Repro (Pietta) Smith Carbine -- Groove Dia vs Bullet Diameter

[mehavey]

As previously mentioned, I recently picked up a new Pietta Smith after a 30-year N-SSA layoff (wherein I shot an original).

After digging out all my old equip/molds/etc, I began casting the old Lyman 515139(30:1), loading 27gr 3Fg under cornmeal filler in Lodgewood's black plastic tubes.  (I have the old white ones somewhere -- just can't find them)


Lubed with standard 2:1 Crisco/Beeswax, I've played with (1) as-cast (.520-.524"); (2) sized to classic 0.515"; and lastly (3) 518"

- The unsized (which I shot in the original Smith) expanded the
  tubes to where they were tough to chamber -- but gave "decent"
  accuracy at 50yds

- The 0.515" sized made for easier chambering, and also gave
  "better"-than-decent accuracy.

- The 0.518" were Goldilocks perfect, and gave me just one
  ragged hole at 50:


Then... THEN, like a dummy I slugged the bore:  0.508" max

Anyone else shooting a repro Smith where shooting this much oversize still does well ?

[Bunk Stagnerg]

Looks to me like you got it working. Don't overthink it, just shoot small groups don't sweat the small stuff and be happy.
Bunk