So I have been shooting at 200 yards and doing well. I tested at 300 and did fine also. Then, I went to a 300/600 yard match, did great at 300 and could hardly hit paper at 600. Now, it was a good gusty 30MPH wind, but still, something was wrong. So, what are some logical steps to get 600 yard stability out of a 38-55?
Paul Matthews says to use a short bullet at 1.2" length versus 1.36". Of course, he also says "...the 38-55 comes into its own with long heavy bullets."
My current load is:
40 gr 2F Old Eynsford
WLRM primer
.060 fiber wad
No Cookie
Lyman 378674 30:1 bullet.
Rifle: 14:1 twist.
Unfortunately, the only ranges I have available are 200, 300, 600 yard. It can be hard to tell if I'm almost there, or a hopeless case.
I know I can push it faster, but my groups open up as the powder load goes up. They go way off if I use FFF.
Any ideas are appreciated, but if the answer is too extreme, I'll just shoot a 45-70.
Thanks,
Simon