AUSTRALASIAN
B14 WE TEST BERGARA WALNUT IN .270
P. 32
DECEMBER 2016
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WHISTLING DEER? Fox + Deer = Rare Double OTAGO CHAMOIS Alpine Success
REVIEWED Vortex Razor Riflescope and Bino Doubler
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IN THIS ISSUE
DECEMBER 2016
12
38
60
76
HUNTING Whistling Fallow
14
Tony Pizzata followed a fallow buck’s grunts last rut, but within cooee of his trophy a whistled-in fox iced the hunter’s cake.
Otago Chamois
26
You need strong legs and lungs to go after chamois in NZ, as Tony Kamphorst attests here.
Territory Trifecta
38
You just can’t keep the “Deermaster” down. Ted Mitchell relates a hunt on three big game species with the hellraising Halls.
Rabbits To The Rescue
54
When big game plans don’t produce, the humble bunny provides a welcome distraction.
Amanda’s First Goats 70 Brett Beasley introduces his young cousin to goat hunting.
DEPARTMENTS OPENING SHOT
REVIEWED
WEB NEWS
Vortex Razor 3-15x42 Hd Light Hunter Riflescopes 46
8 10
ASK THE GUN EDITOR
18
GUN LORE
50
SHOOTER’S SHOWCASE
62
GAME TRAILS
68
Top-of-the range optics to satisfy discerning riflemen and women.
PRACTICAL RELOADING
76
PARTING SHOT
82
Vortex Doubler
ON THE COVER
60
A compact and economical path to spotting scope magnification from 10-power binoculars.
The European red fox, while a most attractive animal, is a feral scourge and worthy game in Australia. Image Tony Pizzata.
TEST REPORTS Bergara Performance B14 Centrefire Sporter 32 A beautiful, functional and accurate deer rifle tested in .270 Winchester.
MAIN FEATURE When the trophy buck is on the deck, a nice whistled-in winter fox makes a great supplementary hunt.
32 WWW.SPORTINGSHOOTER.COM.AU | 3
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Editor: Marcus O’Dean Email: marcusodean@yaffa.com.au Technical Editor: Nick Harvey Contributors: Nick Harvey, Marcus O’Dean, Tony Pizzata, Col Allison, Michael Gibson, Reid Hjorth, Tony Kamphorst, Ted Mitchell Snr, Martin Auldist, Brett Beasly,
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OPENING SHOT
A FEW WORDS FROM THE EDITOR
Good Genes At Work
A Cornish baker has made an indelible impression of the World gun trade.
ON THIS PAGE Nick and Nacy Harvey with assembled close friends for a milestone birthday lunch. 8 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
IT had been a while since I’d caught up with Nick Harvey and his wife Nancy together, but the opportunity arose when Ken Harding, a stalwart mate of Nick’s, rang me to ask if Tony and I would come up for his surprise birthday lunch in Mudgee a few weeks hence. “Just try and stop us!” was my earnest and immediate reply. It was to be Nick’s 85th birthday and we had to do something special. When I told Yaffa Media’s Managing Director Tracy Yaffa, who was about to take off overseas, she organised a special congratulatory card signed by herself and her retired father (a contemporary of Nick’s) to add to the surprise. When I first came to Yaffa, I was sternly advised that there was a lot of two-way loyalty between the Yaffas and Nick and that I was never to jeopardise that relationship. Having read Nick’s writings since my adolescence and counting him one of my few heroes, I was in already in absolute lockstep with David Yaffa. Subsequently, Tracy suggested I may like to work
on a special Sporting Shooter mock cover, which was really difficult to do, purely because of the sheer volume of historical and humorous subject matter sufficient for 50 such covers. I managed to do it right on deadline; some things don’t change. Nick Harvey has been a large and integral institution in Sporting Shooter magazine for over 50 years and in that time he has been feted by the American and European gun industries as being an eminent and deeply knowledgeable gun writer who counts his friends among the greats, like Elmer Keith and Charles Askins. His writing is peerless in its profound, hard-won, but shared knowledge, his use of the English language exhibiting fine Anglo-American grammatical expression, humour and at times emotion. As his editor, I have never had to worry about deadlines and rarely have I ever needed to even suggest a topic for his columns because he has a natural feel for what readers want to read and when they
want to read it. Nick gently chides me for my love of old military rifles, although his battery has consisted of many fine customised military Mauser 98s. Gunsmiths like Rob Spittles and Clem Stevenson love Nick because he appreciates their fine work while injecting his comprehensive knowledge and predilections into their work for him. When I saw Nick’s collection a few years back, his bolt-action hunting rifles tended to exhibit nice dark walnut, beautiful dark blueing and barrels tending to be on the long side. His current affair is with the Ruger Hawkeye .257 Roberts, which does most of what he wants around home. His own wildcat now some decades old, the 7mm Harvey Magnum, is a no-fuss, highly efficient and effective big game getter and proves his undoubted experience. Back to the party, there was a gathering of old and new, including our recently signed on columnist, Reid Hjorth and we all had a delightful afternoon, with Nick relaxed and happy among a bunch of faithful raconteur friends. Nick’s doctor recently told him that “There’s nothing wrong with you; come back in 12 months.” There must be a formula at work there that includes years of tramping big hills, huntin’ and shootin’ lots, good genes, a marvellous wife, an abiding interest and career and somewhere in there, the fountain of youth. I feel truly priveleged to know him.
MARCUS O’DEAN Editor
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SHOOTING INDUSTRY FOUNDATION OF AUSTRALIA
WEB NEWS
FROM MICHAEL GIBSON – WEBSITE EDITOR
The Sporting Shooter website is your conduit to the latest hunting industry news, technical tips, product info and how we constantly point up misinformation and lies from the anti-gun/hunting crowd.
PETA ACTIVIST CONVERTED? This month’s most popular story saw renowned animal lover, devout vegetarian and PETA activist Jodie Marsh going head to head with English huntress and competitive shooter Rachel Carrie. In a shock conclusion, Jodie found herself having more respect for people that hunted their own food. http://www. sportingshootermag.com. au/latest/hunter-vs-antihunter-the-impossibleconversion
THIS MONTH’S POPULAR STORIES AND VIDEOS • Hunter Vs Anti-Hunter - The Impossible Conversion • How To Zero A Rifle In Two Shots • Victorian Green’s Take A Direct Shot At Hunters • Pigs Coming in to Clean-up a Buffalo Carcass • Animal Justice MP says feral cats deserve equal consideration to threatened native wildlife • Another National Gun Amnesty to be Announced • Crocodile Hunting – Who Pulls
the Trigger a $25000 Question • Helicopter Hog Culing Slow Motion Kill Shots - It’s a Wonderful World • Award winning Australian author cannot reconcile concept of legal gun ownership • Champion Coyote Caller Gets Chilling Response • Scientists Finally Admit Cecil Wasn’t Lured from Park • Secrecy surrounds NFA Review • Field Photography - Taking Night Camp Photos
NIGHT PICTURES Taking great night shots of hunting camps or night scenes is not as hard as it may seem. Mike Gibson explains the basics of setting up for a great night photo. http://www.sportingshootermag. com.au/hunting-skills/fieldphotography-taking-night-camp-photos
Miss something in Sporting Shooter? Can’t find that article from a few months ago, but need to refer to it? It may now be up on the website. We’ve added a fair few stories to the site lately, hunting, technical and others of interest. So if you’re looking for something, just jump onto www.sportingshootermag.com.au
10 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
GREENS HATE HUNTERS Then Victorian Greens Leader Greg Barber took a direct shot at recreational hunters. Greg believes the deer population growth was no accident and blames hunters for the increase. http://www.sportingshootermag.com.au/latest/victorian-green-stake-a-direct-shot-at-hunters
CROC HUNT DEBATE The crocodile hunting debate has been ongoing for some time now. The article Crocodile Hunting – Who Pulls the Trigger a $25000 Question looks at potential opportunities around a safari industry with more and more crocodiles needing professional removal. http://www.sportingshootermag.com.au/latest/crocodile-huntingwho-pulls-the-trigger-a-25000-question
Get all this and more at sportingshootermag.com.au SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER Keep up to date with the latest big news affecting you by subscribing to our weekly newsletter. You’ll get a rundown of all the website’s new content and stories so you won’t miss what’s going on in the world of hunting. Look for the simple subscription registration on the right-hand side of the main website page.
Don’t forget to join us on Facebook: facebook.com/SportingShooterMag. You’ll get alerts as each new story goes up on the website, and see a few photos, videos, laughs and facts that don’t make it into the mag or the website. But here’s a vital tip: After you “like” us on Facebook, hover your mouse over the “like” button until a little menu appears, then select “get notifications”. That way you’ll receive all our alerts, not just a random selection.
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FOX & DEER
A fox and a trophy buck fall within a short distance of each other on this, one of Tony Pizzata’s signature hunts.
Whistling For Fallow
N
ESTLED in behind a fallen log with a slight breeze in my favour, I produced the fox whistle while gazing at the surrounding area for any sign of movement. As I’d soon find out, what was about to happen was perhaps a once in a lifetime occurrence. And how it happened was a combination of persistence and sheer luck.
The author with fox and fallow buck where it fell. Note the rub tree on the right.
12 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
WWW.SPORTINGSHOOTER.COM.AU | 13
FOX & DEER
ON THIS SPREAD
1
Another mature fox taken with Tony’s Miroku o/u. note the Briley chokes for a tighter charge of number 2’s.
2 3
The author taking some movie footage for latrer publication.
Fortunate fox in open did not meet with a bullet or shot string.
14 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
1 what makes each trip to this place usually quite successful. By mid morning we had reached our final stand located some 300 metres from a timbered hill face, which was laden with low-lying scrub and hilly depressions throughout. An old fence line ran up through the timber and sandy patches around a tree trunk on its outskirts indicated there were also wombats present. Our only cover on this stand was a fallen tree, but the wind was right and the blackberry bush and timberline were in full view. Nestled in against the trunk I produced the whistle and nodded to Alex for the go ahead while slowly looking around for any sign of movement within our surrounds. Flicking the camera switch on, I proceeded to produce a loud shrill on the whistle, then sat back for a minute to see if our call of a rabbit
2 HUNTING
TIP
It all started one early April morning when Alex and I decided to head out for a fox whistling session and perhaps catch a few on film for an upcoming video I was working on. Alex would carry my trusty Miroku over-under and I had the Blaser just in case we ran into something bigger. You see, we’d been caught out before while fox whistling and had learnt to always carry a rifle as well as the shottie, due to the fact that some cagey old foxes tend to pull up well out of shotgun range, sometimes at 80 metres or more. In addition, on the odd occasion when whistling a big patch of blackberry bush for foxes we’d also witnessed pigs and even deer emerge and make haste their escape. While whistling on one particular occasion, a fox emerged from a bush and after taking the shot, two of the biggest boars I’d ever seen in the area emerged from a nearby blackberry and made their escape. Not wanting to wound a pig that size with only a charge of number 2’s, I decided to let them go, never to be seen again unfortunately. In my books, if I’m not going to take him cleanly I’d rather he got away for someone else to take perhaps. So our philosophy after a few disappointing mishaps was to come prepared for the unexpected. Whistling several stands overlooking some great country, we’d averaged a fox per stand. The reason for our success on this particular property was twofold. Firstly, there were plenty of rabbits around and also lots of blackberry bush, with very little cover for miles other than a stand of timber nearby. Secondly, we never whistled the same area twice in one season to eliminate over hunting it. Sure, the odd one gets away and throughout the rest of the season others move in, but that’s
WHEN you may bump species in the area that you are not hunting then you should carry a rifle chambered to handle both.
in distress would attract our quarry. A few moments later I lifted the whistle and once again let out a series of softer shrills. Within moments Alex spotted him first, but not from the blackberry bush in front of us. This wary fox had emerged from the distant timberline and was staring in our direction. If he doesn’t come closer I’ll take him with the Blaser I thought. But another soft shrill from the whistle bought the old dog in at a gallop. As he neared the blackberry bush some 80 metres out he stopped with ears pricked, looking for his quarry. As the fox turned his head, Alex lifted the shotgun and just at that moment the distant grunt of a fallow buck in full rut could be heard from well within the timberline ahead. Alex slowly peered in my direction as I lifted the whistle and gave another short, but very soft call.
The fox erupted and headed straight in our direction. Alex knew what I was thinking and dropped the fox at no more than ten meters. All went quiet. Now at this point I usually let out a few more calls, just in case another fox decided to follow. I’ve done this many times and often produced a second, third and my best to date… seven foxes from the one stand, although on that occasion I must admit, it was early in the season when younger foxes tend to be easy prey to the whistle. All were captured on film and all appeared in my latest DVD- Memorable Moments 4. “What do you want to do?” Alex whispered. “Don’t move and just listen for a while,” I quietly replied. When fallow are in full rut, they are a lot more vulnerable, in fact I’ve snuck in, shot a buck and even made my presence known to others
in the mob and if the wind is right they are so intent on what they are doing they simply let their guards down. I suppose that’s what lust does to a rutting buck. Not two or three minutes later the buck let out another series of grunts. That’s what I was hoping for, so I whispered to Alex, “Let's head over for a look”. Gathering my pack, gun and camera we headed for the timber line. Alex had the fox and would leave him on the timber's edge along with our packs if we decided to stalk in on the buck. Arriving on the edge of the timber I checked the wind with my powder puffer and all was perfect. Again, the buck let out a series of deep grunts. At this point both Alex and I had our binoculars up looking for any sign of movement. The grunts seemed to get louder then softer. He was obviously on the move,
3 WWW.SPORTINGSHOOTER.COM.AU | 15
FOX & DEER
The fox erupted and headed straight in our direction.�
This mature bucks cape was taken for the author’s friend, while the antlers would serve as a memento of the hunt to Tony.
turning his head from side to side and in different directions. All of a sudden the sound seemed to amplify; he was heading in our immediate direction. Alex quickly set up the camera on its tripod, offering to take over the filming process as I frantically looked for a vantage spot to sit and wait for the buck. There was a lot of low-lying scrub and young wattle trees obscuring much of the terrain within the forest. Still, if the buck kept heading in our direction and continued his vocalising, I might get a glimpse of his rack and quickly decide whether or not he’d be worth taking. Peering through my binoculars in the direction of the commotion I mentally urged the buck closer. As the buck continued to close the gap, the grunting became louder and louder until eventually I spotted a dirty cream coloured shape angling its way through the timber some 80 metres into the bush. He was alone, huge in body size, with an immense neck and on the move, looking for does. He pulled up in a very small opening, momentarily allowing me to assess his headgear, then turning slightly, he angled away from me. It was hard to accurately judge his rack with so many branches crossing my path of vision. I could see plenty of palm, his huge body size confirming
his maturity. He also had good brow tines and length. “Take the shot�, I thought. The Swarovski’s reticle quickly settled on his huge neck and at the squeeze of the trigger, the buck leapt forward and collapsed. Alex had it all on film as I let out a sigh of relief and stood up. Grabbing our packs and all the gear including the fox, we headed in for a look. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I got to the buck, he was a beautiful old stag with nice palms, however, after a closer inspection I noticed both his trey tines were missing and definitely stemmed from his poor genetics, so it was also good to remove him from the herd. Nonetheless he was a handsome trophy and a hunt for foxes I’ll never forget. A friend of mine had asked for a cape if I came across one and this one would fit the bill so I caped
4 him out. The antlers I took for myself as a fine memento of the trip and I also skinned the fox for my grandson who wanted a pelt for his room. As mentioned, we tend to only whistle a property once a year for foxes, so this property will no doubt wait until the rut before we whistle it again.
