To further the database on the 500 Jeffery, I went to the range today. It was a very successful day for the load development. First, I must say that the rifle was regulated by the builder for the Westley Richards brand of ammunition. I will only load for it myself. My goal is to deliver a 540 gr. GS FN solid at 2250 f/s. This rifle easily achieved the 2450 f/s mark with 110 gr. Varget. Varget was one of my preferred powders as it is an EXTREME powder and insensitive to climatic changes. I was lucky in choosing this powder in that it achieves more velocity and better accuracy the faster it goes. The iron sights are sturdy and more than adequate to the job. RIP visited us in Oklahoma City a while back ( July,19.2006) and boy did he get a workout. He shot everything I could hand him and at the end of the day had absorbed litterally tons of recoil all in the name of fun. The heat was on that day. Temperatures over 106 were recorded and narry a wind to cool things off. All of this data will go into the book and these loads should give no troubles in the African heat.

Some of the original data is as follows:24" barrel,
Woodleigh 535 gr. PP/Fed. 215M/ Horneber brass/ Varget powder/3 gr. dacron on indicated loads/50 yards. Chronographs were fussy this day. I was recovering from shoulder surgery and was a bit worried about shooting the rifle myself.So I had a lot of volunteers to help out.

110 gr./no dacron= 2412/2408/2409. all into 1.3"
110 gr./dacron= 2438/2459/xxxxno reading.into 1"+, Thanks to Prdator.

105 gr./0 dacron= no readings 3 shots into an inch. Thanks to Prdator.

100 gr./0 dacron= 2222 f/s average
100 gr./4 gr dacron2276 f/s
110 gr./0 dacron=2402 f/s.
105 gr./0 dacron=2300 f/s with only 2 of 3 registering on the chrono.
Thanks to RIP for the exellent shooting. All groups were into an inch more or less. There were a total of 30 rounds shot at various targets at 50 yards. Not all loads were read by the chronographs, so not all of the data was verified by chrono.The best group was .217 and most others were well shy of 1.5". That RIP can shoot iron sight rifles well.

October 18,2006, Temp 42, wind gusting to 35 mph. overcast and spitting rain. Accessories were used. I used the Tall Grass shooting sticks for the shooting as well as a standard rest and rear bag to precicely place shots for record. For the record I am not best off the sticks but continue to endeavor. I am not the best at Iron sights but still continued to endeavor. The wind was viscious this afternoon. I am a big guy and it was blowing me around a lot. I finally got frusterated and hit the bags for the last part of the test so the results off the bags were better, more accurate than off the sticks. My hands were so numb I was afraid, at the end of the day, to shoot the beasty, fearing I would let it get away from me.

525 gr. Hard lead, gaschecked, flat meplat/varget/215M/Horneber brass.
95 gr./5 gr.dacron=2106/2115/2111 into 1.56"/sticks

535 gr. Woodleigh PP.
95gr./5 gr.dacron=2230/2224/2212 into 1.6"/sticks
95 gr./5 gr.dacron=2238/2233/2234 into 1.4"/sticks
95 gr./5 gr.dacron 2233/2237/2241 onto 1.1"/sticks.

I am getting better off the sticks.

Now to the bench.
95 gr./5 gr. dacron 2238/2233/2228 into .54"

540 gr. GSC/FN solid/5 gr.dacron 2318/2323/2320 into same ugly hole. amazing stuff here.

The rifle still is shooting 7.5' left and dead on on elevation. I took it to Steve Baldwin and after measuring the target, he says that changing the rear sight .015 should do the trick. I will leave it with him to set up and do it right.I will do the final sight adjustment after I decide the final load.This rifle showed a different poi with less powder this time compared to when RIP shot in July(7.5"R/dead on E. Interesting isn't it?? This rifle wants to shoot. Thank you Sterling for another wonderful rifle.

And the beat goes on!

Lb, You wouldn't happen to have any pictures lying around of your Davenport Mausers that you could post. I'd like to have him build a 404 for me in 2007 and am trying to locate recent pictures of his work.

Leonard,
I now pronounce your shoulder "rehabilitated."
When the rifle gets back from the iron sight correction, I would love to help with the final adjustment to your chosen load. I owe you lunch.

Perfect. Will you be in Tulsa this weekend? We have 5 tables and lots of BS to discuss!

lb404,
I have work this weekend and family next weekend, but keep me informed and I will be able to make it back one of these short notice weekends.

Here, again, is that target your ammo and rifle produced when my "compensating errors" came together for three good shots into one hole:



I have some 500 Jeffery dies. I might have to cut the threads off of one of my 500 A-squares and turn it into a 500 Jeffery, just for kicks, now that you have worked out the loads for me. The 500 Mbogo lies below the 500 Jeffery below:

Missed you this weekend. Had a good time. Could have bought a 300 Brevex Mauser barrelled action for a good price. Passed on it for now. I didn't know a Brevex was double broached like a later FN. That ain't right, you know that ain't right!!! The guy also had some Vektor actions and a Granite Arms. The Vektor action was really nice and cheaper that the Granite Arms. I picked up a Mauser banner military rifle made in 1934. No other markings? This looks like a military mauser off the commercial line like the 1935 Chilean contract. Pretty nice stuff.

Leonard,
I just joined Gunaholics Anonymous. You are not helping my recovery. Give me a headsup when you plan to unlimber the mighty 500 Jeffery at the range again. I'll be sure to bring my PAST pad next time.

Will do.

quote:

Originally posted by RIP:
Leonard,
I just joined Gunaholics Anonymous. You are not helping my recovery.

Good one!

Once this is finished out we need to work on another 505 Gibbs. You know I have the dies and the brass but no rifle. Perfect reason to make up a new rifle.