New Optima report
 

Well this is gonna be tougher than I thought, however it is a challenge that at the end of my session today was showing a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

I could'nt hit the paper at 50 yards for the first 5 rounds, I started with 80 grains being a puss then quickly stepped it up to 100. Directions on the scope I think said it is factory zeroed at 50 yards after stepping it up I aimed 2 feeet high and hit the bullseye, then the adjustment began. I also noticed I was having a hard time getting the powerbelt seated all the way unless I brused and thoroughly swabed out the barre,I did pop a primer after swabbing. So much for shooting 6 or 7 shots before cleaning which is what powerbelts are supposed to be good for I guess.

My last 5 rounds of the 16 were in a 5-6 inch group at 50 yards, so I had started to figure things out before I ran out of powerbelts.

My loads were 100 grns. as close as I could get being a beginner with a powder measurer and 295hollow point powerbelts.

Should I replace the ramrod? Sounds wierd but I guess it could affect the barrel.I was using the ramrod but then laying it on the bench instead of unscrewing the t-handle and replacing it.

RE: New Optima report
 

First thing I would do is give away that 777 powder to my worst enemy;)

Then I'd run 100 strokes of JB bore paste/USP bore Paste with a patch covered bore brush:)

Get some Shockey's Gold or Pinnacle powder in 3Fg, and stay at 80 grains of powder.

Check all your scope mounts, and try again. You will definitly see a world of difference:D And no more "Hard Time" seating/loading of the powerBelts. We call that "Hard Time" the 777 Crud Ring[:@]

RE: New Optima report
 

Nothing wrong with 777. My optima acutally likes it when used with heavier conicals. Using 90 gr. of 777 and a 400 gr. conical, it'll put the first two shots within 1.5" of each other at 100 yards. The third shot opens things to just under 2".
I had a hard time loading the powerbelts as well. They were just about as hard to load as some of the saboted bullets I've tried. I don't use them anymore, that being one of the reasons. I was never impressed with the powerbelts.The 348 gr. ones produced decent groups but nothingspectacular.Don't worry about your ramrod, it's fine.Make sure you get the bullet seated properlywitheach shot.

RE: New Optima report
 

TXFRNTLDER

Sorry to hear that it really wasn't a fun and exciting experiance, but you know when we all started some of sidn't have the advantage ofhaving a qualified friend around to help at the shooting site. I know one instance that I would like to think made the difference. I drove over to Kennewick and took a friend shooting with me, it made all the difference in the world, I'd like to think, in his perception of shooting ML's... you just had your first...

What did you do to your barrel before you went shooting? Did you really clean it well? That can have a big difference...

Then I would suggest you start shooting at 25 yards - check the scope and make sure everything is snug... if you can not get a pattern at 25 take the scope off and use the open sites if it has any. There is no use doing anything if you can not get a pattern at @25. A check you could do set a target @ 25 remove the breech plug set the gun on bags - something stable - then look through the bore center the target in the bore - then with out moving the gun check the scope and adjust as necessary - check it more than one time....

Shooting... shoot a clean bore - try not to have much if any oil in the bore. There is nothing wrong with your T7 once you become familiar with it's characteristics. Run a SLIGHTLY damp patch (I use regular windex) up and down in the barrel - use short quick strokes until you hit the bottom of the barrel or the top of the breech plug.... Then run a dry patch flip it over and run it again or if it comes out wet run another - make sure you hear the air pushing out of your breech plug on the down stokes - the air should sound clean and dry... You should not need to pop caps in between shots - just ge the bore dry and listen for dry air out the nipple.. Once you get your bore really broken in you will probably be able to load more than one PB without swabbing but it is going to take you awhile to get your bore broken in.

Make sure you are taking care of your breech plug also - do not let it seize on you.

Personally I would get a Range Rod, an extra long rod with a handle, just leave your regular rod in your gun when shooting at the range it should just be an ornament.

Do the 25 yard thing then go to 50 yards... Keep asking questions... But do not give up and do not get frustrated yet.

The powerbelt thing is still the best way to go to start shooting - they are expensive but it is one less element you need to worry about until you become more familiar with your gun.

Next time at Bass Pro - look and see if they have packages of TC Mag Express sabots (just the sabot no bullets), should be black ones for a .451/.452 bullet) into a 50 cal gun...

Using the powder measure - just pour the powder in to the top cut if off with the slide and pour it in the barrel - try to do the same thing the same way every time.

Good luck - keep talking...

mike

RE: New Optima report
 

Sabotloaders comments were perfect, i think. Pretty much how I handle a new rifle, even a new load.

Garminator, when you first asked about "working up a load", I held back suggesting the firstprojectile that will go through any new ML I own from now on. I held off because I wasn't for sure you could find it and thought also you may be looking for hunting load beyond 100 yards. But I just can't say enough about how great it is to use Buffalo Ballets or PA conicals first. They load super easy, even in a rough bore, and are very forgiving for consistent velocity and POI when the barrel is in need ofbreaking in. Just load them anything from 60 to 80 grains. They are veryinexpensive too. Anywhere from $9 to $12 for a box of 50.

Don't let todays experience discourage ya. Get back out there and have fun.

RE: New Optima report
 

Thanks guys and I'm sorry if I came across wrong, Ihad a great time and I am psyched! I came out of it better than I went in with all sorts of ideas to improve, I just finished cleaning my gun and am ready to head back out tomorrow. I'm making a run to BassPro in the morning then off to the range.

I love this tweaking and tinkering stuff, there would be NO PRIDE in a 2 inch group at 100 yards then the same out to 150 and 200 if it were easy and I didn't start out like this. I realize today was just getting to know my gun, the little tricks, I NEED A RANGE RAG!! I NEED A POWDER HORN! The Walmart funnel with the tip cut off ain't cuttin it!

I need to weed out my range box, I got too excited last night and put too much cr@p in it. I suffer from the "What if I need it on the range syndrome" I don't need pliers for that gun! I don't need the full socket set!But you never know, I have been in construction for 20 years, theres always room for one more tool!

Anyway, thanks guys. I realize the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, and that first pig I drop with this rifle will be an awesome experience!

RE: New Optima report
 

I would have to second sabotloader's advice on taking out your breech plug and bore sighting your scope first. It will makea world of difference and save you some money on bad shots.