16.5" 45/70 range report 2

[chipmunk]

So I got a short chance to shoot my 45/70 yesterday.  Again it was one of those rushed things.  Seems like that how I do everything anymore...   Anyway I decided I wanted to see what this thing could do at a reasonably good range.  I set up a target which ranged 210yds.  I immediately learned that if I want to use this gun at this range I will need a new scope.  I could hardly make out the dot in the fixed 4x.  To make matters worse the crosshair was twice as thick as my target!   Maybe I should try out that neat 3-9 Mueller just came out with!   I'll worry about that later. 

I started with winchester 300gr hp loads.  Still can't find any primers so I'll be stuck with factory stuff for awhile.  I fired two shots and then looked through my binocs.  They were touching!!!  I was hyped up and fired three more to make a 5 shot group.   This time didn't have the same luck.   They spread out vertically opening the group to almost a foot.  .  I think the gun is capable of much better groups but between the scope and the fact that I didn't get the bench level I just couldn't make it happen.    I did fire a couple of remington rounds which shot into a nice 3" group but I only had time to fire two of em so...not enough info to draw a conclusion. I'll hopefully get a better chance to shoot next time. What amazed me most was how much they dropped.  2inchs high at 73yds turned into 3 FEET low at 210.  These factory loads just arent going to cut it for me.  I need to find some primers so I can reload.   Another interesting thing to me was the fact that I  could hear the rounds going downrange. BANG...WIZZZZ...THUD! I've never been able to do that in anything centerfire.  It was neat.

[myarmor]

It sounds as your barrel is definately a shooter.
Perhaps a decent Mil-Dot could serve you well? That new Meuller does look promising though, and might have the adjustment range for you.


-Aaron

[44 Man]

Good for you.  Don't worry much about 5 shot groups.  When you are hunting, you only are concerned with a 'one shot group'.  That's why we love these single shots so much!  44 Man

[petemi]

While you're waiting for primers, try the Hornady LeverEvolutions.  325 gr. pointed flex tip bullet at 2050 fps.  Perhaps a little slower out of your shorter barrel, but I would think not much.  They shoot very flat for a .45-70.

Pete