Three Weeks

[DrMike]

In three weeks, moose and grizzly opens in my region. I'm ready, but there seems always to be a flurry of last-minute items to occupy my attention. I've laid out equipment, examined it repeatedly, worked-up loads and shot every rifle that I could possible consider, and booked off the opening days so that I need not focus on work during that initial week. I picked up a few new calls yesterday and freshened my scents. Yet, there persists that weird and wonderful mix of anticipation and anxiety. Man, it is a great feeling.

I plan to haul a camper out to the area and set up a semi-permanent camp for the time needed. I'm still working up loads in a variety of rifles, though I have hunting loads already made up for each of these weapons. I always believe I can tweak the load "just a little."

I really like dropping a moose in this early season before they are rutted up. It does mean that I need to drop him early so that I can get him out of the bush before the sun is high in the sky and the day heats up too much. And though the hides won't be prime yet, I can't say that I will ignore a big bear if it wanders near. There is always that challenge of timing. Waiting too long means better hides, but the greater prospect that the bruins will have denned up.

In any case, three weeks will go far too fast, and take way too long!

 

[Elkman]

I see your answer to most of my question here. I can sense the excitement in your post. Only 3 weeks, great it is a lovely time of the year. I know that it will be a great hunt for you!!!

 

[DrMike]

Bill,

The leaves haven't started turning yet, and the mornings aren't brisk yet (it is 12 C this morning). In the high country in three weeks, I may see a tint of frost in three weeks. I've seen a lot of moose this year, and they are in great shape. I have several people who work in the area I'll be hunting reporting back on bears they see. There seems to be a large number of bruins moving about this year, and some are reportedly good size. There were six permits in the zone I drew, so there shouldn't be excessive movement of hunters to disturb the bears. I opted for this zone because of proximity, previous experience and a good population of grizzlies. Other zones have higher populations still (up to 65 permits given out), but are less convenient for me. Yeah, I'm getting stoked!

 

[JD338]

DrMike,

The anticipation is building....
Sounds like you should do well this season. What rifle and load do you plan on using for moose and grizzly?

JD338

 

[DrMike]

Jim,

I'm really equivocating about rifle and loads. It is quite likely that I'll settle on either the 35 Whelan (if I can work out the problems with primers I've had) or the 325 WSM. If I go with the WSM, I'll use the load that I've used for the past several years which launches a 200 grain Partition at about 2800 fps. It has toppled moose and elk with authority. I have never blooded my 350 RM, and I have a hot load with a 200 grain TSX travelling at about 2800 fps which shoots very small groups, so that is a possibility. There is a sleeper in the works as I'm just finishing load development with a 200 grain AccuBond in my 300 WSM at about 2800 fps. If the AB shoots anywhere near as well as the 200 grain Sierra Game King does, it would be a skookum load for moose and grizzly. I took my last grizzly with a 356 and several large black bears and elk as well. I have a couple of great loads in either of my 358s which are even more potent than those I use in the 356. I would not feel terribly undergunned with either of those rifles. However, after rambling on, it is likely that I'll focus on the 325 WSM or the 35 Whelan. Did I mention that I'm pumped?

 

[JD338]

DrMike,

What is your 35 Whelen load? I have a M700 Classic 35 Whelen and it shoots lights out. I can give you my load data if that will help.
The 250 gr PT is an awesome bullet in the Whelen and will give you more than enough penetration on a Grizzly bear.

JD338

 

[Guy Miner]

I can tell! :grin:

Enjoy your hunt, and let us know how it goes. Should be awesome!

 

[bullet]

Yes, I believe you are ready to go hunting!!!!

 

[Greg Nolan]

Enjoy the euphoria. That's what it's all about. :grin:
Greg

P.S.
If you take both rifles and trade off days :wink:

 

[Scott Spencer]

I just want to cry!! I'm stuck here in Alabama with 100 degree daytime highs and no moose, elk, bear, mtn goats, wolves, etc., to ever hunt!!! Just 140 lb whitetails, turkey, and wild hogs. Living in AL has some benefits (close to family) but Doc.......I sure wish I lived BC like you do!

I know you will have a blast!

Scott

 

[DrMike]

Jim,

I would indeed appreciate your data for the 250 grain PT. Right now, I shooting 225 grain TSX with a stiff charge of A2520. It gives me tight groups and a velocity of ~2600 fps. Recently, however, I had a lot of trouble with the firing pin. There appears to have been a burr on it which caused intermittent misfires (not a good thing on a grizzly hunt). The gunsmith dressed it and it shot well for a couple of days; then, the same problem recurred. Finally, I sent it back to Ruger with a request for a new bolt. They dressed the firing pin and said it was fine. I took it to the range and it misfired one out of six. Sooooo. Unless I can get this fixed, it will make another trip back east.

I know that the rifle does not like any of the loads with the 225 grain PT that I have tried yet, and the 225 AB is iffy so far. The 225 AB shot very well in my Remington Classic, but not so well in this Hawkeye. I'm off to the range tomorrow with six sets of loads to test. I'm focused on the 225 grain AB and 225 grain PT, but I would certainly not be displeased with the 250 grain PT. I do have one load with the Hornady 250 grain SP that shoots very well, but it is a tad anaemic.

