Originally Posted by
KenH
I like the heavier loads, just something satisfying about the nice recoil of a 1600 fps load in the old Sharps against the shoulder - BUT, I think I'm gonna have to back off those over 1200 fps loads. I've started having some "pains" in the right clavicle shoulder area, and didn't have those before this last couple of weeks shooting heavier loads. Those type pains are too similar to the cardiac warning pains, and since I've had 6 stents over the last 15 yrs or so anything similar to a cardiac warning pain causes me some concern.
Maybe I'd better say with light loads in the < 1,000 fps range. Unique does a good job for those, but darn it, the rifle just seems to shoot smaller groups with something closer to 1200 fps range with 3031. I'd LOVE to have a good shooting powder that would allow a full case with a 400 grain bullet in that old 45-70.... and my 50-70 Rolling Blocks.
While a 900 fps load doesn't seem to cause clavicle/shoulder pain, they just don't shoot as small a groups.
Thanks again for all the info.
Ken H>