Velocity & barrel length

[Cariboo]

I finally got out yesterday to try some loads in the 1885 High-wall chambered for .270 Winchester

The good news is that the rifle shot very tight groups with a variety of loads. The interesting thing is that the 28" barrel really boosted the velocities above what I usually see with a .270 Winchester. In fact the rifle was turning in top velocities that were equal to, or a touch above, the 270 wsm. With bullet weights of 130, 140 and 150 grains top velocities were 150 - 175 fps above the normal 270 Win velocities shown in the data manuals. In short the extra barrel length was adding 35 -45 fps per inch to maximum velocity. I think I have a new long-range clear-cut / alfalfa-field rifle on my hands.


Oh ya ....................... I also shot 30 rounds of full-power 45-70 loads from the bench on the same outing. Shooting the 350 grain bullets @ velocities reaching as high as 2100 fps has left my shoulder feeling a bit dislocated today............... The Marlin did turn in honest 1 1/2" 3 shot groups at 100 yards even though I am sure I was getting a bit "punch-drunk" towards the end of the afternoon.

[ruttinbuck]

That much trigger time at once and one has to consider a sissy pad.I can't shoot my rifles as accurate as I want from the bench for extended sessions without mine.
Congrats on the high wall results.You should build yourself a sturdy portable rest,find a good view point with some potential feeding areas and settle in to ruin some unsuspecting mulie's day.RB

[Cariboo]

Originally Posted by ruttinbuck

That much trigger time at once and one has to consider a sissy pad.

A friend of mine has just bought a "Lead Sled" and is now swearing by it. I may just borrow it next time I am working up loads for some of the heavy hitters. LoL

[leonard]

i hear ya on the 45-70 loads.. and when you move into heavy bullets 405-500+grain she pounds even harder.. i always shoot it last in the day if im doing loads with multiple rifles. the 1900-2000fps 405 grain loads can drain you in 20shots or less.

aye to the sissy strap.. ive been looking for a good reason to have one around for using "Because its there" on my 45-70 during testing days.

thing about these guns is they are not really all that bad at all if your standing or in a position that your body can move more. leaning into them on a BENCH is where it gets soar. as well as they are awesome for about the first 4-5 shots then you start to feel it more and more till your done shooting for the day my 2cents .

BTW sandbag shoulder pad works :P.... sucks for shooting tho