Randy Wakeman: "A Slow Learner?"
Some days, I laugh to myself and am forced to admit-- yes, I must not be the exactly the sharpest knife in the rack. Yesterday was just another one of those days. The trek was made out to the range for an all-day shoot, due to a pleasant mid-seventies temperature break from what has been unseasonably hot. You might think by now, that after spending a great deal of time testing powder, sabots, bullets, and various other components in seven 10ML-II's I'd have a clue. But, maybe not.
Armed with seven different, varied, premeasured charges of propellants-- and two Savage 10ML-II's to fire in rotation, Rocky the Wonderdog (my highly tuned canine target examiner) and I commenced firing with an assortment of bullets and sabots too lengthy to list. When the smokeless cleared, there was not one group that deserved to be called a group. It was a spectacular, elongated display of inaccuracy. Once again, I have cleverly discovered several brand new ways to fire 10ML-II's with no semblance of repeatable accuracy.
As the sun set over the growing cornfields, Lee dipper 3.4cc scoop loads of Accurate Arms 5744 followed by a Barnes 300 gr. MZ Expander went down gun number one: a sub 3/4" 102 yard 3 shot group was the result. The same load was fired through 10ML-II number two: another sub 3/4" 102 yard 3 shot group, clocking 2080 fps avg.
Next, 60 grains Vihtavouri N120 (by weight) pushing a .458 Barnes Original Semi-Spitzer (#457010) dressed with the orange .458 / .50 MMP sabot was fired in gun number one: again, a sub 3/4" group @ 102 yards. Repeated with Savage 10ML-II number two: yet again, a sub 3/4" 102 yard group clocked at 2287 fps through the screens.
Sometimes, I really wonder what ELSE there is that can be looked for, or realistically expected out of a muzzleloader. Yesterday was just one of those days.
Somewhat boring, but a very good, satisfying type of boring.
There is no great and wondrous message in this meager article, except to note that the 10ML-II at this stage of the game is a mature product, and is as easy to work with as you allow it to be. 41 - 44 grains of Accurate Arms 5744 pushing a 300 gr. Barnes MZ-300 is a sure-fire bet, as is the same charge with a .452 300 gr. standard Hornady XTP / MMP short black sabot. If you desire a super-soft shooting load, the same charge and a 250 gr. Barnes MZ-Expander fits the bill as does a .452 250 gr. Hornady XTP with the short black MMP sabot.
True advantages in trajectory are comparatively meager, and not requisite for sub-200 yard hunting-- which naturally is what most all North American big game hunting is. However, coupled with 300 grain bullets-- Vihtavouri N120 is one of the few propellants that does offer a true real-world gain if that is your wish.
Email: randymagic@aol.com
© June 15, 2005 by Randy Wakeman
