Shockwave Sabots

[cooper]

I recently purchased a Kodiac .50 cal muzzle loader and have been attemting to load 50 cal shockwave sabots in it , with 300 gr bullets. They load so hard it,s no fun to shoot, besides being so awkward it borders on dangerous. I've been told to use lighter bullets and they should load easier , my theory is a big bore is made to shoot big bullets. Any one have any sugestions on what may make them easier to load and seat ? currently I've been using a little dab of bore butter on the outer edge of the sabot.

[Yooper]

Howdy.

A .50 caliber should load and shoot just fine with a 300-grain bullet. I've used the Shockwaves and found them to be about as hard to load as any other saboted bullet. It's not the bullet weight that should make the difference, becuase they should have the same diameter.

SO let's see if we can load them easier so you enjoy it more. First question is, are you using the right loading device? There is a special loading jag for the Shockwaves that fits the areo tip. Secondly, are you using a bullet starter? I'd suggest using the shortest one you can find. They make one for the Areo-tipped Powerbelts that should work ok in loading your Shockwaves. If you're using the ram-rod alone, then no wonder it is a pain to load.

You're on the right track with the bore-butter.

If that doesn't work, Try some different bullets. Powerbelts are a good choice. If you want to, lead conicals are about the easiest bullet to load. I used to use a 300-grain lead bullet out of an old CVA and it was a blast to shoot.

[grayling]

Cooper,

You could try these options as well.

1.) Make sure the rifle is clean. Plastic sabots can foul a barrel quite easy especially given some of powders that are used. Some of these combinations can be very frustrating to clean. "Barrel Blaster in foam or gel works very well.

2. Try the same sabot shell from a different lot. There can be severe dimensional differences among the plastic shells from one bag to the next.

3.) Yooper is right by switching bullets. I also would recommend Powerbelts. Number of different sizes and shapes to fit your wants and needs. Their plastic endcap also typically fouls a barrel less than the ordinary sabot shell.

4.) Try a non-sulphar based powder charge like Triple 7 or American Pioneer Powder Sticks. These types don't leave as much residue in the action and barrel so there is less to clean and less to leave behind.

Good luck,

Grayling

[Dclewis]

Hey Cooper,
I had a similar problem with the s-waves, I noticed that the 250 grain rounds load a lot easier. It must be the diameter of the sabot which is a different size for the larger round.I also noted that the 200 grain rounds were even harder.
Im shooting a new TC Omega and am having lots of fun. Just one note, from what ive read it is best to shoot with a dry barrel with sabots. Not sure I would butter up while using them.
Ive yet to try the powerbelt rounds but I intend to fire some next time out. Im sticking with the American pioneer sticks( Love them).
Keep experimenting and let us know how you make out. Dave