|
Post by todddoyka on Jul 11, 2019 12:51:08 GMT -7
what is your favorite? i've been sitting here for a couple of days and i decided i would try it, with some exceptions......
1. YOU hunt with it 2. NO rifle/cartridge that you would like to have
......and here i go. some people would say fer me, the winchester m94 in 30-30 with 150-170gr factory fn. i have killed alot deer with it. i also have killed snakes, grouse, pheasants, foxes, a 'yote or two, squirrels, feral cats and dogs, dove(i did it one time, i killed 3 or 4 of them, i was young and i couldn't refuse the triple dog dare...
then there is a rem m760 in 308 with 150gr hornady rn and imr, i think, 4064. i have killed a deer or three and my only black bear(396lbs). i luved that gun until the luck ran out of her. it was right after my black bear, it was like that she'd warned deer that i was coming. i remember the days that i could NOT see anything, even birds. then i'd show up the next day with a different rifle and it was like kicking deer out of their spot to get to my stand.i'd do this for several years and i'm glad that i sold her!!!! the 1898 springfield armory in 30-40 krag with 165gr ranch dog and some h4198. me and my son have killed deer and my teeth are cut on cast boolits but no, thank you. the tc encore in a 23" MGM barrel in 444 marlin with 300gr fn gc and 2400/tuft of dacron? mmmmm....i should say yes, even tho she is the main rifle that i use, but no. i have killed many deer with the 444 and 255gr keith, 265gr hornady fn, 275gr ranch dog, 280gr lfn and wfn gc going about 1800-2000fps(powders were many). the rem m7 in 7-08 with 139gr hornady fn(discontinued) with imr4320 is a killer for deer. the 18.5" barrel is a fast bolt action rifle. unfortunately, i gave it to my youngest boy. i have had 30-06 in multiple manufactures and the bullets/powders also. i can't say anything bad about '06 but its plain vanilla. ruger #1 in 270 and 140gr hornady sst and imr4350 is one of my most accurate rifles, the avatar shows the results. the 243 in multiple manufactures and bullets/powders too. tho i have killed deer with it, i will give it a solid NO!!! after the shot(be it behind the shoulder or shoulder of the deer) the deer would go 75 - 150 yards(1 would go 300+ yards from a failed 85gr x-bullet). its just me, but i find the .243" is to light of a caliber to use for 150lbs+ deer. 25-06, 6.5 creedmoor, 500 linebaugh and many others to boot used to be my main rifle, but............
i hafta go with oldie.....the semi custom 1898 mauser in 7x57 with a 139gr hornady fn and imr3031. i got an FN 98 action only, i can't remember the date, 1950's? then the rifle was a 20" douglas barrel(which i wanted a 18.5" barrel and my gunsmith{who was a good friend of mine, RIP} wanted a 22" barrel), timney trigger set a 2.5lbs, 'glass bedded, fajen stock and scoped with 3-9x swift(this was one of old ones, had a over-the-counter warranty not like they do nowadays!!!). the first time i took her out, i got my 20ish+pt buck with it. the antlers were about 11-12" wide and about 6 or 7" long. "but 20ish point buck!!! come on!!!!" you'd say. i'd say "count the points, if you would put wedding band on it, then its counted." i'd say that the buck was a 6pt, but my friends say 20-26pt. i gotta find that rack, i put it in a box years ago.....anyways i could it at 1/4 - 1/2" groups at 100 yards(5 shots/benched), for all the good that did, 70ish yards was my long shot, 30ish yards was normal. 300+ yards away, it had its own sound...it was like bam instead of bang, my dad could explain it better. i gave the mauser to my oldest boy and now that i have a 93 spanish and 98 mauser that needs rebarreled (93 spanish is going, i expect?, to 257 bob and the 98{i have aperture sights on it already} is going to be 375-06 imp), its hard to find a reason not to make the 7 mauser. however that rifle fitted me perfectly. well, maybe not now, being that i have only one arm now.
what is favorite rifle/cartridge combo?
