How to raise point of impact

[ZBill]

I am shooting handloads in an adjustible sight Colt Government Model and I want to raise my point of impact at 15 yards 2 inches if possible. I am loading 200 gr. lead round nose over 5.5 gr. W231. My sights are adjusted to highest point of impact and cannot be set higher.

Do I need to go to a lighter 185 SWC or heaver 230 FMJ to achieve higher point of impact? Or more or less W231 using the 200 gr LRN?

Thanks for your suggestions. Bill

 

[dverna]

Get a lower front sight.

Don

 

[243winxb]

Slow heavy 230gr bullets, lighter powder charge.

 

[1SOW]

Maybe a slower powder will bring it up.

 

[rfwobbly]

Mr 243 told you right.

The longer time the bullet spends in the barrel, the further the barrel will rise before exiting resulting in a higher POI. So you want heavier (slower) bullets with the same load, or a lighter load with the same bullets. Or any combination that results in the lower FPS.

 

[CraigC]

Heavier bullets or a shorter front sight.

 

[gamestalker]

It's because of the extreme close distance that the only solution is replacing the front sight, or perhaps a complete new set of both front and rear sight system could provide you with a bit more adjustment range?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Use the same 5.5gr charge of W231 under a 230gr bullet.

 

[Sam1911]

Yes, a heavier bullet will probably move your point of impact up a bit.

However...if your gun has adjustable sights but they cannot be adjusted to account for a wide variety of bullets/loads then something isn't set up right. I would take the gun to a gunsmith and ask him to install a front sight of the correct height.

Ideally, you should be able to set the sight adjustments in about the middle of their range and be on-target with your most middle-of-the-road load. Then you'd have the flexibility to adjust up for lighter loads and down for heavier loads as you wish.

 

[RandyP]

What sight picture do you use? Point of aim or 6 o'clock?

 

[ZBill]

thanks for all the good input

I am using the 6 o"clock aim and wanted to hit the bullseye in a 5 inch targe. I am hitting the base of the circle. Therefore shooting to point of aim as set up at 15 yards.

I will try 230's with the same load of propellant and see what happens.

I like the suggestion of a new front sight. I believe it is a Novak, dove-tailed in by a previous owner. Should be easier to replace -

Thanks again. Bill

 

[ranger335v]

If you're going to toss the front sight - probalby the best solution - first find out how high a new one should be.

Set your adjustable rear to midpoint, file the top of the front until you get the POI you seek. THEN remove the front and install a new one as close to that height as you can obtain. The range of adjustment in the rear sight should easily allow you to put your hits where you want them to be.

 

[murf]

use a 1" target.

murf

 

[jerkface11]

I'd use a file.

 

[T Bran]

Im to lazy to use a file so id take my Dremel to the range with me!
T

 

[murf]

if you have a ramp front sight, paint it from the base to half way up (use white paint). shoot using the top of the white as the top of the front sight. adjust the painted portion up or down until you get the desired result. that is your desired front sight height.

murf

 

[1SOW]

if you have a ramp front sight, paint it from the base to half way up (use white paint). shoot using the top of the white as the top of the front sight. adjust the painted portion up or down until you get the desired result. that is your desired front sight height.

Be sure to set your adj rear at mid- height adjustment first.

I agree with Sam1911

 

[ZBill]

more good suggestions

Next time out I will set the rear at midpoint and use the varying front sight paint idea.

The front sight is tall so can be trimmed if need althought it does have an orange insert.

Thanks, Bill

 

[mtrmn]

brownells used to have a sight height calculator on their website.

I'd try some 230 grainers before I started modifying sights unless you're just hellbent on the loads you have.

 

[Sam1911]

I'd try some 230 grainers before I started modifying sights unless you're just hellbent on the loads you have.

And I'd suggest having a known excellent shooter shoot the gun with your loads to eliminate completely the possibility that there's an issue with your technique that is causing your shots to print low.

But, going to the heaviest bullet possible to lift your groups high enough to reach the POA of your maxed-out sights very much eliminates the value of having adjustable sights to begin with. Might as well have fixed sights if you can only ever shoot one load with the gun anyway.