A couple more trips to the range to report. Shooting was done at the Sacramento Valley Shooting Centers 300 yard public range. (
Sacramento Valley Shooting Center – Sacramento Valley Shooting Center )
As I mentioned above, I am using the Leupold Muzzleloader scope and it has this reticle:
Again, shooting 90 gr BH209, Harvester crush ribs and 300 gr XTP's. I had the scope set to 10x and made no adjustments. First trip back to the range I shot at 150 yards and 200 yards. At 150 yards with the crosshairs on target:
At 200 yards with the first holdover dot over the target:
I was a little frustrated with my inability to hold steady, even off the bench, so I ordered a Caldwell Lead Sled from Midway and went out again after it arrived. Second trip I tried 200, 250 and 300 yards. At 200 yards with, again, the first holdover dot on target, first three shots:
Second three shots:
Not much better with the Lead Sled. Next, five shots at 250 yards with the second holdover dot over the target:
Then finally, 300 yards. On my Sons advice concerning holdover at this range, I put the tip of the lower post inverted V on the orange dot at the top of the target. First three shots:
Second three shots, same scope settings and load, certainly tried for the same point of hold, the three high and right:
Other than inexperience with the Caldwell rest, and a slight breeze that picked up, I have no explanation for the two groups being in two places, but I was pretty happy with how tight the second three shots held at that range.
I must say I am really impressed with the BH209, the Traditions rifle and the leupold scope. Also, thanks so much for your suggestions and advice. You folks got me going pretty quick.
We are off to Utah next week to see if we can fill our Mule Deer tags. I think I am good to 150 yards, maybe 200 for a level shot with a good rest. Beyond that I don't think I am consistent enough for an ethical shot. Maybe next year, given more practice...