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ASK THE GUN EDITOR
TECHNICAL ADVICE FROM THE GURU – BY NICK HARVEY
Letters containing questions for answering by Nick Harvey must be accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope. Mail your letters to: The Technical Editor, 3 Reef Street, Hill End, NSW 2850.
LETTER OF THE MONTH
The .22-250 Fills The Bill
Q
I’m in the market for a new varmint rifle and like the look of the Howa with blued metalwork and sporter walnut stock. But I am unsure about which calibre to get it in - .223 or .22-250. Most of my shooting is at rabbits and foxes in open country where ranges are often very long. Can you offer advice on which calibre to choose and give me a couple of good loads for it and any info that might be useful? – Len Lawson
A
The .22-250 is probably the epitome varmint round from a general viewpoint. The .223 is a bit quieter , but the .22-250 has very mild recoil, a manageable noise level and flatter trajectory. Often an out-of-the-box rifle with heavy-barrel like the Howa will deliver 1/2 MoA accuracy with 3-shot groups and do outstandingly well with a 55gn bullet like the Hornady V-Max.
Target Loads For Howa .223
Q
I just purchased a Howa 1500 in .223 Rem. The rifle has a walnut stock and fluted varmint barrel. It will see most use for target shooting at 100 yards. Could you give me some information about powder charges and projectile weights? Also, how far to seat the bullets off the lands. Most of my mates at the range use AR2206H. I read in the 9th edition of your reloading manual that AR2206H can be used with considerably reduced loads for target shooting. Should I try a reduced load? If so what weight of this powder should I use? – Graham Linnertson 18 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
Adjust seating depth with whatever bullet you use so that there is 0.010” of bullet jump before it engages the rifling. This is the best starting point and most rifles will do best at this overall length. If need be you can refine this after initial accuracy tests. Sometimes this will mean exceeding the listed “maximum” cartridge overall length. The heavier 60gn V-Max will provide less wind drift and is one of the most consistent bullets I’ve used in a .22-250. Keep your cases trimmed to length. Maximum case length is 1.912”, trim-to length 1.900”. Use only match or standard large rifle primers. The use of magnum primers will increase pressure and may ruin accuracy. My two best loads are: 55gn V-Max and 35gn of AR2206H for 3623fps and the 60gn V-Mx and 40gn of W-760 for 3550fps. Take care to work up from 2 grains below keeping sharp eye out for signs of excessive pressure.
A
AR2206H is a versatile propellant, it works well in the .17 Rem., .308 Win. and .458 Win., as well as the .223 Rem. It is a tad faster than AR2208 which delivers an extra 100 foot-seconds with top loads. This shouldn't worry you for target shooting at 100 yards, however, so I suggest you begin with the starting loads and work up 1/2gn at a time until you find the most accurate charge. The Howa is a fine rifle and has the standard 1:12" rifling twist which works well with bullets weighing from 35 to 60gn and is fast enough to stabilise the 60gn Hornady V-Max. For your kind of target shooting you'll need a good
The .22-250 is “King of the varmint rifles”. These rabbits were taken at ranges from 200 to 350 yards with Remington Model 700 shooting a 55gn bullet at 3600fps.
quality bullet. The 53gn Sierra HP or the 53gn Hornady V-Max are worth a try. Work up from 25gn of AR2206H which gives about 3160fps, or, if that charge proves accurate enough, stick with it. It may be worth trying the 60gn V-Max too, starting with 24gn of AR2206H for about 2920fps. Throat length varies from rifle to rifle, so you will have to adjust the overall cartridge length to match the dimensions of your rifle's chamber. Refer to Chapter 12 in the 9th edition of my reloading manual "Seating The Bullet." It will tell you how to adjust the seating depth. Some bullets shoot best when they just miss touching the lands, while others can be located up to 0.030" off the lands.
.240 Weatherby Or 6mm-06?
Q
I am in the process of having a rifle built on a Mark X Mauser long-action. For this project I have a Walther barrel in 6mm and a Boyd’s Classic laminated stock. My problem is that I can’t decide which cartridge to have it chambered for - the .240 Weatherby or the 6mm-06 wildcat. Which one would you choose and why? Can you suggest a couple of good loads for medium-size game? – Alan Blake
A
The .240 Wby Magnum appeared in 1968. Case length and powder capacity are similar to the .30-06 case and its 6mm offspring. The .240 has the same 0.473” case head
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ASK THE GUN EDITOR
Which of these two .30 magnums is best.”
straight-pull rifle was designed by the same guy who designed the Lee-Enfield? Also, did it use a semi-rimmed case similar to that of the later .220 Swift? – Mick Perry
A
diameter as the ‘06, though the .240 has a belt and the Weatherby trademark doubleradius shoulder. Case capacity of ‘06 cases varies with brand and case thickness, but compares pretty closely with Norma .240 brass which holds63 grains of water. Assuming the same barrel length I’d expect velocities to be much the same. I faced pretty much the same dilemma as you when I decided to rebarrel my F.N Mauser rifle, but plumped for the .240 Wby over a wildcat. A die set for the 6mm-06 would be a custom item and special order, therefore expensive, whereas the .240 Wby is available as a standard die set. Also, Cases would have to be formed by necking down and reaming or neck turning ‘06 brass - an unwelcome but necessary chore. New Norma brass for the .240 Wby costs about $120 a 100 and is readily available. In addition, every reloading manual lists data for the .240, that’s why I recommend you go with the .240 Wby. For feral goats and pigs I load the 85gn Barnes and 54gn of Re-22 for 3425fps; for deer the 100gn Lapua and 53gn of Re-22 for 3335fps. The 85gn Barnes is just as deadly on deer.
Mag. with 24 inch barrel and my mate who I hunt with has a similar rifle in .300 WSM. He claims that his rifle is capable of the same performance as my .300 Win. Mag., but I beg to differ, saying that my gun will outperform his with heavy .308 bullets in top handloads. Who is right? – Jason Burke
A
There seems to be an ongoing argument about which of those two .30 magnums is best, alas there's no substitute for cubic capacity and the .300 Win. Mag. holds more powder than its dumpy rival. My handload with the 180gn AccuBond and 81gn of AR2217 in a rifle like your'n in .300 Win. Mag., churns up 3123fps and 84gn of AR2225 drives the 200-gn Accubond at 3030fps. For comparison, in my Model 70 .300 WSM a charge of 72gn of Supreme 780 gives the 180gn Woodleigh bullet 2975fps, while three grains less of the same powder scoots the 200 gn Woodleigh along at 2840fps.So the .300 Win. Mag. does show an edge over the .300WSM of up to 200 footseconds, but for all practical purposes I doubt if you would notice any difference on game.
.300 WSM Vs .300 Winchester Magnum
Lee Not So Straight Pull
Q
Q
I own a Model 70 Winchester in .300 Win.
20 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
Can you tell me if the Model 1895 Lee Navy
Yes, James Paris Lee who designed the action of the Lee- Enfield also designed the 6mm Lee Navy rifle made by Winchester under contract to the U.S Navy. But the Lee wasn't exactly a straight-pull rifle, but rather a tilt-pull since it had a rectangular bolt that angled upward slightly as the bolt was pulled to the rear. Instead of rotating, lock-up was accomplished by a massive square "locking lug" on the bottom of the rectangular bolt dropping into a recess in the action. I've seen it described as an upsidedown variation on the Savage 99's lock- up. I believe that Swift brass can be necked up for the 6mm Lee Navy rifle with no other changes, so it is probably true that the Swift was based on the 6mm Lee case necked down.
Browning T-Bolt Plenty Strong
Q
I'm thinking about buying a new Browning T-Bolt Varmint in .17 HMR, but the guy at my local gunshop tried to steer me off one, saying that the action isn't strong enough to withstand the pressure of the .17 HMR. He tried instead to sell me a Ruger K77/17 he had on the shelf. But this had a synthetic stock and I much prefer quality and walnut stock of the T-Bolt. Is it true that the T-Bolt's action is too weak to withstand the pressure of the .17 HMR? – Garry Gregory
A
Chum, you were the intended victim of another unscrupulous gun dealer. Alas, not all the people in this trade are honest. He could easily
have ordered-in a T-Bolt for you if he so wanted. Instead he tried to influence you by telling a deliberate lie; the T-Bolt's action is plenty strong enough to contain the .17 HMR cartridge. For the .22 LR high-velocity cartridge maximum pressure is around 25,000 psi; the maximum pressure generated by the .17 HMR is not much different, but is maintained longer because of the larger charges of slower burning powder used in the .17 HMR. The T-Bolt I tested in .17 HMR would consistently group five rounds of Hornady ammo well inside 1/2-inch at 50 yards. The action is simplicity itself: The bolt handle's at a 90-degree angle, hinged at the angle, with a round locking lug attached to the front end and fitting into a round recess in the side of the action. Pulling back on the spring-loaded handle tilts the locking lug out of the side of the action. Pushing the handle forward pops the lug back into the recess. There's never been a report of the T-Bolt's bolt blowing backward out of the action. And I would lay considerable odds that a T-Bolt blow-back will never happen. That's a one strong rifle.
The Best Calibre For A Light Mountain Rifle?
Q
I've been lucky enough to land a Czech Vz 33 action with a small receiver ring, slimmed-down receiver walls, lightening cuts on the receiver sides and hollowed-out bolt handle. I intend using this action to build a lightweight custom mountain rifle, but can't decide on the best calibre to have it chambered for. Can you tell me what you consider to be the best calibre for a light mountain rifle? – Andrew Archer
A
In my book, the best calibre for a short action is the .284 Winchester. Why this cartridge never gained more attention from rifle
ASK THE GUN EDITOR
manufacturers has me puzzled. I had a .284 made up on a BSA Royal action originally chambered in 7x57mm Mauser. The .284 was originally designed for short actions, but I had my Beezer long- throated which allowed me to seat pointed, efficient 7mm bullets to an overall length of 76mm producing extra usable case capacity. It lofted the 130gn Speer out at 3130fps, the 139gn Hornady at 3006,the 145gn Speer at 3000, the 150gn Nosler at 2960, and the 160gn Speer at 2860fps. It outperforms the 7mm-08 by a substantial amount and treads close on the heels of the .280 Ackley. The .284 has the same casehead size as the .30-06 family (.473"), so there is no reason why an action used for the 8x57mm shouldn't be rebarreled for the .284 Win. which is a modern design with a rebated rim and 35 degree shoulder. Ballistics are practically identical to the .280 Rem. There is no difference in killing power, range or capability between the two.
Chamber Differences For The .223
Q
I’ve been given some military ammunition for the 5.6x45mm NATO which I’ve been told is safe for use in my Ruger .223 Remington. But an article in an American magazine warns against doing this. Who is right? Can I safely shoot this ammo in my gun? – Ken Galvin
A
I would be wary about using shooting military 5.56x45mm ammo in a standard sporter. There are significant differences in the chamber throat area; military arms usually have very long throats which allows a lot more room for expanding gases to occupy and reduce breech pressures. Sporting rifles have a shorter throat because they generally use lighter (shorter) bullets which have less distance to travel
22 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
before they engage the rifling. The NATO chamber stemmed from a need to handle different ammo from different manufacturers of mil-spec cartridges which are normally loaded to pressures, up to 15,000 psi higher than sporting .223 ammo. However, .223 rifles used for big-bore shooting usually have a faster rifling twist and long-throated (NATO-spec chambers) to handle longer, heavier .224 bullets like the Sierra 80gn HPBT MatchKing commonly used in “big-bore” competition. The long NATO throating allows this bullet to driven at up to 2900 fps! This is why NATO-spec ammo is not safe for use in a standard .223 rifle. Some commercial sporters are available which have a fast twist and long throat to handle longer bullets, but they usually have 5.56/.223 stamped on the barrel.
bullet could hold together at such high rotational speed. Can you enlighten me about this? – Don Lewis
A
First off, your maths is absolutely correct, so although the RPM is really fast, the answer must be right too. As far as bullets holding together, they don't always. In the early days of the .220 Swift there were a good many instances where lightweight bullets disintegrated in mid-air before they reached the target. I've seen it happen with both the Swift and .22-250 in the old days when bullets weren't as good as they are today. This caused one wildcat to earn the title " .22 Marciante Blue Streak" since as the bullet came apart it left a stream of blue smoke in the air. I saw it happen when I was working up loads for my .220 Swift with the 40gn bullet loaded in .22 WMR
Rotational Bullet Speed
“Smelly” Conversion
Q
I like the Lee Enfield action with 10 shot magazine and wonder if it would be possible to convert one to .45-70? It would make a devastatingly effective gun for everything from pigs in lignum to sambar in brush. – Freddy Jeffery
A
Q
I have been calculating the rotational speed of a bullet, and I am convinced that the arithmetic is correct, but the answer seems absurd. For example, if a rifle has a 1:12" twist the bullet will make one complete turn for every 12" as it travels down the bore. Therefore if the bullet leaves the muzzle at 3000fps it would be spinning at 3,000 revolutions a second or 180,000 revolutions per minute. I don't see how that could be correct, or how the
ammo and sold as a component. When I started testing some hot loads, I fired a shot and couldn't find a hole in the target. Fired again and again, and still no hole, but a mate standing on the sideline told me he saw what appeared to be a stream of blue smoke about 10 to 15 feet in front of the muzzle. That's how I learned bullets could disintegrate and today you'll see a warning on some bullet boxes warning not to exceed a specified velocity. Just as matter of interest that .22 Magnum bullet won't withstand a velocity of over 3100fps.
Lightweight bullets disintegrated in mid-air before they reached the target.”
Important factors in determining whether a conversion is feasible are the dimensions of the bolt face, action length and width of the side rails, together with the working pressure of the proposed cartridge by comparison with the original. Some people want to convert an action to a magnum cartridge that generates chamber pressures much higher than those for which the action was designed. This is can be dangerous, particularly if the action is a very old one. In the case of the .303 British and .45-70 there is no problem because the .303 works at higher pressure. The rim diameter of the .45-70 is larger than the .303 - 0.608" against 0.540", but it shouldn't be difficult to modify the extractor to handle the 0.068" larger rim. Case length shouldn't pose any problems either since the .45-70 is just a bit shorter than the .303. The Lee Enfield magazine may need a little work to feed the fatter case, but a good
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gunsmith should be able to carry out the conversion without too much trouble.
The Point Blank Range Concept
The bullet rising no more than 4” above the line of sight or falling 4” below.”