|
|
|
Post by Bullshop on Jul 11, 2019 14:58:19 GMT -7
That is a tough near impossible question to answer. If anyone in my immediate family were asked what they thought my favorite is I am sure they would unanimously agree that it would be Boo my 1895 Marlin 45-70. It came to be known as Boo for the serial number prefix bee zero zero of the first year production pre-micro groove rifles. Old Boo is certainly a part of me and we have many miles of hunting together as well as a few narrow escapes from tooth, claw, and hoof. Even so I personally don't consider it my favorite. A favorite would be a toy that I play with a lot but Boo is a tool not a toy and about as serious a tool as one could possess to accomplish its intended task, filling the freezer. So then since I have established that a favorite would have to be a play thing that provides endless hours of amusement my favorite would have to be a depression era gunsmith conversion of an 1898 Krag to 22 hornet. I so much admire high quality vintage gunsmith work from the depression era. Guns of this type can still be had for very reasonable prices compared to similar custom work done today. Custom quality GS work today can be extremely expensive but the same quality from yesteryear is still affordable. My hornet is a classic style with a medium sporter contour barrel in a classic stock with black forend tip with moderate cheek piece. The uniqueness of this gun is in its hand made double set trigger system. It is the only Krag rifle I have ever encountered with a double set trigger. The frosting on the cake is that it shoots as good as it looks. I can take this fun rifle out for a days shooting with pockets full of ammo and shoot up 100 rounds and still keep the cost well under ten bucks and if shooting my favorite load without gas checks closer to five bucks. That is one facet of a favorite status to be able to shoot shoot shoot at very little cost. If your going to have a favorite toy you want to be able to afford to play with it. On the other hand when asked by my children which of what we have is my favorite my answer is always the same, "" the one I have in my hands""
|
|
|
Post by todddoyka on Jul 13, 2019 13:15:26 GMT -7
my "play" gun is my tc encore with a 23" MGM barrel in 20 vartarg. i luv to shoot it. 32gr hp with a little of rel7 makes me smile.
|
|
|
Post by missionary on Jul 13, 2019 15:00:09 GMT -7
Now that all depends on what needs shot ! But if I had to just have one all purpose "this is gonna get the job done always" I would have to write our 50 Alaskan in a 86 model jap made lever rifle. From round ball single shot to a 525 grain gc cast bullet at 1850+ fps I think we have it all covered. Maybe overkill in some cases but I would rather have to much than too little each day.
|
|
|
Post by todddoyka on Jul 14, 2019 13:20:50 GMT -7
that would werk!!!! but i'm a "puny" guy that does not like recoil . "puny" i'm 220lb 5'9'' one armed/legged guy!!!!! oh .......i laughed so hard that i've almost peed myself!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by missionary on Jul 14, 2019 18:34:11 GMT -7
I am a whole whopping 150 pounds and 5' 9". I once got all the way to 157 !!!! We never shoot "thumpers" "laying down" on a bench. We use cross sticks or a high rifle rest so the body is sitting upright and can roll with the recoil. Just sitting on my rear is a far healthier way to shoot. Standing with a post or tree as a steady does real well.
|
|
|
Post by todddoyka on Jul 14, 2019 23:55:59 GMT -7
I am a whole whopping 150 pounds and 5' 9". I once got all the way to 157 !!!! We never shoot "thumpers" "laying down" on a bench. We use cross sticks or a high rifle rest so the body is sitting upright and can roll with the recoil. Just sitting on my rear is a far healthier way to shoot. Standing with a post or tree as a steady does real well. i used to weigh a 150lbs, i was 18yo and i came home from basic training and AIT. in the past(before my stroke) i was 165lbs in the summer and 175lbs in the winter. since i don't work anymore, my weight has gone up to 220lbs. i shoot bench, then i'll go to a tripod(bog pod) or primos bipod. it will be sitting or standing.
