The Comfort Zone

[ET1]

What I’m referring to is the peak pressure, velocity and recoil felt in a given load for an SML. These are the three main governing factors what I consider when choosing a load.

To start with is peak pressure, I prefer a pressure range of 30-35K but if a little more is needed at least under 40K. For the 10ML-II a pressure of 35K was found with 43gr of the older 4759 with a 250gr bullet. Some would consider this almost anemic considering the bore pressure the 10ML-II can handle. Now consider this, would you constantly drive a vehicle engine at very high or max allowed RPM or mid RPM for normal usage?

As for velocity that generates some interesting thoughts and bullet factors to consider. First off, I’m a hunter that has a personal set limited range to 200yds. Then there’s the consideration of the bullet I’m using and what shrapnel qualities it might possess. All copper bullets are not as easily affected by velocity so they can handle a higher velocity without the shrapnel affect. I’m not going to suggest velocities here as personal experience will be a shooters best teacher.

As I get older, I seem to become more recoil sensitive and that affects my shooting abilities. I pride myself with one shot, one kill record over the years. On a bench one can handle recoil better than field shooting conditions. Recoil is least felt say with a padded jacket in cooler weather but in the summer time with lighter clothes is a different story. Then if it hurts there’s always the concern of developing a flinch. In order to shoot more comfortably in warmer weather, I’m going to try a PAST Shoulder Pad.
https://www.bing.com/search?q=past+s...ANNTA1&PC=LCTS
Currently I’m experimenting with bullets ranging from 200gr to 250gr but eventually I will have to go above 250gr. Hopefully the PAST Pad will be helpful with recoil.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a good 2022year with some interesting events to share with their muzzle loading experience.

[Big Jack]

Interesting read. I find recoil less noticeable I the field.

Accuracy is the driver for me. The way I see it, buck fever and adrenaline accounts for a significant amount of error in POI. An accurate firearm will at least eliminate what can be eliminated!

With that said I like loads around 2500 FPS as they have a decent trajectory and the accuracy is excellent.

Copper bullets for me when hunting deer.

[Marker]

On my traditional 50 and 58 ML I increase the load until the bullets start spraying then back it down a few grains, I don't shoot the modern inline ML so I have no knowledge in that area. The recoil is significantly less then a 30-06.

[ET1]

Big Jack

I like your mind set as it mirrors mine. For me also 2500FPS say with a 250gr copper bullet is plenty enough for me. For a jacketed 250gr bullet 2300FPS is enough because of its inherent property to shrapnel.
For me also accuracy takes center stage. I know that accuracy in the field and on a bench is not the same so a good start is on the bench. The last thing I want to do is chase a crippled deer as I have helped others do. My choice shot is the boiler room that also allows some room for accuracy error.

The real demanding part of bench shooting is working a load until you find the sweet spot and then determining if the load meets your expectation. The standard of expectation is up to the shooter to determine.

[ET1]

Marker


I enjoy hearing when another ML shooter takes the time to work with his equipment. I don’t know all the ins and outs of ML and different firearms but I do know my 10ML-II.

[Big Jack]

Big Jack

I like your mind set as it mirrors mine. For me also 2500FPS say with a 250gr copper bullet is plenty enough for me. For a jacketed 250gr bullet 2300FPS is enough because of its inherent property to shrapnel.
For me also accuracy takes center stage. I know that accuracy in the field and on a bench is not the same so a good start is on the bench. The last thing I want to do is chase a crippled deer as I have helped others do. My choice shot is the boiler room that also allows some room for accuracy error.

The real demanding part of bench shooting is working a load until you find the sweet spot and then determining if the load meets your expectation. The standard of expectation is up to the shooter to determine.

Have you considered felt recoil changes dramatically, in a good way, when you move to slower burning powders?

At the same time velocity increases.

You do need about a 300 grain pill though….

[ET1]

Big Jack

Yes, moving to a slower powder does increase velocity for a given load.
The one thing I have noticed is the recoil impact is not quite as sharp with a slower powder but still delivers a punch.
To be honest I’ve only shot a few 300gr bullets and didn’t enjoy shooting them. My main diet has been 250gr bullets. So far, they have nicely harvested deer for me. Also, I’ve got the 250gr bullet to shoot very accurate in my 10ML-II.