accuracy question

[Tom Hessler]

Hi
I am new to black powder and just beggining the learning curve.
I have an Interarms hawken replica rifle. I am trying to shoot groups with it and it seems to be all over the place, then again I am not sure what I should expect from it.
I am shooting 50 yards with the gun in my hands sitting on a bench, the gun is not on bags but in my hands. Useing 30 grain charge by volume pretty carefully measured.
My groups are around 8 to 10 inches, this seems pretty poor. I will shoot 2 or 3 in about a 4 inch group and then the next one will be 6 to 8 inches away in some arbitrary direction.
sights are tight, like I said I am new to this so I dont expect to be good right away but I am sure I am not aiming 8 inches off one shot to the next.
Thanks for any advice, Tom

 

[gearheart]

Many variables involved. First off what caliber is the rifle? What ball diameter & what patch thickness are you using? What lube? Finding the best load is both fun and frustrating. Keep copious notes, change only one thing at a time and note what effect it has. Is it a new gun? There is a break in period before it starts to shoot consistent groups.

 

[crockett]

If it is a Hawken I am assuming it is either a 50 or 54 caliber and the 30 grain charge is pretty light. You might get better accuracy with more powder. 50-70 grain range might be better.
Patch thickness can be critical. Try a thicker patch.

 

[Rev_William]

If you have a video camera even on a smart phone film yourself for a few shots some people have a small flinch til they get used to the cap flash even if they don't think they do. also it will give you a good look at your follow thru.

 

[Tom Hessler]

Thanks for the replys
It is a 50cal.. I am using a .490 ball and a .015 inch thick pre lubed patch from bass pro shop store.
yes it is a new gun.
Thanks Tom

 

[stinkyfeet]

You need to try and up your powder charge a lot try around 55-60 and go up 5 graind at a time shooting a group with each powder combo. Your gun will tell you what is right. Mine like 80 grains of 3f. If that doesn't work try a thicker patch or a larger ball. Make sure you swab the barrel in between groups as well.

 

[buford87]

Until you have shot about 1 or 2 hundred rounds through it don't panic. Take your time shooting your new gun and try some of the tips the other guys have given you. As was said only change one thing at a time. Hang in there ...................watch yer top knot..............

 

[Tom Hessler]

As of today I have 125 rounds through it. Tomorrow I will bost it up to 50 grains and see if there is an effect.
Thanks, Tom

 

[S.Kenton]

I'd shoot off asolidrest( I use a "lead sled")...or at the very least sandbags. Especially if I'm working up a load or checking for accuracy. Then after I've worked up the best load combination...and only then would I start practicing off-hand.
Just my 2 cents

 

[Vaino]

If it's not your shooting, then it's the patches. Have you retrieved some patches? They shouldn't have cuts or be shredded. Refining an already somewhat accurate load is one thing, but mostly if not the only reason for BIG GROUPS, is the patch. What else could it be?.....Fred

 

[Tom Hessler]

Fred
I think its not my shooting, I am a target shooter as a hobby and 50 yds is my game. Just never did it in black powder, this is new to me. I did check some patches and they look fine to me, no cuts and symetrical wear. I even orient them the same way when installing them, if that matters.
Thanks, Tom

 

[bpd303]

I am really thinking it's the light powder charge. All three of my 50s won't group below 50 gr of real black. You want to change one thing at a time. If the patches look good I would start with the powder then work on the lube.

 

[nchawkeye]

Expect something like this, once you get the bugs worked out...

You are using real black powder aren't you???

I'm not a fan of prelubed patches, perfer to buy my own material and make my own lube...

 

[Billnpatti]

A lot of pretty good answers but I am going to give you the secret. Go online and find "Dutch Schoultz Muzzleloading Accuracy System" (http://www.blackpowderrifleaccuracy.com/). I think he is charging $20 for his information loaded pamphlet. You cannot spend a better $20 on muzzleloading. Thoroughly read it and then re-read it. Then follow what he says to the letter. When you have done this, you will have discovered the absolute best and most accurate load for your rifle.

 

[gunner69skmc]

I agreewith BillnPatty, you can't beat the information that you receive from Dutch. Best $20.00 you ever invested it shooting black powder firearms. :bow:

 

[George T.]

Your first sweet spot will be on or near 1 1/2 the bore size or 75 grains. Try the .018 patches it will load a little tighter but your groups will be smaller. Geo. T.

 

[AZbpBurner]

Earlier this year I got an old Cabelas .54 caplock Hawken. Bore is good up to within about an inch of the muzzle, where there are a couple of nasty pits.

Nevertheless, from a bench, I can put all rounds touching into about 1 3/4" group at 50 yards ... even using Pyrodex. If it had a flawless bore & if I used 2F BP, it would likely be unsufferably accurate.

Try a 65 gr. starting load, and fire 5 round groups. Increase successive loads by 5 grains per group, until you get the precision you're happy with.

 

[cynthialee]

I agreewith BillnPatty, you can't beat the information that you receive from Dutch. Best $20.00 you ever invested it shooting black powder firearms. :bow:

I just read it all and I am anxious to get out and do some shooting.

 

[Kentuckywindage]

30 grains in a 50?!! A colt walker shoots more than that!

Try 70 grains and work up to 90, those are always my most accurate loads in a 50cal sidelock.

Patch and ball combo sounds ok although i do prefer the thicker .018 patch myself.

 

[Rat Trapper]

Start around 75 grains and keep going up until the groups tighten up. My TC 50 Cal Hawken likes Triple Seven real well so that's all I use in it. Every rifle has it's own likes and dislikes. I've got a 45 TC Hawken that also likes Triple Seven, while my 36 and 40 like Goex. Your loads are too light.