I finally was able to get a break from the grind and got to the range for some relaxation. I didn’t get as many loads tested as what I set out because a buddy of mine who tagged along was having trouble with his scope. But I did get a few targets shot and it was a fun day regardless. The goal was to develop a load for CO pronghorn season this year. I am pretty much set on using the 250g Barnes TEZ bullet this year. I’m taking the 700ML and the game plan is to shoot BH in it.

All shots were with the supplied sabot, STS primer and at 50 yards. The plan was to start out at 90g BH and then work my way up to 110g and see if the groups opened up. I only made it through the 90g load before I stopped. Though the accuracy wasn’t horrible, it was nowhere near what I will classify as acceptable.




I really wanted to go up to 100g and see if it would tighten up but just out of curiosity, I threw 90g of 777 and took 3 shots with it. This is what I was looking for.



So I stuck with 777 and bumped it up to 100g. By this time there was a guy beside me with an AR burning about $30 about every 30 seconds. Ahh the joys of public ranges.



I attribute some of that to the distraction but regardless, it appeared to open up some. I’m going to continue to up the charge of BH and see if they tighten up, but I’ll have to do it on a buddy’s land. I’m done dealing with the crazies at the public ranges. But, if not, the 777 is shooting well with the Barnes so I can always use that if need be.
I have a .54 flintlock that should be arriving to my door in a few days. I’ll probably end up setting the inlines aside for a while and the flintlock will be getting all my attention.

TNHagies

It is really good to get out and shoot - good for the soul....

That 90 grain load really laid them in there nice...

I think you will find a bump in BH will help accuracy... hope you get another chance at shooting soon...

A little more fine tuning with either powder and you will have a hunting load there TN. good shooting by the way! my fun day is tomorrow!!!!! Ray

Looks like you found your load to me TN. That load of 90 grains T-7 and a 250 TEZ looks mighty fine and has all of the oomph you'll need. Just need to see if it holds together at longer ranges.

Yeah, I had planned to shoot at 100 once I found what load I was most pleased with. However, the range was packed and I was tired of fighting w/the crowd. I have plenty of time though. Relaxing day nonetheless.

Nice shooting!

Good luck on your Antelope hunt. They are lots of fun to hunt!


Paul

I'm a little confused. You wanted to shoot 100gr of BH, but were annoyed by the crowds. But then you shoot T7.

I think you gave up way too early on BH.

I never gave up on BH. I shoot it in several of my guns and love it. I just wasn't pleased with the 90g of BH results so out of curosity I changed to 777 and found the results I was looking for. I'm sure at some point this summer I'll test more with BH but for now I have a .54 flintlock to play with and a new 10/22 build.

But yes, crowds greatly annoy me which I why I will no longer use public ranges-even if that means I don't get to shoot as often. I have no desire to shoot beside 3 20yr olds with AK-47s burning clip after clip spraying rounds all over the range. Nor the people who load the wrong ammo in their guns as was the case the time before last. They can blow themselves up if they would like, I'll have no part of it.