txpitdog
02-20-2004, 06:59 AM
Took the GS 45-70 out yesterday for a test drive. It's not new, but it's new to me, and all the nonsense of the daily grind kept me from shooting it sooner.
I had several loads, so I was able to experience the full-range of the cannon's capability. First, I had some leftover Federal 300gr UniCor (~1800fps). I shot these at 50yds, and they printed at about 1.5" a little low. Not too shabby for a first impression. I adjusted the read sight and moved to my next load.
The next rounds I fired were handloads. 300gr LRNGC over 38.0gr IMR4227. These were loaded as mid-range plinkers, more of a "get to know ya" load than an attempt at tack-driving. Recoil was slightly more than the Federal rounds, but accuracy was much improved! The first 4 rounds cloverleafed! The remaining rounds opened the group up, but after a total of 20rds, I had a nice big single hole in the target. Talk about stumbling on to a decent load! I will tinker with this load a little, but it's looking like a good short range hunting load, especially since the recoil is very tolerable.
The third load I had was a max velocity with the same hardcast 300gr gascheck slugs. Using 50gr of IMR4198, these bad boys were significantly more stout, and the group was around 2". The Sierra manual lists the accuracy load at 48.7, so I'll back it down to that and try again. If I can dial this load in, it'll drop anything I need it to out to 200yds.
Finally, I brought out the shoulder busters. Speer 400 JFN over 58.0gr of H335. I don't honestly know if I'll ever use these for hunting. Maybe if I go on a bison or nilgai hunt, but these are more than more-than-plenty for anything in Texas. The PAST recoil pad I had definitely helped, but I still have a sore shoulder this morning. Even with the huge muzzle flash, considerable report, and heavy recoil, these loads printed together right at around an 1.5".
The Guide Gun and the 45-70 are a perfect match. I'm sure it is all mental, but the Guide Gun feels and fits so much better than the standard 22" rifle. I don't mind the heavy recoil and I was surprised that I did not flinch with even the heavy loads.
To be brief, the guide gun is @&%@*!@ awesome!
I had several loads, so I was able to experience the full-range of the cannon's capability. First, I had some leftover Federal 300gr UniCor (~1800fps). I shot these at 50yds, and they printed at about 1.5" a little low. Not too shabby for a first impression. I adjusted the read sight and moved to my next load.
The next rounds I fired were handloads. 300gr LRNGC over 38.0gr IMR4227. These were loaded as mid-range plinkers, more of a "get to know ya" load than an attempt at tack-driving. Recoil was slightly more than the Federal rounds, but accuracy was much improved! The first 4 rounds cloverleafed! The remaining rounds opened the group up, but after a total of 20rds, I had a nice big single hole in the target. Talk about stumbling on to a decent load! I will tinker with this load a little, but it's looking like a good short range hunting load, especially since the recoil is very tolerable.
The third load I had was a max velocity with the same hardcast 300gr gascheck slugs. Using 50gr of IMR4198, these bad boys were significantly more stout, and the group was around 2". The Sierra manual lists the accuracy load at 48.7, so I'll back it down to that and try again. If I can dial this load in, it'll drop anything I need it to out to 200yds.
Finally, I brought out the shoulder busters. Speer 400 JFN over 58.0gr of H335. I don't honestly know if I'll ever use these for hunting. Maybe if I go on a bison or nilgai hunt, but these are more than more-than-plenty for anything in Texas. The PAST recoil pad I had definitely helped, but I still have a sore shoulder this morning. Even with the huge muzzle flash, considerable report, and heavy recoil, these loads printed together right at around an 1.5".
The Guide Gun and the 45-70 are a perfect match. I'm sure it is all mental, but the Guide Gun feels and fits so much better than the standard 22" rifle. I don't mind the heavy recoil and I was surprised that I did not flinch with even the heavy loads.
To be brief, the guide gun is @&%@*!@ awesome!