2023 goal and load development to help me get there.

2017 NRA Scorebook

I have made it a goal to earn my PCLA (Pistol Cartridge Lever Action) Grand Slam Pin in 2023 to complete the Lever Gun Trifecta.  Why not join me in the pursuit?  I posted many moons ago about my 2,878 day pursuit of my Small bore Lever Gun quest.  Memphis was in the middle.  Getting my 39A back from Ernie who kept it safe in Texas took some time.  But once I got the gun, found a vintage all steel 66MC Lyman site, it was still an undertaking to get 10 rams.  With PCLA, I have far fewer animals in the bag and eyes now 20 years older than when I first started the game, time will tell. 

I encourage you to find those old Score Books and pick one block to complete.  Above right is where my 2017 book stands.  Little changed from 2011 book but four boxes did get updated over 6 years.  And then we have those pesky 1/5th scale turkeys!  And maybe Air too given the primer shortage.    

To prepare, you need to have a PCLA gun.  In truth, a 22LR will get all the animals except for Rams if you are in a primer pinch.  10 chickens will fall with a 22LR just as easily as with a center fire cartridge.  Pigs, might be slow but good solid hits, they will fall.  Turkeys spin of like chickens.  Rams can give you the stink eye unless you can aim at their butt or horn.  If all you have is Rams, time to bring out the big gun if you can.  

I have two PCLA guns, 44 Rem Mag and a new to me 32-20.  Love, hate relationship with them.  Moments of brilliance and moments of disbelief.  As one mentor  says, blame the shooter not the gun.  Likely the case.  John B. helped me conquer my fear of crushing 32-20 cases.  Found what looked like a decent load with a Laser Cast bullet.  Quarter size group at 60 yards.  Went to Pemi, fired it over the Chronograph and got the below results.  These results have me a 8" vertical string at 50y.  I guess this is why we enjoy the game???

In final review, I had not torqued the rear tang peep sight.  Would that make for these results?  Not sure.  Only one way to find out.  Another trip to the range.  Or just use the 44 and move on.  The plan had been to take 5 offhand shots with each gun and see which one I shot better.  With the 32-20 pattern, I decided there was no reason to attempt an offhand exercise until I figured out what was going on.  

8 Green 32-20, 8 Red 44 50y

Image on right a bit confusing if you were not there.  The small  green holes are from eight (8) 32-20 shots taken off a bench with iron sights at 50 yards.  I expected a nice tight group and was taking these shots for chronograph readings.  The prior weekend I had a tight group with these handloads.  I was expecting the same so I fired all 8 before inspecting the target.  No such luck.  I then un-bagged my 44 Rem Mag and took 4 shots for chronograph readings.  I inspected the group with my spotting scope and decided to adjust the sights for the second group of 4.  In short, 32-20 paper impacts used a single sight setting but 8" group.  44 paper impacts used two sight settings, but much better groups.