.38-50 Hepburn

[JKR]

200 yard group.

Actually, not a bad group, considering!

[Kurt]

Well that'll would hurt more getting hit with a wider bullet.

What do you suppose the problem is?

[ian45662]

I’m thinking if I can manage to hit rams sideways they won’t stand a chance. They would probably fall before the bullet even hits them. Or….. when someone says if that 45 was a 50 cal you would have hit that chicken. Well a 38 cal bullet coming in sideways is much wider than a 50 cal bullet.

[Kurt]

I think the 1.446" is a little long for the 12 ROT.
I might run into the same problem with the mould I ordered at 1.420" but it has a broader Hemi nose and longer DD base that might be enough to change the balance. My chamber has a bunch of freebore that needs the longer DD base for a proper fit into the throat.
Have you checked to see if your chamber has freebore?

[Aviator]

Well Ian, that is some mighty consistent sideways performance!

[ian45662]

??. I am sorry fellas. I couldn’t help but pull your legs a little. I think Steve might be wise to my ways. Please forgive me ? I did do some 200 yard shooting today. I didn’t get the results I was hoping for but the all went in straight at least. I think the rifle is torquing a good bit. The rifle didn’t start to group until I held it really tight and pulled it into my shoulder. I will confirm this next weekend. Some of the issue could also be that the temps were still in the single digits when I left the house and I had tons of clothes on. I shot this target from the sticks and not on the bench.

[J.B.]

That 'profile' grouping was pretty impressive ... unfortunately I've usually got a few round holes outside of the group that ruin it for me ! Yes that 'firm hold' seems to pay off for me too. Not so hard that its 'tense' ..but firm enough that you know that most of the 'play' is removed from your hold. Now if I could just remember to do that every shot... I may even revisit that group I shot all those years ago. :-(

rgds.. Gavin.

[ian45662]

I was using the Seth Cole 55y for this. I may repeat the test with the 55w. Yea the paper makes For a really snug fit and I was afraid that it would mess with the compression. I loaded a few rounds with the white paper and chambered them. The compression was the same each time. Next weekend we will put some more on paper and try to get that group smaller

[beltfed]

Ian,
Sorry if I missed it, but could you remind us exactly which bullet you are using.
Do I correctly recall your rifle is a 12 twist?
Arnie

[ian45662]

Yes 12 twist. Elliptical bullet 1.47” long 365 diameter. Projectile weighs almost 360 grains.