mowin

I'm thinking the clean barrel is throwing the shot. Once fouled, it shot more consistent. Highly doubtful it was the barrel heating up as it was only in the 20's, and I was shooting with another guy and we were alternating shots. Barrel had plenty of time to cool down.

I guess I'm in the school of thought that it's easier to just drop two pills down to tube than measure every load. That snd the two previous ML I've owned shot very well with two pills, so this one should too.

Ok. Got it dialed in with 250g TC shockwaves. Two pellets of 777. I scrubbed the barrel clean, then put bore butter on a patch and sent it down to tube. Popped a cap before loading. First shot was 13' right and 8' high at 50 yrds. Next two were 2" low at 50. No I didn't adjust the scope. Cleaned thoroughly. First shot at 100 yrds was again high and right, just not as much as 50 yrds. Next two were 5” low. Adjusted scope up several clicks. Cleaned and again first shot was way off. Next two 1” low at 100. Confident with this load. Hopefully I'll get a chance to knock down a big doe or two. I did try several 245g power belts with both 2 and 3 pellets. Cleaned or fouled barrel, I couldn't get them to shoot worth a dam. Love the way they load, just not the way they shoot.

Ya, that would rattle anyone. Glad you're ok. I've had large limb fall within a few feet of where I was sitting one time. Scared the crap outta me. Many yrs back I was heading to my go to ladder stand that I hunted a few days before. Couldn't believe my eyes when the tree was snapped in half because a larger tree had fallen on it. Stand was a twisted mess.

Going to try again this afternoon if I have time. Gun is squeaky clean. I'll shoot, clean, repeat, and see where that gets me.

Didn't have a good afternoon.. tried 2 pellets of 777 and powerbelt 245 hollow points. Dry swab after every other shot. Couldn't get a group under 15" . Switch to TC 250g sabots. Clean barrel to start. 2, 777 pellets. No joy. I sold my TC optima, that shot fantastic. Thinking this ML season is a bust.

That's fantastic. Congrats. I married my wife in 2010. My credit was "ok", owned my own place, hers was crap. Forward to today. We sold my place and closed on our current home in Sept. Deer and turkey in our yard every day. Both of us driving new car/ truck. We worked our buts off to better ourselves, sounds like you did the same. Enjoy that view. I know I would.

Ya, that's a pucker moment for sure. I had a new, GMC 3500(2011) with 3k miles. The rear end failed taking out 1st and 3rd gear in the tranny. I was doing 50 mph with a load of mulch when everything decided to let loose. About rolled the rig when she locked up.

Those hooks are a fantastic look back at the lifestyle of your family. Hand forged. A simple tool that had a important job. Absolutely priceless.

Some ML, like center-fire rifles, like certain loads. My CVA loves 100g (2 pellets) and powerbelt bullets. 2" groups at 100yrd. Same bullet and 3 pellets, and I'm lucky to hit anything. I'm sighting in a TC pro Hunter barrel I got used from another member tomorrow. He used 2 pellets and Hornady SST bullets. Claimed 1” groups at 100yrs. I've got powerbelt, and TC sabots. I'm going to see what combo works best with this barrel. Soooo, what's your ML like to eat... Besides venison. Lol

I hunt only 200yrds from the landowners border. It's well know the caretaker on neighbors land baits deer. His son is a state trooper. I've shot deer full of corn and sweet feed. I do gut my deer where they lay. No way in hell would I take a dec officer to that gut pile. I could imagine the BS I'd have to go through to prove I was innocent. Even though I shouldn't have to. And yes, I've seen the bait. I have permission from the landowners to track wounded deer on to his property. The last time I seen the bait, it was probably 400 yrds from my stand.

What does Mrs TF think about your dream. Hopefully she's into Mercedez.

I agree. If it's available, have the vet come to your home. So much more comfortable for all involved. Not ashamed to admit, but I cried like a baby. Sobbing at the vets in front of strangers is far from comfortable, not to mention the stress on the pet.

I'm fresh out of "likes", so a much appreciated thank you to everyone.

This is exactly what I do. U just explained it better.. lol One bow kill I realized I forgotten my knife. Used the blade from a broadhead to get the job done. No need for multiple knives or larger ones.

Jdubs. Sorry to hear about Jakey. It's not a easy decision, but it's the greatest act of kindness and love one can give to a pet. My Spud and Jakey are chasing a ball together this morning..

From the inside I'll grab the large intestine as far into the pelvis as I can then cut. If there and waste in it, most of it is with the gut sack. I'll bung and remove the bladder when home and hanging.

I probably cook up 60-100 lbs of venison scraps every fall for my muts. They absolutely love the stuff. As far as raw, there's as many vets out there recommending raw diets as those who don't. My sister has made her own raw food with supplements for her two, and the one is 13 yrs old with no issues.

Start at the genitals and up to the ribs. I Don't spilt the ribs. Reach up as far as possible and cut windpipe then work my way down. If the large intestine is full, I'll reach up as far as I can a cut it there. I don't cut around the anus or split the pelvis. Too much dirt and stuff ends up on the inside of the Hinds if I split it in the woods. I'll split the pelvis then bung it out once home and hung.

Lost my oldest pup this morning. He was a great dog. He would have turned 14 this January which is extremely rare for a Cavalier king Charles. His spot was on my lap, and he would let the other two know that it was "his" lap, lol If I had a bad day, I'd always feel better when he snuggled up in my lap. When I'd leave for the day, he would lay at the foot of our bed and wait patiently for me to return. I'll miss you pal. You've given us almost 14 yrs of joy. You will be missed, and we'll see each other on the rainbow bridge.

I've got around 1000 acres i can hunt in various sizes from 8acres(mine), to 300+. Had more. Lost around 600 or so when the property sold.

RIP Mr President. Thank you for your dedication to our country.

I've tried for 38yrs to tag a buck, any buck on my birthday. Yes, I passed some barley legal 3" spikes over the yrs. I've taken several nice bucks before my bday or the day after or even later in the season. Today I broke the curse. I seen this buck crossing the old farm lane about 80 yrds out. It was too thick to get a shot. It took 30min to cut the distance to 25yrds before I had a softball sized window to the back of his neck. I couldn't be more happier. The type of hunt made the difference, despite he's not the biggest buck in the woods. My first birthday buck. He would have gotten a pass if it wasn't my bday, but he's a trophy to me.

Thanks everyone. Hopefully I'll be able to break the no birthday buck curse. The older I get, the lower my standards get, lol. I'll be tempted to take a spike this afternoon.

I know a guy that got caught twice in a week shooting a robo-deer. Got a DWI added to the second offense too. Lol