|
|
|
Post by missionary on Jul 15, 2019 2:57:18 GMT -7
When Basic finished with me I was 135.... But I was a cross country runner also so a skinny little athlete. I like standing... feels right. and leaning on a solid upright makes a lot of difference. In the bottoms I try to end each movement by a tree.
|
|
|
Post by todddoyka on Jul 15, 2019 7:26:07 GMT -7
i'd liked to stand and move slowly. nowadays its a improvised tree "stand" . its about 6 or 6 1/2' tall when i am sitting in it. i can no longer climb a ladder, instead, my son made me steps.
|
|
|
Post by missionary on Jul 15, 2019 9:38:09 GMT -7
Sounds like a great solution. Anything to still be able to get out in the fresh air and watch the day move along.
|
|
|
Post by Hombre on Jul 27, 2019 0:52:25 GMT -7
A bit late to the question here... A Mannlicher-Schoenauer Model 1903 full stock carbine made in 1939, DST's, in 6.5x54mm, using 156-160 gr soft point bullets (at times a 140 gr Nosler Partition or cast bullet, as the situation may arise) and a 'quick-attachable' scope, is my favorite carbine n' cartridge. Compact n' lightweight for carry in the field/woods. This combination has been most capable in harvesting the game hunted.
Some folks refer to a scope mounted with claw mounts; Griffin & Howe; Jaeager or similar scope ring setups as being 'detachable' scope mounts. I see this type of mount as being used if wanted/needed due to light conditions, as being a 'quick-attachable' scope mount. Hunt with iron sights, then if you feel the situation requires optics for better sighting, take your scope out of its leather case and quickly attach it to your carbine/rifle. Yes, some folks have a scope permanently mounted on their carbine/rifle due to their eyesight or personal preference, nothing wrong with that either.
|
|
|
Post by Bullshop on Jul 27, 2019 9:10:30 GMT -7
In reading through old gun related literature I have often found that some of my favorite names from the early years of smokeless powder cartridge development names like Townsend Wheelen , Ned Roberts, Bob Milek and others of the time frame would always have some light cast bullet loads for their big game hunting rifles. They would strive for a light cast load to shoot to the same POI as their full power hunting load. This to take small game encountered for camp fair on the hunt. Such duplicity loads so much add to the versality of any hunting rifle. I so much prefer to dwell in a time when practicality ruled the industry unlike the currently generated industry fantasy that I need only to buy the newest 6.5 Creedmoor or similar gun rag mag cover girl and I have instantly acquired the phenomenal ability to slay my quarry at nearly a mile distant. A time when a woodchuck gun was a 22 RF and a deer gun was a 30-30 and scopes, well yea we have heard of them but never actually seen one is something to savor. A time of our blissfully ignorant youth too far gone. I shall never forget and always cherish the memory of cracking open the double 20 after a shot ahead of a singing beagle and the sweet aroma that wafted from that gun. To quote a phrase, """ how sweet it is """
|
|
|
Post by todddoyka on Jul 27, 2019 10:30:25 GMT -7
i used to own a 6.5cm back in 2008-09. i had to wait a month or two to get reloading dies. then it was close to two years before i got 6.5 cm hornady brass. in the meantime, i used 22-250 brass converted to 6.5cm. i bought it because i thought that the 6.5cm wouldn't make it. boy was i wrong.........again.
|
|
|
Post by Bullshop on Jul 27, 2019 11:17:40 GMT -7
No offence intended ! The 6.5 CM is a wonderful cartridge and I applaud the industry direction shift to smaller rather than larger cartridges. My point is that owning a firearm with long range potential does not in ownership itself a long range marksman make.
|
|
|
Post by Hombre on Jul 27, 2019 12:24:31 GMT -7
Good points made in previous Posts. Back to the original topic of this Post: What is your favorite: YOU hunt with it? Remember as you read my post, the original Post is regarding hunting use.
