in2anity wrote:This is some really useful info BR - thanks. I take it my groups are in the realm of somewhat "normal". I might actually try some jacketed loads to see what the rifle is capable of - any suggestions? 180gn HP XTPs good are they?
I have had zero interest in lever rifles all my life, until October last year, so I really can't tell you what is "normal" exactly
But from what I've read, seen and tried myself I think your groups are pretty good.
I've got a few bullets to try, but mainly the 240gn Nosler Competition JHP bullet purely because it comes in bulk 250rd packs, although not any cheaper than some others. It has an exposed lead nose though which _might_ be damaged during seating so I thought the fully-ecapsulated XTP was worth trying. For me, with the loads I tested, the XTP was a little more accurate. Keep in mind after shooting cast that it'll need a few jacketed bullets down the tube to clean it out before it'll start grouping, so don't give up if the first group is 12" or more