Water Jug Penetration Tests with (4) Rifles

I thought I would republish my water jug penetration testing I did about 3 years ago when planning for a black bear hunt in Maine. Unfortunately neither my son Jeremy or I took a bear on that hunt with Carey Outfitters. It was not really Dave Carey's fault as the weather was in the high 80's and low 90's the entire week we were there and the bears were simply not cooperating. Hey that is why they call it hunting and not just shooting.

I used (4) different rifles in the water jug testing sequences:

• 45-70 with Buffalo Bore 350 grain JFN called the penetrator
• 30:06 with 180 grain Nosler Accubond load
• .308 Winchester with 180 grain Soft nose Corelokt
• .338 Federal with 210 grain Nosler Partition

If we were looking at strictly penetration in the water jug medium as a benchmark, the Marlin Model 1995 Lever Action with the Buffalo Bore 350 grain jacketed flat nose penetrator is the hands down winner. The bullet penetrated 9 jugs and landed neatly in the bottom of the 10th jub with a classic mushroom.

That being said any of the above rifles and respective loads are more than adequate for black bear hunting under any circumstances. My bear hunts have been strictly over bait in the great state of Maine. My hopes for the future are that Jeremy and I can go on another bear hunt, perhaps to Manitoba next time and have an opportunity at a really nice bear in the 300 pound plus range. I would not hesitate to take any one of the above rifles with me if and when we get the opportunity to go again. I might even get my brother Tim to go with us next time.

I normally take (2) rifles on every hunt in case of a malfunction, or dropping a rifle on a rock and busting the scope etc. It has NEVER happened on any hunt I have ever been on, however it is a good habit and I tend to err on the side of caution. If I KNEW I was sitting on a bait where a monster bear was coming in late, I would probably use the 45-70 with the 350 grain JFN load from Buffalo Bore for that watch. I am pretty sure I would get full penetration and an (entrance and exit) hole from about any angle. As a backup I would probably bring the Ruger .338 Federal with the 210 grain Nosler partition load. Both rifles wear Bushnell scopes with rain guard and firefly.

Jeremy is coming home for a while this spring and we hope to do some more range testing perhaps with water jugs again and maybe throwing in some wet tphone books, and/or chunks of 2X6 etc. into the mix. The July 7, 2009 link below gives an explanation of testing medium.

In any event here is a link to all (8) videos we did three years ago, and a separate link to explanation of testing medium:




http://gunsandoptics.blogspot.com/2009/07/bear-bullet-penetration-and-expansion.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qdumOj9W6Qhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqh7XTiWsIY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQSpskiurBs

http://gunsandoptics.blogspot.com/2009/11/45-70-penetration-and-expansion-bullet.html

http://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?p=gunsandoptics+blogspot+8+youtube+penetration+test+videos





Enjoy,

Dan

Looking For Protection In Bear Country - LOOK NO FURTHER

If you own a Marlin Model 1895 .45-70 and are looking for ammo to protect yourself FROM or to HUNT the big bears, you need to look at offerings from Garrett Cartridges.

http://www.garrettcartridges.com/4570tech.html

EXCERPT:

Garrett's 45-70 Government Hammerhead Ammo

420-gr SuperHardCast gas-checked Hammerhead at 1650-fps*

THIS AMMO IS RECOMMENDED FOR USE ONLY IN MODERN FIREARMS, INCLUDING MARLIN, TC CONTENDER, ENCORE, KODIAK MK-IV, C.SHARPS, SHILOH SHARPS, PEDERSOLI SHARPS, NEF, H&R, BROWNING, RUGER, AND WINCHESTER RIFLES. ALSO RECOMMENDED FOR USE IN BFR REVOLVERS. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THIS AMMO BE FIRED IN ANY TRAPDOOR SPRINGFIELDS OR ANY OTHER FIREARMS NOT LISTED HERE!

Energy: 2540 ft/lbs: Taylor Knockout Value: 45; Meplat: .330”; Chamber Pressure: 28,000-cup; Brinnell Hardness: 25.
Trajectory: +3.5” @ 100-yds, ZERO @ 150-YDS, -8.3” @ 200-YDS
*All ballistic specs result from 22” barrels.

Our 45-70 GOVT Ammo extends the usefulness of our 420-gr SuperHardCast Hammerhead bullet to most modern firearms not recommended for use with our 420-gr +P Hammerhead Ammo. This SAAMI chamber pressure compliant ammo is completely safe in the firearms listed above, and delivers tremendous impact-performance by virtue of our inordinately lethal 420-gr Hammerhead bullet. Although producing less energy than our +P Ammo, this 420-gr GOVT Ammo will penetrate through the heaviest North American game from end to end and provide quick incapacitation.
Since all of our Hammerheads are built to the same standards of strength, the somewhat lower velocity of this cartridge, when compared to the 420-gr +P Hammerhead Ammo, makes it an even better choice for really heavy game at short range. This is due to the fact that the amount of stress a bullet experiences upon impact is a product of the speed of impact and the toughness of the target. So when the game is heavy, and the range is inside of about 150-yds, we recommend this ammo instead of our 420-gr +P Hammerhead Ammo. This ammunition also delivers far less recoil, for those who are recoil sensitive, than either our 420-gr +P Hammerhead Ammo or our 540-gr +P Hammerhead Ammo.
This ammo has been used to take all North American game, as well as many species of African game, including Cape buffalo. Although not as powerful as our other 45-70 Hammerhead offerings, this ammo is extremely lethal and is a fine choice for the hunting of all North American game including heavy bison. It is also an excellent choice for close-quarters defense from heavy coastal grizzlies.

