A
2008 Look at Savage 10ML-II Preferred Loads
Over the course of
the last several years, folks have asked again and again, "What
is the Best Load for the Savage 10ML-II?" Of course, we all want that, and just like any other firearm--there can be no answer for
all seasons. Folks like Del Ramsey will answer candidly, for the Savage
and other muzzleloaders . . . "The one that works the best in
your rifle." Rifles are individuals, and that must be accepted
before we start selecting loads, or working up loads. It is for that reason
that I'm reticent to make more then generalizations, as sooner or later
someone will carp a bit that "it doesn't do that in my rifle."
The answer is, of course, is that I'm not shooting their individual rifle
with their scope under their conditions-- so guidelines are offered, not
absolutes. Fortunately, there are some very, very good guidelines now,
at this stage of the game.
Primers should be
the W209 standard Winchester shotshell primers, just as used and recommended
by Savage Arms. I've used Federal 209A primers, and also CCI 209M primers
with equally fabulous results. Shotshell primers do vary by lot, and certainly
by brand. In fact, Winchester W209 primers have been made by CCI to "Winchester
Specifications," whatever that might mean. CCI and Federal are owned
by ATK, so the same basic company is making all three. Still, they do
vary dimensionally and in gas output. Stick with W209 primers unless you
have a reason to try others-- then try CCI or Federals if W209's are doing
something you don't like, or they are more readily available in your area
for example. With the primers out of the way, let's move on to bullet-sabot-powder
combinations:
I.
Hornady XTP 250 grain or 300 grain ("non-magnum") and short
MMP sabots
The 250 grain .452
diameter Hornady XTP has been the standard Savage test load for several
years now. Savage has settled on 42 grains by weight of SR4759 or 42 grains
of N110 as the standard factory accuracy load for good reason, that being
that it shoots uniformly well out of most Savage 10ML-II yielding in excess
of 2200 fps velocities.
Henry Ball and friends
have used and suggested the 300 grain, non-magnum .452 XTP with 44 grains
of Accurate Arms 5744 for many, many years. I like a 300 grain bullet,
the better sectional density equating to deeper penetration. Accurate
Arms 5744 is very easy to ignite, offering positive performance in extreme
conditions as well. Velocity is in the 2000 fps area with 300 grain bullets,
easy on the shoulder and more appropriate for the pistol bullet designs
as well. Take your pick; not much can live on the difference.
II.
Barnes Original #457010 300 grain Semi-Spitzer Soft Point .458 or Hornady
#4500 300 grain .458 Hollow Point with MMP Orange .458 / .50 sabots.
MMP's Orange .458
/ 50 sabot is the best sabot on the market, in my opinion, and offers
several technical advantages to the discriminating shooter. When the object
is sealing, a thinner gasket is generally a better and stronger gasket--
and the MMP Orange sabot is no exception to this generalization. As a
sabot is the launching pad for bullets, the .458 platform offers the largest
support surface from which to do so. By using a thinner sabot, the "wall"
between the bullet and the barrel is reduced, and along with it the possibility
of canting the bullet during loading. Concentricity promotes accuracy;
consider this an extension of the generalization that .429 / .50 sabots
are not as accurate as their .451 / .452 counterparts.
Technical details
aside, the MMP Orange sabot when mated to the Barnes Original or Hornady
#4500 tends to shoot extremely well, making it a forgiving combination
in all the best ways.
The Barnes Original
(Barnes # 457010) is the flattest shooting 300 grain bullet I've been
able to shoot with great accuracy. Beyond that, the generous copper tube
pulled over pure lead design of Fred Barnes makes the Barnes Original
a very tough, rugged bullet--able to withstand not only high velocities,
but the massive impact when it hits bone as well. I'm very glad that Barnes
Bullets has kept this design available; it is clearly my favorite 10ML-II
bullet.
The Hornady #4500,
using the same MMP Orange sabot, is also a fine shooter. While not the
higher ballistic coefficient of the Barnes, nor as tough a jacket, there
is little dispute about the .45-70 Government's ability to take whitetail
and more.
With either bullet,
44 grains of Accurate Arms 5744 nets you a comfortable but formidable
2000 fps, with 57 - 60 grains of N120-2250 to 2300 fps. This is 300 grain
bullet performance, with accuracy, that obsoletes most inlines-- and slug
guns as complete class as well.
III. Other Loadings Worth Your Consideration.
The Barnes 300 grain
MZ-Expander (supplied sabot) with 44 grains of 5744 has done a
fine job for me; the Barnes XPB 275 bullet (MMP HPH-12 sabot) has
done well with both 5744 and 57 grains of N120. Both bullets feature essentially
100% weight retention; the XPB 275 was more than good enough to take to
Africa with me.
Ty Herring of Barnes
Bullets has had great luck using Alliant Reloder 7 and Barnes TMZ 290
bullets in the Savage 10ML-II, as have others. I like the TMZ290 myself,
particularly with "Blackhorn" 209 mentioned below.
I well understand
that some folks want the accuracy of the 10ML-II, the fast lock time of
the Savage short action, the crispness of the Accu-Trigger, the dedicated
recoil lug / two pillar system, and all the other features that make it
the most accurate production muzzleloader made. But, whether by choice
or local statute-- they just don't care to shoot smokeless, or what they
think is "smokeless." So be it.
There hasn't been
a propellant good enough to use in a 10ML-II since its inception that
is marketed as a "black powder replica" powder, but there is
now-- Western Powders' Blackhorn 209. It won't give you N110 or N120 performance,
but it will equal the performance of Accurate Arms 5744. Anywhere from
90 to 120 grains by volume makes a fine load with all of the above bullet
/ sabot combinations, and is the propellant of choice when conicals are
dictated (smokeless is not allowed with conicals by Savage). 405
grain Powerbelts, for example, do well with Blackhorn 209. Blackhorn 209
needs a hot, efficient ignition system-- and nothing is more efficient
than the 10ML-II breechplug design. It is a very good fit when conditions
call for a "blackpowder replica marketed" powder. As a matter
of fact, it was a Savage 10ML-II pressure barrel used for most of the
load development of Blackhorn 209, so it should be no surprise that the
Savage 10ML-II is one of the very few muzzleloaders made that allows you
to get the most out of this excellent new propellant.
Copyright
2008 by Randy Wakeman. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright
2011 by Randy Wakeman. All Rights Reserved.
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