I posted this thread on the handgun Forum, but wanted some single shot input. Is it possible to achieve >1" 5 shot strings at 100-150 yards with a 14" .41 Magnum Contender barrel (scoped). I use my own handloads, so precision ammo will be used. I know I am also a limiting factor to some point, but truly do not feel this is a major factor.The only other straight wall caliber I've worked with in the past was .357 Mag. Bottleneck calibers hold a special little place on my trigger finger.

Well I guess my three year old can shoot >1" strings at these distances!! I meant to say <1" strings.

I havent tried 5 shot groups but my EA Brown barrel has shot some really nice 3 shot groups!

I used to work off 3 shot strings, but found the ugly truth can sometimes hide in that 4th or 5th shot. Actually, an older gentleman burst my bubble one day at the local range - I just placed a third shot into a .347" hole w/ my 7-30 Waters (measured after the fact), when he asked if I could put another bullet in the hole. To make a long story short, he politely smiled and walked away after the next two shots. That 5 shot string opened up to .799. Still good at 100 yards, but more truthfull the previous 3 shots. I have never seen that man since, but his simple challenge and its' results will always be with me.

when he asked if I could put another bullet in the hole

You should have asked him to match what ever you did. My guess is that he couldn't do better than .779 with what ever he was shooting !
Rich Jake

Rich, I've seen this man shoot before he talked to me. Let's just say I have a lot of respect towards him. I HIGHLY enjoy shooting against (and for the most part backing my claims) the guy who starts blowing his mouth off about how accurate his rifle is -and how no handgun can shoot past 50 yards. I have come to learn that most top shelf shooters will never really brag about their accomplishments, and offer advice to help your ability. This gentleman was not laying out a challenge to me, (although at the time I thought it was), this was his way of passing on his knowledge. Since time has pasted and I think about what took place that day, I feel extremely proud and honored that he felt I was worthy enough to give knowledge to. By the way, I try not to take a challenge I don't think I can handle - And putting my abilities into shooting against(friendly - mind you)him would have been a losing proposition.

LOL, OK the way it sounded to me when I read it was he was issuing a challenge. My mistake sometimes I don't comprehend properly. Anyway that still was an excellent group at 100 Yards. Also my apologies to the gentleman you were talking about.
Rich Jake

Rich, no apologizes needed - like I said at the time I thought it was a challenge too!! So, what can I expect out of a .41 Mag at 100-150 yards? 1" or 3" - Ijust don't know where I should stop my load development.

I can't give you any advice on that distance maybe MSSmagnum has shot his 41 at that distance. I would try the load you used in the begining of the thread & see what it does. You might not want to mess with it further.
Rich Jake

I think that a lot depends on the quality of the barrel(amongst other things ). As i mentioned in your thread in the Handgun Hunting forum, i shot a 9 Sierra 170's (max load ) @ 100 into about 1.5" with this barrel. There are a lot of varibles, working through them is part of the fun.

Good Luck with it!!

Working thru them is fun - and aggrevating!! Didn't forget about your scope info - just haven't gotten into the safe yet to look at the scope.Off the top of my head I believe it is a fixed 2x from T/C w/ weaver base and rings. I'll e-mail ya with more definate info! I do have one question un-gun related - What's the story behind the pictures of the guy w/an Easten arrow in the back of his head, and is that a broadhead I see stuck in his scull? I went to download targets for the postal match and saw these pics!

If I'm thinking right, those are pictures off of rotten.com

The whole site is composed of horrible pictures including hands in meat grinders, heads blown off, etc. You know, happy stuff.

There is a picture of the chunk of the guys skull they removed with the broad-head in it too.

Now, let's see what's in the fridge........



As far as the 41 I'd say you need more precision afforded with a higher power scope than a 2X to make it easier to aim at those distances.

Regards

Boy, I'm realy curious about that site - really want to see it, but really don't.

My .41 is outfitted w/ a Burris 2-7x scope.Standard setup in my collection - the 2x on that thread is one that came on another barrel I purchased used, lookin to clean up unused stuff.