Cast Bullet Accuracy Potential, 219 Savage

[Exchipy]

Took this fellow out to try some RCBS 30-150-FNGC bullets from Montana Bullet Works, using my standard charge of SR 4759, with these 100 yard results:



How does this performance compare with others’ results shooting cast bullets from a 219?

[Garnett]

I have not reloaded for many years but I have long felt that the use of jacketed spire point bullets would be more accurate than the original round nose, soft point bullets made to shoot in the early rifles with magazine tubes.  I have a .30-30, .25-20, and .22 Hornet, and hope to try these jacketed bullets in all of them at some point in time.

[jrbauerjr]

Not only a beautiful rifle to look at , but it shoots beautifully too.... I'm envious....

Jim

[Exchipy]

Just keeps getting better:

[MikeLeong]

That is a great result. You mentioned your powder was SR 4759, but that powder has not been made for years? We cannot get in Canada unless one pays crazy prices for the odd old can that shows up on auction sites.

I can get one inch groups with Leverevolution and Hornady FTX bullets. My friend casts bullets, so I will try some loads if he has some 30 cal stuff I can borrow to try with Leverevolution to see if I can get something close to what you did!

Mike

[TXTROUT66]

That is nice. I hope to try some pointy handloads in both of mine soon.

[Garnett]

The early lever action repeaters with tube magazines needed round or flat nose bullets so the recoil would not cause a cartridge in the magazine to fire.  I have always felt that the Model 219 Savages in .30-30, .32-20, and .25-20 would be more accurate with modern pointed bullets.  It would be interesting to see results of 3 shots of each of the two bullet styles at 100 yards.

[Exchipy]

As slick handling and elegant of design as they are, there’s a lot about the Savage 219 which works against it performing particularly well for precision shooting at 100 yards, its light weight, butt stock dimensions, and HEAVY trigger pull being chief among them.  Nevertheless, results can still be surprising, if one takes long enough time on each shot and employs good technique.  But, realistically, a group striking at the point of aim and measuring down near a couple inches is more than sufficient precision/accuracy for its intended use.

[Garnett]

I agree with your statement.  I have a double rifle barrel set on a Fox Sterlingworth in .45-70.  It will shoot a 2" group at 75 yards, which in the woods of central Alabama is adequate for deer.   The trigger pull on the 219/220 can be greatly improved as I have had done to a M219 in .22 Hornet that I custom built for my daughter.  I can't do the work, but my gunsmith did and said it is a simple job.  Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Exchipy]

The five shot group just prior to this one was even tighter, but a couple inches out of the black at 8 o’clock. A scope adjustment was made to get it centered. Prior to this range session, I had already switched from using my own cast RCBS 30-150-FNGC bullets and started using the Montana Bullet Company version of the same bullet, but this time in Winchester cases instead of the Remington cases I’d been using for many years. I understand that the internal volume of Winchester brass tends to be slightly greater than Remington brass. It’s looking like that made the difference.

[Garnett]

I have read that some of the really serious old time match shooters, in timed matches of greater lengths, would use only one cartridge case, and reload it for each shot.  Years ago when I was reloading for my .22 Jet, S&W Model 53, I found the 40 grain bullets varied sometimes from 39 to 41 grains.  I think that could also make a difference.  Thanks for this latest posting.

[MikeLeong]

A great looking gun and amazing accuracy with that load you developed.
Mike