it pretty danged amazing that a muzzleloader pumping out plastic can print groups this small!

I'd definitely be interested in hearing from others about just how tiny muzzleloader groups can get!

[ncboman]

I've never really stretched out and put a ML thru the paces like I have some rifles but I have shot some 3 shot one hole groups at 50yds with both my Knights off my truck toolbox. ;D

I've often thought my Black Knight may be one of the most accurate rifles I've ever owned but I doubt I can hold groups like we see on Randy's site.

I know this much. My boys and I always seem to have much more fun shooting big hunks of lead over saboted bullets when we play.

[Twanger]

Toolbox, eh?
I used to shoot 1" 3-shot groups with my .222 over a rolled up camp-tarp laid on a shaky camp table.
Maybe this fall we should bring some firepower and take advantage of the rifle-range. I've been wanting to shoot that .222 again ever since I bought a real bench-rest. There's a chance that it'll out perform the White M97, but it would have to be a very calm day with no coffee for me to have a chance of finding that out.

[eshoremd]

walt, we should get together some time and shoot. ill bring the savage ML2 and you can see what they can do in person. savage ML2 w/meopta 3-12x56

[Twanger]

Todd - I'd love to try that Savage out!
I'm working at getting into the Izaak Walton League, and they've got a rifle-range!
Having one 10 minutes from my house would be schweeeeeet.
I think I can bring a guest, too.