Big Horn Armory Range Day
May 7, 2022 19:41:30 GMT -5
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mike454, foxtrapper, and 4 more like this
Post by kevshell on May 7, 2022 19:41:30 GMT -5
Today was the North Carolina version of the Cody Big Bore Shoot. I finally got the BHA 500 S&W out. I've had a 454 on order since last April and likely won't see that rifle until September or later. This new one popped up for sale and I scratched an itch.
I loaded 2 different bullets (.500 350gr XTP and .500 370gr LBT) with 4 different powders (H110, LilGun, 4227 and 2400).
The rifle has a lot on the "pros" list. I shot the rifle 56 times today. I looked up the recoil calculator and I'd say most rounds had a recoil energy of about 28 ft. lbs. The sole thing I appreciate is that after shooting all day I have zero discomfort in my face. Some stock designs tend to smack my face. The comb on this rifle is dead level. The decelerator recoil pad did a lot to mitigate the kick. This rifle does not kick bad given that you're launching a brick at about 2,000 fps every time you pull the trigger.
The rifle is not light but feels solid and nimble. I've always liked peep sights and the Skinner rear sight is great. Props to Andy Larsson of Skinner sights. I had an issue drifting the rear peep and he responded today to help me. The front sight has a large white bead. This rifle does not have a safety which is similar old Winchester lever guns. That was a big factor in buying this rifle. I like old school rifles that haven't been complicated with lawyer switches. The wood is pretty good yet it is not their upgraded wood. My 454 is coming with some really nice stocks.
The one thing that I was a little disappointed in is the trigger is not a good as I had hoped. It's not overly heavy and doesn't have a long creep. But I had hoped it would be a bit more crisp. That said, I could see where on would male a case that you may not want a crisp or lighter trigger in a 500 lever gun.
As for the loads, 2400 was not something I'll put back in this case. It was a soft push but did not group well with either bullet. With the other 3 powders they did better with the 370 LBT. H110 was the clear winner. It had the most lively recoil. And it had the best group. The group below was 4 rounds at 50 yards. 3 are stacked and evidently I got squirrelly on the 4th. The load and rifle can do it when I'm able.
Once I had my fill with the rifle I switched over to my favorite product from Cody - Linebaugh revolvers. I went 5 for 5 on the drink cans at 25 yards with the 500 Linebaugh. Complete penetration! I realized the best use for LaCroix carbonated drinks is target practice. Someone left it at our house a while back and no one will drink it. Punching paper gets old after a while.
All in all it was a good day.
I loaded 2 different bullets (.500 350gr XTP and .500 370gr LBT) with 4 different powders (H110, LilGun, 4227 and 2400).
The rifle has a lot on the "pros" list. I shot the rifle 56 times today. I looked up the recoil calculator and I'd say most rounds had a recoil energy of about 28 ft. lbs. The sole thing I appreciate is that after shooting all day I have zero discomfort in my face. Some stock designs tend to smack my face. The comb on this rifle is dead level. The decelerator recoil pad did a lot to mitigate the kick. This rifle does not kick bad given that you're launching a brick at about 2,000 fps every time you pull the trigger.
The rifle is not light but feels solid and nimble. I've always liked peep sights and the Skinner rear sight is great. Props to Andy Larsson of Skinner sights. I had an issue drifting the rear peep and he responded today to help me. The front sight has a large white bead. This rifle does not have a safety which is similar old Winchester lever guns. That was a big factor in buying this rifle. I like old school rifles that haven't been complicated with lawyer switches. The wood is pretty good yet it is not their upgraded wood. My 454 is coming with some really nice stocks.
The one thing that I was a little disappointed in is the trigger is not a good as I had hoped. It's not overly heavy and doesn't have a long creep. But I had hoped it would be a bit more crisp. That said, I could see where on would male a case that you may not want a crisp or lighter trigger in a 500 lever gun.
As for the loads, 2400 was not something I'll put back in this case. It was a soft push but did not group well with either bullet. With the other 3 powders they did better with the 370 LBT. H110 was the clear winner. It had the most lively recoil. And it had the best group. The group below was 4 rounds at 50 yards. 3 are stacked and evidently I got squirrelly on the 4th. The load and rifle can do it when I'm able.
Once I had my fill with the rifle I switched over to my favorite product from Cody - Linebaugh revolvers. I went 5 for 5 on the drink cans at 25 yards with the 500 Linebaugh. Complete penetration! I realized the best use for LaCroix carbonated drinks is target practice. Someone left it at our house a while back and no one will drink it. Punching paper gets old after a while.
All in all it was a good day.
