What to do?
I have a Model 64-5 with heavy barrel that I am having a real problem with as far as accuracy goes.
At 21 feet with my PPC load of 3.2 grains of W-W 231 or HP38, behind a 148 grain HBWC, I get a nice group and it appears to shoot close to point of aim. Several of my 158 grain SWC handloads seem to do okay also at 21 feet.
Now, when I go to 25 yards, the group resembles a shotgun pattern, and this is with me shooting off of sandbags, and using my PPC and SWC loads.
I have tried W-W 231 behind 158 grain SWC, using 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5 grains, but to no avail as to grouping. I have also tried using Titegroup (3.8 grains) and again no grouping. I have made up some Titegroup loads using 3.4 & 3.6 grains to see how they do also.
The forcing cone was quite rough and under minimum when checked with a gauge, so I re-cut the cone with the 11 degree cutter and got it nice & smooth and within specs. I also checked the cylinder and the chambers are at .357. I then checked the barrel and when using a plug gauge, I notice no tightness or looseness when running the gauge through the bore, and all chambers line up perfectly with the cylinder locked into position after cocking the hammer. Muzzle looks good with no roughness or deformity.
I realize the 64 is not a target gun, but even at 25 yards from a rest, I should get a good grouping with a good handload.
My next test will be trying the same loads and distances with my Model 10-6 and my Model 14, to see how they fare.
Anyone have some suggestions? I was even thinking of getting another Model 64 barrel, if I can find one, but I'm going to wait until I see how the Model 10 & 14 do with my loads.
I have a Model 64-5 with heavy barrel that I am having a real problem with as far as accuracy goes.
At 21 feet with my PPC load of 3.2 grains of W-W 231 or HP38, behind a 148 grain HBWC, I get a nice group and it appears to shoot close to point of aim. Several of my 158 grain SWC handloads seem to do okay also at 21 feet.
Now, when I go to 25 yards, the group resembles a shotgun pattern, and this is with me shooting off of sandbags, and using my PPC and SWC loads.
I have tried W-W 231 behind 158 grain SWC, using 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5 grains, but to no avail as to grouping. I have also tried using Titegroup (3.8 grains) and again no grouping. I have made up some Titegroup loads using 3.4 & 3.6 grains to see how they do also.
The forcing cone was quite rough and under minimum when checked with a gauge, so I re-cut the cone with the 11 degree cutter and got it nice & smooth and within specs. I also checked the cylinder and the chambers are at .357. I then checked the barrel and when using a plug gauge, I notice no tightness or looseness when running the gauge through the bore, and all chambers line up perfectly with the cylinder locked into position after cocking the hammer. Muzzle looks good with no roughness or deformity.
I realize the 64 is not a target gun, but even at 25 yards from a rest, I should get a good grouping with a good handload.
My next test will be trying the same loads and distances with my Model 10-6 and my Model 14, to see how they fare.
Anyone have some suggestions? I was even thinking of getting another Model 64 barrel, if I can find one, but I'm going to wait until I see how the Model 10 & 14 do with my loads.