I just got some new Barnes Expander 250 gr. .50 cal bullets/sabots on the recommendation of a friend, and they will not load in my CVA Wolf. I can only get them about 1/2" down the barrel and then no more. The sabots are the black ones that the bullets come loaded in, straight out of the package. Do I need to lube the sabots with something, or do I need to get some other sabots and load the bullets in those? I have been using Hornady 250 gr. SST Low-Drag in the red sabots and they load fine.

Thoughts?

Might want to read this information from Barnes

http://www.barnesbullets.com/product...ader-accuracy/

You will need to switch sabots...

The Hornady Low drags - should be HPH24 sabots - just not blue ones like you would get from Barnes.

I'm wondering if you may have a tight spot in that barrel. Had one in a TC Encore barrel once. Actually i'm wondering why you switched to the Barnes bullet? Was the SST not up to your requirements or performing well? Never had any problems with the supplied sabots. They loaded nicely and shot great.

Sorry I can't help anymore. Sure one of the experts will have something for you pal.

Thanks, I hadn't seen that link before. So, that is what Barnes recommends - do the members on this forum who shoot Expander's in the "small bore" diameter barrels concur with that opinion or is there some other brand avid Expander's shooters prefer more?

If there is a tight spot, it's right at the end, as mentioned I couldn't get that sabot even 1/2" down the barrel.

My daughter shot an average size doe last year with the Hornady at about 25 yards, broadside, perfect double lung shot and the deer ran almost 100 yards, leaving a not very impressive blood trail. Load was 80 grains of 777 powder. My kids have killed 8 deer in the last few years with a 1/4 oz. .410 shotgun slug at same type range (25 yards and in) and never had one run more than 25 yards, with several of them dropping on the spot without spine shots. A friend shoots the Expander's in his .45 cal and said his deer usually drop on the spot. So, I thought it was worth trying them. Also am having some accuracy issues with the Hornady bullets at longer range and wanted to try something different.

I could never get those in any of my CVA's either. The Barnes T-EZ fit perfect.

Give those a try.

Another option are the black Harvester crushed rib sabots. In my findings, they load easier than the MMPs 24s.

https://www.harvestermuzzleloading.c...mart&Itemid=18

IMO, deer dropping on the spot has really not much to do with bullet design, and more to do with shot location. Having a lungshot deer run 50-100yds (basically dead) is not that uncommon, and bloodtrails on a higher hits often don's start right away. This can be true regardless of the bullet used. You could take just about any bullet and if you position a high shoulder shot, its likely they are DRT.

I shot one this year through the lungs with my .54 that ran close to 60yds with a big all lead bullet (that in my testing expanded to over 1"). She didn't even know she was dead, just scooted out of there as fast as possible till she tipped over.

My son killed a buck recently that ran about 100yds, shot through the lungs with a great bullet... Deep Curl.

Lots of great bullets available...good luck w your barnes.