TheSquire
Member
I'm pleased with the result from finishing the stock on this Ardessa .45 rifle; what do you guys think the accurate range should be?
I can shoot one hole groups at 25 yards on my local range ( it's all there is).
Accurate Range
- Thread starter TheSquire
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I'm pleased with the result from finishing the stock on this Ardessa .45 rifle; what do you guys think the accurate range should be?
I can shoot one hole groups at 25 yards on my local range ( it's all there is).
[email protected]
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My thought is about 75 yards. Do you have access to a chronograph, then take notice to bullet drop say from 50 to 100 yards. Knowing you FPS, will add in figuring out your bullets max trajectory.
OP
OP
TheSquire
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Thanks. I was asking as there is a 100 yard range I could get to, but wouldn't bother if 100yrds was not going to be attainable.
With a patched ball I should at least be able to get it on the paper by working up to a load.
With a patched ball I should at least be able to get it on the paper by working up to a load.
100 yds isn't a problem whatsoever for a ball. Of course your load determines your trajectory.
I haven't begun working on an accurate load for my .50 cal as I had been breaking in the new barrel. I tried 50 and 100 grns of powder but settled on 70 grns as it just seemed reasonable (not too light and not too heavy for my needs) and I just used the 50 yard range and typically got 3-4" groups, though I also found my eyesight is worse than I figured and really ought to get glasses.
Using Hodgon's data for a .490" ball with a BC of 0.069 that's around 1825 fps at the muzzle with 1309 ft/lbs of energy. This is at 900' elevation and zeroed at 100 yds with a 10 mph 90* breeze and my calculator gives me these figures (25 yd increments):
1.1" high with 0.6" wind drift at 25 yds
2.0" high with 2.4" wind drift at 50 yds
1.8" high with 5.6" wind drift at 75 yds
0.0" with 10.2" wind drift at 100 yds
-3.7" drop with 15.9" wind drift at 125 yds
This load will take deer out to that range well and is no real problem as far as trajectory. However even a bit of good breeze will push that ball off course and so longer shots aren't a good idea for hunting, and for a target will possibly miss paper altogether without proper compensation. Range estimation for me out to 125 yds or so isn't too big of an issue but wind estimation and compensation is too much for me so I'd keep shots to 75 yds were it breezy. At the range it's not a big deal...
I haven't begun working on an accurate load for my .50 cal as I had been breaking in the new barrel. I tried 50 and 100 grns of powder but settled on 70 grns as it just seemed reasonable (not too light and not too heavy for my needs) and I just used the 50 yard range and typically got 3-4" groups, though I also found my eyesight is worse than I figured and really ought to get glasses.
Using Hodgon's data for a .490" ball with a BC of 0.069 that's around 1825 fps at the muzzle with 1309 ft/lbs of energy. This is at 900' elevation and zeroed at 100 yds with a 10 mph 90* breeze and my calculator gives me these figures (25 yd increments):
1.1" high with 0.6" wind drift at 25 yds
2.0" high with 2.4" wind drift at 50 yds
1.8" high with 5.6" wind drift at 75 yds
0.0" with 10.2" wind drift at 100 yds
-3.7" drop with 15.9" wind drift at 125 yds
This load will take deer out to that range well and is no real problem as far as trajectory. However even a bit of good breeze will push that ball off course and so longer shots aren't a good idea for hunting, and for a target will possibly miss paper altogether without proper compensation. Range estimation for me out to 125 yds or so isn't too big of an issue but wind estimation and compensation is too much for me so I'd keep shots to 75 yds were it breezy. At the range it's not a big deal...
xXxplosive
Member
Shot with fellas on the 200yrd. range at deer size targets...no problem for the .45 once you get the dope on the load.....
OP
OP
TheSquire
Member
That's really helpful, thanks guys. I need to work up a load now!
rdstrain49
Member
I routinely shoot at steel (6 & 8 inch plates) standing unsupported (offhand) at 100 yards. I have 6 front loaders, only one isn't up to it.
[email protected]
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My old reloading manuals would even give BC and the amount of energy a bullet retained at a given range and estimate the velocity. My new, Amazon bought, Speer manual has limited info on led ammo in general and nothing on the aforementioned items. Can someone suggest a good manual for led ammo suitable for BP, especially revolver.
rdstrain49
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