Overdue Range Session
 

Took my Optima Elite out yesterday for a long overdue range session. I haven't shot since early last year besides the doe I shot last fall.

My pet load has been 100gr BH under 200gr SW in the supplied MMP sabot. It is a bear to load so my goal was to try out loads with 50/40 crush ribs.

First item of business was to shoot the load that has been in the gun since last Jan. Fired no problem but hit about 2" high at 50 yds.

Started trying loads starting at 100, 110, then 120gr BH with the CR's. Everything was shooting about 1 1/2" group at 100yds but everyting was hitting about 3" high and 1 1/2" right. Started again with the MMP sabot, 100, 110, then 120gr. They all looked about 1 1/2" but lost track of the groupings. I checked the scope rings at this point and they were just a tad loose. Adjusted back to zero and took a couple shots using my pet load again to get back on. Next 4 shots was one big hole at 100yds. As hard as that combo is to load I love the way it shoots.

I am wondering if I need to shoot everything again with my rings tightened back up as that last group was phenominal especially for just shooting off my pack.

All that loading and really tight sabots took a toll on my hands as I forgot my short starter that doubles as a palm saver.

At least I am dialed back in for the rest of the season, but I think I have some more playing to do next spring. Really want a good load with the CR's and that 200gr SW. Need to play some more with the 260gr PT golds that I have as well.

Center group is 4 shots. 200gr SW, 100gr BH 209, MMP supplied 50/40 sabot, and Win 209 primers.


Lower group was 260gr PT Golds, 100gr BH 209, Black CR, and WIn 209 primer. And that is why I shoot a 4 shot group and throw out the worst. Aiming at lower dot. I left the line 10 min before the target change so I think someone took the upper right shots.

Sounds like you're all set. Good shooting!

Marshall why dont you find an easier loading sabot?maybe a mmp24 or ez it cant be fun beating the crap out of your hands.Just wondering.

You only have 2 sabot choices if you want to shoot a 40cal bullet in a 50cal ML. The MMPs are pretty tight and the Harvester Crushribs. I never got very good accuracy with the Harvester 50x40 Crushrib.

No it's not especially when I forget my short starter, but I don't shoot that often. I think the barrel is pretty tight. Even 260gr PT Golds in CR's aren't super that easy to load.

Edited with pic of the final group. This is why I don't mind that it's hard to load.

Yeah, I think I could live with a hard loading barrel like that. :p

Sure cant ask for anything better than that. I could live with some tough loading.