Using the RCBS 6.5-140-SIL cast lead bullet, I find that the Swede will not take down the heavy Ram targets at 500 meters, which is no surprise, but the funny thing is it shoots very consistently about four feet left of point of aim. Elevation is good. Switching to a 140 grain jacketed Barnes HPBT, point of aim is exact and the Rams go down. OK, I'll just use jacketed bullets on those Rams, but why is my cast lead bullet shooting so far left? The day I tested, the wind was dead calm and there was a high overcast so no shadows or mirage at all. It wasn't just me either, as my friend got the same results when he tried it.
![Question :?:](./images/smilies/icon_question.gif)
With the Springfield, using the Lyman 311284 bullet at 1,800 fps, I have found that hard cast bullets seldom take down the Rams, regardless of where they are hit. I have better luck by casting them at a soft 25:1 and that will tip the Rams at least half the time. The soft lead is not leading up the bore, and I think it is less prone to shatter on the target, but again I got much better results using those expensive jacketed bullets. The big 220 grain round nose Sierra does the job every time!
I think I have the Ram loads figured out pretty well, so now I plan to start work on the 385 meter Turkey targets. I don't think the cast lead bullets will have any problem taking them down, but I'm wondering if that Swede will throw those shots left as well? There is no windage adjustment in the sights, so I'll have to rely on Kentucky windage if that's the case.
I've never had a bit of interest in military rifles until recently, and I find that I am enjoying these two very much!
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
SHASTA