Extreme Trajectory

[Rafferty]

Hi, just joined in and I have a question. I recently took a stainless steel 1851 Navy Colt (made in Italy stamped on barrel, no maker) that I haven't fired in around 25 years out to the range...don't remember what loads I used to use, but I was a lousy shot then. I'm really good now with modern handguns.

Anyway, using 20 grains (smallest measure I have), I clustered all six together at 10 yards, but 5 inches high.

I backed off to 15 yards and got the same group 10 inches high!

At 20 yards, I was over the top of the target frame even aiming at the bottom, at least 15 inches.

I read that Colts shoot high to print dead on at 75 yards, but that's insane trajectory that no sight change is gonna fix. I can't get more than 30 yards from the target in my back yard.

Would reducing the charge flatten trajectory, or would it be the same, but slower?

 

[sundance44s]

Try going the other way with your loads , getting the ball out of the barrel faster , will help bring it back to earth . My pet Navy load is 25 grs of 3f goex ...no wad .

 

[sharps59]

I'm w/ sundace.
beleave sights were set for 50 yrds. mine is reset for 25 yrds w/ 18.5 grn of 3fffg. and w/ 25gr for 50yrds. with no change in hold these loads give me the best group.:banghead:

 

[Pulp]

You can also take a triangular file and deepen the rear notch a mite. But go slow. You can't put the metal back.

 

[Rafferty]

OK, guys, thanks. The navy probably maxes out at 30 grains with 3F Goex? So I'll load 25, then if I dont' get close to POA at 10 yards, I'll go to 30 grains. That makes sense--faster bullets have flatter trajectory. I always thought that 20 grains was max for a .36 navy.

I'll file the hammer as last resort.

I've wondered how people get measured loads 22, 23, etc grains. I've only seen powder measures that throw measurements in 5-grain increments.

 

[Rafferty]

Hey, Sharps,

How did you reset your sight?

 

[sundance44s]

Rafferty get ya one of these powder measures ..http://www.trackofthewolf.com/(S(p2...ies/partList.aspx?catID=1&subID=13&styleID=49