(MY INPUT)
Heck of a load, but is it safe in your marlin Model 1895 45-70? See excerpt here to verify that information. Dan

(EXCERPT from website)

CHAMBER PRESSURE & THE MODERN 45-70 LEVER-GUN

We are often asked how performance/pressure parameters were established for our 45-70 Hammerhead Ammo. These are important matters as they involve issues of firearm reliability and safety, as well as questions regarding impact-effect.
Given the selection of an efficient powder, the speed to which a bullet of a given weight can be propelled is determined primarily by the seating depth of the bullet and the chamber pressure limit the builder has imposed upon the load. There are many opinions regarding prudent pressure limits for the 45-70 lever-gun. They range from those advocating 28,000-cup/28,000-psi load levels, to those advocating 42,000-cup/45,000-psi load levels. It is our view that given the mechanical characteristics of the modern 45-70 lever-gun, and the enormous amount of power that can be achieved within modest chamber pressure levels, the prudent course leads to a point somewhere in between. We have chosen to impose a maximum average chamber pressure limit for our 45-70 Hammerhead Ammo of 33,000-cup/35,000-psi. It is often claimed that the Marlin 1895 is completely safe with load levels up to 43,000-PSI, and that the modern Winchester 1886 is safe to 50,000-psi. This analysis is based on the strength of the respective lockups. We do not take exception with these claims. However, it must be accepted that the 45-70 lever-action rifle is a mechanical device that, by its very nature, is far less capable of handling high pressure and its effects than bolt-action rifles. Assuming the selection of an efficient powder, 45-70 pressure levels in the high range, especially those utilizing heavy bullets, generate an extremely severe recoil pulse, which can wreak havoc with certain design characteristics of the modern lever-action rifle. The most common among these involves magazine problems and difficult case ejection. The stacking of cartridges in the tubular magazine amplifies the effects of recoil battering in the magazine. When this causes trouble, it generally takes the form of a magazine failure in which the magazine opens at the end or separates from the gun, precluding any further shooting. In a worse case scenario, magazine detonations can occur. Difficult case ejection can also result from high working pressures, and can effectively put the lever-gun out of commission. A gun that has to be dropped from the shoulder in order to force the lever open, is a gun that is worthless should a fast second shot be required. It is our view that any cartridge built for use against heavy and potentially dangerous game must first and foremost reliably function in the gun. Mechanical failures are not an option. The gun must fire each and every time it is called upon. Therefore, our over-riding performance criteria is the production of the most powerful, deepest penetrating, and most lethal big game loads possible within strict parameters of absolute firearm reliability.
Determination of meplat diameter is a compelling issue. Since wound channel diameter is far more a product of meplat diameter than actual bullet diameter, impact-effect can be considerably enhanced through the use of bullets with wider than normal meplats. Our 45-70 bullets are the bluntest in the industry, and provide superior impact-effect as a result. It is our view that proper hard-cast bullets must have wide meplats in order to quickly dispatch big game. Meplat diameter is also relevant to the issue of magazine safety. Recoil battering of the cartridges in the tubular magazine mandates the use of blunt flatnose bullets. The greater the recoil pulse, the greater the recoil battering of the cartridges in the tubular magazine. It is our opinion that when firing heavy recoiling loads, safety from a catastrophic magazine ignition is increased with bullets possessing wider than normal meplats. Our bullets have meplat diameters of .330-inch on the 420-grainer, and .360-inch on the 540-grainer. They dwarf the all too common .300-inch meplat.
Although blunt, our SuperHardCast Hammerhead bullets provide a very useable 200-yard trajectory in the case of our 420-grainer, and 150-yards with our 540-grainer. Also, to the full extent of their range, they are both capable of shooting lengthwise through the heaviest game, while providing rapid incapacitation. Interestingly, both our 45-70 loads generate as big a Taylor Knockout Value at 130-yards as does the 375 Holland & Holland with 300-grain bullets measured at the muzzle.
The velocity achieved by a hunting bullet determines how strong the bullet must be. If the bullet lacks sufficient strength to survive impact with heavy bone at close quarters, all can be lost as a result of simply achieving too much velocity. Bullet impact stress is the product of the toughness of the target and the speed of impact. Any time velocity is increased or decreased, it has a direct effect on the practical strength of the bullet. Consequently, it is essential for the bullet to possess the strength required to survive close quarters impact with the heaviest game without bullet expansion or fragmentation. This is a serious challenge for ammo builders as it is easy to overpower bullets in the pursuit of more power, and, consequently, seriously compromise their effectiveness on really tough game.
Extensive impact testing and pressure/load evaluation has led us to our current performance levels. This reflects our view of the proper chamber-pressure level for the modern 45-70 lever-gun, and the maximum velocity appropriate with high performance alloy without concerns of bullet failure when impacting the toughest targets at close-quarters. Our bullet designs incorporate the best in meplat diameters, penetration, and accuracy. They are also hand-cast by us using a special low antimony alloy with superior hardening characteristics. These are the most highly evolved, power efficient, and safest high performance 45-70 loads on the market. We are very proud of our perfect safety record and will continue to put safety first in our pursuit of maximum power and impact-effect in the 45-70.
- Randy Garrett

Jack O'Connor's Pride & Joy - the .270 Win Revisited

Deer season is just around the corner and I am in hopes my son Jeremy can come home this year for a few days around Thanksgiving time to hunt with me. Jeremy became rather fond of my Ruger Model 77 MKII .270 Winchester. I am sure that taking two deer with it last fall, one of which was a 13 point buck that made the NYS Big Buck Magazine at 146 7/8 contributed to his liking the gun.

