Loading for Grizzly

[DrMike]

I had previously mentioned that my fellow elder, Jason, got a grizzly draw for this area for the spring hunt. He asked if I would help him work up a load for his 30-06, which I was glad to do (although I did grouse a bit that he got that draw on his first try--God, didn't you consider that my prayers were more passionate than his?). A couple of weeks ago, Jason came over and we began to roll a few. We chose to build a couple of loads with 180 grain TSX and 200 grain AB. Jason had previously made a couple of loads with Speer Hot-Cor that I reported earlier (http://www.noslerreloading.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=27085). This time, I put him to work rolling his own, and he did an excellent job.



He brought his eleven-year-old son, Jonah, with him. Jonah jumped right in and did some prep work for his own rifle, a .243 Win.



Dad and son also collaborated on a project.



We finally had an opportunity to make it to the range today to see how these loads will work for Jason.



Jason is able to maintain about 1.5 MOA with these loads, and the SD on each was single digits. Velocities were right in line with projections. In all, a good start to the season. We'll now choose one of the other of these loads and do some tweaking (No, Scotty, not twerking--TWEAKING!) to see if we can give every advantage for accuracy on these loads.

While at the range, Jonah shot a few 100 grain Federal loads from his .243.



He was pretty stoked when I suggested that he brings his dies over on Monday and we'll work him up a couple of loads so he can see whether he can tag out on a deer and/or an elk this fall. He is pretty excited about that possibility. I picked him up some 90 gr E-Tips and 95 grain PTs. We should be able to get him a good load.

While at the range, a young couple were shooting a couple of new rifles. I noticed that the young woman was having some frustration shooting her new 7mm-08, and the young man wasn't pleased with his new 30-06. I stepped over to their bench and spent a little time with them, first sighting in her rifle and then giving her some instruction. She left with a big smile as she handled the task of putting the last of her bullets into a nice little group on target. I made a few suggestions to each of them, and they appeared to be quite pleased at the recommendations. I think they will be doing a good job on game this fall. I didn't shoot much, myself; but I sure did have a good time at the range. :grin:

 

[gerry]

Nice work, I would be very happy to use the 200 gr AccuBond as a grizzly load, it will expand reliably and still be tough enough to break some bone. The Savage I used to have really liked that bullet. Good luck to Jonah on his load development for his 243 and hope he gets some action with them this fall

 

[JD338]

Mike,

That is a great story. Best of luck to the fellas, hope they can score on a big grizz this spring.

JD338

 

[sask boy]

Always helping Doc very nice to see!! We need more men like this in the shooting game.
Thanks for all your help my friend!!

Blessings,
Dan

 

[DrMike]

Mike,

That is a great story. Best of luck to the fellas, hope they can score on a big grizz this spring.

JD338

It would be special for Jason to tag a grizzly this spring. His father is coming over from Ontario in the fall to go with him when he goes out for moose. He's hoping that his brother can come over this spring to spend some time in the field as he hunts for grizzly. While neither his father or brother can hunt with him, they can watch; and that would be very special. It would have been something really special for me to have been able to share a hunt with my dad here in Canada. It didn't happen as he died six months after we came.

 

[Guy Miner]

Mike, you're doing good helping out here. I wish the hunter every success afield!

Guy

 

[Vince]

I like reading your stuff.
Best of luck to all.

Vince

 

[billbam]

Outstanding Doc. Thats how it should be, helping others and sharing. Thats one of the best things here, the sharing.
You are also usually one of the first to offer assistance when folks ask. Thanks for the sharing of your knowledge and experiences. I enjoy reading your posts.

 

[tecumseh]

That's good to see the tradition being passed on to the younger generation!

 

[truck driver]

Fantastic Doc. Got to keep the youngsters interested. We are having a class on hand gun safety at my pistol club and it's always a joy helping others to learn how to handle and safely shoot fire arms.

 

[NYDAN]

Dr. Mike, thanks for sharing this story. It made me smile. You are a great mentor. Look at all the lives you touched (in a positive way) in just one day.

 

[joelkdouglas]

Looks like a fine day!

 

[longrangehunter]

Great story Mike...... you're an even better Mentor! Only good can come from those that give a helping hand, you have a great heart and the ability to inspire those you encounter in life through your knowledge.

Hats off to you my friend!

 

[DrMike]

Thank you, fellows. I enjoy introducing others to a delightful pursuit. Few things please me more than watching a neophyte outstrip the teacher and excel. I will chuckle for days thinking about the young woman who is able to outshoot her husband or boyfriend because she heeded instruction. It all definitely puts a grin on my chin.

 

[cloverleaf]

Well done Doc. Sure can be rewarding to meet some nice folks at the range. When I come home and the wife asks how the shooting went and I say "I threw a few" and I'm still smiling she knows what goes on CL

 

[Blkram]

Mike has always been there to help anyone who asked or looked like they needed help with their shooting and/or reloading. I know that he has always been my "go-to" guy (and mentor) when needing help for myself, and/or trying to assist others in this sport.
I know that I will always remember the smile on Mike's face when he got his own grizzly! And his first elk! And his first whitetail! And his bison! We have shared many great adventures afield together...and I cannot wait to be out hunting and shooting with him again.
It is his selflessness that makes it such an enjoyable time to be there to assist him in his endeavours when he needs it. He rarely asks for help, but is always there to help others.
Glad to be able to return the favours Mike!

 

[DrMike]

And Gil is like a son to my wife and I. He is a friend. Now, let's go get a blackie for Lynda and Susan this spring.

 

[SJB358]

Very cool Mike! Looks like they are getting dialed in really well. I can't imagine a grizzly shrugging off either of those two loads, even coming from a danged 30-06 :lol:

You are really making a huge impact in the North. That is for certain. I would have been lost a few times without your guidance. Thank you.

 

[pre6422hornet]

Thats a great story Mike and the pics made me realize something.

I never wear safety glasses while reloading and I should. Would hate to have a bad moment ruin my chance of seeing my three girls walk down the isle someday. I actually went out to the garage and brought one of my many pairs of glasses down to the realoading room. Thank you.

 

[DrMike]

Thanks, Pat. I do try to stress safety for those coming into my loading room. I carry extra ear plugs and glasses at the range as well. When I teach a course, I ensure that each student has glasses. Yes, you are correct--no dad should ever be compelled to miss his children in the stages of their lives.