Paul,

The blowtube testing with chrono is on the agenda - to see whether I can get better ES that way.  I'm actually planning a 3-day testing weekend, to 'wring out' the new rifle thoroughly - up to now I have been throwing together some likely candidates, which seem to perform well.  But, who knows, she might even do better...

I'll have the new rifle at the IHAM in Bisley this weekend, so we'll see...  I placed 1st last year in Vintage match rifle with the other #2 Musket, so we'll see how this one will perform.
Any others coming?

Well gents,

It's over again - Last weekend, the IHAM was held in Bisley UK - for those who don't know it, this is an open comnpetition for historical arms, from the flintlock to older target rifles (like 308's), and everything in between...
Unfortunately, due to commitments (I know, I don't have my priorities straight), I was only able to arrive saturday evening to shoot on sunday, so I had to limit myself to 3 details - 2 vintage match rifle , and once vintage military rifle, all at 200.  The competition consists of 12 shots - 2 sighters followed by 10 shots for score.
In the morning, I started out with the Greener GP in 45-70, shooting PP bullets.  Things went quite well, weather was really good, and I ended up with a 48/50.  Not too bad... This rifle has a pretty oversize barrel (.461) with a 'generous'chamber, and I'm shooting an almost groove-dia. PP bullet at .459, 540grs in front of 76grs of Swiss 1 1/2Fg.
Next detail was Vintage military rifle - here I used my Roumanian Steyr-Martini in #2 Musket.  In this rifle, I used the trusty and proven Lyman Postell cast 20:1 in front of about 85grs of Swiss Fg.  No lube cookies, just an overpowder wad.  I set the sights at 300, took aim at 6 o'clock and let fly...  Now, this is a rifle which tends to shoot to the left with its normal load, but due to a very convenient left wind, I was able to aim center.  The rifle behaved exemplary, and even the shooter seemed to do things right (not always the case, unfortunately).  I ended up with a 47/50, which is a personal best for me.  To put the icing on the cake, I even shot a V-bull with my last shot.  Mind you, this was NOT the winning score - someone managed to shoot a 48, so...

In the afternoon, I shot my Westley Richards ZAR match rifle in #2 Musket also in vintage match rifle.  Things started out quite nicely, but the wind started to pick up and I failed to compensate enough, so that I ended with a 47/50.  Not bad, but it should have been better.  After all, I managed the same score with the Military rifle.

In all, it was a pretty nice shoot, great to see some friends again - even if too short, as I had to leave sunday afternoon to catch the 6 o'clock ferry back to Belgium to arrive home at 1:00 in the morning.  However, I did manage to pick up my latest acquisition, the WR ZAR carbine - more to come later, when I start cleaning her up...

Well Done!
BTW, here in 'the States' we have some controversy.......
Just how do you pronounce  'Bisley' (phonetically) anyway?