After I obtained my first Mannlicher-Schoenauer 6.5x54mm carbine, back in 1977 (Anchorage, Alaska), I began to research the cartridge and it's use from 1903 onward through time - to include the 6.5x53R also. Then took it hunting, mainly for caribou. Part of my enjoyment with this combination is knowing of its past performance, the places and men/women who used it long ago - from Africa, Asia, Alaska and the vast northern arctic regions of the globe. Where it was called upon to perform under all conditions, it did not let the user down. For me, a nice nostalgic feeling within that is.
The 6.5x54mm also led me to research the 6.5x55, .256 Newton, 6.5x06 and others. I've kept abreast with 6.5mm cartridges up to the present. All fine performers when applied properly and not asked to perform beyond their capabilities - as with any other cartridge out there.
In this day n' age many want to become 'shooters' at long range, which is fine. My personal view is that many people try and achieve long range 'shooting' at game and have neglected learning the ways of the woods and the game they're after and being 'hunters'. To each their own...
Not implying 6.5mm has some magic or mystical abilities unto itself, for there are other calibers equally as capable. More so, it's the individual who holds the firearm that is the main factor in a hunting cartridge/rifle combination. Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Toyota and others will get you down the road from Point A to Point B adequately. To say one caliber or cartridge or rifle is better than the other all depends on your wants or requirements?
Yes, there were long range shooters back in the late 1800's and well into the 1900's, as history will attest. Creedmoor Matches, Camp Perry, to name a couple of the long range 'shooting' events. Long range shooting may be even more popular in this day n' age, what with the technology in both ammunition and firearms available to individuals today. Merely because the ballistics of the cartridge or quality of the rifle will suffice for long range hitting of 'targets', does not magically make it a 'hunting' combination in the hands of someone going out to harvest game.
In watching the 6.5 Creedmoor over the past several years, it has proven it's worth. Why would it not, for it duplicates ballistics of other 'old timer' 6.5mm cartridges, just in a different shaped boiler room! The 6.5 CM came about to facilitate it's use in a certain type of firearm action and it has certainly proved itself, even spawning a couple of newer 6.5mm designs - 6.5x47, 6.5 PRC, etc. For us 'gun loonies' (as the writer John Barsness has coined that term for those of us who's hobby is the enjoyment of shooting and our firearms) new cartridges and/or firearms that come upon the market sparks at least our curiosities interest!
Having cast bullet use as Dan (Townsend Whelen, Bob Milek and others from times past wrote about) comments about is another way/application of using the 'tool' you've selected to take to the field in pursuit of game - versatility.
Back to the original Post of this topic: What is your favorite: YOU hunt with it? When taking a Model 1903 6.5x54mm carbine afield, woods trekking, hunting or for just a walk on a nice fall days outing, I truly enjoy 'my' favorite. For all the reasons that put a smile on your face when you sling YOUR 'favorite' hunting rifle/cartridge over your shoulder and head out afield after game . . . may you enjoy yours as well.
|
|
|
Post by todddoyka on Jul 27, 2019 13:24:26 GMT -7
No offence intended ! The 6.5 CM is a wonderful cartridge and I applaud the industry direction shift to smaller rather than larger cartridges. My point is that owning a firearm with long range potential does not in ownership itself a long range marksman make. i didn't think that it was offensive. the 6.5cm is a good little cartridge. deer wise, she's on par with the 7-08. when someone asks me, what caliber do i get? 6.5cm or the 7-08 is good for factory loads. 7 mauser is great for handloads. i quit doing long range stuff, i was only so-so(60-70% i hit at ranges that were 500-700 yards away). i hunt groundhogs, foxes and 'yotes and they are 200-300yards. i sold all of "long range" rifles and i'm left with the 20 vartarg(tc encore 23" MGM barrel) and 34gr midway or midsouth hp. i also have a marlin m25(22lr) and ruger 10/22. i never got into magnumitis, the only gun i have is a ruger sbh in 44 mag and i shoot 44 spl . i guess i like "older" cartridges.
|
|
|
Post by Junior on Aug 19, 2019 19:41:48 GMT -7
Rifle? Currently owned? Remington 700 safari in 458 win mag.
