I had the opportunity to go to a local range today with a few Handis. I took my 30-30, 45LC and 45-70. As you may recall, the 45-70 and 30-30 are a matched set to one dedicated receiver. They both shot exceptionally well today.
The 30-30 was sighted with the 160gr Hornady LE ammo. I found it's velocity to be very consistent with the factory ratings of 2400fps. It shot in the 2386fps range with a low spread. I have it sighted at 1.25" high at 100yds and that should do well for whatever I ask of it. The cast bullet loads I shot were clocked at 913fps. They were fun, but not as much as the 45-70 cast loads.
Speaking of 45-70 finally, it shot the 325gr Hornady LEs all over the place. Since I only had 6 shells left, I didn't set-up the chronograph for them. My preferred plinking load of 11gr TB powder under a 330gr Lyman cast HP shot very well at 1025fps. It shot 1" at 50yds and 1.5" at 100yds. I have a Bushnell Trophy scope with the ranging reticle for holdover.
THE MOST FUN OF THE DAY came when I sighted down on the 200yd gong. My holdover was nearly 7 feet and it would reply with a resounding ping when struck. Although it took me 15rds to adjust the Kentucky Windage, I learned something about the momentum of those large bullets. Every miss displayed a earth moving spectacle. Dirt and grass would fly for several feet in every direction when I would miss the gong and strike the berm.
Next range day I plan to dial the 45-70 in a little closer as far as the scope goes. My 100yd hold was the very bottom dot of four in my reticle. Also, I plan to switch over to 405gr cast LFN bullets for better performance on game. I would like to test it's penetration on a few hogs this year in SW Oklahoma.
Many thanks to Pete and the other devout 45-70 Handi fans for recommending this to me by their exciting posts.
No mention of how the .45LC shot is due to it's boring consistent accuracy. It always shoots good now that I found what it likes.
Thanks, Dinny
