Average Joe's 2018

[sn.outdoors]

Looks like the tags are starting to fill your pockets, and I'm sure your freezers will be empty enough to fill them again this fall!!!!!

I'm still a few feet away from the bottom of my freezers

Last year was a very good year.

----

The time is flying by, and getting messages from the taxidermist is one of those signs the season is fast approaching. Well, it's been a sign for the last few seasons at least. I've been very blessed.

I still can't believe the hunt ended the way it did. And I can't wait to see him after he gets his finishing touches.

 

[Lostinthewoods]

Looks like the tags are starting to fill your pockets, and I'm sure your freezers will be empty enough to fill them again this fall!!!!!

If you guys want antler handled knives just let me know otherwise they will be Black cherry handles.

I’m down to my last 35lbs of elk and that’s it! I can’t wait for September!
I prefer wood handles because I have been known to get myself extra messy. Antler usually gets extra slippery!





The mount is looking great so far, CJ

 

[Crossbowguy]

That I can do for you guys! Wood handles it is, you will just have to PM me an address on where to send them.

 

[Lostinthewoods]

That I can do for you guys! Wood handles it is, you will just have to PM me an address on where to send them.

Only if you promise to have your return address on there so we can send you something for your troubles!

 

[Pondera]

Curious how you like this stock...was thinking of getting one to better fit a rifle to my daughter...does it get fairly short lop wise?

 

[sn.outdoors]

Curious how you like this stock...was thinking of getting one to better fit a rifle to my daughter...does it get fairly short lop wise?

Honestly the jury is still out. I've only had it for a few months. The at-one has a lot of angular edges that I'm not a fan of. I'm going to buy the upgraded recoil pad as well. I actually prefer the Boyd's pro varmint that I have on a few of my other rifles. Not that the at-one is bad, I just like the pro varmint more.

I honestly don't know what the shortest length of pull is, but I will say it's not too short. Maybe 12.5"?

 

[Pondera]

Thank you. I think ill try one before I cut down the stock I have.

 

[Crossbowguy]

Not a problem as long as it's not cash!

Only if you promise to have your return address on there so we can send you something for your troubles!

 

[Lostinthewoods]

I blitzed up to Kentucky this weekend to do some scouting with my buddy and to pick up a new toy.

My buddy who drew the KY archery elk cow tag and I went to explore one of the limited entry areas. It was neat seeing their version of “elk country”.

It was a great time and cool place to explore. It’s located right next to a giant WMA that I can hunt while he’s chasing elk. That way if he shoots one then I can get right over to him and help pack out!

 

[Lostinthewoods]

The toy I picked up was a steal of a deal on another bow. With all the hunting I do, I decided I wanted another bow so I could have a backup.

Now I have the hard time of figuring out which one will be the primary and backup....

Who knows, maybe I can just switch off between the two

 

[Lostinthewoods]

So it occurred to me today that CJ and I are exactly 90 days from our NM elk opener and I’m so pumped.


I had a 3D shoot today and used the new bow I got last week. I must say I am impressed so far. I can’t wait to see how I do after some more practice with it

This week Florida quotas come out and I am crossing my fingers for a local tag. Here is to hoping

 

[sn.outdoors]

Being a constant tinkerer, and hard to satisfy when it comes to my gear, I felt as if I "needed" a rifle upgrade. I sold and traded some gear, and was able to scrape together enough money to buy something that wouldn't necessarily be considered an "average joe/working class man" type purchase, but I splurged and bought a Christensen Arms Ridgeline in 7mm Rem Mag. I debated for a while whether or not to go the 300wm route, but chose to stick with a cartridge I'm familiar with and that have a few hundred $$$ worth of components for. That said, I might pick up a 300rum after Berger releases the 245 and everyone else has worked out the kinks.

I have a few bullets I'll be trying. I plan on working them one at a time, then moving to a different one if I'm not be satisfied with the results. Starting with the 180 hunting vld, then 175eldx, 162eldm, and if those don't work I know the 168CH will work. (There isn't a rifle I've loaded for that wasn't able to shoot the classic hunters well). Powders I have are RL26, 7828, 7977, and 8133.

This weekend I loaded up a ladder test of the 180vlds and RL26 covering a 6gr range, as well as 4 middle range rounds to see if the 1:9 twist would stabilize or not.

Last night had perfect conditions to do a test, so I headed out to the desert and was greeted by a double rainbow. "WHAT DOES IT MEAN?"

After a long and boring break-in, I shot a few fouling rounds then the ladder test. My velocities were right where I expected them to be, so I shot the 4 mid-charge rounds w/out the magnetospeed attached, and voila...

Should be a good shooter. Now I just need to fine tune and figure out the load I'm most happy with, but I think I have a pretty good starting point.

 

[dirtclod Az.]

looks pretty great to me . Right on the money.

 

[sn.outdoors]

looks pretty great to me . Right on the money.

It's definitely a serviceable load, but I'm curious to see if I can get consistent velocities and good groups at a higher charge weight/higher velocity. If not, I have a good load to go back to. It's fun to tinker.

 

[Lostinthewoods]

Add another tag to the list!
This is a local quota hunt and should add some fun!

My name gets dropped in another hat with this drawing. In Florida we only can shoot does during a small early archery season. However my name will get dropped in a hat for this rifle tag possibly being turned into a single E/S tag.

I hope it happens! Sounds silly, but it’s a great way to put some meat in the freezer. I’ll have plenty of time to chase bucks with my bow.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Lostinthewoods]

I came home to a great surprise today. Thank you so much Crossbowguy for taking the time to craft these fine pieces for us. We truly appreciate it!!!!

I can’t wait to put it to good use this year.

 

[Joel53]

That’s a awesome looking knife.

Last year I did a load development with those VLD’s. I had really good luck either 185s, one difference I did notice was those bullets are very sensitive to how far off the lands they are seated. But it looks like you are well on your way. Good Luck.

 

[Lostinthewoods]

That’s a awesome looking knife.

I cannot wait to put it to work. They are sharp and ready to go. 81 days.....

 

[sn.outdoors]

Last year I did a load development with those VLD’s. I had really good luck either 185s, one difference I did notice was those bullets are very sensitive to how far off the lands they are seated. But it looks like you are well on your way. Good Luck.

VLD's can be very sensitive, but once you find the right depth they're awesome. I prefer to use hybrids/elite hunters or eol's, but they've been tough to find since Berger relocated. Fortunately they're starting to show back up on shelves.

 

[Lostinthewoods]

Looks like I won’t be hunting Iowa this year ��

I should be good to draw my unit next year though!!!