Accuracy or Velocity? Wisdom Requested.

[bronko220002]

My opinion, and this refers more to archery but can also apply here, is that velocity without accuracy mean you'll just miss them faster.
I'll take accuracy every time.

 

[Mnt monkey]

Well folks, I was 9 shots in. About to tell y'all I had chosen my load and I was on bull and ready to go. Then I shot number 10 and everything went squirrely and I have no idea why. I have attached a pic, but just to walk through and would appreciate feedback. Never had this issue with centerfire rifles.

Barnes T-EZ 290 grain
Test BH 209 80 & 90 VOLUME LOADS

Shots 1-3 - 90 grain volume
Shots 4-6 - 80 grain volume - chose this load
Shots 7-8 - Adjusted scope and shots were about 1/2 inch right and 1/2 inch low
Shot 9 - Adjusted scope again and in the bullseye

Here is where it goes nuts
Shot 10 - Just to double check zero - A little over 2 inches high and right.
Shot 11 - Nearly 3 inches high and an inch right.
Shot 12 - Stopped and cleaned barrel and replaced breech plug - Shot inch and a half right of center. I may have pulled it a little.

So, at this point I thought it was just a fouled barrel and maybe breech plug. Nope

Shot 13 - 2 inches high and half inch right
Shot 14 - 3 inches high and inch and a half right
Shot 15 - Cleaned barrel again - 2 inches right and 3 inches high
Shot 16 - 2 inches high and 2 1/2 inches right.

So, basically after great shots and walking it into bull, most every shot after that was high and right by 2-3 inches. I checked the scope at the range. Nothing loose. Came back to house, removed scope and checked both the ring and mounting screws. All were torqued to spec. Now doing a thorough cleaning. I am running low on bullets and powder. I might be able to do one more session of about 8-10 shots. I do have other bullets and pellets, but that is testing all over again and with the range days, I will lose a week of season and the season is only 2 weeks.

Wise people speak!

View attachment 37805

If I only had one more session and was trying to make the best of what you've already started I would take that charge to 100 grains by volume if my Barrel was filed and after it was with a cold Barrel I would shoot two if they were where I wanted to be I'd leave it alone and go hunting but if not you need to scramble for some more shooting time I hope it works out I'm curious too let us know what happens I hope your scope hasn't developed an issue.

 

[USAF Ret]

If I only had one more session and was trying to make the best of what you've already started I would take that charge to 100 grains by volume if my Barrel was filed and after it was with a cold Barrel I would shoot two if they were where I wanted to be I'd leave it alone and go hunting but if not you need to scramble for some more shooting time I hope it works out I'm curious too let us know what happens I hope your scope hasn't developed an issue.

"I hope your scope hasn't developed an issue.'

That is exactly my concern. If that is the case, the blackpowder season this year is a wash. I am glad I double checked my zero, though. Otherwise, if I was a little off, could have been a wound vs. a clean kill.

 

[illinoishunter]

Really sounds like you blew up a scope. Cabelas or bass pro and your back shooting. Or walmart, mine carries lots of bushnell scopes not great but work in a pinch. Was the barrel really hot? What scope do you have on it?

 

[Chundoo]

My son went thru a similar occurrence twice. Both times. It was the scope that had given it up. If you have another "proven" scope I would switch and try the same load again.

 

[USAF Ret]

Really sounds like you blew up a scope. Cabelas or bass pro and your back shooting. Or walmart, mine carries lots of bushnell scopes not great but work in a pinch. Was the barrel really hot? What scope do you have on it?

Yeah, that is what I am thinking as well. Barrel never got beyond a little warm. It was a Hawke, which is supposed to be a really good scope. I have some standard rifle scopes, but not sure they have the eye relief needed without getting popped in the eye.

 

[USAF Ret]

My son went thru a similar occurrence twice. Both times. It was the scope that had given it up. If you have another "proven" scope I would switch and try the same load again.

That seems to be the consensus. I have standard rifle scopes, but not a muzzleloader scope. I really need the eye relief. I have a couple of Burris scopes sitting around. I might see what they look like. Thank you.

