.45 BC problem

[cougarmagnum]

I'm getting terrible horizontal stringing with my .45 Colt BC. Every load I put thru it does the same. I'm a long time seasoned shooter, but can't seem to get a handle on this. No, I'm not canting the gun, the wind isn't the issue either. It's the only rifle I have that has this problem, any ideas?

[quickdtoo]

Welcome! I'd start by removing the forend and checking the barrel to see if it's tight when the action is locked up, and read the Handi Basics 101 sticky. If the barrel is loose, it needs to go back to H&R for a new barrel on their dime.

Tim

[cougarmagnum]

Checked the barrel and forearm, all is well. Also read all the stickies, I'm at a lose!

[S.E.Ak]

The butt plate really lets the rifle wiggle when placing in the shoulder and may have some effect

[quickdtoo]

Is the front sight plumb to the barrel? There have been some 45LC barrels that the front dovetail was askew causing the front sight to tip to one side, that would tend to cause a shooter to cant the rifle some if you're using the iron sights, but it should be consistent if held the same each time. 

Tim

[cougarmagnum]

I have a 3x Leupold on it, so it's not a sight issue. I'm thinking it could be the crescent butt plate, doesn't feel comfortable to me. Might be slipping without knowing it. I have Handi's in 30-30, .22 Hornet, and .223, and have no such problems with the other ones. That's the only other variable that I can think of between the guns. I've loaded .45 Colt for years, in other guns, with no accuracy issues. It makes sense that if there's inconsistences in fit, that could attribute to the stringing isuue. I'm going to remove the scope and try the irons(I shoot good with irons), that would eliminate scope or mount issues. I'm really leaning towards the butt plate, it's the only time I've used a cresent butt on a center fire. All my muzzleloaders have them, but their bigger and feel more comfortable.

[mtbugle]

insure latch and shelf are dry. no oil on them.
thanks Don.

[quickdtoo]

You can swap the stock too to eliminate it as an issue or use a slip-on pad, ALL H&R single shot stocks will fit all frames and barrels with the exception of some forends. While I only shot two loads thru my 45 carbine before I rechambered it to 460,  neither load was bad using Ruger/TC data, 250gr jacketed groups ran 1½"-2" at 100yds scoped with a Weaver V3.

Tim

[gcrank1]

FWIW: the recoil inpulse with that stock architeture will cause that if you do not get 'behind' it exactly the same shot to shot. Your personal 'neutral' position at the rear steers the gun. Bench technique becomes really critical because when it goes off it will pitch side to side with just subtle variations in hold.

[cougarmagnum]

Thanks for all the suggestions, Jim

[S.E.Ak]

I put one of the Action leather lace on pads from Cabelas on my 45BC and really like it. I went with the extra small but I believe now that small would have been the better choice

[cougarmagnum]

Problem solved! It was the butt plate after all. I installed a slip on rubber butt plate, am now shooting tight groups at 50 yds. My black powder load with 35grs. of 2ff and a Lee 255 gr. round nose flat point, shoots a tight colver leaf! Next best load is a 255 swc with 18 grs.-2400.

[gcrank1]

Congrats!.....now you can concentrate on having fun!