40-400-SP-CSA

[Mike]

My report. Yesterday some of the RCBS 400 grain "CSA" bullets were fired using the 68 grains of OE 1 1/2F through my Highwall. The group did shrink and I'll be using that 68 grain load as my standard loading for probably a good long time. Thanks Don, your experience with the .40/70 SS certainly helped. Now we'll have to see if my shooting can keep up with this load so my silhouette scores improve. Shoot sharp, Mike

[Don McDowell]

Here comes the 10 ram pins.

[Mike]

Here comes the 10 ram pins.

Hey, I'll brag about it if it happens! Shoot sharp, Mike

[Don McDowell]

What do you mean, if... When is more like it.

[Mike]

What do you mean, if... When is more like it.

Now you're thinking positive! Shoot sharp, Mike

[Don McDowell]

Next report coming out of that Evergreen match is going to be an interesting one for sure.

[Mike]

And, to follow up on the comparison of Hornady and Jamison brass, the Hornady, a .405 case shortened to 2.5", has a slightly greater capacity than the new .40/70 SS by Jamison. This was hastily "tested" simply by putting a measured amount of powder in each case and making a visual check. With no drop tube, the Jamison case was "heaping" with 68 grains of OE 1 1/2F while the Hornady case had just a bit of "free bore" left, making it easier to position a wad. Both of these cases were fired yesterday and left un-sized for the comparison. Really, there isn't much difference. Shoot sharp, Mike

[Don McDowell]

I like that I have both cases properly headstamped. Captec sure needs a big tip of the hat and an attaboy for all they've done for us that like to shoot the old stuff.

[Mike]

I certainly prefer to have proper headstamps too. That's why I won't be shortening anymore .405 cases. And I have a Sharps in .40/70 SS in addition to the Highwall which should get some attention in a while. The Sharps is a CSA carbine/Hunter's Rifle with a 26" barrel. That would be a fine rifle for deer hunting, maybe with a 330 grain paper patched bullet, just like they used to do. I do need a peep sight for that gun, maybe a sporting tang. The new Jamison brass will fit in the Sharps but the Hornadys have too thick of a rim. That just means I'll save my shortened Hornady brass for the Highwall and use the Jamison in the Sharps. Eventually, the Highwall will be fed with Jamison cases too, they aren't too thin in the rims. Shoot sharp, Mike

[Mike]

Here's my first report after using the 40-400-SP-CSA bullets in my .40/70 SS Highwall for silhouettes. First, I shot my highest score to date on the chickens, nailed four the of little critters, and took the pot for being the "most chicken" shooter of the day. My other scores were not as good. However, I have seldom missed any closer. Out at the rams I found my "distance" and nailed three in a row. Then my spotter suggested raising the scope a little because I had hit those three down by the belly button. So, following suggestion, I raised the
scope a little but then never hit another ram. I do need to get my scope settings nailed down a bit better. The rifle with that bullet and the 68 grains of OE 1 1/2F, as Don recommended, will certainly be tried again. Shoot sharp, Mike