5/20/23 Mongrel sabotless 45cal ML. Range results with several bullets

[Grouse]

I went to the range today to try out several bullets types in the new Mongrel sabot less Muzzleloader by SSK. I shot four different types of bullets and was amazed how well they all shot. My original prototype a couple years ago was a Douglas barrel. This new one is now a Green Mountain. I shouldn't really be surprised about the accuracy cause Knight rifles uses Green Mountain as well.

The first target was with the 260grn Brass bullets. Muzzle velocity 1980fps

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v315/grouse1/IMG_5859.HEIC?width=590&height=590&fit=bounds

The second bullet is with the 270grn Parker bullets.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v315/grouse1/IMG_5860.HEIC?width=590&height=590&fit=bounds

The third bullet is the 280grn PowerBelts.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v315/grouse1/IMG_5861.HEIC?width=590&height=590&fit=bounds

The fourth and final bullet is the bullet I've been using the last couple years the 240grn Copper bullet. Muzzle velocity 2050fps

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v315/grouse1/IMG_5862.HEIC?width=590&height=590&fit=bounds

Here is a couple pics of the targets together.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v315/grouse1/IMG_5857.HEIC?width=590&height=590&fit=bounds

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v315/grouse1/IMG_5858.HEIC?width=590&height=590&fit=bounds

Not really much to say about the accuracy. They all shot very well, and as usual the pointy bullets always seem to shoot more accurate then the Hollow points. At least in my experience over the years. I've still shot some amazing groups with hollow point, just not today. LOL

As far as ease of loading, they all loaded very well. The Powerbelts and the Parkers loaded really easy. And the Hollow point bullets were a little tighter but loaded really good. All four bullets did very well in all aspects.

Took some random pictures today ill share with you.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v315/grouse1/IMG_5849.HEIC?width=590&height=590&fit=bounds

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v315/grouse1/IMG_5848.HEIC?width=590&height=590&fit=bounds

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v315/grouse1/IMG_5846.HEIC?width=590&height=590&fit=bounds

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v315/grouse1/IMG_5851.HEIC?width=590&height=590&fit=bounds

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v315/grouse1/IMG_5850.HEIC?width=590&height=590&fit=bounds

As you can see above, a clean empty barrel and one with a bullet in it. So easy to tell if the gun is loaded or not. No weighing/measuring powder. It just makes for the safest and easiest Muzzleloader ive ever used. It really shows to, i grab it first every time i go hunting. Is this for everyone?? Hell no, but its fun and cheap to shoot!!

I will note this is not Legal in all states for Muzzleloading. Here are some states that i have an understanding that they are.
Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Alabama, Georgia, New York, Vermont, New Jersey, and Maryland. I use it during rifle season here in PA.

 

[edmehlig]

Nice to see you post here again Tom

 

[toytruck]

Should be legal in Virginia too! As long as the bullet is loaded down the muzzle.

 

[Mnt monkey]

That's a really cool rifle and something that a lot of people need to notice, so many of us get excited and interested in smokeless rifles and end up with a 14 lb rifle that shoots lights out but it's so heavy it just sits in the corner you're rifle it's practical and makes so much sense.!!

 

[62Corvette]

Fantasy !! SSK doesn't respond to inquiries regarding when they'll be available to purchase - their dealers / distributors have no idea either. How long can SSK / Lehigh string along the consumer ?

 

[62Corvette]

Fantasy !! SSK doesn't respond to inquiries regarding when they'll be available to purchase - their dealers / distributors have no idea either. How long can SSK / Lehigh string along the consumer ?

 

[62Corvette]

If you were to zoom "in" on the image illustrating the clean bore, you can clearly see the gas between the barrel & the picatinny rail. I would hope that "if" this product was made available to the consumer, the quality control issues such as this would be addressed. I'm expecting to have the post god delete my reply.

 

[Grouse]

Fantasy !! SSK doesn't respond to inquiries regarding when they'll be available to purchase - their dealers / distributors have no idea either. How long can SSK / Lehigh string along the consumer ?

I understand your frustrations!! There has been a lot of changes and frustrations along the way. I've been using and testing new ways for atleast three years. Right now im confident the gun is done!! I did recommend a change on the bullet starter and that's it.

 

[Grouse]

Nice to see you post here again Tom

Thanks!!

