The first cold shot was a previously loaded (we went hunting this morning😀 ) 80 grains of Pyrodex, hornady .490 ball over JoAnn's ticking cut at the muzzle and sparingly lubed with T/C bore butter. Target was set at measured 50 yards. All shots were taken from the bench using my shooting bag stuffed with a hunting pillow for a rest.
This first hit is marked with word "Pyro"
Next 3 shots were loaded over 50 grains of Goex FFFG. The best I have ever shot this rifle, period.
Next I loaded 55 grains of FFFG and without thinking took a shot at the 50 grain group. I then relized It will be to crowded and re marked my target with one inch squares and used those for further testing. So that shot circled with black just under 50 grain group is accidental.
I then re loaded and shot 3 times with 55 grain load and the group is circled and marked with number 55
Same was done with 60 grain load and the same is marked with number 60.
I used 209 primers for ignition and in between every shot I scrubbed with a wet patch followed by 3 dry patches. Loading was significantly easier than pre steel wool and mothers treatment. Starting the ball at the muzzle was a lot easier than ever. It is interesting to note that even the very first Pyrodex propelled patch came out in one piece. I was able to recover a few patches and the shape of the patches is an improvement.
http://s1119.photobucket.com/user/Muamero/media/image_zpsscszjd1s.jpeg.html
The more I clean the bore betwen the shots the better it shot so I paid attention and made sure the bore was clean before each shot.
At this time i moved the target to 75yards and the group opened up to 6 inches. Some of this I beleive is due to bore getting dirtier even tho I cleaned between all the shots and my concetration was off since there were bunch of guys shooting at a steel target at a high rate of fire.
After the range I cleaned up and loaded up with 60 grains of FFFG and headed back to the woods.
A doe presented herself broadside at about 50-55 yards and I hit her with a perfect double lung hit shooting off hands. The ball passed clean through her and struck a tree trunk and we were not able to recover it. 😃
The doe expired 20 yards from were she was shot. All this with only 60 grains of FFFG.
Yes I know, there is still room for improvement. Next range session I intend to arrive with squeeky clean barrel and shoot at 75 yards fresh and rested.
I want to than all of you that contributed to the conversation and helped me to get my rifle to shoot better than eveR.
Any and all suggestions and comments welcome. Thank you all again. :grin: :grin: