Tompson Black Diamond

Mike NJ · 12-05-2002, 03:48 PM

Hey guys, I have a black diamond muzzle loader and i cannot get it to shoot consistant. I am new to muzzle loaders but have been killing deer for 20 years with the bow. Can someone give me some clue on best possible slugs and type of powder to use for this gun. Or maybe some other things that might work. I am currently using 90 grains of powder, pellets that is, and sabbot slugs 240 grain i think. I cannot go on with this method. My friend uses a cva that he paid 129.00 for and this gun shoots 100 yards like a champ. I shot it myself with no problem so i know it is not me. Anyway, any help that a experianced muzzle loading hunter can give me, i thank you. i have actually debated on getting rid of this gun.

lonewolf5347 · 12-05-2002, 04:31 PM

would change the pellets to loose powder first pyrodex select or even the new triple 777 next the bullets I would try percision sabots in 50 cal qt 40's in 235 grain from percision swap between shots with a spit patch followed by a clean dry patch no solvent or bore butter. http://www.prbullet.com/

Pro-Line · 12-06-2002, 05:32 AM

Mike...my buddy and I have been trying to figure out his black diamond for a while now. It shoots OK...but nowhere near as good as my $129 Traditions. Last year it failed to fire while he was hunting, also.

He just put it on the market for $225...

I've seen what some of these guns can do, so keep trying!

Good luck...

PMGHUNTER · 12-06-2002, 06:06 AM

Mike NJ,
My Blackpowder friend from Kittery trading post told me to try this cause I was having the same problem.
First loose powder is more consistant then pellets. then the Key to accuracy is in the way you load the bullet or the type you shoot. As for loading when seating the Sabot it is very hard to determine if you have done any alterations to the design with the ram rod, which will make it fly eractilly. With ball and patch it was difficult to keep the patch centered causing it to fly astray. The most accurate projectile I have found is the PowerBelt Bullets. 125 yard shots and 1 1/2 groups I like it. They have special accessories for the ram rod and starter to help keep the deformation to a minumum insuring better accuracy ... works for me Check them out @ www.PowerBeltBullets.com

I guess the best thing to do is keep trying diffeent projectiles till you find one that shoots best in your Thompson.

Member of PETA (People for the Eating of Tasty Animals) shoot straight and goodluck PMG

model722 · 12-06-2002, 06:17 AM

i also use a $130 gun I've taken atleast 1 deer a year with it no problems. I use 50 cal. 240 grain xtp bullets. I also use 90 grain of pyrodex. Are you useing the same bullet and powder mix every time? Make sure the gun is clean, then try cleaning it after every 10 shots or less. afriend of mine also has a more exspensive ml and he has a hard time hitting the same group he also uses the pellets instead of the powder. Sorry i wasn't much help good luck just keep trying different things hopefully its not the gun.

MassBowhunter · 12-06-2002, 07:57 AM

My friend has the same gun and can't match the performance of my CVA. He is using the pelletized powder though so I'll tell him to try the loose powder.

MassBowhunter
"Climb Higher, Look Lower, Fall Asleep Less"

Stealthy_Bowman · 12-06-2002, 09:16 AM

Give powerbelt bullets a try, they seem to shoot more consistantly in most guns than ordinary sabots.

Broadhead88 · 12-06-2002, 09:28 PM

I have a Thompson Black Diamond that is zeroed at 100yds. I shoot 100 grains of pellets (2 50gr) and use 300 grain Hornadys. I topped it with a 2--5x scope. I agree that you may find a $129 gun that shoots as well as a $300 but I have not had any problems with the gun.

Hunting the wilds of Jersey

Deleted User · 12-07-2002, 10:17 AM

[Deleted by Admins]

bigmills20 · 12-07-2002, 01:26 PM

This is not an uncommon problem with SOME Black Diamonds and SOME Encores. If you have tried several different loads and bullets call Thompson. According to a gun shop I frequent Thompson is replacing SOME barrels in both models for just that reason. My fathers Black Diamond shoots 4 inch groups at 50 yards with a 240gr Thompson sabbot/bullet and 100Gr Pyrodex pellets. Thats not too good I can shoot 3 inch groups at 100 yards with the same load, With a $150 Buck Country 50 cal. Give them a call what can it hurt.