Q
Consulting the Point Blank Range tables in “Nick Harvey’s Practical Reloading Manual” you say that when the rifle is zeroed at the distance indicated in the “Zero Range” column an animal with a 10 inch-deep vital area will be killed with a centre hold within the PBR. You state that a 4” plus-orminus vertical allowance was selected for computing the PBR’s in your tables, but that a smaller plus-or-minus such as 5” may be more realistic. Could you enlarge a bit on this 5” concept using the 6mm Remington and .240 Weatherby as examples? – Paul Brooks
sight or falling 4” below. But we’ll compute the PBR on the basis of the bullet rising no more than 5” above the line of sight or falling 5” below. With a 100gn spitzer boattail bullet leaving the muzzle at 3300fps, the PBR based on a 10” vital area is 400yds when the rifle is zeroed at 340 yd. This means that zeroed dead-on at 340yds, the bullet will rise no more than 5” above the line of sight at mid-range (actually slightly beyond mid-range), and will not drop 5” below until it reaches 400yds. With the 6mm Remington’s 250 fps slower muzzle velocity, the PBR drops only 20yds, to 380yds, with a 320yd zero. As for their respective striking energies at
AThe PBR is the maximum range at which we can hold dead-centre on a target without the bullet straying out of the specified vital area. For deer-size game I chose a 10-inch circle to represent the vital area, and the PBR is computed on the basis of the bullet rising no more than 4” above the line of
400yds., the 6mm Rem. arrives with 1107 ft/lbs; the .240 Weatherby with 1322. If you can better relate to zero ranges closer than those used to calculate PBR , a 250yd. zero would have the .240 Wby striking 12.3” low at 400yds. and the 6mm Rem. 14.7” low. I trust this satisfies your curiosity.
Wants The fastest .22 Hotshot
Q
I tried the .223 WSSM but was not impressed with its performance or how fast it burned out the rifle's throat. I noticed that you weren't too enamoured of any of the WSSMs when you suggested that if Winchester had brought out a line of calibres based on
the .284 case they would more than likely have been quite successful. If I necked the .284 case down to shoot .224 calibre bullets what kind of velocity might I expect? – Ted Roberts
A
About 60 years ago Robert Hutton whumped up a line of wildcat cartridges in different calibres based on the .284 case. He claimed his .22-284 chronographed 4,400 fps with a 50gn bullet at pressures lower than those of factory cartridges. But don't set your hopes too high, I reckon it'd be a real barrel burner - even worse than your .223WSSM - but what a performer!
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NZ CHAMOIS Mount Aspiring’s glistening peaks beckoned Tony Kamphorst to
Otago Chamois
I
T WAS bitterly cold as I stepped out of the car, wished Jeff good luck with his hunt and watched the hire car disappear down the windy mountain road that skirted the edge of Lake Wanaka. Although it was still well before sunrise I looked up and saw the snowy peaks of the mountain tops glowing pure white through the pre dawn gloom. It was a long way to the tops but that was where I wanted to be so I began the knee jarring climb up the creek bed. Despite the icy breeze wafting down off the snow covered tops within minutes I was sweating from the exertion and had taken off my heavy jacket and kept climbing clad in only shorts and a fleece t shirt over my thermals. I made good time and by the time the first rays of sunlight were hitting the Mount Aspiring mountain range behind me I checked my GPS and realised I had gained over 400 meters in elevation‌ the creek was deceptively steep. It was now light enough to glass and I stopped to scan the tussock covered benches and slips between the snow line and the bush line but nothing moved. We had been told by the local DOC office that there were chamois in this area but despite putting in a couple of big days in the three days previously Jeff and I were yet to lay eyes on of these elusive little creatures. The only animal sighted had been a solitary bull tahr by Jeff the afternoon before in another catchment further south, which was where he had returned to hunt today.
26 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
This was to be our last day on the hill and I was determined to make the most of it, so upwards and onwards it was. So far the creek had been my best access to the tops but soon I was confronted with sheer slippery rock faces and waterfalls. I was bluffed out so it was time to leave the creek bed and attack the ridges. I spent some time with my binoculars picking a spur that would lead me all the way to the tops then the battle with the scrub began. The mountainside was choked in matagouri that would catch and claw at my pack, clothes and rifle making the ascent an energy sapping struggle where at times my feet never touched the ground but finally I cleared the scrub and broke out into the open tussock and spaniard covered tops. I stopped for a moment to catch my breath and have a glass, half of the catchment was bathed in the early morning sunshine while the other half was Standing on a ridge just below the snowline looking down at Lake Wanaka.
venture upward to hunt chamois.
WWW.SPORTINGSHOOTER.COM.AU | 27
NZ CHAMOIS
1
ON THIS SPREAD
1 2
My first chamois buck.
Looking up into the basin where I shot my buck.
still in the cold shadow of the mountain. I scoured the valley from top to bottom with my binoculars, from the snow covered rocky peaks to the dark, wet beech forest down in the creek gorge but forty minutes of careful glassing produced nothing. I was seriously starting to doubt that these chamois existed. I decided to keep pushing on and soon my boots were crunching through patches of ice and snow that appeared amongst the tussock as I steadily climbed higher, with lungs burning and legs aching I pushed up the ridge with eyes down concentrating on the climb. That’s when I looked down and noticed a single hoof print in the snow, a closer inspection revealed a few more tracks and a few fresh droppings… these mythical creatures did exist! The long ridge I was climbing was now bathed in sunlight and looking up to the skyline and rocky peaks above me the pure white of the snow had a stunning contrast
28 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
with the bright blue autumn sky. By now I had climbed quite high and I stood at the base of a snow field that ran right up to the rocky peaks on the skyline, a few hundred meters further up there was a large boulder that stood out from its surroundings so I decided to aim for that and keep climbing, with the intention of gaining a bit more height before dropping over into a large rocky basin for a glass. I glanced up at the boulder every now and then as I climbed to keep my bearings, then all of a sudden I looked up and perched right on the pinnacle of the boulder looking down on me was a chamois. For a few short seconds I was in awe, silhouetted against the bright white backdrop of the snow the dark chocolate chammy buck looked like something straight out of a magazine. Then my mind clicked that I was finally looking at the animal that I had worked so hard to find. Throwing myself flat amongst the
snow and the spainyard I cranked a round into the old 25-06 and got him in the scope. Shit, he’s looking straight at me and looking pretty nervous. With no time to take my pack off and use it as a rest I took a lean over a few snow covered clumps of tussock and tried to steady my breathing as I lined him up. How far? Not sure… but the buck looked pretty bloody small in the scope so I’m guessing between 200 to 300 meters. Close enough. I wasn’t sure if my heart was still pounding from the physical exertion of the climb or I had buck fever but either way the crosshairs were wobbling like all hell. I took a breath, slowly exhaled and held waiting for the right moment. The moment the crosshairs steadied on the bucks chest for a second I took up the last few ounces of pressure on the trigger. BOOM!. The shot echoed across the valley and for a brief moment when my view through the scope recovered from the recoil I
2
FAST FACTS About NZ Chamois DESCRIPTION SIZE: Males are 650-900 mm (shoulder height) and
I looked down and noticed a single hoof print in the snow.” saw the chamois cartwheeling down the mountainside before disappearing out of sight. I enjoyed a brief moment of sheer elation and even let slip a bit of a yahoo before composing myself and thinking about the task ahead, if there’s one thing I’ve learnt in my very limited experience of hunting the New Zealand alps is that shooting the animal is only half the battle. You still have to recover it. Struggling up the ridge as quick as my legs would take me I eventually reached the boulder and started looking where I last saw the buck… nothing. After another ten minutes of careful searching I finally picked up a smear of blood on the snow and shortly after found a well-defined track where the dead animal had fallen and slid down the mountain, gathering speed as gravity took hold
and skipping and bouncing its way down through the snow and tussocks. I followed the marks right up to where they disappeared over a steep edge and my heart sunk. I went as close to the edge as I dared but was faced with a near vertical face dropping away into a gorge, my hard won chamois had sailed over the edge into parts unknown. Sitting down for a moment I gathered my thoughts, there was no way in hell that I was going after the buck the way he had gone but I still wasn’t giving up. Slightly further down the main ridge was a knife-edge spur that came out and back around and I figured if I could get on that spur I could glass back onto the face where I had lost the buck and maybe pick him up in the binos. Reaching my vantage point I had barely put the binos to my eyes when I spotted a dark chocolate bundle of fur and horns tangled in the matagouri clinging precariously to the face. I’d found my buck! Even though I’d found the buck and I could see him plain as day I almost had to walk away and leave him. He’d come to rest in a hell of a spot and I had to keep telling myself that no trophy is worth risking your life for. But I thought long and hard about and studied a
weigh 25-45 kg. Females are smaller at 600-800 mm shoulder height and weighing 19-35 kg. COLOUR: Summer coats vary from grey-brown, tan to honey-gold tone. Their much darker winter coat is dark brown/almost black. Faces have a dark brown or black band from the nose, around the eyes to base of horns. Cheeks & throat are pale fawn. HORNS: Both sexes have slender black horns arising straight up, curving back to form sharp hooks at the ends. Male horns are usually stouter and strongly developed than females. SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR: Mostly feeding during the day, in summer for 3-4 hours from dawn and 3-4 hours before dusk. They rest in the middle of the day. In winter they feed less intensively around mid morning and mid afternoon. Outside of mating season, male and female chamois are largely segregated. Females and young form loose, unstable groups, and males are mostly solitary. REPRODUCTION: Mating season begins in early-mid May, peaking in late May to early June. During this time dominant males will gather available females in a harem, defending them from other males often posturing with imposing displays but rarely resulting in frontal attacks. Gestation period: Variable 5 1/2 to 6 months. BIRTHING: Single young are born from November to February. NOMENCLATURE: Male chamois are called bucks, females called doe, and their young called kids.
WHERE TO HUNT CHAMOIS Chamois are found throughout the high country of the South Island from the Nelson Lakes area in the north to Fiordland in the south. They are renowned for their ability to occupy a range of mountain habitats, and will spread into lower altitude forest areas especially on the West Coast. (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra). Source: http://www.doc.govt.nz
WWW.SPORTINGSHOOTER.COM.AU | 29
NZ CHAMOIS
Looking down on me was a chamois.”
Jeff Borg hunting a typical Otago catchment, bush down in the valley floor along the creek giving way to tussock covered slopes and ending in snow covered rocky peaks.
series of rocky pinnacles that made their way down the face, if I could climb down them I could get to less than ten meters of my buck and then judge the situation from there. It all went to plan and despite a few hairy bits I made it to the last jumble of rocks feeling confident that I could climb back out the way that I had come. Now I just had to reach the buck, I couldn’t see him but had memorised his position and taking a length of rope from my pack I left my gear and started sidling across the face. It was every bit as steep as it looked but my saving grace was the
matagouri and the usually loathsome spikey spainyard I was now clinging onto for dear life praying the roots would hold. Finally almost two hours after I had shot him I finally got my hands on my chammy buck. After another fifteen minutes of mucking around with the rope and crossing back and forwards across the face I managed to drag him up to safety in the rocks and breathed a sigh of relief. What an epic! After a few happy snaps and caping the buck out I made my way back up and out to safer ground without incident and began the long hike back down off the
mountain to the lake. A few hours later I staggered out of the creek bed and up onto the roadside totally exhausted. It was still a couple of hours before dark and seeing as Jeff had the car I was faced with a five kilometre walk along the road back to the campground. Before long my weary legs and boots were finding a rhythm on the bitumen and with the weight of a chammy head and cape stashed safely in my pack I couldn’t help but smile. I’m not sure when but one things for sure, I’ll be back to hunt these elusive little animals of the NZ alps.
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TEST REPORT
BY NICK HARVEY
Bergara Performance B14 Timber .270 This Spanish-made sporter can’t be written off as just being another Remington Model 700 clone, it's a lot more than that.
1 32 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
MY first experience of Bergara firearms was when Herron Security & Sport began importing and distributing a line of Spanish-made breakaction single-shot rifles that impressed me with their innate design simplicity and wonderful accuracy. In the U.S they were sold under the CVA (Connecticut Valley Arms Co,) name. In 1999 CVA was purchased by BPI Outdoors, owned by Spanish parent Dikar, a company that in recent years has become a serious competitor by taking aim at the U.S bolt-action hunting and tactical rifle field. The history of Bergara is an interesting one and stems from a move by BPI to find a cheaper, more reliable source of barrels for their CVA subsidiary. With typical Yankee enterprise they approached Dikar who had a manufacturing plant in Spain to expand their operation and make their own barrels. The outcome was that Dikar agreed to BPI's proposal and invested heavily in state-ofthe-art CNC barrel machinery. However, they didn't go into the operation blinkered, they hired famous American barrelmaker Ed Shilen to consult and plan a system of manufacture that included computerised milling, drilling, triple-honing and rifling that resulted in producing super-accurate rifle barrels. BPI were successful in getting quality barrels mass produced
2
Triple-honing and rifling resulted in producing super-accurate rifle barrels.� exactly how they wanted them at cost, cutting out the middle-man. It named the barrel making factory Bergara after the name of the town in north-central Spain where it was located. Bergara started off making barrels for muzzleloaders and centrefire barrels for the Bergara-CVA single-shot, switch-barrel rifles and pistols, as well as aftermarket barrels for competing models including
T/C's Contender and Encore. In 2008, BPI got a leg in the booming tactical market and started supplying a number of well-known gunmakers, particularly those in the AR Tactical and law enforcement business. In 2012, BPI U.S.A followed up with a line of custom rifles using Bergara barrels built on Stiller actions. Their next project was to design their own robust centrefire bolt action and offer it in a range of rifle models, all equipped with Bergara barrels. Herron Security & Sport lists The B-14 in three versions- Timber, Sporter and Hunter with synthetic stocks; BCR22 Mountain Hunter, BCR23 Sport Hunter; BCR24 Varmint Hunter; BCR25 Long Range Hunter; BCR27 Competition; and three different Tactical models - the BCR28, BCR29 and BCR 30. The model sent
3
for evaluation was the B14 Timber in .270 Winchester. The heart of any rifle is its action and although the Bergara's receiver shares the Remington 700's "footprint," making it compatible with Model 700 aftermarket triggers, the rifle incorporates features from other rifles. The receiver ring has an extended collar (like the Kimber) that incorporates and hides the blanked out recoil lug. The Bergara's robust receiver is forged from a block of 4140 chrome-moly steel, weighs about 680 grams, has a length of 227mm and the receiver ring has a diameter of 35mm. Mark Herron told me that the action is made in Portugal and barrels and stocks are fitted in Spain. The push-feed bolt has two forward-mounted, horizontally- opposed, locking lugs, a plunger ejector,
Sako-style toggle extractor and rather long, gently-raked-back bolt handle with a 90-degree lift. The pair of non-rotating lugs slide smoothly in the round receiver raceway and the right lug is slotted to ride on a rail in the right sidewall and act as an anti-bind device. The Bergara doesn't have the Remington Model 700's counterbored breech, rather it partly resembles the Model 70 breech. A coned barrel combined with a deeply recessed bolt face forms a system tailored to feed, extract, and eject cartridges with the utmost speed and certainty. The face of each lug is bevelled to cam up into the bolt face proper and make the rim of the bolt face fit closely against the barrel's coned face. This seats the cartridge deeply into the barrel and better shrouds the case head. The Bergara's anti-bind bolt is
one of the fastest and slickest I've encountered. The Bergara's Remington 700-like receiver ring has a large gas port on the right side next to the extractor to vent any gas that escapes into the breech. Gas entering the firing pin hole is vented through a port in the bolt head facing the left raceway. Any gas that makes it back along the receiver sidewalls to the rear will be is deflected by a large flange on the nicely contoured bolt shroud. A red dot cocking indicator on the rear end of the cocking piece protrudes from the rear of the bolt shroud when the rifle is cocked. The bolt release, a spring- tensioned lever protrudes from the left side of the bridge. Bergara B14 rifles use Shilen triggers with trigger- blocking, two-position safeties - the safety can still be manipulated
on "safe." My personal; preference is for a 3- position safety with a mid-position that locks the bolt handle down. The safety lever is located on the right side of the bolt shroud, which is where it is on the Remington 700. The 6-groove, 610mm medium-contour barrel is free-floated from the receiver ring forward. Chambered in .270 Winchester it has a R/H 1:10" twist. The barrel has pretty hefty dimensions for a sporter with a diameter at the receiver ring of almost 32mm gradually tapering to 16.46mm at the countersunk muzzle. Bergara barrels have earned an enviable reputation for accuracy and are being used by several riflemakers in the U.S.A as well as Europe. Each barrel begins life as either a cylindrical bar of chromemoly or, in the case of Premier grade rifles), stainless) steel that is discarded if it doesn't conform to a straightness of within .004 inch before deep hole drilling is commenced. The blank is clamped into a four spindle machine that drills a hole of the precise diameter. Instead of lapping the hole, however, Bergara uses three separate diamondtipped honing spindles to polish the bore's surface to a smooth finish. The barrel is rifled by pulling a button through the bore. Groove diameter must conform to a tolerance of less than .0002 inch the full length of the
ON THIS SPREAD
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The Bergara B14 in blued/ walnut configuation is smooth-looking, a pleasure to behold. Image:Bergara
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Bolt has two large locking lugs. Recessed bolt face houses plunger ejector and sliding extractor.
