RE: Savage Question
dh:
I am also new to Savagedom, got mine mid summer. The rifle is great. I am still learning. My last range session I shot my best group ever with a muzzleloader, three shots @ 100yds with a 3/4 inch group. I was using 5744. I'm not certain there are a bunch of people who use 5744. If you go to a board like Doug's Savage Board you can see that some are doing some pretty adavanced work with thier Savage ML10's. Using duplex powders, modified breach plugs etc.
BTW, my best group was using a Barnes 250 gr MZ expander. I used this bullet last season with incredible results while using a T/C omega. My Savage also shoots the Hornady 250gr. XTP very well.
The last range session taught me that groups can open up to 3-4 inches with only a .5 grain increase or decrease from the sweet spot. Mine likes 43.5 grains of 5744. If you have any other question I can try to help.
Cheers - Randy