Snover. 1:12, 8 Groove barrel.

[Martini Sportco]

Hi all,
I'm looking for some help with my Low Wall 38/50. It was fitted with the Ron Snover 1:12, 8 groove barrel many years ago and I am the third owner.
Does anyone here have experience with these 8 groove barrels ?
I have been fairly successfull over the years with my load developement but this one is testing me.
Do they prefer a harder or softer alloy ?
I believe my Casting and prep is good, my lube and wiping technique works with several other guns, but I can't get this one to work yet. The bore Cast and barrel slug shows a bore diameter of .376. I have an excellent Steve Brooks tapered bullet mold of .377 that I am currently running at 20:1.
Maybe they prefer a very clean barrel, or maybe they prefer just one wipe between shots. ? I don't do Paper patch, yet. 🤔
Any help appreciated. 👍🇦🇺

[missionary5155]

Are you shooting BP ?

[Martini Sportco]

Are you shooting BP ?

Yes. Swiss. 58.0, 60.0, 62.0, with .100" compression.

[Kenny Wasserburger]

I used 15-1 in my 38-50 with similar powder charges.

Lots of 100-+ X count at 200 yards. Good enough to win a Scope Prone 2015 @Raton midrange.

KW

[Martini Sportco]

I used 15-1 in my 38-50 with similar powder charges.

Lots of 100-+ X count at 200 yards. Good enough to win a Scope Prone 2015 @Raton midrange.

KW
Hi Kenny,
What twist rate do you have, and what length bullet did you settle on ?
PP or GG.
What is your opinion on short, (there fore light), bullets in fast twists. ? Is there any reason to run longer bullets if I don't wish to shoot past 200 yds. ?
Thanks. M.S.

[Kenny Wasserburger]

If 200 yards go with a 1-14 Twist and the Lyman 330 gr Postell it’s a great bullet in the 38’s.

I sold the rifle as it with the 14 twist was lacking past 300 yards. 12 twist is how I will go on a new rifle. That 330 gr bullet should do fine in your 12 twist barrel.

Kenny W

[Martini Sportco]

Well I've had some success.
I fitted the new Hadley eye piece which helped immencely.
Secondly I changed my wiping procedure from 2 x damp back to just one. It seems the barrel doesn't like to be over cleaned. ��

[Boz330]

Hi Kenny,
What twist rate do you have, and what length bullet did you settle on ?
PP or GG.
What is your opinion on short, (there fore light), bullets in fast twists. ? Is there any reason to run longer bullets if I don't wish to shoot past 200 yds. ?
Thanks. M.S.

As Kenny said that Lyman 330gr Postel is a great 38 bullet at a good price. I had very good luck with it out of a 38-55 and a 14 twist Badger Barrel out to 600yd.

Bob