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Two of these four groups shot with factory ammo are under one MoA; the other two are not much larger. WWW.SPORTINGSHOOTER.COM.AU | 33
TEST REPORT
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5 bore. Finally, barrels are heat stress-relieved to remove any tension in the metal and prevent the barrel warping as it heats up during shooting. Knowing this, I decided not to wait for the barrel to cool down between groups during range testing. Nor was I disappointed, groups remained just as tight, didn't open up and there were no fliers. The trigger guardfloorplate assembly and magazine follower are made of alloy with the floorplate release in front of the trigger guard. The unit has a black anodised finish and the wide oval trigger guard allows enough room for a gloved trigger finger. The B-14 has a walnut stock with a Monte-Carlo comb sloping upwards toward the
The Italian walnut stock is neatly pillar-bedded.� rear and a generous cheekpiece. The pistol grip is oval in cross-section and rather thick with a palm swell on the right side. It is and uncapped and has a "B" logo inlaid in the bottom. The handfilling fore-end is rounded in crosssection and affords a secure grasp, but with a length of 280mm may be a shade long. Panels of fine machine-cut checkering in a point pattern adorn fore-end and grip and a thin black Pachmayr
6 34 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
Decelerator recoil pad and sling swivel studs are standard. The Italian walnut stock is neatly pillar-bedded and the fore-end is hollowed out under the barrel. The blanked-out square recoil lug sandwiched between the receiver and barrel has such a large face and generous separation from the magazine cavity that it exceeds the effectiveness of most integral lugs. It is fully bedded on all sides in its mortise in the bottom of the stock, which proved conducive to fine accuracy. I used Leupold Q/D mounts to attach a Sightron 3-9x42 variable-power scope with standard Duplex-type reticle. With the scope in place, a sling attached and three rounds in the magazine the outfit weighed 4.2kgs field ready . That's plenty of heft for a plains rifle but a bit on the heavy side for mountain hunting. I like Sightron scopes and have three of them on my own rifles. They have bright multi-coated optics and crisp, precise adjustments and are free from any unnecessary bells and whistles. The Bergara B-14 functioned flawlessly and the test rifle'/s Shilen trigger broke crisply at 1.134kg (2-1/2lb). Test Shooting took place on a cold winter's morning without the slightest hint of a breeze.
The rifle was sighted-in using Hornady Custom Reduced Recoil ammunition loaded with the 120gn SST at the reduced velocity of 2675fps. This load is intended to wean young shooters and women by getting them used to the recoil of a centrefire rifle before graduating to full-power loads. The 120gn SST bullet leaving the muzzle at 2685fps was very pleasant to shoot and should serve its purpose admirably. After the first bullet from the Bergara landed dead-on the point of aim at 100 yards, I fired two more shots which cut a nice cloverleaf and the final two shots produced a group measuring 0.989. Next I fired five rounds with Hornady's American Whitetail loading with the 130gn Interlock bullet clocking 3034fps. The first
ON THIS PAGE
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Contoured bolt shroud has a large gas flange with firing indicator protruding. Safety has two positions, doesn’t lock bolt handle down.
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Stock features pillar bedding. Recoil lug is snug fit on bottom and sides of its mortise.
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Bergara B14 was fitted with a 3-9x42 Sightron scope using Leupold Q/R mounts for a Remington Model 700.
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TEST REPORT
three bullets cut a ragged hole measuring 0.247". The fourth bullet spread 0.749" and the last one went through the same hole as the first three! More luck than skill? Hornady Superformance loads with the 130gn SST bullet leaving the muzzle at 3260fps, planted the first four shots in 0.825" and the fifth made it 1.138". I have a sneaking suspicion that I may have pulled the last shot. I saved the Sellier & Bellot stuff until last, although I'd previously gained exceptional accuracy from this brand, particularly from their 6.5x55
SPECS Specs Bergara B14 Timber Manufacturer: Bergara, spain Calibre: .270 Winchester, but available most popular cartridges. Action type: turnbolt push-feed repeater with Rem 700 and Model 70 features Barrel: Bergara chrome-moly button-rifled Rifling: 6 groove; 1:10" R/H twist Magazine: internal with hinged floorplate; 4 round capacity Sights: none, receiver drilled and tapped for Rem. 700 bases Trigger: Shlien adjustable with 1.134kg pull (tested) Stock: walnut, Monte-Carlo. Length of pull, 350mm; drop at heel, 20mm, drop at comb, 15mm
ammo. Nor did their .270 130gn soft-point load disappoint, it clocked 2978 fps in punching a five-shot group measuring a very satisfying 1.019". Although I did more accuracy testing, Those initial groups proved to be pretty much the average. Furthermore, this is one of very few rifles I've tested that has continued to shoot tight groups, with nary the sign of a single flier, after the barrel got too hot to touch. B14 rifles are guaranteed to shoot one MoA groups at 100 yards with quality ammunition. My sample proved capable of that with selected ammo. The rifle was shot offhand at 100 yards at a pig target by unslinging the rifle from its carrying position, throwing it to my shoulder up and firing the instant the butt hit my my shoulder when the crosswires were aligned on the hog's chest. All three bullets landed within 3 inches. Moving the target out to 200 yards, I shot from the sit in rapid succession, landing three bullets in the hog's head. The extra heft of the Bergara was certainly an advantage in holding steady from field positions. The next day I moved to the local big-bore range and set up half a dozen fruit cans - three at 300 and three at 400 yards and shot from prone resting my leading hand on top of my daypack, just the way I would in the field. I aimed at the top
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7 My test rifle performed in exemplary fashion.â&#x20AC;? edge of the cans at 300 and about the height of the can at 400. This was with the Superformance load which shot noticeably flatter than the standard Whitetail loading. This load is also harder hitting on game than any .270 Winchester ammo - factory or reload - retaining 2396 fps velocity and delivering 1656 ft/lb of energy at 400 yards against 1385ft/lb for the standard Whitetail load. Although I'm sure that the
Bergara barrel was largely responsible for the rifle's fine accuracy, the rigid B14 action and crisp Shilen trigger also played an important part. The rifle's beautiful walnut stock sat steady on the bench and was easy to hold steady offhand. The B14 Timber in .270 Winchester and B14 Sporter both have a Monte-Carlo style stock, but the B14 Hunter has a classic-style straight-comb stock that will hold more appeal for the traditionalist. My test rifle performed in exemplary fashion and would be well worth considering by any hunter looking for a long-range deer rifle. The mountain hunter to whom light weight is critical should look at the Bergara BC22 Mountain Hunter.
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Overall length: 1134mm
Action shows Remington heritage, but breech and cone bolt are more Model 70 Winchester.
Weight: 4.2kg with Sightron 3-9x40 scope
8
Price: check your local gun shop Trade enquiries: Herron Security & Sport. PH: (02) 9417 3388
36 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
Shilen trigger is fully adjustable and capable of crisp let- off free from any creep or overtravel.
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Ted Mitchell Snr and friends get into three big game species on the one hunt with the thrill-seeking, hell-bent Halls.
38 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
MAIN: Dragging the bull from the mud with the mighty Rhino. INSET: Ted and Matt with his first bull buffalo.
Territory Trifecta
R
OLLING UP to the Hall’s place was excellent; it’s great to meet up with our good friends once again after a two year interval. Having already driven from Darwin to Katherine earlier in the week with our mate Rob to hunt on a private property, we \had done well to take two large wild scrub bulls and one set of smelly horns were traveling home with us. Having been back up to Darwin to drop Rob home we were now here once again. Boy you end up doing a lot of miles in the Territory. On arriving at the biggest rock garden ever, (anyone that has been there knows) it is a pristine large rockery with a lovely lawn nearer the house, where there were plenty of lovely plants and some flowering trees growing. Gary’s lovely wife Gina, also the gardener, cooked us a wonderful tea that evening and after sitting around talking and catching up with a few drinks, we hit the sack to be ready for an early start. WWW.SPORTINGSHOOTER.COM.AU | 39
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I always knew young Matt was a bit like a oneeyed, drunken dozer driver.”
2 40 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
Dropping in to Gary’s son Matt’s place, he hooked up his trailer with the buggy in it all ready and it wasn’t too long before we set off on another great adventure. After about an hour on the highway we cruised on into the front gates of the property we would be hunting. It was then another long dusty drive to a rough campsite that would be used as our base. These properties are pretty big and the tracks were rough, but we loved every minute of once again traversing this land in the company of a couple of legends. Being still quite early arriving at our campsite, Matt and I quickly
3 loaded up with our hunting gear and took off in the Rhino. Gritting my teeth and hanging on tight, we took off in a swirling cloud of dust, whilst Todd and Gary headed another direction in Matt’s Hilux. Now I always knew young Matt was a bit like a one-eyed, drunken dozer driver and he soon reinforced that impression. Traversing up and down hills that would baulk a billy goat and through rough washouts and rocky escarpments like they weren’t even there, we made many rough miles. Things were going well until the temperature gauge showed we were overheating. This
didn’t look at all good, so stopping and carefully taking the cap off the radiator that was actually quite cool, a large bottle of water was poured into the radiator, but surprisingly didn’t fill it. Looking underneath the Rhino it was ascertained that the radiator hose had been ripped off by one of the many trees or rocks we had blasted through. Putting the hose back on, didn’t take too long, but our drinking water was the only water now still available, so it went into the radiator filling it at last and luckily there were still a couple of mouthfuls left.
Sure glad it was a buggy and not a quad, as at least I could see the massive bumps and drops coming and could brace myself for the hits and duck the trees as this bloke only knows of two speeds, flat out and stop. Stopping here and there and walking the creeks, at first we did no good but filled another couple of bottles with water in case we had more overheating problems. Getting to another great looking spot with many waterholes, we were moving along slowly when Matt said, “Big bull buffalo behind those trees.” Moving a little closer we could see he was a
decent bull that was standing behind a few trees. I took a good lean as the bull moved into sight and put the cross hairs of my Swarovski scope on his low shoulder; one shot from my .358ME putting a Barnes 225grain projectile into his shoulder dropped him on the spot. Then amazingly he managed to get to his feet and stagger about ten paces and stop, where another Barnes was fired that killed him on the spot. That second shot was probably not needed as he looked like he was finished, but it’s always good to make certain with
ON THIS SPREAD
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The dogs harassing a decent sized hog.
2
Todd’s .375 H&H-d hooky boar.
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Gary with a decent boar and his faithful dish licker Rocky.
WWW.SPORTINGSHOOTER.COM.AU | 41
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It’s always good to make certain with big bovines.”
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The dozer driver at work. The buggy tied up with wire.
big bovines. Naturally he had just managed to get into the water, so after walking back to the buggy Matt drove it over and hooked a rope around his horns and managed to pull him out far enough to get some photos without getting too wet. He was a nice looking bull and after having a wash to get rid of all the mud we had caked on us, he was then set up and quite a few photos were taken before removing his head. We moved on after strapping his head to the roof of the Rhino, stopping here and there and walking some more creeks and
42 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
waterholes with Matt letting his bailing dogs out. It wasn’t too long before they put up a decent boar in the creek and after a few bailing photos a shot was put into him dropping him on the spot. We were soon walking some more likely looking creeks and waterholes, this time without the dogs. A couple of donkeys were spotted and a short stalk across a creek and up a steep track put me within 100 metres of them. (Little did I know that Matt was whispering to me to watch out, as there was a big bad looking bull buff lining me up for a bulldozing – well I am as deaf as a beetle.) I took quick aim and fired, one of the donkeys dropped on the spot and when recycling another round, Matt who was a bit behind me started yelling “Look out Ted, a big bull buffalo on your left and he is onto you!” Turning quickly, there he was, 15 metres from me, a big bull buffalo coming out from behind a big bush and he was looking straight at me as he came. He was angling in to me and in a millisecond he could be right onto me, a bad scenario. “Bloody hell!” methinks and in an instant the
rifle was up to my shoulder and a quick shot was fired into the front of his shoulder angling backwards. This turned him well away from me and as he slowly headed off, I quickly fired into him again, this time beside the butt of his tail. The first shot had done him big harm, then as he slowed and stopped to look back, another round ploughed into his neck, dropping him stone dead. My heart must have been beating pretty fast, as at the time my mind was saying, “You’re a goner here, you idiot.” Something that hadn’t even been given a thought to, was the fact that I had just re filled my magazine with some new ACP 185 grain lighter projectiles for pigs and donkeys. Apparently they had worked pretty well anyway, as being a mono pill they had penetrated deep enough to stop him. Setting him up took some doing, especially with my hands still shaking, ha ha, but the photo session was soon going strong. He looked a lot smaller when he was on the ground to how he looked from 15 metres when he was coming toward me. Then he looked monstrous! We took his back straps and carried his head back a fair way to the buggy. Half an hour was spent trying to find the donkey, but somehow in all the excitement we misplaced him. It was a long drive back to camp with a few more short walks for hogs along the way with no more luck. When Todd and Gary arrived back, they had gotten onto a few good boars and Todd had even brought some tusks back to boil out. That night we cooked a decent feed and sat around having a few drinks and yakking on a bit before hitting the sack ready for another day. This time Matt took Todd in the Rhino
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Ted with the buffalo that put a bit of a scare into him. Coming towards him from behind bushes at 15 metres was scary.
7
Todd with his wild scrub bull.
6 My mind was saying, ‘You’re a goner here, you idiot.’ ”
44 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
HUNTING
TIP
while I went with Gary. Our day wasn’t real flash as we saw precious few pigs and even fishing was a fizzer. The reason I say nearly no pigs was because while walking a steep creek, I spotted a good sized boar laying in a depression in the creek bed and whistled to Gary that there was a big pig laying down there. He motioned for me to shoot it, so I did. At the shot the boar never moved and it was mentioned to Gary how good these new ACP pills were as it killed him stone dead and he didn’t even move at all, not even a kick. Getting down the steep bank and to the boar there was a really big surprise waiting for me. The boar was already dead before my shot, as the boys had shot him yesterday arvo and he was laying there looking alive but with a stick in his mouth to show the tusks off. Hell, did I cop it from Gary
about that; he said to me, “Those new pills are that good that they go right through, shoot a stick and wedge it in the boar’s mouth all ready for a photo.” Ha ha, I copped it for a fair while over that, and weeks later I was still copping a ribbing from Gary. The boys got back really late and we were just starting to worry about them. It turned out that the dozer driver “Mad Matt”, had tried to clear too much land with the Rhino and tore one of the struts right off. Spending a bit of time
IF you have a choice of driving over an obstacle or around it, then it’s wiser to go around.
