DanD

Powerbelts load pretty easy in my CVA Accura V2 for the first two shots, the third shot takes some effort to load. After that I typically run a wet patch and a few dry patches to get the fouling out of the barrel.

Love my browning x-bolts especially the tang safety and detachable mags.

350+, heck of a belly on that guy

I hit a gun shop down in PA this weekend as I was visiting my folks for the weekend aka borrowing my old mans gun range for a few hours after he put me to work. Came across a Marlin 1895 SBL in 45-70. I was not familiar with the caliber, and it sounded like a cannon. The salesman proceeded to tell me that with some of the loads, recoil isn't too bad with the caliber. It basically equates to shooting an inline muzzleloader, but you get more than one shot. I have done some reading online and it seems like Marlin had some issues after Remington bought them (Remlins as they are affectionately called). Does anyone know if the quality has improved on these rifles? The one I saw in the shop was on layaway so I couldn't buy it (or I probably would have).

Finally got to the range this weekend. Changed my powder (as suggested) and accuracy improved, but I was still only getting 1-2" groups at 50 yards. I kept my new powder weight measure the same (110 grains), changed my sabot to a Powerblet Aerolite 250 grain from a Powerbelt 295 aerotip and it made all the difference. I was able to take three shots and have them all touching at 50 yards without cleaning in between shots. Stepped out to 100 yards and I was getting 1-1.5" groups which I am more than happy with. I am not the worlds best shot and rarely take a shot over 100 yards due to the thick brush I like to hunt. Thanks for all of the suggestions!

I have a CVA Accura V2 that I bought new last year as a package from Cabela's. Love the gun, not the biggest fan of the Konus Pro scope it came with, but that's another discussion entirely. I digress...I have always shot Powerbelts for one reason or another over the years. For some reason, the CVA seems to not like them as I am getting 2"ish groups at 50 yards with 295gr. Aerotips. I have read a fair bit on some other choices in the industry, and Harvester crushed rib Sabots seem to be fairly popular and accurate according to other forums. I have been looking into Scorpion PT Gold 260gr. Anyone have any experience with them or can offer their take on other bullets/sabots? I shoot 100gr of 777 powder.

I found a used browning bpr (pump action) made in belgium in 30-06. Never heard of the bpr before. Anyone have one or use one? The action slides downward as it comes back to the receiver during the cycle of the action. Little odd but im a big pump action fan.

I should requalify my post. I'm looking for a gun that swings fast, is a fast repeater, and will be shooting 125 yards or less through clear cuts/mountain laurel/ dense hemlocks. I found a pre 64 winchester lever gun in 30-30 that had some nostaliga to it.

Starting to look for a new brush gun. My dad has an old Remington 760 Gamemaster that has been an absolute meat maker for the past 20 years. I was looking at the new Remington 7600's and didn't get the same feel and "magic" as I do with his older gun. Does anyone out there shoot one of the new 7600s and can offer feed back on accuracy? I was also looking a lever actions but I have no experience with them. BLR's seem like an interesting hybrid between bolt and lever guns but are pricey. I also have been looking at Marlin Model 336s, but they have had quality issues as of late with the Remington Acquisition. Thoughts?

Good Luck! A hot day in the woods sounds better than sitting in this air conditioned conference room all day...

13 years ago in pa...Winchester model 70 feather weight in 243 with a Remington core lokt 85 grain. 50 yard shot through heart and lungs. Doe was able to stumble 10 yards across a logging road and collapsed. Clean fast kill

Hi All, I am new to Steuben county (I live in Painted Post/Erwin) and new to the forum. I have been an avid hunter since I turned 12 and have hunted in both NY and PA (most of the time in western PA where I grew up). I haven't bow hunted in a few years, but I recently got the Mathews out to see if I still could shoot. I also rifle and muzzleloader hunt. I am in the process of scouting out Pinnacle State Park, McCarthy Hill State Forest, and Erwin WMA. If anyone out there could offer any suggestion on a gun club (I can hear the Painted Post gun club from my house), I would appreciate it as I need a safe place to sight in my guns. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you!

Hi Pygmy, Thank you for your comments as I am new to region 8 and the Corning/Painted Post area. So any other advice you can offer me would be greatly appreciated. I have been spoiled the last 3 years by hunting in 8G where deer are in abundance to say the least. I have a trail camera out in the back part of Pinnacle. It's been there for about a week. I saw more bear sign than deer sign, but I still have high hopes that it will show some signs of life. I'm going to try to take a few walks at McCarthy Hill before archery to see what I can find.

I was wrong. Erwin WMA is not in 8X. Erwin WMA is in 8T. Has anyone ever hunted there? It's a fairly large area (2,500ish acres) and it is legal to use all weapons as far as I know.

Pinnacle State Park, McCarthy Hill State Forest, and I think Erwin Wildlife Management area are all in 8x.

Hi All, I am new to the huntingny forum and new to Region 8. I recently moved to the Painted Post area and have been doing some scouting around. Has anyone ever hunted Erwin Wildlife Management Area, Pinnacle State Park, or McCarthy Hill State Forest during gun season? I'm curious on how many hunters head to these areas since it's near the PA border. I'm just trying to find a place where I won't get shot and have a chance to see some deer. Thanks!