Muzzleloader Bullet Diameter Help

[Bubba94]

I’m hoping someone can help me with this. I am new to muzzleloaders and just picked up a .50 cal Knight Ultralite that is Idaho legal. I have been shooting 400+ grain PowerBelts with 80-90 grains of Triple 7 powder and the grouping is terrible. I have been looking into other bullet options and noticed that they come in diameters of .500-.504. After scouring online forums for info, the general consensus was that Knight rifles are generally .500-.501 in their tolerance. I’m looking for some advice from a knowledgeable Rokslider as to which bullet diameter to choose based on this information, or if they have any other advice. Thanks for reading!


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[Mighty Mouse]

If the bullet maker(s) you're considering offer one, I would order a sample/sizing kit and try each diameter in your rifle to find the best fit.

 

[Bubba94]

If the bullet maker(s) you're considering offer one, I would order a sample/sizing kit and try each diameter in your rifle to find the best fit.

That is a good idea, thank you.


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[dieselchessy]

If your looking at the “no excuses” conicals they sell sample kits for size testing.

My knight likes the .503’s as I recall.

 

[Bubba94]

If your looking at the “no excuses” conicals they sell sample kits for size testing.

My knight likes the .503’s as I recall.

Oh, sweet! Thank you.


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[journeyman713]

Your 1:20 twist may be a bit fast your that combination.
Try a lighter bullet, 245 grain PowerBelts, with 100 grains Triple7.

 

[100 others]

You can pick up the Thor bullets sizing set. Even if you don't use that brand, its a solid reference point for your barrel.

 

[Elknutty]

I’m hoping someone can help me with this. I am new to muzzleloaders and just picked up a .50 cal Knight Ultralite that is Idaho legal. I have been shooting 400+ grain PowerBelts with 80-90 grains of Triple 7 powder and the grouping is terrible. I have been looking into other bullet options and noticed that they come in diameters of .500-.504. After scouring online forums for info, the general consensus was that Knight rifles are generally .500-.501 in their tolerance. I’m looking for some advice from a knowledgeable Rokslider as to which bullet diameter to choose based on this information, or if they have any other advice. Thanks for reading!


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My knight likes 80grains of 777 with the 460gr No Excuses .503 Dia.
I get about a 3” group at 100 yards with open sights.

 

[Saintsfan1977]

250gr Barnes spit fire. Try that.

 

[Wrench]

My knight shoots the .503 no excuses 495gr bullets sub moa with 80grs 777 3f.

Adding quality sights was a hige improvement in my accuracy.

 

[Legend]

I’m hoping someone can help me with this. I am new to muzzleloaders and just picked up a .50 cal Knight Ultralite that is Idaho legal. I have been shooting 400+ grain PowerBelts with 80-90 grains of Triple 7 powder and the grouping is terrible. I have been looking into other bullet options and noticed that they come in diameters of .500-.504. After scouring online forums for info, the general consensus was that Knight rifles are generally .500-.501 in their tolerance. I’m looking for some advice from a knowledgeable Rokslider as to which bullet diameter to choose based on this information, or if they have any other advice. Thanks for reading!


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The sizing set that some companies sell is a good idea. However when you use it to select the best fit there is really no advice on what it should feel like. I spoke with one company at length and in the end you had to already be a very experienced muzzloader to sense the feel.

So I bought 3 packs of sizing bullets. Then I took a moderate load of 777 and shot 3 shot groups of all the sizes. I would say this approach worked OK. It gave me an idea of what shot better but it wasn't the answer.

After sizing kit experiment I decided to rule out the small and large diameter bullets. I did not want the bullet to come off the powder if I had a loaded round when walking...so no more small bullets. And conversly I didn't want a bullet that was hard to seat when hunting...so no more large bullets. Now I was down to .502 and .503.

Next I ordered .502 and .503 in 2 different weights (yep that is adding a variable and going backwards). Now it was simply a matter of time on the bench. This is straight up load development. I had functionally 4 bulletts and 2 powders (777 2F and 777 3F). After many trips to the range and a stupid number of hours tying different volumes of powder and bullett combinations...my go to round is 80grains by volume 777 2F, a lubed .54cal wad, and a .503 No Excuses 460grain bullet.

So after all of this what can it do....3 shot group in 3 inches at 200yds...open sight(Lee Shaver) Pedersoli 1:24 twist.

 

[Bubba94]

My knight likes 80grains of 777 with the 460gr No Excuses .503 Dia.
I get about a 3” group at 100 yards with open sights.

Thank you!


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[Bubba94]

The sizing set that some companies sell is a good idea. However when you use it to select the best fit there is really no advice on what it should feel like. I spoke with one company at length and in the end you had to already be a very experienced muzzloader to sense the feel.

So I bought 3 packs of sizing bullets. Then I took a moderate load of 777 and shot 3 shot groups of all the sizes. I would say this approach worked OK. It gave me an idea of what shot better but it wasn't the answer.

After sizing kit experiment I decided to rule out the small and large diameter bullets. I did not want the bullet to come off the powder if I had a loaded round when walking...so no more small bullets. And conversly I didn't want a bullet that was hard to seat when hunting...so no more large bullets. Now I was down to .502 and .503.

Next I ordered .502 and .503 in 2 different weights (yep that is adding a variable and going backwards). Now it was simply a matter of time on the bench. This is straight up load development. I had functionally 4 bulletts and 2 powders (777 2F and 777 3F). After many trips to the range and a stupid number of hours tying different volumes of powder and bullett combinations...my go to round is 80grains by volume 777 2F, a lubed .54cal wad, and a .503 No Excuses 460grain bullet.

So after all of this what can it do....3 shot group in 3 inches at 200yds...open sight(Lee Shaver) Pedersoli 1:24 twist.

Thank you so much! That is great information.


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