piwo
03-12-2007, 06:40 PM
Well, so far I’m coming up dry. I’ve shot the REAL bullets, the BIG Lymans solid base conical, and the Lee minie: all in .54cal. I’ve tried the Lee both paper patched and plain. Results have just been erratic and certainly nothing I could count on in the field, though I will try the REAL and the big LEE again. I shot both of those when I was experimenting with Lubes, and the temps were VERY cold when I did. Also, the REAL was not with purely soft lead. MrMom graciously sent me a measure of the BIG LEE bullets and I still have 9 of them left. Since the weather’s warmed up, I’ll give’m another whack.
This weekend was the 3rd attempt with the Lee minie: this batch from the softest of plumbers lead, but still erratic. I shot with light loads and heavy loads, it just didn’t matter. I’m guessing that the slow 1-66 twist AND the length of barrel in my rifle (it’s a 44 inch barrel) are not a good combo. I found 5 roundballs in the bottom of my pouch, shot’em, and they were the best group of the day. This has always just been a “wonder if it would work” exercise, but I really thought I’d be able to make it work. I’ve not tried the “North/South” adjustable mold, but don’t think I care to gamble anymore money against the odds that it will. Anyone with that mold in .54 that would be willing to cast a few or lend the mold, I’ll pay for shipping……..
I shot all my rounds at 50 yds through the chrony (17th century technology meets 20th century technology) and that big 415gr conical at 1350 would have been serious medicine if it was reliable. As it is, my roundball behind 100gr FFFg gives me 1770 FPS, and that’s nice.
On the bright side, I’ve been to the range more times since January then I did all of last year!!!:drinks: Oh well, there’s always the next “project gun”….
This weekend was the 3rd attempt with the Lee minie: this batch from the softest of plumbers lead, but still erratic. I shot with light loads and heavy loads, it just didn’t matter. I’m guessing that the slow 1-66 twist AND the length of barrel in my rifle (it’s a 44 inch barrel) are not a good combo. I found 5 roundballs in the bottom of my pouch, shot’em, and they were the best group of the day. This has always just been a “wonder if it would work” exercise, but I really thought I’d be able to make it work. I’ve not tried the “North/South” adjustable mold, but don’t think I care to gamble anymore money against the odds that it will. Anyone with that mold in .54 that would be willing to cast a few or lend the mold, I’ll pay for shipping……..
I shot all my rounds at 50 yds through the chrony (17th century technology meets 20th century technology) and that big 415gr conical at 1350 would have been serious medicine if it was reliable. As it is, my roundball behind 100gr FFFg gives me 1770 FPS, and that’s nice.
On the bright side, I’ve been to the range more times since January then I did all of last year!!!:drinks: Oh well, there’s always the next “project gun”….