Just wanted to share my experiences with the BP group here. I was able to attend a BPCR match at the COSSA shooting range near Bend, Oregon. This was my first time to actually compete with others and talk with fellow BPCR shooters in person. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun. I shot 2 BPCR matches; military single shot at 2, 3, 4 and 500 yds and buffalo rifle mid-range at 3, 4, 5 and 600 yds. There was a long range buffalo at 7, 8, 9 and 1000 yds but I wasn't able to attend. I used my 1888 Trapdoor and 1874 Pedersoli Sharps 45-70.
I was very impressed with my TD hitting 25 of 28 shots. I found the right load of BP and using Bear Creek's 500gr RN Govt bullet. The Buffington sights need to be adjusted slightly for target shooting but this load generally regulates the sights. I found that blow tubing is better rather than wiping after each shot which is the opposite of my Sharps.
I already knew my Sharps was a good shooter up to 500m (limit of my home range) and had hoped to see what it could do at 700yds and beyond but unfortunately life's events prevented that. I feel confident in the load I developed but I know 45-70 accuracy at the longer ranges starts to get iffy and the world class competitors seem to move to 45-90 and beyond. There were big buffalo targets at these ranges, so I think I could have hit them most of the time but more interested in how repeatable the hits could be. Oh well, I guess I will remain in waiting mode to find out. Cheers everyone!
I was very impressed with my TD hitting 25 of 28 shots. I found the right load of BP and using Bear Creek's 500gr RN Govt bullet. The Buffington sights need to be adjusted slightly for target shooting but this load generally regulates the sights. I found that blow tubing is better rather than wiping after each shot which is the opposite of my Sharps.
I already knew my Sharps was a good shooter up to 500m (limit of my home range) and had hoped to see what it could do at 700yds and beyond but unfortunately life's events prevented that. I feel confident in the load I developed but I know 45-70 accuracy at the longer ranges starts to get iffy and the world class competitors seem to move to 45-90 and beyond. There were big buffalo targets at these ranges, so I think I could have hit them most of the time but more interested in how repeatable the hits could be. Oh well, I guess I will remain in waiting mode to find out. Cheers everyone!
