Recent Moose Hunt Gear Purchases: Duffles, Packs, Headlamps, Rifles and Bullets Etc.

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As my readers know, Soon, I will be moose hunting in Newfoundland in September. You might be interested in my hunt gear below.

My new Allen Hunting Duffle. It is huge and rugged, and holds most all my gear, including tripods for its $40 cost. 

 

 

I had to purchase a larger daypack. It is amazingly well made.  Waterproof Camo Hunting Pack with Rain Cover, Durable Large Capacity Hunting Day Pack for Rifle Bow Gun. Cost $59. It is disappointing that its made in China but I bit the bullet.

It can strap on a rifle in the back of the pack and has a rifle butt sleeve for support and can carry a hydration system if you have one. Pockets on left and right of pack can store vacuum sealed water bottles like these below.

I used camo tape to cover the bottles. These bottles can hold liquid hot for 12 hours and cold for 24 hrs. 

 

Frog Togg Hip Waders Cost $55

Synthetic Moose Estrus

My USA made Night Head Lighting

My scent eliminator below.

Below is My TriPod, Death Grip which is like a standing field bench rest. I love it for long range shots and grips your rifle.

 

My self-built 440C stainless knife and custom sheath. I purchased the blade and built the handle and had an eagle feather custom sheath created for it. Stunning!

 

And of course my Browning X-Bolt Speed in 7mm Rem, Mag. with Leupold VX-6 Scope and hand-loaded Nosler 175g AccuBond Long Range bullets.

 

 

X-Bolt Speed Suppressor Ready

Good Hunting!

 

 

 

 

Browning 7mm Rem Mag -175g Nosler ABLR at 300 and 600yds – Update

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My Browning X-Bolt Speed was checked by my son Jason with Nosler 175g ABLR bullets at his F-Class  range at 300 and 600 yards. My scope is the famed Leupold VX-6 3×18 44mm on a 20 MOA Picatinny rail.

X-Bolt Speed

As my readers are aware, I am moose hunting in Newfoundland this September.  Newfoundland’s boreal forest is replete with expansive water soaked bogs and stunted clumps of black spruce known as tuckamores. A great place for moose to thrive, and a tough place to hunt. Distances in these bogs can be as-small-as 100 yards or as far as a 1000 yards or more.

Accordingly, the 300 yd target below shows 2 bullet holes at 11 o’clock at my calculated drop of 3 MOA. Wind was near still so we adjusted 1 MOA for the 6 inch 10 ring and came right 1 MOA. Happy now with the scope at 2 MOA drop at 300 yards with three 10 ring hits and terminal energy is 2578 ft-lbs. Wow!

 

At 600 yards my ballistic data said to shoot at 10.5 MOA drop. Below, the first 2 bullets at 12 and 1 o’clock in the 7 and 8 ring shot 10 inches high, thus we adjusted 2 MOA and shot low at 7 o’clock. We readjusted up 1 MOA and hit the 10 ring at 10 o’clock..

Total actual drop was 9 MOA and not the 10.5 my calculation indicated.

Details matter! Using a laser rangefinder when moose hunting these expansive bogs is a must.

Testing bullets at long range showed that calculated MOA put us on paper but not best for hunting. Making the adjustment on the range just 1.5 MOA up put me in the boiler room at 600 yards. Nice! Energy at 600 yards is in the 1800 ft-lb class. 

UPDATE

My Leupold VX-6 Scope was dialed back to its 100 yard zero, thus I took it back to my range and fired a single 100 yd shot below. Nice!

Good Shooting!

© Copyright 2023

 

American Made – Princeton Tec Apex Head Lamp – 650 Lumens

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Tired of China made headlamps to see in the dark of the forest? Me too!

I went in search of USA made headlamps and found Princeton Tec Apex Headlamps. Rated by Amazon 4.5 out of 5. 

https://princetontec.com/product-category/outdoor/?activity=Hunt%2FFish

This one is 650 Lumens on high. Many lamps sold by others are only 350 Lumens max, half the brightness of this model. I bought this one. My investment will aid America not China! Amazon sells several models. 

Princeton Tec Apex LED Headlamp

I would rather be in far off wilds in darkness with a downed moose or on a blood trail far off the beaten path with an American made headlamp!

Below is a chargeable model you-tube video of another big game hunter.

