Category Archives: Big Game Hunting

Articles about Big Game Hunting.

New Glock 20 Gen 5 Repaired And Tested – UPDATE

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As my readers know, I purchased this new 10mm Glock 20 Gen 5 from Kittery Trading Post about 6 weeks ago. I intend to use it as my back up for bear hunting over bait.

 The Gen 5 supposedly has a trigger spring enhancement, enabling a smoother trigger and improved trigger reset. But I did not find it very smooth. 

After 40 rounds or so it stopped cycling, after the first trigger pull, the trigger did not reset. 

I shot it with 180g, 200g, and 220g FMJ’s. It didn’t like the 220g and it stopped cycling. Then I could not shoot the 180 or 200g bullets after the first trigger pull.

Accordingly, the pistol was sent back to Glock.

I received it back in a month, and tested it with 180g, 200g and 220g at 10 yards with 5 rounds each of the three bullet weights. All rounds cycled as they should and the trigger pull seemed much smoother. See the 10 yard 5 shot bench groups below.

The 200g ammo I used on the target above was FMJ CCI Blaser’s with aircraft-grade aluminum cases. They cycled well and were cost effective at $29 for 50 rounds vs Brass cases at $40 for 50 rounds. I bought more of these as I may not reload them. Speed is 1050 fps=489 ft-lb

The 220g hard cast coated ammo was Underwood High Performance 1200fps. They certainly kicked more but grouped very well. Cost $30 for 20 rounds. Velocity 1200 fps=700 ft-lb

The 180g hard cast was made by UMC/Remington and recoil was similar to the 200g CCI Blaser’s. Cost $41 per 50 rounds. Velocity 1150 fps= 528 ft-lb.

Note: My 45ACP shoots 230g Blazers at 830fps=351 ft-lbs. Not a great bear back up. But +P Underwood ammo can shoot 255g at 925fps=484 ft-lb. 

The 10mm beats even the +P 45 ammo and 10mm Glock has a 15 round clip

 

UPDATE 25 March 2024

I adjusted the rear sight slightly to move groups to the right from the same 10 yard distance, see below.

Upper left bench groups are 180g Remington UMC loads and 5 tight shots in center are terrific and power is 528 ft-lbs. Lower left 2 shot 220g are great but very expensive and are heavy in recoil. Lower right group is Blazer 200g just left by an inch but not as much energy as the UMC 180g.  So far the 220g seem best with delivered energy but 180g have less recoil. I need to shoot with both speed and accuracy, thus more practice is needed.

End of update

 

The cost effectiveness of the 10mm Glock 20 Gen 5 makes it very attractive as a hunter or hiker/camper side arm for dangerous predators.  Just practice!

Good Hunting!

 

 

New Ruger American Rifles- Gen II – Can You Say Wow!

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Can you say Wow!

The Ruger American Next Generation II is here!!

New Hampshire Rifleman Magazine has tested the Ruger American Rifle Generation 1  in 6.5 Creedmoor. It shot sub-MOA out of the box. I expect no less from these gems!

The New Ruger American Next Generation II rifles has best-of-the-best attributes a hunter could ask for at an affordable price. Just $729 and made in the USA!

My wife says “Wow, Cut-it-Out, Seriously?” Yes!!

Models are in Standard, Ranch, and Predator and come in 3 “Splatter Finish” colors.

And all of the best calibers and cartridges you can imagine.

Check Them Out at the website below!

https://www.ruger.com/products/americanRifleGenII/overview.html?n=bolt

Below is the Predator Model. I will ask Ruger to test one for my readers.

Get yours now!

 

 

New 7mm PRC and 7mm Rem Mag: Both Are Great!

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Now is the time to buy a 7mm PRC Rifle if you desire one. Getting excited about a new cartridge and rifle is certainly fun. There are now several manufacturers making the 7mm PRC rifle.

In addition, for reloaders, there are dies, brass and powders ready to reload. Missing still, are large rifle magnum primers, but, if you load for other magnums, then you have some magnum primers in your gun safe.

The upsides of the PRC are long range 1000yd Plus accuracy, reloadability, bullet stability at 1:8 twist and target bullets in 190 to 195g such as the Hornady A-Tip Match.

The PRC with rifles of 1:8 twist are capable of delivering off-the-shelf 175g ammo for big game hunting at muzzle velocities of 3000 fps.

The 7mm Rem Magnum 175g off-the-shelf loads in rifles with 1:10 twist are just a bit slower with muzzle velocities of 2850 fps and where cartridge cases are belted for head spacing.

Both cartridges are very accurate for hunting purposes at ranges out to 600 plus yards. But the PRC begins to dominate thereafter with 190g target bullets. 

If you hand load for either target or hunting you can customize loads for your rifle with both the 7mm PRC and 7mm Rem Mag.

