In these days of new and improved wonder cartridges and their ever-promising ballistics and performances, I’d like to respectfully offer a few thoughts.
Debating ballistics…our favorite “new” cartridges…there’s no doubt we have better products and choices today. ON PAPER…newer shows better BC’s… trajectories…external and terminal ballistics for (questionably) shooting game at long range. Another perspective on terminal ballistics? On game performances? Truths? Old school works. And works and works. 7x57…6.5x55…270 Win…7 Rem Mag…308…30-06…foolish to argue with history in the game fields.
So I'm not misunderstood here…like you may be doing now...for almost 7 decades, I’ve been down the road of passionately pursuing the latest and greatest. Been there...done that! Have read a literal library of good books and countless articles, vicariously standing beside each Author whose stories I was damn sure never lied or exaggerated. Strictly off the record…quietly now...I’ve spent untold dollars on those “totally necessary rifle purchases…” hopefully to remain unknown to you know who. Which is to say, seriously now, I’m 100% with you on why we rifle Loonies do what we do. Grab the rifle / cartridge you like best and invite me to join you. My gear is waiting in the truck.
Now, almost 80 y/o and all to keenly aware of the time I have left to hunt, I’ve chosen to downsize my battery. Good rifles gone, each leaving behind (but not forgotten) memories of GREAT times afield. And now, I’m down to three “do all” rifles in my safe.
If you have a moment, here’s a range report on one of those rifles. Not to recommend anything. Just some honest reporting on a good day at the bench.
The rifle is a Tikka, Laminated stainless in 30-06. Nothing fancy. Don’t care about that. Reasonably close to weatherproof. That matters. Other than taking the trigger down to the lightest allowable, there have been no modifications. None. The rifle wears a carefully chosen Leupold VX-5HD – 3x15x44 - SFP. Meets all the owner’s very-demanding expectations. For hunting, this combination is admittedly a bit on the heavy side which I prefer. That little extra weight makes for a very stable platform and offers a noticeable reduction in “felt” recoil. Very usable advantages, at least in my book. If a bit of extra weight bothers you, consider a gym membership.
Disclaimer: right up front, I’m OCD about accuracy. Comes from back in the ‘60’s, when the fields and long distance groundhog hunting were available in PA. Today…my rifle expectations: MOA @ 100 and further is required. No MOA…rifle goes down the road. I work hard to create better. Like yesterday for instance……..
Just one of my personal favorites among 30 cal bullets: Sierra’s 168 gr TMK. Proven supreme on Deer and Black Bear. With a lot of confidence, took this bullet in a few handloads to the nearby 100 yard range. Each load carefully assembled…right out of the Sierra Manual…no deviations. KISS. At the range, cool temps, no wind to speak of.
Have tested this rifle with a good bi-pod…bags consistently deliver better accuracy. And speaking of accuracy…yeah, I know, MOA is not absolutely necessary. Just me now…I cannot meet my personal accuracy standard with what I consider to be a heavy trigger…no matter how little creep…or crisp. This Tikka’s trigger…set to “factory” minimum…is LIGHT. Right on schedule, my groups tighten up accordingly.
Long story short…every load yesterday stayed inside MOA. One load in particular with IMR 4350: .3 MOA…5 shot group. Confirmed: these loads stay MOA as ranges increase. Makes this rifle / scope a joy to own…and time spent at the reloading bench and at the range very rewarding. FWIW.
My other BG rifle is the exact same Tikka in .270 Win. Working up some 110 gr V Max loads for Wiley. Hope to update later.
Thanks for spending time with me. Be safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
Debating ballistics…our favorite “new” cartridges…there’s no doubt we have better products and choices today. ON PAPER…newer shows better BC’s… trajectories…external and terminal ballistics for (questionably) shooting game at long range. Another perspective on terminal ballistics? On game performances? Truths? Old school works. And works and works. 7x57…6.5x55…270 Win…7 Rem Mag…308…30-06…foolish to argue with history in the game fields.
So I'm not misunderstood here…like you may be doing now...for almost 7 decades, I’ve been down the road of passionately pursuing the latest and greatest. Been there...done that! Have read a literal library of good books and countless articles, vicariously standing beside each Author whose stories I was damn sure never lied or exaggerated. Strictly off the record…quietly now...I’ve spent untold dollars on those “totally necessary rifle purchases…” hopefully to remain unknown to you know who. Which is to say, seriously now, I’m 100% with you on why we rifle Loonies do what we do. Grab the rifle / cartridge you like best and invite me to join you. My gear is waiting in the truck.
Now, almost 80 y/o and all to keenly aware of the time I have left to hunt, I’ve chosen to downsize my battery. Good rifles gone, each leaving behind (but not forgotten) memories of GREAT times afield. And now, I’m down to three “do all” rifles in my safe.
If you have a moment, here’s a range report on one of those rifles. Not to recommend anything. Just some honest reporting on a good day at the bench.
The rifle is a Tikka, Laminated stainless in 30-06. Nothing fancy. Don’t care about that. Reasonably close to weatherproof. That matters. Other than taking the trigger down to the lightest allowable, there have been no modifications. None. The rifle wears a carefully chosen Leupold VX-5HD – 3x15x44 - SFP. Meets all the owner’s very-demanding expectations. For hunting, this combination is admittedly a bit on the heavy side which I prefer. That little extra weight makes for a very stable platform and offers a noticeable reduction in “felt” recoil. Very usable advantages, at least in my book. If a bit of extra weight bothers you, consider a gym membership.
Disclaimer: right up front, I’m OCD about accuracy. Comes from back in the ‘60’s, when the fields and long distance groundhog hunting were available in PA. Today…my rifle expectations: MOA @ 100 and further is required. No MOA…rifle goes down the road. I work hard to create better. Like yesterday for instance……..
Just one of my personal favorites among 30 cal bullets: Sierra’s 168 gr TMK. Proven supreme on Deer and Black Bear. With a lot of confidence, took this bullet in a few handloads to the nearby 100 yard range. Each load carefully assembled…right out of the Sierra Manual…no deviations. KISS. At the range, cool temps, no wind to speak of.
Have tested this rifle with a good bi-pod…bags consistently deliver better accuracy. And speaking of accuracy…yeah, I know, MOA is not absolutely necessary. Just me now…I cannot meet my personal accuracy standard with what I consider to be a heavy trigger…no matter how little creep…or crisp. This Tikka’s trigger…set to “factory” minimum…is LIGHT. Right on schedule, my groups tighten up accordingly.
Long story short…every load yesterday stayed inside MOA. One load in particular with IMR 4350: .3 MOA…5 shot group. Confirmed: these loads stay MOA as ranges increase. Makes this rifle / scope a joy to own…and time spent at the reloading bench and at the range very rewarding. FWIW.
My other BG rifle is the exact same Tikka in .270 Win. Working up some 110 gr V Max loads for Wiley. Hope to update later.
Thanks for spending time with me. Be safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
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