I finally got some hand loads for my 416 Taylor and got out form some shooting. It didn't tear my thumb off.

I have never had an incident like this. I fired three sets of three rounds and every set patterned the same (not real good) first shot 2" at 4:30 second 2" at 8:00 and third 3" at 10:00. This was the pattern for all three sets.
I used the same target and the shots at 8:00 cut each other the others were not so close, maybe 1/2 inch between the holes. This is the first time the guy that loads for me has loaded 416 Taylor and used I do not know what powder. I will talk to him on Tuesday. I have about a dozen of the rounds left and if weather permits will try them again.

Thanks for any suggestions - no I am not getting rid of the thumbhole stock.

I would not believe the groups you described to be related to the powder used, but more likely to the bullet used and/or the bedding of the rifle.

Tell us more about the barreled action and stock and how the stock was fitted to the BA.

pics are always appreciated as well!

I purchased the barrelled action on the classifieds here and he sent some bullets which I do not remember the brand. I do not think they are premium bullets. The barrfelled action is a Santa Barbara mauser style action. It was glass bedded by a gunsmith I have used for a good number of projects. If memory serves me correctly the bullets are 335 gr. I plan on using 400 gr for hunting both soft and solids. I know things will change with premium bullets. I have just never had a rifle act like this. Pictures are on here some where I just can't find them. There was a string on here about the thumbhole stock I have on it i e some said no good for DGR. I found one of the strings with pictures on the Africian Hunting board and sent t back to the top.

Try some 400 grain bullets!

IMO...if you're not getting at least a 3" group at 100 yards, changing powders will not likely be the solution unless you're using the powder on the opposite end of the spectrum as you should be! That almost never happens as almost all reloaders know enough to use a "ballpark" powder.

RE: the thumbhole stock:

If you like it use it!!!!!

I suffered badly with Rheumatoid arthritis for many years and lost a lot of motion in my right wrist and I compensated for it by using a thumbhole stock. If it wasn't for the grip afforded by that stock, I'd have been unable to shoot at all!!

I've had nine surguries to repair the hand and wrist and can shoot the classics again but will never look at a thumbhole stock with malice. They're damn nice furniture!





Black walnut routed by Fajen on a 1909 argie DWM and a Douglas 25-06 barrel.

It has killed a good many deer and a long ways away I might add!

Did you observe the barrel channel?. My guess is that the wood is touching the barrel in one or more points, perhaps other member could offer other ideas. Of course, assuming that the ammo is correctly loaded.
Regards