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  1. Alaska Luke

    Why no love for the .358 Win?

    I loved my .358 it's not "bad." The issue is whether it's better than a 308. I think for most people a 308 is plenty adequate and the ease of finding 308 ammo makes it an easy choice. I think that explains why the 358 gets less love. I did just shoot a grizzly with my 308. No complaints at all...
  2. Alaska Luke

    Big Bores on Bear

    I just shot a 6 foot grizzly (not huge but not tiny) with a 308 and a 168 gr ELDM. With the big bores being discussed any decently built soft point should work. I think if anything you might go too tough if you aren't careful.
  3. Alaska Luke

    Customized Ruger M77II 375 Ruger

    I think I got 2520 FPS With a load of varget and a 260 grain Nosler partition bullet. I used that load to kill two grizzly bears and a few other things. I could have got a bit more with other powders but that was a nice low recoiling load
  4. Alaska Luke

    Customized Ruger M77II 375 Ruger

    I can't believe I'm doing this but I'm selling what had been a very faithful rifle, but for a good cause. This rifle began life as an early version of the Ruger Guide Gun chambered in 375 Ruger. Rick Steiner from Extreme Rifles worked on it on two occasions. First he cut the barrel to 16.75...
  5. Alaska Luke

    Alaskan Brown Bear - Close Quarters Encounter - Lessons Learned

    Eating in a tent is not recommended in bear country. But it happens. Sometimes the weather is so bad you don't have much choice. Other times the likelihood of a problem is pretty low (like when you have 5 guys in a tent)
  6. Alaska Luke

    One rifle for North American big game?

    I wanted to be different so I shot this grizzly with a .308 Ruger Scout Rifle. The ammo was 168 ELDM at about 2420 fps at the muzzle. Entrance and exit wounds were about as good as anything I've seen with bigger calibers. So I guess I can hunt anything with my .308.
  7. Alaska Luke

    .308 Win for SA Plains Game

    My 308 blew through a grizzly. Not huge but the exit hole meant there was power to spare. A friend shot one through a moose with good results. I think especially with your recoil issues I'd feel safer with a suppressored 308.
  8. Alaska Luke

    Lightweight 375 Ruger project (I might be crazy)

    Here are some better pictures. It is a really nice rifle. I handloaded a few rounds t chec the iron sites. Recoil was pretty brisk with lighter 250 gr loads. My Trijicon scope will add weight and help.
  9. Alaska Luke

    Lightweight 375 Ruger project (I might be crazy)

    I think my stock is in the 24 oz range. Lighter is possible but I wanted it stronger so it has an extra layer or two in the wrist.
  10. Alaska Luke

    Lightweight 375 Ruger project (I might be crazy)

    I just got it back, there was an issue with the stock maker that slowed things down. Just a hair over 6 pounds. I really like the feel and balance. It looks great too. The irony is I may sell it. This rifle is exactly what I want in a .375 it's just that I'm not sure I need a 375 for what I do...
  11. Alaska Luke

    One rifle for North American big game?

    Rifles are fun to experiment with. But with anything there is a cost. Maybe you can afford it but is that taking away from something else? Here is an illustration. Back in my younger days I was an early adopter of ultralight backpacking gear. I worked hard and spent a lot of money getting my...
  12. Alaska Luke

    One rifle for North American big game?

    If all my guns burned tomorrow here is what I'd do. I'd get a compact Tikka in 308 put a Trijicon 2.5-10 scope on it and be set. If I traveled a lot I'd have a 2nd scope with QD rings or I'd add sturdy iron sites. Eventually I'd look for a suppressor. Any extra money would be for practice ammo...
  13. Alaska Luke

    Who hunted bear with a knife?

    When we ran short of food once a Canadian friend half joked about stunning a bear with our packraft paddle and then stabbing it with a large pocket knife he'd been teasing me about. I was so hungry (and somewhat running on adrenaline) that I was seriously thinking about it. I think my brain said...
  14. Alaska Luke

    Understanding The Phenomenon Of Jacket-Core Separation

    Crossone sounds like you are describing a true failure to me. That's what I'd be interested in. How bad does a bullet have to be to really not work on an otherwise solid hit.
  15. Alaska Luke

    Understanding The Phenomenon Of Jacket-Core Separation

    I have had some pretty impressive kills with my 358 and I think it's superior to my 308 with similar bullets like a 225 Nosler Partition vs a 200 grain NP. On the other hand I've seen softer 308 bullets kill very fast. And they aren't failing to penetrate. So how will a softer medium weight 308...
  16. Alaska Luke

    What Caliber For Dangerous Grizzly Bear, Open & Read This Link You Won't Believe This

    Cool story. I believe another record book grizzly was killed with a 30-30. That lady must have had ice water in her veins. I have a theory bear toughness is exaggerated because of poor shooting, poor bullets and just tall tales. I have a grizzly skull in my garage. I doubt any reasonable...
  17. Alaska Luke

    Understanding The Phenomenon Of Jacket-Core Separation

    I agree I want to shoot from any reasonable angle. But I think core separation does not mean a bullet failed. I saw a 125 gr SST bullet come apart in a black bear but it smashed the shoulder bone first shredded the vitals and anchored the bear. Not a failure in my book. It penetrated enough for...
  18. Alaska Luke

    Understanding The Phenomenon Of Jacket-Core Separation

    It is an interesting question. On other forums with more long range hunters I've seen lots of pictures of ELDX bullets and similar bullets that came apart in Elk but still killed well. A friend shot an ELDX through a mid sized grizzly with good results. Another friend shot a 308 150 gr SST...
  19. Alaska Luke

    Advice sought (.358); I think I know the answer...

