Sabots in a Slow Twist
#1
Boone & Crockett
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: River Ridge, LA (Suburb of New Orleans)
Posts: 10,917
Sabots in a Slow Twist
A couple of months ago I picked up some Harvester H5445R sabots in Cabala's bargain cave. Now I don't have a .54 caliber rifle with a rate of twist suitable for sabots, but for $1.50 I just couldn't let that lonesome pack of sabots sit there on the shelf.
Anyway, just for kicks during my Sunday morning shooting session with the .54 Great Plains flintlock I decided to give those sabots a try in the gun's 1:60 twist. I loaded them with .452/250 grain Hornady XPTs. These bullets are 0.664 in length and were the shortest .45 caliber bullets I had in the bullet bag.
I shot only five of them at fifty yards (target below). The group wasn't real tight, but I was a little surprised at how well they did do. I may have to play around with them again with different powder charges and see what happens.
Have any of you guys tried sabot loads in a slow twist barrel?
Anyway, just for kicks during my Sunday morning shooting session with the .54 Great Plains flintlock I decided to give those sabots a try in the gun's 1:60 twist. I loaded them with .452/250 grain Hornady XPTs. These bullets are 0.664 in length and were the shortest .45 caliber bullets I had in the bullet bag.
I shot only five of them at fifty yards (target below). The group wasn't real tight, but I was a little surprised at how well they did do. I may have to play around with them again with different powder charges and see what happens.
Have any of you guys tried sabot loads in a slow twist barrel?
#4
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,585
Semi, I shoot 54/50 sabot and a widner 50 cal 300 and [home hollow pointed 270 gr bullet in a 1/48 barrel and get 1.5 to two inch groups. The larger diameter bullet does not require quite as much twist, I use 140 gr cause thats what works. If you want a few to play with PM me. Lee
#5
Boone & Crockett
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: River Ridge, LA (Suburb of New Orleans)
Posts: 10,917
Thanks much for the offer Lee. It just wouldn't be worth the postage.
I'd probably never get serious about shooting them. I carry the .54 round ball guns when the hunting situation is going to be 100 yards or less, and balls are just fine for that.
I'd probably never get serious about shooting them. I carry the .54 round ball guns when the hunting situation is going to be 100 yards or less, and balls are just fine for that.