I went to the range today with (5) different loads and did some testing off the bags at 100 yards essentially to check last year's zero for him. I was pleased with the results and will clean the gun and put it away for him till deer season.

First up was a load that is unfortunately NO longer made. It was Federal's 130 grain Hi Shok bullet. I fired two shots which measured 1.25 inches center to center and exactly 2 inches high at the 100 yard mark. Years ago, I fired the best 3 shot group of my life out of this rifle at 200 yards with the same load.

Second target was a 3 shot group with Federal's 150 grain round nose Power Shok. Again the group was 2 inches high and center to center with (1) flyer of 1.75 inches. Two of the shots went into 1/4 inch group center to center. This will be the load I will try and steer Jeremy towards for this fall's hunting season.

Third group was with Remington's 150 grain round nose core lokt and the two shot groups also 2 inches high went into exactly (1) inch center to center. I would have to move point of impact to the left about 1/2 inch to feel totally comfortable with hunting with this load.

Fourth group was Federal's 150 grain round nose Hi Shok (also NO longer made) and the two shot groups  was 1.5 inches high and 1.5 inches center to center. One shot was 1.5 inches high and the other one was 3/4 inch to the left of dead center.

Last group was Winchester's 150 grain Power point, also a two shot group.  This has been the clear winner for best groups last year and is the load Jeremy used to take both of his deer. Group was 2 inches center to center with one of the two shots 3.25 inches left of center and  2.5 inches high. I obviously muffed the high left shot.

All that being said, ALL GROUPS pass the palm of the hand test and one could easily stuff the magazine with any of the above and go deer hunting tomorrow. You would have to make a slight adjustment to zero a couple of loads, however since the Federal 150 grain Hi Shoks are not getting any younger (or newer) sitting in my safe, I am going to have Jeremy use them this fall. The gun is good to go as is with this load. I love minute of angle rifles and tiny tight groups, however if the truth be known, you can hunt deer for the rest of your life out to 200 yards or maybe 250 with a rifle that will consistently put 3 shots into 1.5 inches at 100 yards.

Dan



(James 5:14-16 NKJV) Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. {15} And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. {16} Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

.308 Winchester Final Range Test before hunting Season

I went back to the club yesterday afternoon to run some additional rounds through the Savage Weather Warrior .308 Winchester with the accu trigger and Bushnell's 3X10X40 Elite Rifle Scope. This time I tried (4) separate factory rounds all at exactly 150 lasered and measured yards. I had not cleaned the gun since my last trip to the range, so I took my cleaning kit with me. Before shooting I ran three solvent based patches down the bore followed by two dry patches. Between each string of 3 shots at the 150 mark, I let the barrel cool for about two minutes and ran a couple of solvent (Hoppes #9) patches down the bore followed by a couple of dry ones.

First up was the Federal 150 grain Power Shok load. The group was still in the center ring of the target and center to center spread was 1.5 inches. I have a box and 1/2 of these left, so this is the load I will use for this fall whenever I take the .308 with me.

The second load up was also from Federal and consisted of a 165 grain boat tail soft point. I always want for some reason to have 165 grain loads shoot really well in a .308 simply because I look at them as a compromise between the 150's and the 180's. To me they are sort of the best of both worlds. Funny thing is, 165 grain loads have NEVER shot well in the different .308's I have owned. I started out with an early wood stocked Ruger model 77 with the old thumb tang safety. I later picked up a used Browning Lever action and now have settled on the Savage. The 165 grain Federals went into a 4.5 inch center to center group at 150.

The third group up consisted of some OLDER and no longer made, Federal 150 grain Hi Shok soft points. These proved to be very accurate in the original Ruger and the same Hi Shok bullet line was extremely accurate in my old Ruger .300 Win Mag. They are useable in the Savage, however not my choice as they printed a 2.5 inch group center to center.

Last up is still the best shooting load on average over all I have found in a factory load. It was the Winchester plain Jane vanilla 150 grain Power Point. The three shots went into exactly 1 inch center to center. The point of impact would have to be moved exactly (1) inch to the right( 3 clicks should do it at 150 yards) and I could easily use these. Since I do not have any Winchester Power points in the safe right now and am already sighted in with the Federals, I  will use those. Last time out, the Federal load out performed the Winchesters at the 200 yard mark, printing a 1.5 inch group also at the 200 yard mark.

My point is this. The best way to find out what your particular rifle likes to eat, is to put in the time at the range. There is simply NO substitute for shooting a variety of loads of a bench and taking your time to see what shoots best.

What do I mean by "Off the Bench?" I mean off a set of sand bags, or a Caldwell Lead Sled or some other version of a firm, yet NOT hard, and forgiving rest. Do NOT rest the barrel itself on the bags, use the FOREARM of the gun. Do NOT grip the gun with a "death grip". Do everything the same way for each shot. Do not keep shifting the gun around and having your hand under the forearm between the gun and the bags for one shot, and then held gently on top of the scope for the next shot etc. You must be consistent for each shot. You are not at the bench to see how good a shot you are. You are there to test loads and see what your gun likes to eat and have it sighted in properly for the upcoming hunt. Do not jerk the trigger. Squeeze it and let the bags to the work of steadying your sight picture. Always fire at least two shots between scope adjustments. I have watched guys make a scope adjustment after every single shot at 100 yards and end up using up a box of shells and chasing the point of impact all over the target.

