Getting Ready For Medium Long Range Chuck Hunting

[Shoots100]

I had a 12 twist a couple of years ago, but switched to an 11 twist, because I got a great deal on a 11 twist Criterion barrel.
I bought thousands of 32 grn V max and 34 grn dogtown projos, which shoot great and blow things up nicely, so I've never tried any other projo.
Any trigger time and testing your shooting skills is a good thing.
Surveyors tape works great as a wind flag. Cheap and easily replaceable.
If you can put a nail in the top of a post for it to swing on, it'll swing and tell you wind direction better.
SJC

 

[JamieZ]

I had a 12 twist a couple of years ago, but switched to an 11 twist, because I got a great deal on a 11 twist Criterion barrel.
I bought thousands of 32 grn V max and 34 grn dogtown projos, which shoot great and blow things up nicely, so I've never tried any other projo.
Any trigger time and testing your shooting skills is a good thing.
Surveyors tape works great as a wind flag. Cheap and easily replaceable.
If you can put a nail in the top of a post for it to swing on, it'll swing and tell you wind direction better.
SJC

Well,,,,,,if I cant make these 39gr sierras work Ive already thought about switching to an 11 twist. Just so happens soon after I bought my 12 twist Lilja they switched and started making them in 11 twist. Its either I buy another barrel or see if my 32gr Nosler boat tails have enough in them to do well on the longer shots.

 

[@thewheels]

I have a farmer that is willing to let me take the chucks out of his alfalfa field. It's not so much the holes they dig but the rocks they bring up that get hit by the mower. Going to finish my 18" Grendel build. I plan on using Federal's American Eagle 90gr TNT load.
Probably longest shot there will be 250 - 300 yds. I think the 90's will still have enough punch at that distant for them. If not, I'll o back to the 123's in Hornady, either the ELD-M or the SST's. Both are excellent out of my 16".

I want to try those 90 grain TNT's from Federal in a 20inch Grendel build I'm working through myself. Can't wait to see how they shoot and I doubt they'll have any issues putting a chuck down at that range. Still contemplating what scope to use - so many choices.
I doubt I'll see any shots much over 250 in my usual shooting spots.

Sadly, I don't know anyone that has anywhere near 400 plus yards for chucking.

 

[JamieZ]

I want to try those 90 grain TNT's from Federal in a 20inch Grendel build I'm working through myself. Can't wait to see how they shoot and I doubt they'll have any issues putting a chuck down at that range. Still contemplating what scope to use - so many choices.
I doubt I'll see any shots much over 250 in my usual shooting spots.

Sadly, I don't know anyone that has anywhere near 400 plus yards for chucking.

I just purchased a 24 power scope and took off the 14 power scope off my 204 and put the 24 on. My 223 has a 18 power scope on it which I really like. When it comes to varmints at distance the 18 kept the smile on my face, the 14 made me cringe a tad. These are my eyes and what I see,,, your eyes and feelings maybe different out in the field. On the other hand my giant farm boy friend shoots with a 3x9. Though everytime there is one that is further than 75yds away he says that's too far,,,you shoot it. So if you are going to use this scope pretty much for chuck hunting,,,consider what your full power will be before purchasing.

250yds is still a long shot to me. Furthest kill for me so far was 341,,,,last year sighting in my gun I made 2-200yd kills within 5 seconds of each other which made me feel like a ametuer sniper,,,,,a very amateur sniper

 

[@thewheels]

I just purchased a 24 power scope and took off the 14 power scope off my 204 and put the 24 on. My 223 has a 18 power scope on it which I really like. When it comes to varmints at distance the 18 kept the smile on my face, the 14 made me cringe a tad. These are my eyes and what I see,,, your eyes and feelings maybe different out in the field. On the other hand my giant farm boy friend shoots with a 3x9. Though everytime there is one that is further than 75yds away he says that's too far,,,you shoot it. So if you are going to use this scope pretty much for chuck hunting,,,consider what your full power will be before purchasing.

250yds is still a long shot to me. Furthest kill for me so far was 341,,,,last year sighting in my gun I made 2-200yd kills within 5 seconds of each other which made me feel like a ametuer sniper,,,,,a very amateur sniper

I'm leaning towards a 14 or 16 power currently. A 9 underwhelms me at 150 on woodchucks but I know further isn't an issue for some eyes.
My grandfather regularly shot chucks at 200 plus with an ancient and cloudy 9 screwed to his 22 Hornet. His eyes and ears didn't fall off well in to his 80's.

 

[@thewheels]

Double post

 

[1075tech]

I'm leaning towards a 4 - 16 or maybe 6 - 24.

 

[JamieZ]

So I loaded up 39gr Sierras and found a load that was the most accurate, then went and ordered more bullets from Palmetto State because they were at a seriously good price. 7 dollars less per 100 than anyone else. Order came in, opened the box and the bullets were all 32gr,,,,I was like WTF,,,they must of screwed my order up? Went back and looked at my order and I was the one who screwed up.

