Just installed the new Radius rangefinder from SilencerCo on my 6.5 Creedmoor. Co-witnessed with the IR Defense MK3-60 for shooting critters in the dark. As anyone can tell you one of the hardest parts of hunting at night is difficulty ranging. This setup may be just what I needed.
Stand by for updates.
I will be the first to say that I do NOT like super/ultra magnum cartridges. I find them to be more temperamental, and not as consistent as regular say 7mm or 300 winmags. However, when something works it works. And from everything I’m seeing the Nosler works. From now on I will just refer to the 28 Nosler as either “the Nosler” or “Nosler” because I believe it will eventually become one of those ubiquitous terms, like “Cher”.
I originally tested it with the 195 Bergers and it was impressive. Now because I will need to do more common loads for the 9 twist barrel that most are being made with I decided to test some of the new 175 grain ELD-Xs from Hornady. I got some of the bullet, looked at some manuals for a safe load, and made a hypothesis on what it should shoot relatively accurately (took a wild ass guess).
Below are some pictures of my initial test with the new bullets. It is limited, but because the rifle has behaved much the same way with the 195s I see no reason to think I will suddenly decide ” I don’t like these bullets any longer” and start spitting them hither and yon.
Cold fouled bore at 500 yards. About 5mph right to left wind.
Took one shot at 700 yards.
I only loaded five rounds initially to see what it would do.
Last one was at 1000 yards.
I went and loaded some more rounds just to see if it would repeat….. Yep.
This was a pic a friend sent me of a boar He shot. He hit it in the shoulder with one of the 195s and this is where it found it’s way out. He said that gash is about 10″ long and 6″ wide.
Wait for it…..
Looks cool but it was actually pretty boring because there was nearly no wind, and big old bullet is so fast.
pic was stolen from SilencerCo rep Anson Gordon
This is a typical way people in my circles take time with the family.
I consider myself lucky.
Now make some hamburgers. I’m already hungry.
I know I didn’t have shooting glasses. Calculated risk. What I want to show is a good visual follow through. I got this program called coaches eye. You can set the camera up next to you and analyze yourself frame by frame for a flinch or other bad habits.
Lots of times I don’t have anyone to make sure I’m not screwing up so I think this will be a good self analysis as well as teaching tool.
Would have been nice if I had hit the target.
My thermal demos at FTW Ranch went great. That was probably some of the most challenging and interesting terrain I’ve ever had the pleasure to shoot in. They have an excellent staff and training program.
My 5-30 Huskemaw, SilencerCo Omega and 7RSAUM combo performed great. ( when I made sure my suppressor was tight🐒).
I had a untested prototype clip on only thermal from IRD that performed very well. And the old standby MK2-35 was still the overall winner as slayer of beasts.
Be prepared if you go to FTW. It’s in the middle of nowhere. Cell service is sketchy at best and dead mostly. They do have pretty good wifi so you can skype but texts are hit or miss. Best just leave the phone in the room and enjoy the people and beautiful scenery.
Once per year I try to go train someplace so my skills don’t go stagnant. I figure to be the best teacher you better know what everyone else is doing too. I picked up some nice tricks to pass on to my students so I figured this place would be a great location for my yearly train the trainer class. So for me it’ll be a few more days with no cell service and laser focus!
I got back and immediately repacked and it was off to the Oklahoma border at Jimmy’s ranch for another trigger pulling (and excellent food) event with John Walding from 5 Toes and Christian Pinilla from Scalpel Arms. Another great day/night.
I’ll download some more night shots when I have some time.
Now to get some rifles out of the shop and into customers hands.
