Back to the range with the Trade Rifle
 

That last experience has really bothered me. I had to run to the big city again for some medical reasons, but got back home and decided to take the day off.

I could hear a thunderstorm working its way towards me, but figured I had maybe an hour to shoot. So I grabbed the Sig Sauer target full of .22 holes and threw that up. I marched the target back to what I thought was 50 yards but two readings were 47 so I called it that.

The same load.. 90 grains of Schuetzen 2f black powder. Pillow Tick patch, moose milk lube, and home cast .530 roundball. The only difference today was, I used my Caldwell Rock rest instead of the Caldwell soft bags.

I shot at a old orange that was making a science experiment in the refrigerator at 25 yards to check the rifle. First shot the orange exploded. Second shot right next to a chunk of peel. I was ready for the 47 yard target. I was concerned I would be disappointed.

I held a tight six o'clock hold under the bulls eye, half way between the center and the edge. Where that white circle would be. I knew the rifle was sighted in high at this distance. I shot twice and then checked the target.



I hit high and left, but at least they two shots were together. So I changed my POA a little (where the white 0 is placed) and shot four shots. Then checked the target.

I was pleased with that group. That's the way I remember this rifle shooting before. Why it sprayed all over the other day... all I can guess is shooter exhaustion.

So it was 75 degrees out. A storm moving in. Hot humid, and the deer flies were terrible. Even with Deep Woods OFF on, they were attempting to land. But I was pleased with the group. I brought out some soda to drink while the rifle cooled. Finished the 2 liter bottle and filled that with water. Set that out on a stump at 50 yards..



I aimed just under dead center on the bottle and after the smoke cleared... it was gone. But I hit right where I figured the ball should hit.

Then for fun, there was that old Sig Sauer target on a nail at 104 yards. Now I seldom shoot open sights this far. But I was on a roll I figured.



I aimed just under the bull. I was surprised the ball held up so high on the target. So I really have no idea where this ball would come back to zero but I was glad to hit the small board. Just wish it would have been in the bulls eye.

I then shot some other paint cans and the rain then opened up on me. So I called it a GOOD day.

Nice going Cayugad. Shooter exhaustion? Maybe. But I wonder if that Caldwell soft bag had something to do with it.

Really bad group for the .22. :p

I can't wait til my Lyman begins to behave that way. Nice shooting.