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Encore bullet tumble [message #33357]

Thu, 02 October 2014 19:04

TimmyG
Messages: 3
Registered: October 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada

Forum Newbie

I've been trying to sight in my TC Encore .50 muzzleloader with a Leupold UltimateSlam scope. I have been using 100 grains of 777 with Hornady SST 250gr bullets and sabots. Today I tried using 150 grains of powder with the Hornady 300 grain SST bullets. I noticed through my scope I was shooting higher at 100 yards but when I retrieved my target, it appears the 300 grain bullets are tumbling.

Any ideas on what may be causing this? Switch out sabots?

I'd like to use 150gr powder and 300 grain bullet as I'm hoping to take the rifle moose hunting.

Thanks!
index.php?t=getfile&id=5468&private=0

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Re: Encore bullet tumble [message #33359 is a reply to message #33357]

Thu, 02 October 2014 20:10

cajuntec
Messages: 1250
Registered: November 2009
Location: Williamsburg, VA

Top Contributor
Forum Admin

The first thing I would ask you is what kind of backer did you have on that target? From the holes, it looks like some thin or nonexistent backer. I'd use a stiff cardboard at a minimum, or preferably a corrugated plastic backer. That will allow you to tell exactly if your bullets are really tumbling, or if your target just doesn't have a sufficient backer. From the looks of the hole closest to the center, I'm betting they may not even be tumbling.

The second thing I would do would be to fire the 300 grain sabotted bullets with only 100 grains of powder. If they are shooting good there, more than likely your culprit is powder charge related. If they shoot good with 100 grains, you might want to consider just using that instead of a magnum load. You don't need to use 150 grains, no matter what the recommendation is. Most of the powder manufacturers have load recommendations starting at 100 grains for a 300 grain bullet anyway, so I'd start there.

If you insist on going with a higher charge, I'd start working up from 100 grains until you aren't seeing good groups, and then I'd test my max at various ranges I plan to shoot. If the bullets are stabilized well at all distances you plan to shoot, stick with that charge.

If you are jumping from 100 grains to 150 simply due to solid powder charges (777, Pyrodex, or some other pellets/sticks), I'd consider stopping and getting away from them. Find a loose powder charge or sticks you can change in sizes smaller than a 50 grain jump. If you are going to continue using a big jump pellet load, consider buying short stack loads like 777's 30 grainers, so you can adjust in smaller jumps.

All the best,
Glenn

If at first you don't succeed... buy newer / better equipment!

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Re: Encore bullet tumble [message #33369 is a reply to message #33359]

Sat, 04 October 2014 19:45

rchatting
Messages: 499
Registered: August 2011
Location: Middle Georgia

Forum Regular

That ain't a tumble, it is torn paper, mine look the same and I am using 110 grains of BH209 with a 250sst. The pointed bullets tear paper more so than the fat nose ones.

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Re: Encore bullet tumble [message #33370 is a reply to message #33369]

Sat, 04 October 2014 19:49

rchatting
Messages: 499
Registered: August 2011
Location: Middle Georgia

Forum Regular

If that is your group, I believe 100 grains will tighten it up. These guns will handle 150 grains, but it is really too much and the gun/bullet/load was really designed around 100 grains. It does fit the criteria of MOD (minute of deer) though. Wink

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Re: Encore bullet tumble [message #33374 is a reply to message #33370]

Sun, 05 October 2014 07:04

Al in Mi
Messages: 41
Registered: December 2012
Location: Michigan

Novice Contributor

agree with the stiffer backer. If they were tumbling you wouldn't have a group like that.

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Re: Encore bullet tumble [message #33401 is a reply to message #33357]

Mon, 06 October 2014 21:27

TimmyG
Messages: 3
Registered: October 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada

Forum Newbie

Thanks Glenn (and others). The backing used by the local club is 10 test. The station I was at was pretty shot up and kinda punky. I went to the local gun shop and asked their opinion. They thought that the stock red sabot that comes with the Hornady SST may have been failing due to 150gr charge. So, I ended up buying the black Hornady sabots and at the range, the shots seemed to be fine.

Today I shot 150gr 777 and the 300gr Hornady SST at 100 yards and 200 yards. My 100 yard target is below:

index.php?t=getfile&id=5472&private=0

My 200 yard target wasn't nearly as tight. I held over using the UltimateSlam's 200 yard dot but it looks as though I'll need to hold over between the 200 and 250 yard dots.

index.php?t=getfile&id=5473&private=0

After moose season, I'm going to lower my powder charge, as suggested, and try 100-120gr with a 250gr SST for deer season.

Cheers,

Tim

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Re: Encore bullet tumble [message #33403 is a reply to message #33401]

Tue, 07 October 2014 09:17

rchatting
Messages: 499
Registered: August 2011
Location: Middle Georgia

Forum Regular

I was kind of wondering if you might be hunting something big like that. I would shade toward a 150 charge also even though I have never had a chance to hunt moose. They seem to not like Georgia for some reason. Glad you figured it out.

How is the shoulder by the way?

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Re: Encore bullet tumble [message #33415 is a reply to message #33403]

Tue, 07 October 2014 21:45

TimmyG
Messages: 3
Registered: October 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada

Forum Newbie

My shoulder is currently aching. Tenderized by the TC!

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Re: Encore bullet tumble [message #33416 is a reply to message #33415]

Tue, 07 October 2014 22:50

Doyle
Messages: 318
Registered: June 2011
Location: Starkville, Ms

Forum Regular

Are you using loose 777 or pellets? If using pellets, I'm betting your accuracy will improve if you just went to loose - most people find that to be true. Also, you can drop your load without going all the way down to 100gr. You might find that 105gr or 110gr or some other odd number is the "sweet spot".

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Re: Encore bullet tumble [message #33418 is a reply to message #33416]

Wed, 08 October 2014 07:24

rchatting
Messages: 499
Registered: August 2011
Location: Middle Georgia

Forum Regular

I imagine that recoil is in the 3" turkey load range. Makes most magnum rifles seem tame.

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