Shooting Low

[bads1buell]

I picked up a new Flintlock Saturday and shot it out to 25yds and it is shooting about three inches low at 25yds. The front sight is a blade about .275-.300 high. Question is do I need to file the front down a little to bring the point of aim up a bit?

Thanks

 

[paulab]

Yup.

 

[vacca rabite]

Unless your POA will always be at 25 yards, I would suggest sighting in at 50 to 70 yards before you start filing metal away.

Zach

 

[bads1buell]

25 was just a starting point. I will try 50 and see where it is hitting before filing the sight down.

 

[rafterob]

Have you tried different powder charges? When sighting a new rifle I start with the recommended load of powder=caliber. I start at 25 yards and shoot 3-5 shots for a group. I then increase 5 grains and repeat. When my groups have reached the highest POI I back down to the lowest charge that achieved that point. I then file my front sight if needed. I sight at 25 yards and use blade elevation as necessary at 50 and 100 yards. Those are the distances our range is set at. If your primary use is hunting, you may want to sight at what you would consider normal hunting range.

 

[bads1buell]

It's a 54 cal Ed Rayl barrel. I started with 80gr 2F and went down to 70gr with the same results. You think I need to go lower on the charge?

 

[Dphar]

25 was just a starting point. I will try 50 and see where it is hitting before filing the sight down.

It will be far lower at 50 is its that low at 25 shooting at 50 is a waste of powder. It needs to be 1" high at 25 to get it near the sights at 50-100.
So get it to at least to point of aim at 25 then move out to the longer ranges.
Dan

 

[crockett]

I'll throw in my 2 cents, I would sight in for 70 yards. That way you'll be pretty much dead on at anything between 50 to 100 yards which for a muzzle loader with open sights- will probably be what you will encounter in the field.
For hunting you'll need enough powder to do the job- 80-90 grains with a prb ought to be okay.
First, I'd work up what is most accurate as far as ball, patch thickness, lube, powder charge, etc. You at this point are shooting off sand bags and trying to obtain the smallest possible group. After you find the best combination of powder, patch, ball, etc- then adjust the sights to get that best load on target.

 

[Dphar]

It's a 54 cal Ed Rayl barrel. I started with 80gr 2F and went down to 70gr with the same results. You think I need to go lower on the charge?

Most people shoot too little powder for best accuracy. Most 54 shoot best with 90 grains or more.
Some people use as much as 70 grains in 40s for best accuracy.
65-70 of FFF is typical for a 45 caliber and has been since I started shooting MLs in the 1960s.
Dan

 

[Rifleman1776]

It's a 54 cal Ed Rayl barrel. I started with 80gr 2F and went down to 70gr with the same results. You think I need to go lower on the charge?

Your final charge should be determined by what gives you the best group, not point of impact, at 50 yards.
I agree 50 yards is the best range to sight a traditional round ball rifle. You will be a bit low at 100 but once you learn your rifle that can be adjusted with kentucky windaging and hold and/or slightly increased charge.
But, to answer your question: First I would look to the rear sight. If it can be easily replaced with a higher one that would be my preference. A very low front sight picks up glare, heat waves and can be hard to see. A higher rear sight gives you more options. Just my tuppence.

 

[user 13289]

Forget your actual POI at 25 until you develop a ragged hole group at 25 (rested). Then adjust your sights according to that most accurate loading combination. Take your pick of ranges/procedures above.

 

[pargent]

:thumbsup: Yep get it grouping well and the best load worked up then adjust the sights to suit

 

[bads1buell]

Got back out today and filed some of the front sight down and she is now cutting holes at 25yds.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Got back out today and filed some of the front sight down and she is now cutting holes at 25yds.

:grin: :applause:

 

[Billnpatti]

With that Ed Rayl barrel, you have a gun capable of some very amazing accuracy......if you know how to get there. Let me drop one name....Dutch Schoultz and his website http://www.blackpowderrifleaccuracy.com/

Buy his system. Do exactly as he says and you will have a gun that is capable of cutting Xs all day long. Best $20 you can spend on muzzleloading, hands down.

 

[bads1buell]

Here is a couple pics.

 

[bads1buell]

First four shots was with original sight height. After that I filed it off some and this is what I have now. Found the patches and they were blown to pieces. Guess I need a heavier patch. With 2F I did not have a patch issue only when I switched to 3F. I that normal for 3F to be a little hotter?

 

[MSW]

three F is said to be a little hotter than 2F, but it's a curious thing that you're getting blown patches after the change ... I assume that everything else is the same (i.e patch material & thickness, lube, ball diameter and so on) if it's blowing patches and you don't want to mess with reworking the load, you might want to consider putting some sort of overpowder card (I've used bits of leather soaked in Ballistol and left to dry overnight)...

just one guy's opinion ... free and no doubt well worth the price...

make good smoke!

 

[bads1buell]

I am going to try some .018 ticking next time out lubed with Moose snot.