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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2012 21:28:06 GMT -5
Well I finally got a chance to get the Optima out today. I only got to shoot 10 rounds but it was a blast. Normally I like to get a nice tight group but with this being my first time shooting smokeless I didn't care what my group looked like. I still needed to get it on paper so that was my goal today. First shot was 8 to 10 inches to the left at 100 yards then the second was 6 to 8 to the right. I over adjusted. then I got the right and left about where I wanted it so then I worked with the up and down. I was about 5 inches high so I brought it down what I thought was right however it was too much again. By the last couple shots I was getting close and one shot I thought I had it however something happened and I had one hit kinda high. With all the excitement of getting to shoot the gun I think I was adjusting things too much. Load was H 4198 -- 56 grains 200 grain Hornady xtp with harvester smooth blue sabot CCI Primers The Optima Elite 45-70  My group @ 100 yards (not so great but I was really excited to shoot)  One thing I did notice is it was pretty easy to push the bullet down the barrel. Not as hard as it was when I was shooting my 50 cal so I am wondering if I need to either knurl my bullets or try to paper patch to get a tighter fit. River Rat |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2012 21:32:17 GMT -5
Shoot a few 3 shot groups without adjusting the scope and see how it does. You really might not need to do anything. Nice job.
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Post by chaded on Aug 18, 2012 22:26:40 GMT -5
Yeah I agree, I would go out next time and just shoot and see what happens since you are on paper. Also, I would take a couple different charges out like 56, 57, 58 working my way up to around 60 grains or so finding what shoots best. You would be surprised at what one or two grains will do sometimes.
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Post by Slufoot on Aug 19, 2012 7:48:13 GMT -5
Hey Riverrat,
I'm glad you finally got to shoot the Optima Elite. Do as Chaded and 45omega suggested and I believe you will be shooting tighter groups.
Slufoot
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2012 8:01:47 GMT -5
Thanks guys for the suggestions. I will get my preloads set up here later today and do what you recommend. This next time I will take time between shots. The other thing I am going to do is sand my forearm down the barrel looks to be touching the forearm in some spots. I was so excited to shoot I wasn't waiting between shots. Man does it kick differently than normal black powder. My shoulder still is sore just from 10 shoots.  I will keep you guys posted. Slufoot I went with the H 4198 because it is easier to find locally and there was the load data on the forum I could look at to see what my load was doing, roughly. Thanks for all the help guys!! River Rat |
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Billy
8 Pointer
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Post by Billy on Aug 19, 2012 10:32:05 GMT -5
I love the way your rigle looks! That should make a first class hunting rig.
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Post by mountainam on Aug 19, 2012 13:39:09 GMT -5
78riverrat, Nice rig! I'm not sure what you meant by "pretty easy" loading because there isn't a quanitive number involved. But my Rem .45 loads "pretty easy" with .40 XTP's so I stepped up to Hornady .410" 210gr XTP's and never looked back. They shoot lights out and you still have the option of using the crush rib .40x.45'sabots to adjust the pressure some. This way you may not have to fool with knurling or paper-patching the .40's. Good Shooting with your new build!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2012 14:31:34 GMT -5
78riverrat, Nice rig! I'm not sure what you meant by "pretty easy" loading because there isn't a quanitive number involved. But my Rem .45 loads "pretty easy" with .40 XTP's so I stepped up to Hornady .410" 210gr XTP's and never looked back. They shoot lights out and you still have the option of using the crush rib .40x.45'sabots to adjust the pressure some. This way you may not have to fool with knurling or paper-patching the .40's. Good Shooting with your new build! thanks i might try that rr |
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Post by kralik4jr on Aug 19, 2012 15:00:01 GMT -5
Great looking gun!! Did you do any trigger work? I have one and I hate the trigger. The research I have done, it doesn't sound like fun.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2012 16:42:51 GMT -5
Great looking gun!! Did you do any trigger work? I have one and I hate the trigger. The research I have done, it doesn't sound like fun. I actually have a process I do that will loosen up the trigger about a pound or so. What I do is something I learned in the military to loosen up the trigger with out having a gunsmith touch the trigger. What I do is run boiling water threw the trigger mechanism get the metal supper hot so that it evaporates. Then i spray it with Rem Oil till you think you might have drowned it. Let it cool then do it again then try to wipe off as much oil as you can. You probably don't have to drown it but get a good amount on it. I explained this to another member on a different forum who actually took his trigger out and tried to smooth the working parts with JB paste then went threw my process and his loosened up over a 1 lb or so. He really liked how it turned out especially because his trigger wasn't adjustable. Give that a try or you could see if CVA will adjust the trigger for you which I have read they will do. River Rat |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2012 18:44:38 GMT -5
RR.... That looks like a western Nebraska mulie killing rig to me ;D ;D Try some 200SST's or 195 Barnes under 60 gns and you'll be good to go  Zen |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2012 20:01:15 GMT -5
Panhandle, It is soo tempting to come hunt with you this fall, I really want too but I think I will be busier the later it gets in December. However if it works out I can meet up with you I might just see if your available!!! Going shooting again tomorrow to see what kind of groups I can get with 55, 56, and 57 grains of 4198. I wish I could find another few things to put measured powder in then I could try 60 grains I might look around and see what I can find or run to Walmart see if they have anything that would work. This smokeless stuff is addicting even with the crappy groups I have! :^) RR |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2012 20:06:44 GMT -5
Order some of Lanes tubes or the ones Luke sells. You can never have too many!
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Post by pposey on Aug 20, 2012 14:55:32 GMT -5
Don't know if anybody else mentoned it or not but watch for heat, it does not take much for accuracy to disapear.
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