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Hunting, preparing for hunting, shooting steel, and some dogging

Ernie BishopErnie Bishop Posts: 8,606 Senior Member
in Hunting #1

Emily and I had a great Vacation in New Zealand.  Just over half of our time there we spent on the South island, and I was able to get in 2.5 days of hunting while we were there.  This was a private land hunt.   It would have been cool to have been dropped off from a chopper and had a 7 day hunt, but it was not a possibility with our time frame. 

[img]https://i.imgur.com/Tdg5Z2Ll.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/9EK2Fv4l.jpg[/img]

The Stag was taken with a 338 Lapua at 624 yards, while the Tahr was right at the 350 yards with a 7 mm Rem Mag.  I did so much climbing, my legs hurt for 2 days, and was still sore on the third…But it was worth it.  The picture doesn’t show it with the Tahr, but I am exhausted!

[img]https://i.imgur.com/Kq1YduQl.jpg[/img]

We get home on July 13th and I have surgery on the 17th.

August 22nd: First time out since the knee surgery (July 17th).

[img]https://i.imgur.com/jLIlvvul.jpg[/img]

I’m definitely not used to my Dell trigger, after not using one for quite awhile, as I’ve been using reworked Remington’s. If you watch the video you’ll see me flinch when the gun goes off the first time. 

https://youtu.be/R8fQcw6sFRY

It was still a hit but the winds are blowing around 20 miles an hour. I didn’t hold off as much the second shot and went off the right edge, and the third shot was a hit. 10” target at 265 yards.  20 BR XP-100 with 55 grain Berger bullets.  Killed prairie dogs out to 345 yards.

On this very lightweight tripod of Dan Ekstrom’s, I had hits on 10” steel at 640 yards. How do you say, “more than a half revolution of wind??!!”

Also had a first shot connection at 684 yards, (10”) then I missed the second shot…

Did some dogging too with Dan’s old Colt 22lr

[img]https://i.imgur.com/uJExkWol.jpg[/img]

 My foot was swollen that afternoon, evening, and following day. 

It was the longest my foot had been down, plus the heat outside.  Thankfully, I have not had swelling like that since that day.

 

September 5-6:  I am now off crutches, but still have the brace locking my leg out. 

Thanks to Dan again for taking me out shooting!

https://youtu.be/NaSxBs6rwtw

The 284 Winchester XP-100 (162 A-Max) with the Burris Eliminator (E-3) with the updated touchpad.

It is so much faster than the original design where you have to reach forward and break your shooting foundation to get range and correction.

https://youtu.be/V6RkHKbPVZc

Also confirmed drops out to 500 yards with the Pachmayr Dominator 6.5 Creed with 142 grain Nosler LR Accubond.  Shooting standing with a tripod/PSR top and small field bag.

 

I also shot the 325 Smith at 50 yards today at 10” steel. Standing with a rest and standing offhand. This little critter shoots great. Very pleased.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/xUd4rS4l.jpg[/img]

The 10 of the 12 shots on steel were approximately fist size, with several exceptions: one that went high between the bolts when rested and another one beside it high when shooting offhand.

I missed one shot completely when rested, as a guy shooting a large magnum rifle with a brake fired just as I was shooting (Dan got kick out of that flinch!) and I missed once when shooting offhand

I was standing for each cylinder.  I used the flat part of the PSR (wasn’t using the yoke) with a bag under my hands when shooting rested. The Smith never was touching anything but my hands.

 

September 6th: This was a quick trip out to Chuck’s, but got some MV numbers with the 26 Nosler XP-100 with 140 grain Accubond, and did drops out 750 yards…Very windy, but it is great getting out and shooting.

 

Antelope and mule deer season begins October first, but I will not be able to get out until the middle of the month.  I should be out of my brace on September 17th, but will be wearing it (It will not be locked out then) whenever I am on uneven terrain…hunting.






Ernie

"The Un-Tactical"
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Replies

  • GunNutGunNut Posts: 7,642 Senior Member
    #2
    Good to see the challenge of the surgery/brace have not deterred you from getting ready for hunting season!  Prayers for a speedy full recovery.
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  • ZeeZee Posts: 28,368 Senior Member
    #3
    Fun times. 

