I got a chance this past week to do some more extensive testing with the .500 Gold Dot. In my .50 caliber T/c guns, this 300 grain bullet initially shot a promising group. This time, I started out with a clean gun and set up a 24" X 24" target at 200 yards. Using 120 gr. of 2F T7, the first shot did not hit the paper.Second shot was about 10" high. Third shot through the sixth shot made a pretty good group (grapefruit size) in the center of the paper.

I let the gun cool and tried five more shots. They made a group about 8" with vertical dispersion.

After cleaning, I tried several groups with various charges of Pyrodex RS. Best group was with 100 grains - about 5" at 200 yards.Only problem is that the velocity of this load is not any higher than quite a few other established conicals in this bullet weight class.

Anyway, this little experiment appears to have lost its initial lustre. I'm now wondering how they might shoot if I could figure out a way to attach a powerbelt plastic skirt to one . . . . .

Roskoe

Or sit one on top of a sub-base.

I am thinking from your description you are not getting to much obturation of the bullet and the necessity of a fouled bore to shoot these things without a sabot.

Although - I am also thinking a 200 yard grapefruit is not that bad when you consider all the external forces that might be acting on that bullet after it leaves the barrel...

Roskoe..that is kind of interesting and the groups you describe at 200 yards are not all that bad, I actually thought that what you were trying to do would never work. Well low and behold, get the gun dirty and it starts to group. Again, 5" group at 200 yards would spell dead critter in a lot of cases...

I agree, 4 to 5 inch groups at 200 yards aint bad at all. I get about a 4" group at 200 with the 460 NE's. Sounds like you have something there. You might try putting a wad or 2 under them to see if it helps. I've also heard of putting a wrap or two of teflon tape around a bullet to help seal it. You could try the sub bases or just trim the petals off a sabot and use that like a sub base.

Keep us informed on how it develops.

Roskoe, try adding about 20 grains by volume of Cream of Wheat over the powder. Might wanna drop your powder charge to begin that experiment.

Imagine - shooting Cream of Wheat at an elk. America - I love this country!

IM jaybe

But that would make him (sorry I have to type it) a cereal killer!!

Oh man - I'm kickin' myself for not thinking of that [>:]

IM jaybe

YOU ARE BAD. Wish I had thought of it-LOL

Charlie