Some believe the 7mm bench mark for big game hunting such as moose and elk is 3000fps at the muzzle with the 175g bullet.

With some experimentation, my hand loaded 7mm Rem Mag does the 175g 3000 fps trick in my 1:10 twist Browning Speed and is super accurate with the right powder.  

Trust me, your big game animal won’t know the difference.

The largest advantage of the PRC is for long range target with 190g bullets where the headspace is off the shoulder of the cartridge and tolerances are much tighter. 

So be happy, both the 7mm PRC and 7mm Rem Mag are great cartridges and can coexist for hunting decades to come.

Shooting a wide variety of bullet weights though, the 7mm Rem Mag is said to be more versatile for accuracy due to the slower twist rate. An example, would be shooting 120g to 175g bullets for a variety of game, will on average shoot more accurately. 

Happy 7mm Hunting!

 

 

 

Swapping a Picatinny Rail Mounted Scope To Another Rifle? Update for Test

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Todays rifle scopes can easily cost more than the rifle you put it on. A good rifle today costs less than $1000 dollars, where some rifle scopes can cost upwards of $2000 dollars. 

So I often swap out my favorite best-in-class Leupold VX -6 scope from rifle to rifle. 

 

I am setting up one of of my Ruger rifles with a  picatinny rail to make it easier to borrow a scope from another of my rifles already set up with a picatinny rail.

Below is the Weigand Combat Scope Mount Compatible with Ruger M77 and MKII Long Action 20 MOA – Black

The Weigand aircraft aluminum rail does have some limitations. It is not recommended for super heavy recoiling rifles. The determining calculation from the manufacturer says to multiply bullet weight in grains times the expected muzzle velocity. If the calculation exceeds 700,000 then don’t use it to mount your scope on that rifle.

Example: I will mount the rail on my .375 Ruger shooting Nosler 260g AccuBonds at a muzzle velocity of 2625 fps. Thus 260g x 2625fps = 682,500.  Based on this calculation, I’m good. Next is to test it out at the range. 

My Ruger Hawkeye M77 in .375 Ruger shoots most all my hand loaded bullets extremely well, often sub-moa. Luckily, I do have some 260g AB in my cupboard.

Range Test – Below is the finished Picatinny mount and Leupold  scope after 3 bench rest shots of Nosler 260g AB at 2625 fps.

I checked threaded mounting screws which had thread lock  242 blue applied. Every screw checked for torque. All perfect.

Muzzle energy is 3977 ft-lbs and 3419 ft-lbs at 75 yards to my bear bait site.

Below the 3 shots. First shot at 50 yds after the swap was 2 1/2 inches low and 2 inches right. I adjusted and hit 9 o’clock in the dead center bull. I adjusted a bit much and hit 1 inch right in bullseye. I will shoot again at 75 yards and make final tweaks. 

Accordingly, the swap worked well and I can swap back to my 7mm Rem Mag with very little effort. 

Good Hunting!

© Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10mm Glock 20 Essentials for Bear Hunting Backup

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 The use of a handgun to ward off a bear attack is proven. It is not uncommon for aggressive bears to climb up your bowhunting tree stand with you in it or perhaps follow you back to your truck at night or a wounded bear attacks during recovery. 

Below, find an article with documented incidents where handguns were 98% effective on all bear species black, brown, grizzly and polar. 

Handgun Defenses Against Bear Attacks – 170 Documented Incidents, 98% Effective

Unfortunately, my new 10mm Glock 20 has set of daylight sights which makes the Glock defense use in dim light or darkness difficult at best.  I swapped them out for cost effective Tritium sights so I can see them in darkness.

I purchased a simple set of TRUGLO tritium sights for around $55 bucks. Not a bad price. Take the top slide off, remove the spring and barrel to get to the front sight nut and prep to remove the rear sight. 

 

You will need to purchase a tool for the front sight nut. 

and at least a push tool or bench vise and a wood or brass punch as in the video above. 

Next, is a holster for my Glock. 

I need instant access for a possible aggressive bear attack, thus I purchased a heat molded chest holster called the Kenai from Gunfighters, Inc. Cost $160.00

firearm

The first time the holster gripped the pistol, hearing a click,  I wasn’t able to pull it out without using great force. The Kenai literature instructed to carefully use a heat gun on the click/grip area.  Luckily, I had a heat gun. It worked.  Now, after heat adjusting, I can readily pull the pistol yet keep it secure.

Some folks find that a chest held binocular case can interfere with the draw of the pistol.  However, the holster can be adjusted to allow fast access. Below is  my Vortex Bino’s case with my Glock 20.  The bino case is huge, perhaps too big to wear. The pistol draw needs both hands. One hand to hold the holster base, while my right hand draws the pistol.

