On the range with the FA 97

[ole 5 hole group]

Got out today with my Freedom Arms Model 97 – got a few bullets from Beartooth and tried a couple of loads – some have promise but the others I think I need to either increase the velocity or play with different powders for the lower velocities. The 240 grain XTP of course are jacketed from Hornady and when I went up 5 grains using N110 things got just a tad tighter. Here’s a few pictures – 25 yards and benched. Maybe next month I'll be able to wade out to the 50 and 100 yard targets and I'll be using a scope next time.

[MtGun44]

Awesome results.

Bill

[Shiloh]

Especially like the last photo. Nice shooting!!

Shiloh

[dubber123]

That 21.0/H-110 with the 325 sure looks good. I would be tickled that the little critter likes those heavy boolits so well. Nice shooting.

[ole 5 hole group]

Next outing I'll use the chronograph and get the N110 powder up to speed to match the H110 - hopefully the N110 will start shooting then. I was hoping for low velocity bug holes but haven't found them yet with this revolver. I really dislike H110 powder - the recoil is a lot sharper than N110, IMR4227 and the likes. The powder shoots well but does so in a PMS mood.

[44man]

Next outing I'll use the chronograph and get the N110 powder up to speed to match the H110 - hopefully the N110 will start shooting then. I was hoping for low velocity bug holes but haven't found them yet with this revolver. I really dislike H110 powder - the recoil is a lot sharper than N110, IMR4227 and the likes. The powder shoots well but does so in a PMS mood.
You are finding out that boolit length and twist rate are very important for the velocity needed for accuracy. Reach the right spot and your 25 yard group can be matched at 50 yards. If you can't the twist is too slow and you can't get the velocity high enough for the spin needed.

[Snyd]

Excellent results there. What 325gr boolit is that? I just picked up the Lyman mould with dbl crimp grooves but haven't cast any yet. Been working on a 355gr LBT load.

[ole 5 hole group]

Excellent results there. What 325gr boolit is that? I just picked up the Lyman mould with dbl crimp grooves but haven't cast any yet. Been working on a 355gr LBT load.

The 325 grain bullet was made by beartooth bullets - it's their double crimp 45 colt bullet - OAL .855, nose to crimp 1st .305 2nd .390 with a .315 meplat. Here's a picture.

[Frank]

44man said

You are finding out that boolit length and twist rate are very important for the velocity needed for accuracy. Reach the right spot and your 25 yard group can be matched at 50 yards. If you can't the twist is too slow and you can't get the velocity high enough for the spin needed.


Exactly.