Well.....I got a bit of a head start since I already had the ammo loaded for the 44-40. Next I will try this with the .45 COlt Marlin Cowboy.
I did try this first a couple of months ago and had a group of around 5". Encouraging was the fact that 25 of the rounds grouped into 4".
I did mount a 4X scope for my second attempt since I wanted it to be a true test of the rifle / ammunition combination rather than a test of the rifle / ammunition / and my aging eyesight.
Here's the target with the ammunition recipe and a tribute to Doc Pardee who started me down this path.... Thank you Doc.
I drew the circle after the target was made.
I want to express my thanks to "Fairshake" who had ACCURATE MOLDS make a copy of the 427098 bullet design but with flat bottomed lube grooves like the original 44-40 factory lead bullets were and to specify that the mold drop bullets at .429" diameter which is a good fit for current 44-40 barrels. I used bullets from that ACCURATE MOLD for my testing.
Prior to the 1st 30 shot attempt, I did try Goex and Schuetzen powders with the 427098 to see if they would go the distance, but both "fouled out" in 15 rounds (hard ring of fouling from the muzzle back into the barrel a couple of inches) and the group(s) really opened up. Perhaps they would work ok in 20" and less barrels but they didn't in that extra 4" (24") on the Marlin Cowboy with the original 44-40 bullet.
As we all know, it is kind of neat to walk in the footsteps of the ones that have gone before us……..
w30wcf