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Posted: 12/22/2008 6:56:11 AM EDT
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I am somewhat new to muzzloading and have a question. When I load I use triple7 50 grain preformed powder and I use two of them, then I insert my sabot and slug. Once I get my round started down and pushed as far as I can my friend tells me that I keep bouncing the ram rod to pack the load. Once the rod bounces up on its own it is completeley seated. Is this the proper way to do it. I am concerned because 777 says not to crush the pellets. It seems to perform okay this way, however I feel that my groups could be better and am wondering if this is causing and accuracy issues.
Thanks for any and all comments. 
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For the most part, the same methods apply to 777 as for loading regular BP. The projectile has to be seated firmly on the powder with no air pockets. A major difference between the two is that 777 should not be compressed too much (don't crush the pellet). This is done by pushing the bullet down the bore in one firm/solid ram. Not by short punches or jabs. Lots of people do use a couple of firm tamps to make sure the bullet is down nice and tight. But, this is just that, a couple of firm tamps with your hand on the end of the rod.
Not by throwing the rod down the bore till it bounces back. All he is really doing is mashing up the nose of the bullet. In the worse case, he could swage the bullet tight in the bore without getting it down firmly on the charge. Some hints, use a proper starter ram/tool and swab out the bore every few shots. As with any re-loading (exactly what you're doing) consistancy is the key. Try to use the exact same raming pressure/feel with every shot. 777 seems to burn a lot cleaner than the other BP subsitiutes I've tried but I don't seem to get quite the same accuracy that I get with BP. MLG |
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I use T/C #13 cleaner and a brass cleaning jag. Swab with a couple of damp patches then i use a dry patch to clean everything up/get ready for the next group.
If its real dirty, you might want to snap a cap or two to clean out the flash hole. Also be very careful about putting your hand over the ramrod when seating the ball. If the powder ignites for any reason it will put the rod right through your hand! I learned to always hold the rod in my hand with my fingers gripped AROUND it. You can use a range rod for greater length if you need it. edited for clarity. |
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Quoted:
Also be very careful about putting your hand over the ramrod when seating the ball. If the powder ignites for any reason it will put the rod right through your hand! I learned to always hold the rod in my hand with my fingers gripped AROUND it. You can use a range rod for greater length if you need it. edited for clarity. Think on that one for a moment… If the powder ignites there is a little more than a rod that will coming out of the barrel… Close your fist around a pencil and hold it in front of a gun and fire it… Hold your open hand in front of a gun and fire it… Either method is going to leave a mark 
Maybe we should use an old jock strap – rod in cup, pull on straps. 
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