Slugging will get you the size. It could be mirror bright and still be oversized. Wartime production. I could believe out of spec barrels made it out of the factory.
Slugging will get you the size. It could be mirror bright and still be oversized. Wartime production. I could believe out of spec barrels made it out of the factory.
The Smith can shoot VERY good.
All the above posts make good points and have sound advice.
Shooting from the bench introduces it's own issue. Most all stem from not mounting the gun exactly the same for each shot. Check, eye, shoulder, must all be placed in damn near the exact same spot to get 100% repeatable results.
When we're sighting in, folks are expecting one-hole groups. Your gun may be able to get it, but can the shooter?
Slug it to make sure the bullet is truly engaging the rifling. Plus you can feel for any loose or tight spots in the barrel.
If you've done everything listed and it still won't group well enough, you can always use it as a test stake!
But seriously, a LOT of good advice in the responses above. Recall, a few thousandths of an inch makes a difference, so go slowly and see what you find
Mike 'Bootsie' Bodner
Palmetto Sharpshooter's, Commander
9996V
Also, insufficient lube can kill accuracy in a Smith quickly. My is a great shooter. Short version, I ended up reducing lube by about 50% by error. After 4 shots, bullets we hitting the ground when fired at 50 yards. Completely fouled. Added a little lube to bullet at the mouth of the case and fixed.
Determine the correct seating depth. Partially seat bullet so it sticks way out. Put into gun and close. Open and gently remove cartridge. Measure over all length with caliper. That's the length you want to make you cartridge.
So load the powder, seat bullet remeasure. Figure out gap and add filler on top of powder to get that length. A slight compression of the load when closing the breech IS desirable...
Mike 'Bootsie' Bodner
Palmetto Sharpshooter's, Commander
9996V
Who made your Smith carbine? What is the maker and model number of your bullet mould?
N-SSA Member since 1974
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