Designing the 2-diameter paper patch bullet.

[Distant Thunder]

Kurt,

I was thinking I would submit this one for that postal, but it just isn't that good. I ran the numbers and it would score at 93.6". That wouldn't be bad for 900 yards, but I would want better at 200. That would be just a hair more than a 2 MOA group at 900, not bad, but at 200 yards I'd want to be closer to 1 1/2 MOA. If you could hold 2 MOA plus a little at 900 and be centered that would be 9s and 10s which ain't bad. At 200 it looks not so good!

These were the first 13 bullets I cast from that mold and they were not "match" quality. With a little work I think I could get that down to a 3 1/2" group and that would be looking good.

Shooting today was tough going. The snow has a thick crust on it and every step I'd break through, so trudging to the 200 yard target and back took some effort. Then I was shooting late this afternoon and running out of daylight fast too. Anyway those are my excuses and I can come up with a few more if needed.

If I can get around to it I'd like to see how this bullet fits my .45-90 Shiloh and maybe shoot some in it, but I'd have to cast some more bullets and that won't happen before next weekend.

It took me almost a year of working with my .40-65 and a 2-D PPB to get from about the same size initial group to something that shoots pretty well. I'd have to up the powder charge and play with some different primers and that should bring things in some. It's just that being a little short on the groove diameter length I'm not sure it is worth the time, lead and powder. I might just as well wait until I can get a mold cut for this rifle before investing time in a mold that is for someone else. Matt can work with this one in his rifle.

Still it was fun to get out and shoot. I haven't shot prone off sticks in four months and I could feel it!