Sighting in time

[Ranger J]

One thing we can really be thankful for is that the Missouri Dept. of Conservation has built some really nice , usually free, public shooting ranges around the state.  It is that time of year when I start developing my loads for the upcoming season and I was lucky enough to get away for a while today before the remains of Ike arrive tomorrow and spend some time at the one at Indian Trail.  I had several 45/70 loads to try out and as I will be switching t a varget load in my 308 this year I wanted to shoot up the last of last years loads.  I shoot with both a Handi and an 1895 Marlin in 45/70.  Last year I used a Marlin load of Re#7 under a Rem 300 HP in the Marlin and while the load was wonderfully accurate it left an exit hole the size of my fist on the way out.  I am going to keep the same bullet but switch to a varget load that is about 300 fps slower and just as accurate.  Last year I shoot a small buck with the Handi using 2400 and an OT 300 Hardcast.  As it took two shots to keep that deer down I wanted to switch to the 300 Rem HP and loaded a set with Blue Dot and another with 2400.  I was surprised at the accuracy of the Blue dot load but even more by the 2400 one.  The 2400 load was about 1 inch tighter at 50 yards.It looks like I will go with the varget load with the Marlin and the 2400 one with the Handi.  I probably won't be shooting further than 50 or so yards with either of these guns.  If I go 100 or more yards then I get out the 308.  I did pretty will with last year's 308s at lest for me.  I am more of a minute of deer shooter anyway.  I've been seeing a lot of small deer lately and almost had to pick one out of my grill the other evening.  As soon as the weather settles down I will start putting stands up so the deer will get used to them.  I am starting to get that itch!

RJ 

[IMshooter]

For those of you in the Columbia, MO area, please be aware the public shooting range at Rocky Forks Conservation Area is closed.

According to the MDC website, the range was closed in early July due to vandalism.  I called the department this past week and the lady said they were hoping to re-open the shooting range on 10/1/08.

My daughter and I plan to do our rifle practice in a pasture. Other than lacking a shooting bench, one can get in 300 yards of distance and still have a good backstop.

[Singleshotsam]

I've got a new NEF Survivor in .308 that i've got the itch to pull the trigger on.  Bought some Black Hills Match 165's to try.  I've had good luck w/ those and a 1/10 twist.