Author Topic: Thunderer range day  (Read 766 times)

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Offline ftlupton

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Thunderer range day
« on: May 19, 2009, 01:10:52 AM »
8 grs Unique, 250gr cast, .45. Recoil not bad, harder to control grip than I thought it would be, loved the smooth action and the looks. Shot about 4" low every group but pretty good group size. Anybody have suggestions or should I just adjust my sight picture, not sure I want to go messing with the front sight. Thought I might back the load down to 7 grs and maybe heavier bullet.


Offline jimster

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Re: Thunderer range day
« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2009, 10:44:01 AM »
Sounds like a nice revolver, sure like the looks.  If it were mine and shooting 4" low I'd file some material off the front sight a bit at a time until it brought up the group to where I'd like it, then I'd just blue it.  You won't ever have to mess with it again.  Your actually lucky it's shooting low and not high,  much easier to fix.  8.0 grs of Unique behind a 250 cast is my favorite all around load too. 


Offline Bart Solo

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Re: Thunderer range day
« Reply #2 on: May 23, 2009, 01:52:11 AM »
I wouldn't mess with the front sight until I had experimented with some other loads.  I am sure you can find something it likes. 

Offline jimster

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Re: Thunderer range day
« Reply #3 on: May 23, 2009, 10:41:12 AM »
It's true you can change point of impact with different loads, usually you would have to slow down a bullet to hit higher, or go heavier.  A lighter faster bullet would probably just hit even lower out of a revolver.  At least that's the way it is for all mine.  It is an option to experiment though. 
Problem is, if your pet load is not hitting where you want, your kind of stuck never being able to use your favorite again in that revolver.  I guess that's why I have made adjustments to a few of mine, gotta stick with my pet loads.  I've filed a few front sights down to bring up the group, you get braver after doing it a few times. 

Whatever you decide, that sure looks like a nice packing revolver.   

Offline 44 Man

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Re: Thunderer range day
« Reply #4 on: May 25, 2009, 03:54:23 AM »
Many factory guns now come sighted much closer for 'Cowboy' loads.  Usually a 250 gr lead bullet at about 700 fps, your 7 gr load should just about do it.  Of course you need to decide on what load you will use the most in the gun, then adjust the front sight a little to accomidate it.  Personally, my guns are all sighted in for a little heavier load of Unique.  Of course they also recoil more.  When you decide what load you will shoot the most, that's what you will want to sight in for.  Sounds like you have a fine revolver there, enjoy it!  44 Man
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Offline ftlupton

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Re: Thunderer range day
« Reply #5 on: May 25, 2009, 06:23:07 AM »
The more I handle and look at this Thunderer the more I like it. I'm going to settle on a load then adjust from there. I think I will play with some different bullet weights and types then decide. Now for a holster that fits the look. Later this month I'm thinking Ruger Super Blackhawk in .45 for hunting. To keep the loads seperate I'm thinking only jacketed in the Blackhawk and only lead in the Thunderer. Thanks for all the comments, believe me, I listen to all, I'm old but I still want to learn all I can.

Offline blhof

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Re: Thunderer range day
« Reply #6 on: May 26, 2009, 06:54:49 AM »
I load 357max for both Contender and DW and keep them separate; the Contender has a long throat so I load longer OAL, too long for revolver.  I use an indelible marker to mark a large T on the base of the Contender cases when reloading and separate the shells after shooting so not to mix them; has worked for 12 years.

Offline 44 Man

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Re: Thunderer range day
« Reply #7 on: May 27, 2009, 01:07:49 AM »
In .45, I load hunting loads in nickle cases and standard loads in brass cases.  Simple.  44 Man
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Offline ftlupton

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Re: Thunderer range day
« Reply #8 on: May 28, 2009, 02:59:57 AM »
More good ideas!Now one of mine, the gun shoots fine as far as left and right, just low. I use the gooey type adhesive that can be rubbed right off. Cut matchsticks and lay 2 of them on side of sight at lower point than top. Shoot using top stick then lower one until you get results you want. Measure with calipers then file sight to that height. Adhesive peels right off. Used this many times on balsa wood ribs for my trap guns then when it was right had a Delron rib made to match for durability and looks. stupid idea I know but it works, ask any trapshooter. My gun shot 100% high for handicap with add on rib, could remove down to factory rib when sold. Sorry for wasting space.

Offline Travis Morgan

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Re: Thunderer range day
« Reply #9 on: June 23, 2009, 09:08:28 AM »
If you screw up a front sight, they're not hard to replace.
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