TC Renegade 1/48 Problems Solved

[JoeTheDeer]

Hoo Rha.

Yesterday I shot a three inch group at 100 yards. I used the TC sabots, 70 grains of pyrodex, and a 185 grain .451 copper jacket match pistol bulllet. I had 5 shots in that 3 inch group.

I have not been as happy about something in the last three years. It feels good.

I finally changed the scope. I had a Tasco and put an expensive Leupold on my bp rifle. That was it. I also changed the way I set the rifle on sands bags when I shoot but the scope was the big thing.

I am using bore butter. I swab the barrel with a lightly buttered patch after every shot. After I clean at home I swab it with a lot more butter and leave it till my next range date.

Because the scope was the problem some of those other bullets I tried may work. Maybe the Horniday sabot with the 44 xtp will shoot right. I have two boxes of them. I also plan to use a can of black powder I have. First though I want to get my hunting load ready. BP deer season is fast approaching here in VA.

I want to thank each of you who helped. I will look thru the answers for other stuff I can do to improve my accuracy.

Hoo raa my gun shoots.

 

[Pancho]

I'm glad that you're happy that you've found the combination that makes your gun perform to your expectations but as your name would suggest the kill zone on a deer is the size of a pie plate. Hunting conditions would, as you know, dictate that you are well within that zone to put meat in the freezer.

 

[BADUNAME30]

Good stuff Joe.
Got to be good to have confidence in yer rifle.



A scope on a Renegade ?

 

[Rojelio]

Joe, exactly which .451 185 gr. match bullet did you shoot your 3" group with, if you don't mind me asking.

 

[JoeTheDeer]

I used a Hornady .451 match 185 grain bullet. Here is the link if it works.
http://www.hornady.com/store/45-Cal-.451-185-gr-SWC-Target/

Today I went to the range and shot at 50 yards again. I shot two of the above, adjusted the scope, and hit the ten ring. Then I shot 3 of those 44 caliber xtp 300 grain in the Hornady sabot. Those 44 would not shoot right. I had two on the target backboard about 16 inches apart and one missed entirely.

Then I shot one of the 185 targets again and it hit the x. Happy shooter here. So I shot two of my .452 300 grain Hornady xtp in the Hornady sabot. They grouped about 3 inches low and 1 inch right but the holes were touching.

All shots with 80 grains pyrodex in my TC Renegade with a 1 in 48 twist.

Now I am looking for a couple .452 250 or 240 grain xtp to test fire to see if they work.

The question is do I want a 240 or 300 grain bullet for deer and are the .452 300 grains stable on all shots, just not the two I made? Input is welcome.

 

[JoeTheDeer]

Today I shot with 90 grains of Pyrodex at 100 yards. The 185 grain .451 bullets opened up to about 6 inches but my 300 grain hornady XTP shot a 3 inch group. Perhaps .it is speed that causes the bullets to be less stable. Slower speed is more stable and heavier bullets take more powder to drive them fast.

Tomorrow I am going to buy some Hornady .452 250 grain XTP to use this season and search for a good power charge for accuracy. If I can find them local.

 

[JoeTheDeer]

Got them. I got my Hornady 250 grain XTP .452 bullets at a local shop. Steele reoaders. Only cost me 30 bucks. That was close to the big online sellers who also charge shipping.

I am about to run out of pyrodex and switch to bp. A small can donated by a friend. I am counting on these 250 grain bullets working well. The range is closed for the hurricane and will open Wednesday I hope. Saturday is the start of bp season here in VA.