sabotloader
Hello sabotloader! As always, your input is most welcome. Let me answer all of your questions and provide current understanding/reasoning here:

- I have a couple 'extra' rods: the one that came with the Ultra Mag stayed in the rifle. I bought one of the 36" flexible range rods from Cain Outdoors and left the stock jag on it as I don't have a suitable adapter. This was my range cleaning rod used to swab the barrel w/ 50% each of windex and isopropyl alcohol.

- I also bought one of the xssights rods from Sportsmans Warehouse and installed the exact same jag you show in your picture. I liked the fact that it swiveled too - I don't want any "hash" marks on the projectile/sabot while loading. The xssights rod also has pre-etched marks so I've got the right level memorized now.

- Last rod I promise! Ipicked up a Tetra cleaning rod that has the ball bearing handle (was looking for a Dewey but came up blank) - so the spin action is built it. It's a 32" rod and if I hadn't forgot it at home the day I went shooting I would have used itrather than the xssights rod.

- I believe I've worked out the "how far down the barrel is the bullet / is it sitting directly on the powder" question, but never considered the fact I could hear the powder start to compress and/or the trapped air escaping. I will give this a try for sure.

- I was using the Hornady 300gr XTP (copper jacket) while my buddy was using the Hornady 385gr GP HP all lead. I believe the 300gr XTP is .451 dia or .452 - I don't have a caliper so couldn't measure the 385gr GP HP my buddy used. I watched my buddy load a couple ofhis projectiles to understand how much pressure he was using to load. Good thing I purchased a short starter otherwise we both would have had trouble.

- No, I haven't selected my hunting projectiles yet - just shooting to learn and get the feel/ process of working with MLs. I will say I'm intrigued by the reported ballistics of the Buffalo 375gr SSB sabot as it's calculated drop from muzzle to 150yds (my typical hunting distances and comfort zone using iron sights) are more than acceptable to my style of aiming, etc ...

- The Nosler 50/45 sabots I have are the stair stepped flavor you describe.

I have scheduled a long July 4th weekend - 4 days off. Much more ML shooting is on the agenda for sure. So yes I'd love to drive down Saturday and meet up to shoot a bit and pick your brain a bunch! I'll respond to your PM to verify times/places/contact info. It's a 4hr plus drive I recall so will have to plan out the day a bit.

thanks again!
phil