Browning BPCR accuracy

[Gunlaker]

Hi,

A while ago there were some postings about Browning BPCR rifles and poor accuracy. I bought one of these rifles last year but have not played with it much as most of my time is spent on my Montana made rifles and my new CPA. I did some playing this morning and thought I'd post the results as they may be of use to someone.

I wouldn't call this stellar accuracy, but it's getting close to usable.

57102

Load details:

Starline brass, partially sized by backing die off 3 turns. .459" expander. chamfered with VLD tool.
CCI BR2 primers, 76gr Goex Express FFg, 0.060" LDPE wad, compressed to 0.400" from case mouth.
Brooks tapered Creedmore ( 0.460" diameter, front band @ 0.450", second band @ 0.454" ), 20:1, SPG pan lubed. Seated with Redding competition die to 3.09" OAL.

These bullets were not of the highest quality as they were left over from my bottom pouring days and were not as consistent as my ladle poured bullets. There is room for improvement there.

I think the most difficult thing about shooting this particular rifle is the heavy trigger. I've been spoiled by my other rifles which all have set triggers or very light aftermarket triggers.

Chris.

[Gunlaker]

Hmm. I guess the uploaded image is a bit hard to read.

It's 9 shots at 200m. 1.5 MOA of vertical and 2.1 MOA of horizontal.

Chris.

[John Boy]

I wouldn't call this stellar accuracy, but it's getting close to usable. Other than 9 bullets in the same hole, what's your definition of stellar? Your hitting at under MOA @ 200m for the group. Adjust your sights and try again for all center & 10 ring hits

[Don McDowell]

Not to bad. Especially for a single trigger gun. A little more trigger time and getting used to the thing and I'm betting groups tighten up a bit more.

[XTR]

I haven't heard any real complaints from folks about the BPCR version, now trying to shoot cast out of the non-BPCRs is another story. I don't think they have the same barrels. The grooves in the non-BPCR versions is only .456. I have mine shooting very well (in the MOA range) with jacketed 405s over 3031, but with smokeless and cast I never got it so shoot anything resembling a good group, and I put several hundred rounds through it trying.

[Bullshop]

I have an 80s vintage Browning BPCR 45/70 that I would match against any make rifle for accuracy.
My rifle as I understand has a factory Badger barrel with 1/18" twist. I slugged the barrel groove at .4584"
Those older Brownings used hi grade wood so they look good too, not like the newer Winchester stamped ones.

[Don McDowell]

My wifes Winchester bpcr is exactly like the Brownings only different makers roll mark on the barrel. Like Bullshop, this rifle has the ability to go head to head with any rifle anywhere.

[Chill Wills]

I have an 80s vintage Browning BPCR 45/70 that I would match against any make rifle for accuracy.

Just for what it is worth, the first year Browning offered the purpose built BPCR Silhouette model rifle with the outstanding Badger barrel was 1996. And, They are truly outstanding rifles. Only sorry Browning needed to go to Japan to get them built.

[Gunlaker]

Don, I think you are right about the trigger time on this particular rifle. In the last year I've picked up some bad habits that I'm trying to un-learn. The heavy single trigger makes it more apparent than with a really light trigger.

John, I'd be happy if I could get something like 1.25 MOA of vertical at 200m :-).

Chris.

[Don McDowell]

Chris going from a set trigger gun to a single trigger reveals alot of things we didn't think was a problem doesn't it?

[Gunlaker]

It definitely does. The only other heavy trigger rifles I've got are a few lever guns which I shoot almost exclusively "off hand" except when testing loads occasionally. Off hand shooting with a heavy trigger can be pretty interesting too :-).

Chris.

[Hiwall55]

Haven't tried it yet but mine went to lee shaver over the winter for a trigger job. I'm sure not as good as a set trigger but couldn't hurt, Bill

[Gunlaker]

Highwall55, I'm sure you'll find that modified trigger to work very well. If I lived in America I'd send both of my Browning single shots to Mr. Shaver for a trigger job ( I've also got one of the .50-90's ).

Chris.

[MikeT]

Gunlaker,
I only had to send my Browning BPCR trigger to Lee Shaver for him to do his magic. Now I can adjust the trigger down to 1 1/4 pounds.

Keep on hav'n fun!
MikeT

[bigted]

just curious about the cash dept on the shaver mods to the trigger group??? and also you say that it is adjustable???does it still have a adjuster in the factory place?? thanks.

[Chill Wills]

Ted
He just regrinds the sear to a better angle. $25 $35 now maybe.

[MikeT]

bigted,

Yes, my trigger is adjustable and it only required the trigger mailed to Lee to get the job done. He provides a lighter coil spring that replaces the original. Call him and he can tell you the actual details. I had this work done right after I got the rifle in the 1990's.

Keep on hav'n fun!
MikeT

[hickstick_10]

Gunlaker have you tried an underprimer or "underpowder" wad? For my own BP 45-70 loads I find it helps alot.

You may want to try the old lyman 457125, that bullet almost shoots itself for me, I have to really do a dogs breakfast of loading cartridges to not make it work.

[Gunlaker]

I've been using over primer wads in a few of my rifles but haven't messed with them in this rifle.

Chris.