New BPCR shooter

T

TXGunNut

New member
I'm not new to reloading, shooting, competitive shooting or even the .45-70 cartridge. What's new is that I want to assemble period-correct cast bullet loads for my replica Sharps in .45-70 and I want to cast my own bullets as well as assemble my own loads with black powder. I've read (and re-read) the excellent SPG book written by Mike Venturino and Steve Garbe but want a bit more input before I make the plunge. I met and had good conversations with both in Raton during BPCR Nationals more than a few years back but wasn't interested in the game @ the time. Silly me!
My theory about BP is that an incredible amount of knowledge has been lost since the advent of smokeless powder but I'm very confident that folks like you have re-discovered it. I don't use petroleum products in my BP or BPCR firearms. I don't use BP substitutes and I think lead is the only proper projectile for BP. I think a BPCR could become my new hunting rifle. I also think commercially available bullets are not the answer. I have the basic bullet casting equipment in big boxes ready and waiting. Oh, one other thing: molten lead and the related fumes scare the beejeebers out of me.
I think Steve Garbe wrote the most important line in the SPG book, "Smokeless powder is a passing fad". I think most modern shooters have no idea what a BPCR is truly capable of.
OK, here's my question: what can I read or do to learn how these beautiful rifles really work?
 
BPCR

I think the most popular event for BPCR are the silhouette matches. One can find out things that work best from the actual shooters. Also the last couple of issues of Single Shot exc have had a article " There is no magic bullet" it is by a well known BPCR shooter and gun smith well worth reading.
Don't know your location but our 1st silhoutte match at Tulsa red castle is this Sunday 7 Mar. We will be shooting 200 mtrs out to 500 mtrs. If interested get in touch. Hopen for some good weather. Good luck.
 
Thanks for the BPCR links, Articap. Will be spending some time there.
Thanks for the invite, Spitpatch. I recall inviting cops to PPC matches to learn about the game. All they had to do was bring a duty gun and 4-5 boxes of ammo. I know the best way to learn about these rifles will be at a match. Don't think I can get very many rounds together by this Sunday but will round up a notepad, binocs and hearing protection. I live about 16 miles south of the Red River off I-35.
PPB's intrigue me, Horseman308, but I want to shoot the rifle I have for now. I heard they were making a comeback and barrelmakers are tooled up for them again. I'll likely buy another rifle soon so won't rule out PPB's.
 
Bpcr

Tex I returned your PM. Don't know if it worked or not, I am not an ace on the computer. You should have about 60 rounds for the match, 40 for score the rest for sighters.
Hey get off the computer and cast & reload.
 
Got your PM, Spitpatch. Weather looking better up there than here tomorrow. Have another rifle I need to shoot today, a problem-child Super Grade M70. I have a buddy who's going to walk me thru the casting process when we both have a free day.
Good advice. I'd be much better off if I spent as much time shooting as I did thinking about it. Looking forward to meeting you, good directions on the website.
 
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Casting

I have found the best references for casting are the older lyman reloading books and the lyman cast bullet hand book. And also from a buddy that has done it a lot. Beware the internet experts.
 
I have an older Lyman handbook, bo't a new one today. Don't have the cast bullet book...yet. Thanks for the tip. The Internet is a great source of info but I've learned to be careful, it's also a great source of bad info.
Hope to make it up to your match tomorrow.
 
Sunday

Was glad to see you Sunday. You are a man of your word driving all that way. Looked to me like you were having a good time. Let me know if you get up to the match at Ok, City some time. I would guess they are about 1&1/2 to 2hrs closer to where you are than here. I think all their matches are the 2ed Sun. Hope to cross paths again. JH
 
Great time, learned a lot!

Thanks for the invite, Spitpatch! Learned a lot, took a few pages of notes and John sent me some great info on casting and loading. Guys like you are an important part of the future of shooting sports! Thanks again, I think I'll get a room for the next trip, tho.
Cast my first bullets today! Reject rate was very high but I learned a lot and had no major mishaps thanks to lots of reading and following all the good advice. Molten lead is fascinating and scary at the same time. Can't wait to get these loaded and see how they do.
 
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