Sabot / Bullet Selector Guide
We
always like to forget that every single gun is an individual, and
that no two guns will shoot a given bullet sabot combination exactly
alike. A simple sabot change can turn a 6 MOA gun into a 3/4 MOA
gun, but often the changes are a bit more subtle. Only individual
trigger time in an individual muzzleloader reveals the better combination--
there is no substitute for that. We always try to find shortcuts,
but there are really none. However, there are fortunately trends
and generalizations that offer a very high probability of success.
For starters, here is a quick look at current formulation MMP sabots
and the respective combinations that have quite often given admirable
results:
There
is no doubt that Barnes MZ-Expanders, by view of their low-velocity
expansion, 100% weight retention, and superb penetration are the
best terminally performing bullets you can place into a game animal.
For game animals inside 200 yards, where most deer are taken (50
yards in many areas), a test drive with 300 gr. Barnes MZ-Expanders
will likely get you where you want to be. If they load what you
feel is too tightly, the easy solution is HPH-24 sabots from http://mmpsabots.com.
You may be done right there.
For
long range work, the Barnes Original .458 300 gr. Spitzer Soft Point
flies very flat, and is tough enough for elk, moose, and heavier
game than deer-- though, it has certainly taken a lot of deer as
well. You'll need to get the MMP orange sabots from MMP, as they
are supplied sans sabots. The 250 and 290 Barnes TMZ bullets with
supplied yellow boat tail sabots offer "MZ-Expander" quality
terminal ballistics in a more streamlined, flatter-flying package.
The
Barnes 275 XPB #45105 is one of the easiest to load combinations
on the market, when paired with the MMP HPH-12 sabots. This all-copper
275 gr. bullet offers a great compromise of trajectory, moderate
recoil, and lower velocity expansion than the "X" rifle
bullets and Barnes Originals-- but not as low a velocity expansion
threshold as the MZ-Expanders and new TMZ's.
The
better or "best" bullet depends on your hunting style,
your personal hunting ranges, and is dictated by your unique rifle.
There is no "right" or "wrong" in any of this,
of course, but listening to what your own muzzleloader prefers to
be fed is never a bad idea.
©
March, 2006 by Randy Wakeman