Last but not least if your rifle does NOT have an adjustable trigger, seriously look into having a trigger job done by a respectable gunsmith, or having an after market replacement trigger installed. You will NEVER shoot your best with a lousy trigger. If your gun is a Marlin Model 1895 or model 336 lever action, then have a Wild West happy Trigger installed. You will be glad you did. If you own a Savage that was built prior to the Accu Trigger, you can have an after market trigger put in which works very well. I did this on my older Savage 30-06. If you are in the market for a NEW rifle or your FIRST rifle, look for something with an adjustable trigger such as the Savage or the TC Venture etc. You are going to probably own it for a long time, so don't save $150 and skimp on the trigger. You owe it to the game you are hunting to have a crisp creep free trigger in the 3 pound range, give or take ............most of mine are around 2 1/2 and break like glass. I am used to it and like it that way.

Time spent at the range and keeping notes will pay off in the fields or woods this fall.

UPDATE 9/14/2011 - Can't seem to stay away from the rifle range as I guess I am getting anxious to go hunting this fall. Went back to the club today to test some additional ammo. I took with me some Hornady 165 grain Light Mag ammo from years ago, some Black Hills 165 Grain match ammo,  and lastly Hornady's 150 grain SST load.

The Black Hills ammo put 3 shots into a strung out 4.5 inches / NOT usable for anything but plinking at close range. The Hornady 165 grain Light Mags put two into the same hole and threw the third one 2.75 inches from point of aim. (Question arises - is it the ammo or the shooter? / I THINK it is the ammo).

The Hornady 150 grain SST load printed a nice tight group at 3/4 inch center to center, and exactly 2 inches right of my point of aim. This load is the tightest load I have shot through the Savage yet and 8 clicks to the left and 4 click UP would put this load about 1.5 inches high and dead center for the .308.

Trajectory table for .308 Winchester:
                                                   100 yds              275 yds

.308 Win. (150 BT at 2800)	.435	+2.7"	+1.7"	3"@135	275
.308 Win. (165 Sp at 2700)	.410	+2.7"	+1.3"	3"@130	264
.308 Win. (180 Sp at 2610)	.483	+2.8"	+1.2"	3"@125	259

The LAST column represents the MPBR (maximum point blank range) of each load which is the maximum range at which you can shoot without the bullet rising above or falling below you line of sight by 3 inches. If you look at the 150 grain BT load, it rises above point of aim by 3 inches at 135 yards and falls below 3 inches at 275 yards). If you sight in 2.7" high at 100 yards, you will be within 3 inches of line of sight out to 275 yards.

I am still sticking with the Federal Power Shoks for this fall as they also printed very well at the 200 yard mark and are very consistent. BEFORE next season, I will have to stock up on the 150 grain SST's and after zeroing that load, try some groups from 50 yards out to around 225 yards or so.

Dan

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

.35 Remington and Hornady's LEVERevolution Ammo Range Test

I went back to the range this afternoon with the Marlin in hand along with 1 and 1/2 boxes of Hornady's  LEVERevolution ammo.  My intent was to check out the rifle at 100, 150 and 200 yards. This I did, in addition to making some slight adjustments from my last range session.

Results are as follow:

I fired three separate 2 shot groups at 100 yards. The first one was 7/8 of an inch, the second one 3/4 of an inch and the third one 1/2 inch center to center (or) subtract the bullet hole. I am pretty happy with those results.I ended up making a 2 inch adjustment to the right at 100 yards or (4) clicks on the Simmons 1/2 minute 1.5X5X32 illuminated reticle scope.

That put me dead center and about 1and 3/4 inches high at 100 yards.

I then went to 150 yards and fired a 2 shot group with a center to center spread of  2 1/4 inches and center of group about 1 inch low at 150.

I finished up at 200 yards with a 1 3/4 inch two shot group which was 5 1/2 inches low.

I have to admit fighting the original trigger on the Marlin Mdl 336. I honestly feel when I get the Wild West Happy Trigger installed on that rifle, that I can cut those groups at 150 and 200 yards by another 30% or so.

Even as it is, I could pretty much call my shots on a broadside deer out to 200 yards, with the use of a range finder. The Happy Trigger would just make it easier. I hope to have the funds to spare to get the trigger work done before NYS rifle season this fall.

The Hornady ammo is a winner in my book. As mentioned previously, the Federal 200 grain Fusion load is also very accurate out of this guy, however the trajectory is not up to equal that of the LEVERevolution load. For that reason, I will be hunting with this load on deer as long as I carry that rifle and Hornady keeps making the ammo.

Ever since its introduction in 2006, LEVERevolution ammunition has brought grandpa's lever action rifle out of retirement and turned it into a firearm everyone is shooting. Featuring a soft polymer flex tip, it's tough enough to stand up to a jacketed bullet, but soft enough so it won't dent the primer of the round in front of it or cause accidental firing in a lever gun. This new technology makes LEVERevolution cartridges safe in tubular magazines.

LEVERevolution ammunition features up to 40% more energy than traditional flat point loads and travels up to 250 fps faster. Feed your lever gun with a box today! This ammunition is new production, non-corrosive, in boxer primed, reloadable brass cases.

Technical Information:

Muzzle Velocity: 2225 fps

Muzzle Energy: 1721 ft. lbs.

Dan

200 Yard Test Of Ruger .350 Rem mag With Burris 3X9X40 Ballistic Plex

I made it back to the range today for a final test on the Ruger Model 77 .350 Remington mag and Burris Fullfield II 3X9X40 Ballistic Plex scope with LRS (Lighted Reticle). I was very pleased with the final results.

