Recent content by Upstate43

I think this event demonstrates why there will always be a divide between the training for competitive shooting and training for combat. Obviously there is quite a bit of overlap in the fundamental skill sets. But the core focus of competitive shooting is scoring and winning. The core focus...

Bryan's book is a good read, though quite dense with information. His section on hunting lethality is basically using Matuna's optimal game weight formula, which certainly isn't a hard rule but it does have some validity behind it. The fellow who runs Terminal Ballistics (Terminal Ballistics)...

Currently.

Well, let’s clear something up here: 6.5 Creedmoor DOES NOT carry the same amount of energy to the target as .30-06 (at least when discussing realistic hunting distances using common loads). And it certainly doesn’t carry the same amount of momentum. For the general topic: What is possible...

I guess my point is: if 168gr SMK's won't work well for all possible shooting scenarios (location, temperature), then a .308 target shooter is better off using other loads (168g AMAX, 175gr SMK's, 178gr ELD-X).

I didn't say that 168gr .308 bullets had stability issues, rather I said 168 Sierra Match King's had stability issues. Within 600-700 yards, they work just fine; at greater distances, there are reports of them not doing so well. Other 168gr (Hornady's AMAX) don't seem to have the same issue...

Here is a good resource for this very issue: Berger Twist Rate Calculator Input all of the variables for a bullet you're considering and see what the SG is; anything above a 1.5 and you should be good. Generally-speaking, .308 rifles with 1:12 twist rates will have some issues with stabilizing...

The BDC may still be usable at close ranges, but out at distance not so much. 175gr SMK's will perform better out past 700 yards. Also, the 168gr SMK's are known for having stability issues at longer distances; they'll allow for very tight groups at 100 yards, but it doesn't translate to good...

Well if you're hunting, instead of just walking, then the rifle needs to be readily accessible; vertical sling over shoulder, diagonal sling over torso, or hand-carried are some of the preferred methods. Most hunters prefer to limit the amount of weight carried in those positions as too much...

No, I think we're talking past each other. You're focused on overall weight, and I'm noting that taking 3-5lbs off your shoulder/arms is going to make a bigger difference than taking 5 or even 10 lbs out of your pack. And I'm totally for lightening the load everywhere such is feasible. But if...

Only just saw this... Average pack weight for a mult-day hunt: 60-80lbs depending on the amount of water and the shelter type that I bring. I understand that a hog hunt is not the same as a mountain sheep hunt. However, there is quite bit of hunting between those 2 ends of the spectrum where a...

Agree with most of the above. Rifle cartridge matters in that it tells you something about the mass (and by extension, energy and momentum) that you can expect from said cartridge. 2 good pieces of reading/reference for the OP to consider: 1) Bryan Litz's Applied Ballistics for Long Range...

Nevermind that this isn't "backcountry." You're hunting with a tripod from a fixed position. You dropped all your gear (including your rifle) to drag the animal back to your truck. Like I said earlier, heavy rifles can work for certain types of sedentary hunts. I'm glad that rifle worked...

I gave my advice on hunting rifles to the OP. You and someone else don't agree with said advice, but that's irrelevant since neither of you are the OP. OP hasn't specified what kind of hunting he is looking to do. For every type of hunting except sedentary hunts (predator calling, stand...

Lol, your sarcasm is noted. There is a difference between walking a mile or two in for a day hunt and walking several dozen miles while living out of your backpack over a multi-day hunt. I know plenty of real world tough guys who do the latter....none of them carry around 12lb rifles. I...