oldrookie
If you bought a Hornady package of .452's and sabots, the sabots that you got are more than likely MMP HPH-12's their thickest .451/.452 50 caliber sabot. You probably should drop down to a HPH-24 or even a HPH 3p-EZ load sabot. You will also find it cheaper to buy a box of bulk bullets and a package of sabots... that fit you bore...
Any problem using a little bore butter as a lube to help these sabots along?
A lot of people do exactly what you are suggesting and seem to have no ill effects.... it would be my suggestions to follow cayugads lead and find some thinner sabots....
Cayudad, are those the light green sabots? I know these sabots are color coded....I need to write it down!
Of course I am not Dave but I believe he would tell you the most often the green sabots are .429/.430 - 44 cal.... most often but not always .451/.452 sabots are black.... These colors are a not always true from brand to brand....