Let'r rip!

Let'r rip!

If you insist;....PPPFFFBBBTTT...:o

:Sigh:

You going to make Shorty shoot your targets for you again this year?

Shorty's on a bummer, he got a bad report card and is grounded. Guess i'll have to try and wing-it solo this year.
I do have the 'blond bomber' 10yr old "Frankie" in training on the 32 Mag. Maybe she will make her debut this year...:cool:

Started playing with this new toy i got online a few weeks ago from an outfit in New Orleans. Sure is a lot of fun, but i dont know what its suppose to do, the instructions are in Doo-Voo???

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k114/Rowdy_444/100_2735.jpg

I've had a crick in my neck also.
I see you got a package in from Moyie Springs; it ain't gonna do you any good.

Ok, I will start things off. Two targets in the mail…
Clockwise from top-left, 444, 45/70, new footwear that are working out quite well, and a good example of stringing from a too hot 1895 CB barrel…;)

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k114/Rowdy_444/100_2736.jpg

Nice work on the 444 target. Is that with your cast bullets?

I'm way behind this year. Been loading some this a.m., got to cast tommorow morning.

Started playing with this new toy i got online a few weeks ago from an outfit in New Orleans. Sure is a lot of fun, but i dont know what its suppose to do, the instructions are in Doo-Voo???

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k114/Rowdy_444/100_2735.jpg

There is no Voodoo that can break my stranglehold on 1st place Scoped Rowdy. You should know that by now bro.:D:D:D Be glad my eyes are OLD bro.;)

Nice work on the 444 target. Is that with your cast bullets?



Thanks Ken, same group size on both targets.:) Yes the 265gr RD with GC lubed using LLA. One of these days I’ll get it to this well w/o GC…

VTDW – Just don’t think about the stupid little doll when you’re out shooting.:eek::D:D
I here ya about the old eyes…Been shooting without my spectacles the last few times, with bifocals I see the target clearly but the front sight is fuzzy. Without them the front sight is clear but the target is hazy…It sucks…

Without them the front sight is clear but the target is hazy…It sucks…

What size aperture are you using? I keep meaning to buy one of those Merit adjustable apertures so I can fine tune depending on how my eyes are working.

What size aperture are you using? I keep meaning to buy one of those Merit adjustable apertures so I can fine tune depending on how my eyes are working.

I’m using XS ring on the 444SS with the tubing fix that will go .060”. And Skinners on the rest, they run .050” and I have one that he must have misdrilled;) at .040”. and it gets used on all rifles for target work…

The guys at the range who shoot the Merits agree that even on the sunniest of days, .040” is about the smallest they use. I’ve only looked thru them, good sights.
Something I use to compensate for varying light conditions is to change paper the target is printed on, white paper for low light, off-white for bright sun…

Man I should get paid for all this good stuff…:D

New, permanent web site for the Postal Match... add it to your favorites and pass it on! I will be working on it and correcting the links...

www.levergunpm.com (http://www.levergunpm.com)

Well I got out today- unfortunately the targets are nothing to send out! :( The 357 mag looks very promising- 45 LC not so much. I did find out I had a loose scope! Now thats fixed hopefully the next set will produce a good target. I just couldn't let today go without shooting -first day in a week it wasn't raining or blowing 45 + mph!! We'll see what tomorrow brings -looks like rain again!

This year my goal is to send at least one decent target from each of my Marlins. It took two trips to the range and 9 targets before I got this open sight - bench target to send.

http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Steelbanger/2520group.jpg

This was fired in my 1894 CL, 25-20 loaded with the 86 gr. Remington bulk bullets. I am pleased with this group considering that the front sight appears as a ball of fuzz rather than a distinct beaded post.

Targets fired to date . . 9, Tarets sent . . 1

Steelbanger, that's about as good a "four out of fiver" as I've seen posted.

I'm not going to have much time to shoot until the first of July, the few targets I've shot so far have no discernable group on them.

It will be hard for me to count targets also, I shoot just about every day when nobody is messing with my time. I may keep a record of shots fired and divide by five.

This was fired in my 1894 CL, 25-20 loaded with the 86 gr. Remington bulk bullets. I am pleased with this group considering that the front sight appears as a ball of fuzz rather than a distinct beaded post.

Targets fired to date . . 9, Tarets sent . . 1

Yep that a good 4 out of 5...Going and try and put the 444 XLR and 1984 CB 32 Mag in the show tomorrow...:)

Targets fired on...26, Targets sent...2

Steelbanger- my bad:o

I’ve shoot so many targets in the last two days, that I’ve lost count ‘again’ of ,Targets fired on…So for this year about the best I’ll be able to give is a count of targets sent…;)

Targets fired on…?, Targets sent…3.

I just wanted to give you fair warning! The pinched nerve is slowly getting better and I'm going to go soak up a week of water and sand at the beach then come back and start shooting targets for the PM. I took a target to alphagrahics and had 250 of them copied. I'm ready, I just have to find the time to shoot now! The Savages and Winnies are raring to go!:D

Mike B,

Glad to hear the pinched nerve is healing. A week of sun & sand will probably complete the process.

