ORIGINAL: SWKSrookie
Do you have to use anything special to swab between shots. I have heard some say the plastic from the sabot adheres to the rifling. Is this true? I have always used Powerbelts because I was told they do not damage the rifle as much. But the price makes it hard to justify spending a lot of time at the range to the wife!! Long story short, do saboted bullets damage your gun if you don't use a special solvent between shots? Another rookie asking a silly question I imagine. Thanks, SWKSrookie.
The plastic used in sabots today is not like the old sabots when they first came out. I shoot hundreds of sabots out of rifles and have yet to have a build up of plastic. As long as the rifle is cleaned properly at the end of the day the plastic worries are really unfounded as far as I am concerned.
Swabbing between shots is a good idea unless shooting certain powders. Then swabbing can effect the accuracy of the rifle. I swab a rifle with a mixture of 50/50 windshield washer fluid and isopropyl alcohol 91%. I swab the barrel working it over in short strokes from muzzle to breech and then a couple dry patches. You're then ready to load as normal.
I swab when I shoot Pyrodex, Goex, Swiss, KIK, Triple Se7en or pellets. When I shoot Black Mag3, Pinnacle, or APP I do not swab the barrel between shots.
Many people have excellent hunting results with powerbelts. Some on the other hand have some real horror stories about lack of knock down and blood trail. I personally have not had a deer willing to act as a test subject when loaded with powerbelts.
Remember if you shoot powerbelts. Pull the plastic base off before loading. You will see a lead spike on the bottom of the conical. Put a drop of oil on that spike or bore butter, then replace the plastic base. This lube will help the bullet shed the plastic base faster and give you better accuracy.