7
and inventiveness they finally ran the winch cable under the buggy, through a D bolt and through the spring and to another D bolt which effectively held the strut in place while they limped back. Todd had shot a couple of nice boars and a cow buffalo during the day and had a great time. A couple of the boars had very large tusks and they were taken as souvenirs of a great hunt. With the buffalo, they had walked to a billabong and while resting there they spotted a herd of buffalo heading towards them. The herd came right in to the water just 30 metres from them and Todd got some great video footage before deciding to shoot a large cow for more meat. His .375H&H performed excellently with the buff dropping to one well placed Barnes 250grain projectile. On the pigs, he had also gotten some great video of Matt’s dogs bailing a good boar before he put it to sleep with a well placed shot. It was a great few days that we spent with the Hall’s and i'd like to thank them personally for all the time they spent with us and also for being a great bunch of people.
PRODUCT REVIEW
BY NICK HARVEY
Vortex Razor 3-15x42 Hd Light Hunter Riflescopes
1 These Japanese riflescopes belong in the sensible category of high-range variables. They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have large diameter tubes, are not overweight and their construction is pretty straight forward.
NEW For 2016 Razor HD LH (Light Hunter) riflescopes feature top-tier glass and clean lines in a sleek lightweight package which won't add too much weight and bulk to a light sporter. Unlike some of the current crop of long-range riflescopes which feature 30 and 35mm main tubes, the Razor HD LH is built on a one-piece, one-inch tube machined from aircraft-grade aluminium, which features a dull anodised finish hardened to resist scuffs and scratches. The rear mounting section of the main tube is 57mm, and the forward section is 56mm, allowing plenty of latitude to slide the scope forth and back in the rings to gain proper eye relief. Ring spacing is
46 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
important. We want the rings to give the scope as much support as possible without fouling the turrets or objective bell. One of my pet hates is the short-coupled variable scope which makes using extension rings necessary. I shy off them. It's not that they are no less solid than standard rings, but they do tend to spoil the looks of a fine sporter. This Vortex Razor HD LH is a neat looking scope with slim, trim lines, since Vortex Optics chose a 42mm objective lens diameter. Sure, a larger objective lens, say 50mm, would offer a slight increase in light transmission and resolution, but it would also require high rings which makes the shooter raise his face off the
comb to see through the scope. All things considered I think a 42mm objective is a more versatile choice. Big objective lens are in style now because they transmit more light and provide the scope with a larger exit pupil. The exit pupil is simply the ratio of objective lens diameter in millimetres to the scope's magnification. Hence the exit pupil of the 3-15x42mm scope under review would shrink from 14mm at 3x to 2.8mm at 15x. Your eyes (actually young and perfect eyes) have pupils that vary in size between about 2.5mm in bright sunlight to 7.1mm in the dark. During the prime hunting times at dawn and dusk, these pupils adjust 5mm or so. Regardless of how big the front lens of a scope, eyes dilated to 5mm can only take advantage of an exit pupil that wide. Therefore if you set this 3-15x variable at 8x your exit pupil with a 42mm objective will be 5.25 - enough to brighten the target image in dim light. As evidenced by the name, the Vortex Razor's indexedmatched lenses are made from high-density (HD), extra-low dispersion glass, with an APO apochromatic lens system, XR Plus and premium fully multi-coated lenses. High density extra-lowdispersion glass normally sees use in expensive telescopes. It is usually added to a doublet to form a triplet and give additional colour correction in the secondary spectrum. ED glass provides true colour images, sharp from edge to edge, extra brightness and colour fidelity so that any light lost to the smaller objective is
counterbalanced. As well it compensates for overlap in the angles of light rays brought together by the second element in an achromatic lens. One-inch alloy tubes and quarter-inch click adjustments are what the majority of Aussie shooters expect in a hunting scope, but the pair of Vortex Razors actually have 1/4 -minute clicks which coincide with the MOA subtensions on the glassetched reticles. Vortex scopes are built for the American market and the reticle is in the second focal plane so as you change magnification, it stays the same apparent size. Each scope is Argon gas purged and O-ring sealed for fogproof and waterproof performance. Another more recent Vortex innovation is Armortek, a coating applied to exterior lenses to provide a scratch, oil and debris resistant coating. It does not block light and according to the people at Vortex may even crank up the brightness slightly. Each scope comes with a sunshade for use when the sun gets low and glare shine son the objective lens. The Precision Glide Erector System is machined from brass alloy and a polished chrome-vanadium erector spring withstands pressure and has high fatigue resistance. Furthermore, heat- treated hardened steel pads on the turret screw interact with a hardened steel ring on the erector tube to prevent scuffing or deformation of the turret screw. This big-game variable offers high magnification with 5 times zoom capability and has parallax correction. Parallax is the apparent movement of the target in the scope field as you move your eye up and down or from side to side. The images formed by targets at various distances fall at different points between the erector and ocular lenses.
Because the scope's reticle doesn't move along the tube's axis to compensate, it meets a focused image only when the target is a certain distance from the rifle. Most hunting scopes are set to be parallax free at 100 or 150 yards, but the Vortex has a third turret which allows you to programme the scope for zero parallax at the range you want to shoot. The turret adjusts from 20 yards to infinity. Eye relief on maximum power is a long 3.8 inches. The eye relief for variable scopes typically shrinks from low to high power, but in the Vortex remains constant. Big-game rifles should have non-critical eye-relief because sometimes you must aim quickly from some hastily assumed position that puts your eye closer or farther from the scope than is ideal. The Vortex has noncritical eye relief which allows
ample back-and-forth leeway before the field blacks out. The adjustment turrets are capped and dials have 1/4 minute and one-minute inch graduations. After sighting in, a coin can be inserted in the slot on top of the knob to loosen the dial and allow you to realign the dial to zero. Setting the return to zero feature is essential for applying ranging data. The scopes sent for evaluation had two different reticles - G4-BDC MOA and HSR-4 MOA. The listed distances on both reticles will only be valid with the scope set at the highest magnification. To utilise the scope to its fullest, you'll need to know the various subtensions of the bars on the reticle, but also the ranging formulas which you'll find by choosing one of the listed Firearm/Range classes. This is
done by referring to the Vortex Long Range Ballistic Calculator (LRBC) which allows you to compare your bullet drop numbers to the ones listed for each class. Find it on your computer at www. vortexoptics.com. After finding the correct class for your rifle, sight in the main centre-dot to the recommended zero range. 100 yards is the most common zero distance, but a 200 yard zero may be preferred for long range applications. Once the rifle has been sighted in the lower bars can be used as aiming points at the corresponding distances listed. For most popular calibres, the hash marks will provide accuracy within 0-4 inches of your aiming point depending on the range. Instructions furnished with the scope list six different classes of rifles and detail
2 Proved to be very positive, but precise and, more importantly, consistently repeatable.â&#x20AC;? ON THIS SPREAD
1
The Vortex Light Hunter scope is a high-range variable with 5-times zoom and BDC reticle.
2
Focusing is done by rotating the eyepiece and locking the setting with a lock ring. Power ring is clearly marked and has thumb piece.
3
3
Adjustment dials are clearly marked at 1/4 MOA and 1 MOA intervals and for impact direction.
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PRODUCT REVIEW
4
drop figures and wind deflection for the various bars. If you want to obtain the very best accuracy from the G4-BDC reticle, you can custom match yardages to the drop hash marks based on the exact ballistics of the load you are shooting. by referring to the ballistic software Vortex LRBC. Much the same applies to the HSR-4 reticle which is a bit more sophisticated than the G4-BDC and has a fine centre crosswire coupled with MOA-based subtensions with 2 MOA spacing. It can not only be used to determine ranges, but also holdovers, windage corrections and moving target leads. The instruction booklet reminds shooters 1 MOA is commonly regarded as being equal to one inch at 100yds., but this is wrong. While it may work out all right over shorter distances, 1 MOA actually equals 1.047 in. True MOA
ON THIS PAGE
4
For testing the Vortex was mounted on a Winchester Model 70 in .300 WSM using Leupold Q/R mounts.
5
G4 BDC rerticle allows calibrated drop figures peraining to hash marks.
6
HSR-4 reticle uses subtention calculations to allow for drop, wind and moving target lead.
measurements are based on degrees and minutes : 360 degrees in a circle, 60 minutes in a degree for a total of 21,600 minutes. And these angular measurements are used to estimate range and correct for bullet drop in the Vortex riflescopes. Hence, 1 MOA will correspond to 1.047 inches at 100yds, 2.1 at 200, 3.15 at 300 and so on. For this reason, once the distance has been calculated using the HSR-4 glass-etched reticle, or a laser rangefinder, the HSR-4 can be used for rapid holdover correction for bullet drop of a given cartridge and load. Allowance for windage can be estimated using the bars on the centre horizontal crosswire. The bars are placed in even 2 MOA increments of subtension - and marked at 8,16 and 24 MOA. You only need to know the subtension at 100yds. of each line crossing the main vertical crosswire. For anyone shooting at targets or animals, the bars are a tremendous help in determining range, holding off for wind and knowing rather than guessing, holdover to make the first round hit. You simply determine ahead of time where each bar, reflects the point of impact. And, if anyone is so inclined, the same marks can be used to estimate the
48 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
amount of lead needed for a moving target. But this requires knowing the distance, wind speed and target speed, as well as the total bullet flight time, and rifle lock time. Bullet flight time can be roughly calculated based on muzzle velocities or a ballistic calculator. I'll leave this stuff to more technicallyminded readers. Testing of the Vortex Razor began by attaching the scope with the G4-BDC reticle to my Model 70 Winchester in .300 WSM and sighting it to zero the centre dot at 200yds. The I shot the square to verify the accuracy of the 1/4-MOA click adjustments. They not only proved to be very positive, but precise and, more importantly, consistently repeatable. This is essential when applying ranging data and returning to zero. Initial shooting was done on my range but I repaired to the big-bore range to check bullet drop figures out to 600 yards with the power set on 15x. Aiming with the tip of the fine vertical post at 300 yd, I fired a 3-shot group and then used the bars to shoot at progressively longer distances. Drop with Winchester's 180gn SilverTip loading was 7"; at 400 19", at 500 38.5" and at 600, 65". Not quite as flat as the drop figures predicted in the booklet that came with the scope.
I'd recommend first chronographing your load before using the Vortex software to work out the trajectories since an ammunition chart won't show you exactly where your bullets will strike at long range. There are so many variables. For one thing, small differences in loads and conditions become more apparent farther from the muzzle. In addition, the height of your scope mount affects the relationship of bullet trajectory and line of sight. Time didn't allow me to range test the HSR-4 reticle, but in all honesty, I'd expect it to work just as well. Shooting at the longer ranges was carried out on a dull overcast winter's day, but the brilliant image and resolution of the Razor HD's superior optics made aiming easy. With a little thought, running through the Vortex ballistic software and studying your particular reticle system, you will learn how to make sense of all this and how you can use each bar on game, in every situation quickly. The Vortex Razor HD LH is available in three models 1.5-8x32, 2-10x40 and 3-15x42mm tested.
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GUN LORE
AN ASSORTMENT OF HUNTING FACTS & FIGURES
Shoot Off Your Hind Legs Like A Man! Right or wrong, offhand is the most practical shooting technique and a position that the hunter is likely to be use more than any other.
1
50 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
THE title is an old adage that I remember reading in an American magazine. If you are a stillhunter, you go pussyfooting through the bush, stopping often to look all around for game. This is when you are most likely to jump a deer out of its bed and have no alternative to taking a quick offhand shot, more often than not at a moving animal. To score a high percentage of clean kills calls for instant eye/hand coordination, and perfect trigger control. My old pal Elmer Keith summed it up for me rather succinctly one day, after I knocked off a running coyote at somewhere around 125 yards offhand, saying, "To enjoy any kind of success the hunting, a man must learn to shoot offhand. Nowadays, most guys are bellywhoppers, who spend too much time
lying on their stomachs, resting their elbows on the ground, tightly wrapped in a sling. Or else, they spend all their time sitting at a bench. If they tried to shoot standing up they couldn't hit a bull in the ass with a frying pan." Was Elmer unfair? I suspect that today there are a lot more gunowners who are shooters and fewer who are proud hunters. More guys are seeking to knock off unsuspecting herbivores at 1000 yards, rather than stalking to within sure hitting range. Shooters have either forgotten how to shoot offhand or have never learned the technique. In some circles, shooting offhand is seen as risky and unsportsmanlike. Some target shooters believe offhand shooting is the mark of the tyro who suffers from buck fever every time he aims at game. The field shooter, they
say, should always try and find a natural rest or take up some hastily assumed position or stalk closer. And he is expected to score an instant kill with a single well-aimed bullet every time. While I agree with the part about trying to utilise some kind of rest, if there's one available, the the hunter doesn't always have the time or opportunity. If he happens across game suddenly, he has no option other than to shoot offhand. One reason is that offhand is the fastest way to get the shot off. Speed doesn't always matter, but sometimes it does. In most situations, if the hunter has done everything right, speed often isn't critical. If game is unaware, there is generally plenty of time to make preparations, find a rock or log to rest on, or drop prone and use your daypack to steady
your rifle. But if a quick shot is needed, offhand is the fastest position of all. Offhand is also the easiest position from which to swing the rifle smoothly for a running shot. Sometimes I have had a guide try to talk me into using a shooting stick on walking or running game, but I always waved it aside. I needed to swivel my shoulders to track the game in my scope and swing the reticle on past to give it the right amount of lead. Offhand shooting is difficult, and if anyone wants to use a Bog Pod or some other kind of shooting stick to steady his aim then by all means, he should do so. I've always gained more satisfaction from using hunting methods (stalking or stillhunting) that result in a sure shot at a standing unwary animal. Some virtuous hunters insist they would never risk a shot at a running animal, but certain conditions sometimes make it necessary. One example is where the animal is wounded and running away, and another when dangerous game is charging the hunter. I believe that the best reason for proficiency in offhand shooting is that the skills developed improve your other positions as well. Trigger and breath control, coordinating the sight picture with trigger release, are all critical factors to good offhand shooting. When you shoot well offhand, you’ll almost certainly shoot better from steadier positions Offhand shooting makes you more critical of the rifle’s qualities, and less tolerant of its shortcomings. In rifle tests, I include information that I believe is important; the rifle's balance, fit, handling, trigger quality, smooth feeding, chambering, extraction and ejection. Some of the bizarre
2
ON THIS SPREAD
1
A good offhand hold requires that the head be erect, the support arm directly under the fore-end and the elbow about level with the shoulder.
2
Nick shot this moose in Alaska with an offhand shot as it ran side-on at about 70 yards. It dropped in its tracks.
3
Another advantage of offhand shooting is that it allows the bolt to be worked with the rifle held on the shoulder to get off a fast follow-up shot.
