Much better today. Ideal conditions to double check some things. Zero wind, overcast so no shadows, perfect for shooting as far as I am concerned. Range all to myself.
4 things different today than the last couple of reports:
- shooting recently reloaded rounds. The ones I shot a couple of days ago were from when I first started reloading, and I assume the ones I do now are better; better crimp, better powder consistency. These were 200 gr LRNFP, 6.6gn of Universal...a very nice round to load and shoot
- no stock cover on rifle, just au naturel...I think I shoot better with no stock cover. Maybe in my head only, but the rifle fits better without it as far as I can tell. I like the look of the cover, but there's a reason Gus and Woodrow didn't have them on their Henrys...many a sassy bandit and Comanche can attest to it.
- rifle was cleaned yesterday, and I had shot several times without cleaning it, it does make a difference as these targets show
- I showed up at the range with a chip on my shoulder, confused with some recent results.
...hate confusion, I live my life in vivid black and white. First up, just to go back to basics, 25 yds off hand standing. 12 rounds. Very aware of any "cant" right or left, and these went exactly where I put them. I don't think there is anything on this target that isn't 100% the shooter given the conditions today. Rifle works just like it's supposed to. I felt better going to the 50 yd range after this target.
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Next is 50 yds off hand standing, which I don't normally do (I don't know how Hickock45 rings those gongs way out there all the time) but I wanted to see what the spread would be like between the 2 targets. Not bad but you can see the difference obviously. Only loaded 11 rounds for some reason (?), must have been distracted by my go-cup tea on the bench today...it was good! Temp in the 40's today.
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50 yds from 1 knee, different target but much better results than the last few days....again, very aware of tilt either way and I am convinced the stock cover does not get the rifle in close and tight on my shoulder. 12 rounds.
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Since no wind, 12 rounds on the 100 yd board. Binoculars as usual to check stuff as I go. The spread is better, not all on the left side!!! And all on paper too...very happy with this one. Have to use the antlers to hold it down for the pic, these targets curl up bad...
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Last 3 rounds I had with me took out 3 pony express riders. This is why they hired orphans. If you are waiting on a letter from home, it's going to be late, that last guy in on foot now. 50 yds, 1 knee.
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Feel better now, back to shooting in the wind most of the time after today....shoot safe folks. RR
You really are an excellent shooter.
It will be fun to see how well you do with the new 1885 High Wall.
And done at 50 yards on the gallup….WOW! Glad number 3 is on foot now. Hope he's carrying those pesky bills that show up in my mailbox!