First time out with 45-70 X

[servant824]

I picked up a Henry 45-70 X rifle and finally got to send some lead down range. I loaded up some 300 grain Rem JHPs sitting on top of of some AA5744. At 48 yards with my range finder I shot 11 shots into a 2.5 by 3 inch group. I doubt I could shoot better than this with my eyes and open sights. The flourescent sights were pretty easy to see. Even with my glasses.. Recoil was fairly soft. I was loaded just slightly above trapdoor level at the bottom of the standard pressure range. Im taking a guess I was in the 1500-1600 fps range. It was downright pleasant to shoot. Loads showed no pressure. Very little unburnt powder in the barrel. I expected more because I didnt crimp. I just sized ,very slightly expanded to accept the bullet and seated to the cannelure.
The trigger measured 3.28 on my Lyman guage. Very pleased with that. But I only checked one pull not a series like you should. I knew it was light first time I felt it.
I didnt have any tools with me to adjust the sights this being an impromptu hurried range session. So I my group was about 3 inches below the target dot.
The bore of the rifle after cleaning Ok but not stellar. Ive had 2 guns now from the Wisconsin plant. The first one had so many chatter marks that went right through the rifling I sent it back to be rebarreled. My first Henry (abrass frame Big Boy) Had a very nice shiny smooth looking bore. And it shot awesome. I havent see a bore like that from Henry lately. But this gun seems to want to shoot.
I have a scope base coming. Its going to be topped with either a 1.5 x4 Nikon or a 2x7 Leuopold.

[leverjc]

Glad you have one that will shoot. The current barrel I have on my BBS is nothing to brag about but gives acceptable accuracy with low pressure loads. Its nice to have a rifle with a good trigger. Nice shooting with irons.

[JEBar]

congrats on the performance of your X and the ammo you loaded for it .... for range/fun shooting a 45-70, trap door loads are the way to go

[servant824]

Glad you have one that will shoot. The current barrel I have on my BBS is nothing to brag about but gives acceptable accuracy with low pressure loads. Its nice to have a rifle with a good trigger. Nice shooting with irons.

My BBS is not as accurate as the original brass Big Boy I owned and foolishly sold. I have tried many different bullets and powders. Mine also shoots lower pressure loads well. I have shot some really great groups with Universal powder and 240 grain Noslers JSP. Ive had some good groups also with Unique but only with cast bullets sized to .431. At the high end my best groups have been with AA11FS believe it or not. Better than the usual standbys of 2400, AA9, and H110. But one thing I realized with that rifle. It is just plain finicky how you hold it from a bench. I have to be very consistent with forearm placement, buttplate to shoulder pressure etc. So far my own cast bullets and the Nosler JHPs have been pretty good with Hornady xtps in 240 just behind them.

[leverjc]

Servant, I also really love the Nosler 158hp's they shoot better than anything else I have tried. I would not have tried them at all except they were on sale at Midway a couple years ago and I stocked up on them. They were as cheap as most lead bullets. I use mine for Lever Silhouette so at the bench I keep the front bag just in front of the receiver and try to keep an even pull into my shoulder.

[RanchRoper]

Congrats and enjoy.

[Kissmybrass]

Nice shooting - Love trapdoor loads with my H010! Did you have uncrimped ammo in the magazine? I hear the kick lengthens them sometimes. Maybe trapdoor is not as bad on em -

[servant824]

Kissimybrass
I was a bit concerned about that but most shots were singly loaded except for the first couple just to test the cycling.

[Rifletom]

servant, sounds like you're going about this the right way. Informative feedback is always good. Enjoy that X.