Fester wrote:It sounds like Rossi hasn't changed much, as their QC was always lacking, at best.
I got mine as a used interstate gun with little use. Hard to use as it jammed up solid the first time I used it, and most range tests after.
The smith sorted it, but wasn't much right about the action workings.
It is a staino 30-30 Reogrande, and shouldn't have left the factory on that Friday arvo.
I had to field strip it and scratched the shiny staino with my Leatherman, as the lever had to come out to unload it.
That first shoot was about a minute of melons at 30m, offhand so I fitted a Skinner peep, the duluxe model in gold and black, as it really sets the rifle off with looks, and low and compact.
It then became a group shooter at 50yds, and always shot fine.
I still love it as a brush gun and fun shooter with casties.
I never needed to do much, or any load development, just sighted in to shoot 150-grain jacket loads at middle range charge.
I did a reduced load with powder-coated 165-gr HRBC cast pills using 18gr of 2207, then tried Trailboss when it was found in stock.
It must have gone subsonic, as it was like a .22lr
No real point, so I then heard about the PC pills handling some speed and had to see for myself.
I did push it to near the 150gr full loads and did find the point where they lose accuracy, so I backed off, got no real leading.
That non-gas checked load is a beauty, and can actually shoot some longer ranges. I impressed both myself and the RO that I asked if I can put a few on the lowish 300m berm. I just aimed at the top, and hit mid-level.
It is much better loaded up, and less rock-chucking drops, just aim at the top of the paper to group on the target about 8" under, when shooting the casties.
I also do a gas-checked load and just go 1gr less than the 150gr jacketed hunting loads.
I have all the 08 loads in my book with speeds if you are interested.
I can list them here, as we are not on FB asking what load to make, we all take responsibility for what we do.
The best thing about the Rossi is using conventional rifling, rather than the Marlin micro groove thing, they seem to shoot fine with normal .309" sized cast pills, no need for .311" or whatever they do.
This one wasn't too bad.
I'd heard horror stories of Rossi's cyclying issues etc.
The R95s had a better reputation and when this one popped up I thought I'd snavel it.
Was fairly cheap.
I got home and pulled the rifle down, cleaned it completely and reassembled with blue locktite in all the bolts.
The forened was fix was easy.
The mag tube follower was plastic, so I fitted an alloy job from precision parts company.
There are plenty of aftermarket options for this rifle.
I'm tempted to spend dumb money on stocks and hand rails now that is shoots well. Have to stay away from that Web site.
The lever rattled like a Ducati clutch when cycling rounds so I shimmied that and it is a hell of a lot quieter.
Fitted an illuminated Burris fullfield 4 because my eyes are toast and those open sights and very hard to see.
Very good scope for the price.
I actually like this gun now.
It nearly got moved on, but something told me to give it one more try.
If you would like to share some data, I won't say no. Even if to compare. Can pm or whatever.
I'm not loading anymore supersonic.
Just finding a sub load for pigs.
We have a 300 yd gong I'll try next time.
I reckon it will be in with a good chance of being accurate out there now.
