1858 Remington - range report and pics

[tnlonghunter]

Okay, I finally got some pics of my new pistol and a report from my first time shooting it for groups and working on loads. First, the information:

I shot 4-shot groups, with 3 different powder loads (20 grains, 25 grains, 30 grains of 3f GOEX), with lubricated ox-yoke felt wonder wads under .454 round balls. The distance was 50 feet. I shot 3 groups for each powder charge off of a rest.

It turns out that my first group was my best, which was 25 grains. I got a 4-shot group of about 1 1/4" with that group. As it turns out, there wasn't a huge difference at 50 feet with any charge - most were about 1 1/2 to 2 inches. While I've shot a number of different handguns, I'm not a pistol shooter by training or history (this is actually the first pistol I've personally owned). So this seemed pretty good to me.

It was about 35 degrees outside, so I wonder whether the hardening of the fouling became an issue. Next time I'll try swabbing between cylinders (or at least every 3-4 cylinders) and I'll also probably start punching my own wads, using Crisco or other lube. Those factory wads really don't feel very well lubed. I'm also going to plan on setting my zero at 25 yards, so I'll keep fiddling until I get my load right and then work on my sights/sight-picture.

Now, here are the pics. While it's not exactly unique, there are many like it but this one is mine. I'm thinking I might replace the grips with some stag grips or faux ivory. Maybe I'll carve my own from some curly maple or something else. Not sure yet. Any fun suggestions are welcome. Anyway, here you go.

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

Nice pix! As far as wads go, sometimes they do dry-out a little, if left in an open package. In the winter, for critical target work I sometimes put a little dab of wonder lube onto the pre-lubed wads for a little more softening of the fouling. Seems to work for me, especially in low humidity.

Finding the 25 grain charge to be more accurate in a '58 doesn't surprise me one bit. It should shoot 30 grains almost just as well, and you can split the difference in-between to customize your load, as I have done this also for mine. The cylinder will hold up to 35 grains and a wad in each chamber, if using regular balls.

Are you going to sight-in at your current distance, or are you sighting-in at the standard 25 yards? How long of a shot are you intending upon trying? This will help to determine how you proceed.

Good luck with your new revolver!

Dave

 

[tnlonghunter]

Thanks Smoke. I'm planning on sighting in at 25 yards, eventually. I'm figuring that since I'm pretty new to shooting pistols for groups, I'd take it slow. I'll probably try out the 27/28 grain charge, see if that's any different, and then move out to 25 yards to confirm. Once I've got a solid load, I'll work on filing my sight (if needed) and go from there.

 

[mdrougas]

Thanks for sharing your pictures. Very nice.
Great advice on working up a load. I must admit to being rather lazy and just getting "good enough" with my load. I set up a small range out back at my place and will have to check my range and load. Thanks again, MJD

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

Sounds like a good plan of action to me!

Let me know if I can be of any more help to you, and good luck with the Remmy :thumbsup: .

Dave

 

[Rebel]

Hey, That looks just like the one i received yesterday, only longer. :haha: I got one with the 5 1/2" barrel. I have had a number of them with the long barrel but wanted to try the shorter one. Glad i did. I like the way it feels and it seems like it is going to be a good shooter. I only got to fire 12 shots through it so far, but it looks promising for accuracy. Have fun with your as they are just plain fun to shoot.

 

[larry wv]

Mine likes 27 grains. Larry

 

[tv_racin_fan]

Play around with the amount of powder and use of a filler to bring the ball out to about 1/16th below cylinder mouth. That is supposedly the way to accuracy.

 

[Blizzard of '93]

nice revolver and good write-up.
you might consider takeing a small spray bottle of w/w fluid with you when going shooting, remove the cylinder and spray down the bore well from cylinder port then dry patch really bring the crud out.