Guy,

I will post pictures after the hunt, to be certain. It is a beautiful area I'll be hunting. I talked with one of the fellows who drew for my home area this morning. He attends the congregation I pastor. I gave him some areas to look in where I had seen grizzlies during the past year. The area he drew was my second choice.

Mike,

You'd enjoy this area for a hunt; there are lots of bears (both black bears and grizzlies). On your way to Alaska some day, drop in and I'll show you the area.

Greg,

It is difficult to imagine that I would ever go for more than one day and have only one rifle with me. :lol: The euphoria is indeed refreshing. The anticipation just washes away the encrustation of accumulated depression that saturates ones life as they witness the wayward march of the world.

Did I mention that I'm ready to be out in the mountains?

 

[jmad_81]

Dang it sounds like you 9.3 is not going to be done in time. Was really hoping that would come together for you.

 

[bullet]

Mike you said,

"The leaves haven't started turning yet, and the mornings aren't brisk yet (it is 12 C this morning). In the high country in three weeks, I may see a tint of frost in three weeks. I've seen a lot of moose this year, and they are in great shape. I have several people who work in the area I'll be hunting reporting back on bears they see. There seems to be a large number of bruins moving about this year, and some are reportedly good size."

You are a very fortunate man to live where you live and have the country side and game you have. I am excited for you and I know you will have fun indeed.

 

[DrMike]

Mike,

I do not take lightly the blessing of living here. Living here would be misery for someone who did not enjoy the outdoors or who hated hunting. It can be a long way to the city when you want something from there. However, it is great for me and I do count it as one of God's mercies. I do wish I had a little more time for fishing, and I do occasionally miss the salmon and steelhead fishing I enjoyed on the coast when I could walk out of my study and be on the stream in about five minutes. I do love the beauty of this land, and it is glorious to be in the mountains during the fall when the slides begin to blaze with fall foliage.

Jake,

It isn't the end of the world not to have the 9.3 finished (it is next door to the end of the world). There is always the off chance that I'll still be able to use it later in the season on moose and/or elk. There will always be black bear next spring if I don't get to use it this fall. It will likely take me three years to draw another grizzly tag, unless I want to take one of the distant spots farther north. They are almost always under-subscribed. If an individual is willing to travel, and either go in via plane or river boat, these hunts are almost a certainty.

Scott,

There is nothing wrong with whitetail, turkey and hogs. I've seen one flock of turkeys up here. I suspect they were escapees (just as was the nye of pheasants I saw a couple of years ago). I do see the occasional sounder of feral hogs and even wild boar on occasion. I've never seen them when I had a rifle with me, however. They are considered pests and not controlled for hunting purposes. We do have whitetails, and I'll likely aim to take a couple of them (buck and a doe) this fall, leaving the mule deer for another year (I do have a mule deer tag just on the off chance a good buck wanders by, especially when I'm toting my crossbow).

 

[JD338]

Dr Mike,

Here is my load for the 35 Whelen and the 250 gr PT.
52.0 grs AA2015 BR
R-P case
Rem 9 1/2 primer

MV 2476 fps and just under an inch accuracy from my M700 Classic. The recovered bullet is from water jugs, retained weight is 214.9 grains and expanded to .652".

I think RL 15 would also be a good powder and I just might load a few up to try.

JD338

 

[bullet]

Love those Partitions when it is time open up the can and then take things deep. :lol:

Good picture JD

 

[DrMike]

Jim,

Thank you for this information. I'll work these up and give them a try. Hopefully, the problem I've had has been resolved. I'll know tomorrow. The picture certain makes me want the Partitions to shoot well!

 

[bullet]

Mike, they should do well in the Whelen, I hope they shoot good for you because they are outstanding on game. If you don't mind, when you try them let us know how they shoot in your rifle.

 

[DrMike]

Mike,

I don't doubt that the Partitions will perform well. I've used them to good effect in my 7mm RM and in my 325 WSM. I simply have been unable to wring out the velocity and the accuracy needed (or desired) yet. That is the reason I'm taking six sets of loads for the Whelan to the range tomorrow. I'm shooting with a couple of constables from the local RCMP detachment. One of them is working up some new loads for his .308. I've helped him with that project. I'll certainly be embarrassed if I can't perform well in front of him. I do promise that if I can get the Whelan shooting like I want, and if I can tag a bear like I hope with that rifle, I will post pictures.

 

[bullet]

Mike,

I don't doubt that the Partitions will perform well. I've used them to good effect in my 7mm RM and in my 325 WSM. I simply have been able to wring out the velocity and the accuracy needed yet. That is the reason I'm taking six sets of loads for the Whelan to the range tomorrow. I'm shooting with a couple of constables from the local RCMP detachment. One of them is working up some new loads for his .308. I've helped him with that project. I'll certainly be embarrassed if I can't perform well in front of him. I do promise that if I can get the Whelan shooting like I want, and if I can tag a bear like I hope with that rifle, I will post pictures.

Good luck on doing well, I do understand that when shooting with the guys. If you accomplish the velocity thing tomorrow, tell us what you got and what load you are using. You might have a slow barrel (due to chamber and barrel combination) like GB300wm has with his 338Win Mag and he had to settle with his accurate load. Once again, good luck on the accuracy and velocity thing. Waiting to hear how it went.