It's good to hear that you're ready to shoot but do us all a favor and try not mentioning "Savages and Winnies". I know that I cringe when I read that and bet others do too. Maybe a more subtle way of using those words would be to not capitalize them eg. "winnies & savages". Of course the word "Marlin" is always capitalized.

Enjoy the vacation and come back shooting!

Well I got out today to do some shooting! Thought it was going to be a great day. On the way out though the wind started to blow!:eek: Tried the 357 mag but the wind was blowing the shots all over-need to step up to 158grs!!:rolleyes:
But the 45LC was shooting great so thats the target coming to you Ranchdog! :D And no the target isn't yellow- why it's showing that way I haven't a clue!!:eek:

Here's Number 2 target-unfortunately the wind was wipping very good by this time.:mad: Shot one through three were looking real good. Then I two gusts hit on four and five! The wind gods were definately out to piss me off!:rolleyes:

I feel your pain there 45/454. I like the yellow. I hope to put some rds down range tomorrow. I have development work to do and the targets may look bad but at least I will be shooting. Of coarse I have to work around bean planting, grass cutting, and whatever else comes up out at the range area/ hunting area. It ain't too early to think about stand placement either.

Targets, targets, I have to keep my mind on targets.

Is it just me,:rolleyes:
or is KenK being very tight lipped about this years match and ‘Trash Talk”…Sure do hope he shoots a goodun, cause I’m not fond of leading at the open… :)

Targets fired...?, Targets sent...4, I'm all in:D

I just this week got my rifles set up with iron sights and still have reloading to do. Going on vacation next week.

I'll start hitting it heavy July 1.

Mike B,

Glad to hear the pinched nerve is healing. A week of sun & sand will probably complete the process.

It's good to hear that you're ready to shoot but do us all a favor and try not mentioning "Savages and Winnies". I know that I cringe when I read that and bet others do too. Maybe a more subtle way of using those words would be to not capitalize them eg. "winnies & savages". Of course the word "Marlin" is always capitalized.

Enjoy the vacation and come back shooting!

With so many Marlin gunnuts around here I just have to capitalize the Savages and Winnies.:D I have to confess, I'm just a plain old gunnut. If it goes bang I probably like it and I actually have more Marlins then any other lever! I love them all!:D

Chief
I've got the load for the Win 45LC, Working on the Marlin 357 Mag I thought the 125 gr load would be a good one but I hadn't shot it in the wind much-those 125's moved quite alot with a good wind so I'm loading 158 gr for the next shoot! The open sights bench will be shot with the Puma 454! I hope to get a better target shot with the 45 LC! But it's all good practice as the 45LC is going to be the Deer gun for this next Muley season, the wife will be using the Marlin!

No targets this week. Had to work this weekend. Maybe next weekend.

Well being that KenK is on holiday; I’ll go ahead and post this, for him to come back to…:p

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k114/Rowdy_444/100_2738.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k114/Rowdy_444/100_2772.jpg

Could this be the year, of the perfect one-hole 0.0” group???:rolleyes::D:D

Targets sent...5

Rowdy,

You could tighten those groups up a bit once you get better at reloading bro. ;)

Rowdy, looks to me like your bullets are tipping, judging by the strange shaped holes they make. Better change that load!

Rowdy,

You could tighten those groups up a bit once you get better at reloading bro. ;)

Thanks buddy, I’m still a learnun… ;)I know you’re a nube caster, so I put in a hint, “a trick” if you will, in the last pic, just for you…I tried to explain this to you before, but you were too busy or something with your new 308 Marlin …

It’s your job to identify it, and explain to everyone else why it works…? :cool:

Rowdy, looks to me like your bullets are tipping, judging by the strange shaped holes they make. Better change that load!

Yep, ;)
The next change will be to raise the sizing die, another ½ turn off the shell- holder…Decreasing the neck tension a bit…

Blaa, blaa, bllaaaaaaa! You know you guys take all the fun out of this. You know that don't ya?;)

Blaa, blaa, bllaaaaaaa! You know you guys take all the fun out of this. You know that don't ya?;)


Chief RID,
Sorry to hear you’re on a bummer dude, losing your “fun factor” is no way to go thru life… Here,,, let me help ya out dude,,, take a couple hits off this “bad boy” and see if it doesn’t help…With the fun that is…:p

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k114/Rowdy_444/100_2775.jpg


:D:D:D:D

Hey Rowdy, You have me doin' some serious worrying . . but you have me laughing too!

Is that a photo of your personal pacifier?

That's cold Rowdy. You ain't gonna take that off of him, are you Chief?

I deserved that. It did help, by the by.

It did help, by the by.

