sabot as safety valve

[fishdog52]

In thinking over the smokeless shooting system, as laid out by Savage, does the sabot also function as a safety valve? I often read that the plastic sabot is the weak link in the system.
Is is possible that, since Savage has made somewhat specific component recommendations, that a blown sabot might indicate an unwise load, or set of components?
Genuinely appreciate hearing your thoughts.

[rangeball]

Absolutely. In fact when I was talking to SMI way back about getting a barrel made for my H&R, they told me they wouldn't build for me if I planned to shoot sabotless as they view the sabot as a safety.

[mike3132]

yes and no. depends of the load and powder whether the sabot blows or not. a double loaded gun will fire and so will a hot single load. sabot to barrel fit is the biggest culprit of blowing sabots IMOP. Mike

[whyohe]

yes i do beleave it is and can be a safety valve. but mike is right. if the barrel is hot it can weaken the sabot and cause falure even thought the load is a factory approved load. also if the sabot/ bullet combo is too loose of a fit it can fail and even cause misfires. there is more to consider if you have sabot failure.