Range Day

Yesterday the eldest son and I spent a few hours at the range. We usually start in the rifle area and then switch to handguns if we have the time. Not so yesterday, the rifle benches were full up and only about 4 places were open for short gun shooting.

I had some preliminary rounds of 9mm and 45acp loaded to try plated bullets. I loaded everything the same for both except the bullet. I found that the velocity chronographed 50 to 100 f/s slower with the plated bullets than the Hornady XTP hollow points I've been using. As for accuracy, more testing is needed, but the early results are mixed. For one the accuracy was slightly better, but the other was slightly worse. Due to the many variables involved I'll do more testing before making a decision.

The son brought his Swiss straight pull bolt K31. I took a look at his note book and was a bit surprised. Of the 15 - 20 loads he's tried only a couple had groups as high as 2" for 3 shots, and all were with iron sights at 100 yards. Many were under 1" with 1 as small as 5/8". A fine testament to a fine shooter and an accurate rifle. Those results makes me want to start loading for, and shooting mine more often.

After about 50 rounds my HiPower 9mm decided to become a single shot. It quit ejecting the spent cases. Bummer. Hopefully I'll get the chance to check it out some time this week. In the interum I'll just have to keep 2 45acp pistols in the bedroom instead of one being 9mm.

I was going to mount an old 4X scope on the AR to do some bench shooting for accuracy, but never got around to it. I did some just for fun shooting though. Once again my marksmanship at 200 yards seemed better then it should be compared to shorter distance results. I really enjoy that rifle.

I met a 3 generation group of shooters yesterday, father, son and son's son. All apparently nice people. I love to see youngsters at the range. It helps turn them into better adults.

The Boss and I then spent the evening at the eldest's home. The Boss got her grandson fix, while I helped build a swingset, then we all enjoyed some grilled bratwurst.

So yesterday was satisfying, but today not so much. Repeated icing of a swollen foot isn't much fun.