Hey Guys,

I have lurked here for quite awhile - and have learned a lot from everyone here, so thanks.

For years, I was determined to get started in some type of shooting sport. Originally I was leaning toward CAS, but was just never really motivated enough to get involved. Maybe at some point in the future - but right now I really enjoy shooting lever action rifles and my 1911s. I hadn't even known about Cowboy Lever Action until a few years ago. I was planning on getting involved last year - but was unable to do so due to medical reasons.

I am finally ready to get started, but I have some questions concerning the Pistol Caliber class. I'm in the DFW area, and I am planning on shooting at Haltom City RPC. It is my understanding that they only shoot Smallbore and Pistol Caliber - so I guess that is what I will get started with. (Does anyone know the closest club to DFW that shoots CLA long range rifles?).

For smallbore I am planning on starting out with my Henry Lever Action 22lr with a marbles tang peep sight. Since this class uses standard 22lr ammo, it seems like it will be easy to get started.

I am a little confused on the Pistol Caliber class. For lever actions, I currently shoot 44 mags but I don't reload. I would prefer not to have to buy a different rifle to start out with. Can I get by with competing with something like a standard (Magtech, Fiocchi, Winchester) 44 mag JSP load - or would this kill the targets? Is is possible to start out with 44 mag, without reloading? I actually have a reloading setup packed up somewhere - but with three young kids - I barely have enough time to get to the range - so right now I would rather buy ammo and save the brass for when I do have more time. I have read about heavy loads possibly damaging targets - and this is what has me concerned. Because of this I was contemplating on purchasing a 22 mag for Pistol Caliber class - but have read here that they don't have enough energy to knock down rams - is this true? Is it something to be concerned about for a beginner who probably won't be very good for awhile anyway? For Pistol Caliber, I would prefer to use the 44 mag rifles that I have - with a standard off the shelf load - I just don't know if this is feasible.

Thanks for any tips,
Mike

You could start with 44 specials to reduce the recoil and any potential target damage. Black Hills Cowboy loads are pretty mild too.

thskeer wrote:You could starrt with 44 specials to reduce the recoil and any potential target damage. Black Hills Cowboy loads are pretty mild too.

Thanks for the info. I haven't played with 44 Specials or Cowboy Load 44 Magnums. I was assuming that they would drop too much at 100m. Is it possible to shoot at all the different ranges with a cowboy load? I thought the trajectory would be terrible on those - but never tried them.

Thanks.

The .44 mag will work as a cartridge for PC ;) , but I'll bet that over-the-counter ammo will be to much for the targets, as would otc .357's. Just check in with the match director and see what he says. If he gives the green light and you don't mind the recoil, your in business. Also, as mentioned try the specials, and reduced loads from those companies that supply the CAS shooters. Don't worry about the bullet drop, just get good quality repeatable sights. But, as much as it can be a p.i.a., you pretty much have to handload in the the PC game unless you go with a .22 mag. I don't really like to load either but it's a necessary of the game. Good luck, Al Bean

I would use the 44 spls on the chickens pigs and maybe turkeys then switch to standard 44 mag for the rams. They should not damage the rams at 100 meters.

timfinle wrote:I would use the 44 spls on the chickens pigs and maybe turkeys then switch to standard 44 mag for the rams. They should not damage the rams at 100 meters.

That's a good idea. I will have to play around with some 44 specials or 44 mag cowboy loads and see how they compare short range to 44 mag long range as to sighting.

I'm still toying around with the idea of 22 mag for pistol caliber. Does everyone here pull the bullets on their 22 mags for rams? Does anyone here use just standard 22 mags and fare ok?

Thanks guys.

Old Mike,
The 50 gr. Federal .22 mag's work on the Rams at Haltom City...
C-Ya,
Charlie

TXCharlie wrote:Old Mike,
The 50 gr. Federal .22 mag's work on the Rams at Haltom City...
C-Ya,
Charlie

Great - looks like I'll be picking up a new 22 mag rifle!

If loading is basically out of the question go with the .22 mag. lots of benefits compared to messing with a hodge podge of .44 otc loads. Especially if you plan on shooting only at ranges where the stands are correct, level and the targets are spec. But even in optimum conditions don't be surprised if your hit/knockdown percentage on rams is 80/90 %. There's a reason most of the top shooters don't shoot .22 mags, and it's not because they like to load

AMB wrote:If loading is basically out of the question go with the .22 mag. lots of benefits compared to messing with a hodge podge of .44 otc loads. Especially if you plan on shooting only at ranges where the stands are correct, level and the targets are spec. But even in optimum conditions don't be surprised if your hit/knockdown percentage on rams is 80/90 %. There's a reason most of the top shooters don't shoot .22 mags, and it's not because they like to load

Thanks for the reality check. I guess starting out it probably won't make much of a difference - I would be happy if even just rang the target instead of knocking it down.

Reloading is not out of the question, I guess. I just pulled out all of my old reloading stuff, and I was looking at my old Black and Decker Workmate bench with an eye towards converting it to a compact loading table. Over the weekend I was actually getting interested again - until I found out that it is still almost impossible to get large pistol primers. I had thought the drought was over on those - but I guess I was wrong. Its got me thinking more and more about the 22 magnum since I can't reload if I can't get primers.

Thanks for all the ideas and input everyone.

Mike I sent you a PM on a nice .22mag lever gun.