Time to continue load development with my .44-77.

[Distant Thunder]

Last night I loaded 5 more the same as the first group to double check my setup and see if the group repeats. A couple things I noted is that I have only .050" compression and the bullets are seat .145" into the case. I thought I was compressing a bit deeper, but I'm not.

I have to admit that I have been a bit slow to figure out this bottleneck case. I'm not sure which direction to go to improve things accuracy wise. Do I load more powder and keep the same seating depth, or do I just compress the same 86 grains a little deeper as I go? I'm thinking 86 grains is enough to make 1000 yards, but if 90 grains would shoot better I could live with the extra powder.

What do you other .44-77 shooter think? Keeping in mind that this is a straight sided paper patch bullet and seating depth is pretty flexible.