2024 Targets

6-17-2024 (8am, overcast 74 degrees and 80% humidity. Wind calm)

I figured it was time to load up some 44-40 targets. It has certainly been a while, and after shooting the 30-06...the groups were disappointing until I remembered what I was shooting. I decided to shoot at three ranges to show the trajectory, which is why many can not adjust to after experiencing the flatter shooting cartridges.


Targets 1 thru 3 - 50 Yards

Scope zeroed in at 50 yards. Nearly every three-shot group looks like Target 1 (2024-17-6-1). Two shots centered on the bullseye while the other one or two rested to the upper right. I have no idea unless the issue is me...which it probably was.


Target 4 - 100 Yards

Backing off to 100 yards, the first shot hit 5 1/4" low - which shows a 5 1/4" trajectory between 50 and 100 yards. Adjusting high for the trajectory resulted in the following 1 1/2" group on target 4 (2024-17-6-4). The top of the paper target just happened to be a great reference for the elevation correction. 

Target 5 - 146 Yards

I could not pull off a 200 yard shot (no room), had to settle for 146 yards this time. In the past I typically get average 6" groups at 200 yards. This group demanded a 10.5" elevation trajectory correction and is a bit hard to maintain. The little 6x scope zooms in fine for estimating the center of target, but not great! I am still happy with the accepted results from many years gone by. I can achieve irregular 14" groups at 300 yards with this load. Even so, all groups fall well inside Townsand Whelen's 1920 accepted groups.

4 shots

3 shots

5 shots

Compare the targets above with Winchester's factory Power-Point hunting ammunition trajectory chart. 0 at 25 and 50, with a drop of 5.75" vs my 5" drop at 100 yards and a drop of 19.5" at 150 yards compared to my 10.5" drop at 146 yards. Some ask why the fight for 1,350fps vs factory 1,190fps...now ya know. Distance/Trajectory/Power. Also, the actual impact angle at 300 yards with my loads is between 11 degrees and 12 degrees, not 45 degrees like most think!

Uberti Winchester 73', 44-40 with Malcom 6x scope.

1-5-2024 (I forgot to mark them 2024)

Just a couple of quick groups at 35 yards and 50 yards with the Marlin 1895CB. Not much difference.

240gr 3D LRNFP with 25gr Reloder 7

The next time I go, I will try 75 yards and 100 yards. May even repeat 35 and 50 yards. This should zero out at 100 yards.