With the "new" sabot rounds in .54 cal., does anyone know if you still need a patch or does the sabot itself suffice? < !--color-->

In my Savage ML-10 (II), I am placing a WonderWad over my powder, and then seating the sabot/bullet combo.

I realize the Savage is a different beast (and it's 50 Caliber), but a number of us are experimenting with wads and modified sabot bases to improve velocity and accuracy.

The theory is that the WonderWad seals gases better, with less flame-cutting of the sabot (or less deformation).

It did tighten up my 100 yard groups a bit.

Garrett

You mention flame cutting of the sabot base. Have you actually seen the sabots cut after you recover them? I could see how that might be possible with the Savage if you are shooting smokeless loads. I have not seen the sabots anything but great when shooting synthetic black powder or the real stuff. If it works for you I guess I would not knock it but it is hard for me to understand.

I am shooting smokeless, as you surmised.

What I am seeing with the WonderWads is less deformation of the sabot base (on the recovered sabots).
I am using both the Hornady sabots, and the MMP's.

The place where this has really been written up and experimented with is www.sav10ml.com (in the discussion area called "Doug's Message Board").

It would seem that a large percentage of us on that board are getting good (accuracy) results with the WW's.
A few people are also experimenting with a sub-base made from cut-off 28 ga. shotgun wads. These are people getting 1 and 2 inch groups at 200 yards, and pushing the envelope on performance.

Garrett

Another option..

http://www.hpmuzzleloading.com/MMP.html

http://www.hpmuzzleloading.com/FeaturesPage2.html