Which group is the best?

BP Addict · Jul 15, 2024

I'm seeking opinions. I took the Frontier Gander rifle out to the Range on Friday. This time with the 50-caliber barrel (it also came with a 36). Both barrels are 28 inches. I started with 45 grains of 3F at 13 yards to ensure I was on paper. I moved it out to 25 yards and Bench Rested 45, 50, 55 & 60 grains. 60 (1.25") had a better-looking group (cloverleaf) but 50 (1") is smaller.

What say ye? Keep in mind that this is a light rifle. 60 grains has a bit more kick than I prefer. I usually shoot 2F in my 50s but I’m running low and have quite a bit of 3F on hand. Plus it seems to burn cleaner.

Thanks!

Walt

COTNTOP · Jul 15, 2024

Gtrubicon · Jul 15, 2024

I agree with the 60 grains.

Pete G · Jul 15, 2024

You cannot make assessments on just one group.

Secesh · Jul 15, 2024

Just my 2 cents… Looks like somewhere between 50 gr. to 60 gr. is the sweet spot. If it were me, I would now start at 51 gr. and work my way up in 1 or 2 gr. increments to find that spot. I would also stick with 3f in the .50 cal.

You’ll be surprised how much influence 1 or 2 gr. will have on accuracy.

Des52 · Jul 15, 2024

I have the same rifle I bought new as a kit from Gander. I shoot 60 grs. 3F in the .50 and 25 grs. in the .36 for roundballs, I up it for Maxis.

TNGhost · Jul 15, 2024

Nothing wrong with using 3F in a rifle/musket. Anything saying otherwise is an old wife's tale.

As far as the groups, I'd say it is splitting hairs between the 50 and the 60 and if you are doing more than punching paper and are going to be using it for hunting, I would go with the 60 and its slightly more oomph as the accuracy is there either way.

If it is a paper target competition situation, then I would work on trying different variable some more to fine tune it to get the very best group the felt good to fire for an extended number of shots. Silhouettes or other "knock down" targets would of course be a different animal.

BP Addict · Jul 15, 2024

TNGhost said:
Nothing wrong with using 3F in a rifle/musket. Anything saying otherwise is an old wife's tale.

As far as the groups, I'd say it is splitting hairs between the 50 and the 60 and if you are doing more than punching paper and are going to be using it for hunting, I would go with the 60 and its slightly more oomph as the accuracy is there either way.

If it is a paper target competition situation, then I would work on trying different variable some more to fine tune it to get the very best group the felt good to fire for an extended number of shots. Silhouettes or other "knock down" targets would of course be a different animal.

I was going to use the 36 for paper targets and the 50 for steel.

Thanks!

Walt

longcruise · Jul 15, 2024

Answering literally, it's certainly 60 grains......today.

Go back and do it over a couple more times and see what the results are.

dave951 · Jul 15, 2024

55ish looks like the sweet spot.

flatcreek · Jul 15, 2024

45 is the worst the other 3 are about the same. With that in mind I would go with the lightest good load, 50.

BP Addict · Jul 15, 2024

longcruise said:
Answering literally, it's certainly 60 grains......today.

Go back and do it over a couple more times and see what the results are.

I was going to just do the 50 and 60 but you're probably right. I should repeat the test but might eliminate the 45 starting point.

Thanks!

Walt

Grenadier1758 · Jul 16, 2024

@BP Addict, I concur with other respondents. The results need to be repeated to confirm the observations. Just as one should have 5 shots to establish a group, one should have at least 3 repeat groups to verify the result.

Then of course, we have wind, direction of the sun, variable clouds and personal fatigue to complicate the results.

ronaldrothb49 · Jul 16, 2024

The 55 grain is a nice group with the exception of the low shot which could be operator error. I would do a 65 grain to see what happens. I think you will find your load somewhere between 55 and 65. If this is a new barrel you have to consider that it will take some shooting to get it broke in and really shooting nice tight groups.

rp77469 · Jul 16, 2024

I like to shoot sighting groups from at least 50 yards. Surprises sometimes show up you don't see at the shorter distance. Not always, but sometimes.

BP Addict · Jul 16, 2024

Grenadier1758 said:
@BP Addict, I concur with other respondents. The results need to be repeated to confirm the observations. Just as one should have 5 shots to establish a group, one should have at least 3 repeat groups to verify the result.

Then of course, we have wind, direction of the sun, variable clouds and personal fatigue to complicate the results.

I've heard of the first rule but not the second. Good to know.

Thanks!

Walt

Grenadier1758 · Jul 16, 2024

@BP Addict, those aren't rules as much as best practices.

slwnbp · Jul 16, 2024

COTNTOP said:
60gr

COTNTOP said:
Good for you. You gave a simple answer to his question. I agree with you. 60 gives the best group. 55 might be better, but you gave the correct answer. 55 was not one of the options.

ohiochuck · Jul 17, 2024

The fun is in testing to find out but then you must make the final decision
Enjoy!

hanshi · Jul 18, 2024

60 grains looks mighty good but most of the groups are worth bragging.

Which group is the best?

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