    The challenge is finding projectiles for it if you are picky. I pretty much only wanted 225 Nolser Partitions or Swift A Frames. They were hard to find for a while. Not a bad round but something to consider. Also I tried resized 308 brass and it always came up a bit short and didn't seem to...
  20. Alaska Luke

    Sub $600 scope for my pre-64 model 70

    I'd order one with the option to return it. They list it as 3.3 but I think others have said their eye relief may be conservative.
  21. Alaska Luke

    Sub $600 scope for my pre-64 model 70

    I don't think the eye release is actually a problem I am used to Leopold with 4 inches of eye relief and I didn't think it was too little. Maybe other models are different but my Trijicon acupoint and Trijicon Huron both feel fine 3.5 to 4 inches of eye relief I think
  22. Alaska Luke

    Sub $600 scope for my pre-64 model 70

    I like my Trijicon Huron 2.5-10x40. They have a reputation for being rugged. Also I think the glass is good and the clicks and adjustments seem consistent. I might consider a different Trijicon with an illuminated reticle for some situations (Credo maybe). The cross hairs in mine are a bit thin...
  23. Alaska Luke

    Advice sought (.358); I think I know the answer...

    If you buy it... I might have some 358 reloading supplies to sell you. I'm probably going to let my. 358 go because as a family man I can't justify reloading for multiple odd ball calibers. I'd hesitate to get back into the 358 world just because it's hard to find projectiles. I think a 338...
  24. Alaska Luke

    Lightweight 375 Ruger project (I might be crazy)

    Very nice. How did you like the 358 250 gr on big bears? I always went with a 225 gr bullet especially since my 358 has a 16 inch barrel. I assumed I needed a bit more velocity. I was getting 2420 with an admittedly hot load. Hopefully I get my 375 back soon. But to be honest I'm not likely to...
  25. Alaska Luke

    Question for long-time alaskans

    I never shot a bear with slugs but I was told in bear guard class that deer slugs were very soft. Not really bear killing material. Might explain that performance. Brenneke slugs seem to have a good reputation but I never used them on anything. I hunted off Valdez Creek Road a time or two. Fun...
  26. Alaska Luke

    Question for long-time alaskans

    A couple times I had the chance to shoot at a charging bear target with various guns. I got way more hits with a Glock 10mm then a 44 mag. I loved my 44 but it just didn't seem as effective so I sold it. A Glock 10mm or even a 9mm with appropriate ammo beats a big gun you leave at home. I know...
  27. Alaska Luke

    Question for long-time alaskans

    I live just down the road from them. If they aren't gun people they want something with a higher mag capacity and less recoil. A lever action in 30-30 or 44 mag could work. Or being crazy, a longer barrel 300 Blackout AR. Close to 30-30 performance and easy to use. Start hitting a grizzly or...
  28. Alaska Luke

    Show your work horses and bubba rifles

    Bob sorry I missed your 358 Winchester question. I started by loading 225 gr Nosler Partitions at about 2470 fps. It was a warm load of R10 powder. It worked well on caribou. I then cut the barrel to 16.25 inches and started using Swift A Frames with the same load. Velocity dropped to 2415 fps...
  29. Alaska Luke

    Scope Zero Dependability?

    The test is not really about dials or fancy stuff. It's about whether a scope can hold zero after a series of controlled drops onto a padded surface from 18 inches then 36 inches. One individual does the tests. Maybe they are full of it but several other members of that forum vouch for them and...
  30. Alaska Luke

    Scope Zero Dependability?

    I've seen that website. I thought they were wrong because I'd had two leopolds take what I thought were hard knocks and hold zero. So I decided to prove that guy wrong. I dropped my leopolds onto a foam matt from about 18 inches. Again I was sure both had dropped farther and held zero. The...
  31. Alaska Luke

    Handgun for wolf protection

    I know a trapper who killed wolves with a 17 rimfire. A 10mm would be overkill probably. I like light revolers but they can be snappy and hard to shoot Little sister is reasonably accurate with a mid sized 9mm. I think it would work for wolves, people and even a bear(most black bears are not...
  32. Alaska Luke

    Show your work horses and bubba rifles

    My most beat up rifle would be a Ruger American Predator I got in .358 Winchester (Grice Guns limited run). First I cut the barrel to 18 inches then 16.5 inches. I added a front site with a QD rear peep site. I replaced the Predator stock with a conpact/youth model stock. I cut the fore end off...
  33. Alaska Luke

    Ever check out a Goodwill store? (I got lucky!)

