My last trip to the range with 350g Hornady Flat points flew well with 44g Viht. N130 achieving 1620 fps and 1 inch 3 shot bench group at 50 yards.
I expected better groups though. I did however, notice the first cold shot in my last few groups had a cold shot flyer, but then subsequent groups pulled in very tight.
Today, I handloaded 46 grains ( 2 more grains) achieving an average MV of 1678 fps and SD of 15.2. Lets see my 4 shots below. But there are only 2 holes?
Interestingly, the first shot went right by a little over an inch. Then, the same thing happened, I proceeded to put 3 bullets in the same ragged hole.
As a hunter, this is not an issue as all are killing shots. From a target perspective, I would be sure to take a few warm up shots.
Perhaps I will take a warm up shot first for checking for new groups on paper.
Certainly, the deer, bear and moose will be just as dead with these overall groups.
From an energy perspective, the 350g provided 2187 ft-lbs. at the muzzle and 1061 ft-lbs. at 175 yards for deer. See the JBM chart below.
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I have to say this Marlin rifle throws lead very well.
Good Shooting!