Would you hunt with it?

[Backyardsniper]

Today I tested the final iteration of the loads I plan to hunt with in Zim. This is with the Krieghoff 470 using new federal brass that still contains the federal 216 primers. This is the same load I have been practicing with, but using the 215's. Obviously I'll be using new brass on the hunt so I wanted to test and make sure this load still regulated and shot accurately with the new brass and 216 primer. This is 2 softs, swift A Frame over 111.5 grains of H4831sc at approx. 2180. The the slightly lower pair is 500 grain CEB solids over 110 grains of H4831sc. At approx 2180. I did not chrono them with the 216.primers but that was the speed with the 215's I don't suspect much difference in velocity. This is a 2.5" sticker at 42 yards. Yeah, 42 because it's icy outside and that is where I set it down at. I plan to make a small adjustment to the right. The lowest right shot is the first shot. Both groups had right barrel on the right and left barrel on the left. Obviously since I will be shooting the elephant with the solids and it presents the smallest kill zone I will make sure the absolute zero is for the solids as long as the softs are within an inch or so as they are here.

 

[zephyr]

sorry no pics attached ...
What is a Fed 216 primer

 

[revturbo9967]

sorry no pics attached ...
What is a Fed 216 primer

match OEM primer I believe , hottest they make

 

[Backyardsniper]

Pics are on the other one. I somehow double posted that. I'll attach them here too

 

[Backyardsniper]

sorry no pics attached ...
What is a Fed 216 primer

Yeah that's the federal factory primers for the big bore stuff. I got a bunch of pull down brass that still has the factory primers. They're supposed to be a bit hotter

 

[Inline6]

What is the orientation of the target? Maybe it's just my end, hard to tell. If the group is centered up looks like they would all be cutting the black. It is my understanding that is good for a double at that range. I don't see much of an issue, should do the job.

 

[Backyardsniper]

I might try 111.5 grains with the solids and see if I can tighten them up just a touch. I'm going to fire a few more with the current load and then fire a few with another grain to grain and a half and see if it pulls them in. I would like to get them as close together as the A Frames.

 

[Backyardsniper]

What is the orientation of the target? Maybe it's just my end, hard to tell. If the group is centered up looks like they would all be cutting the black. It is my understanding that is good for a double at that range. I don't see much of an issue, should do the job.

Yeah I just need to adjuzt the sight a touch to the right, maybe an inch and three of the 4 would have been in the sticker

 

[Red Leg]

Yes. That is a brain or boiler room shot to at least fifty. If buffalo, you need to double check out to 70 or 80. Sometimes the only shot you get during the whole trip will be barely within a 100.

 

[Backyardsniper]

Yes. That is a brain or boiler room shot to at least fifty. If buffalo, you need to double check out to 70 or 80. Sometimes the only shot you get during the whole trip will be barely within a 100.

Roger that. I'm going to stretch it out now that I have dialed in the load I like. I think she is a 70 or 80 yard rifle, if not we will employ the R8

 

[tygersman1]

I don't know where I heard it originally, but I was told 1-2" at 60-65 yards is great for a double. Some do better, and many more do not. Maybe try that distance when finalizing your handloads?

Once you're done getting your optimal handload set, perhaps also see what the typical factory loadings (Hornady/Federal) look like in the event you lose ammo, etc., and have to pick up some off the shelf stuff. Obviously, they won't be as good, but see if you get "palm of hand" type groups, which are still manageable in a pinch?

 

[Backyardsniper]

I don't know where I heard it originally, but I was told 1-2" at 60-65 yards is great for a double. Some do better, and many more do not. Maybe try that distance when finalizing your handloads?

Once you're done getting your optimal handload set, perhaps also see what the typical factory loadings (Hornady/Federal) look like in the event you lose ammo, etc., and have to pick up some off the shelf stuff. Obviously, they won't be as good, but see if you get "palm of hand" type groups, which are still manageable in a pinch?

Its actually factory regulated for hornady.

 

[Tanks]

No, I would not hunt with it. The diameters of the holes are only ,474" not .510"

 

[Backyardsniper]

No, I would not hunt with it. The diameters of the holes are only ,474" not .510"

I hear ya, a 500 Nitro is in my future. One thing at a time. Ha ha.

 

[Pondoro]

Or perhaps a .500 Jeffery..?

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

I'd hunt with it but also I'm with @Red Leg check it out to 80 yards or so to be sure

 

[ARHinAK]

If you squeeze the trigger as nicely for real as ya do in practice, then, no problem!

 

[Backyardsniper]

If you squeeze the trigger as nicely for real as ya do in practice, then, no problem!

I am wholeheartedly against trigger squeezing. I break the trigger on command. Once I aquire the sight picture I am looking for it is one quick, I guess you could call it a "fast squeeze, but more like a "crush". I concentrate on not moving anything but my trigger finger and I "break" the shot. I don't like the squeeze it until it surprises you method because that does not work in an offhand situation or an unsteady situation where you may have to shoot in a "wobble". I will admit I don't usually "shoot in a wobble" at animals but I have found that breaking the trigger on command works better in general for field situations.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Yeah that's the federal factory primers for the big bore stuff. I got a bunch of pull down brass that still has the factory primers. They're supposed to be a bit hotter

I've heard of and used Federal 215 (Large Magnum Rifle) and 215M primers. Never heard of or seen a 216. For what primers are costing these days, they probably needed to bump up the number.

BTW, nice shooting. Now go make it happen on your hunt.

 

[Texas Sharpshooter Fallacy]

Nice shooting, you're definitely ready. Looking forward to the hunt report.