Hi All,
just wanted to share what happened yesterday, to make me smile. I'm still smiling now.
By way of back ground, the rifle is an 6.5x47 Lapua, older trued Rem 700 action, 22" #3 control Trueflight barrel, DPT over barrel suppressor, HS Precision stock (off a later Rem 700), TierOne 36mm medium height rings, TierOne 10 moa pic rail, Zeiss V8 1.8 x 14 scope. Shooting 130 Berger AR Hybrids, 40 grains ADI 2209 (almost H4350), 2735 fps. This has been accurate since it was built, but have had inconsistent results (suspect faulty powder scale and lack of chronograph. Both recently rectified). Never really been shot past 260m (285 yards), at paper or game, with much success.
So having hopefully sorted out the inconsistent hand loads, I had asked (harrassed)my cousin, who is a welder, to get some steel for a gong. I told him I wanted to shoot at something out past 250m, and could hear the result. He came through, after a brief waiting period (more than a month, less than 3). And dropped off not one but three great targets, 250 mm (10") round, 300 mm (12") square and 400 mm (15 3/4") square. All 0.623" thick. So the first chance I had, happened to be my wife's birthday, I headed off to her sister and brother in-laws farm, to try out the largest target. With some help from the brother in-law, we opitimistcally put up the target and moved back to 365m (400 yards). As he is also having problems with Canadian geese, eating all his pasture. While I was getting my gear out, he checced to see if there were any birds in sight. Unfortunately there weren't, but the was a Magpie (Imported native of Australia), that are pests here in NZ. After a quick reloacation, and discussion on range to the Magpie (no rangefinder yet). I estimated 135m (148 yards), and squeezed of the first shot for the day! Poof, black and white feathers, Magpie down (Sorry Mate!). So back to the task at hand, it is my wife's birthday, and I don't have all day. So the steel target is 365 m away, and I know this due to gps. Its a lot easier to get ranges this way on stationary non living targets, as opposed to living targets. Entered the details into the shooter app, said adjust elevation by 19 clicks on the Zeiss , wind, not enough to stop me aiming dead on at the centre of the threatening white painted piece of steel. Checked that brother in-law was ready, settled, and squeezed off the second shot of the day. As mentioned, haven't had great success past 260m before, so I was hoping, brother in-law was doubting. And here is the first smile moment, and it might not be what you think. I see the hit on the plate, just high and right. Success! I'm happy, but not fist pumping, as this is what this rifle should do with a steady hold and good ammo. Then there is a pause, and a loud "DONG", smile moment, yes because of the sound, but mainly because my brother in-law is jumping around giggling like he just won a lottery! "Thats cool", he says. "Can you do it again?". "Lets see", I reply, and same result. 2nd, 3rd and 4th DONG! Not a bad group, too. Between each shot I ask him, once the joyous laughing stops, "Do you want to try it?". "Nah, I'm good", is his reply. So I ask him again, assure him I'm no shooting savant, tell him he can do it. He buckles (I can tell he wants to), and we get him lined up, and he sends that 130 gr Berger off to defeat that piece of steel. The already determined short pause, then DONG! The jumping, giggling and laughing is in full stride again. I can't help but join in.
I was happy, that I have increased the distance I can get consistent accurate hits too. And I know, compared to some, this is not very far at all. We are trying to get out a little further, just have to get a safe location first. But I seriously doubt there is anyone out there, that got more enjoyment out of a a simple "DONG", than the two of us. And now, I guess I know why the sound of a gong, is such a great sound.
Oh, what about the wife's birthday, that is another story.
cheers
just wanted to share what happened yesterday, to make me smile. I'm still smiling now.
By way of back ground, the rifle is an 6.5x47 Lapua, older trued Rem 700 action, 22" #3 control Trueflight barrel, DPT over barrel suppressor, HS Precision stock (off a later Rem 700), TierOne 36mm medium height rings, TierOne 10 moa pic rail, Zeiss V8 1.8 x 14 scope. Shooting 130 Berger AR Hybrids, 40 grains ADI 2209 (almost H4350), 2735 fps. This has been accurate since it was built, but have had inconsistent results (suspect faulty powder scale and lack of chronograph. Both recently rectified). Never really been shot past 260m (285 yards), at paper or game, with much success.
So having hopefully sorted out the inconsistent hand loads, I had asked (harrassed)my cousin, who is a welder, to get some steel for a gong. I told him I wanted to shoot at something out past 250m, and could hear the result. He came through, after a brief waiting period (more than a month, less than 3). And dropped off not one but three great targets, 250 mm (10") round, 300 mm (12") square and 400 mm (15 3/4") square. All 0.623" thick. So the first chance I had, happened to be my wife's birthday, I headed off to her sister and brother in-laws farm, to try out the largest target. With some help from the brother in-law, we opitimistcally put up the target and moved back to 365m (400 yards). As he is also having problems with Canadian geese, eating all his pasture. While I was getting my gear out, he checced to see if there were any birds in sight. Unfortunately there weren't, but the was a Magpie (Imported native of Australia), that are pests here in NZ. After a quick reloacation, and discussion on range to the Magpie (no rangefinder yet). I estimated 135m (148 yards), and squeezed of the first shot for the day! Poof, black and white feathers, Magpie down (Sorry Mate!). So back to the task at hand, it is my wife's birthday, and I don't have all day. So the steel target is 365 m away, and I know this due to gps. Its a lot easier to get ranges this way on stationary non living targets, as opposed to living targets. Entered the details into the shooter app, said adjust elevation by 19 clicks on the Zeiss , wind, not enough to stop me aiming dead on at the centre of the threatening white painted piece of steel. Checked that brother in-law was ready, settled, and squeezed off the second shot of the day. As mentioned, haven't had great success past 260m before, so I was hoping, brother in-law was doubting. And here is the first smile moment, and it might not be what you think. I see the hit on the plate, just high and right. Success! I'm happy, but not fist pumping, as this is what this rifle should do with a steady hold and good ammo. Then there is a pause, and a loud "DONG", smile moment, yes because of the sound, but mainly because my brother in-law is jumping around giggling like he just won a lottery! "Thats cool", he says. "Can you do it again?". "Lets see", I reply, and same result. 2nd, 3rd and 4th DONG! Not a bad group, too. Between each shot I ask him, once the joyous laughing stops, "Do you want to try it?". "Nah, I'm good", is his reply. So I ask him again, assure him I'm no shooting savant, tell him he can do it. He buckles (I can tell he wants to), and we get him lined up, and he sends that 130 gr Berger off to defeat that piece of steel. The already determined short pause, then DONG! The jumping, giggling and laughing is in full stride again. I can't help but join in.
I was happy, that I have increased the distance I can get consistent accurate hits too. And I know, compared to some, this is not very far at all. We are trying to get out a little further, just have to get a safe location first. But I seriously doubt there is anyone out there, that got more enjoyment out of a a simple "DONG", than the two of us. And now, I guess I know why the sound of a gong, is such a great sound.
Oh, what about the wife's birthday, that is another story.
cheers
