Accuracy of Cast 8mm Mauser

[Dan Chamberlain]

I have a Yugo 24/47 that I have begun casting for.  The bore slugged to .324 at its largest measurement.  I have been casting straight wheel-weight and dropping them from the mold into cold water.  They are a 170 grain gas check bullet sized to .325.  

My load is 17 grains of 2400 which is comfortable.  With 16 grains I had a few cases that didn't expand fully to seal the chamber.  With 17 it is not an issue.  My 100 yard accuracy with the stock Mauser pointy sights is 3".  Should I be expecting better than this with Mauser open sights, or is this about as good as I can expect?  

It may be the eyes as well, since the 50th birthday came and went a month ago and the reading glasses seem a might less powerful than they did a couple years ago.

Dan C

[Mikey]

Hey Dan - Happy Birthday!  You shot 3" groups with those crummy, very hard to see Mauser battle sights with your own cast loads - that's pretty darn good.  I would be happy to be able to do that with open sights.  That 24/47 sounds like a shooter - ya oughta scope it.  I'll bet that if you bed the action and free float the barrel from just forward of the chamber you would be surprised at how well she does.  Next thing you will want after that is a Bold Trigger, yep!  Mikey.

[Dan Chamberlain]

I get vertical stringing if I shoot all five one after another.  If I shoot two, let the gun sit for a couple minutes and shoot the last 3 I get a group.  3" is about the best I can do at 100 yards.  Zero leading.  It's a good load I think.  I'm gonna try to free float it and see if that improves the vertical stringing.

Thanks for the reply.

Dan

[jh45gun]

Considering Mauser crummy sights I think you are doing good. Jim