    Over the years I've found multiple pairs of nylon hiking pants (Prana, Railriders etc) in thrift stores. Considering the are $50-$100 new I grab them if they are cheap. In Alaska I have found $100 raincoats for $20. Both pants and raincoats wear out so I grab them and save them for later.
  34. Alaska Luke

    My Take on Dangerous Game Scopes

    Philip are you sure it was the QD rings that were off not the scope? Some experiences have led me to believe Leopolds are not as bombproof as people claim. Regardless I have been nervous about QD rings for a while. Suppose that little lever gets bumped a bit. At what point does it change the...
  35. Whitetail Deer Hunt Oklahoma

    Whitetail Deer Hunt Oklahoma

  36. Alaska Luke

    Whitetail deer season 2023-2024

    My son and I joined a hunt with Cross Trail Outfitters (a Christian hunting and fishing mentori g program). It felt pretty hot for a couple Alaskans. But my boy got a nice little buck. Nothing special but it was unique since we don't have deer where we live. I think he was more excited about the...
  37. Alaska Luke

    Moose Hunting 101

    DIY moose in Alaska is my only experience so far but I live and play in those places. A horseback hunt in BC sounds like a lot of fun just because the whole trip is an adventure. I believe I might have talked to Gundahoo Outfitters when I was looking at packrafting a river in their area. I...
  38. Alaska Luke

    Best electronic hearing protection?

    I don't have the experience or budget of some people here. But I used Walker Razer ear muffs and Walker Game ears for all my hunts this year. Both generally work. I don't like ear muffs in hot weather but prefer them in cool weather. Both gave me lots of unnecessary white noise in hight wind...
  39. Alaska Luke

    Ruger Guide Gun thoughts and reviews

    I had the barrel trimmed to 16 inches and turned down on a lathe. Also had some metal ground off the action. The heavy express sites were removed and replaced with lighter ones. It was in a glass bedded plastic stock but I'm having a fiberglass one made.
  40. Alaska Luke

    How has Everyone’s Hunting Season at Home been?

    I got to proxy hunt a cow moose for a relative. Son got a grouse. I stalked a bear in the mountains. I took some boys bear hunting in the spring. They got 3 bears total. Here's one.
  41. Alaska Luke

    Lightweight 375 Ruger project (I might be crazy)

    This rifle is currently at Extreme Rifle Works getting a fiberglass stock made and bedded. It should shed some weight but I think overall ergonomics will improve more importantly. I'll update.
  42. Alaska Luke

    Lightweight 375 Ruger project (I might be crazy)

    Dewald I don't have the original sites or I'd be happy to sell them.
  43. Alaska Luke

    Lightweight scope suggestions

    I think it's correct that what you want doesn't exist at that weight. You're either going to have a smaller less capable scope or you won't save 10oz. If you did save 10 oz and got all those features I'd worry about the scope being fragile. I dropped a 308 with a Leopold 2-7 Freedom about 12...
  44. Alaska Luke

    Lightweight scope suggestions

    I've been impressed with Trijicons in my limited experience. On other forums they get good reviews for withstanding bumps and dialing well. Mine is 18oz so it might not save enough and give you all you want though. If you want to be really minimal SWFA makes a 9.5 oz 2.5-10 scope. I have one on...
  45. Alaska Luke

    Lightweight 375 Ruger project (I might be crazy)

    I think I lost 25 fps per inch with handloads over what Hornady predicted for a 24 inch barrel. I never chronographed factory ammo or the original 20 inch barrel. I think your trim will be fine.
  46. Alaska Luke

    View out the window- Post your pics

    Snow is starting up in the mountains of south central Alaska. About to take 3 boys bear hunting.
  47. Alaska Luke

    Aside from Africa, what are some memorable guided hunts around the world that rival the experience of an African Safari?

    It's not hunting but one place that comes close to Africa for sheer biodiversity would be Yellowstone National Park. You can see all the planes animals (pronghorn, Buffalo etc) and the mountain species (grizzly, bighorn etc) in one valley. For just watching wildlife it's a lot of fun. I'm sure...
  48. Alaska Luke

    For those Wanting To Try Cutting Edge Bullets

    Well I got two boxes of 160 gr. 358 Raptors and tried them in my 358 Winchester. First, thing I noticed was they were accurate. I only had access to a 25 yard range when I did a quick check but their POI was only about 0.25 higher than my 225 gr. Swift A Frames. So no need to rezero. Velocity...
  49. Alaska Luke

    For those Wanting To Try Cutting Edge Bullets

    Okay so you'd expect the petals to plow through a shoulder bone. Good. Thinking crazy here. I dearly love my 308... if the CE are as good as they claim I think I might consider it for a big bear. The 30-06 and 300 work with traditional bullets.
  50. Alaska Luke

    For those Wanting To Try Cutting Edge Bullets

    I'm going to try some (if they get here in time). Question. With a normal bullet (Partition etc) I would expect it to mushroom and punch through shoulder bones etc if the bullet is of sufficientsuze. What if I hit a grizzly in the shoulder with a 375 or 358 CE bullet. The shank will continue...
 
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