Groove Diameters

[fknipfer]

I just got through slugging and measuring the groove diameter of my Buffalo Classic 45-70.  I checked it three times as I didn't believe the measurement on the first tries but it was the same the third time.  It measures .4566 for the groove diameter.  I thought this was a little small, I think I should be using .457 Cast bullets for it.  Does this coincide with any of your Handi-Rifles?  Is it usual for the H&R to have the groove diameter smaller than .457?

fknipfer

[quickdtoo]

What's it measure at the lands? You should be shooting .001-.002" larger for best accuracy, .458" would be my choice.

Tim

[fknipfer]

Its a lot easier to use mic's to measure the od of the groove, but here goes on the lands as good as I can measure .4515. or .452  does this sound correct or close.  I can only use calipers for the lands.  I try again to confirm this number. 


fknipfer

[quickdtoo]

That's close enough, thanks.  I can drop a .452" bullet down a couple of my 45-70 barrels but the other two take a bit of force to make it go thru, so that's about right.
Tim