Got it dialed in

[bdbrown66]

I've posted previously about my load development for my 6.5 CM Franchi Momentum. It really likes the 129gr Hornady SST over some Varget, at about 2800 fps. Went out today to zero the scope. I had it in the ballpark, just needed to finalize it. First shot, adjust, second shot, done. Accurate rifles make me happy.

 

[JD338]

Nice work.

JD338

 

[Wolfshead]

I think you need to go a little right….
Love it when a plan comes together. I’d say you’re good to go!
Nice shootin!

 

[NYDAN]

Nicely done!

 

[DrMike]

Has to put a grin on your chin when matters come together so nicely.

 

[ReloadKy]

Now you need that big old buck to walk by!

 

[bdbrown66]

Now you need that big old buck to walk by!

He hasn't shown up on camera for a couple weeks. Either shifted his range, or he has other things on his mind. Of course, there's so many acorns on the ground, every spot is a dinner table.

 

[bdbrown66]

A quick update on this load and results from deer season.

129gr Hornady SST over Varget, at about 2800 fps. Rifle is a Franchi Momentum.

I was able to take 2 deer with this load, both from the same spot and within an hour or two of each other. Due to the nature of the terrain on our place, the shots were pretty short, only 30 yards or so. Given that, I tried to keep my shots off bone and behind the front leg, which is my preferred shot, anyway. Didn't want to induce any grenade effect when hunting with a new load for the first time.

The first one that came along appeared to be a doe, even when glassing it several times thru the scope. I wanted to avoid shooting a spike, which is easy to do with the deer around here. After verifying that it was not a spike, I took the broadside shot. The deer literally flipped straight over onto its back, kicked twice, and was done. Did not take a step. Upon closer examination, it was a button buck, with a little 1" nub on one side. Impossible to see until you were within a few feet. I drug him down to a shady spot for field dressing later and got back in the blind.

About an hour or so later, I see antlers moving thru the trees, in the same general area where the previous one had been. Having not seen much of anything other than little bucks during the season, I elected to take the shot. The bullet performed perfectly, taking out lungs and part of the heart, without being too explosive. The buck went maybe 25 yards and piled up.

We had a bad outbreak of EHD in our area over the summer and fall, and while we were hoping that it hadn't hit us too hard, it apparently did a real number on our deer herd. Across the board, the quantity and quality of deer seen and taken by our group and the folks on the next property was way, way down this year. Hopefully, we will avoid the drought conditions this year and the herd will bounce back this year and next. It was pretty slim pickings out there.

Overall, very pleased with this load's effectiveness. And certainly can't complain about the accuracy, as it has consistently shown .5" or less at 100. I may play around with other loads in this rifle, but I can always fall back on this one.

Cheers,
Brian

 

[JD338]

Congratulations on your deer season. Your load proved out and you put some good looking venison in the freezer.

JD338

 

[sako2]

Congrats well done.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

Quality results.

 

[FOTIS]

There you go! Life is good!