Padre86
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Everything posted by Padre86
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I've shot plenty of AR type rifles, so I definitely have a "clue." Some of the better ones can hit sub-MOA performance. Others can't. Same applies for bolt guns. The difference is that it is a lot easier, and cheaper, to consistently wring sub-MOA performance out of a bolt gun.
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Yeah the bear up there seem hard to come by. I have no problem finding them out of season (driving, hiking, camping). But when the fall rolls around, they become ghosts. I've tried identifying travel corridors and food sources, but I find those can change somewhat from year to year, and you could spend days sitting out in an area and not see a single thing. That's why the calling tactic has my interest. The trick is to find an area where I can sit and have a good 360 view of all the approaches; the bear tend to move quietly and the last thing I want is for one to creep up behind me with a curious interest. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who consistently bear hunts up there. The success rate in the Northern Zone isn't that high according to the DEC. For that kind of terrain in other states, baiting and hounding seem to be the preferred methods for hunting bear (the reasons for that become increasingly clear to me as I spend more time hunting up in the big woods). I'd like to know if anyone here has regular success up there, and if so what their tactics are.
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I agree with the above. Your groups don't look to be sub MOA, but anything within the 1"-2" realm @ 100 yards is decent enough for a semi-auto rifle. I'm sure there are semi-auto's that can provide even more accuracy, for a much higher price point. If the nth degree accuracy is really what you're after (Sub MOA to .5 MOA) your money will be better spent on a bolt gun. Also, ammo plays a huge role in all of this. What load were you shooting? I can see quite a variation in my groups (.308 FN SPR) depending upon the ammo I'm using.
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Loooong range shooting help.
Padre86 replied to Gencountyzeek's topic in Guns and Rifles and Discussions
Also, if you really want to get into the thick of Long Range shooting, go check out Curt Drewel at Long Gun Training: Long Gun Training. Former USMC Scout Sniper. He teaches courses to civilians and LEO's. His courses cost a bit, but they are well worth it considering the instruction you are getting. I've taken 2 of his courses. They are on par with military-type courses, better in some regards, and the man himself is very approachable and always willing to share his knowledge with newcomers. -
Loooong range shooting help.
Padre86 replied to Gencountyzeek's topic in Guns and Rifles and Discussions
Nice-looking rifle. I have no idea if your math is right as it depends on the load, barrel twist and even preferences of a particular rifle. You can estimate the elevation adjustment needed to get yourself on target at various ranges (which you seemed to have done). Find the exact load you want to shoot, read the manufacturers' estimated DOPE (data off previous engagement) and/or use a ballistic program to get an estimation of the adjustment needed for various ranges. From experience I've gained, you will actually need to do some shooting at those ranges in order to actually validate and confirm that DOPE. In many cases, the actual turret adjustment needed to hit a target at a given range will vary somewhat form the manufacturer's recommendations. Load, elevation, temperature, wind, elevation, twist rate, and the rifle's own quirks (to name a few variables) will all have some influence on a bullet's ballistics. The best thing you can do is get out to a range and do some shooting... -
I believe so, but the downloaded variant of .357 Magnum (.38 special) seems so much more common and cheaper to deal with.
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.44 Mag just seems like an overkill for my uses. I'll mostly be dealing with deer, maybe the occasional black bear. Plus heavier platforms, more expensive ammo, can't down-load and practice with a cheaper round like I can with .357 Mag.
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I am of a similar mindset. The magnum cartridges seem much more flexible; it's easier to find dedicated hunting loads. Whereas the traditional self-defense cartridges seem more focused on, well, self-defense....not that you can't find any hunting loads. Will do.
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It still comes in at 34-35oz, only 3-4oz less than the all steel framed 5" 686. There might be a little bit more felt recoil, but not much. It's a balancing act between having a portable weapon and having enough mass to tame the recoil.
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I don't think that magazine restriction applies to the TRR8 as it is a revolver, not an auto-loading firearm, and its barrel is less than 8".
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After a lot of consideration, I'm leaning this way too. 10mm seems to offer slightly heavier bullet options, but .357 offers loads with somewhat higher energy figures and as well the bullets, though a little bit smaller in diameter and lighter in weight, offer somewhat better sectional density. I really like some of the newer 10mm platforms that are coming onto the market. The new 1911 offerings in particular have caught my eye. But: -10mm is somewhat more expensive and not as common. -I've heard of reliability issues with some 10mm platforms (especially with the hotter hunting loads). -10mm platforms, at least the newer ones, seem more expensive compared .357 revolvers, perhaps excluding the Glock which I have absolutely zero interest in. I've heavily considered a semi-light .357 platform like the S&W TRR8: 8 shot capacity, scandium frame to help keep the weight down, decent ergonomics and sights. I think it's based on the S&W 327 platform, but with a longer 5" barrel. Anyone have experience with that revolver? I think 10mm and .357 offer performance capabilities that are roughly in the same ballpark; either one should get the job done. I just think the logistics and flexibility of a traditional .357 revolver make more sense for my intended uses.
