Watching SML Evolving

[ET]

While enjoying an early morning coffee my thoughts drifted to as too how much SML evolved over the years. My journey with SML of course started when Savage introduced the 10ML-II and I was enticed to acquire one by what it offered the shooter. Little did I know what was really needed to know to get this SML to a performance level I wanted. It was a struggle just to get a 2” group. Of course, I came across Doug’s Message Board on the NET. Following the Board for a short while I was amazed at how well members were doing at getting their 10ML-II to shoot. Okay time to join up, join in and get educated.

As time progressed the 45 was introduced and started to take hold with a following. Before long the 45 was generating higher velocities with decent accuracy. Next up was the sabot less phase that ensured the 45 was here to stay and provide additional performance that many sought after. Now this opened up doors for additional calibers like the 40. During the introduction time of the 45 new designed Breech Plugs emerged as well to provide better ignition especially as slower burning powders were introduced. So now you have muzzle loaders that have rifle capabilities of reaching out longer distances.

To be honest there were times I was tempted to move to the 45 especially after the announcement of 4759 discontinuation. Now for some reason I didn’t have the heart to abandon the 50. For 8-seasons, 8-shots produced 8-deer as long as I did my part. It has met all my expectations of what I originally wanted and can still do so. Now it’s just trying to find another fuel source to perk up the 50 to its original status of performance. Now it’s quest for best.

Again, to those that have advanced onward and found what they need or desire I think that’s great. I also enjoy reading about it even though I’m not on your level. Especially when someone tosses in a bone (target picture) to chew on, chuckle.

Ed

[jims]

I have said it before, although I have 45s and a 40 and .375 SML, I could easily live with a stock Savage ML at the ranges I shoot. It would be a lot easier just owning one size.

[ET]

Nov 1, 2019 7:00:13 GMT -5 jims said:

I have said it before, although I have 45s and a 40 and .375 SML, I could easily live with a stock Savage ML at the ranges I shoot. It would be a lot easier just owning one size.

I'm impressed with your experience with 4-different SML's whereas my experience is with 1-SML.
Ironic that you can use 4-different SML's and I will be after efficient loads for 4-different bullet weights. But first I need to learn more about certain powders and their response from different conditions being employed. After that it will be finding the usable range of each bullet/powder and refining the load. Hope to keep the pressure range around 35K and under 40K. My goal is to have one multipurpose SML that isn't parked between hunting seasons because I only developed one purpose for it. I do enjoy shooting my SML and the challenges it presents. The only regret I have that under certain circumstances this will take time and I'm not getting any younger, chuckle.

Ed

[sw]

Ed,
My all time favorite 50 cal load is a 250 Barnes TEZ, wool wad, CCIm and 45g VV110. 2430-2450’/sec, very accurate, outstanding terminal effects.

I prefer my 45s and 40 for trajectory and reduced recoil. Favorite 45 cal load - 200SST or 195Barnes , 37g VV110, HLBS, wool wad, CCIm. 2510 and 2530.

Both of these loads are extremely accurate and have virtually no temp sensitivity.

Currently working on shooting the 225 AccuMax (0.402) slightly sized to 0.4005” sabotless in the 40 and saboted in the 45.

The 209 ignition and ventliners are still working great! I do have the primer pockets drilled(size “C”) to where the primer has a slightly loose fit and to a depth that I can headspace the barrel to where the primer holder almost touches the Bp. This gives the primer a lot more support and it will come out easily after firing. The Savages support the primer less than 5o% causing them to blow easily.

PS Hi Jim

[ET]

Steve

I enjoy reading your posts and find them enlightening. I also remember that you were the first person who responded and got me on track when I first joined. Something I never forgot.
You are absolutely right about the original head spacing with the 10ML-II that I’ve also corrected. Here I have no issues whatsoever.
For deer hunting I will be moving to the 250 all copper bullet and use the 250 FTX for experimenting and target practice.
Not having VV110 available to me I’m going to try another route. 4227 is really showing promise under the right conditions in the 50. Future test will reveal more. Also 2400 powder will be tried with lighter bullets.
My personal believe is that load resistance and final compression are a deciding factor for optimum performance. I’m already seeing signs of this in my early stage of testing. My goals are not to develop any maximum top end loads. Just choice of IMO good working loads.
When I first arrived here the development of interest was increasing velocities. Eventually the 45 and 40 covered this issue. I also recognize your contributions in this area even though this is not my chosen path.
My path is to really discover what the 50 is capable of under different conditions. My feet are set upon a path and I need to complete this journey no matter how long it takes. In the mean time I’ll enjoy my time here catching up what I missed over the years.

Ed

[sw]

ET,
Glad you’re here. I think you’ve closed an excellent bullet. I doubt that I can do anything with my 45 that that bullet in the 50 wouldn’t do as well. As for the 225 AccuMax in the 22 twist PacNor: no go. The twist is just too slow. Wish I had a 16 twist Brux.

[ET]

Steve

I am happy to be back and reunited with my 50 for another adventure. The 45 has earned its position in the SML community. It has capabilities for longer ranges with increased velocities and now with additional bullets available it makes it a desirable choice for many. When the 50 lost the support of 4759 it frustrated a lot of 50 users because we were all dependent on one powder for whatever performance the 50 provided. Even I was complacent of just using 4759. So now I'm on a quest of other single useable powders because I don't believe there is only one powder for desired performance in the 50.
Now in that powder quest I want to monitor load resistance that I now feel plays an important role. I also agree with your comment of not seeing any real advantage of sabot-less over saboted loads. In the past there have been some ruptured 10ML-II barrels and I'll bet that a sabot was used. Now if a sabot can contain the pressure to rupture a barrel it can easily handle the pressures we apply to our loads when properly fitted.

Another area I'm following is the use of knurling bullets with sabots. When this was introduced by others I thought that this would affect bullet performance. But that myth disappeared quickly when I saw the performance results. The knurling provided a good anchor bond between the bullet and sabot ensuring a proper gyroscopic spin was applied to the bullet. But to be affective it needs a reasonable compression fit between bullet/ sabot.

Anyway my old lady (50) and I have a new journey of exploration of learning. We basically have all we need to make that journey. Just need to find a way to increase our range time frequency.