Started the process of selecting a rifle to use for the military postal matches. Started with two candidates, one which is an absolute favorite and the one I really would like to use. It’s beautiful. I could even visualize clutching it in my hands while receiving the huge trophy for being the “World’s Greatest Shooter. Ever.”
After testing with a variety of loads at varying distances, it became obvious my favorite was not going to make the grade. Despite my lack of expertise with cast bullets and truly mediocre marksmanship skills, there is no denying the outcome; facts speak for themselves. My “favorite” just doesn’t cut it. What a letdown. I felt like the parent who has to tell their bright-eyed child they weren’t selected for the team because of their total lack of athletic skills. Sad moment. Is it OK to be emotionally attached to a rifle? Maybe I’m spending too much time in the reloading room and not enough with my wife.
Onondaga: Thank you very much for the advice regarding loading for the 303 British. The next rifle to be tested is a No. 4 Mk1, so your thoughts are very timely. Hopefully it will turn out to be my next favorite.
I just hope the ratty $59.95 Mauser hiding in the corner of the cabinet doesn’t turn out to be the best. It’s embarrassingly ugly.