Development of PP loads for the .44-77.

[Distant Thunder]

I have put scope bases on all my rifles now except my Shiloh .45-90. I can still, as of last year, shoot bullseye paper targets fairly well with iron sights, but I know the days are numbered for me and irons. Yet another reason I went to the .44-77 with a 30" barrel. I'm pretty sure I will be able to use my scope for Creedmoor with the tall bases I have on it now. Should be pretty easy to check, I have a 600 yard sight setting and it's up approximately 37 minutes up to 800 yards from there and 40+/- more from there to 1000. I could spin that on the scope and see if I'm looking "through" the muzzle. I was at 1000 yards with my 34" barrel, not good.

For silhouette and gongs I almost have to use a scope now. I can not see silhouettes beyond the pigs with iron sights. Gongs disappear for me after they get a few hits on them. I had put off going to a scope for about 7 years and now I really enjoy it for steel targets and when my time comes to switch for paper targets I will do so and never look back. I just like being able to see what I'm shooting at and I really enjoy hitting the target! If a scope keeps me shooting longer I see no shame in using one. We can't all have rdnck's eyes!

I've moved away from the 55Y because it's just too thin for me to even work with. I like my 9 lb. onionskin and use that for just about everything. If the bullet is too big wrapped with 9 lb. I just size them to fit. I have made size dies for most of my rifles and I polish them out to a perfect fit for each rifle. Fit is very important when you're trying to hold the 10-ring at 1000 yards. If you're just trying to hit paper it's not really that important and you can go with anything that will chamber. IMHO!

The rain has pretty much stopped so I need to get out there and get a sight setting. Fouling shouldn't be a problem, it's extremely humid and fairly cool.