Ready to roll

CatskillCrawler · Nov 12, 2011

I've finally worked out my hunting loads for the upcoming seasons. I'll be primarily using my BLR in 358Win for WT's and Black Bear. My son has claims for the .270Win again and my father will be using a new, to me, 257Roberts. Relegated to back-up, again, is the 30-06BDL. Not sure why this BDL gets ignored so much as it shoots as well as my .270.

Using the 225gr Sierra GameKing over 46.0gr of IMR-3031 at 2430fps. Still not satisfied with this load but feel that my accuracy issue will resolve itself with a trigger job.

I've been trying for two years to duplicate the results I get from the Federal Vital-Shok using the 140gr NAB. Using 58.0gr of H-4831SC for 2845fps out of my tried and tested Model 78 Sportsman. I think I'm there... I shot the Fusion 130gr load from my friend's .270Win M-700 Mountain at the wrong target when I was trying to prove to my friend that it was him and not the 4 different loads he was failing to achieve any accuracy with.

I have had no luck at the range with my new, to me, M-70 FWT. First range trip was hampered with loose rings and having a metric allen wrench set in my bag which didn't fit. Don't ask... Second trip ruined by high winds and a crowded range. I will settle with this load of 40.0gr of IMR-4064 over a 100gr NP right at 3000fps. My work-up load shot just a tad better but I think I burnt that target in the woodstove by mistake.

DrMike · Nov 12, 2011

Those loads will work very well. The .270 is superb! It'll work for about any game. The .358 is more than adequate out to 250 yards; you may be confident of that. The .257 Bob is showing promise.

JD338 · Nov 12, 2011

Nice shooting, looks like you are there.

JD338

sask boy · Nov 13, 2011

There nothing wrong with those loads they will do the job that is needed to done :wink:
Enjoy your hunts and remember lots of photographs.

Blessings,
Dan

CatskillCrawler · Nov 13, 2011

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

I feel like I'm just scratching the surface with the 257Bob. I just ordered a bunch of the 115gr NPs from SPS for next year. I think they will be the better weight for deer with this cartridge. Now I'm focusing on a pred load for it.

That .270 has 4 different loads with three different weight bullets that all shoot like that. It has been a provider over the years.

DrMike · Nov 13, 2011

I agree that the .270 is a keeper. The Bob will take a bit more work, but I believe you are on the right track with it. The Partition will serve you well in that cartridge. I've thought about a predator load with my Bob, but I am concerned that it will ruin the pelts. However, it would work well on wolf with a carefully selected bullet.

CatskillCrawler · Nov 13, 2011

I agree. I've only run three load work-ups thru this M-70 and one was with a loose scope. I think I can get it a bit tighter. That load has shot just under 1" twice now, one 5-shot & 1 4-shot, so I think this tube has potential.

I have been using an Encore 22-250 for coyotes for some time now and it shoots the Speer 52gr HP lights out. Very little, if any, sewing required too. The problem is that between the laminate stock, 4.5-14x40 scope and the 26" hvy contour SS barrel it is very heavy for traipsing up and down the hills where I pursue dogs.

I want to put the 75gr VMax and the 85gr NBT thru load development and try them out. I have plans on getting a .204 but I want a 1:10 or 1:11 barrel and that seems to be an issue with the manufacturers.

SJB358 · Nov 15, 2011

Looks like you are in business buddy. I think you have a bunch of great choices. Looking forward to seeing how your 257 works out. It seems like quite the package. Scotty

CatskillCrawler · Nov 15, 2011

Thanks Scotty. I'm looking forward to wringing out the 257 and getting good deer and coyote loads for it. The 358W has been a challenge but I've enjoyed every trip to the range with it these past two years. Season starts this Sat and I just finished re-checking all my gear.

There will be 5 of us up in Otsego county. Bro in law, nephew, father, son and myself. I load for all 5 rifles and the back-up. Should be a hoot. Antler pool, highest total length, is now up to 100 greenbacks. :twisted:

Archery here in Ulster cty has been insane with rut activity but I havent had a decent buck come in range yet.