I think the 180 Partition would have done just fine. I did test 180 gr loads prior to my trip, and they were great, 2800 fps level.
Really liked the 200 gr load, so I stayed with it. Figured I'd have no problem with it out at 300 yards if necessary. Lots good answers to the bullet question...
That's my guess - not a great photo - but interesting I thought. That photo was taken yesterday, I found a small herd of ewes and young rams, and there was a flock of magpies following along with them, occasionally landing on a sheep for a while. The sheep seemed mildly curious about the birds...
Yes, I chose the 200 gr Nosler Partition and H4350 for my Brooks Range grizzly hunt, 2017. I only loaded it to 2600 fps. Recoil was more like a big push than a sharp slap, it was quite enjoyable to shoot. Also the accuracy was excellent. Zeroed it at 200 yards, had no problem hitting the gong at...
Cool!
My favorite scope for a 45/70 is the little 2.5x Leupold. It's only about 8 ounces and has a generous 4.9" of eye relief - that's important with heavy loads! I've got mine mounted in Quick Release rings. It returns to zero just fine if I remove and replace it.
I hope you enjoy that...
Updating this - didn't do much "big game" hunting during the past year. Did some pheasant hunting. Old dog passed. Am working with the new dog, he's gotten a few birds.
My buddies and I took a week in September and covered over 600 miles in northern Idaho, with a bit of Montana thrown in, saw...
It is a nice looking truck. I've gotten away from the full size truck thing for now. About 7 years ago I got a Jeep Wrangler, later I picked up an "off-road" type trailer for it, and I've been happily traveling, fishing, and hunting the west from that setup.
I hope your truck works out well...
If you like to backpack, Washington has an interesting option every September, the "high buck hunt." Sept 15-25, hunting is allowed in the Wilderness areas, rifle or bow. No draw, just go.
I don't know how expensive our non resident tags are. Some big bucks up there in the high country. It can...
LOL - typically I walk around a lot, glass a lot, see some tracks... And don't see elk. That's kind of a summary of most years. :)
But I do enjoy the days in the hills.
Well, I only shot 'em with my camera. :) There wasn't much light, so I had to use a slow shutter speed. Found these rascals in Chelan County, Washington:
Thought I'd share.
Seared the elk roast in a hot skillet with butter, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, thyme and rosemary. After searing it, all of that and a bit of red wine went into a zip lock bag and into the sous vide immersion cooker. Trying 130 degrees for four hours...
The house smells so good after...
Oh - be in decent condition even if backpacking isn't contemplated. I live at about 800' above sea level, and in Wyoming I've hunted up as high as nearly 11,000' - I was in real good shape for that hunt, and dang, I sure was glad! Steep, and high elevation. Pretty tough.
Also, that hunt was in...
Good advice here, even though BrentD is right - there aren't actually any deer out west anymore. ;)
If you really want to backpack, go right ahead, but... either camping near your car/truck or just basing your hunt out of a motel or rented cabin/house is pretty sweet. Something about a hot...
Maverick the GWP pup! :) He's my buddy. We're working on the hunting thing:
He's a "liver" colored German Wirehaired Pointer. A rescue pup. Has only been with me about 4 months, and is 15 months old I think. He's up to about 65 pounds now, strong & healthy. FAST runner. Good grief. We...
That sounds good - I haven't got a shot at a chukar yet this year, but have done fairly well with them in years past. I do enjoy hunting those rascals! :)
Guy