ORIGINAL: smlgobears
As promised I have a few more questions. Any advice in preparing my rifle for extreme cold weather hunt? I am using a 7mag, stainless barrel, and synthetic stock. The gun is only a year old. I plan on degreasing and using a high grade spray oil on the firing pin that I know will stand up in extreme cold. I'm not sure if any other preparation should be done. Anything I should check with the scope rings/mount? Not sure if there are any common failures I should prepare for.
Also, I normally shoot 150gr ballistic tips in Pennsylvania. For our saskatchewan hunt I plan on using 154gr hornady interbonds. Everything I have read is that the interbond will have a controlled expansion that will not separate from the core. The ballistic tips typically have a rapid expansion which work good at the 200 - 300 yrds that are typical in some of my previous hunts. My thought is that given the short range (80 - 130 yds) the more controlled expansion will be better given the velocity at that range. Any advice here?
I don't do anything different for the cold weather when it comes to my firing pin,etc. Justroutine maint, clean, light oil where needed and put it back together till the next time. Typically I do this 1 to 2 times yearly depending on how many shots or if i get it excessively wet. I use Breakfree CLP. On the extrerior of my bores i use BC Barricade or G96. On the lugs and slides of my bolts when the temp drops in the - range I use Dri lube and re-apply it as needed (depends on hiow much you work the action, etc might be daily or every few days). Never had a problem with freezing to -40's.
As far as mounts I always check my ring screws as part of regular maint. to ensure they remained seated. If using a quality ring/bases you shouldn't have much to worry about. I use Leupold and Warne's never had a problem withmounts.I suppose you could pull the rings and check the base screws prior to working on sight in JIC.
I use the 7mm rem mag as well. I use and like both of the bullets you mention - 150 NBT & 154IB. However for your situation no real need for a polymer tipped bullet or boattail design - range will not be the issue as you have pointed out. If you reload I'd try workingup a 150 or 160gr Nosler partition. If you buy factory ammo try the federal premium 160 NP. Its a great bullet for the situation you'll face, whether a high shoulder, raking or classic behind the shoulder shot it'll get the job done. Short or long range. Excellent terminal performance - penetration when needed and expansion to create wound channel/trauma..are within it's design. I have no doubts the 154IB will also work asI have seen it but considering the investment and the higher the normal odds you'll be faced with a shorter range shot that may not be on perfect positioned animal I just like the Nosler part, etc vs a polymer bonded type. However you gun will be the real decision maker.NP isthe bullet most recommend by sask. outfitters
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