So I sold my 32-20 after some good result for me after last season. Just don't want to reload. 20 years of 5K rounds loaded a season has made me lazy.
I tried 3 different .22 mag rounds HDY critical defense, CCI and Federal 757.
At 50yards- HDY .4! CCI was 1.2" and Fed was 1.6"
So I moved to 100 yards and tied the 2 best- and was horrified! HDY was 3.2" an 4.6" for CCI. Was ready to throw the gun and ammo into the woods, and said what the hell, lets try the Ram paper target.
Shot 5 of each. Had 7 out of 10 hits, and if I had a better elevation guess, would have been a 9/10.
So needless to say I will use in a match. Just wondering if this is common experience. This is the first time I have shot a Silhouette Lever action rifle off the bench. Usually do all firing off hand, sighting and ammo evaluation.
Thanks
chuck

Chuck, this method may help your groups. When I shoot a lever action rifle off a bench stand, I put a small folded towel under the forearm where it contacts the stand. This helps eliminate the muzzle jump when the shot is fired and the groups are much better. You might give it a try.

I'm with you on that JH.
What we are trying to replicate, off the bench, is to "hold" the rifle in a similar position to what it would be offhand. Depending on your hold/style, that could mean that the rifle will be resting somewhere near the rear of the forewood, or even on the action. You would be surprised at the differences obtained at different positions.
If you go for a trawl through this site, I think you will also find a few posts relating to re-working the 22Mag ammo by way of pulling the bullet, altering the powder charge, and reseating the bullet. Apparently some users find it very successful.

Not all CCI ammo is equal. Did you try the TMJ (full metal jacket)? It shoots the best. Are you testing with a scope?

And JH is right, these leverguns are sensitive to bench technique.

My wifes Henry and Steigers Uberti are a bit tighter then that at the rams. I'd play with your bench technique. 2-3" is "normal" with a preference for 2.... it's not a MOA gun.... ;)

+1 on the CCI TMJ 40gr. It seems to be the most accurate and stay together/transfer the most energy/not explode on impact.

Thanks All,

On the CC!- I have the 40 gr Maxi Mag- is that the same you refereed to?

Thanks
chuck

CCI part number 0023, 22 wmr maxi mag 40gr TMJ. Retains the most energy IMHO.... hollow points tend to explode on AR15 steel.

As has been mentioned, the 40-grain FMJ ammo seems to work well even though no 22 Mag ammo will be 100% on pistol cartridge rams. The CCI described above works very well, but the Federal 737 shoots just a bit more accurately from my rifles.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/95311 ... tal-jacket

In our April pistol cartridge match, one our shooters (southpaw on here) cleaned the rams with the Federal 737 ammo.

Thanks again guys,
Ordered the TMJ and the Fe 737 to give a try. Nice to see what has worked to give a shot an not just spend $$ Thanks!
Cost a bit more, but no reloading.

When I tested my 57m way back when, it liked the 50gr Federal the best. I had a scope on my rifle and registered 1” 5 shot groups at 100 yards. It seems, like most 22 ammo, it varies from gun to gun.
Good luck, Dennis

Way back when Fed 50 was good stuff. That changed about 5 years ago when SAAMI lowered the velocity spec for the bullet weight. Look elsewhere for a ram solution

cedestech wrote: Mon May 21, 2018 6:07 am CCI part number 0023, 22 wmr maxi mag 40gr TMJ. Retains the most energy IMHO.... hollow points tend to explode on AR15 steel.

Are PC chickens AR15 steel at most clubs? What about AR500? I wouldn't shoot .22 CCI WMR 40 grain MAXIMAG at standard steel (A36). It will cause craters as seen in my picture. Standard steel pigs & turkeys will get damaged by that ammo too. The splash to the right of the crater is from a .22 Hornady Critical Defense WMR 45 grain FMJ hollow point. No damage and rams are going down with Hornady too.

Sporty wrote: Tue Jun 26, 2018 10:21 am

cedestech wrote: Mon May 21, 2018 6:07 am CCI part number 0023, 22 wmr maxi mag 40gr TMJ. Retains the most energy IMHO.... hollow points tend to explode on AR15 steel.

Are PC chickens AR15 steel at most clubs? What about AR500? I wouldn't shoot .22 CCI WMR 40 grain MAXIMAG at standard steel (A34). It will cause craters as seen in my picture. Standard steel pigs & turkeys will get damaged by that ammo too. The splash to the right of the crater is from a .22 Hornady Critical Defense WMR 45 grain FMJ hollow point. No damage and rams are going down with Hornady too.

Honestly, we (she, they) shoot it at everything.

It sounds rude but if most non-ARplate steel animals are at the end of their life cycle by now and most people are replacing with AR steel. The damage is minimal.

For clarity, is the damage shown in my picture acceptable as to not be disqualified?

Sporty wrote: Tue Jun 26, 2018 11:01 am For clarity, is the damage shown in my picture acceptable as to not be disqualified?

Your damage is negligible. ;)

FWIW, PC chickens catch hell. They are a consumable. If you are shooting something that is burning holes or cratering them that is one thing but poc marks are normal.