You can see the target below. As indicated in my last post, I thoroughly cleaned the rifle, and then backed off both of the stock screws just forward of the trigger guard about 1/8 to 1/4 turn. I had over tightened them when I found the Ruger Ring screws were loose. There was NO need to really tighten the stock screws anyway and it ended up opening up my 100 yard groups in the last test. I knew the gun was capable of very good accuracy at 100 yards, and I had never tested it at 200 yards prior to today. I am very pleased with both the rifle and the scope set up and think this is an IDEAL rifle set up for spot and stalk, or black bear hunting over bait. The scope has very good clear optics and the tracking and adjustments of the 1/4 min clicks are very precise and the scope holds its zero despite the punishing recoil of the .350 mag.

My first two shots were at exactly 100 yards, after backing off the stock screws slightly. That two shot group measured 7/8 of an inch center to center. Without any adjustment, I then placed the target at exactly 200 yards and held on the 200 yard target with the Ballistic Plex bar for 200 yards dead center.That two shot group is exactly one inch center to center and was 1/2 inch off center to the LEFT of my point of aim. I moved the windage adjustment knob 2 clicks to the right.

I then came back to 75 yards (with 75 yards or LESS covering the distance at which 95% of baited bear shots take place). I fired my final 2 shot group which was dead on (left to right) and both shots went into 1/4 inch center to center (OR subtracting the bullet hole). Outside spread final 2 shot group was 9/16 outside spread.

This rifle and scope set up is a KEEPER, and God willing and the creek don't rise, will be accompanying me on my next baited bear hunt. I have total confidence in placing the shot within 1.5 inches of point of aim out to 200 yards with this rifle.

Ammunition used was Remington's 200 grain CoreLokt factory load.

This rifle in previous sessions with a different scope on board, put 3 shots of Nosler 225 grain Partition ammo into just under 1 inch.  That would probably be my chosen load for a bear hunt, if I get the opportunity to go again.

Dan

Human government is more or less perfect as it approaches nearer or diverges farther from the imitation of this perfect plan of divine and moral government.

-= draft of a Newspaper Communication, Circa August 1770 = (John Adams)

Human government is more or less perfect as it approaches nearer or diverges farther from the imitation of this perfect plan of divine and moral government.

-= draft of a Newspaper Communication, Circa August 1770 = (George Washington)

Proverbs 1:5,6 & 7

1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
1:6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

.35 Remington With Hornady Leverevolution Ammo Revisited

Today I took the Marlin model 336 lever action .35 Remington to the gun club and checked it out for using on this fall's deer hunt. The rifle produced groups out to 150 yards in the 3/4 inch category with the Hornady 200 grain FTX bullet.

I did NOT fire the gun at 200 yards today, however out to 150 yards the drop is absolutely minimal. I believe from other forums I have read that this load sighted in 1.5 inches high at 100 will not be lower than 3-4 inches drop at 200.

For a gun as ergonomically delightful to carry and bring to your shoulder as the Marlin 336 series rifles are, I think it will be just the ticket for hunting mixed woods and farm fields type of cover. The reviews on the FTX bullet on deer are 100% dependable and puts the biggest whitetail bucks down right NOW.

I also ran into a guy at the club who is having trouble finding a chronograph, and I think I am going to sell him my CHRONY Master unit with printer etc. and take part of that money and have a Wild West Happy Trigger" installed on the .35 Rem. I did that a year or two ago on the Model 1895 45-70 and was very pleased with the results.

Since I am getting groups now under an inch out to 150 yards, it may not tighten my groups, however it will make it easier to produce those groups under field conditions.

I am looking forward to taking a nice deer or two this fall with the .35 Rem.

The rifle wears a Simmons Pro Diamond 1.5X5X32 lighted Diamond Reticle scope that is a very fast sight picture to pick up especially for woods hunting and fading light conditions. The scope has approximately 3.75 inches of eye relief and for the money the optics are very clear and bright. I am NOT sure if this scope is made any longer, but occasionally Natchez still carries them at very reasonable prices.

LINK to Schematic Of Marlin 336 Parts:

I am told by those more mechanically inclined than I am that installing a Wild West happy Trigger yourself is NO big deal. In my case it would be, because after I got it back together, I would have about 15 little parts left over. That being the case, a local gunsmith installed one on my Model 1895 45-70 for $100 including the trigger. I think just to purchase one is close to $100, so it was a NO brainer for guys like me.

At the time of this post, the Wild West Happy Trigger kit cost $89.00 plus shipping. I could not justify trying to do it myself.

TRIGGER HAPPY KITS
(Patent Pending)

A precision EDM sear and trigger that is hand polished to produce a crisp, clean 2-3 pound trigger pull on ALL Marlin centerfire lever rifles. Unique patent pending design eliminates the infamous and annoying Marlin trigger flop. Now anyone can have the crip, light trigger that has made our custom Marlin rifles well known all over the world. It's a trigger job in a package! Gunsmith fitting required. Available in Blue or Nickel.

Retail Price: $89.00

Dan

Model 336C

The flagship of our Model 336 family, and one of the most popular hunting rifles in North America. Offered in 30-30 Win. and the hard-hitting 35 Remington, it embodies our dedication to dependability, pinpoint accuracy and good looks. A 20" barrel with Micro-Groove® rifling makes it exceptionally handy in the brush and deadly accurate. The American black walnut stock and fore-end are enhanced with fine-cut checkering and our tough Mar-Shield® finish. Its solid-top receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. It also features a richly blued finish and adjustable sights.


