Smokeless muzzleloader barrel?

[joko111]

I'm going to get rid of my tc encore muzzloader here in the classfields, in hopes to fund a smokeless barrel for my custom rifle, it uses a zermatt arms origin action. I am currently looking at the pva smokeless prefits, but see they offer only 1:16 45 cal barrels, what twist rates and barrel lengths are you guys running on a smokeless 45 cal? Looking for recommendations on who to have do the work as well

 

[Deputy819]

what twist rates and barrel lengths are you guys running on a smokeless 45 cal?

I'm running a 26" 1-18" twist Brux #17 contour on my SML. A 1-20" twist works fine for most SML applications, though.

 

[joko111]

I'm running a 26" 1-18" twist Brux #17 contour on my SML. A 1-20" twist works fine for most SML applications, though.
View attachment 595287

What's the reason for the pva 1:16 twist rate? Does that have any Benefit over the 1:20? Does it make sense to use that ?

 

[Deputy819]

Looking for recommendations on who to have do the work as well

I have Jeff Hankins do all my SML work, but he just happens to live an hour away from me.

 

[Deputy819]

What's the reason for the pva 1:16 twist rate? Does that have any Benefit over the 1:20? Does it make sense to use that ?

Beats me. I don't know anyone running a twist THAT fast in their SML rifles….and I compete 2 or 3 times a year in Hankins 'Kentucky Challenge' shoots. The majority are running 1-20" twist barrels and have ZERO problems shooting 300-325 grain bullets to 400 yards and beyond….VERY accurately I might add. Only reason I went with 1-18" is that was all Hankins had at the time of my build.

 

[joko111]

Weird, I'll see if I can work something out with him then

 

[rlp10ml]

All 3 of my Smokeless Muzzys are running 1-20 barrels. I shoot 275 gr. bullets from the Encore and Rem 700 and 300 gr. from the Arrowhead Obsidian.

 

[ENCORE]

I wish I was running a 1:16 in a 45. Currently running a 1:19.
If I were to build a 40cal, it would likely be 1:14.

 

[Deputy819]

I wish I was running a 1:16 in a 45.

Would that benefit you running those BIG, heavy 350's? (asking for a friend )

 

[ENCORE]

Would that benefit you running those BIG, heavy 350's? (asking for a friend )

Yes sir!

 

[Deputy819]

@joko111 Well, there ya go! If you wanna shoot those 350's then go for the 16 twist…..just don't forget the 'Serta' mattress to put between the rifle and your shoulder.

 

[ENCORE]

My CSTM brake handles all that recoil. Best to do it right the first time.

I'm getting to darn old to keep switching things around or following the "next best thing". Plus, the doc says I need the other knee replaced. Yeah, its getting to the point where I might want to start the shots.............

 

[Deputy819]

My CSTM brake handles all that recoil.

Mine (which is a "copy" of yours) does great as well. However, I scaled back to the 300's after punishing myself at the last Challenge with the 325's and 103.5 gr H4895. I didn't even shoot the gong match afterwards. I'd had ENOUGH!

 

[bfarms]

I have Jeff Hankins do all my SML work, but he just happens to live an hour away from me.

We must live pretty close. I just got done cutting 1/2 the cliff off down at Jeff's gun range for him to widen it out at the 450 yard targets lol. I live in Bracken co. His range is 1 mile from the house