Just for the heck of it, I loaded up 20 rounds per the advice of a Hogdon rep. Powder, card and regular lubed bullet. Don't have a drop tube so I touch the case to my vibrating tumbler for about 5 seconds. It really settles the powder. 300 Grain hard cast flat nose and 70 grains of ffg. With the settled powder and the short 300 grainer, 70 grains fits easily with out compression (nicely packed.)
I did not shoot over the bench as I didn't have a lot of time. I just stood up and fired away off hand. The gun was a Pedersoli Sharps with those almost useless little original style factory sights. Groups were satisfactory for off hand, but I didn't take the time to measure them, though they looked to be about 6 inches (again off hand not benched)
The bore looked pretty black, but what was really impressive was when I got home I pushed exactly 2 wet patches through the bore and two dry! The bore was spotless! A little lube and a wipe down of the action and the gun was clean!
That stuff cleans up like magic! Also, there was no apparent leading and no need to wipe the bore during shooting, though that may have helped the groups. Next range session is Friday and Saturday and I'm gonna bench and chrono the loads.
Dan
