Need help with "my homework"
 

I got out and shot the new hawken today. After getting the gun sited in I set up a target at 40 yards. All shots where using 60 grs. of pyrodex RS and a .15 patch w/ .490 RB. The 1st shot was inside a 2" bullseye, 2nd shot was 4" low and left. 3rd shot was right back in the bullseye. 4th & 5th shot missed the paper completely. I swabbed the barrel between each shot. I found all 5 patches and they seemed pretty ripped up. What went wrong and how should I fix it?

Thanks a bunch

P.S. I am new to this traditional stuff so feel free to give me some pointers.

Die Hard

RE: Need help with "my homework"
 

Sounds like it may be a flinching problem....Keep trying,ok
and report back to us..

RE: Need help with "my homework"
 

I doubt it was flintching cause I have never fliched in my life even when shooting 3" 12 gauge slugs ( I weigh 120 lbs). I am sure that every time I pulled the trigger I had a good sight picture and the front sight was taking up the whole dot. Heres the 2 good shots.




Die Hard

RE: Need help with "my homework"
 

The patch problem could be caused by the lube thats on them. I simply use Crisco, melt it and then dip my patches. Corey came up with a nice idea of mixing bore butter in with the crisco. I feel that adds a little better protection to the patch. How does it load on a fouled barrel? If it still loads easy, Buy some .018 pillow ticking patches.

RE: Need help with "my homework"
 

The ripped up patches kind of bother me. It would suggest either you have old patches and they are getting blow out, or you have a ruff bore. The other thing could be something as simple as you have not found the sweet load yet. Also the rifle is new, lots of times it will take a few rounds to break them in. So do not get too concerned about it yet. Also how old is your powder?

I would get some new patches for starters. Try them.If the powder is real old,get a new pound of that also. If you have a bore light, check the bore for ruff places. To do this, that some cotton balls and work them into a patch worm. Then push the cotton balls down the bore and back up. Drop a bore light down there and look for fiber hanging off the walls. Now a little is normal. A lot is not. If there is a lot of cotton fibers, then you need to use something to smooth the bore a little. Something else to try is a bore button between the powder and the patched ball. That will protect the patch. If you have no bore buttons, some corn meal will also work.

I really think all you need do is maybe get some new patches if yours are old. And just keep shooting. Also kick the charge up a little on that rifle. Most of my T/C rifles are powder hogs. They like a good strong charge. Like I said, I would not get too worried, just go have some fun and see what happens. If that rifle will group consistently like what you show there, you will have a real meat pole filler.

RE: Need help with "my homework"
 

I have not gotten my new englander shooting good yet. but what I can tell the 50% bore butter and 50% crisco on store bought .015 patchs are working well next time out I going to try corn meal buffer.

RE: Need help with "my homework"
 

The powder is maybe 2 weeks old. The patches are also 2 weeks old, they are tc pre lube patches. I am going to shoot some conicals and see if I can get good accuracy with them. If I do then I know its not me. I want to hunt with a prb though.

Thanks,

Die Hard

RE: Need help with "my homework"
 

:D:D i always had problems with those tc prelubed patches. They never lube them enough and burn right up. Buy unlubed patches and do your own, You'll be A LOT happier.

RE: Need help with "my homework"
 

With the new powder and patches as you report, I would guess you just have not found the right load. I would kick that powder charge up to 70 grains next time out and see what happens. I do not think your flinching. And I am guessing the fix is something very simple. Maxiball shoot well out of my Hawkins rifles...

RE: Need help with "my homework"
 

I tried the TC pre-lubed in my New Englander. Ended up throwing them away. Shoots fine with WalMart pillow ticking and spit or CVA Grease Patch.