Jeff, I really enjoyed using my ML. I killed a couple of bucks with the ML and it was really neat. I used the pellets after years of measuring out powder. I just felt the pellets suited me better. I also used the most explosive(hottest?) caps I could find so that the delay was minimal. I still have a ML but haven't shot it for over five years. I actually made my longest shot ever with a gun when I killed a really cool six point with my ML. I shot him at 55 yards through the heart. I was acutally pretty amazed I pulled it off.
1. Do you shoot pellets? Yes. Triple 7 Magnums 2. If you answered "yes" to No. 1, do you experience even the slightest delay when you pull the trigger? No. 3. If you shoot powder, do you experience the delay? 4. Which primer do you shoot/recommend? I'm shooting the Winchester 209 Triple 7 primers.
I was shooting 777 pellets, this am. I could feel a delay. I was also shooting Remington primers, though. I went to talk to my gun guru. He said there's no way I should be able to discern a delay. I'm gonna try powder, next, and CCI primers. He told me to just start with 90gr. and see what I get. Until it feels right, I don't care hwo it shoots. Hopefully, this'll take care of the issue.
You are sure your nipple and breech were clean prior to shooting, allowing maximum spark transfer from your primers?
I've had issues with that a few times with pyrodex pellets. I've switched to Shockey Gold pellets and haven't had any delay fires since.
I have never used pellets .. only powder and I have NEVER had a delay or mis-fire .. I was gonna get pellets this year ... kinda glad I didn't ... by the way, I shoot caps, not 209 primers
If you are over packing your sabot onto your powder charge and crushing the pellets, this will cause delay because of poorly transferred spark from your primer. Is there the chance you over seated your sabot?
Sure there is (that chance). It's gonna be a learning experience, learning to seat the sabot properly. It's something I'll have to work on. But, I won't have to worry about crushing the pellets, now. I know it still matters (seating).
So tell me about seating the sabot? I was always told to set it firmly upon the charge .... so I have and have zero issues with misfires or delays ... so crushing the pellets causing it makes no sense to me ... but I have never used them...
Blackhorn 209 loose powder (this stuff is the real deal ! !) Harvester Muzzleloading Scorpion PT Gold 300 grain(red crush rib sabot) A magnum primer is recommended with the Blackhorn powder. Google it and you will find plenty of info/reviews on it. I used to shoot pellets, never again. This is by far the most accurate and least fouling combo I have ever shot. Here is a link to the Harvester site, they have lots of other solid performers as far bullets go(their Saber Tooth model is similiar to Power Belt minus the flaws, read review below): http://www.harvestermuzzleloading.com/ http://www.chuckhawks.com/saber_tooth_bullets.htm The chuck hawks site has a bunch of BP info, articles, reviews: http://www.chuckhawks.com/index2h.muzzleloader.htm
The pellets have the center bored out of them (length wise) to facilitate burning. If you crush them you are blocking the ability for them to burn properly by blockage in the spark / fire channel of the pellet.
The Shockeys are solid pellets and burn fine.:p I think Scott is correct, though. I had trouble with the pellets when I was shooting Hornady speed loads that attached the pellets to the sabot. I changed to powerbelts and shockeys, works great now.
The CCI primers are definitely much better, I shoot their magnum(CCI 209m) version but only because the powder I use prefers it. I'm not a huge fan of constantly cleaning while at the range(part of the reason I switched to the blackhorn 209) but I still stop every few shots and run a couple patches and clean the breech plug with a breech plug tool. Also I use a #65 drill bit(.035) and turn it with my fingers if I haven't cleaned the breech in a while, it will remove any hard carbon build up better than just a brush tool. If you have an acetylene torch the tip cleaners work for plug cleaning as well(like these): http://www.tpub.com/content/construction/14250/css/14250_106.htm A clean breech and good powder/primer = no delay. After you get the feel for proper seating of the powder/load mark your ramrod with a line or some visual aid at the "sweet spot", it should seat there every time. As popular as some BP products are much of it has to do with marketing/convenience. FME stay away from Powerbelts, Pyrodex, JSG powder or sticks, to name a few.
FWIW.....I went to Gander to get some last minute supplies. While there, I grabbed a TC Encore and shouldered it. wow If I take to this ML stuff......I'll have one of those rifles before the season opens in 2011. It's a fine looking gun. Gonna try to sight in ....in the AM. I'll let you know how it goes.
I have the T/C Encore Pro Hunter...Scary accurate! I've yet to grab my shotgun during our gun season, I always grab the ML because it's so much more accurate.
My exact set up. I did have a mis-fire a few years ago but it was completely my fault. I didn't clear & clean my rfile after hunting in the rain, it cost me a really nice buck but lesson learned.
