Muzzleloading Question

[lukeyn]

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l173/lukeyn/IMAG0035.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l173/lukeyn/IMAG0034.jpg

Do you think this ram rod extending will cause any defects in accuracy?

Also I just bought the Ultimate Slam scope by leupold and was using 130grain equivalent in pellets of triple seven with the hornady sst 250 grn sabot. The drop is equal to the 2 pellet setting on the scope. Is this because my barrel is too short to burn all of the powder (26inch) to get the full velocity? I used 130 grains of 777 because I have been told by a gentlemen who has this rifle and who has done extensive load research that it is more accurate than 150grain.

[Luckus]

I cut 90% of the freebore off my Encore 50 cal, and the rod sticks past the barrel an inch or so. It's very accurate, so I don't think it affects accuracy. I use 130gr 777, 250gr Hornady .452FTX and mmp sabot., 2033 fps.

[lukeyn]

are you using the 130grains of pellets as well?

[Luckus]

No, loose powder.

[handirifle]

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l173/lukeyn/IMAG0035.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l173/lukeyn/IMAG0034.jpg

Do you think this ram rod extending will cause any defects in accuracy?

Also I just bought the Ultimate Slam scope by leupold and was using 130grain equivalent in pellets of triple seven with the hornady sst 250 grn sabot. The drop is equal to the 2 pellet setting on the scope. Is this because my barrel is too short to burn all of the powder (26inch) to get the full velocity? I used 130 grains of 777 because I have been told by a gentlemen who has this rifle and who has done extensive load research that it is more accurate than 150grain.


OK, enlighten me on something here. If all the powder is not burning, because the barrel is too short, why load it with 130gr at all? Why not use 120 or 110, to get 100% burn, and most likely no loss in accuracy or velocity?

Also, I would think that with a faster burning powder, you might actually burn all 130gr, or possibly even more, for even greater velocity, and maybe a change in accuracy.