Offhand is also the easiest position from which to swing the rifle smoothly for a running shot.” stocks offered on sporters are poorly balanced and can only be shot well off a rest. I believe too many shooters are only interested in benchrest accuracy, that they agonise over a few tenths of an inch difference in group size and that is a serious mistake. Consistent accuracy is important, particularly with varmint/target rifles, but for big-game rifles it is just one of many factors. Weaknesses that are hardly noticeable when shooting from a bench can be ruinous from offhand. One thing I guarantee - if you get serious about offhand shooting, you will not tolerate a creepy 2.7 to 3.2kg trigger. Nor are lousy triggers found only on entry-level rifles. Casual shooters who can't get out in the field often can
practice offhand shooting on an indoor range. But target methods involving a tight thick jacket, heavy glove and palm rest bear little relevance to field shooting. But open air ranges with moving targets provide worthwhile training. The offhand shooting stance is natural: feet about shoulder width apart, toes turned out slightly, knees flexed rather than braced. The stance is rather casual, but balanced, stable and flexible. It doesn't require visibly bent knees, but they shouldn't be rigidly locked. Shoulders and hips should be parallel, the shooting-hand side dropped back so that they are at about 45 degrees to the target.
The buttpad should be seated on the hard muscle of the shoulder. A common error when mounting the rifle in a hurry is to place the buttpad too high so that only the toe is pressed against the shoulder pocket, or to seat the buttpad against the muscles of the upper arm. The head should be erect; the shooter raising the rifle to his face rather than shouldering the rifle, then lowering his face down to the comb of the stock. Years ago, shooters were taught that the strong-side elbow should be held high, about on a level with the ear. What this stance was supposed to accomplish, I have no idea. It is strained, uncomfortable and
3
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GUN LORE
Bog Pod also comes in a three-legged tripod version that provides extra steadiness for the less skilled offhand shooter.
unnatural - something to be avoided. The elbow should be about level with the shoulder, which results in nicely defined shoulder pocket in which to seat the buttpad. Holding the rifle with the thumb of the shooting hand across the pistol grip gives you full control of the rifle and allows the trigger finger to move independently. Grip pressure should be firm, not tight. The support arm should be straight under the rifle; utilising bone instead of muscle forms a more stable platform to aid accuracy. The palm of the support hand cradles the fore-end, grasping it only tightly enough to control its movement. Hand position on the fore-end depends on the balance of the rifle. The idea is to hold the rifle steady, while being able to swing the rifle smoothly. For me, my support arm grip is
about 15cm ahead of the rifle's balance point. Target shooters are sometimes pictured with the fore-end balanced on the tips of the fingers of their open hand. I can't think of a more useless technique in the field. Now comes the hard part. Hold the rifle and look through the scope and you'll see the reticle is wobbling all over the target. How are you ever going to hit anything? Only by strengthening your muscles to reduce the amount of wobble, and by training the subconscious to release the trigger in the instant the reticle becomes aligned on a vital area. And that is going to require practice - lots of it. There are no shortcuts to becoming efficient at offhand shooting. It will take probably many thousands of shots to achieve a reasonable level of skill. Those individuals gifted with superior eye/hand
coordination will get there faster, while some others will have to work harder and a lot longer. Once you are able to hit a 25cm target every time at 100 metres offhand, concentrate on gaining smoothness and increased speed. In a prolonged exercise, try unslinging the rifle, swinging it up to your shoulder, acquiring a sight picture, simultaneously releasing the safety and moving the finger to the trigger. This is when you'll appreciate a wellbalanced rifle with a crisp trigger. Ideally, the rifle comes up, hits your shoulder fast, the eye immediately acquires a sight picture and the trigger finger breaks the shot. The methods described here have proven to be effective. But just remember they are means to an end, not the end itself.
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An even dozen rabbits taken spotlighting on the last night of the trip.
54 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
SMALL GAME
Martin Auldist sings the praises of the humble rabbit as a great standby when plans to hunt other more exotic species go awry.
Rabbits To The Rescue!
A
LMOST everyone reading this article will know that sinking feeling. You’ve been looking forward to a hunting trip for ages. It’s been cleared with the family and it’s marked on the calendar on the fridge. Your leave from work has been approved. The property is a good one, with heaps of game and you’ve been granted free access to thousands of acres. The departure date is so close you can taste it. The car is even packed! Then the phone rings…the trip is off.
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SMALL GAME
ON THIS SPREAD
1
The bunny hunter’s camp , the bank of the Murrumbidgee.
2
The authors .204 Ruger was handy for this long range rabbit.
3
Two rabbits and authors Brno Model 2 .22 LR. It was the first rifle he ever bought, way back in 1985 – and it’s still going strong.
For whatever reason, we’ve all had hunting trips cancelled at the last minute. Bad weather rolls in, rain blocks the tracks, the kids get sick, mates pull out, or work gets in the road. For my sons and I it was a combination of bad weather and bad luck that saw a recent pig hunting trip to Queensland evaporate into thin air at the last minute. So there we were, all dressed up and nowhere to go. After the initial disappointment, I got my thinking cap on. I wasn’t about to waste my leave so we needed to make alternative arrangements and fast! To cut a long story short, a quick phone call to one of my
1
56 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
cousins saw us heading for the Riverina in southern NSW, with a camping spot secured on the banks of the handsome Murrumbidgee River. After widespread rain over much of eastern Australia, it was too boggy to get out the back after pigs but there were, he said, plenty of rabbits on the lighter ground. I arrived at the property in the mid-afternoon with two of my sons, Cal and Billy, and together we rolled out our swags right on the banks of a river that was flowing hard, high and very dirty. We had a dinner appointment in the homestead that night, but the boys were keen for a quick hunt
before dark. We knew exactly where to go. Not far from camp there was an expansive stand of old man saltbush that spanned a long sandy rise running parallel with the river. We knew from past experience that this saltbush, while providing drought proof feed for the cattle, was also a haven for rabbits. With only an hour or so of daylight at our disposal we headed off in my Triton twincab ute to do a bit of what I term “car stalking”. This is a great technique for shooting with the kids and involves slowly driving through likely areas with the junior shooter sitting safely in the passenger seat, shooting out the
window. This way I am within easy reach of both the shooter and the firearm, I can issue clear instructions, and I can easily see whether the bolt is up and safe or down and dangerous. It’s a much safer scenario than having kids in the back with the rifle pointing any which way. Through a combination of strategic manoeuvring of the ute by me and some accurate shooting by Cal with the Brno .22 LR, we ended up with an even half dozen bunnies that afternoon before retiring for some festivities, catching up with cousins and second cousins over a good few beers. The next morning, though, it was back to the saltbush. We did the rounds in the ute again, with Cal picking off another couple of rabbits from the steady rest of the car window. As the sun fully cleared the horizon we decided to park up and have a stalk through the scattered vegetation, with Cal carrying my 204 Ruger while I toted a Beretta Silver Pigeon 12 gauge shotgun. It proved the perfect combination. I could have a crack at rabbits on the run when they bolted from their hidey holes as we approached. Meanwhile, when we reached the clearings, Cal could lie prone with the bipod extended and snipe away at unwary conies as they sat amongst the bushes on the far side of the open pasture. He didn’t miss very often, with many a rabbit succumbing to the tiny 32 grain projectiles fired at high speed from the re-barrelled Sako Vixen. We hunted that saltbush several more times over the next few days with sustained success, but we also found rabbits elsewhere. My cousins own several properties in the area and while the heavier grey country was off-limits due to recent heavy rainfall we could still get around the lighter red soil quite satisfactorily – and after all the rabbits prefer this lighter country anyway. We hunted these marvellous little game animals every way we could including stalking, sniping, driving and
2 “ ‘car stalking’. This is a great technique for shooting with the kids ” spotlighting, and had a mighty fine time doing so. On one occasion Billy was certain he had seen a lone rabbit run into a tiny roly-poly bush out in the middle of a paddock. The trouble was, the plain was dotted with similar bushes and he was having trouble explaining to Cal and I which bush he was referring to. In frustration, he alighted from his seat in the back, marched 10 metres from the car and pointed to a basketball-sized bush right at his feet. “This bush!” he declared, before getting back into the car. Cal then put a bullet into the shadowy outline of a rabbit that was now apparent beneath the vegetation and we were greeted by the familiar sound of the rimfire finding its mark as the rabbit died instantly. Then, later in the trip, we rounded a stand of saltbush in the Triton and were surprised to find a large ginger-coloured rabbit squatting nervously in the open right on dark. These are the rabbit hunter’s trophy and I was lucky enough – and quick enough – to get the rifle out the window and shoot her before she bolted. We took her skin to keep as a memento and would put it with the fur of a similarly coloured rabbit that Cal had shot in this
3
FAST FACTS THE AUTHOR’S BUNNY BATTERY 1. Brno Model 2 rimfire in .22LR, topped with a Weaver 4x telescopic sight, firing 40 gn Winchester Powerpoint ammunition. 2. Sako Vixen re-barrelled from .222 Rem to .204 Ruger, topped with a Leupold 8x telescopic sight, firing 32 gn Hornady ammunition. 3. Beretta Silver Pigeon 686 12 gauge shotgun loaded with Winchester Black Ranger ammunition in shot sizes 4 and 6.
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SMALL GAME
4
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5 same stand of saltbush only a few months earlier. Another highlight came on the last night of the trip when, spotlighting for rabbits in the rain on a property on the other side of the highway, we bumped into a good-sized fox. Even in the full glare of the spotlight it was blissfully unaware of our presence and I let her walk closer as I lined it up through the 8 power scope on the 204. When the right shot presented I touched of a round and tipped the big vixen over. No more dining on lambs and native wildlife for her! All too soon out holiday was over. By the end of the five days, Cal’s hunting diary showed we had accounted for 39 rabbits, a fox, a hare and a feral cat. It had turned out to be quite a different holiday to the pig hunt we had originally planned, but I couldn’t help but reflect that these Riverina rabbits had been a pretty good stand in.
We’d still managed to get out hunting in a beautiful part of the world and had an idyllic campsite close to a very scenic river. Meanwhile the plentiful rabbits provided ample opportunity for practising our hunting skills and our marksmanship…not to mention providing a few tasty meals in the camp oven as well. The boys and I had a ball, and the disappointment of the pig hunt being cancelled was soon forgotten. Not only that, we hadn’t had to travel nearly as far and had caught up with family as well. It had definitely been a case of rabbits to the rescue!
ON THIS PAGE
4
The stand of saltbush behind the boys provided a haven for rabbits. flushed by the springer spaniel.
5
Rolling rabbits on the run with a shotgun is great fun.
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1
See More For Less The Vortex 2X Doubler increases your visual perception over longer ranges, at minimal cost in weight and bulk.
60 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
ONE significant tip about traipsing around goat hills carrying pack and rifle is that you should not carry anything that you will not use, particularly if it's heavy or bulky - just ask my old knees and lungs, because on my last hilly hunt I really felt it. That experience has prompted me to get back into training past my comfort levels harder and much more often than I have been recently. So where is this going? Having soldiered, snow camped and walked mountains a fair bit through
my life I very rarely add gear to my essentials packing list. Most likely if I haven't used an item in three trips, I ditch it. But when I saw the Vortex 2X Doubler in their catalogue I did the opposite. Goran Pehar, hard-core hunter who fronts Vortex's Australian arm Extravision, really knows his optics and he sent me a Vortex Doubler to test on a hunt. When I attached this doubler, which weighs bugger-all and can be stowed in your bino case, to my Vortex Talon 10x42 binocular, I immediately had a 20-power
spotting scope, in effect. It just presses onto a rubberised eyecup of appropriate size and is fairly forgiving. There is also nothing to stop you attaching it to a quality spotting scope eyepiece in good light to maximise your viewing potential. In my case, I was able to assess the trophy potential of billies a few km away on a shaded hillside (thankfully there weren't any in the mobs we spied), thereby saving us some arduous walking. The image was not quite as bright or crisp as the prime binocular, but the Doubler certainly
Another surprise I found was that when you hold the Doubler only up to your eye, you see an enlarged image of life size, so it is a handy little monocular for a quick look at something not-so-distant from the viewer. This Vortex 2X Doubler is lightweight, waterproof and very compact, so it is a force multiplier for the gramshaving hunter looking to maximise his or her ability to see effectively way out past regular hunting binocular range. It is now a permanent addition to my binocular case for future jaunts around the hills. Like all Vortex products, The 2X Doubler has Vortex's VIP Unconditional Lifetime Warranty, so you can be confident when you add it to your hunting kit. Vortex products are distributed in Australia by Extravision. www.extravision.com.au
It is a force multiplier for the gramshaving hunter.” improved my ability to discern detail at long range. It also helped when I steadied my Double-d binocular against a tree trunk to reduce the wobbles that become all to apparent at higher magnifications when hand holding. Attaching the Doubler to a quality bino will render a good quality image, but attaching it to a lesser quality optic will have the effect of magnifying the prime optic's deficiencies - be warned, I have tried it.
2
ON THIS SPREAD
1
The Vortex 2X Doubler in use on a recent goat hunt. It is surprisingly comfortable to use, once you are used to holding your binocular outrigger style.
2
Close up view of the 2X Doubler and the Vortex Talons to which it was attached; it is compact, light and effective.
