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  1. Rick HOlbert

    Hello from Louisiana

    Flipper, I learned how to make gumbo from my mom and grandmother. Praire cajun cooking is so different from creole New Orleans gumbo. I'm not 100% cajun though. Mom is pure cajun so that makes her coonass. Dad was an Oklahoma Indian so that made him a blanketass. Put a coonass together with a...
  2. Rick HOlbert

    Sample of what the 358 Win can handle

    Amen to that brother! I guess I'm just old school as a rifle with finely grained wood that looks a mile deep with a deep blue finish makes my heart beat a little harder. These plastic/carbon fiber stocks with carbon wrapped barrels leave me cold. To me they are tools. On the other hand, wood...
  3. Rick HOlbert

    Sample of what the 358 Win can handle

    Life is way too short to live with just a few rifles!!
  4. Rick HOlbert

    Sample of what the 358 Win can handle

    BF, Swift also offers a 300grn 35 caliber bullet but,... who knows when they will be available again. I get my North Fork and Woodleigh bullets from Reloading International. Good folks to deal with.
  5. Rick HOlbert

    Sample of what the 358 Win can handle

    Howdy Jack. As a matter of fact I have tried Hawk bullets. Have always been interested in the Hawk cartridges. I ordered a box of their 358 diameter 225grn RN with the heavy jacket for load development. Sadly with every powder I tried, including my go to W748, could not get them to shoot less...
  6. Rick HOlbert

    Sample of what the 358 Win can handle

    Well, in the 358, none personally as I don't use them in that caliber. I tried them in my 9.3X62 on a whitetail at 115yrds and it blew up like a varmint bullet. I've taken several clients to Namibia who were all shooting magnums and using Accubonds. At ranges below 150 yards they all came apart...
  7. Rick HOlbert

    Sample of what the 358 Win can handle

    Hello Nosler. Compared to factory loads (not handholds ) I can get within 100fps of factory 35 Whelen loads. I personally don't care for the Accubond as I've seen them fail on numerous occasions. Just my take. But use what works for you. I prefer North Fork PP and Woodleigh Weldcore bullets...
  8. Rick HOlbert

    Sample of what the 358 Win can handle

    For lighter game I've been using North Fork 200grn semi- Spitzer's. Kills like a bolt of lightening and will shoot lengthwise through a 150lbs deer. Have yet to recover a bullet.
  9. Rick HOlbert

    Sample of what the 358 Win can handle

    Very good indeed. The 350 Rem Mag is a great round. At the time I couldn't get Swift A-Frames (still can't) so good friend Bob 35 Whelen got those Woodleighs for me. They hold together and penetrate like crazy. Didn't recover a single bullet even after going through both shoulders at 170 yards...
  10. Rick HOlbert

    Sample of what the 358 Win can handle

    Howdy Jack. Cases are Star Line. Bullet was the Woodleigh Weldcore RN 225grn. I used W748 powder ( I won't list the charge weight for liability reasons ) with the overall length at 2.80in. Chronographs at 2520fps in my 22in barrel with no pressure signs. 225grn Barnes TSX's use the same load...
  11. Rick HOlbert

    Sample of what the 358 Win can handle

    Thanks much sir. I've used Barnes TSX's ( they compress the powder more than I care for but no pressure problems ) and Woodleigh Weldcore's RN @225grn. Outstanding performance.
  12. Rick HOlbert

    Sample of what the 358 Win can handle

    The sable bull at the top was an animal I hunted for 3 years. I like unusual mounts. He was an old warrior and deserved a clean end rather than letting the hyena's and jackels have him.
  13. Rick HOlbert

    400 Whelen

    DGR, the head space problem was with later rifles. I personally knew Elmer and spoke with him about this. That was a long time ago. The original specs for the 400 Whelen chamber had sufficient shoulder to headspace properly. It may have been Griffen&Howe who built his rifle. Having a senior...
  14. Rick HOlbert

    9.3x62

    NECG has discontinued their post front sight blade. Was looking to buy one for a "retro Scout rifle" I built on a Remington 660 and after going to their website found it was no longer available.
  15. Rick HOlbert

    9.3x62

    Howdy Zim. From what I understand, there is a minor cut that has to be milled into the striker for the safety to engage in when moved to the middle or full safe position. any gunsmith who has worked on a Winchester M70 shouldn't have a problem doing it.
  16. Rick HOlbert

    .375 H&H 300 grain Nosler Partition vs Swift A-Frames

    Dimac, If unable to get A-Frames I would also go with the North Fork semi Spitzer. Bonded lead core in the nose and a mono metal shank. They flat work! they are my 2nd choice after the A-Frames for a soft.
  17. Rick HOlbert

    What would you do with a 358 Winchester?

