I've been trying to get my Optima Pro to work with 250gr SST and APP 3F, but haven't had great luck. At 100 yards, I could get 3 shots within 4 inches, but a couple would go a foot or more low and left or right. It seemed that the powder was sensitive to the amount of pressure (tamping) of the bullet. Anyone had luck? What did you do?
Don
First thing I would do is change powders and see if that helps.If you want to keep that powder then change the projectile and /or start experimenting with different powder charges..
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Try some pyrodex RS, i swear this rifle is the best ive ever used in blackpowder pistols to my inline and even in my 30mm cannon. Its never given me bad groups. What kind of primers are you using?
cayugad, I did try 90, 100, and 110 gr. of it, but each seemed about as bad. I'm just learning, but one thing I discovered is that I had better luck if I tapped the butt of the rifle on the ground after pouring the powder and BEFORE sending the sabot/bullet down. I'd love to try Black Mag 3 or Pinnacle, but can't find aplace to buy them locally, and I'm loath to pay haz mat fee. Oh, another thing I noticed was that as I shot rounds, I could not get subsequentbullets togo as far down. I marked my rod like many suggest. The first round after cleaning went the farthest, the next went near as far, but not as far, and so on. I put lots of weight behind it and tamped rapidly 3or four times.
fg, I'm using CCI regular 209's. I was wanting to stay with the ascorbic acid based powders because my rifle is new (and not stainless), and I'd like to not worry about pitting if I don't get to clean it during a hunt.
great choice of primer, im using the cci's also. I think the Pyrodex rs will really help you out there with your groups. Ive used it in every muzzleloader i ever owned/still have and never had a problem with sighting in issues. If those sabots dont work out, look into the TC maxi hunters in 275 grain "conical", i use the 350 grain maxi's and they load easily and deadly accurate. I no longer buy this higher $$ "make your rifle shoot more accuratly" crap they come out with each year, i only end up with a rifle that shoots worse when i do spend the extra. Now i just wish they'd make a light weight ramrod so it doesnt hurt as bad when you accidently fire it out of your barrel
APP is senitive to moisture, I have to keep mine in the gun safe next to the dehumidifyier to get it dried out enough to be consistant and you are right about it being pressure senitive to. Lee
Try compressing the load/powder as firm as you can. The SST is a stout bullet and can take the pressure. Do it the same every time. You will never need any more than 100grains of powder
Keep your powder sealed tightly in it's containeruntil ready to use.You may need to use a piece of plastic wrap doubled over, and use this under the lid to really seal it.
Measure your loads exactly the same way, every time. Get a system and stick to it for uniformity.
You may need to go back to 50yards and tighten up your groups, then push it back out to 100yards.
Lane, I did start pressing as hard as I could. At first I noticed that I'd press pretty hard, but then If I pressed again or tamped the rod, It'd go further. I think the powder is getting pressed into the "cup" of the sabot. Did you ever notice subsequent loads after cleaning not going down as far as the first couple? I wonder if fouling is getting pushed down to the bottom. Is this normal? Luckily, in AZ it is usually very dry. Now I do wonder what it would be like if you were hunting while it was raining. Makes one think.
APP 3F - had any luck?
