Target loads for Zouave

[pargent]

With my club building a new range Iam thinking of dragging out my Zouave and using it in some matches. It has been used mainly for blanks due to its fast barrel 1in33 , but I have read some old posts on target shooting in NZ that say using a solid base projectile can work in fast twist barrels. Does anybody have any imput on this ,Iam not looking for a magic load just a good starting point that can be tuned ?

 

[Wes/Tex]

If you're only doing low velocity target loads, the PRB will also work. It's only at higher velocity that patched balls have odd behavior in fast twist bores. Start with something in the 40 to 50 grain range, perhaps 35. You'll probably find something that works just fine.

 

[pargent]

I should have stated 100,300 and500 yards :idunno:

 

[Wes/Tex]

O.K., that makes it somewhat different. You might look into getting some of the short, hollow based Minies from Lyman's mold #575494. Without looking, I believe Dixie & Track both sell pre-cast slugs and a bag full or two may tell you if spending for the mold is a worthwhile. That shorter, somewhat semi-wadcutter Minie should do the trick with lighter charges.

 

[Bugflipper]

I use the lee minie that looks like a trash can. The hollow bottom is filled with lube and I put a thin coat on the outside to keep it from leading the bore. Just cast from pure lead. 60 gr of ffg is the charge. It can handle 70 and still shoot fine. Usually 75-80 and over will blow the squirt out of whack and give poor accuracy.

 

[pargent]

:hmm: thanks ,I feel that in the past I was using too much powder in a vain attempt to get a flatter trajectory .

 

[Bugflipper]

Yes sir, you just have to lov them about. If you get over zealous with a minie they don't do well. Heavy loads do well with a heavy conical bullet but the shoulder starts getting tender after a while. So really in the long run you are better off getting it dialed in to the flip up sights and allow for the wind. Those ugly little trash can looking lees are what all the target shooters are going with these days. Just assuming they are the most accurate ones because of that. I don't have any other minie moulds to compare myself, just went with what they use.