On the heels of a challenging, nearly successful (three close calls for elk) archery elk hunt that ended early due to unavoidable circumstances, I decided to focus on looking forward to muzzleloader deer season. And what could help more than shooting with the legendary Sabotloader at the famed Dinger's Farm?
Slipping away from work a bit before the whistle on Friday, I drove east to nearby Idaho to meet up with Sabotloader. Loading up shooting bench, boxes of equipment, and much more, we spin out through the golden hills of the Palouse to the aforementioned farm. Nobody preps to shoot like Sabotloader! Besides being one of the friendliest guys on the planet, he comes Prepared.
After shooting through the chronograph and increasing the powder load I was using, I shoot the Knight Mountaineer (.50 cal, 110 gr T7-2F, 300 grain Bloodlines) for real. Every step of the way, Sabotloader offered valuable insights into loading, sighting, setting the bullet, accessories, sabot and bullet selection, and much more. There is nothing like a good mentor, especially for a guy like me who did not grow up shooting or hunting. I finished the shooting by taking a 50 yard shot right-handed (I am a lefty), and taking the center out of one of Sabotloader's "elk hearts" (clay pigeon).
Lastly, we return to Sabotloader's hometown, and he calculates a trajectory sheet for me, and explains it all. I ended the day with a new understanding of modern muzzleloading, and an even greater appreciation for Sabotloader! HUGE THANKS! I am looking forward to October 1st, and seeing the whitetails spread out across the fields from the timber in the evening light. I know I will go out with even more confidence that I normally do.
Good luck to you all this fall!