Favorite cartridge is 44 mag, and I shoot more of it then anything else put together. I just recently retired a Puma carbine after bending the barrel and cracking the reciever on it. It would have taken place of favorite a few weeks ago. Hope to replace it soon with either another rossi/puma or a marlin.
|
|
|
Post by Bullshop on Aug 19, 2019 20:29:37 GMT -7
I vote for the Marlin!
|
|
|
Post by missionary on Aug 20, 2019 8:03:01 GMT -7
Howdy JR... How did you bend a barrel and crack a receiver ??
|
|
|
Post by todddoyka on Aug 20, 2019 10:48:59 GMT -7
Howdy JR... How did you bend a barrel and crack a receiver ?? we's got ta know!!!!!!! i personally like winchester top eject lever, but i'd go with a marlin.
|
|
|
Post by Junior on Aug 20, 2019 16:09:39 GMT -7
Howdy JR... How did you bend a barrel and crack a receiver ?? Forgot it was leaning on the back of my 988 and ran it over with the loader.
|
|
|
Post by missionary on Aug 20, 2019 16:51:56 GMT -7
Well that will do it ! At least there should be some parts worth hanging on to or selling.
|
|
|
Post by todddoyka on Aug 21, 2019 11:44:40 GMT -7
Howdy JR... How did you bend a barrel and crack a receiver ?? Forgot it was leaning on the back of my 988 and ran it over with the loader. ouch!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by Bullshop on Aug 21, 2019 15:26:59 GMT -7
I have made squish art of a couple chain saws that same way.
|
|
|
Post by missionary on Aug 22, 2019 3:13:41 GMT -7
So far the worse I have done was back a borrowed car into a tree that was left in the idle of a driveway out in a woodsy area at night. The owner came out shortly and said" You know you are not the first one to do that". Probably a good thing I did not have access to a chain saw right then.
|
|
|
Post by Junior on Aug 22, 2019 18:21:32 GMT -7
Yeah, I wasn't very happy with myself. Got in a hurry trying to get my truck unstuck (it hasnt stopped raining here summer, my property where I'm building a cabin is 2 foot of mud) and forgot all about the rifle back there. HD been keeping it close because we have a rather ornery moose that is probably going to end up dead very soon.
|
|
|
Post by missionary on Aug 23, 2019 2:59:17 GMT -7
That explains a lot!! Sure is easy to get side tracked. But a Moose !! That has to be worth The biggest head ache Award" !
|
|
|
Post by 450fuller on Oct 11, 2020 15:19:07 GMT -7
Some favorite rifles are linked to repeated successful trips hunting or adventuring. One of my favorites is a pre-war Winchester Deluxe Model 71 in 450 Alaskan. It is balanced well with the original 24 inch extra barrel that spent time in an Idaho and Illinois riflesmith's shop. It comes in handy while in Alaska exploring unknown trails, or with fresh bear tracks in creek mud. It prefers 400 gr FP bullets, with 400 gr plain base cast F points for fire forming loads. Alaska is the perfect country for proven designs like the 1886 or Model 71 Winchesters. Last successful moose hunt involved a long hike and a Model 71 in 348 Ackley. Took two of us about 7 hours to do him up to steaks and chops-from his skinned hide on. He was about 12 miles SW of Wien Lake, and 45 miles SW of Nenana, AK. Not the middle of nowhere but you can see the middle of it from there.
|
|
|
Post by sideswipe on Nov 4, 2020 22:23:01 GMT -7
Well, favorite calibers for Black Bear in order: SKS 7.62X39mm, M70 7X57mm, Guide Gun 45-70' 1895 MR in 450 Marlin. The most stupid? #1, most efficient & prolific? the 450. Sometimes I wish I never sold the 450, it was the smoothest cycling & accurate levergun I ever owned....but I just had to get a highwall!
Some were better choices than other...but all put meat on the table. Smoked bear brats....yum!
|
|
|
Post by missionary on Nov 5, 2020 5:47:47 GMT -7
Smoked bear brats !! Bear and Buff stew are #1 eating. I better include elk cow also.
|
|