I finally made it out to the front porch to shoot my new(to me) 36 caliber Southern Mountain Rifle that I bought used a couple of weeks ago. I picked up all my accessories, including a new range rod so I was ready to go.
I did not know for sure what load to start with, so I started with 30 grains of 3F BP, and a round ball with a .015 patch. I thought this load would be a good load to start with.
I have a 2" gong sitting about 50 yards from my front porch to shoot at with my 22 rifle for practice off the porch. So I took aim from an off handed sitting position , and whamo, I hit the gong with the first shot. The sights were dead on at 50 yards with this load. I was very happy with the results. So I ran a wet patch then two dry patches and reloaded. Next shot, whamo, I hit the gong for the second shot. This rifle is shooting dead on at 50 yards.
I realize a 2" gong is a pretty big target at 50 yards, but that is what I have off the front porch. So that is what I shoot.
I put several more shots down range, and my brother shot it as well. The rifle loaded easily on every shot and was busting the gong about every shot. So I think it is ready to go and bark a few squaks!!
I might shot the rifle on a paper target before season, but I do not think it is necessary. If I can hit the gong at 50 yards then I think I can bark em pretty good with that rifle. But I probably will still do a little fine tuning.
I was going to buy a mold and cast some conicals for this rifle. But now I do not think I will cast any conicals for this rifle. I can not think of anything a conical will do at 50yards that a round ball will not do?? And I do not think I will be doing any deer hunting with this rifle. However iffin I am able to get out then the raccoons will be in for a hurtin!! Tom.
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West by God Virginia.
We need to stop using these terms today, "Sniper Rifle", "Tactical", "Assault Weapon".
Sounds like you made a fine investment. A two inch gong is small. That should put the squirrels, rabbits and other small creatures in fear for their lives..
I have a thing for .22 calibers that spins and then locks up. You have to be at least 25 yards away (or maybe you damage it.. I don't know) Then you shoot a center plate and it resets all of it. I should make some out of stronger steel for the muzzleloaders. I have lots of steel.
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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, a total wreck, screaming Yahoo, with a big smile on your face."
Your rifle is getting some great results. I remember reading about it when you first posted and there's nothing more fun than shooting a .36 round ball gun for the 1st time.
There's just something about them that produces a different kind of pleasure to shoot verses the larger bores. Maybe it has to do with their high velocity and the sound of the sharp crack of the rifle firing instead of a loud boom.
I enjoyed reading that your new gun shoots so good.
Enjoy it forever!
I can not think of anything a conical will do at 50yards that a round ball will not do??
I can't either HEAD, unless you're going after something in the medium size category, like coyotes at longer ranges. Looks like you have a winner to me.
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My wife says I'm totally nuts, but I think I'm Semisane.
Things I've Learned: (1) It's not possible to please everyone, but quite easy to piss everyone off. (2) If you love animals as I do, then you're not a vegetarian. (3) There's no need to act stupid, even if you're very good at it. (4) If you eat right and exercise, don't smoke or drink, you're going to die anyway.
Semi
I have a 36 that is 1x48 CVA i got some 32 sabots for it and shoot 60 gr cast. also shoot a 350 rb both with good accuracy. I keep it under 25 yds. Squirrel range I try for 50 ft.
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I'll never be over the Hill to tired to climb it.
Shot my new (to me) 36