 

Product information

Technical Details

Amazon says About this item

  • BATTERY POWER LED. Provides continuous feedback on the condition of the batteries, indicating high, medium or low battery life. This information allows you to make educated decisions about changing batteries or packing a spare set.
  • DIMMABLE LED: Provide the precise output needed for a given task, and help conserve battery power for maximum efficiency. Sometimes we use the word dimmability, which isn’t exactly a word yet, but we’re very fond of it and have faith it will become one.
  • IPX7. Lights provide waterproof integrity down to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
  • MAXBRIGHT LED. The highest quality LED available. Extremely bright and efficient. Emits a smooth, powerful, white light useful for a wide range of tasks. Princeton Tec uses collimators or reflectors with the Maxbright LED depending upon the application.

Operating Manual

The operating manual is provided via a QR Code Scan by a cell phone. No paper!

 

I saved the manual in my phone. Once you use or practice with your lamp, you will not need your directions very much, but save them.

Hours of Operation – Runtime is listed in the chart below. 

I would add a note of caution, bright light in the eyes of others can cause others to be blinded and shout, “Get that $#@& light out of my eyes” . Accordingly, use the flood lights for work around others as it has a wide beam and easier on the eyes.

The spot on medium runs at 350 lumens for 11 hours. If you need the 650 lumens often, then carry extra batteries and replace all 4 AA batteries at the same time.

Just below the spot light is the small battery led to indicate battery status. 

Overall I like this headlamp very much and will use it on my moose hunt. 

Good Hunting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just Plain Fun: Semi-Auto Savage A22 in .22LR – Issues Update

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Here in the Northeast we have had our share of ground soaking rain but in between rain storms, I went out and purchased a Savage semi-auto A22 rifle.  I can have more shooting fun at a lower cost for range time, practice, and just plain fun. Over the years, I kept a good supply of .22 ammo on hand. 

I like this rifle because it has all the physical attributes of a big game rifle such as a heavy button rifled barrel, a great looking high-cheek stock and an easily adjustable AccuTrigger.

My club sponsors an Aspirin Shoot (3/8″ size) that I have yet to participate.

Most shoot bolt actions for supreme accuracy but my new Savage Semi-Auto is shooting 1/2 inch 5 shot groups at 50 yards out-of-the-box with CCI MiniMags.  

Below first shot was high with some lube residue in the barrel. but a nice tight group for the other 4 shots at 50 yards. I expect to do better with time on the range, and testing out .22 match grade ammo. 

Today with the right rifle and ammo you can reach out to far off targets, predators and small game. Many ,22lr folks are getting serious about target shooting and like the supreme accuracy of a bolt action, I do too, but have yet to find a rifle I like for the price. 

Most all .22lr ammo I own shoot as good, better, best in this rifle but CCI .22LR Mini-Mags shoot best for my first day with the A22 at the range. 

Gun Issues I Found

Slide Bar bolt came off. Savage sending a new one. 

Clip loads very slow due to strong spring. 

Clip sometimes binds and will not easily fall out.

AccuTrigger has some creep.

If you are buying for a competitive shoot and expect to win, this gun is not for you.

But for otherwise hunt and plink, it has very good accuracy, it is fun at a low cost of around $500 for rifle.

Those who want to win at competitive 22lr shoots are spending at least $1000 to $5000 on gun and scope or even much more.

 

 

Is The .375 Ruger Cartridge A Game Changer for Magnum Calibers?

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When Hornady and Ruger collaborated in 2007 to create the .375 Ruger cartridge, they also in future-sight, perhaps knowingly, or not, modernized many yet-to-be named magnum calibers such as the new PRC’s. 

The .375 Ruger cartridge has no belt, no taper, larger case capacity, and a larger shoulder with which to set headspace than the .375 Holland and Holland Magnum. 

I remember reading an article by Jon Sundra in 2011 below about future 7mm, .300 and other calibers that could come from this .375 Ruger collaboration.

https://www.rifleshootermag.com/editorial/ammunition_rs_wildcatting_200806/83581

Did you know that the 7mm PRC and .300 PRC cartridges are children of the .375 Ruger cartridge?

And likely more will come. 

Will they replace magnums? Time will tell.

For nearly a century, many commercial magnum calibers had a belt to set headspace because they were based upon their parent cartridge case, the famed .375 Holland and Holland Magnum created in 1912.

For decades, the H&H Magnum case availability made it easy for industry to reform the case for smaller diameter “magnum” calibers like the famed 7mm Remington Magnum.

 

I own the .375 Ruger and love it. But it is a magnum cartridge, without saying so, perhaps like the 416 Rigby. I still like the “Magnum” moniker however. 

But the .375 H&H Magnum cartridge will likely not go away and will not for many decades to come. There are far more .375 H&H Magnum rifles in Africa and world-wide today, thus the brass case will remain in mainstream manufacture for many decades.

