Question about twist in muzzleloader.

reddheadnla1974 · December 3, 2008, 08:32 PM

I am wondering what is better for long range shooting? Is a 1:20 twist better or a 1:48 for long range and what kind of sabot andconical do you reccomend for say a CVA buckskinner with a 1:20 twist.

arcticap · December 7, 2008, 03:32 AM

A 1 in 20" twist is better for shooting conicals at long range, while a slow 1 in 59" to 1 on 70" is better for shooting round balls at long range.
The medium twist is a compromise but can still shoot shorter conicals and round balls fairly well depending on the barrel length and characteristics of the individual gun's rifling, etc...
You didn't mention the caliber of your gun, but the most popular saboted bullets in 50 caliber weigh around 240 - 250 grains and most any of them should provide a good starting point.
If it's a .45 then 180 - 200 grain bullets provide a starting point.
Shooting conical bullets presents a range of variables that requires more range testing to see what it likes the best.
Hornady has the new 350 grain .50 FTB bullet that is reported to have good accuracy in many types of guns, but it's not available in .45. They can found at Walmart.

http://www.hornady.com/story.php?s=770

Hawg · December 7, 2008, 05:15 AM

A 1:48 twist will shoot both round balls and conicals accurately but it's not the best for either one. Conicals like a faster twist and round balls like a slower twist. Round balls will be more accurate at 100 yds. or less. So if you're going long range go with a fast twist and conicals. Can't help you with sabots, never touch them.

December 3, 2008, 08:32 PM	#1
reddheadnla1974 Member Join Date: August 18, 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 71	Question about twist in muzzleloader. I am wondering what is better for long range shooting? Is a 1:20 twist better or a 1:48 for long range and what kind of sabot andconical do you reccomend for say a CVA buckskinner with a 1:20 twist.

December 7, 2008, 03:32 AM	#2
arcticap Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2005 Location: Central Connecticut Posts: 3,166	A 1 in 20" twist is better for shooting conicals at long range, while a slow 1 in 59" to 1 on 70" is better for shooting round balls at long range. The medium twist is a compromise but can still shoot shorter conicals and round balls fairly well depending on the barrel length and characteristics of the individual gun's rifling, etc... You didn't mention the caliber of your gun, but the most popular saboted bullets in 50 caliber weigh around 240 - 250 grains and most any of them should provide a good starting point. If it's a .45 then 180 - 200 grain bullets provide a starting point. Shooting conical bullets presents a range of variables that requires more range testing to see what it likes the best. Hornady has the new 350 grain .50 FTB bullet that is reported to have good accuracy in many types of guns, but it's not available in .45. They can found at Walmart. http://www.hornady.com/story.php?s=770

December 7, 2008, 05:15 AM	#3
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	A 1:48 twist will shoot both round balls and conicals accurately but it's not the best for either one. Conicals like a faster twist and round balls like a slower twist. Round balls will be more accurate at 100 yds. or less. So if you're going long range go with a fast twist and conicals. Can't help you with sabots, never touch them.