 

Caliber	30/30 Win. Order Online from Gallery of Guns 35 Rem. Order Online from Gallery of Guns
Capacity	6-shot tubular magazine
Action	Lever action; side ejection; solid top receiver; deeply blued metal surfaces; hammer block safety.
Stock	American black walnut pistol grip stock with fluted comb; cut checkering; rubber rifle butt pad; tough Mar-Shield® finish; blued steel barrel band with integral swivel stud.
Barrel	20" with Micro-Groove® rifling (12 grooves).
Twist Rate	30/30 Win. - 1:10" r.h. 35 Rem. - 1:16" r.h.
Sights	Adjustable semi-buckhorn folding rear, ramp front sight with brass bead and Wide-Scan™ hood. Solid top receiver tapped for scope mount; offset hammer spur (right or left hand) for scope use.
Overall Length	38.5"
Weight	7 lbs.

45-70 AT 200 YARDS WITH 325 FTX Hornady LEVERevolution LOAD

As promised, I went back to the club today for the single purpose of shooting a couple of groups at exactly 200 yards with the Marlin Model 1895 45-70. I had a Wild West Happy Trigger installed about a year ago and that has made a difference in the groups. Truth be known, I have shot enough over the years, that I can do pretty well with any trigger if need be, however there is NO question that we all shoot better with a clean crisp trigger in the 2.5 to 3 LB range.

I stapled a more definitive target to my back stop this afternoon in order to make sure I was aiming at the right target. My last session showed a two shot 3/8 inch center to center groups at 100 yards which printed 2 1/2 inches above my point of aim. My trip today was to establish how accurate Hornady's projection of trajectory on their website is and to determine if I just plain screwed up and shot at the wrong 200 yard bulls eye target or not. I have been known to screw up over the years, but not normally shooting at the wrong target.

The Hornady website indicates if your point of impact is 3 inches above your point of aim at 100 yards, that the 200 yards impact would be 4.1 inches below your point of aim.

LINK to Trajectory table for 45-70 LEVERevolution load 

HERE are the results from my 2nd range session:

The first test was NOT a fluke and I am not losing my mind. I finally got back to the range and fired a 3 shot group with the 325 grain Hornady FTX LEVER evolution load at 200 yards. The 3 shot group was in the black and center of the group was 7 1/2 inches low at 200 yards.  NOT such a bad thing as the group is a decent group for a lever action 45-70 utilizing a 4 1/2 power scope at 200 yards. If I had a 3X9X40 on board and cranked it up to 9 power, I am sure I could have printed a tighter group. I am NOT unhappy with the performance of the gun or the load. The gun as sighted in is a dead on hold out to 150 yards and with a pocket size range finder and 15 or 20 seconds to make the shot, it is easily a 200 yard deer, or moose or black bear gun. That being said, I DO THINK (at least for my rifle) that Hornady's published trajectory tables for this load are a bit Optimistic.

Dan

Dan

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words." —1st Thessalonians 4:13-18

45-70 At the Range With LEVERevolution 325 Grain FTX bullet

I took another trip to the range today to check out the 45-70 at 100, 150 and 200 yards with the LEVERevolution factory load. I have been consistently getting two shots under an inch at ranges out to 100 yards. I would have done 3 shot groups, however I am on my last box of that particular Hornady load. I previously zeroed the gun at 25 yards and then shot a two shot group at 75 yards which resulted in a 1/2 inch group 1 inch high.

Today I shot a two shot group at 100 yards and  got a 3/8 inch group approximately 1/2 inch to the left and 2.5 inches high.

I made a (2) click adjustment to the right with the (1/4 min Bushnell 1.5X5X32 scope with Rainguard and Firefly) and proceeded to fire two more shots at exactly 150 yards off the sand bags. That group opened up to 4 inches center to center and in the black.

I then moved the target to a measured 200 yards and fired two more shots. That group measured 3.25 inches center to center, and that group was  8" to 9" inches LOW at 200 yards. I was aiming at the top RIGHT bull and the two shot group ended up in the lower RIGHT target / I THINK?

Per a trajectory chart put out by Chuck Hawks, the 45-70 looks like this from factory specs:

100 yards   3 inches high
200 yards   -4.1 inches low
300 yards   -27.8 inches low

Below is a link to his article.

LINK to Leverevolution ammo trajectory:

I was 2.5 inches high at 100 and almost 9 inches low at 200? I will need to repeat that test when I get time.
My only other explanation is that either Hornady's published figures are optimistic OR I am more senile than my wife thinks I am and I shot at the lower target instead of the top right target. I was in a hurry, but I am quite certain I held on the TOP RIGHT target.

The only way to be sure is to go back out and repeat the 200 yards test with a cold, clean barrel and shoot a (3) shot group. I will follow this article up with an additional test at the 200 yard range. I would be delighted to find I screwed up which would make this gun a solid 200 yards performer with little or no holdover.  Right now I am calling this a 150 yard rifle. After confirming the 200 yards group, it might be a 200 yard rifle with proper hold over.

Where I deer hunt for the most part, shots are under the 150 yard mark, and most of them under the 100 mark. The gun shoots well under an inch at that range.

Dan

The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government."

Patrick Henry

Hornady's NEW MonoFlex Leverevolution Bullet

I have read with interest Hornady's new MonoFlex load for lever actions. This is a combination of the GMX and FTX loads without copper fouling and retains 95% of it original weight. The bullet expands and holds together and good news for 45-70 owners, could likely extend the range of that rifle for deer hunting as it comes in a new 250 grain weight. Here is a link to the new load and suggested retail prices from Hornady.

The guys and gals at Hornady have done it again.

