Lyman Great Plains accuracy expectations

[goodtime7]

For those of you that shoot a Lyman GP 50 cal, is there a "general consensus" opinion on what kind of groups one can anticipate or for that matter be satisfied with at say 25 or 50 yards?  I guess the smaller the group the better, but I have not begun to shoot this rifle yet, and was looking for some thoughts, so that I would know when I was "in the ball park".    thanks   

[groundhog107]

I recently built a GPR 50 percusion (winter project).  I have played around with it here at the house with different loads.  To be honest I have not dialed it in to where I am really confident much past 50 yrds but I can hold 2 inch group at that distance.  I would call that accpeptable deer accuracy.  FWIW I am shooting a 490 roundball with a.015" patch pre lubed with wonderlube, over 90 grains of FFF. I get a little better accuracy by backing off the charge but I am trying to work up a decent deer load.  My eyes aint what they used to be so I see myself venturing much further than 70 yrds anyway.  Hope that helps.

Ghog

[Semisane]

My .54 acts like this most of the time.



Now that was with a Lyman 57 peep sight from a good solid bench.  I can't shoot nearly as well without the peep.  

Don't be discouraged if you don't get real tight groups right at the start.  My barrel took about 100 shots through it before it really tightened up.  

Now it will do this consistently if I do my part correctly.

[necchi]

 Yup, after break in, and experimenting with and finally finding your best patch/lube combination (that's kinda what the break in period is used for) you can expect one ragged hole at 50 off a bench,,more shooting equals the same ragged hole when shooting off hand.
 Most guy's can get 4-5" at 100, some a little better. Alot will brag that it's alot better (2-3"),,but just like fishing, the story gets better with the telling. It's usually limited by the iron sights and how good a guys eyes are.
But like swampman said it's 100-150 shot's before it starts to dial in real good  

Good gun,,give it, and yourself some time and practice, clean it real good all the time, and you'll be real happy.  

p.s.
  Before ya shoot it clean it well with an oil/grease solvent, break cleaner works, they pack alot of heavy shipping grease in that barrel,,clean it till a white patch comes out white before shooting or that stuff will burn with the powder and ya have a real tuff time getting it to group.

[Peshtigo71]

       Semisane, What you're advising is so right.  I also have the .54 and after shooting it enough and finding the right bullet and powder combination it's shooting just like yours.  Although I thought it was shooting this good because I have the left handed version. .

[goodtime7]

Thanks for all the replies and tips, that helps a bunch.  I feel like I have a good place to start.   Bruce