    Envious of the New Zealand trip. 
    "To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
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  • CHIRO1989CHIRO1989 Posts: 14,838 Senior Member
    #4
    Good grief, that stag looks like you hunted at Jurassic Park, that rack was not going to fit in the overhead bin on the flight home! Did he look big at 624 yds?
    I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn away from their ways and live. Eze 33:11
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  • CHIRO1989CHIRO1989 Posts: 14,838 Senior Member
    #5
    Any Science! pictures from the .338 Lapua bullet?
    I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn away from their ways and live. Eze 33:11
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  • Six-GunSix-Gun Posts: 8,155 Senior Member
    #6
    That looks like one heck of a trip and a beautiful stag to boot.  I hope that knee comes along quickly for you.  The swelling sounds like no fun at all.
    Accuracy: because white space between bullet holes drives me insane.
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  • Ernie BishopErnie Bishop Posts: 8,606 Senior Member
    #7
    Zee said:
    Fun times. 

    Envious of the New Zealand trip. 
    Don't get me wrong, the hunting part was great, but the whole trip that we made is what made it really special.  Pictures don't describe the beauty of the south island.
    Ernie

    "The Un-Tactical"
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  • Ernie BishopErnie Bishop Posts: 8,606 Senior Member
    #8
    Six-Gun said:
    That looks like one heck of a trip and a beautiful stag to boot.  I hope that knee comes along quickly for you.  The swelling sounds like no fun at all.
    That swelling issue has been a one-time thing so far.  Brace come off next week, and I think that will be the test.  Typically, my does well in recovery from an injury.  I am hopeful this time is no different.
    Ernie

    "The Un-Tactical"
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  • Ernie BishopErnie Bishop Posts: 8,606 Senior Member
    #9
    CHIRO1989 said:
    Any Science! pictures from the .338 Lapua bullet?
    Sorry, but no.
    It was my first time to use a Nosler Long-Range Accubond on game (265 grain).  Muzzle velocity was 2880, so impact velocity was around 2240 fps.  It was a one and done deal.  I know that doesn't tell you much.  The owner of the property came in and took the animal, right after we left.  I saw him a couple of days later and didn't think to ask.
    Ernie

    "The Un-Tactical"
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  • Ernie BishopErnie Bishop Posts: 8,606 Senior Member
    #10
    CHIRO1989 said:
    Good grief, that stag looks like you hunted at Jurassic Park, that rack was not going to fit in the overhead bin on the flight home! Did he look big at 624 yds?
    Yes, he looked big at distance!  The though of it fitting in an overhead bin is funny!.
    It will be a shoulder mount.  Should have it in the spring some time.
    Ernie

    "The Un-Tactical"
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  • Ernie BishopErnie Bishop Posts: 8,606 Senior Member
    #11
    GunNut said:
    Good to see the challenge of the surgery/brace have not deterred you from getting ready for hunting season!  Prayers for a speedy full recovery.
    I have been going stir-crazy/cabin fever. 
    The first six weeks, when I couldn't put any weight on my right leg was difficult. Practicing patience was challenging to say the least.  Losing your independence is not cool! 
    The first outing to the ranch was desperately needed.  I am excited about hunting this year.
    Ernie

    "The Un-Tactical"
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  • Ernie BishopErnie Bishop Posts: 8,606 Senior Member
    #12
    knitepoet said:
    Looks good EB

    What did you have done to your knee that had you on no weight bearing for 6 weeks?
    They've had me up walking the next day after every knee surgery I've had (4 or 5 total), including the replacement of the left one in 2017
    Completely tore the meniscus al the way through/completely severed it
    Ernie

    "The Un-Tactical"
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  • LinefinderLinefinder Posts: 7,856 Senior Member
    #13
    I hurt my knee while aboard ship in the service. I didn't get it seen too for another 15 years.  By that time, it was affecting my other knee. Knee problems suck, for sure. Glad you're healing.

    Mike
    "Walking away seems to be a lost art form."
    N454casull
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  • earlyagainearlyagain Posts: 7,928 Senior Member
    #14
    I hope you have a good recovery and that leg is better than ever for the fall season.

