Playing with Ball

[MikePal]

Been shooting on the range all week with the .45 Kentucky. Took the last shot of the the day at the propane tank I have at 100 yds.

The ball did not penetrate the tank..rung the bell and dented it well, but it didn't go thru...

Pretty sure it would go thru a deer hide at that range....but I'll save the .58 for that task

130 gr lead ball
60 gr FFFg Goex

[Fox]

You lose velocity and therefore energy really fast with a round ball.

From what I have ready the reason for the larger calibers was for longer range and bigger game, the 45 was the eastern rifle, then moved to 50 and 54 as you went further west into grizz territory.

Still seems like it left a bruise on the tank.

[MikePal]

Yea the .45 patch and ball is not meant of long range shooting..mind you the POA was about dead center so the drop is only about 5-6" at 100yds.

For Chitz and Giggles I might bump up the powder to 70g of FFFg and see if that will give it that little extra energy to punch thru.

Yes it left a mark

[Fox]

Yea the .45 patch and ball is not meant of long range shooting..mind you the POA was about dead center so the drop is only about 5-6" at 100yds.

For Chitz and Giggles I might bump up the powder to 70g of FFFg and see if that will give it that little extra energy to punch thru.

Yes it left a mark

Why do you say it is not meant for long range shooting? It may not be meant for long range hunting but if the components match why would it not be accurate at longer range.

I was watching a video during this cold long winter on long range round ball shooting, what we would consider really long range round ball shooting, it was on You Tube but one of those videos that I do not know how I found it, essentially the guys were shooting regularly at 200 yards and further.

[MikePal]

Why do you say it is not meant for long range shooting? It may not be meant for long range hunting but if the components match why would it not be accurate at longer range.

I'm sure with luck, you could eventually hit a 4'x4' paper target at 200 yds.....but the ballistics say I would have a hold over of about 70". Be like firing a mortar... aim 6' over your target.

Pretty hard to do any long range 'shooting' with iron sights and a .45 Kentucky rifle.... HaHa...

[boogaloo]

Put a considerable ding in that tank Mike. Be good penetration on a Deer in my opinion..............Daniel

[Fenelon]

Mike you've got to stop playing with your balls !

[boogaloo]

Hey Mike, I cast a bunch of round balls with my new .530 mold. Found it a bit different using aluminum blocks from the steel ones I am used to. .................................Daniel

[MikePal]

I've never used the aluminum ones....I wonder if it would cool the lead quicker. Might be problematic.

Does Lee still recommend you 'soot' them up well first ?

[boogaloo]

I've never used the aluminum ones....I wonder if it would cool the lead quicker. Might be problematic.

Does Lee still recommend you 'soot' them up well first ?

Oh ya, soot them up. Seemed like it liked the lead to be a little hotter and keep the mold hotter as well.