I will holster and practice drawing and shooting it with my binoculars on and off. If I’m on a bear stand in a tree, I will likely not wear the bino case. 

Below this video pitts the 10mm against the 44 magnum. 

A few year back I also did a 44 mag video below. In that fishing scenario, the 44 mag already drawn on an approaching bear, worked for the first shot but the recoil raised the pistol losing fractions of seconds to get back on target. 

Good Hunting!

 

Backup Black Bear Medicine

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I have hunted black bear in Ontario, Canada many years ago with my 68 pound recurve bow. Canada does not allow hunters to carry a backup pistol. My Outfitter said I probably would not need bear spray. Right? My experience with a very aggressive and very large boar instantly changed my mind. 

Today, with a bear hunt in September, I reviewed my 45ACP as a backup pistol. Yes, it can work but it is considered marginal. I have always liked the 44 magnum as a brown or black bear backup. But you will likely only get one good headshot, if it charges. I tested a 44 mag for a moving head shot. It wasn’t easy and I had only 5 more shots left. The 44 mag with 250g or 300g or 454 Casull are very powerful but many can’t handle the recoil. If you can handle the recoil and shoot it straight, go for it. Many are true believers. 

Enter the 10mm Glock 20 Gen 5 semi-auto pistol (Retail $620)

Glock 20 Gen5 MOS Pistol

It is a better option for a semi-auto, throwing 15 hard cast 220g bullet at 1200 fps delivering nearly 700 ft-lbs on each shot. 

Underwood Ammunition 10mm Auto 220 Grain Hard Cast Flat Nose Box of 20

Underwood Ammo says “Hard cast flat nose bullets are non-expanding, powerfully penetrative bullets that are designed with your woods defense needs in mind; whether fending off wild hogs or black bears, the hard cast flat nose bullets are consistently effective in taking down any wild animals that you may encounter. In contrast to the round nose non-expanding bullets, the flat nose bullets are able to pierce through dense bodies of mass while maintaining their nose forward position, which is optimal for maximum penetration. ­Underwood Ammo’s hard cast featuring a “Black Cherry” coating. Equipped with enhancements from the previous Hi-Tek coating. “Black Cherry” coating is a polymer-based compound; its thermal stability allows it to handle more than any other coating today. The coating will protect against gas cutting with a high degree of wear and abrasion resistance. The “Black Cherry” coating prevents lead to bore contact, thus virtually eliminating lead fouling. All Underwood Ammo rounds utilize flash suppressed powder so that your vision will not be compromised if it becomes necessary to use your firearm in low light.”

The 10mm  is increasingly used as a hunting firearm for thin skin big game and a reasonable bear backup that allows faster follow-up shots. 

This 10mm 15 shot pistol is apparently taking the Outdoor Industry by storm say many reviews. Like the 44 magnum, the 10mm really does not have enough energy to penetrate a bear skull but most shooters can handle its recoil.  We shall see… I just purchased one. Yes, I needed a good reason to add it to my hunt options. 

 

Below is a comparison article from Meateater of 10mm vs 45acp

https://www.themeateater.com/hunt/firearm-hunting/caliber-battle-10mm-vs-45-auto

How you carry the pistol will also be discussed. How handy is it?

More Soon. 

7mm Remington Magnum for Black Bear

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Is the 7mm Rem Mag overkill for black bear? Not hardly.  Below this large bear is likely a boar and didn’t get this big by being stupid. 

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Ursus Americanus Photo Courtesy Wikipedia – Photo taken in Quebec

Many bring the venerable 300 Winchester Magnum with 180g bullets. Yes, you can kill bear with most deer rifle calibers, but I only have three rifles to choose from, (6.5Creedmoor, 7 Rem Mag, .375 Ruger).  On the other hand, my .375 Ruger is my anything rifle and has already taken 2 large moose. 

I have plenty of 7mm 175g AccuBond LR’s left from my moose hunt four-plus months ago, as Canadian Customs would not let me take it. What? Yes,they said, “if you are not going directly to the hunt, you can’t cross the border with it”.

Well, I’m hunting black bear over bait in the USA-Maine and I may use my Browning X-Bolt in 7mm Rem Mag with those 175g ABLR’s, though Crossbow is possible. Rifle distance to bait is about 75 yards. Crossbow distance to bait is 20 yards. 

They are chronoing around 3000 fps at the muzzle. The ABLR is softer thus it will mushroom very well under 100 yards and make a big exit hole for blood trailing. My Browning 7mm below has a Leupold VX-6 on it with optional lighted crosshairs.

X-Bolt Speed

I tried shooting black crosshairs on a black target, and in fading light, it was next to impossible to see. I just replaced the battery on the red crosshair light to make sure it was ready for the bear hunt.  The trigger is a crisp Timney set at 3 pounds. 

