took the 21" GMB to the range

[wabi]

Finally got a chance to try some sabots in the 21" GM LRH barrel this morning. The range was muddy, so I put the target at 35 yards. I was loading 80 grs of fffg Goex for all shots.
Tried some 240 gr cheap shot sabots first and put the first two shots through the same hole at 35 yards. Then I tried #3, and pulled it to the right (knew it was out of the group as soon as I pulled the trigger). The first two were high left about 2".
Then I went to 300 gr XTPs and shot a good group, but slightly left. I made a small adjustment to the rear sight and switched to 360 gr .457 bullets in MMP orange sabots. Right on @ 35 yards. I then tried a shot at a small piece of white plastic stuck in the mud at the 100 yard backstop. When I touched the trigger the plastic disappeared!!!!
Pic shows the group to the left with 300 gr XTPs, then the group in the bullseye with the 360 gr .457s




The more I play with this barrel, the more I like it! It doesn't seem to be a bit picky about what I feed it. It looks like it might like heavy bullets which suits me fine. I'd much rather use heavy bullets for deer hunting. Looks like I need to break down and spend some $$$ for some Barnes Expanders to try in it.

[cayugad]

excellent shooting there... that is a sweet barrel you have there.

[wabi]

I like it so far.
It cleaned up really easily when I got home. I had swabbed between shots and fired only 13 rounds today, but it only took two patches "pumping" windshield washer fluid 4 or 5 strokes oneach patch to get the patches coming out white. Total cleanup time wasonly about 5minutes, and I wasn't in a hurry. It usually takes longer for me to clean an inline!
When I replaced the broken f/o strand in the front sight I was very careful to heat & flare the end toward the rear as little as necessary - just enough to hold it in place. It makes the sight very round & clear to look at, and I think it makes precise sighting much easier than the larger "bubble" the factory often puts on f/o sights. I checked it during and after the range session, and it is staying right where it should be.
I didn't mention in my first post, but I also fired a group with 250 gr REALs. About 2" @ 35 yards. Not great, but they would be for a quick follow-up shot if needed. I'll try the 320 gr REAL next time, and I should have some 360 gr Lee minies if I dig deep enough in my junk drawer. (might even find the mould, too)

[cayugad]

I have yet to shoot REALs out of the rifle. I have some casted somewhere. I will have to look for them or cast some more up. I still like those 300 grain XTPs. It does clean up easy ... last time I cleaned mine I thought I must have done something wrong as it cleaned too fast. But no matter how many more patches I put down it, the bore was clean.

[Tenmilephenom]

Sounds like you guys with those 21" bbls have something there. I bought a new gmb for my renegade awhile ago-maybe I should have waited!!

Kerry

[Semisane]

I was at Cabala's today. They had a couple of GM octagon caplock barrels in the Bargain Cave on special sale for $189.