I picked up a nice 7 1/2" stainless Virginia Dragoon this afternoon. Immediately after getting it home and slipping on a set of Pachmayrs I headed to the range. Light was fading so I only shot it at 25 yards to get a feel for how it grouped.
The first few shots were about 8 inches low so I began raising the rear sight. When to sight topped out I was still 4 inches low.
I was shooting Hornady Leverevolution 225 gr. rounds which I really like. I don't reload and really don't want to go that route.
Five shot groups were right at an inch.
I didn't get a chance to try it at 50 yards but I don't think it would raise that much.
Anyone have any ideas or should I wait until I and see what 50 and 75 yards bring? Thanks... BG

I would try a couple other bullet weights/brands to see how they group,just to give you an idea whether theres any problem or not.

chief,

I have several Virginian Dragoons in 44. I suggest you check the point of impact for that specific ammo off a rest at 25, 50, 75, possibly 100 yds. Also, try other ammo at the same distances. IF you need to adjust the point of impact, to give you some flexibility at different ranges, you can always carefully file down the front sight to give you the desired point of impact. I
have never had to alter the sights on my Dragoons. It is much better to have a gun that shoots low as opposed to one that shoots high. If it shoots high, you have to add to the front sight.

Doc

Heavier (slower) bullets will hit higher on the target. Try heavier bullets.

That bullet is too light and too fast.

X2. Try 240 gr and 300 gr bullets

Thanks for all the suggestions. I did try some 240 gr. ammo that I had and as you said, it did raise the point of impact about 2.5 inches at 25 yards.

I called Dave Clemets and he sent me a rear sight blade from a Blackhawk Hunter. I replaced the one on my Virginian and it put me dead on at 25 and 50 yards with adjustment left using the Leverevolution ammo.

I guess I will stay with the Hornady ammo because it does give me the best groups in all of my 44's.... Barry

I've shot that ammo in a couple of my 44's and it has grouped very well for me too.

I shoot it in all of my 44's. Besides the Virginian Dragoon I have a 4 5/8" Super Blackhawk, 7 1/2" Super Redhawk, 6" S&W 629 and a Ruger carbine. All shoot the Hornady ammo great. Two years ago I hated the 44 Mag because I could never find any factory ammo that would shoot to my satisfaction but the Leverevolution ammo changed my feeling drastically. Maybe you can tell...

Bullet is too light. I have had them before and they really preferred bullets in the 300gr range. I had some 290gr cast that mine really shot as well as the 300gr XTP.