No4 Mk1* Longbranch (1944) Scope Mount & Load Data Questions

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blacksan	No4 Mk1* Longbranch (1944) Scope Mount & Load Data Questions	Lead	[-]
Posts: 11 (09/06/09 01:22 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Tags : None I want to scope this rifle as it has a very strong bore and has some potential (in my opinion). I have never defaced a classic by drilling and taping the receiver and will not start now. So, I am looking for a quality no-gunsmithing mount and need some guidance. The next bit of business is load data for 150 gr. bullets. My goal this season is too thin the coyote population (as many as possible) along with a whitetail for the freezer. I am a accuracy fanatic, but realize there are inherent deficiencies in the current/stock configuration. I have a few modern rifles capable of less then 1 MOA with hand-loads, but Milsurp shooting is much more fun!!! In closing any solid suggestions are most appreciated!
wsmrto		#1	[-]
Posts: 490 (09/07/09 01:43 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	First, I am glad you are not drill and taping a Longbranch. I can't tell you about the loads at this time as load books in the shop. but I shoot several brits with 150spz and 175/180 RN and even cast lead. I really like using cast loads in my milsurps as cheap and light recoil. I also like to hit my target when I shoot at paper or deer and elk, but the hunting part is to make sure you get your shot in the kill zone at a range you are sure you can hit that area on what ever it is your shooting. The animal doesn't care if it's dead from a rifle that shoots 1, two or three min of angle. I don't know where you live and hunt but we have Elk and Mule Deer here and I have used several 6.5 Swede mausers and 300 win mags and even 45/70 on elk with them not even taking a second step. Just get close enough and know the rifle and how / where it shoots. I think also you need to get a good reloading guide and go over the suggested loads. Try several, using the starting load and work up. If the bore is really good then you can maybe use some good boat tail spitzers, if they don't group well then try the plain rem or Hornady round nose-flat base as they tend to expand and fill the grooves better. I can understand being an accuracy nut, but don't push it, you will work into it with shooting practice, and you need to shoot as much as you can which is hard to do (expensive) now, even with reloading.
Kierlup		#2	[-]
Posts: 77 (09/07/09 07:25 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	S&K makes a good, solid mount which hinges on the rear of the receiver, locks under the charger bridge, and will not loosen with recoil. I have been quite happy with it over the years. Peter
blacksan		#3	[-]
Posts: 12 (09/08/09 08:46 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	wsmrto, I have been buying old greasy milsurp rifles for years and even when they where plentiful & cheap I never gave them the BUBA treatment, It still pains me to see one that has been chopped up............. The 303 is one I've never experimented with very much and this particular example has a rice nice bore which should give me reasonable accuracy if I find the right load. Kierlup, I looked at the S&K and liked it, but haven't found much feedback which prompted me to ask here for suggestions. So, what type of optic would best cover needs, maybe a fixed 4x, or low power variable? I don't like cheap optics and normally choose something mid to upper end for predictable/consistent performance .
Kierlup		#4	[-]
Posts: 78 (09/08/09 10:37 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I picked up a 3x-9x Banner from Bushnell back in 1985 when I got the mount. The optics were Japanese then, and I found it a good all-around scope, with about 60 MOA in each plane. I don't know much about them these days, though I've been happy with it through the years.
supers1	S&K	#5	[-]
Posts: 249 (09/09/09 06:29 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I have an S&K no gunsmithing mount on my No.4 Mk1*. It is easy to put on and is solid. Better still, the S&K folks are a pleasure to deal with and they stand by their product 100%.
BurgieC	I like my S&K mount for my Savage No4 MK 1*	#6	[-]
Posts: 110 (09/13/09 08:42 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	It works great and I check it after every cleaning and it stays tight. Last Edited By: BurgieC 09/18/09 08:58 AM. Edited 2 times.
blacksan		#7	[-]
Posts: 16 (09/13/09 04:19 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	The S&K seems like the way to go. My next task is to work up some loads with the Sierra MatchKing BTHP so I can reach out and ting the steel............
wsmrto		#8	[-]
Posts: 496 (09/14/09 01:32 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Have you thought about trying cast lead loads. I have been shooting some cast 180Gr 311 and 312's over Unique and they seem to be OK. Depending on which 303 I shoot the get around 3 inch or so at 100 yds. I shoot the same cast bullets sized 314 in a 7.65X53 Argentine and get under 2 inch when my old eyes are able and the wind isn't so bad.
blacksan		#9	[-]
Posts: 17 (09/14/09 05:36 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Yup, I will shot cast too. The MatchKings are for those really long shots at steel plates on the range that are real fun to shot.
gandog56		#10	[-]
Posts: 142 (09/14/09 01:17 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I got about 2500 pulled 147 FMJBT's from Wideners when they had them. I load them up with 39 grains of IMR4895. Seems to bee a fairly mild load, and does not go click bang like all of the POF milsurp I picked up once. Go ahead, make my day.
blacksan		#11	[-]
Posts: 19 (09/15/09 09:47 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I am an accuracy geek, but realize limitations in any particular design. Having said that I enjoy the zen of reloading in the effort to find the optimum formula as much as I do shooting. My latest/ pending acquisition (No4 MkII) has me giddy with it's potential being unissued and such..............
BurgieC	S&K scope mount on No.4	#12	[-]
Posts: 112 (09/18/09 08:31 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	It the S&K mount comes with low rings and yes you do need a cheek rest, I did not want to drill holes into my Savage No4 MK1* stock so ordered a lace on cheek rest from Cabella's and it works fine. Not my photo, but one that shows the s&k mount. burgie................ Last Edited By: BurgieC 09/18/09 08:53 AM. Edited 2 times.
blacksan		#13	[-]
Posts: 23 (09/18/09 06:52 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I actually have a outstanding/unused brown leather cheek rest that is GI issue and would have been used on the M1D. The only hang up is that is to properly install it your supposed to run 2 brass screws through the stock and then lace it tight for a perfect fit, that ain't gonna happen........... I guess I need to scrounge around and look for a nice leather lace on design.