Fun day at the range with the chronograph

[elpac3]

Been having a REALLY tough time getting my model 39 to shoot good groups.

Have tried a variety of bullets, Hornady 124, grain FMJ, Acme 124 grain RN lead (could not keep them on a B-27 at 25 yards), Bayou 115 RN, 124 RN, 124 TC, 147 FP. Tried different powder charges (min to max) - regardless of the bullet, none wanted to shoot very tight, 4"-5" 25 yard groups from the bench. Tried different seating depths ranging from 1.10" to 1.55" still pretty crummy groups. Now I realize the Model 39 is no match for my Model 14, Bomar ribbed PPC gun but - - - -5" groups You have to be kidding me!

Finally went shorter rather than longer. Got a Bayou 124 grain TC seated to 1.080 OAL with 4.0 grains of 231 to shoot a .8" group from the bench. No signs of pressure, gun functions well

Also did some initial testing of some .44 200 grain wadcutter loads. Ran a 200 grain Rim Rock wadcutter in a .44 special case with 4.0 of Bullseye for an average of 707 f.p.s. out of a 4" model 29-2. Shot a nice ragged more-or-less one hole group at 25 yards off the bench. Using the same bullet in the .44 mag case with 4.5 grains of BE gave 747 f.p.s. with a similar group. Dispelled the old rule of thumb to increase the powder charge .5 - 1.0 grains to duplicate a .44 special load in the .44 mag case.

Finally ran some Rim Rock 260 grain SWC Keith style bullets over 7.5 grains of Unique in the mag case for a nice 1.5" group off the bench that clock in at 787 f.p.s.