Sabot Reloading - 30 cal to 22

dfletcher

February 11, 2013 15:57

I just picked up a Thompson Center single shot TCR 83 rifle and want to fiddle around with it as a "do anything" rifle. I'd like to give reloading sabots a try - going from 20 caliber down to 22 caliber. Has anyone reloaded sabots, how did it work out? I picked up the nylon sabots from EA Brown, I have plenty of brass and bullets to fiddle with.

I hear accuracy is not very good, I'd probably be shooting about 100 yds. Any tips or experience appreciated.

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  midnightrunpaintballer

  February 11, 2013 16:56

  I have some factory loaded sabots. 22 in a 30-06 case. accuracy is horrendous. forget about 100yds. they won't consistently hit the paper, let alone group.
  
  this is out of a rifle that shoots 3/4" 5 shot groups at 100 yds on average.

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  Mobuck

  February 12, 2013 01:28

  Not worth the effort or components. I tried the 22/30 sabots and found them lacking accuracy. Using a rifle known to be accurate it took a dozen or more shots to reach a fouled condition which allowed somewhat under 2" groups. If the bore was cleaned, you had to start over.
  My suggestion is find some Speer 1/2 jacket 110 grain bullets and load using Trail Boss or an alternative low velocity powder.

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  Topkick

  February 12, 2013 05:52

  My suggestion is find some Speer 1/2 jacket 110 grain bullets and load using Trail Boss or an alternative low velocity powder.
  
  Agreed!
  
  I have run these plinker rounds through a 30/30 and 30/06 with good success and using Trail Boss and Unique. The kids love shooting the "big gun"!

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  dfletcher

  February 12, 2013 10:13

  Thanks for the info. I have Trail Boss and 1/2 jacket for my 30 Carbine work. IIRC using Trail Boss we fill the case about 70% and that works, regardless of the case - correct? I have some 338 LM Trail Boss loads for an FN Mini Hecate in "shhhhh mode" so the result is aabout 1,200 fps.

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  jonk

  February 12, 2013 18:24

  I tried them once too, had some given to me for free. I didn't see the need to buy more; that said, they did work. If you already have them, give it a whirl, but like shooting tracers or AP, think of it as a 'novelty.'
  
  For reduced loads, look either at the lightweight jobs, or cast lead as a good option. A 175 gr gas checked cast lead bullet driven to 2000 fps or less seated just off the lands will group 5" in my worst rifle, and about 1.5" in my best- certainly fine for plinking- at 100 yards.

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