 

[Grouse]

That's a really cool rifle and something that a lot of people need to notice, so many of us get excited and interested in smokeless rifles and end up with a 14 lb rifle that shoots lights out but it's so heavy it just sits in the corner you're rifle it's practical and makes so much sense.!!

Fantasy !! SSK doesn't respond to inquiries regarding when they'll be available to purchase - their dealers / distributors have no idea either. How long can SSK / Lehigh string along the consumer ?

Lehigh Defense was sold. Dave Fricke owns SSK now. That's were the Mongrel is being designed out of now. I'm pretty confident it will be sold in the next couple months.

 

[Grouse]

If you were to zoom "in" on the image illustrating the clean bore, you can clearly see the gas between the barrel & the picatinny rail. I would hope that "if" this product was made available to the consumer, the quality control issues such as this would be addressed. I'm expecting to have the post god delete my reply.

Please explain!!

 

[sabotloader]

If you were to zoom "in" on the image illustrating the clean bore, you can clearly see the gas between the barrel & the picatinny rail.

Tom, I think the word 'gas' should be gap. The pic shows a small gap between the bottom of the rail and the receiver at the outer edges. The rail and the receiver have slightly different curvatures which could?? be a problem in scope stability.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v315/grouse1/IMG_5850.HEIC?width=590&height=590&fit=bounds

 

[Grouse]

If you were to zoom "in" on the image illustrating the clean bore, you can clearly see the gas between the barrel & the picatinny rail.

Tom, I think the word 'gas' should be gap. The pic shows a small gap between the bottom of the rail and the receiver at the outer edges. The rail and the receiver have slightly different curvatures which could?? be a problem in scope stability.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v315/grouse1/IMG_5850.HEIC?width=590&height=590&fit=bounds

That makes sense. It could be the difference in the Douglas barrels i have versus Green Mountain?? Thanks

 

[62Corvette]

If you were to zoom "in" on the image illustrating the clean bore, you can clearly see the gas between the barrel & the picatinny rail. I would hope that "if" this product was made available to the consumer, the quality control issues such as this would be addressed. I'm expecting to have the post god delete my reply.

Please explain!!

Yes, spell check changed "gas" to gap & I missed that on my proofread before posting. It's true that the SSK / Lehigh situation has been frustrating to me - particularly meaningful customer service communications. My frustrations are not just about the Mongrel, but the SSK-50 & spare parts too - better information out of SSK to their consumer base is seriously lacking. None of the communication shortcomings is insurmountable. If SSK wanted to improve the situation, they could change the company culture tomorrow by adopting a JD Jones era type of relationship with their consumers. I wish SSK the best. SSK has filled a vital niche within the hunting & shooting community.

 

[Grouse]

Yes, spell check changed "gas" to gap & I missed that on my proofread before posting. It's true that the SSK / Lehigh situation has been frustrating to me - particularly meaningful customer service communications. My frustrations are not just about the Mongrel, but the SSK-50 & spare parts too - better information out of SSK to their consumer base is seriously lacking. None of the communication shortcomings is insurmountable. If SSK wanted to improve the situation, they could change the company culture tomorrow by adopting a JD Jones era type of relationship with their consumers. I wish SSK the best. SSK has filled a vital niche within the hunting & shooting community.

Gordy Edwards seems to be doing alot with SSK since Lehigh Defense sold. I would try calling him for any questions or concerns you have.

 

[brownisdown]

That is who I was going to sat to get in contact with.I have spoken to Gordy on several occasions and he always solved the problem.He is the plant manager.

 

[Grouse]

Both PowerBelts loaded and shot very well out of the Mongrel.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/ima...F6826FA49.MOV?width=590&height=590&fit=bounds

 

[HV-Muzzleloaders]

Both PowerBelts loaded and shot very well out of the Mongrel.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/ima...F6826FA49.MOV?width=590&height=590&fit=bounds

What powder and how much of it did you use?

 

[Patrick McChristy]

Yes I love a light weight handi rig! this is it. I shot 2 turkeys with my H&R 12 gauge barrel on a handi rifle reciever & wow its a kicker - packs all day light & packs a punch with the trigger pull lol

 

[Grouse]

SSK has there own Black Powder substitute. I will see if i can get that information.