And the .375 H&H Magnum still has a mystique-like following in Europe and Africa as a dangerous game round up to and including elephant.

So why create a beltless “magnum” case and drop the magnum moniker?

 

The .375 Ruger’s brass case seen above, removed the belt, case taper and gave a better shoulder in which to set headspace.

Is that enough, to eventually replace the .375 H&H Magnum case?

Replacing the 7mm Rem Mag and 300 Winchester Magnum whose parent case in the .375 Holland and Holland Magnum will be daunting as the belt does not bother me for head space.

Accuracy and energy in my Browning X-Bolt Speed 7mm Remington Magnum, when hand loaded with 175 g bullets, achieves the same energy as the 7mm PRC factory loaded cartridge but the PRC may edge out the 7mm Mag for long range target accuracy and use heavier bullets.

I shoot sub-moa with my 7 magnum.

As a hunter, that is more accuracy than I need. And if I want a heavier hunting bullet I would go to a 30 caliber.

I, for one, like the manly term “Magnum”. And I hand load the 7mm Remington Magnum with great success and accuracy for hunting big game. 

Target shooters will likely migrate to the 7mmPRC and 300PRC  for very long range target shooting but in very heavy rifles to reduce recoil. 

The hunting community will perhaps move much slower as we do love our 7mm Rem Mag’s for long range hunting accuracy and delivered energy.

And case components and rifles for the 7mm and 300 win magnums are on the shelves world-wide right now. Not next year or so. I am older and can’t wait my friends. 

In five years more PRC rifles and components may change that dynamic. We shall see.

In the meantime, I am happy with my 7mm magnum rifle for hunting all North American big game species. 

Good Shooting

© Copyright 2023

 

 

 

 

Moose Hunting? Best Rifle Training Techniques

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It is not every fall that we set out on a moose hunt, especially in New Hampshire where it is done by lottery. It took me 20 years to win my chance.

Once your rifle is sighted in for 100 yards on a bench rest, I suggest:

Study moose anatomy for shot placement, See this website below.

https://www.ucalgary.ca/caribou/HuntingMoose.html

Practice shooting free hand and then off shooting sticks like a tripod, bipod or monopod below.

It is important to note that “felt recoil” off a pod is noticeably less than shooting off a bench. Try it, you’ll like it.

 

Shoot at targets without a bullseye like the back of a white paper target below, aiming for the center of the paper.

Be ready for working the bolt on your rifle after that critical first shot for an immediate follow-up shot.

You can purchase life size moose targets and shoot them at different distances. See Below.

 

The idea is to build confidence in your ability to make the shot into the vitals. 

Success!

 

Good Hunting!

© Copyright 2023

 

 

 

 

 

Common Deer Rifle Cartridges for Moose Hunting

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These deer hunting rifle cartridges come to mind for Eastern Moose hunting (Alces alces americana).

 

They are, the venerable 30-06 Springfield, 308 Winchester, 270 Winchester are common deer cartridges that work for moose. Both the 7mm08 Remington and 6.5 Creedmoor can work too on broadside shots. 

Shot distances for rifles with these calibers should generally be under 250 yards to deliver the energy for bullet mushrooming and for adequate penetration.

Shot placement in the chest is key, ideally striking both lungs. 

Using the 30-06, I would use a 180 grain expanding spitzer bullet and limit shot distances to 250 yards keeping bullet speed above 2000 fps for adequate mushroom and penetration. Energy at 250 yards would be around 1900 ft-lbs.

Using the 308 Winchester, I would use a 165 grain expanding spitzer bullet and limit shots to 250 yards delivering 1800 ft-lbs.

Using the 270 Winchester, I would use 150 grain expanding spitzer bullets and limit shots to 250 yards. Energy at 250 yards would be around 1800 ft-lbs

Using the 7mm08 or 6.5 Creedmoor I would use 140 grain expanding spitzer bullets and limit shots to 175 yards. Energy at 175 yards would be around 1800 ft-lbs and take only broadside shots.

Best bullets are partition/a-frame types, and bonded bullets. Both Nosler and Hornady bullets come to mind.

Key factors in cartridge choices are bullet speeds around 2000 fps or greater for the bullet to mushroom and energy around 1800 ft-lbs or greater for penetration.

Alaskan moose are the largest of bull moose and can be upwards of 1400 lbs or more live weight.

Terminal energy on these giants need to be much higher at impact. Some say 2500 ft-lbs. Again, shot placement is key. 

Aim small miss small!

Bull moose do not often fall on the first shot. Be prepared for a fast follow-up shot.

