I shot many 175 Sierra TMK’s and 180 Speers and Accubond LR’s over the years using Varget and 748, but had the best luck with Reloder 15 across the board. It’s worth a try if you don’t have any.
I use an extension cord thrown over a limb about 15 feet high with a cinder block tied on the end and suspended a few inches off the ground. It’s thick enough to pick up with the scope.
Hey no problem. I went with a basic rail from Henderson Precision and had McMillan build it into the stock, then just added the RRS rail to it using their fasteners. I think the R-lock is just as secure as a picatinny when the pin in the clamps are engaged.
I had that same style Marlin in 45-70 and it was very fun to shoot with open sights. Had an adjustable tang mounted rear peep sight installed to be able to reach out there.
Another option for a MPVO with a useable reticle at minimum power is the Riton Conqueror 7 3-18x50 with the T3 reticle. It has a fairly large center dot and reticle stadia lines that subtend 0.2 mils. The scope has a lot going for it. Crisp turrets with a hard zero stop at 0 (no dialing under...
I would bet flinching does have a lot to do with it. I handed many a friend my old 454 casull with an empty chamber and watched them flinch so badly upon pulling the trigger that had there been a round in the chamber, they would have hit dirt 10 feet in front of them.
I have only replaced the trigger, sear, and springs in one levergun out of several I have owned, but it made a world of difference. Cycles like butter and brought the trigger weight down from around 6 pounds to about 2 or 3. I highly recommend it.