Coming to the group to tap into the vast knowledge.
Have myself a beauty of a custom made rifle, 1792 Contract Rifle, this particular one made by Kashtuk Bowcraft. It's .54 caliber,
I've really only shot smoothbores before and just potshots at the range at the steel, however lately I've had a renewed interest in shooting and getting more serious about doing the best with these guns that I can do. Had the opportunity to begin to try and get this rifle on target. I just watched Mike Bealiveau's videos on the basics of shooting, a lot of which I got, but putting into practice, eh we'll see. I managed to squeak in some range time today and was not super impressed.
Off the bench with a rest. I started with .526 with a .018 cotton patch lubed in minks oil, over 55grains of FF Goex. At 50 yards all 4 shots were low by 7" and just to the left of my POA. Reset with 60 grains and same result with 2 more shots. Decided to go with a .530 ball w/ 55grains and not sure I hit paper (could be me) it was pouring out today and I think the moisture started getting the better of me and began having some misfire's as another group of shooters settled in right next to me so I ended up calling it quits. I think I'd like to keep the .526 ball if possible it does seem quite easier to load, but not sure if that's too small a ball.
Next steps for me? Do I keep going up in powder loads and see if the trajectory straightens out? Is it better to keep inching up in 5 grain increments, or should I try a bit bigger? I realize each gun is different and there are lots of variables, looking for some general pointers and advice. Ideally I want to get into competitive shooting and biathlons so I'd like to be able to hit what I'm aiming for at 100yds, 100yds would make me a happy camper.
Have myself a beauty of a custom made rifle, 1792 Contract Rifle, this particular one made by Kashtuk Bowcraft. It's .54 caliber,
I've really only shot smoothbores before and just potshots at the range at the steel, however lately I've had a renewed interest in shooting and getting more serious about doing the best with these guns that I can do. Had the opportunity to begin to try and get this rifle on target. I just watched Mike Bealiveau's videos on the basics of shooting, a lot of which I got, but putting into practice, eh we'll see. I managed to squeak in some range time today and was not super impressed.
Off the bench with a rest. I started with .526 with a .018 cotton patch lubed in minks oil, over 55grains of FF Goex. At 50 yards all 4 shots were low by 7" and just to the left of my POA. Reset with 60 grains and same result with 2 more shots. Decided to go with a .530 ball w/ 55grains and not sure I hit paper (could be me) it was pouring out today and I think the moisture started getting the better of me and began having some misfire's as another group of shooters settled in right next to me so I ended up calling it quits. I think I'd like to keep the .526 ball if possible it does seem quite easier to load, but not sure if that's too small a ball.
Next steps for me? Do I keep going up in powder loads and see if the trajectory straightens out? Is it better to keep inching up in 5 grain increments, or should I try a bit bigger? I realize each gun is different and there are lots of variables, looking for some general pointers and advice. Ideally I want to get into competitive shooting and biathlons so I'd like to be able to hit what I'm aiming for at 100yds, 100yds would make me a happy camper.
IMG_0421
.54 Hawken Flintlock
