Greetings !

(Pardon for the longer-than-usual story...)

So, I got a new gun, did some reading, and went out to the range armed with:

• T/C Triumph "Bone Collector" 50 cal
• Nikon Pro Staff scope
• Triple-7 pellets
• 209 primers
• PowerBelt 295 gr., Copper Hollow Point

Started at 50 yards, and after about 15 shots (with 2 pellets each -- 100 gr load) I realized that I'm getting nowhere fast: no significant improvement of grouping or aim. Went home frustrated to do more reading and investigating.

Discovery #1: If you want to maximize your accuracy and consistency - you must clean the bore between shots. Especially in my case, where in my stupidity I shot all 15 bullets with no cleaning at all...

So, following an advice from a seasoned M/L user, I went and got a box of Pre-saturated T-17 patches. Back to the range.

Shot about 12 bullets, cleaning the bore after each shot with the T-17 patches. Clearly, loading became much easier, smoother, and consistent (as far as ramrod depth). Shooting, though, is not much to brag about:

• Can't get better than about 6" grouping at 100 yd
• At least one shot went completely off the target
• Under normal circumstances I consider myself a better-than-6" shooter at 100yd
• Without pushing too hard on the ramrod, a couple of the pellets crashed
• A couple of the pellets broke in transition from the box to the barrel

And here's the cherry on this pie-of-a-story: last shot was a dud. No ignition. I waited, replaced the primer and shot again. Pssst -- and the bullet makes a perfect landing 30 ft in front of me....

So, here's what I'm thinking so far:

• The box of pellets I used was partly defective
• The last load fizzed out because of T-17 residue in the barrel (but assuming that each shot burns everything in the barrel, why did this happen only after 12 shots?)
• I should have run a dry patch after the T-17 to ensure a dry barrel

(Pretty bright thoughts from someone who made such dumb mistakes...)

My action plan for the next trip to the range is to abandon the pellets, and try loose powder. And, of course, dry the barrel after cleaning it between shots.

So, after this long (and embarrassing) story, I'd appreciate your advice and/or thoughts on the following:

1. In the process above -- am I missing something, or do you agree with that logic?
2. (That's a biggy one) -- I bought Triple-7 powder FFFG; from what I read, the 50 cal typically takes FFG; Can I still use the FFFG, or throw it away (can't return it) and buy FFG instead?

Looking forward to reading your thoughts on that. I appreciate it!

Cheers,
Zevi