2nd Shot Expert Advice Please!

[Scott CWO]

I didn't read all of the replies but my first call would be to Hendershots. I think they would want to know. The left case looks different to me. The load was not the same...no way it would shoot all the way up like that without something being a lot different. It's not that big of a gun to break a good scope mount in 2 shots. You're used to Talleys...you're an experienced shooter...somethings not right with ammo...and I use and like Hendershots.

The rings were not the correct model and the scope rings moved slightly on the bases during the first shot and came off the bases on the second shot.

 

[Scott CWO]

I’m glad you got your answer, but I just can’t help thinking reading this thread how much I’d hate to shoot this rifle the next time at the range. It’s difficult forgetting getting scoped when squeezing the trigger, especially a serious case like this.

Nah, I will be fine with it after some range time to build confidence. I already ordered two sets of the correct rings.

 

[Green Chile]

Just glad to hear you aren't hurt seriously. Thanks for posting about it.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Thanks for posting the problem and the resolution. Good info and something to be aware of for anyone using the same setup.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Yes, this is exactly what happened. During the first shot, the scope rings moved slightly on the base but didn’t come off and I did not notice it. Then on the second shot, the screw got bent because the rings weren’t seated anymore on the base and the scope flew off and hit me. The ammo is fine.

Oh, so the scope DID come off the gun and hit you? I missed that in the first post I guess.

 

[Scott CWO]

As for using QD rings, I use them on my other 375 and my 458 Lott because I guide bear hunts in AK and I want to be able to take off the scopes to deal with wounded bears in thick alders utilizing the open sights or a red dot sight. For my CZ Lott, I have the open sights, a couple scopes and a red dot sight on a plate that all quick detach and all go back to zero.

For this Dakota Traveler with a 375 barrel and a Lott barrel, my goal is to have a different QD scope for each caliber so that when I switch barrels, I also switch scopes so that I don’t have to try to regulate a 375 load and a Lott load to the same POI using only one scope.

 

[Philip Glass]

Experiences vary. I’ve taken scopes off several times without problems and I want the flexibility to change scopes/loads.

The Hendershot ammo is not loaded real hot. The pressures and velocities are not at the top. My only concern was that one cartridge was overloaded but I found out tat I had the wrong rings. This is my first Dakota and I had no idea that try had Talley make rings and bases two different sizes/ways. Live and learn!

I know you will get it all sorted out!

 

[Ontario Hunter]

As for using QD rings, I use them on my other 375 and my 458 Lott because I guide bear hunts in AK and I want to be able to take off the scopes to deal with wounded bears in thick alders utilizing the open sights or a red dot sight. For my CZ Lott, I have the open sights, a couple scopes and a red dot sight on a plate that all quick detach and all go back to zero.

For this Dakota Traveler with a 375 barrel and a Lott barrel, my goal is to have a different QD scope for each caliber so that when I switch barrels, I also switch scopes so that I don’t have to try to regulate a 375 load and a Lott load to the same POI using only one scope.

For someone who wants to use the same gun but different loads for different purposes, having the ability to switch scopes is very useful. For example, a 375 could be used with 1-4x scope to hunt buffalo with 300 gr bullets. Then switch to a 3-9x scope and lighter bullets for plains game.

 

[Aaron N]

I’m glad you got it sorted, confidence is important with our gear, especially in your line of work.

I’m dealing with a similar issue with a set of claw mounts where the rear rings pop out upon firing

 

[cmk]

Nah, I will be fine with it after some range time to build confidence. I already ordered two sets of the correct rings.

That's the spirit - back on the horse!

A few weeks before my buffalo hunt, I experienced something similar. However - I was lucky enough to spot it before "the second shot" - or the third in my case.

These are older Warne (I think) QD mounts for Sako's tapered dovetail. I think the rings weren't sufficiently tightened, so the indexing/recoil stop pin was almost sheared off.

 

[cajunchefray]

As for using QD rings, I use them on my other 375 and my 458 Lott because I guide bear hunts in AK and I want to be able to take off the scopes to deal with wounded bears in thick alders utilizing the open sights or a red dot sight. For my CZ Lott, I have the open sights, a couple scopes and a red dot sight on a plate that all quick detach and all go back to zero.

For this Dakota Traveler with a 375 barrel and a Lott barrel, my goal is to have a different QD scope for each caliber so that when I switch barrels, I also switch scopes so that I don’t have to try to regulate a 375 load and a Lott load to the same POI using only one scope.

Glad you figured out the issue with dimensional difference in the base and rings.
Reading this thread, I hypothesized there must be some misfit in the ring base interface. Have never owned a Dakota( still want one), but I didn't know of these dimensional differences.

My gunsmith, a veteran of many African safaris, believes in and uses Talley mounts.
His advice to me is to always ensure when initially mounting, and when reattaching Talley rings, is make sure the rings are solidly against the front recoil stop, pressing down firmly and with forward pressure, to accommodate for any tiny dimensional differences.
This advice helps to ensure proper return to zero when reattaching the scope.

 

[shootist~]

Glad you apparently found the issue. But I agree with @Green Chile
and others on the one case showing pressure signs.

One very easy check would be to weigh every remaining loaded cartridge from that lot. (Assuming you have a set of electronic scales.)

Just looking for something noticably out of the norm, plus a quick visual check. Over many years, I've caught several defective or wrong weight bulleis while reloading. Including a 338 cal Barnes 210 gr just recently. (Pressure rings were visually in the wrong place; next the COL and Ogive measurements were well out of normal; then after pulling, the bullet weight was also off - but only by a few grains.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

This does not seem to be an ammunition issue. Nor does it appear to be a rifle issue. I would venture to say that you should look at how the telescopic sight was mounted onto your Dakota Traveler. I'm glad that your injuries were not more severe. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

 

[Scott CWO]

I know you will get it all sorted out!

I got the new rings today for the Dakota bases. Fit like a glove. I can use the screws or the QD levers - came with both.

You will be happy to hear that I also bought a Swarovski Z6 EE 1-6x24 for it!

The Leupold VX-R 2-7x33 doesn’t fit. The tube space is too short between the bells to mount the scope now that I have the correct rings.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I got the new rings today for the Dakota bases. Fit like a glove. I can use the screws or the QD levers - came with both.

You will be happy to hear that I also bought a Swarovski Z6 EE 1-6x24 for it!

The Leupold VX-R 2-7x33 doesn’t fit. The tube space is too short between the bells to mount the scope now that I have the correct rings.

I had the same issue with Nikon 3-9x on my Springfield. An extended forward ring solved the problem ... until I added iron sights. No one makes extended QD rings so I switched to a one-piece base with three slots forward of the loading port cutout. With proper eye relief for immediate acquisition, the objective bell just clears the Warne QD ring clamped on the third slot.