So I decided to load up some test loads of the 32gr Sierras,,,,went to the farm to sight the 39gr bullets in and test the 32gr test loads. Well the 39gr loads seemed ok but not as accurate as I would of liked. The 32gr test load with the highest amount of 8208 in them were as accurate as shooting a lazer beam at the target!!! So I guess I will stick with them even know they are on the lower scale of BC ratings.

The farmer and I walked through the field to pick up the target I had setup. Took the target apart and started walking back to the stand. Low and behold a woodchuck was running across the field but we had no guns, they were back at the stand. Walked quietly all the way back to the stand, told Farmer to grab his gun that I sighted in 2 weeks beforehand with a scope that I gave him. He loaded up with reloads I made for my 223 and gave him,,,,,,he pulled up and smoked it with out resting on anything,,,chuck was about 75yds away.

So we decided to walk out back and see if we could see anymore. My gun was loaded with the 39gr bullets,,,,soon as we get out there I see one at a 100,,,,I shoot and I missed,,,I was like WTF. We walk another 20yds and I see another one,,,I ranged it and it was at 220yds,,,I told the farmer to shoot it and gave him information to use that I thought would help him use the BDC reticle............When I got home that day I punched his bullet speed into Nikon Spot On and realized what I told him was wrong,,,,so thats why he missed.

Soooo my long range or short range woodchuck hunting has hit a small snag,,,,that I hopefully will rectify after re-sighting the scope back in with the new 32gr bullets I plan to use.

The hunt continues................

 

[wizrd]

Used to be woodchuck heaven all around me - with demise of so many dairy farms - pastures & hay fields have all grown to brush. Woodchuck hunters were generally welcome at every dairy farm, just saying. My personal best woodchuck shot was with a .22 Mag. - at 125 yards - but HE WAS RUNNING!

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

I'm pretty much ready when you are.....barring my domestic entanglements.

Never mind the Remington 700. Trying to figure out the setting for that on the app.

 

[JamieZ]

I'm pretty much ready when you are.....barring my domestic entanglements.

Never mind the Remington 700. Trying to figure out the setting for that on the app.

Looks like you are closer than I am. I was going to go sight my 32gr pills in yesterday and hopefully call myself ready but between being on call and the winds being so crappy, I ended up not doing it.

When I first read your post I didnt even know what DTACs were but googled it. Ive been staying interested in your 6mm post. First reason is because you talking about the 6mm has me leaning more towards it then the 6.5,,,the only thing pushing me towards the 6.5 is trivial and that is the heavier bullets. I already shoot 100gr out of my 6.8spc for 300yds and below, for deer hunting. Now while writing this I'm thinking and still leaning more towards the 6mm because I will probably only use it for long range chuck hunting. Its long range, good to great BC bullets, low recoil, lower than 6.5,,,,,,,,,,,,,,my biggest problem is that I'm hooked on the looks of the Ruger Precision and price. I looked at Savage but their Stealth Evolution msrps for 1800 and change,,,,but still like the looks of the Ruger better,,,,,,,,,,,,,its the problems you have had that I would like to avoid but will probably take my chances after seeing yours.

 

[JamieZ]

PS,,,,what app are you using for target shit? I use Strelok Pro for ballistic calculations,,,it was pretty cheap at 12 bucks and an excellent program/app

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

Looks like you are closer than I am. I was going to go sight my 32gr pills in yesterday and hopefully call myself ready but between being on call and the winds being so crappy, I ended up not doing it.

When I first read your post I didnt even know what DTACs were but googled it. Ive been staying interested in your 6mm post. First reason is because you talking about the 6mm has me leaning more towards it then the 6.5,,,the only thing pushing me towards the 6.5 is trivial and that is the heavier bullets. I already shoot 100gr out of my 6.8spc for 300yds and below, for deer hunting. Now while writing this I'm thinking and still leaning more towards the 6mm because I will probably only use it for long range chuck hunting. Its long range, good to great BC bullets, low recoil, lower than 6.5,,,,,,,,,,,,,,my biggest problem is that I'm hooked on the looks of the Ruger Precision and price. I looked at Savage but their Stealth Evolution msrps for 1800 and change,,,,but still like the looks of the Ruger better,,,,,,,,,,,,,its the problems you have had that I would like to avoid but will probably take my chances after seeing yours.

Used Range Buddy but haven't had a lot of time to master it simply because I haven't had anything to shoot much lately.

In any muzzle broke gun I think recoil is going to be negligible. My friend was breaking in his new Howa 6.5 Creed and he had enough after 50. I was fine after 100+. I hear ya on the Ruger 6mm. It could be a crapshoot unless you have the ability to test the chamber before buying. Theres a complete setup for sale on snipershide right now. Gen 2 RPR's can still be had out there for around $800 or so. Have you shot an RPR yet? If you want to get behind mine, maybe we can set something up.

Don't knock the looks of the Evolution. The more I looked at them, and actually got behind one locally, the more I really like it. I may still end up snagging one. You can order a 6 or 6.5 for right around $1450 just about anywhere.

I dont know a way around the 6mm RPR issue right now. Certainly a gamble no matter how you cut it.