Glad to hear it helped and that was my intent, I really had second thoughts after posting, thinking it could be taken the wrong way…And thank you Sir for reminding me to lighten-up and not take things so seriously…;)

:)…The PM is supposed to be fun after all…:)

The “binky”-
I found on a job site while installing the new wiring in a local Wal-Mart store years ago and it still resides in my tool bags. It is deployed at work, my apprentices have come to hate it, and job superintendents just despise it and usually just walk away only to return minutes later with big-smiles…Works good too… :D:D

I thought we were shooting five shot groups??:D:D

I did some testing today. The bullet is the Beartooth 250 gr LFNGC .4315 for the 44 mag, over AA#5,Univ.,Blue Dot, and H-110. I used the suggested loadings from one of Marshall's tech articles for another 250 gr bullet. The AA#5 load seemed to be the one for me. I hope you can see from the pic what the results were. I will probably send in the target for the match even though it is not zeroed in yet. It does show promise.

That middle target does indeed show potential. .2 gr here and there... Stay at it bro.

Dave:cool:

I'm back and look at what I got on vacation.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/KGKILBY/june08010.jpg

:D:DWow, KenK sets the bar even higher with a $40.00 pair of Santa Cruzes good call…Wonder when Mike Buchanan will show up with his $120.00 Birkenstocks…:p

I’ve been saving for a new 32 Mag front sight, it will be here Tuesday:cool:

http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,4614.html

Rowdy, when you get that sight installed do a little experimenting to see how much a slight cant to the rifle moves the point of impact.

Wow, You guys and your expensive tastes. I have to rely on getting free stuff
. . . like this . . .
http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/Steelbanger/silh.jpg
Just shows that I can hold "minute of steel critters" once in a while. If only I could shoot the centers out of the PM target.

No good looking scandals but I had a good vacation and finally made it to the range today. I took six guns and while one was cooling i shot another. Wow was I bad!! After over 20 targets I have 3 or 4 to send in. They aren't great but I can only hope it's at least a good start! Scoped offhand was very frustrating at first. I just refuse to send some of those in and expect Michael to fiquire out which one of the four holes is really two holes . :D I had to relearn not to staple the offhand targets smack together close or sometimes one of the targets would drift over and catch bullets from another target:D It was hot, it was humid, it was windy but it was fun!!!
I also had a nice surprize when I got home and found two of Ranch Dogs 6 cavity molds waiting for me. More PM bullets just waiting to be cast and shot!!

I'm back and look at what I got on vacation.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/KGKILBY/june08010.jpg
They are nice. Any chance they're size 12?

New Moulds! Guess Mike won't be getting any work done this week :D

Didn't see any mention of neck problems so I guess all is well with Mike Buchanan. A week at the beach cured him. Being dissatisfied with his shooting is probably due to eye strain on the vacation. Trying to visually cover the entire beach at once is very strenuous on the vision. Another week or so any your eyes should feel much better Mike.

JB12string, you planning on shooting this year? Only 2 months left.

This is a sweet target. Who thinks I can't get all five in there?
If only I had a binky to calm my nerves!


http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/KGKILBY/Almost.jpg

Killer!!!! Please move back to 10 paces.;) :) ;( :( ()

Bummer Ken:eek:
I pulled one out of the group today too, but fortunately not as far as yours went.:cool:

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k114/Rowdy_444/100_2776.jpg


This new Shaver sight is showing some promise, it’s the first rifle I’ve shot with a ‘spirit level’…
:D…I’ve been shooting a half-bubble off plumb the whole time…:D

Of course that’s OK as long as I cant the rifle the same each time, but really hard to do. Tried several of the sight inserts and find I do best using the smallest and finest ‘O’…

That is a nice looking bullet Rowdy. How do you like the mould in general? Does it cast as well as the hype?

I’m such a casting nubbie,
Yes it works great compared to my other Lee molds I’m using…I would buy another…;)

Edited- to add – when casting straight WW this mold throws a bullet; .3155” at 130.5gr. That’s both cavities; there is no difference in weight or size!!! No whacking the mold to get them to release, just open and drop them pretty jewels.

Bummer Ken:eek:
I pulled one out of the group today too, but fortunately not as far as yours went.:cool:

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k114/Rowdy_444/100_2776.jpg


This new Shaver sight is showing some promise, it’s the first rifle I’ve shot with a ‘spirit level’…
:D…I’ve been shooting a half-bubble off plumb the whole time…:D

Of course that’s OK as long as I cant the rifle the same each time, but really hard to do. Tried several of the sight inserts and find I do best using the smallest and finest ‘O’…

Rumor has it Rowdy takes a couple of cylinders of CO2 to the range to cool down the barrels between shots. Definite proof he is a half bubble off plumb...at least!:cool:

Rumor has it Rowdy takes a couple of cylinders of CO2 to the range to cool down the barrels between shots. Definite proof he is a half bubble off plumb...at least!:cool:

He'd make a good plumber, we're always aleast a 1/4 bubble off level and we work in feet and half feet!:D

...............I just read these posts....and you guys are crackin' me up!!!! LOL!!! Rowdy...at what distance are these targets being shot? Sorry for the question but I dont know much about the Postal Match thing...........

