Sighting In Muzzeloader

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Jarred525

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I just bought a 50 Cal Encore. Scope is a Nikon Omega BDC Redicle. Thinking about using Blackhorn 209 powder and 250 grain Shockwaves. The information I have read recommends 150 gr of powder. Would that be correct with the Blackhorn 209 powder?

Also, is it true that when you sight this in at 100 yards, the "bubbles" for 150yds, 200 yds, etc.. are automatically sighted in and accurate?
 
Thanks Footer. Will do. I have to go out and buy all of my supplies. A buddy and I are planning on getting sighted in later this month and I will keep in touch.
 
Sure would have liked that decoy, he he. Heading to Kansas in November. Can't wait!

I saw Cabelas had their blackhorn on sale today. $29.99 I believe.
 
Sisko, would the "efficiency" of this bullet affect the BDC Redicle scope measurements? What I mean is, you sight in the scope at 100 yards and the yardage "bubbles" are supposed to be accurate from that sight in.
 
I'm researching info on the Encore .50 now. Lots of "experts" recommend 90-110 gr of powder. They claim the big charges (150 grs) affect accuracy. I have no idea about the accuracy of the article but I will pass it along.

http://www.eabco.com/MuzzleLoader02.htm

Loads - When poor muzzleloader accuracy is due to your load, it can most often be blamed on a magnum (150 grain) powder charge. A look at the names of the most match-accurate black powder rifle cartridges in history will give you a hint: 45-70, 45-90, 45-110, etc... The first number is 45 caliber, the second is the powder charge. They never went higher than 45-120... or 120 grains of black powder! For further confirmation, ask among experienced muzzleloader shooters and they will usually say your best accuracy comes from loads between 80-120 grains of black powder, Pyrodex�, Triple Seven, or other black powder substitutes.
Another accuracy consideration is the over blast and fouling from the 209X50 primers used by so many modern muzzle loaders. We recommend adapting to small rifle primers... Either with a 25 ACP Breech Plug or the new Variflame small rifle primer system- - Click Here for Info.
Magnum 150 grain powder charges are supposed to give you a harder hitting, flatter trajectory for long range shooting, right? Well first of all, long range shooting requires ACCURACY. If the magnum load isn't accurate, the flatter trajectory isn't going to help. Second, the magnum load only gives 100-250 fps more velocity so its not a dramatically flatter trajectory anyway. And finally, the US Cavalry was knocking over Volkswagen sized buffalo with 45-70... only 70 grains of powder. You don't need 150 grains to hit hard.
Here's the truth about shooting flatter trajectories: Smaller diameter, longer bullets have higher ballistic coefficients and shoot flatter trajectories. In 50 caliber muzzle loaders, this can be achieved by using sabots and 45 caliber bullets. For example, consider the Hornady 250 grain 45 caliber SST bullet. Seated in a 50 caliber sabot and loaded over 90 grains of Pyrodex RS powder, it shoots approximately 1623 fps. Zeroed for 150 yards, it is about 4 inches high at 100 yds and 10 inches low at 200 yds. The load itself is an absolute one-hole tack-driver out of a TC Encore, and shoots with manage-able recoil... A 200 yard muzzleloader without a magnum load. Velocity BC 50yds 100yds 150yds 200yds
1623 fps .210 +3.29" +4" 0.0" -9.87"
For deer, aim center chest out to 150yds, slight hold-over out to 200
Click to expand...
 
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are you sure its says 150 grains of ANY powder or just 150 grains of blackpowder or its equivalent?

about 120gr of 777 ffg is equivalent to 150gr black powder charge.

depending on the charge and bullet you may have to use different parts of those bubbles to get the correct compensation.
 
Jarred525, I am not sure about the BDC reticle. I currently don't have any BDC scopes. I just sighted my Encore in yesterday with the "Dead Center" from www.prbullet.com and set them 2.5" high at 100 yds with puts them 0 at 150 yds and -2.5" at 200 yds. I honestly would not shoot more than 200 yds with a muzzleloader. I am sure this did not totally answer your question.

I do know that the last to shoots I made were touching. Not bad for a muzzleloader.

I also converted to small rifle primers.
 
The best accuracy usually occurs with the powder charge is just consumed before leaving the barrel. In my guns, anything over 110 grains just increases muzzle blast and fouling, but doesn't improve velocity and hurts accuracy.

I shoot either 110 grains loose 777 or one 50 gr pellet and two 30 gr pellets. The loose powder actually performs slightly better, but I'm a lazy SOB and like the pellets for a faster reload with less chance of accidentally spilling part of the load.
 
Go too the Nikon web site there is alot of information on the scope there....Is says the scope has to be at the greatest mag to work with the drop circles..
 
Footer, you had a chance to shoot yet? I have been so busy with food plots have not had time yet. It may actually be a few weeks before I have a chance. Just wondering what your results were.
 

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