ORIGINAL: cayugad
1. How many of you shoot magnum powder charges for hunting?
2. What rifle(s) do you shoot these magnum powder charges out of? ie; brand, model, barrel length
3. What projectile are you shooting when using magnum charges?
4. What ignition system are you shooting?
5. Is this a scoped rifle?
6. What animal are you hunting?
7. Do you feel this is a benifit with the magnum loads or is this the powder charge that gives you the best accuracy?
8. What do you feel is the max range you would be willing to shoot, if all things were perfect in relation to the shot?
9. Have you ever taken game with this load?
10. Have you ever missed with this load on game?
11. If you do not shoot MAGNUM CHARGES, what is the average non magnum powder charges, you do shoot in your rifles?
1) Last year was my first year with a ML. I used 110 gr of 777 3f.
2) Last year was a White Ultra Mag, 26" barrel. This year will either be the Ultra Mag or the new Lightning (22" barrel). Haven't decided.
3) 460 gr Bullshop
4) #11 (RWS)
5) No. Although the Lightning does have a scope on it right now, if I only had an opportunity to get out shooting. It will come off before hunting season.
6) Deer. Would love to elk hunt, but just not the time at this stage of my life.
7) For me, I was trying to squeek out flattest trajectory I could get. I hunt open country. As far as effectiveness on game, I do not think the difference in powder charge using these big conicals makes that much difference. This is just based on what I have read and what makes sense to me.
8) I would feel comfortable taking a 150 yard shot if the conditions were right.
9) No.
10) No.
11) 110 gr last year.
A couple things to note. I am still thinking it out in my mind what charge I will shoot this year. I may very well back down from the 110 gr load. Just have to think it though.
When I hunt I carry a walking/shooting stick. I have it as long as it will go and I have found that it works great as opposed to shooting offhand. There are no trees where I hunt. Last year my son and I were just ending a hunt through an area when a coyote appeared. I estimated at about 100 yards and it was down a fairly steep hill. He was walking from right to left and did not see us. I quickly decided to aim low as I was shooting downhill. He never knew what hit him and went flying through the air, over the side of the hill. He was howling in pain while I was reloading. We went down and I thought for sure we would find him, but all we found was blood. After thinking the shot through I believe I compensated and shot a littletoo low. I believe if it were a deer or elk, it would have been down.
I have shot 120 gr of 777 behind the 460 Bullshop and 100 gr of 777 behind a 620 gr Bullshop. I think most would be surprised that the recoil is not as bad as one might assume. It is stiff, but totally manageable.