In reply to:

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If you are having trouble loading the bottom chamber while running perhaps you should try a different loading technique.
I don't find the O/U style any slower or harder than SxS to load the chambers.

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Loading technique can,almost always, be improved on, but that will not overcome the loading drawbacks of the O/U double rifle, when compaired to a S/S! What I mean by this is, improvement depends on the way you load both. If one needs improveing, they usually both do! If you are loading one barrel at a time,a handicap with either type, then you will not have a real problem with the O/U, that you will not have with the S/S. However if your drill lets you load both barrels simultaneously, then the O/U has some serious draw backs.

The S/S double can easily be loaded both barrels simultaneously, by haveing two rounds between the first, and second, and second, and third fingers of the forehand. The cartridges are carried with the primers up, with bullets hanging down when holding the rifle for the first two shots. when the chambers cleared, the left hand is then turned to have the palm down, fingers folded up like to make a loose fist. This points both cartridges forward so both bullet ends can slide into the chambers at the same time, the right hand never leaving the pistol grip. The fact is, if the barrels are S/S, this makes gravity holds the cartridges bullet end,out in front of the hand, with the primer end up against the palm of the hand, very steady!

This can be tried with an O/U, but the cartridges tend to wander in different dirrections when the hand is held with the palm faceing the left side of the rifle, gravity makeing the cartridges want to fall together, and roll between the fingers. One is better off loading one barrel at a time with the O/U!

I have to say here, this only works if you have no injury to the left hand. This is the way I've re-loaded my doubles for many years, but last year I had some cancer surgery to my left hand,and arm, leaving me to find a different way to re-load quickly. I haven't had time to find a better way to load, since my left hand was damaged. It worries me some, because loading a double, one round at a time, is much slower.



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..........Mac >>>===(x)===>
DUGABOY1, and MacD37 founding member of DRSS www.doublerifleshooterssociety.com
"If I die today, I have had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"

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