On my 2024 September bear hunt, the state reports bear numbers are nearly 24,000 to 36,000 bears. My hunt area has about 1 bear per square mile.  I do not know the ratio of boar to sow but am aiming for a sizable representative of the species. 

Good Hunting!

© Copyright 2024

 

 

Maine Black Bear on Bait – Crossbow or Rifle Thoughts

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I will be taking both Rifle and Crossbow on my Maine bear hunt.

I believe bears that have been hunted over bait before are more wary than say a bear that has never been baited ever. Experts agree. Sure, I’d like to harvest a big bear with my crossbow but maybe a bigger bear with my favorite rifle. In years gone by I hunted with recurve bow, without success. 

I will take both rifle and crossbow on the hunt this September. 

Accordingly, these baited bears are smart. They come into view at your bait site in the last hour of light or in the dark.

Larger bears, like trophy whitetails, did not get large by being stupid. Outsmarting big bruins to get them to show themselves in daylight is the name of the game. No human smells near bait, no strange noises are the name of the game.

In some cases, just clicking the safety off can make previously hunted bears jump or drawing your arrow as it slides rearward will make them jump. Having a stand near a gurgling brook provides cover sounds for a bowhunter at say 15 or 20 yards from bait.

  1. I believe rifle hunters often have an edge where stands are 50 to 75 yards from bait.
  2. That said, wary big bears may show in daylight with the hunter at 75 yards because the bear did its homework just out of sight of the bait listening and smelling and circling.
  3. The angle of the bear is not quite as critical with rifle as it is with bow, thus more shot opportunities are favored with a rifle such as my Browning Speed 7mm Remington Magnum. 

Add up the 1,2, 3 above and I lean toward a rifle setup. We shall see as setups are revealed in September. 

Good Hunting!

© Copyright 2024

Setting My Sights On An Adventure Filled Maine Bear Hunt – Updated

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An Adventure filled Solo Maine Black Bear hunt is in my plans for September 2024. Come on along as I film some video clips too.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_black_bear

 I have not hunted black bear for quite some time, but it can be very exciting with a good outfitter and remote land access. I estimate the weight of this bear in the above image near 400 pounds. 

What is even better is that very often you will see more than one bear or two or more on a 6 day hunt.

Most hunting is done in afternoon and evening on ground blinds or tree stands over bait. 

Baiting is a great way to hunt bear, in particular, because you can be selective; e.g., to pass or shoot a smaller or larger adult bear.

The tough part is to gage the size of a bear coming to bait. Often, bears, particularly big ones, come to bait just minutes before dark, making judging size, and fur color even harder.

I am very pleased with my 10 Point Turbo Crossbow (390 – 400 fps) and my NAP Killzone Cut-on-Contact 100 grain mechanical broadheads.  Bears often hit with a razor sharp broadhead in the heart/lung area, will run flat out for 10 seconds and then collapse deader-than-a-door-nail… never knowing what bit them. Too far forward may result in the arrow hitting the scapula bone and tough tracking so the shot must be true. 

My Equipment, a 10 Point 400 fps Turbo S1 Crossbow Arrow Flight with Killzone Broadhead or my Browning 7mm Rem Mag.

Killzone provides a practice blade. It isn’t easy to assemble the practice blade but once done, it works. Note; that the there is a pencil point type head that you can get as well for this broadhead but i prefer a cut-on- contact point.

Haven’t killed a bear with the Killzone head yet, but we shall see. Many experts suggest fixed blade broadheads on bear. I have some to experiment with as well.

I will have my backup Kimber 45 ACP and my Browning Speed 7mm Rem Mag Rifle along with me as well.

X-Bolt Speed

I called to further discuss rifle at 75 yards vs bow at 20 yds and will decide when I get there. Rifle setups are further away from bait thus allowing less human odor at dusk near bait. Big bruins didn’t get big by being stupid. They use their nose and minor noise to determine when it is safe to approach bait, often after dark. Take away noise and smells at the bait site and maybe enough to to make a show. 

What will I do with the hide, skull and meat? If the bear is large, I will make a rug and have the skull cleaned. I am a meat-eater and home-made butcher and self- trained chef. Bear fat can be rendered for lubricating/rust protection and also the lard makes a great ingredient for pie crust. Bear meat and fat was a real commodity in early America for its versatility in cooking/frying and for both lubrication and rust prevention and even lamp oil.  

My Outfitter “Foggy Mountain Guide Service” hunts deep in the wild woods of Maine. Driving from southern New Hampshire to my Maine hunt location will take me about 5 hours, where I’ll spend up to six days hunting.

https://www.maine.gov/ifw/hunting-trapping/hunting/laws-rules/licenses-permits.html

Fishing during morning and mid-day will be my pass-time before the hunt. 

Stay posted for more on this Adventure filled hunt.

Good Hunting!

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