45 caliber smokeless muzzleloader

[nwmnbowhunter]

45cal?

Yes

 

[Adam in WI]

While that bore rider is awesome, my personal hunting muzzy is a custom barreled 50 caliber using a duplex smokeless load of AA 5744 as the priming charge with H322 as the main charge. I find it more convenient and I still get 25-2600 fps with a crushrib sabot and 250gr Hornady Monoflex. It’s not quite as accurate but has killed every deer out to just over 300 yards..10-15 at this point I imagine. I’d say that one is a solid 1-1 1/2 MOA rifle although i basically just sighted it in and hunted it.

What's the reasoning behind using a duplex load? Is it an ignition issue?

In 45 cal, charges of 4198 is high 60’s to very low 70 gr from the feedback I’ve gotten.

So we're talking like Ruger-level .45-70 loads, plus a little bit?

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

All I have is a 209 conversion ordered for my .54 cal Knight LK93, I do have a bunch of 295 gr Powerbelt bullets should I decide to chase Colorado elk with it.

 

[WSnyder]

So we're talking like Ruger-level .45-70 loads, plus a little bit?

In some of the 40’s you’re talking .416 Rigby territory. North of 100gn of mid burning powders like RL16 with a 300gn bullet 3100+fps.

 

[natdscott]

Here you go…. do you need signatures or do I need to post the certificate?

Does the certificate have 2 witnesses and a Medallion signature?

If not, you'll need to rectify those errors before submitting your group for credit at tailgate tech.

 

[natdscott]

Just dump six seconds worth of 4198 from yer powder horn? Lol

And 10x that many seconds from your life expectancy, per shot.

Mine wasn't too bad, but I was only pushing 300 Thors in front of about 42 grains. Pipsqueak stuff compared to this brave new world.

Killed like hell though. Never lost an animal I hit with that rifle, whether I hit it first, or last. Kinda handy.

 

[buckeye68]

Does the certificate have 2 witnesses and a Medallion signature?

If not, you'll need to rectify those errors before submitting your group for credit at tailgate tech.

Sure does.

Looks like we’ve got another key board jockey or you can come to KY and find out for yourself.

 

[Adam in WI]

If there's no brass case, or anything to measure; how do you guys know you're "there"? Does someone have pressure test data somewhere to go off of? I'm assuming you'd rather not run up 80k pounds even without a cartridge case to worry about.

 

[Ccrider]

There has been extensive pressure testing performed.

 

[hogpatrol]

The predecessor to the land rider version shooting saboted bullets was good on game, accuracy wise, to 300-350 yards.

 

[natdscott]

Sure does.

Looks like we’ve got another key board jockey or you can come to KY and find out for yourself.

I guess maybe you're taking this more seriously than I am. Sorry about that.

We're midwest neighbors, though. I won't go into the reasons why I'm not generally classified as a keyboard warrior, but there are quite a few of your fellow Kentuckians that know of this particular Hoosier, and a decent portion is public record, also. I have had nothing but excellent experiences shooting with and against my brothers to the south.

As far as clarifying my position on these rifles: I'm super impressed. Things have come a long way in the 10? 15? years since I built my last smokeless 700. Bullets, specifically. I knew some of this was going on, and I knew of the speeds/charges being attained, but the level of accuracy was unknown to me. So thank you, to several of you, for the enlightenment.

Keep all your fingers fingers, and keep your powder dry!

-Nate

 

[Scalloper]

First, I advise not to get convicted of a felony, that way you want have this problem.

Anyone convicted would be stupid to rely on hearsay and internet opinions to answer this question for them.

Thanks for pointing out the obvious. You can get a felony charge in Mass or NJ for being in possession of a foot hold trap. Many are felons are not hardened criminals like the ones running this country.

So I was having lunch with a friend who happens to be an attorney and MLs came up in the conversation. He stated....
" if some felons could own a ML it would be vintage 1897 or prior"

 

[Scalloper]

It is absolutely incredible where we are with smokeless Muzzleloaders. Alex mentioned the Hankins modules. Have any of you seen the said to be "New Worlds Most Powerful Muzzle Loader" built by Jeff Hankins?
Its pushing a 350gr bullet at 3,800 + fps.....
Run those numbers

 

[WSnyder]

The standard brass modules will eventually show pressure. Similar to cartridge brass they'll eventually get to where they won't hold a primer depending on how hard you push it. Silicon bronze modules are available and they won't show pressure at all so.....

 

[msalm]

What's the reasoning behind using a duplex load? Is it an ignition issue?

So we're talking like Ruger-level .45-70 loads, plus a little bit?

Duplex load because if I just loaded with H322 it won’t even ignite, not enough pressure. If I load with an easier to ignite powder, say 5744, I’ll shred sabots at anything over 2200 fps. With the duplex I get the ignition and a more gradual pressure spike that doesn’t shred sabots and gets me 2600 fps. All in all it’s less finicky and easier to load…I just find it more convenient. The bore rider design takes a bit more messing around with adjusting sizing dies, getting proper load pressure, increased load pressure with a fouled bore, etc…

 

[bobinpa]

I just finished this rifle up. I used a Mesa muzzleloader action and a Mesa stock. Barrel is a 26" Brux heavy varmint contour. Hankins ignition setup and brake. Bix n Andy tac sport pro trigger. Overall a real nice setup and it came in just over 10 pounds which is not bad considering the barrel.View attachment 1493150View attachment 1493151View attachment 1493152View attachment 1493154

I'd never heard of a Mesa action until I saw this. Very nicely done Alex!! Almost makes me want to build another one around a Mesa action. Smokeless muzzle loaders are shockingly amazing!

 

[Mulligan]

I'd never heard of a Mesa action until I saw this. Very nicely done Alex!! Almost makes me want to build another one around a Mesa action. Smokeless muzzle loaders are shockingly amazing!

The Battalion Shooting Supplies & Precision Rifle Components

The Battalion delivers elite rifle build & components for long-range hunters and shooters. Passionate about accuracy, we stock the best for your hunt or range.

thebattalion.com

Local outfit.
The Battalion is their retail outlet

Good bunch of folks……the Summit stocks are amazingly strong and light.

CW

 

[bobinpa]

The Battalion Shooting Supplies & Precision Rifle Components

The Battalion delivers elite rifle build & components for long-range hunters and shooters. Passionate about accuracy, we stock the best for your hunt or range.

thebattalion.com

Local outfit.
The Battalion is their retail outlet

Good bunch of folks……the Summit stocks are amazingly strong and light.

CW

Thanks. I didn't see a summit stock on their website. Am I missing something?

 

[Mulligan]

Thanks. I didn't see a summit stock on their website. Am I missing something?

Stocks & Chassis - Made To Order Pure Precision Stocks - The Battalion

thebattalion.com

I screwed up
It’s called the Altitude stock

CW

 

[WSMNUT]

Great looking build. These are fun to build. Even more fun to shoot. Easy to load for and hit with a ton of bricks. We can use 40 cal here in VA and I’ve been building quite a few of them with the Pure Precision (formerly Mesa) actions.
Enjoy the build @tom
N120 is also a great powder for the 45’s with 250-325 class bullets. You can use a little less powder and get the same speeds as 4198. It’s also more readily available at our LGS’s.

Great job on the build!