Finally figured out my '58/Howell conversion

[MCgunner]

Today, I finally zenned with my new Howell .45ACP conversion cylinder in the Pietta 5.5" '58 Remington. I'd tested it when I got it with my 200 grain SWC standard pressure load that I shoot in my Ruger KP90DC. It shot left, but dead on in elevation, about a 2.5" 25 yard group. SO, Kentucky windage on my 4" spinner target, I couldn't hit with it from 15 yards. Hmm, well, I got some bowling pins I've had for a long time, placed 'em out at 15 yards, was hitting dead on windage with a hold to the right, but hitting high on the pin. I lowered the aim and I was hitting center mass of the pens every danged shot! THEN, I went to my spinner and started hitting IT every shot. COOL! I am figuring it shoots higher off hand than off the sand bags due to the added muzzle flip. It rolls in the hand a bit and I was holding it pretty solid off the bags. Well, live and learn.

So, I figured it needed a good pic on my range, The woods behind the back stop are mine. Life is good.

 

[BHP FAN]

Nice! I have three converted Remmies [one Kirst and two Howells] and a Ruger with the Howell conversion cylinder, and I'm still on the fence on the things. The point of aim for the percussion set up, with round balls [or even conicals!] is so different than with the conversion cylinder, that I either end up going back to percussion, or just exclusively useing a converted gun with cartridges. which kinda obviates the whole ''convertable'' concept.

 

[Patocazador]

I've had my Howell's cylinder for my ROA for over 2 years but rarely use it. I have a .45 Blackhawk that can handle full-house loads. I guess I got it just to spite the antis.

 

[BHP FAN]

I'm a gadget addict. I have , oh about ten multi-tools. I guess that explains my fascination with these things. I'm still not sure of the utility of the conversion cylinders, they're just...neat!

 

[MCgunner]

Yeah, I've never wanted one for my ROA because I have a tack driver of a stainless Blackhawk that I love to shoot if I wanna shoot .45 Colt. I thought the conversion would be fun for the 5.5" Remmy as I could shoot whenever I want and not have to deal with clean up. Loading's a might quicker on the range, too. That's not a real biggy, though, since I shoot in the back yard and can come inside to reload cylinders, have 3 cap and ball cylinders for it.

The POA/POI thing, yeah, I wasn't counting on that. I have to hold a lot of Kentucky windage, but the thing is REAL accurate with ball OR my 200 grain cast .45ACP loads. I'd worried that the 200 grain conical might not be as accurate. My 220 conicals shoot a little high, but are dead on windage. Ball shoots a little left, but dead on elevation. The 220 conicals don't shoot better than about 4" at 25 yards groups from the bench, though, not up to the accuracy of round ball over 30 grains Pyrodex with cornmeal filler OR the .45ACP loads.

I don't think I want another conversion right away, but I've been having a lot of fun with this one. I just hold to the right and a little low.

 

[Patocazador]

Kentucky windage is fine .. if you only have one or two guns. My problem is I forget where each one of many shoots after a short layoff.

I need adj. sights or a better memory.

 

[jgh4445]

"Kentucky windage is fine .. if you only have one or two guns. My problem is I forget where each one of many shoots after a short layoff."

Exactly why I cannot stand a gun that does not shoot to point of aim! Whether target shooting or hunting or in a self defense situation, I don't wanna have to "calculate" where the bullet is going to strike, especially in an emergency! I just want to take a proper sight picture, pull the trigger and know I am gonna be "on" That is why I work with loads, tools and sometimes gunsmiths to be sure mine are like that. Shooting a pistol that doesn't hit where you aim it is like trying to drive a nail with a hammer that only has half a head!

 

[BHP FAN]

like trying to pull nails with a ball-peen hammer.