43-287B

[Rick]

Fed 150 primers did well in this revolver with last bullet so I want to work up a load using them. They give about 100 fps less velocity with same load when compared to CCI 350. I figure another 1/2 to 1 gr of powder will get the velocity back up there. I will look for consistency more than speed.

You only need the velocity back up there if it improves groups. This is a target load right? Velocity is unimportant, groups and consistency of the burn are important. You are not looking for a top end load, you are looking for the accurate load and rarely are they the same.

Yes bench technique is important, grip and follow through even more so. You must be relaxed and allow your hand and arm to simply follow the gun up in recoil with no resistance to it. Do not fight the recoil, relax and allow it to happen. If you try to beat the recoil you lose recoil wins. Hold the gun no tighter than needed to prevent trigger squeeze from pulling the sights off target, any tighter grip than that is too tight. I've tried teaching cops long range revolver accuracy and it's nearly impossible, they have years of defensive shooting ingrained and they hold the gun so tight you can see the muscles in their neck bulge. Just can't convince them to let go of the gun and relax, easy grip, relaxed arm that follows the gun up.

4 and a half inch 100 yard revolver groups is definitely an improvement and heading in the right direction. It shows the load is solid, repeatable and the gun can do it. A couple of years ago if I told you that you would be doing that you most likely would have called me a liar. Now to work on and improve the grip and follow through even more, I guarantee that you will be amazed.
.

 

[Brad]

I put a rest under my wrist and just below my elbow. Nothing touching my hands except the gun. I spent some time adjusting the front rest height to see how it changed impact and ability to repeat.
I let the gun recoil, much easier as I got my elbow up off the bench and had my arm almost parallel to the bench top. Less tendency for the gun to rise because my elbow bounced off the bench.
I need to hit the fabric store and get some light denim or canvas and make some sandbags. I used a bunny ear rear bag under my elbow and it wasn't ideal. What it did do was prove a concept.

Not looking for velocity but lower ES. The one load with the Fed 150 had an ES around 30, I want to see if I can get that closer to 10. Only way to do that is changing powder charge. I may even try .3 gr increments.

Today was a good learning day.

 

[Rick]

BUT . . . Are ya having fun?

 

[Brad]

Yes I am. I wouldn't do it if it wasn't.

 

[Ian]

It's fun to watch and learn along with you, Brad.

 

[fiver]

if you want some shot bags send me a pm with your address and i'll roll a couple up and send them your direction.
then you can cut them to size or make them whatever thickness you need and sew the ends shut.

 

[Brad]

if you want some shot bags send me a pm with your address and i'll roll a couple up and send them your direction.
then you can cut them to size or make them whatever thickness you need and sew the ends shut.

Done.
Those are perfect. I knew I should have saved them years ago.

 

[Rick]

I use shot bags, have two fairly firm and one kinda soft and squishy that I can form.

 

[Brad]

Sand bags are about ideal as they can be formed a bit but will stay in place and hold shape. They also can form to you rather than having edges.

 

[Ian]

I scored a few dozen from my FIL's estate, was so glad to get them since the canvas went out of style. Brad, don't you save your old blue jeans? The legs below the knee make great sandbags and aren't usually very worn or rotten when the other parts give up. Don't forget to put your filler in a heavy-duty ziplock or it will leak dust forever.

 

[Rick]

AND . . . The barrel cylinder gap will eat sand bags for lunch.

 

[Brad]

Barrel won't be resting on cloth bags, it sits on leather. Cloth bags are for my arm and wrist.
I don't keep the lower leg of old jeans, probably should?

 

[fiver]

duct tape...
I threw away something like 40 or 50 shot bags about a month ago then thought about maybe some others wanting some.
it took me like 5 seconds to give away another 30 of them.

if anyone is interested BPI sells brand new plain white ones for a buck each.
http://www.ballisticproducts.com/Empty-Canvas-Duck-Cloth-Bag-10_pk/productinfo/SHOTBAG/

 

[Brad]

An order will be placed in the next few days for a 10 pack.

 

[fiver]

don't do that.
you'll have some coming in the mail here shortly.
trust me I got plenty of them.
I just boxed up 65 boxes of shot shells today.
it would have been more, [I still have 15-20 boxes of hulls to go] but I run out of the wads I'm using for this new load.

 

[Brad]

65 boxes of shells? Does Dawn know how to run the loader?

 

[fiver]

umm sorta.
they cost like 1,000$ each so she is afraid to touch them.
she is all over the 0-frames and 550's but the Ponsess Warrens kind of intimidate her.

I tried telling her all 3 of them are older than she is, and they are pretty bulletproof.
she has seen me [and her husband] munch a hull or two and have to clear everything out so she is a bit intimidated.
she has the unloading part down Pat, and is starting to get pretty close to shooting good scores.
[she is shooting mid to high 90's now]
I'm pretty sure by next summer after she has the kid and is back to work she will be shooting some registered targets.

 

[358156 hp]

Hot glue also works to seal sandbags. I tried it long ago, and they're still holding up. My original intention was to seal the sand a bit deep in the bag so I could sew a decent seam without leaking sand all over the place. I got distracted, and forgot about the sewing part (for months), then just left them be because it was working well. I did use plenty of glue though, and probably covered almost an inch of the inside of the bags with glue.

BTW, try using used walnut media in a couple of bags and see what you think. It works well for me, and lets me use something free that I was going to throw away anyway.

 

[Ian]

Kitty litter, used walnut media, pea gravel, black beans, I've used them all and each is a little different. Walnut is definitely a favorite of mine for elbows and arms because it isn't lumpy and squishes nicely if you don't pack it too tight. It's also lightweight.

 

[Brad]

Walnut media is what I will likely use. I will probably make one with sand because the weight isn't a bad idea at times.