Rate of Twist

[crockett]

I will add whatever limited information I may offer. It was my understanding that a 50 caliber sabot was more accurate than a 54 caliber sabot because a thinner sabot was used. Since both calibers often use the same bullet, I cannot think of any advantage in going to 54 caliber unless you want the additional option of shooting heavier conicals.
Twist has to do with stabilizing the bullet, the longer the bullet the faster twist is needed, THEORETICALLY. In other words, you may have to buy a variety of projectiles and do some imperical experimenting.
I have a 1-32 twist on one of my guns. Just for the heck of it I tried some PRBs. Yeah, I know, you can't shoot PRB out of that fast a twist. In any event they work pretty good up to 50 yards if all I want to do is shoot some tin cans, etc.
Why the sabot? The only advantage I can see is speed for longer ranges, so guessing at the hold is less of an issue. A sabot may be just the ticket for predators or turkey- if legal. If you are going to be hunting in the bean fields, etc- you could probably just sight in at a longer range and use a conical.
Some folks don't like putting plastic in a muzzle loader. Just a thought.
Some conicals will work very well and ought to be beter on the big stuff.

 

[WV_Hillbilly]

I will add whatever limited information I may offer. It was my understanding that a 50 caliber sabot was more accurate than a 54 caliber sabot because a thinner sabot was used. Since both calibers often use the same bullet, I cannot think of any advantage in going to 54 caliber unless you want the additional option of shooting heavier conicals.

Not disputing what your info is... but I was told by a couple of ballisticians, that when you are choosing the sabots for .50 caliber muzzleloading, do the following for best performance.

You should typically select the sabots that use the .451-.454 diameter (.45Long Colt type) bullets; instead of the .429-.430 diameter (.44 Magnum type) bullets). This would invalidate your theory, that a thicker sabot would be more accurate.

The reason is supposedly this: Generally speaking, a saboted bullet that is closer to bore diamter will be more accurate, than one with a smaller diameter bullet (which obviously would have a thicker sabot). This was having to do with the twist rate for the .50 caliber gun being based on shooting .50 caliber bullets.

Nowadys the twist rates are quite a bit faster for ALL .50cal guns, especially inline types, that are specifically intended for shooting saboted bullets.

In the case of the .54, a sabot that uses a .50 caliber bullet would be MUCH better (accuracy)--than either type of sabots that use .430 or .452 diameter pistol bullets--due to the slower twist rates of the .54 caliber barrels. So by that logic, even a sabot that would use a .475 diameter bullet/sabot combo SHOULD work better in a .54 caliber gun--that either the .430 or .452 diameter sabots.

Again, the twist rates are all getting so fast nowadays and MOST people are using these inlines that generally do NOT shoot round balls EVER in their guns. So the twist rate is calculated more for the actual bullet diameter that fits the sabot rather than a full bore sized conical bullet.

Most inline shooters don't bother with patched round balls or bore sized conicals, so it would make much sense to use the saboted bullets that best match the barrels twist rate.

There are exceptions to the rule as always!!!

Shoot Safely!
WV_Hillbilly

 

[Catof9tails]

Thanks again for everyones feedback. I'm learning a lot from all the posts here. All this information is appreciated. Judging from what I'm reading, I guess I'll have to think things over. I think I'm more confused now than when I posted the question (Just Joking).

I think I'll hold back for awhile on the purchase of a new rifle and keep reading these forums to learn more. But before I think about going roundball, I would rather have hands on instruction first. Then I'll make the decision from there.

To address Crockett, Sabots is what I was recommended by another BP shooter. I wanted to hunt with my rifle. It performed very well this last hunting season and brought home a 140 2/8ths whitetail buck. I was impressed on the damage it done. That episode alone hooked me on BP. I like a challenge. I'll consider the options on twist and bullet types. The old cat will have to think on this one for awhile.

Thanks for the input,
Cat9

 

[WV_Hillbilly]

Hopefully we did NOT make things more confusing. Having more information is like having more "ammunition" on hand when the enemy decides to make a massed suicide charge. It can only give you a better advantage.

Things are becoming a lot more compartmentalized nowadays. There are becoming fewer and fewer guns made with "compromise twist rates" (1:48" usually) and you are left with mainly just TWO choices.

A traditionally styled flintlock or sidelock percussion gun with a slower twist(like 1:66") that works best with patched round balls and perhaps very short conicals.

OR a bolt action, (and NOW), break action styled inlines, that have a faster twist (1:24 or maybe 1:28"), and are strictly meant for saboted pistol bulelts or bore sized conicals best.

Part of why the saboted pistol bullets appear to hit the deer like "Thor's Hammer" is that they are getting pushed to higher velocities than are possible with the typical magnum pistols, that the bullets were designed for.

The bullets' thinner jackets and (usually) hollow points combined with 50-70% higher muzzle velocities, makes for a tremendous kinetic energy transfer system.

IF you do have a rifle that "proves the exception rather than the rule", by having the ability to shoot patched round balls AND saboted pistol bullets, AND full bore sized conicals, you have a "definite keeper".

Shoot Safely and Have Fun!
WV_Hillbilly

 

[rrgr40]

I have seen a 1 in 32 twist shoot RB extremely well with substantially reduced loads. This would be ok for plinking and what-not but not good for hunding. I have a .54 with a 1 in 66 twist that shoots PRBs most excellently and also shoots an improved Mini Ball just as good. There are many options available. Do some read'in and talk'in to those that know so that you can make a more educated choice from the start. Good Luck and Welcome to the world of BP. :m2c: :redthumb: