Powder test
09-27-2012 | 11:23 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Boone & Crockett
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 12,823
Likes: 5
From: Eastern PA
Powder test
Having a can of Alliant Black MZ powder I decided to give it another try today in the CVA Accura V2.
I had tried it previously in my sidelocks and although there was not problem igniting it, the accuracy was off. After doing a bit of research on the powder I thought the reason was because I was using a moderate charge (80 gr) as opposed to the recommended 100 - 120 gr charge for 300 gr bullets.
Well I loaded up a bunch of tubes with 110 gr and was going to test 300 gr XTPs, Sierras, and Barnes MZ along with 295 gr Powerbelts.
All shots were to be fired at 100 yds. Well, I fired 3 XTPs and went to check the target. Two were about 1" apart just right of the bull and another about 8" low. So I went back and fired another thinking the low one was either the first shot or something else wrong. Without walking up to the target I proceeded to fire 3 of the Sierras. Again going up to the target - well, let's just say I am glad I had the target dots placed on a 14" x 16" piece of cardboard because these bullets were all over the place. I decided right there that there was no need to even waste my time with the Barnes and Powerbelts.
The grouping was so horrible that I am wondering if my Leupold Ultraslam went bad on me. I didn't have any BH209 with me to run a couple rounds downrange to verify. But I won't be confident until I get to shoot the rifle with BH209 again.
I will be sure to let you guys know if it is the scope.
I had tried it previously in my sidelocks and although there was not problem igniting it, the accuracy was off. After doing a bit of research on the powder I thought the reason was because I was using a moderate charge (80 gr) as opposed to the recommended 100 - 120 gr charge for 300 gr bullets.
Well I loaded up a bunch of tubes with 110 gr and was going to test 300 gr XTPs, Sierras, and Barnes MZ along with 295 gr Powerbelts.
All shots were to be fired at 100 yds. Well, I fired 3 XTPs and went to check the target. Two were about 1" apart just right of the bull and another about 8" low. So I went back and fired another thinking the low one was either the first shot or something else wrong. Without walking up to the target I proceeded to fire 3 of the Sierras. Again going up to the target - well, let's just say I am glad I had the target dots placed on a 14" x 16" piece of cardboard because these bullets were all over the place. I decided right there that there was no need to even waste my time with the Barnes and Powerbelts.
The grouping was so horrible that I am wondering if my Leupold Ultraslam went bad on me. I didn't have any BH209 with me to run a couple rounds downrange to verify. But I won't be confident until I get to shoot the rifle with BH209 again.
I will be sure to let you guys know if it is the scope.
09-27-2012 | 11:34 AM
#3
Boone & Crockett
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,410
Likes: 1
From: Comance county, OK
Did you compress the powder?
From the Alliant website:
Our experience through testing and hunting has been that best results are attained in the 50 caliber muzzleloader using 90 grains volumetric of Black MZ with sabot bullet weights of 240 grains to 260 grains. Good results with 300 grain sabot bullets were seen using between 100 grains and 120 grains volumetric of Black MZ.
Make sure that the barrel is clean and totally dry (swab barrel with dry patches until there is no evidence of moisture).
Black MZ functions best when heavily compressed by the seated sabot.
Make sure that the barrel is clean and totally dry (swab barrel with dry patches until there is no evidence of moisture).
Black MZ functions best when heavily compressed by the seated sabot.
09-27-2012 | 11:54 AM
#5
Thread Starter
Boone & Crockett
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 12,823
Likes: 5
From: Eastern PA
Guys I read the Alliant site on this powder and yes I did compress it. I seated the bullet firmly then gave it two additional 'thumps' with the palm of my hand on the range rod.
On the bright side though - it did clean up nicely and easily with Cabela's citrus black powder solvent. It will be back to the range on Sunday with BH209 to confirm it wasn't the scope.
On the bright side though - it did clean up nicely and easily with Cabela's citrus black powder solvent. It will be back to the range on Sunday with BH209 to confirm it wasn't the scope.
09-27-2012 | 01:01 PM
#6
Giant Nontypical
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,557
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Speaking of compressing powder. After getting the bullet down to BH 209. I put my bodyweight on the end of the ramrod. That would be a pretty good compression.
I get good accuracy that way. Even the first shot is not far off.
What do you guys do?
I get good accuracy that way. Even the first shot is not far off.
What do you guys do?
09-27-2012 | 01:46 PM
#9
Thread Starter
Boone & Crockett
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 12,823
Likes: 5
From: Eastern PA
Well If I were to put my full weight on the range rod I would probably push the breech plug out! Seriously though I believe I had the bullet firmly seated on the charge and the charge was compressed. I leaned into the rod to seat then gave it 2 firm rap with my hand.
This is the second rifle that this stuff shot crappy out of.
This is the second rifle that this stuff shot crappy out of.