    About what I'd expect with the Hornady bullet. I use 200 & 225grn North Forks and 225grn Woodleigh RN Weldcores and have yet to recover a bullet. Wound channel is huge and extreme penetration is assured. The 200grn NF semi Spitzer shoots length wise through a 150lbs deer. Makes dressing out the...
  18. Rick HOlbert

    Traveling to Namibia With Reloads

    Every trip I've made to Namibia they have always asked me how many rounds I've fired and counted the remaining rounds I have. Guess they don't want you leaving any extras with your PH. Go figure.
  19. Rick HOlbert

    Traveling to Namibia With Reloads

    Good day sir. A good question to ask. Having hunted Namibia every year for the past 10 years I'll relate my experiences. I handload also. I've never had a problem with Namibian customs concerning the head stamp on my brass and several times I've used (semi) wildcats like the 338-06 on which I...
  20. Rick HOlbert

    Best factory 30-06 ammo for plains game

    Hedge you're not alone. I bring first time hunters to Namibia every year for the last 10 years. Most are not handloaders like myself. On several occasions I've recommended Federal Fusion's. They are a bonded core bullet and tend to give match grade accuracy. Recovered bullets show great...
  21. Rick HOlbert

    Zastava LK M70 worth the money?

    I have a left hand model M70 Zastava in 9.3X62. Yes the action needed some cleaning up and the feed ramp needed recontouring and polishing. Had problems feeding NF Flat Nose solids but after the minor tweaks it's now 100% reliable. I do admit to being a controlled feed fan. And a 98 Mauser is my...
  22. Rick HOlbert

    9.3x62

    I fully concur with that. If I have to discard a third of the animal it seems a waste to. me.
  23. Rick HOlbert

    9.3x62

    Outstanding Gemsbok sir. I'll have one last tidbit of sayso about the 9.3X62. Being a reloader for more years than I care to think about, I do not adhere to this trend to wring every possible FPS out of a cartridge. I've been guilty of doing so in the past but with age sometimes comes wisdom...
  24. Rick HOlbert

    What would you do with a 358 Winchester?

    BF, I'm getting 2510-2520fps with 225grn bullets in my 358 Win. No pressure signs, easy 1 finger bolt lift and extraction. I tried Varget when doing load development and got good velocity and accuracy but, when I tried W748 I got slightly better velocity and 1 hole accuracy. That's my go to load...
  25. Rick HOlbert

    Help Please...9.3x62 Makes No Sense

    For a leopard I can see that. Good luck on your hunt.
  26. Rick HOlbert

    Help Please...9.3x62 Makes No Sense

    Rare Breed, Big Game is a good choice but use caution. I tried it and my rifle didn't like it at all! I was 3.5grn below published max data and was getting pressure signs and sticky bolt lift and extraction. Frankly there is no reason to exceed 2400-2450fps (especially) if you plan on using the...
  27. Rick HOlbert

    What would you do with a 358 Winchester?

    Interesting info. With modern load data and powders available now you can safely push a 225grn pill faster than that 200grn factory load and the terminal performance has to be seen to believe.
  28. Rick HOlbert

    What would you do with a 358 Winchester?

    Keep the 358. You'll not regret it.
  29. Rick HOlbert

    What would you do with a 358 Winchester?

    Well sir, I've used the 358 Win in Namibia to harvest everything up to BIG kudu. With a 225grn North Fork or Woodleigh 225grn RN Weldcore I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on an Eland Bull! At 110 yards shot my first Kudu bull. Bullet broke both shoulders and the spine and still exited on...
  30. Rick HOlbert

    9.3x62

    Zim, my gunsmith Pete Underwood obtained that safety from that fellow who made them. He bought the last 3 he had in stock and didn't plan on making anymore. I got lucky on that one. He (Pete) has used those other 2 on customers rifles so he doesn't have any left. Sorry or I would have referred...
  31. Rick HOlbert

    AH get together to meet and greet @Bob Nelson

    Just received a call from Bob Nelson. He and Judy are at the Philly airport awaiting their flight out. Next stop Dublin. They wanted me to pass on their thanks to everyone for the hospitality and great time they had with everyone while here in the states. He'll contact us soon as he has internet...
  32. Rick HOlbert

    9.3x62

    Good day. W748 is a good powder to use but it is a little faster burning. Very similar to Varget. I tend to use W748 in my 358 Winchester and prefer RL-15 and W760 for the larger capacity cases. I do prefer bal powders as they have a lower flame temperature which makes it easier on chamber...
  33. Rick HOlbert

    9.3x62

    BF thanks for the reply. I've been reloading for 60+ years now and really enjoy it. John is a true gentleman and a pleasure to talk with. I managed to lay in a good supply of RL-15 before the dry spell hit. The Reloader powders are manufactured in Sweden I believe and most of their production is...
  34. Rick HOlbert

