My Early Christmas Present :)

[bullet]

I was given this rig for Christmas last Thursday so I could do a quick load work up and hunt with it before this season is over down here. The the rig is an entry level rifle and scope a Marlin XL7 30-06 and the scope is a Redfield 4-12x40m. The rig weighs 7.9 pounds. Will be interesting later this spring to ring it out finding what it likes and does not like.

I found a hunting load for now since I have no more time to work with any more loads before the hunt with my grandson this coming week end here in South Mississippi and then the special hunt I have in south Louisiana Jan 6th - 9th with my close friend Jerry. I loaded up 24 rounds of the following load for my final sight in and also to do the two deer hunts.

The load is 150gr TTSX, in front of 60grs RL-17, using Rem brass and Rem 9 1/2M primiers, moving on average 3009fps with a group size of .912". I felt this was pretty good for only having 30 rounds through the rifle right now. After 200 rounds it should really be humming. My sight-in is 1.5" high at 100yds and zero is 200yds and is -6.8'" low at 300yds and with this load I have the added benefit of matching my Accu-Trac on my 4-12X40mm Redfield Revolution scope which I will verify this coming Thursday morning when it will be 43 degrees, no rain and a 5 mph ENE wind, which will hit me from my back at the bench blowing down range.

I will do more load work after my hunt in January, because of my work schedule and Christmas, plus the New Year will keep me from doing anything but my final sight in this Thursday to make sure I am where I want to be at 100yds and for my Accu-Trac settings.

group .912", 3009fps average

 

[JD338]

Nice set up Mike.

JD338

 

[bullet]

I can't wait for my hunts and then then to really see what this entry level rifle and scope are capable of. :mrgreen:

 

[DrMike]

I've pulled the trigger on a few entry-level rifles and scopes that performed spectacularly. That one looks as if it could be a sleeper.

 

[Guy Miner]

I've heard good things about the Marlin bolt actions. Haven't shot one yet though. That one appears to be more than capable of filling the freezer!

 

[bullet]

Awesome adjustable trigger Doc and Guy I believe if it steps out in the open we will put it in the freezer.

 

[FOTIS]

As usual you did it again! Nice setup......

 

[bullet]

As usual you did it again! Nice setup......

I got lucky :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: My mother-in-law always said, "Mike is the only guy I know who can fall face down in a pile of cow manure and come out smelling like a rose." :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[FOTIS]

Show me your trick! I need some rose scent

 

[bullet]

Show me your trick! I need some rose scent

It is not luck and it is not a trick, I have someone who has always looked over me and blessed me beyond what I have ever deserved and I guess he is not through taking care of me and letting me have good friends and allowing me to have a good time. Shoot, he even gave me you as a friend, :mrgreen:

 

[FOTIS]

Thanks. That means a lot!

 

[tjen]

The Marlen boltactions realy got my attention, and for the money I think their the best. If they made one in 222 or 223rem I would have bought one. And a chambering in 223rem most be in the works.

What base did you use? I am thinking of up grades to either double dove tails or Picatinny depending the scope/rifle combo.

 

[FOTIS]

Buy a Savage 11F same rifle basically.

 

[CatskillCrawler]

Merry Christmas!! That sounds like a great rig for your grandson. He can do anlot of hunting with that combo and that 150gr TSX load looks GTG for southern WTs and hogs.

My BIL and nephew have matching XS7s in 7mm-08 which shot factory ammo right at 1". I loaded up some 139gr Interlocks with a mid-lvl dose of Varget and they both shot quarter sized groups. Trigger is very light and crisp. I think they are the jewel of the bargain rifles.

 

[SJB358]

Haven't seen many of the Marlin's people had problems getting great accuracy from. Very very good rifles for the money. Great shooting Mike!

 

[bullet]

Merry Christmas!! That sounds like a great rig for your grandson. He can do anlot of hunting with that combo and that 150gr TSX load looks GTG for southern WTs and hogs.

My BIL and nephew have matching XS7s in 7mm-08 which shot factory ammo right at 1". I loaded up some 139gr Interlocks with a mid-lvl dose of Varget and they both shot quarter sized groups. Trigger is very light and crisp. I think they are the jewel of the bargain rifles.

No, he want to use my Nosler M48 in 7mm08. He does not need to shoot the 06 yet so I will be the one to use the 06. Jordan has told everyone that the Nosler is his and he just let paw paw use it when Jordan is not hunting. :mrgreen:

Yes, they are just enough different from the Savage that it makes them interesting and the ejector system is like a Winchester and much better than the Savage. I am impressed so far and looking forward to doing some real load work with the rifle, cartridge and scope.

 

[bullet]

Haven't seen many of the Marlin's people had problems getting great accuracy from. Very very good rifles for the money. Great shooting Mike!

Yes, I have noticed the same with those who own a Marlin. Looking to really do some serious load work and figure that at about 200 rounds the barrel will really come into its own.

 

[SJB358]

Haven't seen many of the Marlin's people had problems getting great accuracy from. Very very good rifles for the money. Great shooting Mike!

Yes, I have noticed the same with those who own a Marlin. Looking to really do some serious load work and figure that at about 200 rounds the barrel will really come into its own.

I looked at one of them a few times, for an all around rifle to use for people who might beat up a nicer stocked rifle. They would make an awesome rifle for the truck and backpacking. I think they are pillar bedded as well..

 

[bullet]

Haven't seen many of the Marlin's people had problems getting great accuracy from. Very very good rifles for the money. Great shooting Mike!

Yes, I have noticed the same with those who own a Marlin. Looking to really do some serious load work and figure that at about 200 rounds the barrel will really come into its own.

I looked at one of them a few times, for an all around rifle to use for people who might beat up a nicer stocked rifle. They would make an awesome rifle for the truck and backpacking. I think they are pillar bedded as well..

Yes they are

 

[russ808]

Mike,
Good luck. Go get'um. I know the rifle and hunters will do their part. Just need the deer to show up. Russ