Range Report

[PvtGreg]

Hi All,

I took my Spencer to the range today to try some different loads.

First 20 - 330 gr Lyman 515-139 Brinell 11.1 SPG, 8gr Trail Boss, magnum rifle primers
-Results 50 ydrs - mediocre - lose groupings ~ 6in  groups (5rds).  Consistent though.
          100 ydrs - Didn't try

Second 20 - all the same except 9gr Trail Boss.
-Results 50 yrds - better - 3.5 in groupings (5rds).  Consistent
          100 yrds - poor - best 12 in groupings (5rds).  Not consistent.

A couple of observations:

1) The sight picture of the standard sight is poor - I haven't tried to mod it yet as suggested by others on this board and I'm sorry after today.  At 50yrds it was ok - at 100 yuck!  I know there were sharpshooter units during the Civil War that used this rifle, but I hope it wasn't with that sight!
2) I think using magnum rifle primers was a mistake
3) Trail Boss is a mild powder, but I'm not sure it performs well at range.  If anyone has more data on Trail Boss at range please post!!

Next steps - Standard rifle primers & Trail Boss at 9gr, 9.5 & 10.  Also I'm going to try some 777 at 35gr with the same primers.

I'd welcome any thoughts on this that any of you might have.  Please post if you do!

Thanks - Pvt Greg