In one of the last few posts I had mentioned the BBSB (Ballistic Bridge Sub Base) from MMP Sabots as a possible solution to accuracy problems for guys and gals shooting hotter powder charges of over 120 grains of loose powder or pellets.
The sub base is exactly that and fits down the barrel between the powder charge and the saboted bullet. Think of it as a buffer that prevents blow by and possible destruction of the sabot causing erratic flight and loss of accuracy.
I am going to post an older link from well known Muzzle Loading expert Toby Bridges on his experience with the BBSB and hotter loads of either loose powder or pellets.
BEFORE you read that, if you are an experienced ML shooter, you are probably aware of the blow up of a Savage smokeless ML by Toby Bridges. I will first post a link to an article by Randy Wakeman whom I have a great deal of respect for his knowledge of what does and doesn't work in ML rifles and often refer to his well written articles when looking for answers.
READ THIS FIRST:
http://randywakeman.com/HowToBlowUpASavage10ML.htm
Following my comments is Toby Bridge's article on his experience with the Ballistic Bridge Sub Base from MMP Sabots.
I post this article for information purposes only regarding the BBSB and its use as a buffer between powder charges and the saboted bullet. I DO NOT PERSONALLY USE POWDER CHARGES OVER 120 GRAINS OF LOOSE POWDER AND I DO NOT RECOMMEND OR ADVISE USING THE 150 GRAINS MAXIMUM OF ANY OF THE MUZZLE LOADING POWDERS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE WITH OR WITHOUT THE BBSB IN PLACE. This is not because I feel they are unsafe if your rifle manufactuer certifies your particular rifle is safe with 150 grains of loose powder or pellets. (OLDER MUZZLE LOADERS MAY NOT BE SAFE WITH 150 GRAINS OF POWDER) It is because in my experience your accuracy is going to be worse with just about any saboted bullet you use at the 150 grain charge.
I am by no means an expert and do not pretend to be one, however I have fired a few shots down range in 27 different muzzle loaders over the years. I have never had any loads that shot better with 150 grains of powder than they did with 95 grains, or a 100, or 110 etc. I simply do not feel that 150 grains of powder is going to give you the accuracy you need to successfully make 200 yard shots on whitetails or other game.
I have met hunters who tell me that they took their buck at 175 to 200 yards and just held dead on his chest etc. using 150 grains of Triple 777. When I asked if they verified the range with a range finder or paced it off after measuring their stride etc. and the answer is usually NO. In other words they guessed at it and if you ask 10 guys to guess how far away an object is you will get 10 different answers and it is likely none of them will be within 30 yards of being right from 100 to 200 yards.
If you are shooting a .270 Win with 130 grain spitzers, or your favorite .308, 30:06, .300 Win mag etc. and have a steady rest the 30 yards isn't going to mean much. It DOES make a big difference to miss judge range by 30 or 40 yards out beyond the 150 yard mark with a Muzzle loader.
Dan
In any event, here is the article by Toby Bridges as written for GunWeek back in 2004:
http://www.gunweek.com/2004/feature0610.html
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