i seem to be getting closer to a conclusion with my blackpowder endeavors...well at least i am getting some repeatable results with a couple of my rifles.
target i am asking about concerns my old marlin [in 38-55] that i had re-lined. this ol hummer really wants to shoot but vertical strings the shots in almost a straight line. [smokless goes into 1 ragged hole so i know its not the rifle]...
rifle spec's...chamber is 2.086 long and the fired case takes a finger seated .380 inch boolit snugly...twist is 1 in 18 factory style...26 inch barrel...head space perfect...no snug places in barrel length...flat crown reminisant of factory crown...sights are full buckhorn rear[marples] and silver blade front[c sharps]. she is a dandy!!!
load is such;
winchester 2.085 inch brass [which is my chamber dimensions].
baco 275 grain .380 inch boolit.
lube is SPG with a nice lube star on barrel end.
.060 inch walters vegi wad.
52 grains GOEX Cartridge powder.
cci 200 large rifle primer.
use the size die [RCBS] to remove flair.
lee factory die for crimp.
compress around 1/2 inch on powder [done with a compression stem in my flair die body].
fouling control is accomplished with 5 long meaningfull breaths DOWN the barrel between shots.
wish i could post a photo of the target but cant so ill have to describe it to you...
target is around 50 yards at my home ...[its where i dredge out the winners and losers before i take any to the longer range for real trial]...the rifle strings the shots down in direction from the first shot from a clean/dry barrel. the shots are almost touching each other on their downward travel in a almost perfect vertical line. i use the same fouling control that i have discovered werks very well in my other rifles.
so ive thought about trying a primer wad inside the case and under the powder...
using magnum primers...
crimp harder to make a more consistant combustion...
less powder for less compression...
what say yee? i know ive seen a target a few years ago that was posted for education purposes but cant seem to find it. weigh in with thoughts and/or suggestions. THANKS
Ted