Flat Top, if you have a lever action rifle we would extend a cordial invitation to join us.

To answer your first question; Rowdy shoots at 10-15 feet, the rest of us back up to fifty or one hundred yards, depending on if we have a scope or iron sights.

Thanks Ken; My XLR is a work in progress...maybe next year!.....................10 to 15 feet!!! Well, I must say that you are truly a group of "compassionate competitors" to help ol' Rowdy along like that!!!! I had heard tales about Rowdy's expertise with a levergun and now I understand how he became so good! I have always veiwed competitive shooting as an exersize to better my hunting skills, and that being said, I will bet that Rowdy is quite the hunter as well...............getting within 10 to 15 feet of a whitetail deer so he can put his target skills to good use....well, all I can say is "that boy is GOOD!!!!!"

Flat Top, what caliber is your XLR in?
I had one in 30-30 that was a good shooter but not as consistant as I would have liked.

It won't cost you but the price of a stamp to enter and you got almost two months to get a good target shot. Seize the day!

Ken; My XLR is a 444 Marlin................16.5 inch barrel.................do I get a "handicap" for the short barrel? Maybe I could compete against Rowdy....... for the "smallest group......shortest distance" award!!!!!!! I should have the gun rarin' to go by next year! Sounds like fun! Would be interesting to see how the short barrel stacks up against the big boys!

FT,

Go ahead and enter and you will really get to know your rifle enough to call your shots. AND it will hone your shooting skills as you get to know your rifle better and learn to do those 'little things' to improve accuracy. Not that the mighty .444 needs much improving eh?;) We share info freely here so join in and have at it. Rowdy just ain't enough competition but he is our 'special' child.

Dave;)

VTDW; Would like to join in, but, just dont have the time. I have too many priorities that have to be taken care of, and I am back to working the races the last week in July, and for the rest of the season. I will make every attempt to get the XLR sorted out over the winter, and join you all next year if at all possible! Thanks!

Good to see everyone having some kind of good fun at my expense while I was gone:p…Where is the love here…

“You’ve lost that lovin feeling,
oh-oh that lovin feeling,
you’ve lost that lovin feeling, now its gone… gone… gone…”

Maybe it’s almost time for another “group hug”…But









































Last time we tried this,,, VTDW couldn’t keep his hands ‘above-the-belt’ and it sort of freaked me out with him playing grab-ask…:-* :-*

When you get that 444 working Flat Top, I’d be happy to shoot with you dude…:cool:

Rowdy...you are a "good egg", with a great sense of humor..........so you must be a good shot....most like you are! I hope to get into the postal match next year, time permitting, and we will see what this stubby barrel can do. I still have a long way to go with this build, and I am off to the races the last week of July and till the end of the season. I will have a lot of "winter work" to do. By the way, what is the scope limitations for the yard range, for the match. I am only putting a 2.5 on my rifle................short barrel...low power scope. Somehow I feel I am already at a disadvantage and I havent even started yet!!!!! LOL!

Flat Top- Enjoy the races man

OT- where you there when Scotty crashed? It seems to me that there’s been a rash of bad wrecks this year! What’s your take on it? Just coincidence, the new tire, the increase in Nitro???

As far as the match goes, scopes are limited to 4X and shooting is at 100yds. So shooting a 2.5X you’ll be giving a little away, but then again that’ll depend on how good you get with it. Without a rear bag I do better off the bench using a 2.5X

Rowdy; No, I was off for that race...worked the first part of the season...off for most of June and a bit of July...then back to it........ Yup, that was a shame about Scott....just a real good guy, and one heck of a competitor and sportsman! The thing is, he was seriously considering retirement from racing at the end of this season to devote more time to family and business!!!! Its a dangerous sport and these guys know what they are getting into...I guess its just like many other jobs out there, there is always an element of risk involved..............I have been informed of the particulars of the incident, but, because of my job, I cannot discuss what happened, or why....I will tell you that the upset (a term we use for a crash) is being thoroughly investigated, and that if any changes are necessary, they will be made! As much as the NHRA tries to be proactive (and we do have the best safety record in all of motorsports), things are still going to happen that are beyond the control of the racing organization, the racers/teams, etc. I guess there is only so much that any of us can do to avoid a problem out there. Scott will be missed by the entire racing community!!!....................Well, I guess the ol' 2.5 can stand up to the competition at 100 yards, but I dont know if my old eyes are up to the task! I guess its time to have that eyeglass prescription checked again! LOL!

I never noticed. It must be a habit. I just love the feel of these silk Jockey shorts.:D

Scott will be missed by the entire racing community!!!!


