Thanks for the info.
Does anyone see anything wrong with using a .45-.54 sabot and then enjoying the full range of jacketed bullets. Parker Productions makes some pretty cool bullets that go by this philosophy... same with Hornady as Soady mentioned. I'm thinking of going more that route. I'd really like to get out and touch something at 150 and I'm thinking a 250 or 300 grain .45 cal jacketed bullet with ~100 grains of powder might be the ticket.
http://parker-productions-llc.myshopify.com/pages/shooting-products
or
http://www.hornady.com/store/45-Cal-.452-300-gr-SST-ML/
with Cheap .45-.54 sabots:
https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/5482
My last question for the masses, is that I've always used Pyrodex FFG equivalent, but am thinking of going to FFFG. Since I'm using a sidelock, I think it might help improve ignition. Do I have to worry about going up to 100 grains in FFFG? I'm not worried about my shoulder. I do currently have inconsistent/unreliable ignition with the FFG and thats even with musket caps.
Up grading to a hotter nipple will work some magic in a side lock, also tipping the rifle towards the nipple after loading the powder and before inserting the bullet, strike the area right at the nipple to get the powder into the channel where the cap gas will be traveling to.
On the range after firing swab between shots and then popping a cap to clear the channel will give good results and avoid misfiring.
As you stated the FFF may provide some results though experimenting with charges and bullets will tell what your rifle likes to digest and give you the most accurate results. Picking and working with one powder, sabot, and bullet to extract the best from those components and recording the results will help you to determine how your rifle responds. After you work that for a while move on to the next round of powder charge increases, sabots, and bullets. The more you shoot and record you will soon see a pattern as to what that rifle and you as a shooter work best with.
I mentioned earlier I have had good results with 777 FFF and my son uses 777 FF along with the Hornady brand. I understand everyone has their own brand preference, the most important thing I can suggest is pick one and extract the best out of that brand, hopping from one to the next will get very expensive and lead to frustration. Good luck and good shooting! Keep us in the loop as to how your results are progressing.
