JimP
Administrator
Both of my muzzle loaders are sighted in right on at 100 yards. I will then shoot it at 50, 75, 125, and 150 to learn what the drop of the bullet is. I limit my range to 150 yards.
CO Muzzy Help
- Thread starter tdcour
- Start date
Slugz
Veteran member
CoHiCntry
Veteran member
I generally start at 50 yards while I’m trying different loads. Find what load groups best then move it back to 100 yards to confirm a good group still.
Anyone shot any of the Federal BOR Lock bullets? They are way easier for me to get my hands on. I did get the sample pack and the .501 I can push in with one finger all the way down the barrel with the rod, .503 gets lodged, so I'm guessing the .502 is where I need to be. It takes some pressure, but not too much really. I just hate having to hope that they work good at this point and there is some comfort knowing I can just run down to a local store and get some of the federals.
JimP
Administrator
For a thin skinned animal like a deer just about any bullet will work.
I killed my first 5 deer with a muzzle loader shooting solid lead round balls.
I killed my first 5 deer with a muzzle loader shooting solid lead round balls.
Catahoula12
Very Active Member
Thanks JimP for the info on the Thor ML projectiles. I’m gonna order the sizing kit for my uncles muzzleloader and help him with the sizing for his .50 cal CVA Accura V2.
CoHiCntry
Veteran member
I think the Thor is overall a better bullet but if the Federals are readily available and shoot well out of your gun, they should work fine. Another to look at is the Hornady FPB.
I’ve had guns that will load & shoot both the .501 & .502 Thor. Once you get a little fouling in the barrel, how easy the bullet loads can change. You might just buy a 20 pack of both sizes to see how they work? I’ve even used the .502 as my “initial “ load as they load kinda hard then had .501’s in my speed loaders because they load a little easier which is nice in the field, when you’re in a hurry and only have the ramrod on your gun and not a range rod. That’s personally what I would do. Order both sizes in a smaller pack, find which works best, then order more of whichever size you want.
Well, here is what I have found so far. Black powder guns kick like a mule with 120 grains of powder, and supplies are expensive! I've shot the Thor 250 grain and Federals and both load and shoot very similar. No clear winner just yet on accuracy. I've had some issues getting dialed in though. My groups are ok... about 3" at 100 just shooting off a bench with no lead sled or anything like that. I'm not super happy with them, but both bullets are shooting the same. My biggest issue is that I just can't get this dang thing to hit where I want it. I have the rear sight adjusted almost all the way to the right and finally have my left and right pretty close, but I can't get the bullet to hit low enough. I've adjusted the rear sight pretty low, but it never seems to help bring the bullet down. I'm 2-3" high at 50 and without changing anything I'm 6-8" high at 100. Any suggestions on what I'm doing wrong? I feel like I have a pretty dang solid rest and am squeezing the rounds off pretty well without flinching, but just cant get the bullet where I want it.
Shooting 120 grains blackhorn
Shooting 120 grains blackhorn
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Bonecollector
Veteran member
If back sight is adjusted all the way down, perhaps its too much powder and still rising at 100 yds....
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
JimP
Administrator
I'd back the powder charge back down to 90-100 grains by volume and see what it does.
With my old .54 side lock I was shooting 120 grains of Pyrodex and a 430 grain TC maxi ball, talk about a kick. I backed that down to 90 grains and it shot a lot better without breaking my shoulder.
With my old .54 side lock I was shooting 120 grains of Pyrodex and a 430 grain TC maxi ball, talk about a kick. I backed that down to 90 grains and it shot a lot better without breaking my shoulder.
CoHiCntry
Veteran member
I agree... 120 grains is a pretty stout load of BH209! 90 grains was usually the sweet spot for me using the 250 grain Thor bullet. If you aren't getting the accuracy you want start messing with powder amounts. Even 5 grains can make a difference in your group. I have never shot over 110 grains of BH209.
thanks guys! I'll drop the powder charge tomorrow to 100 and see how it shoots. I was thinking I needed to drop it, but I'm hard headed sometimes and just wanted to make it work how I had it. I'll report back my findings tomorrow hopefully!
CoHiCntry
Veteran member
When it comes to muzzleloaders you have to be flexible & willing to try different things. Different powders, powder charges, bullets, and primers can all create different results. Some guns are worse than others. Don’t be afraid to mix it up until you find what works best!
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
When I am trying to work up a load (any gun I reload for), I usually start midrange for powder charge and start working upward. When I find a load that meets my criteria, I usually stop there.
Just sayin....
Just sayin....
Team Kabob
Very Active Member
- May 9, 2014
- 793
- 148
by volume. Went down to 100 grains and shot last night. Only had time for three rounds and put one perfect on the first shot and the next two rounds were three inches higher, but touching each other. this was at 50 yards. Still can't figure out what the heck is going on. Am I not waiting long enough between shots? I was told to shoot cold bore, but does that matter? I'm shooting one round about every five minutes or so and feel solid on a rest, but still can't get the bullet to hit low enough
JimP
Administrator
Get some Windex and swab the bore in between shots. Then extend the range out to 100 yards, it might help
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Make sure it's Windex with vineager NOT ammonia because there are both type out there.