The verdict is in (my verdict anyway)
09-30-2012 | 11:30 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Boone & Crockett
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 12,825
Likes: 5
From: Eastern PA
The verdict is in (my verdict anyway)
I spent over 3 hours on the range today with the Accura. It turns out the blocked flame channel was the cause of my poor accuracy.
Using BH209 with 90, 100 and 110 gr charges and 4 different bullets (300 gr XTPs, 300 gr Barnes MZ, 300 gr Sierras and 295 gr Powerbelts). I took my time shooting to allow for cooling - 2-3 mins between shots. Cleaned the flame channel out every 3 shots as recommended and ran a dry patch down the bore after every 2 groups (6 shots). I did this because I didn't want too much fouling build up in the bore because there was no way I would allow that much fouling during hunting season.
My groups averaged anywhere from 2 1/2" to just about right at i". Best group was with the XTPs and 90 gr of BH209.
Following the BH209 shooting I thoroughly cleaned the rifle and BP right there at the range.
Shooting the same XTPs but this time using 90 gr of Pyrodex RS, my first 3 shot group was about 1 1/4" and was about 2 1/2" low. I expected the low POI because of the pressure difference between the 2 powders. I clicked the scope up 8 clicks and shot 3 shots with 100 gr of Pyro RS. This group was easily under 1" with 2 bullets paractically going into the same hole and a finger width of target between those and the other.
The recoil of the Pyrodex was very light when compared to the BH209's. Much more comfortable. Of course I did have to swab between shots. A spit patch both sides. But it gave me something to do instead of sitting around waiting for the barrel to cool down.
Looks like the small amount of BH209 I hae left will be staying in my cabinet for a while. I will be sticking with the Pyrodex.
Using BH209 with 90, 100 and 110 gr charges and 4 different bullets (300 gr XTPs, 300 gr Barnes MZ, 300 gr Sierras and 295 gr Powerbelts). I took my time shooting to allow for cooling - 2-3 mins between shots. Cleaned the flame channel out every 3 shots as recommended and ran a dry patch down the bore after every 2 groups (6 shots). I did this because I didn't want too much fouling build up in the bore because there was no way I would allow that much fouling during hunting season.
My groups averaged anywhere from 2 1/2" to just about right at i". Best group was with the XTPs and 90 gr of BH209.
Following the BH209 shooting I thoroughly cleaned the rifle and BP right there at the range.
Shooting the same XTPs but this time using 90 gr of Pyrodex RS, my first 3 shot group was about 1 1/4" and was about 2 1/2" low. I expected the low POI because of the pressure difference between the 2 powders. I clicked the scope up 8 clicks and shot 3 shots with 100 gr of Pyro RS. This group was easily under 1" with 2 bullets paractically going into the same hole and a finger width of target between those and the other.
The recoil of the Pyrodex was very light when compared to the BH209's. Much more comfortable. Of course I did have to swab between shots. A spit patch both sides. But it gave me something to do instead of sitting around waiting for the barrel to cool down.
Looks like the small amount of BH209 I hae left will be staying in my cabinet for a while. I will be sticking with the Pyrodex.
09-30-2012 | 04:51 PM
#3
Dominant Buck
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 21,193
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
As I said, I had good accuracy with BlackHorn 209. But swabbing a rifle never bothered me. If swabbing was this evil thing we do, I would never purchase and shoot Black Powder. I have old T shirts which make great patches. And when the dishes are done, I have swabbing solution also. All this while the barrel cools.
It does sound like you really found some good loads for your rifle. And that's a good thing.
Today I was shooting roundball again out of my LK 93. I had cast a number of .495 ball and they really shoot well out of those little Knight Rifles with 70 grains of powder. I might have to give them a chance at deer this year. That would be so cool.
It does sound like you really found some good loads for your rifle. And that's a good thing.
Today I was shooting roundball again out of my LK 93. I had cast a number of .495 ball and they really shoot well out of those little Knight Rifles with 70 grains of powder. I might have to give them a chance at deer this year. That would be so cool.
