Experimenting with sabots in a slow twist barrel

23 June 2016, 08:55

I have a 1:48" twist 54 caliber TC Renegade that won't shoot the Copper 275 grain Barnes Sabot load because they require a 20" twist.

So, I found some sabots in different internal sizes that they sell in 20 count sample packs and I'm going to try some copper pistol bullets:

.429 caliber 200 grain bullets
.452 caliber 200 grain bullets
.500 caliber 225 grain bullets

I'm hoping the shorter bullets will stabilize in the slow twist barrel.

I haven't shot this gun in about 10 years and I've always used FFG loose powder. Are there any advantages to using the power pellets or any of the black powder substitutes?

23 June 2016, 19:43

TREE 'EM

You might get away with a short pistol bullet in a sabot but I wouldn't get my hopes up too high.

48 twist in a .54cal is sort of a compromise that will shoot a short conical or round ball acceptably.

BP substitute pellets are convenient but can be difficult to get complete ignition with percussion cap on a side lock.

I have never found any advantages to using black powder substitutes. Every tradional ML I have ever compared has always had better accuracy with black powder.

I had a .54cal renegade long ago. It was reasonably accurate to 100 yards with conicals. I assume you're trying to improve your MV and extend the range of your rifle through the use of lighter bullets and sabots. I'm interested to see how it works out for you.

23 June 2016, 21:03

Fjold

quote:
Originally posted by TREE 'EM:
You might get away with a short pistol bullet in a sabot but I wouldn't get my hopes up too high.

48 twist in a .54cal is sort of a compromise that will shoot a short conical or round ball acceptably.

BP substitute pellets are convenient but can be difficult to get complete ignition with percussion cap on a side lock.

I have never found any advantages to using black powder substitutes. Every tradional ML I have ever compared has always had better accuracy with black powder.

I had a .54cal renegade long ago. It was reasonably accurate to 100 yards with conicals. I assume you're trying to improve your MV and extend the range of your rifle through the use of lighter bullets and sabots. I'm interested to see how it works out for you.

Thanks for the information. I've taken two elk with the muzzle loader 30 years ago when I lived in Idaho but that was with 400 grain Minies. It would shoot into 3" at 100 yards with 120 grains of FFg.

I'm actually trying to use the muzzle loader on an Air Force base here in California that has a special section for pig hunts that is lead free, shotgun or muzzle loader only.

23 June 2016, 22:53

TREE 'EM

Have you tried Powerbelt bullets yet?

24 June 2016, 00:48

Fjold

quote:
Originally posted by TREE 'EM:
Have you tried Powerbelt bullets yet?

I've looked at them but with the plastic tip and the belt on the base, they are even longer than the other bullets. I don't think that they'll stabilize in my barrel.

24 June 2016, 16:25

alleyyooper

I don't think Power Belt's are lead free any way.

Have you tried the MMP purple 54 cal. sabots with a 50 cal. bullet?

http://mmpsabots.com/store/purple-sabot/

25 June 2016, 01:31

Fjold

quote:
Originally posted by alleyyooper:
I don't think Power Belt's are lead free any way.

Have you tried the MMP purple 54 cal. sabots with a 50 cal. bullet?

http://mmpsabots.com/store/purple-sabot/

Al

I ordered the red, purple and white sabots sample packs from MMP a couple of days ago and I'm just waiting for them to be delivered.

05 July 2016, 22:37

kjjm4

Not cheap, but these are what I'd opt for in your .54 if I had to go lead-free.

http://www.ballisticproducts.c.../productinfo/TXRB54/

09 July 2016, 20:06

TCLouis

May be next to impossible to get there, but start with real FFFG Black Powder.
80 grains up to maybe 100.

30 July 2016, 20:29

Fjold

Thanks, I have FFG at the house that I use for the full diameter bullet, if that doesn't work I'll try some FFFG.

The only problem is that I moved a few years ago and can't find my blackpowder accessories for the rifle.