Reloading for an open sight rifle

[huntem]

As much as this may sound like a noob questions, I'm looking more for tips aside from the obvious solution. As stated in the heading, any suggestions of finding a load for a rifle to be hunted with open sights besides mounting a scope to find the load and remove the optics for the hunt. I certainly recognize my shooting abilities with open sights in the load development.

The ranch I was intending to hunt in Utah now falls under the firearm restriction of open sights only. I broke out my dads M70 in -06. I'm finding excessive deviation in velocities with factory ammo and would prefer to reload.

Thanks

 

[doverpack12]

Does velocity deviation in factory ammo have any meaningful affect on open sight accuracy within ethical range?
I’m all for reloading but with the open sight accuracy potential I don’t think anyone can shoot or see well enough for it to matter.

I have a 45-70 I’ve started loading for and attempted load development with a skinner sight but have since elected to mount a scope to find the load then remove and practice a bunch.

 

[Steve300xcw]

How far are you capable of shooting with an open sighted rifle?

I'd work up a load/ factory ammo that shot well and rock on. Velocity deviation would be the last thing I would worry about

 

[SDHNTR]

Does velocity deviation in factory ammo have any meaningful affect on open sight accuracy within ethical range?

No. This is a case where you can/should reload if you enjoy it or if you want to shoot a particular bullet not offered in a factory loading, but I see no accuracy benefit.

OP, sounds like a super fun hunt! And you picked a fabulous rifle to do it with.

 

[huntem]

Does velocity deviation in factory ammo have any meaningful affect on open sight accuracy within ethical range?
I’m all for reloading but with the open sight accuracy potential I don’t think anyone can shoot or see well enough for it to matter.

Does the deviation matter at these ranges? Not at all, my preference to reload is more about the choice of bullets. All the other number crunching is just an opportunity to have fun reloading.

I'm sure the deer will appreciate a lower standard deviation when I send it down range.

 

[huntem]

How far are you capable of shooting with an open sighted rifle?

It's a great question, that I don't have an answer at this time. I'll let you know after a few pounds of powder is ignited.

 

[Steve300xcw]

Also. Shooting groups with open sights. Seems obvious. But get a target you can actually see. Something that has a hold point that works with the sights you are running.

 

[menhaden_man]

I’d put a scope on it, get a load dialed, then yank the scope.

 

[RockAndSage]

I’d put a scope on it, get a load dialed, then yank the scope.

^^^ This. Then just practice regularly with your iron sights.

 

[Harvey_NW]

Also. Shooting groups with open sights. Seems obvious. But get a target you can actually see. Something that has a hold point that works with the sights you are running.

I bust out the big ones when I check the muzzleloader for that exact reason.


OP just pick the combo you want to shoot and try it, only way to know. Fiddling with powder charges and seating depth is typically a waste of components that doesn't end up making a measurable difference in dispersion. Keep it simple.

 

[Steve300xcw]

I bust out the big ones when I check the muzzleloader for that exact reason.
View attachment 839569

Even with a scope. I am a lot more consistent when I shoot at a corner vrs some round bullseye

 

[SDHNTR]

^^^ This. Then just practice regularly with your iron sights.

Is it factory D and T? Or a really old one?

 

[TKP1991]

When I’m loading for mil surplus rifles with no scoping option I’ve still been successful. Just being as consistent as possible worked for my needs but my hunting range was close. <100yds

 

[TaperPin]

That’s sounds like a lot of fun. You might be surprised how far you can ring a plate with iron sights.