New Winchester 1866 38 Spl Keyholing with Federal Ammo?

[salon_1928]

Hi, I thought I might try this question here first in this group in case someone has had a similar experience. I took my new Winchester (Miroku) 1866 out to the range yesterday to try it out. I shot Federal American Eagle 38 Spl 130 grain full metal jacket. Accuracy was pretty good and the sights were basically POA at 50 yards with that ammo but I think my rounds were unstable when they hit the target. The holes were very sloppy (big tears, etc often with one long one). I also shot a few rounds of CCI 158 grain lead round nose and got nice, tight holes, albeit not as accurate.

The twist rate on this gun is 1:18.75" and that Federal ammo is moving at 890 fps (but maybe faster coming out of a 20" barrel). Any thoughts on what's going on here? I reload so I plan to experiment with this gun but a nudge in the right direction would be much appreciated!

Very pleasant gun to shoot by the way...

Cheers

 

[220]

If your getting keyholes not enough velocity

 

[salon_1928]

Here’s a pic. Let me know if I’m making much ado about nothing. I’m used to clean, round holes. These look so ragged...

 

[fingers284]

Not sure what to make of those. How your target is placed on a backboard as well as backboard thickness/material will also cause tears as shown (especially low velocity rounds that don't have enough "oomph" to punch cleanly through, they turn sideways a bit the instant they hit) . A paper target that is not totally tight & flat on a target board will also cause irregular tearing that your target shows.

 

[MuthaFunk]

Looks fine to me. That one rip isn’t a keyhole. I’m guessing you had that target mounted somewhere with a soft backing like a stack of other used targets with holes in them? Next time you shoot it mount it directly on some stiff cardboard or wood. I bet the rifle shoots perfect!

 

[salon_1928]

Thanks for the insights everyone. I’ll keep those in mind next time out!