Shooting Comparison - Three Different Bullets
 

Here's a comparision of shooting results with the Lyman Mustang with three different bullets and the same load.

The bullets were the 250 grain Speer Gold Dot HP, the 300 grain Hornady HP/XTP, and the 300 grain Sierra Jacketed Soft Point.

The load was 100 grains volume (77.8 grain weight) Triple 7 FFG over Harvester Crush Rib sabots with CCI 209 primers. All charges were weighed.

Each 5-shot string started with a cold, clean barrel. Barrel was swabbed after each shot with both sides of one patch dampened with Butch's Black Powder Bore Shine, followed by both sides of one dry patch. The second side of the dry patch came out almost clean.

In each string, shots were fired as soon as the gun could be loaded without extra delay. By the fifth shot the barrel was pretty warm.

All shots at 50 yards from a solid bench.

Here's the Hornady target.

RE: Shooting Comparison - Three Different Bullets
 

Here's the Sierra target.

RE: Shooting Comparison - Three Different Bullets
 

Here's the Speer target.

RE: Shooting Comparison - Three Different Bullets
 

Semisane

I do not see any big problem with your Mustang @ 50 yards... Gees! it is a brand new barrel... give it a chance to break in a little bit.

RE: Shooting Comparison - Three Different Bullets
 

SABOTLOADER, you're right. I really don't have aproblem gun. In fact, I really like the gun overall, especially the hammerless feature and the tang safety. It carries and sholders well.

Three-inch groups at 100 yards are OK for a hunting rifle - but dang, I'd sure like to find a tack driving load. Of course, half the fun is in the looking.


Shot the same loads with the same procedures at 100 yardswith the Speer bullet and the Hornady bullet. Those targets are posted below.

Speer Target:

RE: Shooting Comparison - Three Different Bullets
 

Hornady target:

RE: Shooting Comparison - Three Different Bullets
 

Try some Percesion {sp} Deadcenters and 100 grs. 777, Works great in my Mustang

RE: Shooting Comparison - Three Different Bullets
 

If this was open sights I would say it is excellent, three touching and 2.75 isexcellent.Your XTP appears to be the better shooting round. Drop the load to 90 and see what happens. Chap

RE: Shooting Comparison - Three Different Bullets
 

I don't know about the mustang but my optima grouped the 300g xtp with 90g of 777 2F better than 100g. 100g was tossing the 300g high in my optima as well. I also changed to 777 primer.

RE: Shooting Comparison - Three Different Bullets
 

Hey CHAP and OLDROOKIE, I did try 90 grains under the Hornady in my Mustang (target below). The 100 grain group was a little better. Haven't tried 110 grains yet. That's on schedule for the next range session.

This shooting is not with open sights. I'm using a3 X 9 Leupold set on 9 power. I don't think its my shooting technique. I'm not recoil shy and can shoot one-inch hundred yardgroups with a heavy load in my Browning 188545-70 with no problem. The Mustang has a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad and is a real soft shooterwith 100 grain loads.

RE: Shooting Comparison - Three Different Bullets
 

crap......have you tried the other direction? Say 110g or 115g?

RE: Shooting Comparison - Three Different Bullets
 

If the first three shots are the ones that are to gather then you might want to do this experiment.
Wait 3 to 5 minites between shots,the warmer the weather the longer the wait for some guns to group one hole.
Lee

RE: Shooting Comparison - Three Different Bullets
 

Yes, the 100 was better. Chap

RE: Shooting Comparison - Three Different Bullets
 

Sweet shooting!!!I don't see a problem with those!!!

RE: Shooting Comparison - Three Different Bullets
 

Hey OLDROOKIE,

I did try 110 grains under the Speer and Sierra bullets. Ran out of pre-measured loads before I hada chance to try the Hornadys.

With the 300 grain Sierras @ 50 yards, the groups went upfrom 1 5/8" with the 100 grain load to 2 3/8 with 110 grains.

With the 250 grain Speers, the groups went down from 2 1/8" to 1 3/4". This looks promising and I'll have to work a little more with the Speers at higher charges.

Also, will be trying 110 grains under the Hornadys at the next range session.