For What it’s Worth (Sabot)
Jun 23, 2023 7:43:33 GMT -5
Post by ET on Jun 23, 2023 7:43:33 GMT -5
Yes, I’m still a sabot user for my 50-SML. Many have gone to say 45 sabot-less to avoid issues caused by using a sabot. The underlying question is it bore quality or lack of understanding the sabot’s function? As for bore quality I remedied this with lapping to provide a good route for the sabot.
At one time I believed the sabot petals used to be responsible for the bullet release but no longer believe that concept. Now I believe it is the sabot skirt that initiates the bullet release. When the sabot comes out of the bore remaining pressures causes the flaring of the skirt that in turn creates a strong drag resistance pulling the sabot away from the bullet. Of course, once the petal hold on the bullet is broken the petals flare from the oncoming compressed air.
Now let’s look at the sabot petal’s function. First off, the sabot petals support the bullet in the bore and are supposed to impart an acceptable rotational spin for flight stability. Okay that is basically correct but it’s also dependent on how well the grip on the bullet is. Tighter the grip the better which involves how tight the load fit is. Also, with a tighter fit the bullet is held more concentric to the bore.
What I believe is another benefit to a tighter fit load is it aids in the ignition and burn of powder. We know that the powder burn is accelerated by pressure, if any additional pressure is required to begin the movement of the bullet/sabot load this should also increase the burn acceleration of the powder. IMO this increases powder burn efficiency.
Knowing the sabot properties allows better performance achieved with the sabot load. Provide what the sabot needs and this will produce better load performance. This is why I have no problem or apprehension of using a sabot load. Now I just focus on bore fouling.
This is my take on using sabot loads and am content with the results I have achieved. If anyone feels different from what I stated, by all means reply.
At one time I believed the sabot petals used to be responsible for the bullet release but no longer believe that concept. Now I believe it is the sabot skirt that initiates the bullet release. When the sabot comes out of the bore remaining pressures causes the flaring of the skirt that in turn creates a strong drag resistance pulling the sabot away from the bullet. Of course, once the petal hold on the bullet is broken the petals flare from the oncoming compressed air.
Now let’s look at the sabot petal’s function. First off, the sabot petals support the bullet in the bore and are supposed to impart an acceptable rotational spin for flight stability. Okay that is basically correct but it’s also dependent on how well the grip on the bullet is. Tighter the grip the better which involves how tight the load fit is. Also, with a tighter fit the bullet is held more concentric to the bore.
What I believe is another benefit to a tighter fit load is it aids in the ignition and burn of powder. We know that the powder burn is accelerated by pressure, if any additional pressure is required to begin the movement of the bullet/sabot load this should also increase the burn acceleration of the powder. IMO this increases powder burn efficiency.
Knowing the sabot properties allows better performance achieved with the sabot load. Provide what the sabot needs and this will produce better load performance. This is why I have no problem or apprehension of using a sabot load. Now I just focus on bore fouling.
This is my take on using sabot loads and am content with the results I have achieved. If anyone feels different from what I stated, by all means reply.