For sure.:(
Thank you Flat Top for your candid reply, and I apologize for putting you on the spot like that, I had no idea the investigation is ongoing.:o

If at all possible try the scope w/o corrective glasses. See if there is enough ocular-lens adjustment to bring both the cross-hairs and target into focus. With me I can get the c-h to focus but the target is slightly fuzzy. I’ve been trying this now for the last year, off an on, and can honestly say ‘my right eye is adapting and I now can see target clearly again’…This is at 50yds using open sights, but I’ve changed all my scoped rifles also, so I will shoot those w/o corrective glasses…


VTDW- Pervert:eek:
I’m sort of busy, but maybe you could get KenK to come over and give you a hand.:D:D:D

Rowdy; I dont believe that there is any racing organization out there that will divulge the real circumstances of a serious crash...I know the NHRA wont. The public usually gets info piecemeal from the media (and incorrectly for the most part)....The racing community for a variety of reasons is pretty tight lipped about such things. I guess the best way to put it is...the real truth will never be known...by the media or the public . You have not put me on the spot, so, dont worry about it!......................I will try that deal with the scope...I would love to be able to hunt and shoot without having to resort to glasses!!! By the way, went to Ranchdogs Postal Match site, and I am studying up on the rules etc..............There are some darn good shooters who compete. I can see that by the results..........I will try to join in next year...An old blind guy with a stubby barrel and low power scope wont make to much of an impact, if at all, but it will be fun, and a great way to get familiar with the rifle! Thanks bud!!!!!

In spite of the sad news in the Ranch Dog postal match family; I'm still shooting most every day. Shooting poorly I might add. Getting old ain't for sissies but poor eye sight ain't much to complain about in the greater scheme of things.

Ya'll keep Mrs. Ranch Dog and Mrs. Steelbanger in your thoughts and prayers.

Where in the heck is Big Medicine? I thought he got a new cushy job?

Mike Buchanan hasn't posted lately either.

Whip? I was looking forward to besting you this year in the offhand competion. Are you still with us?

I have been sneaking in as much range time as I can but nothing has changed this year. I still have to shoot a lot of targets to get a couple of good ones. I do have a couple of good ones from my Savages that I'm hoping will put some pressure on the Marlin shooter's!:D I am planning on mailing some in after the weekend.

I haven't had time to shoot any yet. My wife is working evenings next week and my daughter is staying at Grandmas next week so hopefully I'll get some range time in.

That is a real nice target Mike. Cast bullets?

That is a real nice target Mike. Cast bullets?
New Ranch Dog TLC311-165-RF-#2 alloy sized .311

I got lucky and the stars lined up for a couple of minutes.
I just got the mold and the bullet shows real signs of accuracy in my 30-30, 300 Savage, and the .303 Savage so far. I can't wait to try more loads with it and in the 30-40 krag and some other guns.

Mike,

I am sending you my .308MX. Maybe YOU can get it to shoot them RD 165s.:D I'm headed to the range in about 10 minutes and have 6 boxes of ammo loaded up the the RH .44Mag, .444T and .308MX. I'll surely wear out before I get em all shot up.

Dave:cool:

Mike,

I am sending you my .308MX. Maybe YOU can get it to shoot them RD 165s.:D I'm headed to the range in about 10 minutes and have 6 boxes of ammo loaded up the the RH .44Mag, .444T and .308MX. I'll surely wear out before I get em all shot up.

Dave:cool:

Is the 308MX a Model 99??:D PM me and I'll send you a hand full to try or do you already have the mold?

Shooting today was productive. I was testing the 250 gr Beartooth LFNGC over 13.8 and 13.4 gr of Accurate #5. check out this 3 shot group.

Of coarse I had to go for a PM target so here are the last 2 rounds.(see top right target in this pic) I was still pretty happy and settled on the 13.8 gr load because it had the good 3 shot grouping and it was right on with my 290 gr. H-110 load that I already use for hunting. This 250 gr load may become my hunting load if it continues to produce these good groups.

The bottom left target was an attempt at a offhand target. Too bad there were 8 rounds fired to get those 5.

Chief, you were almost there. That vertical stringing in the top two targets is your barrel heating up. I can't get but about five good shots per day out of my .44 in this weather.

That’s a beauty target Mike.

Way to go Chief, looks like your 44 is coming around.

Guys, I’m hoping I’m not stepping on any toes, but Michael’s lady needs our support and prayers… you can see in the link why its not on here yet…

http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,31052.msg290275.html#new

Thanks for that encouragement. I am beginning to think it is all barrel harmonics and the fact that the forearm makes such a huge difference in POA but produces the same striging says a lot. I reduced my bullets to the 0.4315 instead of the .432 I have been using. I may have to drop it further again just to see if that improves accuracy. Also the lighter bullet may be helping.

I think I will shoot a few targets letting the barrel completely cool and see how it goes.

Shooting today was productive. I was testing the 250 gr Beartooth LFNGC over 13.8 and 13.4 gr of Accurate #5. check out this 3 shot group.


