Loads for Optima
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: USA
Posts: 439
RE: Loads for Optima
I didn't have much luck with that size (240g xtp); however, the 300g xtp grouped about 3.5" at 100 yds with 2 pellets. My "master" load so far is the 250g T/C shockwave with either 2 50/50 pellets or 90g T7 loose (ffg). I can get a 3-shot ragged hole at 100 yds if I do my part. One note though - this sabot is very tough to load in my gun (.50 cal Optima) -- even in a clean barrel. I wouldn't even think about loading this on a fouled barrel. My second shot (in the field) is a 295g powerbelt and 2-50/50 pellets. The POI is 3'' left and 2" low of the shockwaves (first shot). So far - 4 deer down - none ran over 50 yds -- no second shot needed! Good luck/good shooting!
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,922
RE: Loads for Optima
wvbow
Every ML rifle is different... they are not standardized like your 30-06. Buy three different bullet-types & include 30-grain pellets along with your 50-grain pellets ... if pellets are your choice. Start with 70 grains loose/80 grains pellets. Go upwards & stop when shot groups spread. In most situations, you only need 70 grains with 240 gr bullet to harvest at 100... sometimes 125 yards.
Every ML rifle is different... they are not standardized like your 30-06. Buy three different bullet-types & include 30-grain pellets along with your 50-grain pellets ... if pellets are your choice. Start with 70 grains loose/80 grains pellets. Go upwards & stop when shot groups spread. In most situations, you only need 70 grains with 240 gr bullet to harvest at 100... sometimes 125 yards.