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Im trying to sight in my fathers Knight LK-93, 50 cal. It has a 22" barrel and a 1:28 twist. I am using Barnes Spitfire MZ Expanders, 285 gr, with 2 Pyrodex Pellets. The scope is a brand new Nikon Inline 300.
Now, i have never shot long distance with a MZ before. I always have zeroed it at 100 and never had to shoot past that. But now, i have a BDC scope and 400 yard fields, so i am trying to go the distance.
The rifle consistently shoots 3 1/2" groups at 100 yards. Doesnt make me happy, but it is what it is. Next, following the BDC, i shot at 137 yrds, 162 yrds, and 204 yards. At 137 and 162, its right on. But at 204, it seems the bullet goes everywhere. 1st shot- center but 3" left. 2nd shot- center but 4" left. 3rd shot- center but 4" low.
I went back to the 100 and it was maybe an inch low. I took it home and gave it a good cleaning, checked the bases and mounts, etc.
I returned today and started at the 100. 3 shot group maybe an inch low. Adjusted and shot another 3 shot group. Fine. Moved back to 204 yrds and it was center, but 8" right. Moved up to 162 yrds- dead on. Made a slight adjustment to left and shot from 204 yrds again. 7" to right.
Everything goes haywire after 162 yrds. Using the same bullets, same powder and same scope on my Knight MK-85, it was dead on all the way to 252 yrds. No issues. My barrel is 24" however. Mine shoots 2" 3 shot groups from 100.
My thoughts are...the rifle doesnt like the bullet at long ranges, or its barrel length, or both. I wouldnt think barrel length would be an issue. Its not my form at longer distances. I just sighted in my Weatherby and a Savage at 300 and 400 yards. No problems. So its definately not me.
Any thoughts, suggestions, idea's, comments...would be appreciated. Changing the bullet/sabot combo is not an option this late in the game.
 
I might have mislead...the group overall is about 3 1/2" wide. I havent found any burrs or nicks. The bullet/sabot is tighter than anything i have used previously. The first time, it was shooting to the left. Today, to the right. Idk. I think its just the bullet/sabot combo. I called Barnes before i ordered them. Thats what they suggested. I might try a different sabot.
 
the spot on app has muzzle loader specs and not just high powered rifle, id try another bullet/powder combo , 1 thing I have learned as no gun likes every bullet and can get $ trying to figure it out
 
I'm sure you already know this but if the bullet speed slows after 160 yards and you have a little cross wind, it doesn't take much to move the bullet. I was a little puzzled a couple times shooting mine and didn't consider what effect a 10 to 13 mph crosswind could have. I was in a valley and couldn't feel the wind from where I was shooting, but the last 100 yards was in the crosswind.
 
I thought about that. But considering all the shots in my other MZ were perfect, even at further distance, i ruled that out. The more i think about it, im convinced that the gun just doesnt like the bullet/sabot combo. Im also, at some point, gonna start using loose powder, to experiment with different volumes. Ive never used loose powder. Always Pyrodex pellets with no issues.
 
Try Hornadys low drag sst bullet. I shoot the 300 grain with 110 grains of Blackhorn 209. Have only shot to 200 but am very pleased.
 
When measuring your barrel did you go from end to where breech plug seats or from end to end? Mine is 22" to breech plug but 28" to end would make a difference in your results maybe.
 
When measuring your barrel did you go from end to where breech plug seats or from end to end? Mine is 22" to breech plug but 28" to end would make a difference in your results maybe.
 
The manual states its a 22".
Btw, i took it back out before MZ started, and it shot well, all the way out to 204 yrds. Didnt try past that. Go figure.
 

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