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I've read that. Thanks.
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Also, just to clarify my original post: Does anyone here actually use calls when hunting bear in the Northen Zone? I'd be interested in tagging along or meeting up just to observe another hunter's setup. Finding bear, during the season, in the ADK's is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
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Thanks for the clarification. I thought I had seen an article recently where it was said the DEC was about to, or at least was considering, banning the use of attractants for bear. Maybe I'm getting my wires crossed. Anyhow the exact language is here: So it seems attractants are allowed, though you can't use any solids, liquids or powers containing salt. Also, I really like your Margaret Thatcher quote in your signature.
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Is that legal? I thought using bait or attractants of any sort was not allowed in NY.
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Were you using a particular call?
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Anyone here ever tried calling for black bear in the northern zone of NY (mostly referring to Tug Hill and the ADK's)? I've heard that in certain areas which have similar vegetation and terrain to NY (western Oregon and Washington) calling black bear is a tactic used by some hunters, as traditional spot-and-stalk hunts aren't really feasible and baiting and hounding aren't allowed. I was thinking of trying some calling this coming fall. I'd be interested in talking to anyone else who has tried this method.
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Coyote are certainly up there, but I think they have a better chance of finding you than you do of finding them. It's rugged terrain and the food sources are spread out. You can try predator calling, but even if they respond, you're going to have a tough time sighting them for a shot. IMO, you'll have much more success hunting in the farm country south of the ADK's.
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There are buffalo bore .357 loads producing 780-800 foot lbs (according to the website). Does 10mm have something comparable? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Rochester area. I checked out the firing pin range but they don’t seem to have too much in the way of magnum cartridges. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Yes, on average .357 seems to throw slightly smaller projectiles but at a faster velocity and higher energy; I think the hunting rounds can peak at 750 to 800 lb ft. 10mm is capable of throwing heavier grain bullets, though the hunting rounds I’ve seen suggested so far seem to be par with the .357 and the energy delivery is a little bit lower. Honestly both of them seem similar enough that they can accomplish the same task. I prefer the manual of arms of a da/sa revolver over that of a glock 20; if I can find a 10mm platform that I like, I will look heavily at the 10mm as well. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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I’m leaning towards a .357 mag right now. If I can find a place to rent a .44 mag and 10mm I might consider those options as well. Unfortunately I don’t know of any ranges that rent hand guns in those calibers. If I end up with a buy I’ll post pictures. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Dave this is wounded game tracking not hunting. Any barrel length restrictions for handgun hunting does not apply to this activity as per the license I received. Even so, I think pistols can’t have a barrel length any longer than 16”; I’ve no intent of carrying a pistol anywhere close to that size. I do not think this will be a phase for me. I’ve enough experience hauling around a long gun while pushing through thorn brush, following my dog.... a hand gun makes sense for certain situations and many ny trackers use them for that reason. I think there is a good balance to be found between firing a point blank and potentially dangerous shot and attempting a longer less accurate shot. And 38 special would likely be less than optimal for my purposes; I’ve discussed the nature of dispatching wounded game in previous posts. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Storm, it’s an ‘either/or’ sort of thing. Either I’m carrying the pistol because I believe the animal is seriously wounded, or I am bringing a long gun because I believe the animal’s wound is marginal. Between handling the dog, looking for sign and navigating the terrain, I’m not going to burden myself with 2 firearms, especially if I’m going to be helping the hunter carry the animal out after all is done. The condition of the animals in these tracks is never certain. If I’m bringing a pistol in place of a rifle, I still need serious kinetic energy and penetration to put down an animal that turns out to be far more healthy than I had anticipated. And even if a black bear is seriously wounded, I would not be inclined to walk right up to it for a point blank shot with .22lr. Carrying a powerful pistol is a very common technique for leashed dog handlers. The recovery often takes place in very challenging terrain; lightening the handler’s burden allows him/her to be more nimble and stay focused on the dog and the track. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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As I said earlier, I want the option of a pistol. I’ll always consider a rifle or shotgun based on my assessment of the hunter’s shot. If there is a strong possibility the animal is seriously wounded, the portability of a pistol makes sense over lugging around a long gun. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
