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Muzzloader question for the experts.
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First, some background...I consider myself an average shooter with mostly good results on my centerfire rifles. Groups within 1-3 inches at 100yds. I recently purchased a muzzleloader and noted the following. First shot exactly where I want...2 inches high at 100yds on center. Next 2 shots forget it...3-5 inches high right or left. Now I'm thinking its due to barrel fouling with plastic from the sabots? Is this something common? Do I need to clean the barrel after each shot for consistency? I don't think it's from heat as I always wait for it to cool down between shots. 
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Re: Muzzloader question for the experts.
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I am not one to clean between each shot, maybe between the 3rd. and 4th. shot, but many folks swear by it.
I think it is one of those things worth trying to see if the results change. JMO.
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Re: Muzzloader question for the experts.
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My muzzleloader shot just like that when I used sabots. Not even field cleaning after each shot helped much. I solved the problem by not using sabots. I switched to lubed conical bullets. Now only need to clean (accuracy purposes) after every 8th to 10th shot.
I shoot 275gr HP conicals over 100gr TRIPLE 7. At 100 yards I pattern in 1.5 inches circle about 2 inches high.
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jdickey
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(Tracker)
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06/28/08 03:16 PM
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Re: Muzzloader question for the experts.
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Quote:
First, some background...I consider myself an average shooter with mostly good results on my centerfire rifles. Groups within 1-3 inches at 100yds. I recently purchased a muzzleloader and noted the following. First shot exactly where I want...2 inches high at 100yds on center. Next 2 shots forget it...3-5 inches high right or left. Now I'm thinking its due to barrel fouling with plastic from the sabots? Is this something common? Do I need to clean the barrel after each shot for consistency? I don't think it's from heat as I always wait for it to cool down between shots.
Need more info to give you a good answer!
What type bullets, are you using powder or pellets.... how are you loading your sabots? What type rifle? Are you using a scope?
Any one of these and/or any combination of these can affect your shots! 
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redchevy
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(Pro Tracker)
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07/01/08 09:53 AM
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Re: Muzzloader question for the experts.
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I shoot lubed lead bullets, they group about1.5 inches if I clean after every 3 shots, but I can just keep shooting and not clean all together and my groups wont get any bigger than 2 to 3 inches, with up to 20 shots or so.
matt
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Re: Muzzloader question for the experts.
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As jdickey stated above, you will get different results from different bullet weights/configurations, different powder charges etc. You just have to try different combinatioons with your rifle to see which one works best. some of the people on here have been down that road before and might save you a lot of time getting to the right solution. h  Have a good/safe 4th of July
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Re: Muzzloader question for the experts.
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Sorry for the delay...been on vacation....but here's what I shoot. .50 cal 295gr aerotip powerbelts. I use a magnum load of 150gr pyrodex pellet charge. I shoot a Remington Genesis rifle topped with a Nikon Omega scope for muzzleloaders. I always shoot on a bench with sand bags for support. I'm thinking about using non sabot bullets as others are suggesting. I cannot figure out why my rifle is "shot stringing" as it is. My only logical guess is the rifle is becoming fouled with the plastic sabot debris after the first shot. Like I said, my first shot is always on target where I want it. The follow up shots are a different story. Like I said before, my .30-06 groupings are always tight. But this muzzleloader is frustrating me. 
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Re: Muzzloader question for the experts.
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Just a question, have you tried backing down your load to say 100 grains instead of the 150??
Don't know for sure if that would have anything to do with it or not, it could be the plastic fouling it, and it could be that gun does not like that loading. JMO.
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Re: Muzzloader question for the experts.
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Yeah I tried that too. Same results. Backed down to 100gr of Pyrodex and 1st shot where I want. 2nd and 3rd shots all over paper.
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Re: Muzzloader question for the experts.
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Try cleaning it between each shot and see if that makes the difference, or try a different bullet.
Having to clean between each shot to maintain accuracy could prove detrimental in an Indian Raid or with a wounded buck heading for the next county. JMO.
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jgiles
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(Veteran Tracker)
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07/10/08 01:57 PM
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Re: Muzzloader question for the experts.
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100 grains 
The best advice is what CH said keep her clean, also if you buy two different bullet wieghts, chunk the other ones away after you decide which one your going to shot, they look excatly the same. I think that is what caused me to miss a big buck last year, well that and MAYBE the shakes. Its never personal reasons  its always the gun, 
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jdickey
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(Tracker)
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07/11/08 08:46 AM
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Re: Muzzloader question for the experts.
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How are you loading the bullet? If you are using a "blunt-tip" ram rod, it will damage the tip on the "Aero-Tip's", which will cause teh variation; or, if when the bullet is seated, ramming it too hard will also damage the tip.
I usually shoot saboted hollow points, Barnes Xpress, and don't have any problem!
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