I feel pretty comfortable that I found the right load for my 450 NE Sabatti. The group isn't ideal, but I believe it's as close as I can expect to get with this powder/bullet combination. Please let me know if you disagree, I have a lot to learn about double rifles.

This load was the 450 grain North Fork expanding bullet over 98 grains of R19. I worked out the problems with my chrony (operator error) and this load averages out at 2180 fps at about 10'.

It is clear from this target that the right barrel shoots higher than the left barrel. This has been the case on previous targets as well, and is always about 1.5 inches higher at 50 yards. If both barrels shot on the same horizontal plane I would have a really nice 50 yard group.

Here are some pictures and numbers:

Clearly showing right barrel group higher than left.



Right barrel group showing outside measurement, center-to-center is 1.335.



Left barrel group, 1.458 center-to-center.



Overall group @ 2.674 center-to-center. Although it would be nice if I didn't have this vertical spread, I consider this an acceptable group. I will try another powder and/or bullet combination to see if it makes a difference.

I still haven't tried the ammo the rifle was factory regulated with; Hornady DGX. I'm guessing the right barrel will still shoot higher with that load, we'll see.



Here's the relationship of the two groups horizontally. The left barrel group is left of the right barrel group. Even if L3 was bulled left a little, I would consider the groups to be "superimposed" rather than crossing.

One thing I forgot to ask:

Is there any chance that I'm changing my grip when moving to the rear trigger? Could I be consistently "pulling" the left barrel group down by changing my grip?

Nothing wrong with those groups for a hunting rifle.

Shoot the rifle at 100 yards.

Looks well under mob* from here.

Rich
DRSS

*minute of Buffalo

That is just more than fine out of a big bore double.

Be happy.

Austringer,

I don't believe you're affecting the group by the movement of your shooting hand. I always shoot the left barrel first because it hurts less. The rifle kicks away from my face on the left one, but into it on the right. Elmer Keith did the same thing. I'd sure try the Woodleigh 480-grain bullets with your rifle. You might be surprised at the difference in the very slight vertical difference between barrels.

........Ray

Not bad groups at 50, I believe the rifle can be made to shoot better groups, try R-17, R-15 or H4350 powders to see which powder is the best for the rifle then change bullet selection if you have to.

Austringer,

I don't want to argue with a "lawyer," but I suspect you'll find more variation in group impact point by changing the bullet, not the powder. Hence my suggestion to try the Woodleighs, or any different brand, of slighly greater weight.

.......Ray

quote:

Originally posted by dirklawyer:
Not bad groups at 50, I believe the rifle can be made to shoot better groups, try R-17, R-15 or H4350 powders to see which powder is the best for the rifle then change bullet selection if you have to.

And remember, only change ONE component at a time, Powder OR bullet, or you will lose continuity
and which item the one making the difference.


I agree, try a few things just to see.