After re-learning how to cast, carefully considering the information given here, and reading up on the subject, I loaded ten rounds last night. Since I was less than happy with the reduced IMR4198 load, I opted for the Pyrodex CTG I had on hand. The original Italian military load was 61.4 gr FG under a 300 gr bullet. Since this is a slightly bottlenecked round, and all the sources I consulted apecified no air between powder & bullet, I filled the case to the bottom of the neck. It weighed close to 55 grains, so I settled on that for the starting load. I used the 300 gr heeled bullet as cast (.427) and dip lubed in SAECO NRA formula lube. I tried to make newspaper wads - one thickness - but it wasn't working, so I omitted that step altogether. A slight crimp - the bullets would turn in the case with slight finger pressure - &
I was ready for the range.
I dinged the 50 yd & 100 yd gong 2 for 2, so I put the attached target on the 50 yd holder & tried 3. Not bad, so I tried a second three - the upper group and was pleased with the results. I was resting the rifle on my shooting bag and bracing my elbows on the table. I figure if I take my rifle rest and try a couple grains up & down from 55.0, it may do even better.
Thank you all for your advice! DANG ain't these old rifles cool!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> SW
http://www.hunt101.com/img/159454.jpg45-70 on the left & 10.4 X 47R on the right. 1870/87 Italian Vetterli groups shot at 50 yards from bench.
