06-12-2010- Range Report-45

[boarhog]

Some of you may have noticed my recent 45 Pac-Nor postings showing some poor to horrible shooting. Several members suggested trying H-4198, and said their best accuracy came with 56-65 gr loads. I intended to ladder 58-60-62 gr loads with the 200 XTP, but my shooting with 58 and 60 grains was so erratic on targets 1, 2 and 3, that I switched to one of Richard’s good duplex loads, 15/55 A-5744/H-322, on target #4. Shots 1 and 2 were about 6” apart! Disgusting!! Then, when I picked the rifle up to reload, I felt something move. Eureka!! The front ring was loose on the scope! I have no idea why I didn’t think to check for loose mounts before, especially considering the way target # 1 looked like groups were jumping around, but I didn’t. After tightening the ring, shots 3, 4, and 5 went into about 1.250”. On target #5, I tried another of Richard’s duplexes, 17/55 H-5744/N-130. I used shots 1 and 2 for scope adjustments, and then shots 3, 5, and 6 went into a bit less than 1.250”. On shot 4, I don’t know what happened. I must have failed to put the booster, or the main charge in. The shot fired, but was obviously a blooper. It timed 1189 fps, but was not a blown sabot. I recovered the sabot, and it looked like it could be used again. On target #6, I switched to the last 4 195 gr Barnes FB bullets I had with me. Shots 1 and 2 were the same duplex as on target #5, then, I realized I was out of the 17 gr booster loads of 5744, so I dug through my loads box and found a bag of 13 gr N-110. Four shots, with two different loads, going into 1.5”, aint too bad!

I feel pretty silly about not thinking to check for loose stuff, but feel much better about my shooting skills. Now, I’ll have to re-test quite a few loads I thought weren’t so good. These two duplexes of Richard’s are the most consistent loads I’ve tried to date, with SDs of 3 and 4 respectively. Definitely on the list to try again!
Boarhog

[deadon]

BH,Man ,that is some great groups. I know you would be doing cartwheels if you still could ;D Are they 1" squares on those targets?

[boarhog]

Deadon,
Yes, the squares are 1".

[Richard]

Like I said in my e-mail Rob................Herman had the same thing happen to him with his target rifle. The screws on his front ring were loose and the scope would flop up and down ;D This past weekend, he shot his best 600 yard groups ever and is happier than a" pig in doo - doo!" Just simple things we miss!
(I bet everyone will be getting out their hex and torx wrenches to check their scopes )
Richard

[boarhog]

I have a Vortex 6-24X50, Mil-dot scope ordered that should arrive Tuesday. I think I'll use some Low Strength Loc-tite on the ring screws this time! I probably won't hunt with the Vortex, but wanted something with a higher magnification for load development. Guess we'll see how it works out. I've never shot with a scope above 12 X before. I also ordered a Rifle Basix trigger to try on this 45. Guess we'll see how that works out also.

[Deleted]

more magnification helps when shooting from the bags, you will think its a new gun with a new trigger and scope. Next range session you will be posting cloverleaf groups.....Bill

[boarhog]

Bill,
I certainly hope you are right about that, but I don't want to get over confident! Seems like every time I think I have things going well, some bugaboo glitch pops up! I got the trigger today, and the scope should arrive tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll get to test a few loads next weekend.
BH

[Richard]

"Don't worry----Be happy!" Rob. With the new trigger, your screws tight and and the new scope, you will be shooting bugholes next week! ;D
Richard

[sw]

Those are excellent groups, IMO. High temps just increase group size for me.

[Richard]

Get a cool rod SW! ;D
Richard

[boarhog]

Weeeeellll, when it rains, it pours! The new Vortex 6-24X50 arrived yesterday, but I realized it had a 1” tube instead of the 30 mm I expected. A call to Third Generation Shooting Supply about it surprised the customer service rep. He said that Vortex doesn’t list a 6-24X50 with anything but a 30mm tube, so it must have been an older model, and that I should send it back for a refund. Naturally, they did not have the 30 mm model in stock. I did a search, and found that Optics Planet had the model I wanted in stock, so it will be here Monday.

And it poured some more! I had removed the Weaver scope in preparation to mount the Vortex, and discovered the rear ring was loose on the base. Because I had to return the 1” Vortex, I decided to put the Weaver back on, in case I get a chance to shoot this weekend. Since I had discovered the front ring was loose on the scope, I thought I would take the rings off, clean them, and re-install using removable Loc-tite. All went well, until I tried to tighten the screw that clamps the rear ring to the base. It was stripped in the ring frame itself. So, now I’ll either have to drill and tap the ring for a larger screw, or hope to find a replacement. I don’t think anyone around here stocks the Weaver Grand Slam 30mm rings!

No wonder my shooting has been going down hill lately! I sure hope it quits raining for a while!

[boarhog]

Follow up. Today I managed to drill and tap the stripped ring. Looks like it will work ok. After much study, I have decided to change to Burris Sig rings that use the inserts. Probably add a set or two to any order I place until I get all the rifles re-ringed.

[deadon]

BH , I am pulling for you . You deserve better ;D

[boarhog]

Follow up on the follow up!! I got an email from the customer service rep at Third Generation. He said they got my returned scope today, and put through a credit to my card for the price of the scope, PLUS $10.00 towards the shipping!!! Most companies would take their sweet time getting a credit done, and would leave the customer in the dark about what they are doing! I am very impressed with 3RD Generation Shooting Supply, and will definitely order from them again!