Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Muzzleloader Hunting => Topic started by: Whackem on May 12, 2011, 05:35:07 PM

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Title: Load suggestions
Post by: Whackem on May 12, 2011, 05:35:07 PM

I just picked up a Traditions Vortek NW Magnum, in .50 Cal.

Does anyone have a similar gun and have a good load that patterns well?  I have some ideas, but would like to hear success stories.

Much appreciated.

Title: Re: Load suggestions
Post by: HighRoad on May 20, 2011, 08:32:07 AM

I just picked-up the same rifle earlier this week. I plan on trying 250g Barnes TMZ's and 250g SST-ML over 100-110 grains of T7FFG. Hopefully they will both shoot well and to same POI. Barnes for hunting, Hornady for busting milk jugs full of water.  :)

Title: Re: Load suggestions
Post by: HighRoad on May 30, 2011, 07:39:39 PM

shorthair,

You were right. I only shot two of the TMZ's as it was everything I could do to get them seated. Since I have the TMZ's, I'd like to use them -- do you know what sabot I could swap and have a reasonable fit in the Vortek?

The Vortek did shoot the 250 SST's and 300g XTP's very well. I was extremely pleased with the groups. However!! Only about 1 in every 3-4 musket caps would ignite. I was using a new purchase batch of the RWS  No. 1081's with wings. The firing pin was denting the cap, but no cap ignition. Did you experience this at all? Could I have bad caps? Could the hammer not be striking the pin hard enough?