 

[JamieZ]

Havent shot a 6 or 6.5,,,,,and havent seen the RPR in person yet. The Firing Pin gun shop is 5mins down the road and was planning on going there to see if they had the Ruger or even the Savage to check out.

1450 aint terrible but do you think the quality of them is comparable or any better than the RPR? Maybe I will like the Savage more after seeing it in person.

You went with the Vortex on the RPR didnt you?

Going to look up Range Buddy even know I know I wont use it much. Um, just looked it up and I didnt see a price so I'm going to try and download it.

 

[Jaywmustang]

Buy a accuracy international at and change your caliber easily. Pricey compared to a rpr

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

Havent shot a 6 or 6.5,,,,,and havent seen the RPR in person yet. The Firing Pin gun shop is 5mins down the road and was planning on going there to see if they had the Ruger or even the Savage to check out.

1450 aint terrible but do you think the quality of them is comparable or any better than the RPR? Maybe I will like the Savage more after seeing it in person.

You went with the Vortex on the RPR didnt you?

Going to look up Range Buddy even know I know I wont use it much. Um, just looked it up and I didnt see a price so I'm going to try and download it.

You're welcome to meet me at the range sometime and run some through. Yes, Viper PST EBR-2C 6x-24x.

RPR barrels are not a chore to switch and a lot of guys are even doing them with 0 rounds. When this one burns out I'll be looking into an aftermarket barrel.

I really liked the Evolution in person. Prices on those will only go down as time passes. Gen 3 RPR's are around $1200 compared to Gen 2's at $800.



Seeeeeeexy, sexy.

 

[JamieZ]

Is your scope MOA or Mrad?

That pic is sexier than previous pics Ive seen on their website.

I would drive out there, just let me know when. Every other weekend I'm on call,,,,I'm on call this weekend

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

Is your scope MOA or Mrad?

That pic is sexier than previous pics Ive seen on their website.

I would drive out there, just let me know when. Every other weekend I'm on call,,,,I'm on call this weekend

MRAD. Next weekend is Easter weekend so I know that's gonna be shot. Maybe they for the next weekend in your rotation.

 

[JamieZ]

Sighted in the 32gr bullets yesterday and measured velocity. Bullets accuracy was spot on at a 100yds,,group of 5 at a 100yds could be covered with a quarter and that was with varying wind. Group of another 5 that were shot measured between 4050fps and 4100fps out of a 20 inch barrel. Sierra 32gr Blitzking with 29gr of IMR 8208. So I guess I'm ready to chuck hunt but distance will more than likely be less than what I hoped,,,Im hoping now for 400yd shots with the low BC bullets, .221,,,,,,just have to wait till babies leave their holes now

 

[JamieZ]

MRAD. Next weekend is Easter weekend so I know that's gonna be shot. Maybe they for the next weekend in your rotation.

Whats the length of the range you shoot at?

One more thing,,,whats the difference between Gen 1,2 and 3 of the RPR?

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

Whats the length of the range you shoot at?
Max right now is 250. Planning on expanding in a couple years maybe out to near 600 or so.
One more thing,,,whats the difference between Gen 1,2 and 3 of the RPR?

My limited knowledge says the only real changes were the front hand guard style and Gen 3's have a black nitride bolt vs the silver on Gen 2.

 

[JamieZ]

Years ago I went with a buddy to the Canastota range and shot at 300yds with my 223. Didnt seem like it was that far back then. Today I went Chuck hunting and the first and only one I shot at was at 267yds. It was a dead nuts hit according to the sound. 267yds seemed further than I thought. So Im thinking my long range shooting wont be over 400yds because I did see one more on the way out of the fields and I was thinking it was at, at least 500yds plus,,,,,well I ranged it and it was only 331yds. Didnt shoot because there was a factory about 6-700yds behind it. So with the cool breezy weather it wasnt much of a chuck hunt but a nice leisurely walk. Least I didnt get skunked

Least I know my scope and the program on my phone works well....

I'm also thinking chuck hunting might be as bad as last year being that they dont seem to mow it any more and the grass is already almost a foot tall.

 

[JamieZ]

So basically today had me thinking not to buy a 6.5 or 6mm creedmoor,,,my 204 will be good enough for the distance I will be shooting at

 

[Jaywmustang]

Don’t u need a reason to buy a new rifle??? Now is your chance lol

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

Got to the range yesterday. All groups are 5 shots at 100 yds. I think I have a seating depth I'm going to pick then work the load volume....

 

[JamieZ]

Got to the range yesterday. All groups are 5 shots at 100 yds. I think I have a seating depth I'm going to pick then work the load volume....

Dont even want to come shoot your gun,,,,,I do but I dont. Dont because I'm sure it would push me more towards buying one. The wind out in the fields today was the only thing pushing me towards a higher BC bullet,,,,,,which would be me buying a new gun

 

[MilesTeg]

Took my first woodchuck in years today. It was driving out dog nuts and in turn driving my wife nuts. You can tell the 308 was not the right caliber it passed through without much damage.

 

[JamieZ]

Nice!!! Its perty!!!! What 308 bullet were you using?

 

[MilesTeg]

Hand load Sierra 168 grain soft point, over varget.

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

Use this .308 instead....