Loss of Accuracy 44 mag?

[GTKF]

In my 1894 cowboy 44 mag, 24" ballard rifling I found 8.5gr of Unique with a 200 gr Oregon Trail laser cast bullet, sized to .429 to be an accurate load (10 shots at 50 yds for a 2.5" grp) It's the load I've been using for Lever Action Pistol Caliber Silhouette.

That was last fall and 800 rounds ago. When my scores went down and and I checked with paper targets, I noticed larger groups than I expected. Going t the bench, I checked loads from 8.5 to 10.5 grains of Unique. 8.5gr had opened to 5.75" but 9.5gr was 2.75" (All with iron sights).

Powder and bullet lots had changed but I find it hard to believe that they would cause that much of a change in accuracy. It was suggested that Unique being a double based powder could be eroding the throat. I find that hard to believe since the loads are pretty light

Any thoughts as to what may have changed? BTW all groups were 10 shot and included "flyers"

Thanks

Ken

[tatonka]

Make sure your forend pressure hasn't changed due to loose screws or warpage. My 1894 in 44 mag with begin to throw fliers if I shoot too many cast bullets and neglect a good bore scrubbing or a trip to the outers foul out. Good shooting!

[Lloyd Smale]

I could be wrong but i cant beleive 800 rounds of light unique loads hurt your throat. I would look at a few things. First is the barrel leaded up. Second id check every screw on the gun. Make sure too nothing is loose in reguards to the sights. check your muzzle crown and make sure nothing damaged it. If none of these help try buying a differnt box of bullets. With the prices of lead alot of bullet manufactures are shopping around and your bullets could be cast out of a slightly differnt alloy and that can make a big differnce. Are you using the same cases and primer as before. Primmers will have a big effect on accuracy. Crimp stenght is another if these are crimped harder or softer it will really effect accuacy especially if your using brass that has been shot a few times. the brass gets tired and the crimp doesnt hold as well. Switching brands of brass can effect pressures and crimp strenght too.

[GTKF]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen and Lloyd for the "confrimation" about the throat.

I've also talked with several local shooters. First step is a good cleaning to get rid of lead, All screws are tight as are sights. No change in brass (reloaded 4X), primers but diff box/can of bullets and powder. I will check the crimp as I may have changed the die set up going form using a spacer (44 mag/spcl) to just using for mag

Ken