Muzzle Loader Question

I just bought a .50 Caliber Knight Disc Extreme. This is my first muzzle loader so I’m a rookie. The guy at the store I bought it from said to use 150 grains of 777 and a 250 grain Hot Shot bullet which is a sabot and I’d be able to shoot 1 inch groups at 100 yards. I took it out today and shot about a 5″ group at 50 yards. I tried 100 grains and the group tightened up quite a bit, probably about a 2″ group but I still won’t want to shoot at 100 since that would cause the group to open up a lot more. Does anybody have any suggestions on what to use?

I have a CVA, and I only use 100 grains; 150 causes poor grouping as well. I would just try it at 100 and you may be surprised. Also make sure that you are cleaning the same way each shot. My muzzleloader shoots significantly different between a clean barrel and after 1 or 2 shots.

I also dry-fire a cap through it after I clean it (just before I load it).

I’m sure everyone does it a little differently, but I really have to have a routine for my cheaper muzzleloader to shoot well.

Kevin check these videos out. Being a newbie to the smoke pole they might help you out.

http://www.cva.com/videos.html

Kevin I have not shot a CVA I have a TC Omega but I do not think that maters, any muzzleloader you shoot with 150 grains of powder is going to have more kick and harder to shoot tighter groups. I would stick with 100 grains of powder I think you will find your groups will be tighter and more consistant. Also you might want to try out Jim Shockey’s Gold Powder in the sticks, I also use to use 777 and made the switch this year to Jim Shockey’s Gold and it is much cleaner, less time cleaning more time shooting

On a tip from Corry Waller I also switched from 290 grn hollow point power belts to the power belt aero tip platinums 270 grn and have been shooting much tighter groups at 100 yards. Here is another post with some good info.

More Muzzleloader discussion

I have been in your shoes as well Kevin.Your gun has an excellant reputation…but every once in a while,some guns just require a “pet load”. Most dont thank god!

I might also mention that somedays,I just dont shoot well. Recoil,flinching,target panic,and a cross wind have more than once,just made me put the gun away and try again later,or ask a buddy to shoot it just to verify.Once you get your confidence on a load you know that works,you will really enjoy your muzzy and be amazed at the groups it can produce!I have a bench gun vise that you are welcome to borrow if you think any of these factors might be an issue for you. Good luck!