Of course Magnum cartridges work better at longer distances but have more felt recoil.

Good Hunting!

© Copyright 2023

 

 

 

Fathers Day 2023 with my Browning 7mm Rem Mag 26″ X-Bolt and Nosler 175g ABLR

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If you didn’t read my last article on this rifle, bullets, powder and primer. Here it is…

Browning X-Bolt Speed 7mm Rem Mag/w Nosler 175g ABLR at Sub-MOA w/ Timney Trigger/Leupold VX-6 – Wow Accuracy at 3000fps

I am very pleased indeed. I was wondering what difference the Norma case makes from new to 5 times shot. So I shot today, between rain drops out of boredom, with a new case, a 3x shot case and a 5 or 6x shot case. The primer went in easy with the 5 or 6x shot  case and harder with the new case. The older case necks were annealed and bullets seated easier than the new case.

I shot the three rounds with 2 old and 1 new case at 150yds. No wind.  The three shot Nosler 175g ABLR group measured 1/2 inch.  MV 3000fps. COL 3.44 inches. See below.

Looks like it makes no difference between new and old cases. I like it!

Good Shooting!

©Copyright 2023

 

 

 

Browning X-Bolt Speed 7mm Rem Mag/w Nosler 175g ABLR at Sub-MOA w/ Timney Trigger/Leupold VX-6 – Wow Accuracy at 3000fps

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The Browning X-Bolt Speed 7mm Rem Mag 26 inch 9.5 twist barrel I have tested this past three months with a new Timney trigger (set at 3 lbs), simply put a wide smile on my face today. 

X-Bolt Speed

Some shooters say 7mm Rem Mag in 9.5 twist is said to rarely achieve 175g spitzers at 3000fps and MOA accuracy. This may be true for some, but not here.

I am here to tell you that I have achieved hand-loaded sub-MOA results with Nosler 175g ABLR and other bullet manufacturers to 3000 fps.

Using Alliant RL 22 or Vihtavuori N560 Smokeless Gun Powder have both pushed Nosler 175 ABLR to 3000 fps while achieving sub-MOA 3 shot 100 yd accuracy. . Standard Deviation hovers around 10 fps. I am using Norma Cases and CCI or Winchester Mag primers.

I have achieved the bench rest group below three times in a row today. It’s no fluke!

I attribute my success with attention to handloading detail, a great Browning rifle, a Leupold scope, a Timney Trigger, Nosler bullets and world class powders. Note: 7mm Rem Mag ammo is on the shelf across the world for hunters.

Good Shooting!

© Copyright 2023

New Hampshire Lake Fish for Breakfast, Lunch Or Dinner

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Got Fish License and Rules?

https://www.eregulations.com/newhampshire/fishing/freshwater

Yup! Lets go catch a New Hampshire Lakes Region bred fish or two and cook em’ up.

There are fish species that make great table fare besides trout and salmon. And some fish species you never heard of or perhaps mistaken for another. I put a night-crawler on a hook and cast it 20 feet from shore. In just seconds, I caught a few tiny yellow perch and recasted in the same spot. And my rod bent sharply. The 12 inch fish fought mightily but I pulled it to shore. Oh, I saw that it was a warm water species that is plentiful in New Hampshire lakes and rivers.

Some call it a sucker or whitefish but it is really a giant minnow called a “Fallfish” Genus Species Semotilus corporalis. And it is very edible but not a sought after target species.

You wont find it listed in the NH Freshwater Guide. 


 

It is a minnow that can grow to 20 inches! Good fighter too! As table fare goes, it is very edible but by many, not considered a target species. I caught several  in the Androscoggin river as a boy.

I had fun wrangling this fish!

So what… if its not high on the “elite” fish list.

I filleted these and removed the scaly skin and pan fried coated with flour salt/pepper/garlic. Today with folks smoking meats/ fish on grills, like my Traeger, with seafood rubs, this fish is a keeper by those who know how to chef/cook in the wild.

Another recipe is to make Fish Cakes with this fish or with Yellow Perch. And I did…

The meat of perch is delicious and holds together well. I chose to make fish cakes. I sauteed the fish in a shallow pan and mashed the cooked fillets with mashed potato, salt/pepper/herbs/garlic. I mixed in a raw egg and bread crumbs. I made fish cakes and added more fine bread crumbs and parsley to coat and fried to a golden crust. I created a remoulade sauce as a condiment but ketchup works too.  Wow!

In the future, I intend to smoke some of these fish too.

Delicious!

Good Fishing!

 

© Copyright 2023