P62 Enfield range test

[majspud]

Finally got a chance to take the P62 to the range with the new reproduction rear sight. Shot 8 rounds of .575 Minie over 50gr 3X powder; three hits. Started with two misses as the rifle shoots very high and a little right. I alternated hit/miss afterwards - frustrating not to hit consecutively. I'll get some .577 and try again.

T

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[Patrick Chadwick]

In a very long barrel you are using a very light charge of an excessively fast powder (if I am understanding 3X correctly). The object is to hit the target, not save powder. Try using Swiss 2f (=No.3) and a charge of about 65-70 grains. That should make better use of the barrel length for a smoother acceleration with, hopefully, better results. I don't know quite how to put it scientifically, but giving the bullet an unnecessarily sharp initial whack with a fast powder sets up Bad Vibrations that shake the bullet all over the landscape when it finally exists the muzzle. And I hope you are using a deep-base bullet with a solid skirt. Some moulds cast skirts too thin, that are blown askew when the bullet exits, and the effect on accuracy is disastrous.

Take a look at my tests with the Hannoverian Pickelgewehr for the reasoning applied and the results achieved.

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=49231

[majspud]

Current batch: .575x512gr. (pic 1). Ordered batch is .577x492gr. (pic 2). Also, perhaps, it is British proofed '25' instead of '24' for out of spec/rebarreled.

T

[Patrick Chadwick]

"Some moulds cast skirts too thin, that are blown askew when the bullet exits, and the effect on accuracy is disastrous."

Looking at the cast bullet on the left, I think that could be your problem. Turn up another plug with the skirt a touch thicker. In other words you make a copy of the plug, and turn it down so that it casts a thicker skirt.

Take a look at my tests with the Hannoverian Pickelgewehr for the reasoning applied and the results achieved.

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=49231

It took me 3 tries to get the right thickness!

---------- Post added at 07:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:24 AM ----------




"Also, perhaps, it is British proofed '25' instead of '24' for out of spec/rebarreled."

Caliber/gauge 25 is correct.

[bombdoc]

If you get round to casting, make sure you use the purest lead you can find. Try to recover a bullet or two and check the skirt.. blowing the skirt on a 3 band is not usually the problem - getting a good engrave is usually the issue! We generally use Swiss No2 FFFg for the P53 in UK.

As you are probably aware.. your gun was not made at RSAF Enfield - it would have been assembled from parts bought in from the London and Birmingham gun trade at the workshops that used to exist at the Tower of London...

[jmoore]

Best results with my 2 band have been with 60gr ffg Goex and the discontinued Hornady Great Plains bullet. I just have to remember to hold the tip of the front sight as far left in the rear "V" to be centered up windage-wise. Having that top band of the bullet engage the rifling at the muzzle worked wonders even though the skirt is very thick. Once started, it loads easily for quite a few shots.

Wondering if the Lee REAL bullet will do OK, but haven't been forced to try yet, as there's some few Hornadys still on hand.