Range report: Enfield rifle

[TheWall]

Got out to the range today with my Armi Sport 2-band Enfield. This target (see below) was shot seated at 50 yards with 60 grains of FFG Goex and a lubed .575 minie ball.

Also shot some at 100 yards, not as accurate -- 6 out of 11 shots were on target.

This rifle has always shot high and to the left. Today was no exception.

Another fun day at the range, all in all...

 

[Ratdog68]

That still looks like dead critter in the freezer. Nice shooting, and happy cleaning !

 

[junkman_01]

.575 Minies were a compromise size in the Civil War. They allowed very easy loading at a time where accuracy was not at a premium. If you use .580 Minies cast from dead soft lead, you will be getting the kind of groups you are now getting with the .575's, but you can do it at 100 yards offhand!
BTDT. Have fun.

 

[4v50 Gary]

The Enfield used a slightly larger bore. Still, not bad considering the group.

 

[junkman_01]

Actually, the 1853 Enfield had a slightly smaller bore than the 61-63 Springfield rifle-musket. It was a .577 caliber and the Springfield was a .58 caliber. That said, that is why they used .575 Minies in the Civil War.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattern_1853_Enfield

 

[badpenny]

try different weight minnies.mine shoots about 6 inches right with a 540 grain ball at 100 yards.but its dead on the point of aim with a 460 grain ball.

 

[hawkeye74]

You need to find out your bore size and shoot .001- .002 under bore size with minie balls. Also use dead soft, pure lead.

With Where you live, should take advantage of being near the N-SSA's home range area located at Winchester, Va. They can help you zero that thing to where you can do things you didn't think possible. 1-2" 100 yard groups are possible, unless there is a flaw in the barrel which is sometime possible with the Italians.