Powerbelts

[Jack]

Frank, I'm no ML expert, like Twomoons and Bounce and a few others. FWIW, I don't use any kind of wad with my ML. Mine is a traditional type, if that makes a difference. And I'm using a 50 caliber Minie ball in a 50 caliber rifle- no sabot. The Minie ball has grease grooves on it's side, which I fill with Bore Butter.
But that's it- pour in the powder, then start the ball and seat it on the powder.

[kragman71]

Red
I miked the bullets.
The Hornadys are .430,and the sabots cannot be used.The TC Shockwaves are .452,and the .457 cast bullets fit snugly into the sabots.
Maybe they will be too tight for the bore.I have a .452 sizer for my 45ACP,so I'm still in business,if that occurs.
Thanks,a bunch.It has warmed up a little,around here.I may get to the range this morning.
Frank

[klsm54]

Thompson Center sells empty sabots for use in 50 caliber muzzleloaders. They have them for .45 caliber bullets, part # 8281. They do say that they are for .451-.452 diameter bullets, so you may have to size those .457's.

[srwshooter]

if you are useing powerbelts DON'T shoot over 110 grns of powder,at higher velocites they will come apart to fast. there are 5 of us that all use 295 grn PB ,we all shoot 100 grns of powder. we have killed around 150 whitetails without any problems. i hear guys all the time talking about them blowing up when shooting 150grns. copper powerbelts are not in a jacket they are just plated ,so its a real thin layer.

[klsm54]

Thanks srwshooter. That explains the conflicting results with Powerbelts. I guess with these "magnum" muzzleloaders a guy has to pay attention to what bullet he uses with what charge.

It sure is simpler to use a roundball and a charge that is double the bore diameter... ;D But that is for us traditionalists at heart.