I bought some TC Shockwave (300 gr) sabots and hit the range yesterday afternoon. This was a completely new load to me since it was also the first time with the 777 pellets. I wasn't trying to act contrary to the advice given (250 gr vs. 300 gr), but Dick's was the only place on the way home, and they were out of the 250's.

The first thing I did was start fresh with the scope. I think I was making too many adjustments last time, and just didn't settle down enough. This time, I was alone and could take my time. I realized that I was consistently hitting way low and right (at 50yds), so whatever I was doing last time with the scope was wrong. After some macro-adjusting, I was pretty much in the right spot. A little more tweaking, and my last shot was 2" directly above the bullseye.

Moving to 100 yds, I missed the paper the first time. I should mention here that there were approximately 10,000 mosquitos flying about, and I rushed that shot whle being simultaneously bitten on the shin and forearm. (Excuses, excuses)

After some swatting and cursing, I put the next three shots 2-3" low and just to the right of the bullseye. On the last shot at 100yds and then two more at 50 yds again, I used the Powerbelts (245 gr), just to see if there was a difference. The only difference I found was the ease of loading. They're just a lot nicer than sabots going in, but it's not that big a deal.

After reading the forums a lot, I decided that it's a good idea to throw a damp patch throw the barrel after every couple of shots. When I was using the Pyrodex, I could definitely feel the buildup. On the other hand, I was going up to 5 shots between patches with the 777 before I felt much of a difference with loading.

I think the 777 is definitely cleaner than Pyrodex. I see a lot less fouling around the breech. Not that there is none, but it is less. As for being unforgiving (as I've been told 777 can be), I didn't find that to be the case. My groups were pretty good except for the one flyer.

My only complaint, or lesson really, is that you have to work the breech plug back and forth after every few shots, which I did, except after the last one. Since I didn't do it just before I left, it took some effort to get it off when I cleaned up last night.

Next time I go, I think I'm going to stick with the 100 yd shots just to get really comfortable with them on and off a rest. Chances are, this will be my gun of choice when I finally get to hunt. It just feels nice to shoot compared to my shotgun.

Can you tell I'm ready to get out there?