155 SWC hits low, now what?

[Glenn H]

So I did a dumb.  Bought a whole batch of 155gr SWC and loaded several hundred rounds.  They shoot low.  Really low, like a foot 

so now what do I do?  I suppose I could get a bullet puller and whap out all of the bullets and reload with 180 but that sounds like a real PITA.  Fixed sights in on a 1006 so no adjustment to the sight other than drifting left or right. :'(

Any suggestions?

If no suggestions, how about some sympathy?

[sqlbullet]

I guess you could file down the front site....

[DM1906]

Are they all shooting low, in acceptable groups?  Long range?  If so, it sounds like a really underpowered (too slow) cartridge.  The 155 gr. bullet should shoot "higher" (flatter) than a comparable 180 gr. at longer distances, from a handgun.  Perhaps just a matter of poor component choice (not necessarily the bullet), which happens.  A 12" drop at 100 yds isn't really a lot, for most large pistol rounds.  Are they shooting a foot lower than other rounds, or just a foot below POA?  If you are shooting at short distance (50' or less), and they are dropping a foot, that round is just not compatible with the gun's configuration.  What is your cartridge recipe?

If I did this (and I have), I'd pull all the bullets and work up the load, properly.  Or, just shoot them (assuming they are safe for the pistol), knowing they will be low shooters, or shoot them short range.  It doesn't take me long at all to use up a couple hundred rounds.

[The_Shadow]

Glenn H, Please eloborate on the load data that you were testing with the bullets listed.

Are you holding the sights totally flat across the top of the front and back?  /][][\ 

What about trigger control?  The take up is long on the S&W1006 in single action...Check out the shooters wheel of misfortune...http://www.bullseyepistol.com/training.htm

[The_Shadow]

Also try shooting to a smaller spot about the size of a dime to see if you can improve on technique and form.

[Glenn H]

Good point,  Should have included the mix.

9.9 Gr HS-6,(pretty much right in the middle for HS-6 according to Hodgden) mixed brass but mostly never fired Starline, Winchester LP primers.  Should be around 1200 FPS or so.  Lead SWC.  All consistently low but...I am heading to the range in a day or two and will get some better info.

The trigger on the 1006 is a long boy to be sure but this is the first time I've run into this problem, never a problem with 180 or 175 SWC.   This isn't long range but rather around 10 yards

[The_Shadow]

That loading shouldn't be an issue.  Unless something happened to the sights or the barrel, it shouldn't be shooting that low period.  Be sure to test supported or on a rest to verify the situation.  I suspect that the long trigger pull maybe be what is going on, especially if you have shot other guns during the same outing or recently. 

Take your time to get a better understanding of what maybe going on.

[DM1906]

As The Shadow said, the load shouldn't be the problem.  However, it is a light load, close to a starting load.  If you are familiar with your pistol and shoot other rounds fine, I doubt trigger pull is going to be a significant factor.  Perhaps undersized bullets, which will bleed pressure and can cause lead fouling.  Measure the bullet diameter, and keep an eye on leading.  What brand are the bullets?  What distance were you shooting?  In any case, if it continues the same, I suggest pulling a few and verifying the powder charge.

[REDLINE]

...it shouldn't be shooting that low period.

My thoughts exactly.  Especially at ~10 yards out.  Unless something on the platform (bent barrel...) is beyond whacked, I don't see that it would be possible, not by a whole foot anyway.