Henry Rifle Forums

Took the BBC .45 Colt to the range today. This target shows my progression to mostly dialed in at 50 yards. It begins high and right and moves down and left. The large ragged hole is the result of six rounds. I shot three rounds twice to make sure.
Some reason my camera turns every thing 90°. I wanted to go and shoot on the longer range and you have.to qualify by putting 3 rounds inside the black diamond. This was my first attempt.
Interesting I managed to get it upright. This was my second attempt. At first I thought someone else had hit my target.
Third time is the charm.

I went to the longer range and set up at 100 yards. I didn't take any pictures because hits were all over the target. High and right then center and more right, that was my fault because I dialed the wrong way. Then one of three hit just below the bullseye and left, I'm not sure where the other two went. All this while using a Primos® Group Therapy Bench Anchor Rest. I was shooting Hornady Leverevolution 225 gr FTX. I'm not sure if the gun just doesn't like that round at 100 yards or what. Another shooter asked if I was shooting 200 yards. I told him that my rounds were probably in the dirt at that distance. The range official said that I was correct, my rounds were striking the steel at 150 yards near the ground.
Does anyone have any ideas how I can improve my accuracy at 100 yards?

Do you reload? If so you can really try other powders, bullets and possibly Ruger loads for more speed to get the bullet out there.
Good shooting though! I assume you using a scope at those distances.

while I have heard some say Leverevolution works well in their rifles, I have not found that to be the case with ours .... you didn't mention the type of sights on your rifle .... if a scope or red dot, be sure all mounting hardware is tight .... I'd try other brands of ammo and I'd also make sure my shooting mechanics and the rest from which I was shooting are both solid .... in short I'd try to systematically eliminate possible issues

I went to the longer range and set up at 100 yards. I didn't take any pictures because hits were all over the target. High and right then center and more right, that was my fault because I dialed the wrong way. Then one of three hit just below the bullseye and left, I'm not sure where the other two went. All this while using a Primos® Group Therapy Bench Anchor Rest. I was shooting Hornady Leverevolution 225 gr FTX. I'm not sure if the gun just doesn't like that round at 100 yards or what. Another shooter asked if I was shooting 200 yards. I told him that my rounds were probably in the dirt at that distance. The range official said that I was correct, my rounds were striking the steel at 150 yards near the ground.
Does anyone have any ideas how I can improve my accuracy at 100 yards?

fortyshooter wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 07, 2019 7:33 pm

Do you reload? If so you can really try other powders, bullets and possibly Ruger loads for more speed to get the bullet out there.
Good shooting though! I assume you using a scope at those distances.

I didn't have much luck with the Hornady FTX in the .45 Colt Big Boy. (My Henry 30-30 doesn't seem to like them much either). I have had great luck with the Buffalo Bore .45 colt ammo in the +P (ruger only category) This is some great ammo. BUT, too expensive for plinking.
The .45 Colt is why I got into hand-loading. It is a very easy round to start off with (learning how to handload) and you can make exactly what your rifle likes, and more than likely for your Big Boy you will be handloading in the +P or Magnum .45 Colt realm. Which is often called Ruger Only Loads.
If you don't handload yet I would encourage to think about it. We can give you lots of advice on how to get started, and pitfalls to avoid.
One book that I would recommend is "The Beginner's Guide to Reloading Ammunition" by Steven Gregersen.
If you already handload. I would not waste any time with factory .45 Colt ammo.
With my handloads I have no problem reaching out to 100+ yards with very satisfactory accuracy and power.

Happy Shooting!!!

Greyhawk
I have had good luck with the FTX bullets in the 45-70 AW but never tried them in the 45 colt. I think if I was going to go for a good load in the colt Id try some Hornady 250 gr xtp bullets with either 2400 or HS-6. Nice shooting at the 50 yard.

.'
Maybe obvious, but are your scope mount and ring screws tight?
I don't reload, but don't the weight of the bullet and powder charge need to be compatible with the twist rate of the bore? Otherwise the bullet is prone to wander and/or tumble?

My Henry .30-30 shoots real well with Federal Fusion.

Greyhawk wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 07, 2019 8:27 pm

...
Does anyone have any ideas how I can improve my accuracy at 100 yards?
...
I didn't have much luck with the Hornady FTX in the .45 Colt Big Boy. (My Henry 30-30 doesn't seem to like them much either). I have had great luck with the Buffalo Bore .45 colt ammo in the +P (ruger only category) This is some great ammo. BUT, too expensive for plinking.

I should have mentioned the reason I was at the range was to sight in after I found the scope to be loose. Took the whole gun, including the scope and rail, apart for a.good.cleanimg and reset scope.
I don't reload yet but am getting setup to do so. Have to get extra bedroom cleaned out first. Going to turn it into a place for quiet activities.
I have a box of DoubleTapp +p 225 grain all copper hollow points to hunt with. They are difficult to acquire and expensive. Haven't tried Buffalo Bore yet.

BigAl52 wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 07, 2019 10:46 pm

Greyhawk
I have had good luck with the FTX bullets in the 45-70 AW but never tried them in the 45 colt. I think if I was going to go for a good load in the colt Id try some Hornady 250 gr xtp bullets with either 2400 or HS-6. Nice shooting at the 50 yard.

Yes, Hornady 250 grain XTP's and 2400 in the Ruger Only category (19-20 grains) has been a great combination for me and my Henry Big Boy.