One Time Memory
Jun 23, 2021 7:21:19 GMT -5
Post by ET on Jun 23, 2021 7:21:19 GMT -5
Looking through some data and pictures associated with my 10ML-II I came across a picture that brought back a fond memory. I do remember that day because it was a milestone with shooting my 50-SML. Keep in mind this was before using a cooling rod, lapping and knurling my bullets. It was a partial cloudy day but no wind at all. My hunting partner and I were spending some time at the range to work with our loads and see if any improvement could be had. My first few targets were so-so with groups around 1-1/8”. Nearing the end of our session, I decided to really increase my cooling time to about 20-plus minutes.
While shooting my hunting partner kept tabs on my progress with his newly acquired spotting scope. I knew my first shot was going to be off as my sling lug hit my aluminum rest. But that didn’t discourage me to fire another 3-shots. With shots 2-3-4 were done I glanced over to my partner to see a devilish smile on his face. I didn’t know how to interpret his grin as we often joke and jab each other. Upon retrieving my target and seeing my 3-shot group at first, Get Out, I thought no way. Hey maybe it’s my lucky day.
I never achieved reproducing this target’s results with 3-bullets intersecting. I’ve come awful close with 2-bullets touching but the 3rd bullet doesn’t want to unite with the other two but I did shrink my groups. Since that time, I’ve learned the value of knurling and using a cooling rod. The lapping of the bore was a necessity but it also taught me a lot. Will I ever produce a target group of yesterday, who knows. Hopefully trying some new load recipes in the 50 oven I will enjoy the sweet aroma of success, chuckle.
What this target did was inspire me to learn even more about SML. Today the journey of uncovering any remaining knowledge continues. After all these years I guess the honeymoon with the 50 SML isn’t over just yet, chuckle.
While shooting my hunting partner kept tabs on my progress with his newly acquired spotting scope. I knew my first shot was going to be off as my sling lug hit my aluminum rest. But that didn’t discourage me to fire another 3-shots. With shots 2-3-4 were done I glanced over to my partner to see a devilish smile on his face. I didn’t know how to interpret his grin as we often joke and jab each other. Upon retrieving my target and seeing my 3-shot group at first, Get Out, I thought no way. Hey maybe it’s my lucky day.
I never achieved reproducing this target’s results with 3-bullets intersecting. I’ve come awful close with 2-bullets touching but the 3rd bullet doesn’t want to unite with the other two but I did shrink my groups. Since that time, I’ve learned the value of knurling and using a cooling rod. The lapping of the bore was a necessity but it also taught me a lot. Will I ever produce a target group of yesterday, who knows. Hopefully trying some new load recipes in the 50 oven I will enjoy the sweet aroma of success, chuckle.
What this target did was inspire me to learn even more about SML. Today the journey of uncovering any remaining knowledge continues. After all these years I guess the honeymoon with the 50 SML isn’t over just yet, chuckle.