Range time with the Africa Battery

[Backyardsniper]

Had time to go to the range today and start getting serious with the rifles I'm taking to Africa. There was a couple of experiments I had been wanting to run. I'm planning to run Aperture sights while I hunt with QD scopes as back up on both my rifles. I put a Vortex 1-4 on the 458 Lott today so I could dial for different distances and see what the rifle was really doing. Also checked the repeatability of my 30/06 set up switching back and forth from Aperture to the Swaro 3.5-10. Three shots with the /06 including the cold bore at 100. On the cardboard target with the scope followed by a 3 shot at 100 with the aperture, the one with my thumb in it.

 

[Backyardsniper]

Switched to the 458 and dialed up for 200yds and put for a solid 1.5"group at 200. All these were off a bench obviously as I'm just now getting the loads worked up for these rifles. I was very happy with this so far. Even put one on the 400yard gong with the 458. 14.1 minute come up from a 100 yard zero. 200 yards was 3.6 min, or 7" roughly. Things are looking very promising.

 

[Randy Bo]

Hello, fellow Kentuckian.
Please post pictures of your rifles.

 

[Backyardsniper]

Will do. It's a Sako 85 Arctos in 30/06 and a CZ 550 in 458 Lott. I'll get y'all some pics

 

[Backyardsniper]

This is the Sako

 

[Backyardsniper]

Here is the 458, not.much of a pic, but it's just a plain old CZ550, nothing special but it will shoot. Got a little feeding issue that its going to the gunsmith for next month and then she should be safari ready.

 

[Shootist43]

From my previous experience most local "smiths" cannot rectify large caliber CZ(s) feeding issues. Maybe yours is better than most. AHR used to "fix" CZ issues but now I think that work has been taken over by Matrix. Do a search on AF to confirm that. Better yet here is the link: https://www.matrixgunsmithing.com/

 

[Backyardsniper]

I've got an appointment with Matrix on the 12th of Oct. I'm headed out on an Elk hunt in Wyoming and I'm dropping the rifle off with them on my way through. Dropping off my 460wby to get the Magna port cut off and a set of express sights installed too.

 

[Sabattiboy]

Your shooting preparation will make for one happy PH and team.

 

[Backyardsniper]

I certainly hope so. I am a firm believer in the whole train like you fight thing. I plan to pick up. Good set.of African creations shooting sticks at the DSC and then burn a whole bunch of powder over the top of them between now and time to go hunt. Also plan to whitetail hunt this year with the 458. Nothing like actual field time to get comfortable with your equipment.

 

[Sabattiboy]

I certainly hope so. I am a firm believer in the whole train like you fight thing. I plan to pick up. Good set.of African creations shooting sticks at the DSC and then burn a whole bunch of powder over the top of them between now and time to go hunt. Also plan to whitetail hunt this year with the 458. Nothing like actual field time to get comfortable with your equipment.

Amen to that!
My problem is wearing out barrels in the process.

 

[Backyardsniper]

Ain't that the damn truth. Lol.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Switched to the 458 and dialed up for 200yds and put for a solid 1.5"group at 200. All these were off a bench obviously as I'm just now getting the loads worked up for these rifles. I was very happy with this so far. Even put one on the 400yard gong with the 458. 14.1 minute come up from a 100 yard zero. 200 yards was 3.6 min, or 7" roughly. Things are looking very promising. View attachment 422186

@Backyardsniper
Daniel Boone could have taken lessons from you. They are good groups.
Bob

 

[Nhoro]

Nice shooting. My 30-06 also shoots the first round high and right of the rest of the group. I reckon you are good to go.

Whats the problem with your 458 Lott feeding ?

 

[Backyardsniper]

The usual problem with the CZ jamming the round coming off the left side of the the stack

 

[Tom Leoni]

Sniper--those are some impressive groups! Bravo.

Re. the shooting sticks, I've found that (whether you use your own or the PH's), adding something like a Stoney Point Tag-Along Arm almost duplicates the steady feel of shooting from a bench. You obviously can shoot like a champ, but this goes a long way to eliminate any kind of anxiety before and during the hunt. It essentially supports the rifle from two points (front and rear) while not adding any bulk to the tripod.

Here's me using it to bag my kudu:

 

[Backyardsniper]

Yes. That is what I need right there. I never pass up on some extra stability

 

[Red Leg]

Sniper--those are some impressive groups! Bravo.

Re. the shooting sticks, I've found that (whether you use your own or the PH's), adding something like a Stoney Point Tag-Along Arm almost duplicates the steady feel of shooting from a bench. You obviously can shoot like a champ, but this goes a long way to eliminate any kind of anxiety before and during the hunt. It essentially supports the rifle from two points (front and rear) while not adding any bulk to the tripod.

View attachment 439801

Here's me using it to bag my kudu:

View attachment 439802

Nice! Haven't seen leggings like those since the boys were pushing up Kettle Hill back in '98. Need a slouch or campaign hat to go with them and that belt.

 

[Tom Leoni]

LOL - believe it or not, I have the very hat... I just thought that on safari, a Borsalino would be more David Ommanney

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Sniper--those are some impressive groups! Bravo.

Re. the shooting sticks, I've found that (whether you use your own or the PH's), adding something like a Stoney Point Tag-Along Arm almost duplicates the steady feel of shooting from a bench. You obviously can shoot like a champ, but this goes a long way to eliminate any kind of anxiety before and during the hunt. It essentially supports the rifle from two points (front and rear) while not adding any bulk to the tripod.

View attachment 439801

Here's me using it to bag my kudu:

View attachment 439802

@Tom Leoni
Love it is the tag along a separate attachment you can buy