38 Cal ML Casted 311 Gr Bullet

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  • Last Post 02 July 2015
Stoney Burch posted this 27 June 2015

I am trying to find my best target possible at 100 yds. Let me start with a description of what I have and what I have been able to determine so far, 'cause I'm. basically at a loss for next steps. Looking for some help to get to my goal and not sure of the way. The rifle: Custom made from a kit, English Style Walnut half stock, single set trigger, Shaver sights, globe front, soule back, barrel is GM #3 Winchester tapered 1inch octagon, 1 in 14 twist x .368” bore x .0035 groove depth (published) not slugged. I should have but didn't.!! Bullet A PJ mold using 20 to 1 lead casts out at .3675” to .3678” (slightly Oval) X 1.173” O.A.L. Wt: 311gr with SPG lube = 312Gr. Lead mix was kept a steady 750 to 800 deg. F through out manual cast (old Pot and Dipper Method over old single propane burner. Load used was 50Gr of Swiss FF pre-weighed (for one less consistency issue) over a pre-lubed Circle Fly .360"x .500” wad. Pre-lube was a drop of Mobil 1 oil. Friday at 100 Range: Shot 10 rounds: (first 5 used a .060 veggie wad) First was 10 inches below centre. Next 4 shots strung upwards just 1/2 inch to 1 inch off vertical from 5 ring to 9 ring, Shot #6 changed to the 1/2inch pre lubed wad. Puzzle by the stringing of the first six. Checked rifle, suspected barrel movement. Barrel wedge was reversed to lock from left to right in slot. Shots 7,8,9,10 Were 8 ring, 9 ring and 10 ring all right on the vertical for wind but still some stringing. And that could be me and my 70 yr old eyes. Questions:at 1. Is the bullet okay for size or Do I need a larger I.D. 2. With 50 gr. charge will the bullet upset enough for a seal. 3. Am I on the right path to get Less than 1 MOA at 100yds. Love to hear some thoughts and suggestions. Have to learn how to post pics so  I can cut down the typing.

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JeffinNZ posted this 27 June 2015

Stringing is generally a factor of poor ignition. What condition is your nipple in? They burn out pretty quick with the higher pressures generated in conical guns.

Slug the bore also. I'd be happier being a thou over bore or at the very least right on bore diameter.

Cheers from New Zealand

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onondaga posted this 28 June 2015

http://castbulletassoc.org/view_user.php?id=9050>Stoney Burch

Shooting at 100 yards is adding a lot of problems until you get your load and bullet worked out.

It sounds like your confidence is low shooting 100 yards regardless of your load. I suggest you shoot at 50  or even 25 yards till you get your load worked out and you are shooting 1 inch groups at the closer range. It is so much easier to see the target and sights well at 25 yards and that will boost your confidence too..

I rarely shoot at 100 yards with open sights ( I am 65 years old ) but do well at 50 yards. My personal standard is to get all of my cast bullet shooting rifles shooting 5 shot 1 inch groups consistently at 50 yards.

Your setup sounds good and it is likely that your new rifle needs some break-in shooting before it will start really shooting well.

Gary

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delmarskid1 posted this 29 June 2015

If that was my shooting I would think that I needed to practice. Muzzle loaders are different. That long lock time makes my groups do funny things until I settle down. I like the way you are going. Once you get about forty rounds through her I bet things will tighten up. Jeff is right about the nipples. The long range muzzle loaders will change nipples during a match.

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Ed Harris posted this 29 June 2015

With black powder 20:1 lead/tin is unnecessarily hard.

40:1 should be fully adequate, and 75:1 is known to work well in full black powder charges in calibers such as the .44-40.

With soft bullets, upset to fill the grooves is assured. You did not indicate how long your barrel is or the design of bullet, but even with SPG lube you must have a bullet with adequate lube capacity to last to the end of the barrel. Lubricated wads help, but are not a panacea....

73 de KE4SKY In Home Mix We Trust From the Home of Ed's Red in "Almost Heaven" West Virginia

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Stoney Burch posted this 02 July 2015

Thank you all for the responses. Must agree with the eye issue. Going to the range tommorow with my shooting bud. Setting up Chrono at 50 yrds. Will be using 45 Gr & 50gr loads of 2F goex. Bullet Style is basically a 38-55 250 flat nose at an OAL of 1.172” gives me 312gr. boolit. Will finish the 20 to 1 left. Then this weekend, got some 30 to 1 lead in the garage and will cast some and see what I get at 50 yds.  Then will get some 40 to 1 from local source and try that too. When I get my loads down to 1 inch groups I'll go back to 100 yds. makes sense to do it 50 then go longer. Changed the nipple to a Platinum lined one for this mornings 10 shots and that was fine. No Stringing took place. One less variable bites the dust. Will the softer lead/tin combo give a slightly larger or smaller OD on the cast assuming all else remains the same? Barrel length measured down bore to plug face is 32.750" Will be at the range by 8 am. Stoney document.write('/images/emoticons/coffee.gif');

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