Newbie Questions

[NOCK NOCK]

So I have killed elk, deer, and bear with both modern and archery equipment, but zero critters with a muzzleloader. Hoping to change that this year, so I am going to start with deer this year.
I purchased a 50 cal. inline a couple years ago, and only know what I have read, I have a lot of learning to do still....    

1. Sabot...how is it pronounced?....saboh.....or.....sabut

2. Have read on here about pellets having black ends(to help ignition), I have some T7 pellets, both ends look the same.  (have shot them 8 times, and seem to ignite fine)

3. Is there any real worry about powder(or pellets) igniting prematurely when loading a second shot instantly after the first shot? (from left over burning powder in the barrel)

4. What is hunter density like in the field during deer season?  Is there more or less hunters out there than say archery season?

Thanks for the help. 

[Chukarhead]

1. a.
2. 777 pellets are direction neutral, but you should consider loose powder for cap ignition.
3. No.
4. Depends.  Generally less, sometimes more.

[bobcat]

I've found that hunting pressure during early muzzleloader is really light. Late season might be more hunting pressure because less units are open, but it depends on the unit.

Most people pronounce sabot wrong- it's sa-bow.

[NOCK NOCK]

Thanks for the replies.  I have been shooting both pellets and powder trying to figure out which I like better    So far I haven't seen an  advantage or disadvantage  to either one of them

[PyroBlack]

It's much easier to draw moisture into pellet packages than jugs. So you will never see a difference, for as long as your pellets are kept dry. My advice is to repackage those pellets and keep them sealed tight, even at the range.

Also, 5-10 grain changes in powder volume can either tighten shot groups noticeably or widen them. That's  the biggest advantage to shooting loose powder. Hardly anyone wants to carry around 30 grain pellets and use four 30-grain pellets, when 120 grains of powder offers the tightest 1-2" shot groups.

Pellets are for convenience more-so than for trying to achieve the best accuracy as possible.

[Killmore]

Chris, I going after deer for the first time also, drew a multi season so I thought I would give it a try. I cant get the pellets to ignite every time so I went to the powder and that seems better. If you get to eburg swing by and you can have the rest of the pellets, almost a full container.  I'm heading to gmu 101 so if the going gets hard you can shoot a whitetail doe

[Natas5150]

1. It is pronounced saboh.
2. I have never seen the black side on my triple seven pellets of course I have never looked and never had any problems with ignition.
3. Nope. That's not to say that you may end up reading or hearing about that happening to someone. Best advice when reloading for a follow up shot keep the barrel pointed away from yourself if you are concerned about embers. This goes for any shot.
4. I would say it is moderate. I have seen a few people out during the muzzy season, but nothing compared to modern season. And it depends on where you go.

Just FYI on pellets vs. loose powder. Loose powder you can really refine how many grains you wish to shoot like 110 or 115 etc. Only draw back is that it is loose and can be messy. Pellets you can't refine. One pellet is 50 grains. So you wouldn't be able to shoot 110 or 115 etc. Pellets have no mess and no measure. Both have there ups and downs. Just depends on what you want to do.

[NOCK NOCK]

One more  stupid question. Is there a certain end on the ram rod that is supposed to be used for loading? Both are threaded and have the same basic shape. Seems like one should be more concave to better fit a slug/bullet.  Should I be using some type of screw in thing?

[Natas5150]

I would say use either end. The threaded ends are so you can put jags on the rifle for cleaning etc.

[NOCK NOCK]

I found a loading jag that fits the shape of the spire point bullets, works good. I have been shooting some cheapo all lead sabot's, man are they tough to get loaded. Today I shot the fancier ones....load much better

Thanks for all the help...Hoping to post a success photo on Saturday.