    9.3x62

    BF I'm familiar with John's writings on loading the 9.3X62 and have talked with him on the subject. I tried using Big Game powder but started showing pressure signs well before the listed maximums showed. I've used W760 with good results but right now I've settled on RL-15. I'm getting slightly...
  35. Rick HOlbert

    9.3x62

    Well sir, I'm loading 58.0grn of RL-15. Mild compression and my chronograph says 2380 to 2400fps. I also use Lapua brass and CCI 200 primers. I'm getting 5/8th inch groups. With 286grn A-Frames it will shoot thru both shoulders of a large Eland. I've done that several times. Maybe I've got one...
  36. Rick HOlbert

    AH Get Together El Campo Texas, October 18th 2025

    Thanks much for the kind words Bob. You as well are more a brother than a friend. Glad you and Judy enjoyed yourselves while here. As for the forum members, I've always said some of the best folks you can meet are in the shooting community. For hunters in general, those of us who have hunted in...
  37. Rick HOlbert

    9.3x62 Ackley Improved

    I do think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the results. Although I had a senior moment. I had ment the 9.3X64. The 9.3X66 was also known as the Sako 370. Either way in all the years and all the animals I've taken not one complained that the bullet that hit them was 40 fps slow. Excess...
  38. Rick HOlbert

    9.3x62 Ackley Improved

    Fact of the matter is, If you can find any RL-17 powder (in the 9.3X62) you'll just about equal 375 H&H Velocity. Also the 9.3X66. It's an interesting project but a bit of money for minimal gain. But if that's what makes your day, go for it.
  39. Rick HOlbert

    AH Get Together El Campo Texas, October 18th 2025

    Yes sir. Had a grand time with them. It was an honor to host them while here. Had some great conversations and times. Sorry to see them go but all good things come to a close. I'm sure the other forum members will have a great time visiting with them also.
  40. Rick HOlbert

    AH Get Together El Campo Texas, October 18th 2025

    Bob is now headed to Virginia. Was an honor to host him and Judy.
  41. Rick HOlbert

    9.3x62

    Well sir I do appreciate your input. No, I've never hunted buffalo before but I've been hunting in Africa for 10 years now. For what it's worth. I've talked a number of PH's and other folks whose opinions I trust. The majority are of the opinion that the 9.3 is capable of harvesting buffalo...
  42. Rick HOlbert

    9.3x62

    I've already been in touch with my outfitter/PH. As long as you are hunting private land the 9.3 is good to go. That said, should the hunt take me to a different block then I'm leaning toward my pre-64 M70 in 375 H&H. I really would like to use my 9.3 but some times the buffalo are found in...
  43. Rick HOlbert

    9.3x62

    In about 7 months I'm headed back to Africa to finally have my dream hunt, for a buffalo! After much research and load development I'll be taking my 9.3X62. Swift A-Frames for softs and Woodleigh Hydro solids. Both chronograph at 2400fps from a 22 inch barrel and shoot to same point of aim. The...
  44. Rick HOlbert

    9.3x62

    Some great figure in this stock.
  45. Rick HOlbert

    9.3x62

    LH Zastava 98 Mauser. 22 inch barrel. Luepold VX6 1-6X28 scope in S&K rings and bases. Model 70 style 3 position safety. Restocked by good friend Pete Underwood. Shoots NF 286grn softs and solids at 2400fps into tiny 1 hole ragged groups.
  46. Rick HOlbert

    Why no love for the .358 Win?

    I've been doing some load development for my 358 Win. North Fork 200 & 225grn semi spitzers shoot tiny ragged 1 hole groups. And those 225grn Woodleigh RN Weldcore's that great friend Bob Nelson sourced for me were incredible on an old Sable bull back in June of this year. Long live the 358!!
  47. Rick HOlbert

    338/06 or 25/06?

    That's the joy of shooting and experiencing different calibers. "Ol Bob is correct in his advocating the 35 Whelen. 350 Rigby performance in a modern case. I can recommend the 375 Whelen also. Close friend African hunting companion and custom rifle smith Pete Underwood, built himself a 375...
  48. Rick HOlbert

    338/06 or 25/06?

    What can I say Bob? I just like medium bore rifles and the 338-06 is a good round.
  49. Rick HOlbert

    338/06 or 25/06?

    Friend, go with the 338-06! A natural descendant of the 333OKH (if you're an Elmer Keith fan) and does it work. With modern powders and a more efficient combustion chamber, it comes very close to 338 Win Mag performance using less powder and less recoil. 2700fps with 225grn bullets no problem...
  50. Rick HOlbert

    Woodleigh Hydro seating question/problem

    I know this is a late reply but a very simple solution. You can pop the cap off of the bullet. Seat to desired depth then reinstall the cap on the bullet. Done deal.
 
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