Realistic expectations

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Mar 26, 2023
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I’m new to muzzleloaders with loose powder and iron sights. What is a realistic grouping expectation at 100 yards and beyond? My set up is a Thompson center triumph, 90 grains of triple 7 2F, 290 grain hornady bore driver, and Williams iron sights. Not getting great groups at 100 but wasn’t really sure what to expect. Any input is appreciated
 
I’m new to muzzleloaders with loose powder and iron sights. What is a realistic grouping expectation at 100 yards and beyond? My set up is a Thompson center triumph, 90 grains of triple 7 2F, 290 grain hornady bore driver, and Williams iron sights. Not getting great groups at 100 but wasn’t really sure what to expect. Any input is appreciated

What groups are you getting?

I consider 4 MOA good with an “old-fashioned” muzzleloader. My name is not Nathaniel Bumppo, so for me, there is no shooting past 100 yards with an old-fashioned muzzleloader.

Edit - with an inline, 2 MOA is good. My max range is 150 yards with my inline.


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“Keep on keepin’ on…”
 
Most off the shelf inline rifles with tailored loads should shoot 1.5” groups at 100 (or a little better) with a scope. This is based on my experience shooting over 40 currently in my safe(s). With open sights it’s really dependent on your sights and your eyes. I’d expect 3” or better groups with most open sight set ups.
 
What groups are you getting?

I consider 4 MOA good with an “old-fashioned” muzzleloader. My name is not Nathaniel Bumppo, so for me, there is no shooting past 100 yards with an old-fashioned muzzleloader.

Edit - with an inline, 2 MOA is good. My max range is 150 yards with my inline.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”
6” roughly. I’m on the circle but all around it.
 
Always best to do load dev with a scope so you know what you’re actually dealing with - cut out the iron sight variable.
 
Have you tried other powder charges besides the 90? I would also try 85, 95,100 and see if a different node produces better accuracy?
 
I haven’t yet. But was going to try this weekend. Was thinking a few at 80 and a few at 85. Don’t particularly want to go any lower than that. Will also try a different bullet to see if that does anything for me
 
Don't forget, a lot of the guys getting tight groups are pretty experienced and know their guns, loads, etc. How often you "swab" between shots (every shot? skip a shot?), the powder you use, how accurately you measure it out, how consistent you are with the depth and pressure you tamp in the bullet... there are a lot of variables. Little things like leaving your powder exposed to humidity longer than you should, or shooting old powder that's absorbed some over time... There's a lot to it.

I would say for a beginner, starting at 6" at 100yds is actually a decent start. I only got into this myself a few years ago and I'm down to 3" or so. I try to shoot at least 10 rounds a week, which doesn't sound like a lot but IMO, I think it's better to be very consistent about practicing over time rather than trying to sort it all out in a big day at the range. I know that's a common piece of advice for any firearm, but IMO muzzleloader benefits from more research than almost anything else. I'd shoot for a few days, then literally come here and comb through threads from folks talking about loads, swabbing, etc, then pick an adjustment to make in what I was doing and try that for a few more days.
 
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