Took my new Uberti Highwall to the range today. Overcast with light rain, but had some business calls to make over that way so I went ahead and shot anyway. I'd loaded 30 rounds last night: 15 BP and 15 smokeless, both using the same 255 gr Montana Precision FP bullet (sized .379) from Buffalo Arms.
Results weren't great but not terrible either. Off the bench, the smokeless loads...32 gr H4895/Fed Lg Rifle primer...shot into about and inch and a quarter at 50 yds. The BP loads...43 gr Goex FFG/Fed Mag Pistol Primer...however, ran more like 2 1/2"-3" at the same distance.
The H4895 load looks promising and I'm planning on trying both 3031 and 2015BR, as well.
Guess the question is; what can I do to bring the BP loads into line? The W-W cases I've got (factory .38-55s, not blown-out .30-30s) will only hold about 45 grs of BP when charged from my 28" drop tube. Considering the smaller case capacity, would I be better off using FFFG?
Also, my bore slugs .377 with a 1-18 twist. Bullets I've got are 20-1 alloy sized .379 with SPG lube but I'm shopping for a mould dropping an RN or SP of around 275 gr. Once I find one, will size to .378 using 25-1 alloy and my regular home-brew lube. Does that sound about right?
Last, how much compression can I get away with? 43 gr FFg (from drop tube) fills case to within 1/8" of mouth. Seating bullet to crimp groove compresses charge approx 9/16" (approx. 30%). Too much?
Any other ideas, hints, etc. will be greatly appreciated.
Bill