LINK to Hornady's NEW Monoflex bullet for Lever Actions

The .350 Remington Mag For Big Black Bear with 200 grain Corelokt

I came across this OLDER article about a hunt that Jon Sundra had with Glacier Outfitters (Jimmie Rosenbruch). During the hunt he used his Remington Model 673 .350 mag loaded with Remington 200 grain PSP Corelokts.
Thought you might enjoy reading this one and it sheds some light on effectiveness of the 200 grain factory PSP Corelokt for black bear. See my previous post on the suitability of the Ruger Model 77 rifle in .350 Remington Mag using the PSP Corelokts. My intent is that Jon's article reprinted here will expound on the Corelokt load from his perspective.

Dan

LINK to Jon Sundra's Glacier Guide Bear Hunt with .350 Mag

3 Rifles and 4 Loads for Bear Hunting

I recently made 3 trips to the range with the intent of  sighting in and recording data on three separate rifles and 6 separate loads all of which qualify as great black bear loads, either over bait, with hounds or spot and stalk. Three of the loads would also be acceptable for interior grizzly or brown bear within their range limitations.

SEE LINK for shot Placement on black bear

Shot Placement On Black Bear

The three rifles are:

#1 Marlin Model 1895 lever action in 45-70, with a Wild West Happy Trigger, and wearing a Bushnell 1.5X5X32 Elite 3200 scope with firefly reticle and Rainguard

#2 Ruger Model 77 bolt action with black synthetic stock, stainless action, trigger job and wearing a Burris Signature African Series LRS 1.75X5X32 illuminated reticle rifle scope on the Ruger rings supplied in .350 Remington Mag caliber (This one did not make the test as the Burris Scope failed after 3 shots at the range / see PHOTO insert / scope is now on the way back to the Burris Repair and warranty shop. I will report on this scope after I hear back from Burris)

#3 Ruger Model Hawkeye bolt action in black synthetic stock and stainless action, including a trigger job and wearing a Bushnell 3X9X40 Elite 3200 rifle scope with rain guard and firefly in .338 Federal persuasion.

Before we get into this, I am well aware that hundreds and perhaps thousands of black bear (big and small) have been neatly dispatched with 30-30's using 150 and 170 grain factory loads such as Winchester Power Points and the classic Remington Core Lokts. On my first baited black bear hunt in Maine, one hunter with an open sighted 30-30 lever action and 170 grain Remington CoreLokts dispatched a 250 pound black bear with one shot. Even lesser calibers and handgun calibers have dispatched numerous black bears. I have read articles of blackie's being taken with 80 grains of black powder and .50 caliber round balls in caplock muzzle loaders. I have read accounts of dozen's of bears taken with the .243 Win. This post is not talking about adequate rifles and loads here. I am talking about very capable loads here. I am talking about having a 350 to 600 pound black bear come in and being able to take a shot from any angle and not worry about if the gun and load are up to the task.

The Marlin Model 1895 45-70 shoots several loads amazingly well and the two I would use for bear in this rifle are the Hornady 325 grain LeverEvolution FTX factory load and the Buffalo Bore 350 Grain Penetrator factory load. The BB 350 Grain Penetrator might get the nod hunting the Canadian provinces where the bigger bears are more common however, both the FTX Hornady load and the BB 350 grainer have taken big bears. Both shoot well, however the Buffalo Bore out penetrates every other bullet tried thus far in my bear bullet water jug penetration tests. (SEE YOU TUBE VIDEOS on this BLOG) Buffalo Bore also makes a 405 grain Expander load that Buffalo Bore's,  Tim Sundles recommends specifically for black bear and has apparently used himself with great success. The 350 grain Penetrator load PENETRATES and holds together very well while the 405 grain Expander EXPANDS, but I experienced core and jacket separation in my testing. The FTX Hornady factory load is very accurate and also held together in the water jug testing and showed the classic mushroom. Penetration was on a par with the 405 grain BB expander, but without the core and jacket separation. The 350 grain Buffalo Bore Penetrator load is quite accurate and I have to imagine would give complete penetration on a big black bear from any conceivable shot angle, leaving both an entrance and an exit hole. I would not hesitate to use the BB 350 grain Penetrator load on a brown bear/grizzly hunt within the range and trajectory limitations of the 45-70.

There are numerous other loads from Garret, Grizzly, Double Tap, Buffalo Bore, CorBon and other outlets that would serve as well. Garret's Hammer Head loads are a bit much for black bear, but are certainly capable of taking any creature on planet earth within their trajectory and range limitations.

Next up is Federal's introduction of the first rifle caliber to bear (No pun intended) the Federal name. I am talking about the .338 Federal cartridge. This rifle has 4 separate factory loads, however I am only going to mention (2) of them in regards to black bear hunting. These are the 210 grain Nosler Partition loading and the Federal 200 grain Fusion load. The other two loads are a 180 grain Nosler Accubond load and 185 grain Barnes triple shock loading. The Accubond is intended for CXP2 game (deer class) and the 185 grain Barnes Triple shock would be a good deer/elk hunt loading, however would certainly dispatch a black bear if your rifle shoots it well.

In my .338 Federal, the Fusion load is very accurate and I have had 3 shot groups  under an inch at 100 yards. Weight is sufficient in this caliber that one could use this load for everything he would likely hunt with the .338 Federal. The Fusion bullet is also a bonded core bullet and should provide good expansion and penetration. It is certainly more than adequate for any black bear you will encounter. The 210 grain Nosler Partition would be my choice for a baited black bear hunt and should handle any black bear hunting chore with ease. It could also be an interior grizzly gun under 200 yards and with the right backup rifle and guide in a pinch a brown bear gun if the ranges were kept close. There is NO argument that better brown/grizzly bear rifles are available. This rifle with the 210 grain Nosler Partition makes an awesome black bear rifle for bear over bait or still hunting in a spot and stalk situation.

