Proven Muzzleloader Accuracy Secret That Will Dramatically Shrink Your Groups
This is one of the most overlooked aspects when it comes to working up accurate loads. Being consistent in loading your "smokepole" is very important if you want to get a load that groups well.
To obtain a load that shoots accurately and consistently from your muzzleloader, you have to load your rifle using consistent, repetitive techniques. My muzzleloader shoots several different load combinations at or under 1" groups at 100 yards consistently. It does so because I use the same loading techniques every time. Not bragging, just letting you know what works for me.
Swab the bore with a wet cleaning patch of a 50:50 mix of 91% rubbing alcohol and window cleaner or solvent, depending on the powder you're using. Then run a couple of dry patches down to remove any moisture. This will also remove and oils or solvents from the barrel. Then fire a couple of primers/caps to further remove any oil solvent or moisture.
Depending on which powder you are using, Wet a cleaning patch with either solvent or the alcohol/window cleaner mix. Put the mix in a small spray bottle.
After each shot, wet a patch and run it up and down the bore 12 times. Then flip the same patch over and do the same thing again. Next, run a dry patch down the bore and repeat the 12 passes. This will condition the bore to be the same, or very close to it, for each shot you fire.
Pour your pre-measured charge down the barrel of your muzzleloader and short start the sabot or conical. With one continuous, smooth motion push the projectile down the barrel until you feel it stop. Then, give it one more moderate push to compact the powder. Try to be as consistent as possible each and every time.
If your goal is to get a load combination to shoot tight groups, you have to swab the barrel after each shot. This will get the bore, as close as possible, to the same condition prior to each successive shot. This will shrink your groups.
This will help get a load to group the way you want it, so your rifle will achieve consistent accuracy.
Here's a tip: You can use cut up pieces of paper towels for patches. It works pretty good from my experience. Might save you a little money from time to time.
Put this accuracy tip to work and enjoy the satisfaction of having a muzzleloader that will perform as well or better than a centerfire rifle.
To obtain a load that shoots accurately and consistently from your muzzleloader, you have to load your rifle using consistent, repetitive techniques. My muzzleloader shoots several different load combinations at or under 1" groups at 100 yards consistently. It does so because I use the same loading techniques every time. Not bragging, just letting you know what works for me.
Swab the bore with a wet cleaning patch of a 50:50 mix of 91% rubbing alcohol and window cleaner or solvent, depending on the powder you're using. Then run a couple of dry patches down to remove any moisture. This will also remove and oils or solvents from the barrel. Then fire a couple of primers/caps to further remove any oil solvent or moisture.
Depending on which powder you are using, Wet a cleaning patch with either solvent or the alcohol/window cleaner mix. Put the mix in a small spray bottle.
After each shot, wet a patch and run it up and down the bore 12 times. Then flip the same patch over and do the same thing again. Next, run a dry patch down the bore and repeat the 12 passes. This will condition the bore to be the same, or very close to it, for each shot you fire.
Pour your pre-measured charge down the barrel of your muzzleloader and short start the sabot or conical. With one continuous, smooth motion push the projectile down the barrel until you feel it stop. Then, give it one more moderate push to compact the powder. Try to be as consistent as possible each and every time.
If your goal is to get a load combination to shoot tight groups, you have to swab the barrel after each shot. This will get the bore, as close as possible, to the same condition prior to each successive shot. This will shrink your groups.
This will help get a load to group the way you want it, so your rifle will achieve consistent accuracy.
Here's a tip: You can use cut up pieces of paper towels for patches. It works pretty good from my experience. Might save you a little money from time to time.
Put this accuracy tip to work and enjoy the satisfaction of having a muzzleloader that will perform as well or better than a centerfire rifle.
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