Shot the Ballard

[Don McDowell]

Finally got an opportunity to shoot the Ballard 32-40.. Wind was a bit gusty from right to left and the light kept fading in and out with the clouds passing, but all in all I was pretty tickled with how it went.
Shot from the bench at 225 yards. All loads shot with the Saeco "pope" bullet, in WW 38-55 cases and cci 200 primers.
First up was 25 gr, of BH 209 (think we can leave that one alone)
   

Then came 14 gr. of 5744, this one could be tinkered with
   

Then I moved to the AA9 as suggested by Jack Odor, 12 gr.
   

Then 12.5 gr
   

[Don McDowell]

The bottom target, the attached file is actually the 5744 group.The one I have labeled as the 5744 is actually the 12.5 of AA9..
Not sure how I got those buggered up..

[Mike]

Don, My .32/40 C. Sharps Highwall really likes 40 grains of OE 1 1/2F, pushing a 165 grain bullet (Lyman's 319247) out at about 1440 fps. A delight to shoot.
Shoot sharp, Mike

[Don McDowell]

I plan on trying some blackpowder in this rifle, would like to piddle with some paper patch in it as well.

[bruce moulds]

don,
are you breech seating?
keep safe,
bruce.

[Don McDowell]

No just seating the bullet in the case as far out as it will go. Then have to use a bit of thumb pressure to fully chamber the round and close the breech.

[Stephen Borud]

Looks like a fun rifle to shoot, keep on having fun Don.

Stephen

[Don McDowell]

It is a fun rifle. Really surprised me tho how well that 32 bullet held the wind.

[bruce moulds]

don, you need a breech seater for that cartridge.
what some of those guys on assra get out of it is truly amazing.
keep safe,
bruce.