 

[USAF Ret]

Well, none of them have eye relief. Contacting Hawke and going scope shopping tomorrow, I reckon. I am not starting my new job until Oct 17th to be able to have the whole 2 weeks to hunt.

 

[illinoishunter]

I feel for ya USAF. You'll get it figured out. You found your load out which is half the battle. Now a little logistics work and you're going to have a great hunt and a good story to laugh about to get there. Keep us updated. I'm confident you'll get it sorted.

 

[USAF Ret]

Well, zero muzzlelaoder scopes at any of the nearby sporting goods stores. Even the chain ones. I usually order from Guidefitter and the only scope they have is the one that broke. I guess I will miss a week of hunting while I try and get a replacement.

 

[illinoishunter]

Don't miss a week of hunting over a scope. Go to Walmart and throw a bushnell banner or trophy scope on there. It'll get you through the season as long as you're not shooting from a sled. Lots of guys here run a cheap bushnell with success. $100 isn't worth missing a hunt your looking forward to so much.

 

[USAF Ret]

Anyone use a Vortex Crossfire II?

 

[USAF Ret]

Don't miss a week of hunting over a scope. Go to Walmart and throw a bushnell banner or trophy scope on there. It'll get you through the season as long as you're not shooting from a sled. Lots of guys here run a cheap bushnell with success. $100 isn't worth missing a hunt your looking forward to so much.

I think I may have found a scope that will be in stock. The Vortex Crossfire II has nearly 4" of eye relief.

 

[illinoishunter]

Anyone use a Vortex Crossfire II?

That's the scope I'm putting on my optima. Have one on the 450 bushmaster.

 

[4stringdude]

I do not have a Vortex Crossfire, but I do have a Vanquish mounted on my 35 Whelen. I can attest to the quality of Vortex scopes. Very clear optics and solidly built.

 

[ENCORE50A]

I think I may have found a scope that will be in stock. The Vortex Crossfire II has nearly 4" of eye relief.

Others may have some luck with that scope but.......... I've got one that was on a Ruger 10/22 and the damn thing busted twice. Yeah, Vortex has a warrantee, but if the scope busts twice on a 22LR, I wouldn't waste my time. That scope is on the very cheap end of all the Vortex scopes. You get exactly what you pay for.............
IF...... that's the route you go, DON'T USE A LEAD SLED. Sight it in with as few rounds as possible and pray that the damn thing lasts.

 

[Chundoo]

Anyone use a Vortex Crossfire II?

My grandson's has been using one with no issues. Just stay away from sleds even without added weight. They're really tough on scopes. My son killed 2 Leupolds that way.

 

[USAF Ret]

No lead sleds. I shoot on a bag.

My grandson's has been using one with no issues. Just stay away from sleds even without added weight. They're really tough on scopes. My son killed 2 Leupolds that way.

Others may have some luck with that scope but.......... I've got one that was on a Ruger 10/22 and the damn thing busted twice. Yeah, Vortex has a warrantee, but if the scope busts twice on a 22LR, I wouldn't waste my time. That scope is on the very cheap end of all the Vortex scopes. You get exactly what you pay for.............
IF...... that's the route you go, DON'T USE A LEAD SLED. Sight it in with as few rounds as possible and pray that the damn thing lasts.

I found a Vortex Crossfire in the big city. Gosh I hate driving there. The nearby Walmart had nothing but Simmons. Got the scope mounted and eye relief is good. I am going to get the load zeroed tomorrow and call it a day. Hopefully not over 3-4 shots.

 

[Dieselden454]

I would Stay with the lighter load & try to get closer for a better shot ! With the better grouping you chances Of killing The game are alot better ! i Hearing that it only takes 1100 Ft lbs of energy to kill a deer , with a good shot of course< but thats only my two cents !

 

[USAF Ret]

I would Stay with the lighter load & try to get closer for a better shot ! With the better grouping you chances Of killing The game are alot better ! i Hearing that it only takes 1100 Ft lbs of energy to kill a deer , with a good shot of course< but thats only my two cents !

Agree. Shooting the lower loads. I did get a chrono and it was 1600 fps. With that load and bullet combo I have nearly 1k ft lbs at 150 and a velocity of 1227. That is my maximum distance and more likely to be less than 100.