Took my newly acquired Parker-Hale 3 Band musket to the range for the 1st time today. I was not happy with the results. The gun was thoroughly cleaned by me when I got it. I also did a thorough inspection. The bore is really nice.....so is the crown, nipple etc. Got some deep cavity 500+ Minies that were uniform. They are .575 and when loaded I could just push them partially in the bore by thumb. For the first time out I lubed them with bore butter with just a dab in the base to boot. I was using 65gr Swiss FFFG. They loaded fine and I did a light "uniform" little double tap to make sure they were seated properly. All shooting was done from the bench to check for accuracy and see how the rifle shot. I was shooting a good foot and a half to the left at 50 yds. Groups were about 4". I have done precision rimfire competition and know how to keep shots in 5/16" at 50yds. I also shoot heavy .45/70 loads and a 500 JRH revolver......so I know I am not flinching. The trigger is really nice on the P-H. While I did not expect stellar accuracy the first time out I am concerned about shooting so far to the left. I am aware that different powder, lube and projectile combos must be tried. I want to hunt with this rifle.....am I just asking too much from this firearm?
If not farmiliar this is a 1-78 twist .577 caliber with a 39" barrel