Chief- If it were me, I’d shoot that same load several more times before making changes to it. Vertical stringing can be the result of a couple of different things;
1- Barrel heat as KenK said. This is one of the easiest problems to correct.
2- Pressure applied to the front rest by the forearm stock and transferring to the barrel. Does this change the barrel harmonics, you bet it does. I’ve looked and looked, and I can’t find a way to completely free-float a Marlin barrel. All of my rifles use a mag-tube carrier stud dovetailed to the barrel; I file these so the tube moves freely by hand. I file the forearm cap so it doesn’t touch the barrel or the mag-tube. The cap is held be two screws that attach to another piece that is dove-tailed to the barrel; I file it also so it moves by hand. I now have a barrel that is almost free-floated.
Where to place the forearm on the rest? That will depend on what the rifle wants. All of my Marlin’s but one like the front-rest set just aft of the forearm-cap. And I do not touch the forearm stock with my offhand. In theory this puts the same pressure on the barrel each time. This is a poor way to shoot the big-boomers, because now my shoulder takes all the recoil, but it works for me…

some old Yankee ramblings:D

Chief- If it were me, I’d shoot that same load several more times before making changes to it. Vertical stringing can be the result of a couple of different things;

I am going to stay with that 13.8 gr. load for sure.


1- Barrel heat as KenK said. This is one of the easiest problems to correct.
2- Pressure applied to the front rest by the forearm stock and transferring to the barrel. Does this change the barrel harmonics, you bet it does. I’ve looked and looked, and I can’t find a way to completely free-float a Marlin barrel. All of my rifles use a mag-tube carrier stud dovetailed to the barrel; I file these so the tube moves freely by hand. I file the forearm cap so it doesn’t touch the barrel or the mag-tube. The cap is held be two screws that attach to another piece that is dove-tailed to the barrel; I file it also so it moves by hand. I now have a barrel that is almost free-floated.

I will have to try some of that tuning of the forearm next off season. I know the rifle will shoot better when I get it to shoot to the same point of aim with every thing off the rifle as on. I have shot it with the forarm and tube off and it still has the vertical stringing. I am learning though.
Where to place the forearm on the rest? That will depend on what the rifle wants. All of my Marlin’s but one like the front-rest set just aft of the forearm-cap. And I do not touch the forearm stock with my offhand. In theory this puts the same pressure on the barrel each time. This is a poor way to shoot the big-boomers, because now my shoulder takes all the recoil, but it works for me…

I have never tried to move the front bag out toward the end cap. I always put the bag under the receiver. I should try that. It would probably change my POA but not stop the stringing.

some old Yankee ramblings:D

Thanks for the advice old seige.

Barrel heat as KenK said. This is one of the easiest problems to correct.


Do tell. I heard rumor on the wind that you had a super secret and high technology method for barrel cooling.

I was not joking, five good shots is all I can get out of my .44 in a day. I get my targets set up, lay out the ammo, and then come back to get the rifle from it's air conditioned comfort.

Your welcome Chief, hope some of it works for you…

KenK- I have two very small windows in which my barrels will shoot well in. One is after the barrel warms some, and the other right before,,,oh crap now it’s too hot…
My barrel chiller is neither a secret or is it a high-tech device, but it works for me, YMMV…The prime components of the apparatus can be found here in an earlier post of mine # 6 with the 22 CHeetah adapter installed.
http://www.shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=39287

No one commented on it, so I took that to mean that many used a similar device.
The idea for it came about one hot July afternoon in eastern MT on a dog hunt, a friend and I sitting in the shade of his truck bs-ing drinking a beverage waiting for our rifle barrels to cool down.
The name comes from the time on another dog hunt; this fellow I know really well:rolleyes:ran out of H2O and substituted a cold 12oz can of Coors Light in the chiller. Worked really good too, sort of like a foaming bore cleaner and chiller combo…

Here is the entire apparatus with the 444 adapter installed; it’s still wet from yesterdays use in the XLR…

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k114/Rowdy_444/100_2790.jpg

On sale now……… “Rowdy’s Silver Bullet Barrel Chiller”……. only $139.95 while supplies last…:D:D:D:D

Your welcome Chief, hope some of it works for you…

KenK- I have two very small windows in which my barrels will shoot well in. One is after the barrel warms some, and the other right before,,,oh crap now it’s too hot…
My barrel chiller is neither a secret or is it a high-tech device, but it works for me, YMMV…The prime components of the apparatus can be found here in an earlier post of mine # 6 with the 22 CHeetah adapter installed.
http://www.shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=39287

No one commented on it, so I took that to mean that many used a similar device.
The idea for it came about one hot July afternoon in eastern MT on a dog hunt, a friend and I sitting in the shade of his truck bs-ing drinking a beverage waiting for our rifle barrels to cool down.
The name comes from the time on another dog hunt; this fellow I know really well:rolleyes:ran out of H2O and substituted a cold 12oz can of Coors Light in the chiller. Worked really good too, sort of like a foaming bore cleaner and chiller combo…

Here is the entire apparatus with the 444 adapter installed; it’s still wet from yesterdays use in the XLR…

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k114/Rowdy_444/100_2790.jpg

On sale now……… “Rowdy’s Silver Bullet Barrel Chiller”……. only $139.95 while supplies last…:D:D:D:D
Are the adaptors included or extra??:D

The prime components of the apparatus can be found here in an earlier post of mine # 6 with the 22 CHeetah adapter installed.
http://www.shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=39287

No one commented on it, so I took that to mean that many used a similar device.


