Hunting & Fishing First 'chuck of 2010.

[HathcockProtege]

Took my old deer hunting rig out to the range yesterday. Got sighted in 3 inches high at 100, test shot once at 200 and 300, then promptly missed a 35 yard shot at a woodchuck. There was enough brush I'm gonna blame it on that. Dumb shot to take.

Then, this am I missed a 100 yard "gimme" shot by forgetting to hold-under. Post-cabin fever jitters are a pain in the butt!

Finally connected 20 min later with a 125 yard shot on this unfortunate fellow.
[img:center]

[/img]

Rifle is a Rem "Mohawk" 600 in .243 Win. Original 18.5" barrel, action and (crappy, wicked heavy) trigger. Stock is a shortened Ramline. Wearing my favorite woods scope, Nikon 3-9x40 ProStaff.

100 grain Corlokt PSP pushed by 35 g of 4895.

I don't have a bipod for this rifle, since it's my mountain deer hunter, but I've found that these three-legged stools make a decent shooting aid in a pinch.

Will post an amendment to this post if I can connect again this afternoon.

Any other "first of the season" kills out there?

The Kid.

 

[Jerry R]

Re: First 'chuck of 2010.

Just got my the first one of the season on Wed afternoon with the newest 22-250 Ackley. The unfortunate soul fell prey to a 75 gr AMAX at 538 yd. Almost talked myself out of it thinking I would hold off a couple weeks before I started whacking them but couldn't resist the temptation.

Sorry, no pictures. The crop field was too muddy and didn't want to tear it up with the quad and I had no desire to walk through the mud just to see another dead groundhog.
If this summer is anything like last year, there will be plenty more to come.

I'll be headed up your way to central PA in a few weeks to start shooting them for a friend before the soybeans get planted. Where in PA are you?

 

[1911fan]

Re: First 'chuck of 2010.

I'm at six this year, been out twice for short times. I'm also shooting a .22-250AI, mind sharing your load data and twist rate? Current load is a 50gr BlitzKing moly at 3940fps with no pressure signs. I'm thinking about a pinch more Varget to get to 4000fps.


1911fan

 

[Jerry R]

Re: First 'chuck of 2010.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1911fan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm also shooting a .22-250AI, mind sharing your load data and twist rate? Current load is a 50gr BlitzKing moly at 3940fps with no pressure signs. I'm thinking about a pinch more Varget to get to 4000fps.


1911fan </div></div>

I'm using an 8 twist and a 75 gr AMAX. I'm only fire forming now with 38 gr of H4350 in Win brass and a WLR primer. Velocity is right at 3200 while fire forming and the formed load is good for about 3500 fps with 42 gr R22 (need to check data book for varification). I prefer the heavier end of the spectrum of bullet weights which retain much more downrange energy and they defy the wind far better than the lighter 55s which I have used in the past with a 14 twist.

I would try 43.5 gr of IMR 3031 if you're shooting 50s or 55s, that will get you right at 4100 with a 55 with no pressure and outstanding accuracy.<span style="font-weight: bold"> <span style="font-style: italic">Start low and work up just to be safe.</span></span>

 

[Onemoretime]

Re: First 'chuck of 2010.

I had a buddy when I was in the Army that used to hunt woodchucks with his 300wm. He said it would almost turn them inside out.

 

[Jerry R]

Re: First 'chuck of 2010.

You should see what a 208 AMAX from a 30-338 @ 3000 fps does to them.

 

[HathcockProtege]

Re: First 'chuck of 2010.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jerry R</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You should see what a 208 AMAX from a 30-338 @ 3000 fps does to them.

</div></div>

I'd like that.

I'm (quite) a bit north of Harrisburg, but don't give out specifics on these forums...just a personal policy. Best of luck in your trip up here!

I'm off to knock on a few more doors this afternoon...