Sabot Performance
Dec 28, 2019 9:23:39 GMT -5
Post by ET on Dec 28, 2019 9:23:39 GMT -5
Over the years I’ve learned something about sabots. For usage in a SML it differs from say black powder.
One time it was just sliding a bullet into a sabot that had what I felt was a sufficient bore fit and shoot. Here I ended up with what I deem are poor groups and fliers appearing. Those fliers used to drive me nuts because I couldn’t explain them. I even tried a bore guide for my ramrod to keep loading centered but the fliers would still appear. At this stage my best groups would be about 1-3/4” not including fliers.
About this time the concept of bullet knurling appeared. I don’t remember who introduced it but I was game to try something new. Surprisingly it did help my groups slightly and less fliers. The fliers that periodically appeared were also closer to the main group. Loading became slightly harder and decided to replace my ramrod. Here a solid 3/8” ramrod with a Spin Jag tip was now used. Here I also began to observe what additional load tightness would do so I increased my knurling depth. Well my overall performance increased and my fliers disappeared. At this point I incorporated a T handle assist to help make loading easier of tighter loads. Also, with tighter loads I no longer use a bore guide as the tighter fit appears to center the bullet properly to the bore.
For now, I’m more than content using a sabot and the performance it can provide. My experience is mostly with 250FTX and harvester sabot but that will change in 2020.
Hopefully something mentioned here will assist someone else with their sabot experience.
One time it was just sliding a bullet into a sabot that had what I felt was a sufficient bore fit and shoot. Here I ended up with what I deem are poor groups and fliers appearing. Those fliers used to drive me nuts because I couldn’t explain them. I even tried a bore guide for my ramrod to keep loading centered but the fliers would still appear. At this stage my best groups would be about 1-3/4” not including fliers.
About this time the concept of bullet knurling appeared. I don’t remember who introduced it but I was game to try something new. Surprisingly it did help my groups slightly and less fliers. The fliers that periodically appeared were also closer to the main group. Loading became slightly harder and decided to replace my ramrod. Here a solid 3/8” ramrod with a Spin Jag tip was now used. Here I also began to observe what additional load tightness would do so I increased my knurling depth. Well my overall performance increased and my fliers disappeared. At this point I incorporated a T handle assist to help make loading easier of tighter loads. Also, with tighter loads I no longer use a bore guide as the tighter fit appears to center the bullet properly to the bore.
For now, I’m more than content using a sabot and the performance it can provide. My experience is mostly with 250FTX and harvester sabot but that will change in 2020.
Hopefully something mentioned here will assist someone else with their sabot experience.
