Greetings
My experience with this rifle is as follows. After 160 rounds fired (45-70), it apprear that my rifle has a preferance for the 405gr bullet. I have tried 300's, 405's and 500's, both jacketed and hard lead. Using a 50 yard base to start, I have seen groups from all over the spectrum. One mild load with a 405 hard cast lead groups both barrels on the same vertical line, and about 3 inches apart horizontally. Another load with the 300 had the same vertical line, and 12 inches horizontally.
With some work, i am positive this rifle will shoot both barrels into a 3-4 inch group or better, at 100 yds.
( my best group for the 405 was 3 shots touching for the left barrel, and the 3 for the right barrel 3 inches high and right into a 1" group)
Every time i shoot it, i grin and chuckle. I would love to own a classic Wm. Evans, or Purdy, but reality dictates a rifle i can afford. I shot a Javelina (collard peccary) with a 300 in February, and to say the least, it was adequate. I plan to use it for Elk in December, and will try the 300 Barnes as i need to use non lead.
When i shoot, all the range curmudgeons stop and watch. Some can appreciate the appeal, some can not. All in all the rifle is fun, and the recoil therapy worthwhile.
Shoot Safe!
John