stagpanther
New member
Bought a 6.5 " new model SBH in 41 mag a couple of years ago with the intent of using it for deer handgun hunting with my hand-loads. Got in NIB for around $450--thought that was a pretty good deal. I did do a trigger and mainspring job do get the pull down around 4 lbs. The only thing I don't like about it is the rather small grip--and I have pretty small hands. Other than that--VERY nice relatively light weight package for very reasonably easy to control 41 mag recoil.
I've gone back and forth with it trying to develop a good load but never got anything that I thought was consistent enough that I could confidently shoot at a deer and expect a good shot. I did all my testing from the bench resting my hands against a bag. But invariably--no matter how steady I held the gun--I'd get at least one flier that spread the group to 5" or more.
My technique is not especially good and my eyes are on the downhill side of the aging curve--so I've never done much standing freehand shooting.
So today I said the heck with it--took a box of off-the-shelf remmie HTP and set a target up at 20 yds and emptied some cylinders at a silhouette target just standing free-hand.
The accuracy was astounding compared to my previous bench shooting--in fact I had never experienced anything like it. I mean I was not even really holding the sight picture steady--yet I was getting good groups--some with holes touching each other.
I know it sounds a bit silly--but has this happened to others--and what would possibly account for shots going wide from a rest?
I've gone back and forth with it trying to develop a good load but never got anything that I thought was consistent enough that I could confidently shoot at a deer and expect a good shot. I did all my testing from the bench resting my hands against a bag. But invariably--no matter how steady I held the gun--I'd get at least one flier that spread the group to 5" or more.
My technique is not especially good and my eyes are on the downhill side of the aging curve--so I've never done much standing freehand shooting.
So today I said the heck with it--took a box of off-the-shelf remmie HTP and set a target up at 20 yds and emptied some cylinders at a silhouette target just standing free-hand.
The accuracy was astounding compared to my previous bench shooting--in fact I had never experienced anything like it. I mean I was not even really holding the sight picture steady--yet I was getting good groups--some with holes touching each other.
I know it sounds a bit silly--but has this happened to others--and what would possibly account for shots going wide from a rest?