38-55 vs 45-120

[AtlLaw]

My rechambered H&R Buffalo Classic (fm 45-70 to 45-120) has a 32 inch barrel which I find just a tad long for hunting.  I'd cut it down to 28 inches, but someday I might want to shoot in some of the BPCR matches at my gun club.

I also have an H&R Target Classic in 38-55.  Is that caliber suitable for BPCR matches?     If it is, then I'll cut back the 45-120 and do any BPCR shooting I may want to try with the 38-55.   

[John Boy]

Is that caliber suitable for BPCR matches?

AtlLaw, the answer is Yes and No
Yes:  A 38-55 with a 200+ bullet and black powder will shot accurately to the Rams at 500 meters.  The key is load development
No:  The H&R is not 'of the era replica rifle' sanctioned for NRA matches.  Any non NRA match, the match director has discretion and usually allow the H&R.
Also, if the match is a Mid Range (out to 600yds on paper targets) the 38-55 will have a terrible time for accuracy at that distance

FWIW:  I took my 38-55 Target Model to the range one day and shot many sighters.  Finally put 1 bullet on a 1000yd target and called it quits  

[AtlLaw]

No:  The H&R is not 'of the era replica rifle' sanctioned for NRA matches.  Any non NRA match, the match director has discretion and usually allow the H&R.

AH SO!  I guess I've been suffering under a basic misconception!     So if I wanted to shoot any sanctioned matches the H&R doesn't qualify but if I wanted to try it at my club the match director may let me!  The big thing is that now I know the H&R is not a period rifle.  I can always call the Buffalo Rifle Director and see if I can shoot in their matches with it for grins.  Then if I really like BPCR shooting... 

if the match is a Mid Range (out to 600yds on paper targets) the 38-55 will have a terrible time for accuracy at that distance

That's kinda what I was thinking... 

Well, that's more infor to help me make a decission!  Doesn't look like there is any real reason for me not to cut the 45-120's barrel back since it is primarily a hunting rifle.  You know, ele-fants and such here in Jawja... 

Thanks John Boy!  and Good Night!   

[38-55]

Have shot the 38-55 in two 600 yd mid range matches.  The rifle has a faster twist, and I shoot 335gr. bullets, with blackpowder.  The conditions were good, very light wind.  Had a second and third place.  Shoot BPCR with the same rifle.  It is not a 45-90, but does ok for an old guy.

[quickdtoo]

Don't give up too soon Richard, the BC and Target are legal for some matches with a rear sight upgrade.

Tim

http://www.bpcr.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2769&sid=58451b5973c643bab4a3ef595b68c04a

http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=46343

[AtlLaw]

Interseting Tim, thanks...    Does kinda shoot a hole in my argument to Kathie that I need a Sharps though... 

 

[mechanic]

Mr. Atlaw, of course you need a Sharps.  I do as well, but so far I've been unable to convince myself to unload the cash required for a good one.  I've held one in my sweating hands a couple of times...so many that when I go to the candy store now they just take it down and lay a couple gloves on it for me......

Ben

[longcaribiner]

This brings out one of the problems with the NRA rules.  They were designed to specifically permit several guns from the early 1900's and yet exclude the H&R.  They exclude some of the more accurate rifles of the 1870's and 1880's.  If they wanted to be honest with themselves, they would have permitted any gun in production before date "x" instead of writing the rules to exclude the guns from some companies and permit guns that were not around in the old west. 

The H&R would permit many beginners to get in to the matches.  But the "boys" don't want folks showing them up with H&R's and other guns that don't fit their historically inaccurate ideas.

[StrawHat]

...This brings out one of the problems with the NRA rules.  They were designed to specifically permit several guns from the early 1900's and yet exclude the H&R.  They exclude some of the more accurate rifles of the 1870's and 1880's.  If they wanted to be honest with themselves, they would have permitted any gun in production before date "x" instead of writing the rules to exclude the guns from some companies and permit guns that were not around in the old west. 

The H&R would permit many beginners to get in to the matches.  But the "boys" don't want folks showing them up with H&R's and other guns that don't fit their historically inaccurate ideas.

I do not compete in BPCR events but what rifles from the era are they excluding?

[quickdtoo]

http://www.bpcr.net./site_docs-results_schedules/documents/NRA_rules_for_BPCR.htm

[srussell]

Interseting Tim, thanks...    Does kinda shoot a hole in my argument to Kathie that I need a Sharps though... 

 

if you need help convincing her  ill write her a note. every one needs a sharps .i know i do

[.22-5-40]

Hello, StrawHat.  I don't compete in BPCR events either..but the NRA has some goofy rules.  They permit an action that came out in 1902..(Stevens 44 1/2)  BUT exclude the Sharps Mod. 1878..(Borchardt), also the Peabody.  These are hammerless actions.  I guess their reasoning was, they didn,t want an arms race using the modern Ruger No.1 & 3 or other modern hammerless types.  But this all could have been avoided if they had done as longcaribiner had suggested..allow any guns up to a certain date.

[gcrank1]

Just found this thread;
Richard, give yourself a close evaluation of the type of matches, and where they are held (under what rules) to determine if your choice of 'platform' is the one you want to pursue.
I know Im not very likely to be entering NRA matches anymore, so as long as where I do go lets me use what I have, no worries. Yes, there are lots of things I would like to have, but Im not going to buy a (fill in the blank) to shoot one 'maybe' match.
I think a good 28" 45-70 would do as well for me as a 32", since I need a scope anyway so any sight radius advantage is moot, but if 'irons only' is the rule I would (pun intended) give it a shot.

[LONGTOM]

I say that if your eyes are like mine you will never be considered a threat at the matches anyway so most of my shooting will be in a hunting situation so who cares.
If you want a 28" then go for it.
You will love it I am sure and if you love it, you will shoot it more.
 
 
LONGTOM