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SHOOTER’S SHOWCASE
WHAT’S NEW IN THE MARKET – BY TONY PIZZATA
Nirey Sharp Well known for their range of electric knife sharpeners, Nirey currently have three models to choose from. All ensure a professional, razor sharp edge to your knives. Their base model is the KE-198, a very effective unit that incorporates two grinding wheels-fine and course. The Nirey KE198 is my choice in the field as although 240V for home use, it will also run off your cigarette lighter plug provided you run it through a small inverter. The second in the series is the model KE 280 which is widely used by butchers, chefs and professional skinners. Unlike the KE 198 this model incorporates continuous-grit belts that run on flexible drums; and a relatively new addition to the Nirey family, the Nirey KE 3000 Professional Knife Sharpening kit. The KE3000 comes packaged in a well thought out
tool box which houses the KE3000 Professional Electric Knife Sharpener, spare pair of fine belts, medium belts on wheel, brush, DVD and manual. Keep an eye out for next months issue of Sporting Shooter Magazine where our editor Marcus O’Dean will cover the full range of Nirey Electric Knife Sharpeners in an in-depth look at what’s on offer and how they work. The Nirey range of knife sharpeners is distributed in Australia by Total Knife Care who also distributes other knife sharpening products like sharpening steels and stone’s. More on those in an up and coming issue also. In the mean time to find out more you can call Australian Distributors, Total Knife Care on 1300 650 656 or visit www.totalknifecare.com.au
Wheeler Digital Fat Wrench Set Digitally set and apply the exact amount of torque you need to install action screws, scope rings, windage screws and more with Wheeler’s Digital Fat Wrench. This next generation tool boasts a large LCD display for ease of use and this exacting feature translates into more consistent performance in the field. Adjustable torque offers a 15 inch-Ibs. Range with a +/_ 2% accuracy. Audible and visual indicators occur when you’ve reached optimal pressure. Featuring ergonomic, over-moulded design and soft-touch buttons which are comfortable to use, this wrench also offers a low-battery indicator which lets you know when power is low. This kit also includes 10 x hardened S2 Tool Steel bits for a variety of uses. The whole box n dice comes attractively packaged in an injection moulded storage case. Ask to see them at your local gun shop or visit www.nioa.com.au
62 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
(Not suited to 22-250)
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SHOOTER’S SHOWCASE
him and also many of the return clients he has guided over the years and indeed are featured in his videos. If Alaska is on your bucket list or perhaps something some will only ever dream of doing, then his Alaskan series is a must see for the serious hunter/outdoorsman. Another one of my favourites that I have viewed many times is “Hunt For The Unknown” where Billy takes his father and a close friend to the Brooks Ranges in Alaska to fulfil a lifelong dream. In this DVD Billy’s Father takes along his father’s old rifle to take a caribou for old time sake. This gave the DVD an emotional feel to it, but all the same it was very entertaining. His latest release, however, entitled “New Zealand Safari” is a little different. From guiding to being guided in New Zealand’s Southern Alps was an experience he says he’d dreamt of since childhood. This DVD is a two-disc set as are many of his other titles and on disc 1, he hunts Public Land with New Zealand outfitter Craig Smith of New Zealand Wilderness Hunts. Watch as Billy takes a nice bull tahr on film after a strenuous back pack hunt into scrubby terrain on the West Coast not far from Arthurs Pass I believe. In fact, I later found out that Billy was in the hills not far from where I was hunting that same week for Tahr. How ironic is that. Like all his DVDs, Billy narrates the whole trip in detail including the high’s and low’s he encounters. Also a part of Disc 1 is an award winning short film Billy made entitled “Spirit Of A Mountain Man”. This presentation outlines his family’s involvement in the outdoors including his grandfather, an Alaskan trapper in his day. On disc 2 Billy teams up with some friends who have flown over from the U.S. to hunt chamois, tahr, fallow and red stag If you want to enjoy some great viewing do yourself a favour and log into his website for a preview of each of his titles as I did. To purchase any of his DVD’s or his Book entitled “Alaska and Me” visit his website www billymollsadventures.com
Modern Day Mountain Man – DVD’s Known as “The Modern Day Mountain Man”, Billy Molls is an Alaskan hunting guide whose passion for the outdoors is evident through his series of Alaskan hunting DVDs. I’ve seen the whole series numbering a dozen or more and I must say his style of filming is quite different to any I have seen to date. Dall ram, grizzly, brown and black bear, moose, caribou and lots more are all a part of his sojourns. Billy has an uncanny way of filming the hunt in every aspect to give the armchair hunter a feeling of actually being there with him on the hunt, while still managing to successfully guide his client to success. In fact although I’ve not had the pleasure of hunting with him myself, I feel I know
Bushnell – New Trophy Series Bushnell has released a new range of riflescopes and binoculars in two categories, the Trophy and the Trophy Extreme Series. And what’s more, they both come with Bushnell’s new “Yes That’s Covered” fully unconditional lifetime warranty. BINOCULARS The majority of the old XLT models for example the 10 X 42, 8 X 42, 10 X 28 and 8 X 32mm, are all included in the Trophy Range and feature a new rubber-armoured design making them extremely rugged. Other features include fully multi-coated lenses, lead-free glass and a new ergonomic look. In fact I’m told they are 100% fog proof and fully submersible. The Trophy Extreme Range on the other hand now offer full size binoculars in 8 x 56, 12 x 50 and 10 x 50mm. These all feature large objective lenses and an additional Phase 3 coating for premium quality and light transmission. RIFLESCOPES The Trophy model riflescopes are a premium quality product at an affordable price featuring a 1” tube, fully multi-coated lenses, fast focus eyepiece, ¼ MOA adjustment and 100% water, fog and shock
64 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
proof. They are available in 2-7 x 36, 3-9 x 40, 4-12 x 40 and 6-18 x 60mm. The new Trophy Extreme range offers all the features of the Trophy model, but offers a 30mm tube, side parallax adjustment and a higher magnification range. These include the 2.5-10 x 44, 4-16 x 44 and 2.5-15 x 50mm. To see the full range ask at your local gun shop or visit www.tasco.com.au
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SHOOTER’S SHOWCASE
Nunn Active+ When out hunting and you work up a sweat it is important to ensure your body does not dehydrate. A relatively new product for hunters referred to as Nunn Active is packed with electrolytes and will replenish your body to keep you on the go. It’s light flavour and clean ingredients are certainly the sports drink of the 21st Century. I’m told Nunn offers better performance with the addition of non-gmo sourced dextrose, helping the body to absorb fluids more efficiently while containing less than 1g sugar or less. Nunn Active uses plant based sweeteners and ingredients to increase health benefits and is gluten-free, dairy and soy free and safe for clean sport certification. Our editor Marcus O’Dean was on a state forest hunt recently and tried the product for himself and here’s what he found. “I started the hunt on day one without using Nunn, but plain water to hydrate as I walked. After six hours of “off track” hunting I returned to camp feeling sore and somewhat depleted. Next day I filled my water bottle with Nunn Active+ by diluting one fizzy tablet to each water bottle and noticed by days end I was not as fatigued, nor as sore as the previous day”.
Marcus went on to say, he’d used other sports drinks over the years eg. Gatorade, that might have tasted a little less bland, but what he liked about Nunn Active+ is the fact that it has minimal sugar content. Nunn market a whole range of other product for different purposes like “Nunn Energy” with a caffeine boost to get you going, Nunn Plus, with an additive to Nunn Active+ for faster absorption and Nunn Daily for routine daily hydration. Nunn Products are distributed in Australia by Zen Imports. www. zenimports.com.au
Patch Catcher – By MTM
Caldwell – Chronograph The Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph Premium Kit is a must have for a variety of shooters from handloaders trying to optimise load data to archers and air gun enthusiasts. This chronograph will provide an accurate velocity reading from speeds of 5 to 9,999 fps and all within 0.25% accuracy. The kit includes a 15’ audio jack cable which can be plugged into a Smartphone or tablet that uses a free app called “Ballistic Chronometer” available for iOS or Android. This App will display the velocity of each shot on the screen and record it with other data identifying the current load and environmental conditions during the shooting sessions. Other data calculated by the App include average velocity, standard deviation, minimum velocity, maximum velocity and velocity spread for shot string. This data is stored and can easily be exported through email or SMS messaging, or simply stored for recall at a later date. The chronograph also remains simple to use, giving a readout of velocity in feet or meters per second on a large LCD screen. To find out more visit www.nioa.com.au 66 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
After any shooting, target or hunting, I always clean my firearm before returning it to the safe. This insures a rust-free surface and pristine barrel for next time. When cleaning the barrel in particular, I usually run solvent via a patch then scrub it with a bristle brush attached to the rod until its clean and then finish off with an oil to protect it’s surface. Whether you do so outside, in the garage or in the house, this task can become quite messy, as splashes of solvent and oil will inevitably spurt from the muzzle. MTM Case Guard who are well know for their range of ammo boxes, shooting rests, gun cleaning benches and lots more have come up with a simple solution to the problem. It’s called the “Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher” and it’s guaranteed to stop the splatter, stop the mess and catch the patch. Simply poke the end of the barrel into the catcher and attach the strap firmly to the barrel to hold it in place and the Patch Catcher will take care of business. Once done, simply remove the catcher and clean the container with a paper towel and there’s no more mess. The Patch Catcher by MTM Case Guard is available through most gun shops Australia wide and reasonably priced. To find out more visit www.osaaustralia.com.au
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GAME TRAILS
BY REID HJORTH
You can’t be serious! When you get to take a shot on the big one, it pays to have put in practice on not-so-important targets. DEER season can be a hectic time of year for a lot of hunters, what with plenty of kilometres driven, time spent in the field scouting deer herds in the hope of maybe finding a big one and letting off one good accurate shot to down the game. Sometimes, you can go a very long time between trigger squeezes which, while adding suspense, by using that trigger finger more often I reckon that you have more fun. The seriousness of a hunt is forgotten and you can just get down to some good old shooting fun (like when I first starting shooting years ago) potting off animals as you come across them. In the process, you are thinning out more ferals for the farmer, reducing their impact on native flora and fauna, there is less stress of success on such a hunt and you are just out there being a happy hunter – well it is that way for me anyway. More shots at game means more practice with your respective rifle, each shot is different in that you generally use a different field rest each time and each animal can really be a hunt in itself, which in my view anyway, can only make you a better hunter and
game shot when that big stag crosses your path. Just recently, I went hunting with my brother – just an afternoon and morning hunt. Although there was a chance of a fallow buck, we chose to just have some fun and shoot each animal as we came across them. I have 'roo tags for this particular property, so while I shot them with my .223, my brother was getting good practice in with his .270 on rabbits and foxes and eventually a young fallow doe right on dark that was taken for meat. The following morning, we shot another fox and two more deer as numbers needed reducing to keep the farmer happy anyway – something that doesn't happen in the rut when looking for the big boys. Between us, we had a heap of venison and had a great time in the process; it seemed to take us back to the old days when we were kids. Another way for some hunting fun that I enjoy is shotgun hunting. Every hunter should have a shotgun I reckon, despite thinking I didn't need one for years, but when you get one, it opens up a whole new experience of hunting fun. With an ammo belt full of different
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It seemed to take us back to the old days when we were kids.” shells, you are covered for any animal you are likely to come across. A quick cartridge change as you walk along can dramatically increase your fire power and it's always handy to have some heavier shot, even if your are just taking pot shots at running rabbits. The other fun side of shotguns is clay pigeon shooting. For number of shots fired in a session, clay shooting will see you shoot many, many more times than
you will out on a hunt – again, all good practice. I shoot Sporting Clays when I can make it and this discipline, designed to replicate hunting scenarios, really keeps your eye in for when you need it in the paddock. Even just a cheap hand thrower (bought at any gun shop) is great fun in some spare time and I don't know of anyone who can throw the same trajectory repeatedly with a hand thrower, which means every shot is different and that makes you a better shot at the same time. Yes, hunting has a serious side that I enjoy immensely, but when that trigger finger gets a good workout, the fun starts and your confidence grows. And that has to be a good thing. ABOVE: L-R, Reid, his dad and brother Blake out having fun and sharpening up their skills with a clay target thrower.
Brett Beasley documents the first goat hunt for his cousin Amanda.
Amanda’s First Goats A S the big Polaris quad slowly rolled down the steep washed out track, both of us were watching the small mob of goats that was feeding along the creek bank , looking for any mature billies and hoping the goats will continue browsing as we try and close the distance. I stop the bike within 50meters of the few nannies and kids, grab my binos and glass the surrounding area looking for any billies in the light timber. Not being able to see any, my cousin Amanda
70 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
leans over from the back tray of my quad and whispers to me that she is keen to shoot one of the nannies for her 1st goat. “Go for it!” I encourage her. Not wasting any time she grabs her left handed Tikka T3 stainless synthetic out of the rifle holder and takes a steady rest off the shooting rack on the quad. “Wait until she steps clear of that small bush and plant one of those 55 grain pills in behind her shoulder” I speak softly back to her. A matter of moments later and the crack of the .223 breaks the peaceful
silence. The old nanny dropped dead on the spot. “Great shot” I congratulated her. But she wasn’t finished and worked the bolt like a seasoned professional, swung onto one of the small kids and dropped it. Making the most of it, she soon found another kid and deftly took it out too! “Quick, let's go have a look at them!” were Amanda’s energised words. We were soon parked a few meters down below the pretty little nanny and busily taking photos of Amanda with her 1st ever goat kills. “Do you want to take her horns and
FERAL GOATS
1
2 I’ll mount them on a shield for you?” I asked. “You bet I do!” was the excited reply. So I dug out my knives and handed them to her. “What! You want me to cuts its head off? I don’t know how to do that!” she half shrieked back at me. “You’ll be right” I told her. A few minutes later and she had the neck hacked down to the bone but was unable to sever the joint. “Hang on and I’ll climb down and clamber over to give you a hand” I offered. Not having my wheelchair with me meant I had to ‘bum’ my way over the stony ground
to get to them. “No No, don’t worry” she said “I want to do it by myself” With a few more cuts and some grunts and groans she soon twisted the head off. “Now the back legs for the dogs” I half jokingly said. “Sure that’s no worries they are easily done” came a fast reply and several minutes later the head and legs were loaded on the bike and we were on our way again. The next day we were again out looking about the place when we came upon another mob of nannies and kids. “Do you want to shoot
some or leave them and look for a billy?” I asked but I already knew the answer. “Shoot them of course” Came the reply I knew she was going to give me. Although she had her rifle there, she wanted to have a shot with my Tikka T3 stainless camo in 7mm-08. The mob was feeding on a rocky flat down the bottom of a hill and Amanda carefully stalked in to within 80meters, lined up on a black and white nanny, then proceeded to dropped it with a perfect shoulder shot. Not resting on her laurels she soon sent another 130grn sierra
ON THIS SPREAD
1
A happy family snapped by the author.
2
Amanda and her trophy billy.
WWW.SPORTINGSHOOTER.COM.AU | 71
FERAL GOATS
3
4 Amanda carefully stalked in to within 80 metres.”
5
72 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
Gameking on its way taking down a young billy. Not being content there, she lined up a fast departing kid and sent him crashing to the ground with a rear end raking shot. After the smoke and dust cleared pictures were taken and we soon had the meat removed for myself and some for the dogs. A few days later I poked out by myself to try and find where the billies were hiding so that Amanda could come out that weekend and hopefully nail one or two. Over the next several hours I locate a few mobs of goats. But while there was some reasonable billies about I hadn’t spied any of the real big fellas I’ve seen getting around out there. Late in the afternoon I was riding across a heavily timbered ridge when that unmistakable stink of billies in the rut drifted on the
gentle breeze. I slowed the bike to a crawl and scanned the thick scrub for sign of movement. Coming to the steep side of the mountain I pick up the sight of a few billies feeding on the sunny sided slope. Glassing them through my Steiner 10x42 binoculars I soon spot several reasonable billies that will grow into some nice big horned trophies. I decide that I will shoot one of the smaller blokes that won’t grow into much and pick out one that has a nice black cape with grey tips. The Tikka sits comfortably on my home made shooting rack that surrounds the quad, the crosshairs of the 3-9x40 Burris settle steadily on the front shoulder of the billy. I gently squeeze the trigger and the instant the rifle recoiled I knew the shot was on the money and the billy would be dead at the base of the tree he was browsing on. Picking a track down the side of the mountain I stop the bike just behind the billy and scramble down to admire him. After mounting the camera up on a tripod and setting the timer to take several pictures I came to the decision that I will cape him out for a shoulder mount even though he has only little horns I liked the look of him and just wanted another mount for the wall. To me a trophy isn’t always measured in inches or points but more as a reminder of a good time had out in the bush. Several days later found my cousin Amanda and I back in the hills looking for some billies. Coming down one particular rocky ridge line we saw a big bodied lone billy about 500meters away walking straight towards us. So putting the bike in neutral, I then switched off the engine and let us roll silently down the hill. The billy didn’t know we were there and continued getting closer and when he was at least still 60 meters away we could smell the rank stink of him. Amanda slid of the quad and crept forward a few paces then took an offhand shot with her .223. Hit hard in the shoulder the solid animal stumbled at the shot but then regained his footage and trotted into a patch of scrub. Chambering another round Amanda silently followed behind
the mortally wounded goat and when he turned sideways she gave him a coup de grace through the head. This was her 1st big mature billy so out came the camera for some pictures and then Amanda went about removing the stinkers head and back Legs. We were almost finished when a mob started feeding out into a clearing no more than 200 meters away. We sat there watching them for about 20 minutes to see if there was any big trophy billies amongst them. There wasn’t anything huge in there but there was one goat with long horns that spiralled almost straight up from his head. “You want to take that billy too?” I asked with a grin on my face because I knew Amanda was already picturing the shot in her head. “You had better use my rifle though, because they are close to that steep gorge and we need him to drop straight away” I explained. I find the .223 and other fast .22 calibre centrefires are suitable for
the smaller nannies but when it comes time to putting down a full sized chunky mountain dwelling goat they are usually found wanting. I handed her my .243 also a Tikka T3 light stainless loaded with 100grain Hornady Interlocks over 43grains of AR2209. She got a good rest on a nearby log and lined the unwary goat up in the Leupold fixed power VX3 6x42 scope and touched the trigger. It was a dead perfect shot, the projectile hit tight behind his shoulder destroying heart and lungs then continued on to break his off side shoulder before exiting. “Great shot!” I exclaimed excitedly. I hadn’t even time to start the bike before Amanda was excitingly telling me to hurrying up and get over to look at her trophy. She was all smiles having taken a nice big bodied goat that also sported a respectable set of horns. Again the camera was busily taking photos and I could see Amanda was already dreaming of a bigger one for the wall, so stay tuned...
