Hello all my name is Rob and I was wondering if I could ask a few questions........Now that I have got new sights installed on my PH Volunteer I am now ready to start grouping and zeroing in earnest.� The front sight is of the tunnel style and the rear is a Pedersoli 446.� I have access to two bullets, both Lyman, the 451114 and the 457121.� The former loads without sizing (although there is a certain amout of very light friction when it slides into the barrel......� Nothing that prevents full and easy seating though) and the latter must be sized (my die is 451).� I am starting at 100 and working my way up to somewhere around 400, over time.� What kind of accuracy should I expect from it (and me for that matter)?� 1" or 2 ".... maybe 4" at 100?� Sub 1"?� I really don't know but some advice or experience would help me set a bench mark to go for.....� I have read with interest about those of you who have such a rifle and have learned alot so far about loading procedures and the like,....� thank you.

Rob

Has no authority myself, I would be pleased at first with 2 1/2 @100 for starters (dbl that at 200) and agree that beyond will widen. It is a 'romance'. You, and the rifle should improve over time, but there is a lot to know about each other.
I say this as one who has shot a number of diciplines and have a witnessed group at 220 yd. of sub MOA with a vintage scoped cartridge rifle off cross sticks (not to bragg....OK, it is to bragg, but it shows that an average guy, sticking to the fundamentals, and with a little talent can do well).

Rob.....A postell or creedmoor style bullet is what most people use at mid-long range. Either style will deliver the mail quite well. Check out buffalo arms website for both grease groove and paper patch styles. Once you get familiar with your rifle and sights you might consider attending a mid-range match. Lots of fun, great people, and you will learn a lot.   Cheers    Paul

Rob....I used 30:1 for a long time then switched to 24:1. Groups tightened up a little in my rifle. If I were you I would cast up a hundred at 30:1 and another hundred at 24:1 and see if your rifle can tell a difference. If not, stick with 30:1 since you use less tin. [cost per bullet will be less].  cheers  Paul

Rob....Wheelweight alloy is pretty stiff. The problem with W/W is that there is no "standard" alloy. The composition varies widely. Some weights can be scratched with your fingernail, others are as hard as rock. This would mean that different batches of bullets would be harder/softer/heavier/lighter than others .When working up a top notch load remember 3 things......consistancy, consistancy, consistancy! Change only one component in your load developement at a time.  cheers    Paul

I thought of the whole wheelweight consistancy thing after I posted.......sorry about that.  I can get tin locally where I get my lead so it looks like my first attempt at alloy making is at hand....

Rob

Hello all,

Its been some time since I was able to get the Volunteer out and burn some powder.� Had a great time the other day and I made a good start at it..... I made a box/stand for it and all the "bits"...







It holds powder, caps, wet and dry patches, wads, loading rod, loading funnel and bullets...And folds into a bit of a "violin case"...

I went with the Powder, wad, wet patch, dry patch, round method.....





I had the time for groupings at 70, 72.5, 75, 77.5 and 80 Gr FFg,......� The best was the 70 gr one......� With that pesky flier that I did call however......


I have not got a source of tin, as of yet.� At least not one of manageable size anyway....� When I do then I'll do this all again.� I do enjoy the pace of shooting this rifle.� Very relaxing and deliberate when compared to a "bog standard Enfield"......

Thanks,
Rob

I admire your 'range'!
The case and group are nice too. If you are getting good fill out in the mould and the bullets look good you probably dont 'need' the tin. It mostly aids castability.
BTW, I sure hope a mountain gust doesnt upend your kit.........great would be the wailing and gnashing of teeth!

Thanks for the compliment!  I decided on a hand carried version vs a wheeled "dolly" one due to the locations that I seem to end up shooting at,..... Like the one in the picture.  I left the bottom of the case free of clutter for the eventual installation of racks for vials for premeasured powder, when I ever get around to completing the work up....  The next thing is to make a case for the rifle to protect the sights (a bit of a chore right now) and then the whole package will be able to be carried in two matching cases.  I suppose that one could combine the two into one but I think that things might get a little heavy what with a rifle and 50 or so rounds....  Incidentally, I have recently experimented with the Lyman  Postell bullet in pure lead in front of 80-85 gr FFg with pleasing results out to 200 so far.  I thought that the extra length of this round might not like the 1-20 twist but things seem to be OK.

Where in BC are you?

Thanks,
Rob

Hi Rob,
  I'm in Powell River B.C. on the Sunshine coast  about 70 miles North of Vancouver.