I saw that thing and thought it to be a device of a more "personal" nature. I had a hilarous post all typed out and then decided to act like the gentleman that I am and deleted it.

Do you plug the muzzle of the barrel or just let the water pour through? I suppose a dry patch or two to dry it out.

On a more serious note, does anyone have any news on Michaels wife, or Frank's wife??? My prayers and thoughts are still with them.

I think the link Rowdy posted earlier to Marlin owners is the most current thing. http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php?topic=31052.45

It looks like Michael posted yesterday.

I have not seen an update on Frank's wife.

On a more serious note, does anyone have any news on Michaels wife, or Frank's wife??? My prayers and thoughts are still with them.

What Ken said, that’s the last I’ve heard.

Adapters are $ 17.99 ea. Available for all popular cartridges…:D

I saw that thing and thought it to be a device of a more "personal" nature. I had a hilarous post all typed out and then decided to act like the gentleman that I am and deleted it.

Do you plug the muzzle of the barrel or just let the water pour through? I suppose a dry patch or two to dry it out.

:D Just let the water run out, the faster the better...

My chilling process has changed thru the years, now it’s just run 16-20oz of H2O down, a good 2 sec spray of WD-40, then run a bore snake thru… All done, time, about 2min for the 444. I have timed it and I can run a quart down the 444 in just over 5 sec. I use ice-water and a quart of it will leave the barrel the same temp as the water, doesn’t need to be that cold…;)

What Ken said, that’s the last I’ve heard.

Adapters are $ 17.99 ea. Available for all popular cartridges…:D
"Popular cartridges" Does that include the .300 Savage , .303 Savage and 250 -3000 Savage?:D:D

Sorry Mike, but no adapters for…outdated…obsolete…archaic…antiquated old Savage chamberings:D :D ohh ohh wait, I have a 250/3000 ;)

And I thought that contraption was my little secret.:D Actually they are quite easy to build and are a huge help when the weather is hot like it is right now.

Dave:cool:

that posted that little 3 shot group. We won't talk about the 5.

I have 19 of these ready to go. Maybe in the morning.

I think all is visable and the formula is in the other post. I use the lee sizer and seater but the crimp is done with the redding and the expansion with the lyman M. Love Marshall's bullets.

You guys are off the hook. This will be my target for the year. It has been good. I have settled on a load for hunting and target and got a load for the SBH to boot. I am really happy. The best part is I think I have the bench thing figured out too. Not a bad target for a ghost ring. Kinda makes you wonder what 100 yd scoped would do? Maybe next year. Anyway this will be my final target of the year but next year I bet I get one all in the white.

Great fun guys!

Where in the heck is Big Medicine? I thought he got a new cushy job?

Mike Buchanan hasn't posted lately either.

Whip? I was looking forward to besting you this year in the offhand competion. Are you still with us?

I'm still around, but have been busy with things that I have not gotten done over the past 9 years. Been catching up with the kids. I'm going to try and get some shooting done before the match is over. I helped my buddy today. We cleared about a mile of brush, trees, weeds, and downed limbs from the ice storms this past winter, and then put up a new electric fence before he moves his cattle.

It's kinda funny. Shooting was always my outlet for stress..with this new job I don't have any stress anymore:D I'll probably be lucky to get 5 shots on paper now:cool:

I'm back home again. I was at my daughters for 4 days. Too hot to shoot anyway. I'm storing up targets. I figuire Michael doesn't need targets right now and I'm afraid to post pictures of them for fear that Rowdy will just up and quit shooting if he sees them!:D:D

Boy the silence is deafening! The bluff must have worked!!:D

Boy the silence is deafening! The bluff must have worked!!:D

We are speechless and our tennis shoes are turning yellow Mike.:D

I sure am struggling this year. I have a 50 yard bench target sitting here that will score about 5/8". I don't feel like I'm shooting bad, don't know what the problem is unless its my eyes.:(

Phew! That's more like it! I feel better now. Thanks guys. Think I'll go shoot some more targets!:D

Well, it must be a lot cooler there than our 102 degrees.

70 degrees and no Humility:D It's beautiful tonight. Ran to the club with my new toy. I finally found a Model 99 Savage in .358 Win. Got it sighted in and shot some targets with it and my 25-35 but no keepers:( I've got dies and brass ordered. I sure can't afford to shoot factory loads at $48.95 for a box of twenty.

