Buckshot
07-27-2008, 02:50 AM
.............I used the Rigby muzzle loader in our buffalo match again this month, and probably will next month too. Last outing it was embarasssing as I had 3 missfires on the line for score shots. Each time I had to leave the line to pull the nipple, pour in some 4Fg and replace the nipple. I just KNEW those other shooters were getting tired of that!
I figured I hadn't cleaned down into the paptent breech as well as I should have, so had given it a complete and very thorough cleaning. This time I didn't have a single problem in ignition. I only knocked over 3 buffalo of the 6 for score. My first sighter from a clean barrel was called a couple inches high over his back. My first REAL sighter after that was a miss the spotter said he'd have needed dial calipers to measure it was so close.
I figured I'd just hold a bit low rather then lower the tang sight. The load was 85.0grs Elephant 2Fg, lubed 1/8" felt wad (bore wiped to the wad) and a 530gr paper patched swaged cup based slug. The patch was lubed with Wonder Lube. I don't lube the slug and load it until the guy in front of me is getting ready to shoot as I don't like to hold it in the bore very long.
My personal best with this rifle so far has been 4 out of the 6 buffalo. This time I got 3. Just like my sighters, my first 2 score rounds barely skimmed over the hump. Jon K said if he was me he'd make the sight adjustment, so I broke down and did. My next 3 shots were all solid hits in the hump. I probably could have lowered the tang sight another couple seconds.
Had a couple guys remark that the shot sure 'cracks'. I don't ever recall clocking it so I do't know what it's doing velocity wise. I do know the buff goes over in a big hurry when hit! My last shot was a messup on my part. Even though I saw the front blade drift off a but right, my finger pulled the trigger anyway. So my 4th possible hit sailed just over the butt. It was great fun regardless.
................Buckshot
I figured I hadn't cleaned down into the paptent breech as well as I should have, so had given it a complete and very thorough cleaning. This time I didn't have a single problem in ignition. I only knocked over 3 buffalo of the 6 for score. My first sighter from a clean barrel was called a couple inches high over his back. My first REAL sighter after that was a miss the spotter said he'd have needed dial calipers to measure it was so close.
I figured I'd just hold a bit low rather then lower the tang sight. The load was 85.0grs Elephant 2Fg, lubed 1/8" felt wad (bore wiped to the wad) and a 530gr paper patched swaged cup based slug. The patch was lubed with Wonder Lube. I don't lube the slug and load it until the guy in front of me is getting ready to shoot as I don't like to hold it in the bore very long.
My personal best with this rifle so far has been 4 out of the 6 buffalo. This time I got 3. Just like my sighters, my first 2 score rounds barely skimmed over the hump. Jon K said if he was me he'd make the sight adjustment, so I broke down and did. My next 3 shots were all solid hits in the hump. I probably could have lowered the tang sight another couple seconds.
Had a couple guys remark that the shot sure 'cracks'. I don't ever recall clocking it so I do't know what it's doing velocity wise. I do know the buff goes over in a big hurry when hit! My last shot was a messup on my part. Even though I saw the front blade drift off a but right, my finger pulled the trigger anyway. So my 4th possible hit sailed just over the butt. It was great fun regardless.
................Buckshot