    Ive not shot long distance much. When I did it was using a 22-250 with 55gr bullets. I had no way to measure wind speed or even accurate distance, but I had to hold a long way off target to hit it with them little bullets.
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  • Ernie BishopErnie Bishop Posts: 8,606 Senior Member
    #15
    earlyagain said:
    I hope you have a good recovery and that leg is better than ever for the fall season.

    Ive not shot long distance much. When I did it was using a 22-250 with 55gr bullets. I had no way to measure wind speed or even accurate distance, but I had to hold a long way off target to hit it with them little bullets.
    Low BC bullets do drift a lot compared to the highest BC's for the caliber.
    A Hornady .224 caliber 55 grain V-Max has a BC of .255, where the Berger .204 caliber 55 grain bullet has a BC of .381
    Every time I shoot this 20BR XP it puts a smile on my face!
    Ernie

    "The Un-Tactical"
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  • ojrojr Posts: 1,344 Senior Member
    #16
    You mean you came to my backyard and you didn't ring me.
    Well.
    The flight was uneventful, which is what one wants when one is transporting an Elephant.
     Reuters, Dec 2020.
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  • CHIRO1989CHIRO1989 Posts: 14,838 Senior Member
    #17
    ojr said:
    You mean you came to my backyard and you didn't ring me.
    Well.
    I am guessing he had stag fever.....
    I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn away from their ways and live. Eze 33:11
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  • Ernie BishopErnie Bishop Posts: 8,606 Senior Member
    #18
    ojr said:
    You mean you came to my backyard and you didn't ring me.
    Well.
    My bad.
    We were kind of locked up with our time schedule.  Which Island are you on?
    Ernie

    "The Un-Tactical"
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  • LinefinderLinefinder Posts: 7,856 Senior Member
    #19
    Ernie Bishop said:
    ojr said:
    You mean you came to my backyard and you didn't ring me.
    Well.
    My bad.
    We were kind of locked up with our time schedule.  Which Island are you on?
    Since ojr seems busy, I'll go out on a limb here and guess it's the one surrounded by water. Just a guess, though.

    Mike
    "Walking away seems to be a lost art form."
    N454casull
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  • Ernie BishopErnie Bishop Posts: 8,606 Senior Member
    #20
    Linefinder said:
    Ernie Bishop said:
    ojr said:
    You mean you came to my backyard and you didn't ring me.
    Well.
    My bad.
    We were kind of locked up with our time schedule.  Which Island are you on?
    Since ojr seems busy, I'll go out on a limb here and guess it's the one surrounded by water. Just a guess, though.

    Mike
    The question is:  South Island or the North Island???
    Ernie

    "The Un-Tactical"
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  • LinefinderLinefinder Posts: 7,856 Senior Member
    #21
    Well, that kind of complicates matters....throwing direction and all in.

    I'm still betting it's one of those that's surrounded by water. I'm glad you narrowed it down to only two, though. That should help a lot.

    Mike
    "Walking away seems to be a lost art form."
    N454casull
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  • LinefinderLinefinder Posts: 7,856 Senior Member
    #22
    knitepoet said:
    In talking with Orchidman, OJR is on the south and Orchid's on the north, IIRC
    Damn you, boy.......

    You took all the fun out of this.

    Mike
    "Walking away seems to be a lost art form."
    N454casull
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  • ojrojr Posts: 1,344 Senior Member
    #23
    Quite correct in the south, you know, Tahr country, amongst other things.
    The flight was uneventful, which is what one wants when one is transporting an Elephant.
     Reuters, Dec 2020.
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  • orchidmanorchidman Posts: 8,435 Senior Member
    #24
     Agree. Between ojr and myself we have the whole country covered.
    ojr said:
    You mean you came to my backyard and you didn't ring me.
    Well.


    (Guess I might as well step in here.......... :D )

    Still enjoying the trip of a lifetime and making the best of what I have.....
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  • Ernie BishopErnie Bishop Posts: 8,606 Senior Member
    #25
    Well....I screwed up twice then...
    Ernie

    "The Un-Tactical"
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