I shot a few rounds downrange yesterday just to check for 1st cold barrel accuracy. It was right on. I next moved my chair out away from the bench and tried my best to get some grouping from a well supported position in the chair. You know, like being in a blind or tree stand. No wonder i have such marginal hits when I don't have a steady supported rest. I am terrible shot. I knew that already. Some sort of support for the blind and tree stand are in order. I better get to work.

Ever heard of the Knee Pod? Look it up here http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0039031417385a.shtml and you will probably buy one. Ranch Dog turned me on to this several years back.

Dave;)

That looks like a very useful and functional tool. It sure beat me trying to make something.

I 've seen any updates on Michael's wife or Frank's. My thoughts and prayers are with them both.
I have been shooting and throwing most targets away but have a couple of decent ones. I hesitate to mail them to Michael as he may have enough on his plate but them maybe he needs a little diversion? What has anyone else been doing?

Please send the targets in Mike, I doubt that I will give any updates until the end of the Match.

My wife is doing good and we must remain hopeful that the followup exams in August will prove that her course of treatment is working. I'm not working until after the followup as we are spending all our time together.

Please send the targets in Mike, I doubt that I will give any updates until the end of the Match.

My wife is doing good and we must remain hopeful that the followup exams in August will prove that her course of treatment is working. I'm not working until after the followup as we are spending all our time together.
Thanks for replying. I'm glad to hear your wife is doing better and pray for more good news. As much fun as I'm having shooting targets I realize you have much higher priorities than the PM and I would have felt funny sending in targets without hearing from you. Thanks and God Bless!

I am glad to hear that things are looking better Michael.

Has anyone got an update on Frank's wife?

Ken,

I haven't heard anything since she has begun treatment.:(

My wife is doing good and we must remain hopeful that the followup exams in August will prove that her course of treatment is working. I'm not working until after the followup as we are spending all our time together.

That’s great news Michael! Thank you for the update.
I have been holding targets also, waiting for an update on Dianna’s health.
Its really only 1, a 32 Mag target…

I sure am struggling this year. I have a 50 yard bench target sitting here that will score about 5/8". I don't feel like I'm shooting bad, don't know what the problem is unless its my eyes.:(

Ken-
I’ve been trying to beat your 5/8” target, but I am struggling also, the best I’ve come is a 4/8ths, I’m hoping for the perfect target this year, an 8/8” one…:p

I missed another good weekend to shoot PM targets!:( I just filled out the info on a handful of targets to send to Michael. I gotta keep Rowdy and Ken and everybody else honest so after a couple of more targets I'm going to mail them in and let Michael do what he pleases with them..I hope everything is going better for Michael's wife and Frank's wife. God bless them and my prayers are with them. If the stars line up right maybe the Savages can shake up the Marlins a little bit this year!;)

I just can't get a decent bench target with the open sights this year!:(
I got to the range the last two evenings and shot a bunch of targets. I got some decent offhand targets but I just can't put together a good open sight bench target.

Am I the only one out here struggling to get a few targets to send in? It's been awful quiet lately???:confused:

I sure haven't put the time in this year Mike. I've got a couple targets to send in. The miserable hot weather has finally broke a little here and I plan to shoot some the next couple of weeks in hopes of improving what I have.

Greetings fellows. Just posting to let you know I haven't forgotten the match and hope to start scoring some of the targets that have come in. Thanks for hanging in there and participating. It doesn't look like there is any new interest in the PM, just you fellows that have participated on a regular basis and I appreciate it.

If I knew how to get ahold of Brian Pearce from Rifle and Handloader magazines, I would definately try to get him to shoot this match, seems like it'd be right up his alley. Plus it would be fun to see if a gunwriter could shoot for real :)

I just got my knee pod from the BBT. It really looks like it will work great out of ground blind or elevated tree stand. It is very portable and adjusts quickly for elevation. This looks like it will work great when a shooting rail is not available. I can't wait to give her a try. Thanks.

I just put a fist full of targets in the mail today. With what's on the schedule for the next couple of weeks I doubt if I'll be sending any more. I hope they find Michael and his wife doing better when they arrive and I 'm hoping to beat some of the Marvelous Marlins!:D

Man working full-time sure does cut into a guys shooting time, I need to retire again:DMy last targets in the mail today, sure hope they’re good enough:rolleyes:

I got your targets guys. Things are going so, so here. I will update you things tomorrow.

Greetings fellows. Just posting to let you know I haven't forgotten the match and hope to start scoring some of the targets that have come in. Thanks for hanging in there and participating. It doesn't look like there is any new interest in the PM, just you fellows that have participated on a regular basis and I appreciate it.

RD, I am finally going to send a few targets in. I have been shooting the PM targets for a couple of years but have not sent any in before. (They were all pretty poor.) I just want you to know that I appreciate your work in hosting the match. Even though I did not send any targets before I still enjoyed the shooting and seeing others post targets. You may not realize how many people enjoy the match and follow it through the forums. I found that shooting the levergun match much harder than either pistol or high power. It is surely challenging. I'll attach a couple of targets.
Thanks again,
Phil