First time at long range.

[jcsabolt2]

I finally got my TC Encore 44 MAG equipped with a Leupold 2.5x8 scope sighted in.  I went to the range and dumped a box of ammo at the 25 yard range for practice then moved to the 50 and 100 yard ranges.  I could print clover leafts easily at 25 yards, but my groups started to open up a bit at the 50 and 100 yard ranges.  To be honest I do not get to shoot as often as I would like, but I could still hold about a 6" group at 100 yards.  I know that's not too good, but it's not too bad for a beginner is it?

I could really tell I had shot too much as the 25 yard range.  I had a lot of trouble holding the pistol still at 100 yards.  My hand was starting to get fatigued.  Practice, practice, practice.

[jhalcott]

jc, ifyou shot thse groups off hand I'd say they are fantastic!
  you did not say if they were hot handloads or factory fodder. I would still hunt deer with this gun and ammo. Keep shots within 100 yards and enjoy.
  jh :wink:

[jcsabolt2]

Sad to say, those groups were from a bench.  I'm keeping shots at game to a max of 75 yards.  I was using American Eagle 240gr HP.  I've got to start reloading.  I could load a lot of ammo for $22/box of 50.

Do you guys like hard cast bullets or HP for hunting?  I've heard you get much better penetration with cast bullets.  True?

[jamie]

Try sighting in with a better quality of bullet.  You would not believe how much of a difference that can make.  With that said, sometimes some guns prefer the lower priced stuff.  Try some different ones.  Oh, buy from somewhere else, $22 for a box of American Eagle is just plain robbery,  they should run around $15-$18 a box.  

And keep in mind you will not save money by reloading, you will just shoot alot more.

[Turk]

I have a Contender in 44 Magnum nd 444 Marlin Barrel with a Leupold 1.5

At 100 yards from a rest I get 2-inch groups.  I’m shooting a Lyman 429244 255 gr. Gas checked bullet.  Of the nine types/wts. I cast this is the most accurate either in the Contender or my 629.  Last week end I put on a new scope (cheap) and put the Leupold on my Super Red Hawk 454 Casull.  After about 12 shots I was grouping 3” and in the black with a LBT 300 gr. GC bullet but then my next group was 15” high.  After that maybe 10 feet low in the dirt.  Seems like there’s something rattling around the inside of the scope?  Cheap not always the best.

Yes you should reload.   Try a good cast bullet like the Lyman 429244.

Something else you may want to purchase is a pistol rest when shooting from the bench.

Remember the only thing better than a good cast bullet is two cast bullets.

Have a good day and remember to pray for our troops.

TurK