Burned some powder!!!!

[wisconsinteacher]

Well with ice fishing being very slow, I decided to hit the range and stay off the ice. I needed to shoot he new to me 444 and 35 Whelen along with the Grendel and AR-15.

I deep cleaned every rifle last month so I knew that I would have to take a few shots to settle the Grendel in. After 6 shots, I fired 4 3 shot groups at 100 yards.

Group 1=.891
Group 2=.758
Group 3=.332
Group 4=.471

It was nice to see things tighten up after a few shots.

I also shot my AR with some 55 Varmeggedon BTHP and IMR 4895. I have a little red dot on this rifle so I shot at 50 yards. With 25.5 grains, I was able to shoot a .662" group so I think I am close for a blasting rifle.

Up next was the 35 Whelen. The goal was to zero it and shoot 10 rounds to see how it ran. After taking 5 shots to get it dialed in, I shot a 5 shot group at 100 yards. That group was 1.861". Not bad for the first time out. The rifle ran great and there were not feeding issues. Recoil was not an issue. I don't know if it was the recoil pad or not, but I think my .338wm has more recoil.

The 444 was up last. Again the goal was to shoot the rifle and get a feel for things. I shot open sights at 50 yards. The first 5 shots were to the left but on paper so I was happy. After that, I shot 2 more 5 shot groups. The best was 1.861". Not bad for a guy who hates open sights and has not shot them since I was kid with my BB gun. I think after I get a scope on this rifle things are really going to come together. I did have one feeding issue. After I ejected a spent round, the next one did not come back far enough and the lifter pushed the back of the shell up while the front was still in the mag tube. As far as recoil, this rifle has more "kick" than the 35 Whelen.

If you guys would like, I can post pictures of my targets.

 

[truck driver]

Now you know no range report isn't complete with out pictures, it's a prerequisite here. :roll: :lol: :mrgreen:

 

[NWBlacktail]

Sounds great! Nothing like smelling gun powder after it's been a few months. :mrgreen:

The Grendel sounds like its really shooting well.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

The Grendel does shoot well. For an AR that I put together, I am very happy. I must admit, I struggle shooting off the AR platform compared to my bolt rifles. I think it has something to do with them sitting higher on the bags and a different cheek weld for my face. The last shot I took before today was at the buck I shot in November. It has been a while but it was great to get out.

 

[sask boy]

I knew you would enjoy the 35 Whelen it just the younger brother to the 338 win mag :wink:. Once you get used to it I am sure it will be a go to rifle for you.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[DrMike]

If you guys would like, I can post pictures of my targets.

Like?!?! It's mandatory! Sure we'd enjoy seeing what your rifles are producing. Glad you got the Whelen out for some work. It is a great cartridge.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

35 Whelen at 100 yards.


444 at 50 yards with open sights. Like I mentioned a 1-4 VXII on this rifle is going to rock.


I tossed the 6.5 and .223 target, sorry.

 

[DrMike]

Your 444 is providing a lot of comfort for you. That is fine for open sights. The Whelen certainly shows promise.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

It sure was great to get out and shoot these two rifles for the first time. I need to mess with the 444 some more to make sure that it does not jam again. I wonder if the mag tube spring is weak??? I also need to look into a way to get the trigger on the 35 tuned up. I think with a little time, I can get the Whelen shooting 1.5 moa or less, which will do for my hunting purpose with that rifle.

 

[wvchevy3]

Your 35 whelen is headed in the right direction. Congrats on getting out and burning some powder. That being the first group , by the time you tweek powders and seating depths you will have a handy deer and bear slayer. Lee

 

[DrMike]

Marlins produced since Cerebus Capital Management took control (January 2008) tend to be very rough in cycling ammunition. They can be made to cycle smoothly if an experienced gun smith disassembles them and dresses the parts to remove all rough edges.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

The 444 was produced well before 2008. From the way I read the chart, it was made in 1977.

 

[DrMike]

If it doesn't cycle smoothly, it may be a timing issue. Replacing the carrier rocker may address the issue. Inspection by a qualified gun smith will quickly make that determination.

 

[JD338]

Nice shooting WT.
The Whelen needs some fine tuning but you're almost there.
The Remington 760 is usually pretty accurate and you should be able
to get MOA accuracy with the right load.
The Marlin shoots great. With good optics, you can get smaller groups at 100 yds.

JD338

 

[cloverleaf]

If I ever win the lotto and feel the need for a lever gun, it will be a 444. Them dang things can shoot.

Ok...Ok before you say it, I NEED a lever gun... I know. A 39a or a henry 22Mag is on the want list as well. You did well. Shootin stuff beats waitng for a tip up in my book. CL

 

[SJB358]

WT, I'd suggest trying to cycle the Marlin with a little oomph with your loads to really see if there is a problem. With the lever guns, I have found they need to be cycled strongly and they will cycle fine. You don't have to hammer them, just cycle with a little vigor. Betting it'll be okay..

It does shoot darned good though. Can't beat that!

Your Whelen looks awesome for it's first rounds out of it. What was your load? Doesn't seem like it'll take much to have it minute of driven Whitetail! Way to go man. I know your relieved it shoots..

 

[wisconsinteacher]

35 Whelen
Varget 54.0 grains
250 Hot Cor
Hornady Brass
Win LR primer
1/2 crimp with Lee crimp die
30310" COAL

I plan on setting up a few more rounds with different charges. I have them at mag length so I can always play with seating depth after I find a better charge weight.

444 Marlin
H4198 46.5 gr
265 Hornady Interlock
RP brass
Win LR primer
5/8 crimp with Lee die
2.561" COAL

I plan on loading up 10 more so I can zero it after I install a scope. (just need a few more weeks of saving up to buy one)

I am guessing the feed issue came from trying to turn the rifle and chamber a round as I was sitting at the bench. I need to test it again with a little more vigor.

 

[Osprey78]

Hey, looks like it's headed it the right direction. I agree, if you can't freeze your butt off ice fishing, you may as well freeze it off at the range...good times!