Okay then....

 

I made it the range for a bit today to test loads.  Only 20 rounds, and 2500 steps... but that was enough in this heavy, warm, air. Fair laid me out when I got back home.

Anywho,  the 400 grain over 13 of Red Dot (light practice load) did a reasonable 3" at 50 yards.

I'm hoping to end up with a load that does one hole groups at 100 yards, so 3" at 50 yards is only a little interesting.  It's all data though.

The 535 grain Postell bullets over 13 grains of Red Dot.... no-go.  The 1 in 20 barrel won't stabilize them, at least at these lower velocities.

I fired 5 of the heavy's, with a called flier to the left. Walking up the target I thought the other 4 went into one hole.  Straightening the broken target paper revealed the truth.  What I thought was 4 holes together proved to be two, with one of those going through sideways.  The other two.... I just can't say.  Maybe they are in there, but more likely off paper.

I used the last 5 to try another group, and it was closer to 8".... you know, a pattern more than a group.

It looks like I'll be searching in the 300 to 480 grain range for my pet load.

Now, I'll try the 535s again with a fair charge of 3031, and see if they show anything at higher velocity. Could get lucky, but I'm not holding my breath... If I even could... lol.

The 3" group.... I can't say if that's the best the load will do, or if that's a result of my ancient eyes dealing with buckhorn hunting sights.

To find out, I've managed to locate an original Pedersoli 'Soule' type full on target sight.

With luck, it will be in my hands next week, after the postal service is finished giving it an extended tour of the United States.

After I mount it on the rifle, and learn how to use it. I'll buckle down to more serious load development.

I will say this.... on a range full of 'America's favorite rifles' (AR-15s), my single shot 1885 High Wall was clear and away the king of the range.