6
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3
Three quick shots with the 7mm-08 resulted in plenty of meat on the ground.
4 5 6
Amanda’s first goat, taken with her .223. Brett glassing for goats. The author, Brett, with the small billy he took.
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PRACTICAL RELOADING
TECHNICAL TIPS & INFO – BY NICK HARVEY
Systematic Load Development 2 Work up in increments from the starting load.”
1 How we approach load development is governed by the type of rifle. WHEN starting out to work up loads for a new rifle and/or cartridge, the handloader must adopt a systematic approach. There are so many variables in load development, it is important that he decides exactly what he is looking to achieve - accuracy, flatness of trajectory and maximum hitting power - or all three. Therefore our goals are not the same for an ultra-light mountain rifle, a varmint rifle or a dangerous game rifle. And there will be different pressure levels and techniques required for strong boltactions and lever-actions. If your only purpose is to drive a bullet as fast as possible in a standard calibre, first check your your loading manuals, find the powder and load that gives the highest 76 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
speed, and work up in increments from the listed starting load. But if you want to obtain the finest accuracy as well, this method may not work. Yes, matey, I know that some manuals indicate which recipes of bullet, powder and charges are the most accurate, but this is a generalisation and nothing is guaranteed. The data may have been worked up in special pressure barrel with minimum dimensions using different brands of cases, different powder lots, primers and bullets. Or the data may have been developed in a factory rifle with different specifications to your gun. The objective of producing a premium hunting handload is to minimise variables from one round to the next - uniformity is definitely the name of the game. We want low shot-toshot variations in velocity combined with the finest accuracy and a premium big-game bullet so that trajectories and impact points out to 400 yards are consistent and predictable. Those are critical factors when you are a trophy hunter participating in
an expensive overseas hunt . Often success will hinge on just one well- aimed shot and you'll need utmost confidence in your rifle and reloads. Here's how to go about it.
Limiting The Variables Parsimonious handloaders want to squeeze as many reloads as possible out of a batch of cases. But for a serious safari, I recommend starting out with fresh powder, fresh primers, new brass and a premium design bullet guaranteed to perform well on the particular game animal you are after. Against the overall cost of a guided hunt the the few cartridges you use is a minor factor.
Powder Big-game hunting is carried out in widely different climates.You may be hunting at +36 degrees in tropical Africa or -1.1 degree Celsius in the Arctic. So it’s wise to choose an extruded powder from ADI which is not as temperature - sensitive as Ball powders, especially when it’s below zero.
Primers No matter how experienced the handloader, or how good his equipment, his reloads won't perform the task for which they are intended unless the powder charge is properly ignited. There are two basic types of rifle primers - standard and magnum. The chemical formulation of the magnum primer is designed to give higher brisance and deliver a hotter jet of flame of longer duration to ensure reliable and uniform ignition of heavy charges of slow burning powders which are more difficult to ignite. Magnum primers are recommended when using slow-burning powders in cases of .30-06 size or larger and when using Ball powders which have their
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1
Using a blade-micrometer to measure case head expansion. the standard is to allow not more than 0.0005” and an average of 0.0003” or less is better.
2
It pays to trim new brass to ensure that all the cases are of uniform length.
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PRACTICAL RELOADING
The ‘standard projectile’ has an SD of exactly 1.0.” burning rate controlled by a heavy deterrent coating. Some ultra-slow powders are harder to ignite in low temperatures, so it’s sensible to use magnum primers where it’s likely to drop below freezing. Some primers are segregated and marketed as "benchrest" or "Match" primers They have brisance equal to standard primers and although they are capable of significant accuracy improvements in varmint/ target cartridges, offer no significant advantage in biggame loads.
Bullets Bullets are the most expensive component in big-game hunting ammo. Don't attempt to save money here! Everything hinges on how well the projectile gets the job done. Make sure to pick a bullet for larger, tougher game animals that is designed to hold together and penetrate deeply regardless of how good or bad shot placement may be. Aside from a heavy jacket and bonded core, in more conventional designs that calls for a high sectional density. Sectional density is the ratio of an objects mass to its cross-sectional area. It is
4 78 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
calculated by dividing bullet weight in pounds by the square of bullet diameter. Take for example, a 180gn .308 bullet. The formula is 180 divided by 7000 to convert to pounds, divided by .308 squared, which results in a SD of 0.271. The higher the SD the deeper the bullet tends to penetrate. On its own, however, SD doesn't tell us everything. We can't compare bullets - or predict their trajectory - from knowing their S.D, shape also plays a significant part. Combining SD with bullet shape and providing sectionaldensity with a form factor we calculate a ballistic coefficient (BC). The form factor is found by comparing the bullet to a standard projectile. This "standard projectile" has and SD of exactly 1.0. The form factor of a specific bullet is the drag coefficient of the bullet divided by the drag coefficient of the standard projectile. Sharp pointed spitzer bullets with a high BC offer an advantage in retained velocity, flatness of trajectory, ranging and wind resistance. The selection of premium hunting bullets available today is simply staggering. My
3 preference is for a bullet that will hold together and penetrate deeply. That calls for a bullet that is mechanically bound together like the Nosler Partition, Barnes- X and Trophy Copper, or bonded bullets like Swift's A-Frame. Speer's Grand Slam, Woodleigh's Weldcore and Federal's Trophy Bonded. But equally as important is to choose the bullet that proves most accurate in your rifle.
Brass Norma, Lapua, Nosler and Hornady are producing some of the most precisely manufactured and finished brass cases now available. Alas, it is pretty expensive, but I've found bulk brass from Winchester, Remington and Sellier & Bellot is just as good once it has undergone some minor preparation. Buy at least 100 cases with the same lot number and examine each one for any visible flaws. It is common for necks to be out of round and some handloaders simply run them over the
expander plug in the sizing die to round them out. This usually suffices, but it is better to completely full length resize the brass because it establishes a uniform headspace dimension (it's surprising how much headspace can vary in bulk brass), and it straightens out and squares the case neck with the body. For hunting ammunition I suggest measuring fired brass from your rifle with a RCBS Precision Mic and then adjusting the full length sizing die so that it sets the shoulder of your new brass back .005" from the headspace measurement of your fired brass. Since bulk brass may also vary in overall length, you'd be
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3
RCBS Pro Digital Scale is just as accurate as the finest beam balance and a lot more convenient to use.
4
Nick’s power case trimmer not only trims the case but chamfers and deburrs its mouth all in one operation.
PRACTICAL RELOADING
wise to trim each case to the correct trim-to length of a given cartridge to eliminate any overlong necks. Chamfering and deburring the case mouth is routine and made easy if you have an RCBS 3-Way Cutter on your trimmer, or use a power trimmer like Lyman's Universal Power Case Trimmer. It's not worthwhile to ream primer pockets and flashholes or outside neck turn the brass unless you're loading for a super-accurate varmint/target gun; I've never found it necessary for big-game cartridges.
Assembling The Premium Hunting Load First we need to establish a benchmark by finding out how well the rifle shoots with a good factory load, and then try to duplicate and improve upon that. Once a starting load and bullet has been decided on, it is essential that an optimum overall loaded cartridge length is established for your chamber, based on the distance the bullet ogive is set off the rifling. There's no finer tool for the job than one of Hornady's Lock-N-Load O.A.L Gauges used in conjunction with its Bullet Comparator and a quality seating die with micrometer adjustable head. Adjusting the amount of bullet jump in increments of .005", and then shooting each load for group size will soon let you know what the optimum O.A.L is for a handload in your rifle's chamber. A powder scale is essential to your reloading operations, and of all the chores weighing powder is the most critical. The unit of weight we use, the grain is a really small quantity (7,000 grains to one pound), so being able to accurately weigh your charges requires equipment that is capable of a high degree of precision. It is over two decades since the first electronic scales came on the market and they furnish speed and convenience which made 80 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
Shooting each load for group size as you increase the charge in increments of one grain reveals which one delivers the best accuracy.
them well worthwhile. Today, prices have dropped and the utility of these scales has improved. They have the same plus or minus .1 grain sensitivity that is found on a quality beam balance. Mine is an RCBS Powder Pro Digital Scale and I've found it unfailingly accurate and stable. I also have a Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Charge. With it, all you have to do is calibrate the dispenser for the powder you are using and enter the desired charge weight via the keyboard. Pushing the "dispense" button automatically trickles the precise amount of powder into the scale pan. This is a great convenience, but can be rather slow, so if I have a large number of reloads, I'll resort back to my RCBS Uniflow volumetric measure which is faster and almost as accurate.
Measuring Chamber Pressure Chamber pressure is fine if taken in moderation, but dangerous when taken to excess. Primer appearance as apressure indicator only works if you use the same brand of primer all the time, but by the time they are markedly flattened and cratered, pressures are already well above maximum. A better method is by measuring expansion on the base of the cartridge case, just above the extractor groove. This is the solid head portion of the case, and expansion here is a good indicator of excessive pressure. You can use a conventional micrometer, but the anvil (contact surface) is too large to make a measurement on such a small area, unless you file away the rim on opposite points to allow access for the anvil and mark an index line across the
7,000 grains to one pound.â&#x20AC;? head of the case with a felt pen. A blade micrometer is the proper tool for this task and it should be capable of measuring to four decimal places. Most calipers only read to three places , or one thousandth of an inch. In order to get a real idea of pressure we need to measure to one ten-thousandth of an inch (0.0001"). The standard is to allow not more than .0005" expansion at the base of the case, and an average of 0.0003" or less. This correlates with a pressure of approximately 50,000 CUP which is maximum or near maximum pressure for many centrefire rifle cartridges. In my experience, using readings taken from at least three standard cartridges a maximum reading of 0.0005" indicates a load that's hot but not dangerous. Increasing the charge in increments of one grain should be enough to show an effect, but with some of the Ultramags an increase of 2 grains is normal.
Perfecting Your Reloads A final job on hunting ammunition that may be
exposed to extreme weather conditions is to apply a sealant to the rim of the primer and the juncture of case neck and bullet. Nail Polish works quite well in this role. The ultimate test of the quality of your reloads is to check them on a concentricity gauge. I use a Forster-Bonanza Co-Ax Indicator mounted with a dial indicator. Placing the mid-point of the neck or the bullet under the dial indicator I spin every reload to check runout. For hunting, I am happy to achieve a runout of no more than .004". Excessive runout can be attributed to a number of things - uniformity of the brass, the concentricity of the sizing and seating dies and the reloading press itself. It is a fact that a concentricity gauge is a useful diagnostic tool for identifying many problem areas in the reloading process, and it certainly is the ultimate test for quality ammunition. Don't take everything for granted. Before going afield, take the added precaution of working every round through the magazine of your rifle to ensure that they all feed smoothly and enter the chamber easily. When you are in the bush with a trophy deer in your sights, you don't want to find that a round won't chamber.
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PARTING SHOT
NEWS, VIEWS AND INSIGHTS – BY COL ALLISON
A Man’s Man A KOALA climbed higher up a tall gum beside the burial plaques at the Port Macquarie lawn cemetery. NEARBY, a small mob of kangaroos basked in the sunniest corner of the grounds, nocturnal home of a wild herd of rusa. Deer and ‘roo scat lay all around the grave sites. After a Catholic Church service, mourners had gathered around as the casket bearing hunting safari legend Kevin Michael Gleeson was lowered into the red soil. To this scribe, the display of nature seemed so appropriate. Kevin Michael Gleeson – who died in a Northern Territory hospital after a long illness on August 29, aged 69 – would probably have appreciated it all. The “Mighty Midget” of the Port Sharks first-grade side of the ‘70s loved nothing more than animals, particularly deer and buffalo. An all-round sportsman of strong ability, he pioneered deer trapping in Australia. He caught deer in Queensland, NSW and Victoria as well as importing red deer from New Zealand to improve the local red genetics. He was also a pioneer in the ostrich industry, having imported birds from Canada and raising over 5,000 chicks. He bred all Australia’s six main deer varieties on his-then 2,500 acres near the Oxley Highway and was a keen hunter from an early age. First near Mudgee to his later home in Port Macquarie on the mid-North Coast of NSW, where his son Wayne – one of three children - still 82 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ DECEMBER 2016
farms rusa deer. From his farming and hunting interests grew a love of overseas travel – particularly to NZ, Africa, Canada, the USA and Japan - where he collected some wonderful trophies. As he said later, “I flew around the world on an ostrich’s back.” By his side always was his petite wife, Carol, who initially stepped off a plane in 40 degree heat in the Top End with great trepidation when moving to take up residence on Mary River Wildlife Ranch. The 344,000 acre game ranch bordering Kakadu National Park was the culmination of Kev’s mixed-bag of interests. Here, he introduced African species like rare and endangered desert Addax and Scimitar-horned oryx antelopes and all South Pacific Game species. International hunters used the Mary River station as a one-stop supermarket for Aussie game and other horned animals unavailable anywhere else in the world. The operation was occasionally bitterly criticised by the left and right wings of the media. For 16 years until his death this tough, gruff but innerly soft-hearted man ran this massive undertaking with Carol keeping the place ticking over. They spared no expense to entertain visitors in their special pristine corner of the world. As his niece Erika Gleeson said in her poignant eulogy, there were plenty of serious
From his farming and hunting interests grew a love of overseas travel.” incidents, not the least of them being when Kev was out back checking on dangerous fires when he fell off his bike, hit his head and was knocked out two hours from the homestead. Mary River crossing in the Wet Season is a dangerous place, with the local waters flooded and infested by big crocodiles. One time Kevin insisted Carol get out so he could see if the crossing was safe. Carol said, “No way, if you go, I go.” Kevin replied: “Well, that is true love.”
The proud grandfather of seven grandkids, Kevin Gleeson is also survived by his children Peter, Vicki and Wayne, and his wife of 47 years, Carol, who flew back to Mary River Station shortly after the memorial service on the coast. There’s no doubt Kevin Gleeson made the world a more interesting place for hunters and adventurers. ABOVE: Kevin Gleeson with a mighty Rocky Mountain elk he shot 30 years ago.
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