Should I remove the breech after each shot to perform the damp/dry cleaning?
Also who makes the SST and does it seal and go in as well as the Power Belt? The Power Belt 348 grain was reccomended by a friend for performance and accuracy. I just thought a lighter load would be more accurate and less punishing.
Also what type of solvent do you reccomend for the heavy cleaning to remove the plastic?
Breechplug - no, but some folks do loosen the plug ever so slightly after firing a few shots then snug it again. The idea is to break loose the crud that has formed and prevent seizure. With the ONE grease, I've found that not to be necessary but it is a good idea to break loose the plug at the end of extended shooting and before the barrel cools. Stuck plugs are no fun. Some also think the extractor helps reduce blowback by keeping the 209 properly aligned. My experience has not verified that and the convenience of being able to simply remove the breechplug is worthwhile. With the extractor removed, you can then remove the breechplug during a shoot or afterwards with no further disassembly of the rifle required. You'll find a standard 7/16 socket on an extension works well for a plug tool.
T/C makes an accessory extractor that pivots to the side allowing the same easy access - but it's a waste of money, IMHO.
If your breechplug is stubborn when using a grease only, try a single layer wrap of yellow or pink teflon tape over the threads. A touch of grease over the forward end of that tape with then suffice. Try it without it first though.
The SSTs are made by Hornady. I believe TC also markets the same bullet with their own label and price increase.
Depending upon the expected ranges of your shots (and unless you are in the beanfields, my guess is shorter ranges) the 348 grain PowerBelt might be a great choice if it performs well for you. You will never achieve .243 trajectories so don't even think in those terms. Reduced charges will increase comfort and still give you all you need (if you are practiced at the ranges you will encounter). Don't rely on trajectory tables, shoot your rilfe and see what it does in the real world.
As far as loading ease, no... saboted bullets tend to be a bit harder to seat than Powerbelts. I recommend you invest in a quality range rod and save the use of that rod on the gun for hunting reloads only. Even then a palm saving short starter would be a big plus.
80 grains of a good powder behind a heavy and well-made conical will kill anything that walks this continent - so long as the shot is true. (but I would want backup for grizzlies :shock:
). Your best results will probably be with the 200-300 grain range of bullet weights while using sabots of appropriate size. Sorry for my conical bias.
Del hates me.
I am more into conicals so some of these other guys might be better able to answer the solvent question....but I like Butch's Black Powder Bore Shine.
