Got just a few spare minutes this morning, so I took advantage of them and headed to the foothills with the 38-55 Target Model.
First off, where I go is about 5 miles from the house. The last mile or so is on dirt roads. Turned off paved road and onto dirt, about 1/2 mile in I notice movement to the left side of the road, it's a coyote running. This boy is RUNNING too. A little more observation and I notice the reason. He is being chased by a bunch of ravens. for you eastern fellers, a raven is like the eastern crow, but about 2 1/2 times his size with a mean disposition. They chase him for about a quarter mile and finally leave him alone.
About another quarter mile down this road, make a left turn onto another dirt road towards the hills. About 200yds in I notice something start to cross the road, look my way, and dart back. I gas the truck a little to see what it is. As I get within 50yds it comes back out and runs alongside the road. I ease up along side and confirm my suspicions, IT'S A BOBCAT!!!
Man what a morning, and I haven't even got the rifle out of the truck yet. Good omens.
Anyway, I get setup at about 50yds (forgot the rangefinder) and bang away. Well it really LOVES the Chey-Cast (pronounced shy-cast) 245gr and GOEX Cartridge powder. My first three shots with that load were in about 3/4" and the next two made the group about 1 1/2" overall. Keep in mine I never cleaned the barrel during 30 shots. A BIG no-no with black powder, but I figured, well, let's see what happens.
I'll post pics and more info later, but just finished the yards and it's time for a date with momma, can't miss that.
Catch ya'all later tonight.