Muzzle loader not grouping?

[hoythunter02]

I've got a CVA Optima Pro with a Nikon BDC 3x9x40 that I shot today to make sure its zeroed at 100 yds. I started with the barrel clean. First shot was high and right. I adjusted my dope, shot again and dead center bullseye. Loaded one more time for a total of 3 shots and it hit low and left this time..pretty much hit to the exact opposite of my very first shot. I left it at that due to time constraint. Do I need to foul the barrel before firing or clean after ever shot? I've shot one doe with this and hit right where i held it....I missed a doe last year with it as well and couldn't believe it because she was at 70 yds. Any tip or related problem with any muzzle loader shooters? Thanks in advance.

[32drawlength]

My TC Hawken is finicky....it requires a dry patch run down the tube following each shot.
You may try that first.

[ted_kennedys_liver]

Some Muzzies are really finicky. Most require a ritual of cleaning, then running dry patch through to get any excess oil out of barrel then popping a primer to foul barrel. Very important to document everything so u are consitent as possible. My TC triumph was extremely picky on way barrel was cleaned and fouled - and then having to find right sabbot and bullet combo - then the proper powder charge. I still do not have it dialed in but am getting close every season I use BH 209 powder so I don't have to clean barrel after every shot. Hang in there. It can get really frustrating but once you get in the 3" group at 100yds it takes some of the stress off. If you want to PM me I can direct you to some other info

[Electrican]

What powder are you using?? pellets or powder? Like others have said, you have to find out what works best with the gun. Mine groups well @ 100yds with a dry patch down barrell after every shot. And I use powder and have adjusted the load to the best pattern...One of the best advantages of using powder.

[Buckcommander08]

Also check that the scope mounts are still tight, I shot mine yesterday and the same exact thing was happening. I was about to clean and foul and for some reason I thought to check the mounts and the screws had backed out so I put the lock tite to it and poof problem solved and I'm zeroed again! Just a thought! Hope it helps you

[hoythunter02]

Thanks....so i need to just try pushing a dry patch with nothing on it, down the barrel after every shot. I will try that. I'm shooting hodgdon triple seven magnum pellets, triple seven 209 primers and Shockwave super glide 250 gr sabots. My first 3 shots ever of this rifle were touching at 100 yds and then I cleaned it and it seems different each shot. Anything else I can try. I want it dialed in for sure and don't mind being patient while I figure out the load it prefers. Thanks

[hoythunter02]

Checked scope mounts and they are solid bub. Thanks. So do i need to clean after each shot and do the dry patch....or shoot 2-3 rounds and run the dry patch through after each one of these 2-3 shots?

[ted_kennedys_liver]

It sounds like u have residual oil left in barrel after you cleaned. By the way - be very careful about solvent u use to clean. Hoppes is one of the worst. It leaves a heavy residue (I think it is kerosene based). I use barnes cx10??. Be advised that with pellets you have to use a specific cleaner (not like cleaning with powder). I belive u have to use a water based cleaner??? Do some research if in doubt. Scrub the heck out of the barrel to get it clean of whatever residue is left in there. If its not the scope - its the residue in barrel (assuming you dint chnage anything else).

When I went through this you could feel the sabbot sliding then grabbing as it went down (or it went down way to easy at first).

I also use montana bore conditioner during any storage no petroleum based solvents, conditioners etc.

I also fell victim to loose scope mounts as well - thanks to cabelas

After I clean barrel. I run a dry patch(s) though to catch any remaining solvent. I then run an alcohol soaked patch to dry it out. I then pop a primer in barrel, then run a dry patch to smooth out fouled barrel. I know it sounds like a lot but that is what mine likes and with bh209 you only have to go though this after 8th or 9th shot.

[bryan sandlin]

this may be far out in thinking but replace the scope. take a few shots and see if thats it. i had one fail inside. walked all over the target like lewis and clark.

[hoythunter02]

This is the solvent I'm using now.

[1elkaholic2]

Another tip is to store the gun muzzle down. That way any excess oil drains out and doesn't gunk up the breech.

[Huntindad]

mine shoots better with 300 grain bullets. They can be finicky