.45 CAL Smokepole ?

[BIGBULLBALLS]

I just wanted to see where you guys are on this one?  I shoot a Thompson Center Black Diamond XR 45cal.  I know most of you shoot 50cal and finding loads for one is easy, but does anyone have advice on the 45.  As of right now my load is 150gr pyrodex pellets behind 185gr Precision QT sabot bullet(solid lead), and they are lit off with a musket cap.  I got this load from my owners manual.  Kicks like a mule but groups well.  Not to beat the dead horse but am I shooting too lite of a projectile for 100+yards.  I see that my kinetic energy at 200 is around 950 foot pounds.  And yes I know shooting at 200 with open sights is not something I should do, but its still fun to practice.

[Sagedawg]

 If it was me Id be shooting the heaviest bullet I could get that shot accurately. Id try the 240 gr 40 cal sabot load and see what she'll do. Also why are you shooting 150 grain powder loads? Youll probally see your groups shrink by backing down to 100 or 110, as well as lessen your felt recoil and still maintain more than enough energy for a clean kill at 100yds. One thing to consider is trying the T7 with your musket cap, and yes it will fire just fine, with better velocity.  Again this is just my  .


  Sage

[Opportunist]

Definitely shoot the heaviest you can. Cabelas offers a handful of .45 cal offerings.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/index/index-display.jsp?id=cat200005&navAction=jump&navCount=1&cmCat=MainCatcat20712&parentType=category&parentId=cat20712

I don't think they are in business anymore but White Shooting Systems used to offer a .45 cal all lead conical. You used to be able to order directly from their website. It's a blocked site for me, so no link sorry.

[bobcat]

Try the "Extreme Elite" in 240 or 260 grain. Should be a big improvement over the lightweights you're currently shooting. Also, as was suggested already, drop your load down closer to 100 grains, and try Triple Seven.

Here's a link for ya:

http://www.prbullet.com/ex.htm

[BIGBULLBALLS]

Ok, I guess I am confused.  In my train of thought you load as much powder as you can until your groups start to fall apart.  Am I way off on this one?  The load I am shooting right now is very accurate (2" @100).  I bought this gun because it is designed to handle 150gr powder charge but I want to make sure I have enough knock down power at 150 or so.  With limited load data for the 45 I just wanted to know if I go up in bullet weight do I encounter the same issues that I do with a rifle like excessive breech pressure when you use a heavier bullet.  I don't mind the kick if it gives me a flatter trajectory.  Thanks for the info guys

[addicted]

i might have to try this muzzle loading thing. so many new scenarios and new information.  nothing like re-learning hunting all over again.

[Sagedawg]

 Addicted , it is a blast if your wife buys you the right tag, when your not out of town ..... like mine did.



  Sage

[Sagedawg]

I dont think your way of thinking is wrong at all. Most guns that are designed for 150 gr loads are also meant to be used with 209 primers. I have a Knight Bighorn, and have shot 150 loads just playing around, and wasnt as accurate.  Even with that they dont burn the full powder charge. In the guns that I have shot , TC, Knight and CVA, all preferred loads hovering around 100 -110 grs with great accuracy. You will find that TC and Knight are tighter bored than most and I belive that aids in 2 things - accuracy and increased velocity. I like to limit myself to shooting animals at 120 yds, but can say that steel gongs out to 250 sure gets a good ring to them so you have no concerns at knockdown power. I dont belive you will have any problems with breech pressue by going with a heavier bullet, because BP and all the substitues, dont generate as high pressures as smokeless. It might be a concern with the Savage ML 10, but I dont know for sure, as that gun will use smokeless powder. Hope this helps you out .


  Sage

[Opportunist]

My remington 700mls is rated up to 150 grains, but my groups open up after 100 grains, so I shoot 100 grains, .50 cal., 480 grain white bullet, RWS musket cap.

[BIGBULLBALLS]

Thanks Sagedawg, I think i'm going to toy around with some new heavier bullets with a little less powder.  The hunt I am going on doesn't open until November 20 so I still have plenty of time.  Shooting out to 250 and hitting the gong open sights is a kick in the ass and it actually surprises me how well someone can shoot open sights.