Dennis
Here is a post from another messageboard, describing a loose-fit Powerbelt bullet, in conjunction with Blackhorn, which in most-all cases, desires a tight-fitting bullet.
Re: Sabot vs Powerbelt
by specialpatrolgroup » Mon Jan 31, 2011 2:37 pm
So just an update, before last season I purchased some powerbelts and went out to the range to figure out a load. I loaded 90gr of blackhorn in my new Accura V2, and a green .50 cal 245gr powerbelt, put in my primer, bring the gun up, pull the hammer back, pull the trigger, and pffffft, a little smoke comes out. after I let it sit for a while before investigating, I tip the gun upside down and a bunch of unburnt powder falls out, no sign of my power belt anywhere, I spent a good amount of time looking for it on the ground, but it disapeared. So I clean all the unburnt powder out of the gun, then reload, the next time I pull the trigger the same thing happens, except this time in the barrel is the green plastic skirt, but no bullet, and a bunch of unburnt powder. I spend 15-20 minutes looking around the ground for the bullet, but its no where to be found, I have no clue where my bullets are going, but something isnt right so I pack up head to the store to pick up some saboted XTP's. I never was able to make it out last season but as soon as some of this snow goes away Ill be back out there.
I had the exact same issue when loading a very loose sabot/bullet (Buffao SSB). Now I demand of myself some grunt work while loading the bullets down my bore using Blackhorn. Also, when I seat the bullet, I make sure the tail is embedded in the powder.
That 's when I have the most success and best accuracy using Blackhorn.
Another option with your Powerbelts is to buy some yellow cornmeal and load 40+ grains between the powder and bullet. That will keep the ignition gas from escaping up the sides of the bore wall and robbing you of fps/horsepower..