Muzzle Loaders
This page concerns my most recent addiction, muzzle loading rifles
of the modern persuasion. I'm currently involved in a whole lot of testing
to resolve some questions I have regarding these modern muzzleloading
marvels. Since I couldn't really find the quantitative data that I was
looking for, I've begun trying to collect it myself. I've reloaded centerfire
ammunition for years, so I'm using a lot of the same methods that I've learned
in that venue to address muzzleloading. Some of the things I've read seem
a little strange. Like that there isn't a standard barrel dimension for
muzzleloaders. They vary by several thousandths of an inch. This results
in the same kind of variance in sabot and bullet diameters. For
someone used to the precision of centerfire cartridges, this is
unbelievable. It's no wonder muzzleloader accuracy is approached more as an
art than a science. I don't have the facilities nor the inclination to perform
the exhaustive scientific testing that is done in the ballistic labs of the ammo
and component manufacturers, but I intend to put my rifle, chronograph and
computer to work on the problem. If you now own or purchase an Austin
& Halleck, you will find a lot of information to help you get started.
The first thing I decided to check out was what powder and charge produced
the maximum velocity while maintaining velocity deviations small enough to
produce the acceptable accuracy for hunting. I really wanted to determine
whether the big magnum charges could be used efficiently with relatively light
bullets. Is there a measurable advantage to using musket caps versus 11m caps?
What are the real performance differences between loose powder and pellets? What
is the difference, if any, between brands of sabots? While these tests are far
from scientifically conclusive, they do provide a little insight and some food
for thought. The results of this effort are documented on the following
pages.
The testing is not complete as yet but testing to date is documented below.
While the tables are not fully populated yet, you will see where I'm trying to
go. You will find velocities generated by several powder charges and
caps. How different sabots impact velocity and group size. Sample
trajectories for several different loads using modern muzzle loader
bullets. It should provide any one interested in modern muzzloading a lot
of food for thought.
Try Optimum Game Weight to decide if you're
using enough gun.
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