GunnyK
Member
I have been using sabots for many decades. First remember using them when they were available in loaded ammunition from Remington back in the 80s. I first started reloading with sabots about 20+ years ago but foolishly was loading the standard ammo such as 30-06 and 308. I found that there was 0% velocity increase between the two. (You can destroy your crony if you are not careful with this stuff. Placing a thick piece of polycarbonate in front of the crony is HIGHLY recommended.)
Just in the last 5 or 6 years I started loading smaller cartridges with the sabots and that is where these loads really excel. Because of the large base area and the plastic sabot the acceleration through the barrel is much faster than the overpowered OE chambered 22 such as the Swift and 22-250. The two rounds which I have had the best results with are the 7.62x39 and 7.62x45. Since I do not have one I cant say 100% but I imagine that the 30-30 would also be fantastic with these.
The main thing is, to use very fast powder. I actually prefer the discontinued IMR SR4759 but anything in that burn rate +- works well. This fals into the burn rate category of A-4100, Enforcer, Lilgun, N-110, 2400, H110, W296. These are the magnum pistol powders.
Now obviously you will not have "tack driving" accuracy with the sabots but with the low recoil slightly muffled sound and mega fast velocity with such small cartridges they are a blast to shoot. I love to use the Z-Max bullets for this because they are very inexpensive and if you use this to shoot varmint, they are devastating.
I have gotten velocities in the low to mid 4K with the 7.62x39 and 7.62x45 with a 22" barrel. These are rifles built onto M93 small ring Mausers using the Numrich 7.62x39 barrels. These barrels I also rechamber to the 7.62x45.
I do find this as a true dual purpose rifle. Especially the 7.62x45 with which I have taken many wild pigs and whitetail. One of my rifles in the 7.72x45 is out west in Montana being used for Mulies. Using the sabot loads is the perfect solution to all the low power 30cal cartridges. If you want to try something new and you have not tried the sabots, give them a try. You will get a blast out of it and it is not expensive to do. No special equipment needed. I use my standard reloding dies. Because of the sholder which is formed at the front of the sabot. I do not even have to change my seating depth on the seating die. These are also a blast in my Mini-30
The picture shows the two cartridges next to the 308Win for comparison.
Just in the last 5 or 6 years I started loading smaller cartridges with the sabots and that is where these loads really excel. Because of the large base area and the plastic sabot the acceleration through the barrel is much faster than the overpowered OE chambered 22 such as the Swift and 22-250. The two rounds which I have had the best results with are the 7.62x39 and 7.62x45. Since I do not have one I cant say 100% but I imagine that the 30-30 would also be fantastic with these.
The main thing is, to use very fast powder. I actually prefer the discontinued IMR SR4759 but anything in that burn rate +- works well. This fals into the burn rate category of A-4100, Enforcer, Lilgun, N-110, 2400, H110, W296. These are the magnum pistol powders.
Now obviously you will not have "tack driving" accuracy with the sabots but with the low recoil slightly muffled sound and mega fast velocity with such small cartridges they are a blast to shoot. I love to use the Z-Max bullets for this because they are very inexpensive and if you use this to shoot varmint, they are devastating.
I have gotten velocities in the low to mid 4K with the 7.62x39 and 7.62x45 with a 22" barrel. These are rifles built onto M93 small ring Mausers using the Numrich 7.62x39 barrels. These barrels I also rechamber to the 7.62x45.
I do find this as a true dual purpose rifle. Especially the 7.62x45 with which I have taken many wild pigs and whitetail. One of my rifles in the 7.72x45 is out west in Montana being used for Mulies. Using the sabot loads is the perfect solution to all the low power 30cal cartridges. If you want to try something new and you have not tried the sabots, give them a try. You will get a blast out of it and it is not expensive to do. No special equipment needed. I use my standard reloding dies. Because of the sholder which is formed at the front of the sabot. I do not even have to change my seating depth on the seating die. These are also a blast in my Mini-30
The picture shows the two cartridges next to the 308Win for comparison.