.338 Federal w/210 grain Nosler Partition:

2630/3225 fps/ME 
2590/2670 fps/ME 100 yards
2211/2279 fps/ME 200 yards
2130/1820 fps/ME 300 yards

. It also shoots flatter than you think If you set it up to print 2.8 inches high at 100 yards, you are still 1.1 inches high at 200 yards and only 7.8 inches low at 300 yards. The Partition bullet is ideal for CXP2 and CXP3 game or any dangerous game you desire to hunt with the .338 Federal.

Last up, but certainly NOT least is the Ruger .350 Remington Mag. It took me two years of searching to find a brand new in the box Ruger model 77 bolt action .350 Mag. Factory loads at this time are pretty much limited to the original Remington 200 grain PSP Corelokt and a 225 grain Nosler Partition loading. Either would be grand for hunting black bear, although some feel the Corelokt bullet may not be up to the task. The 200 grain Corelokt factory load looks like this:

It leaves the muzzle at 2775fps and produces 3419ME. Set 2.7 inches HIGH at 100 yards, it is 3 inches high at 125, 1.3 inches high at 200 yards and 3 inches LOW at 260 yards, and ends up -7.3 inches low at 300 yards. That is a lot of wallop and I have read about the demise of some very nice black bears with this particular load. As you can see from the trajectory table, it is not exactly a BRUSH GUN as it is often quoted as being. It also shoots very well in my gun, turning in groups of around 3/4 inch at 100 yards. Countless black bears have been taken with both the 30-06 with 180 grain round nose Corelokts and also the .35 Whelen with essentially the same 200 grain factory Corelokt bullet.

The Nosler Partition loading with the 225 grain bullet leaves the muzzle at 2550 fps and has a ME of 3248Ft Lbs. The partition bullet would get the nod from me for grizzly or brown bear hunting with this rifle. I recently read an article in the May issue of "American Hunter Magazine" where a hunter shot a large black bear at 5 yards with a .35 Whelen using the 200 grain Remington Corelokt factory load. He hit the bear in the right front shoulder and found the bullet stopped against the hide on the left hindquarter.  The bullet retained 71.7% (143.4 grains) of its original weight and showed evidence of the perfect expansion. For black bear hunting over bait, I feel the Corelokt is up to the task. The ergonomics of the Ruger are such that this can handle all (3) types of black bear hunting to include, bear over bait, spot and stalk and even with hounds. (The Burris scope failed during the range test, and I will report on this later after hearing from Burris) This rifle is also capable of taking grizzly and brown bear hunting with the 225 grain NP load. I realize that better rifles and loads exist for the bigger bears including, but not limited to .338 Win Mag, .375 H&H etc. I also recognize that a LOT of big bears have been taken with the 100 year old plus 30:06. The previously mentioned 45-70 with Garrett Hammer Head loads is MORE than capable within its range limitations.

Attached are photos of the three rifles. These three guns will not disappoint if you are looking for a new addition to your gun safe. If you are a hand loader, then all three of these guns can be made a lot more versatile than with just factory loads. Many baited bear situations use the same bait sites for rifle that bow hunters use, and most have rifle baits placed from 20-50 yards from the tree stand or ground blind. I have however seen some offering rifle stands from 50 to 200 yards. From 75 yards and out, one gains an advantage of being able to get away with limited movement etc. and at the same time, you lose a part of the thrill of seeing a bear up close. There is also the possibility of less than perfect shot placement the farther the stand is from the bait site. ASK your guide in advance about the distance from his stands to the bait site. THEN, sight your rifle in accordingly. If he says 50 yards, then sight your gun in to be able to hit a quarter at 50 yards. If the stand is 25 yards, or 75 yards, your point of impact will not vary over an inch with most center fire rifles. These three rifles are (3) good examples of a rifle set up for bear hunting. You may understandably choose something different. Different strokes for different folks. My suggestion is to use a heavy bullet for the caliber and buy the BEST scope you can afford. For example in .270 Winchester, I would opt for a 150 grain (vs.) a 130 grain bullet. In 30:06, I would go with 180 grain load etc. I would also go for premium bonded core bullets in case you have to take a shot through the shoulders to reach the vitals etc. ( Barnes X, Nosler Partition, Swift A-Frame and Hornady Interlock & Interbond etc.) This is not rocket science, however you do not want to shell out $1200 to $2400 for a quality baited bear hunt and then have bullets that are NOT up to the task. Make sure you sight in with your chosen load, and then do not switch at the last minute and bring ammo the gun is not zeroed for.

 Target photo shows 45-70 with 325 grain FTX bullet on bottom at 25 and 75 yards. Top target shows Buffalo Bore 350 Penetrator load with same sight setting.

Range Results for .338 Federal:

210 grain Nosler Partition out of the .338 Federal, when dead on at 25 yards was about 1.5 inches high at 75 yards and produced a 1.25 inch center to center (3) shot group.

200 Grain Fusion shot a 2.75 inch 3 shot group at 75 yards and a 1/2 inch two shot group at 50 yards after zeroing for the Fusion load. Group size may have had to do with a dirty and heated barrel. I have produced sub minute of angle groups with a clean cold barrel out of this rifle.

Range results for the 45-70:

Hornady 325 grain FTX Lever Evolution load 1/2 inch center to center and one inch high at 75 yards, when dead on at 25 yards.

Buffalo Bore 350 Grain Penetrator using same zero as the Hornady Load, also shot a 1/2 inch 75 yard group, although point of impact was 4.5 inches higher and 2.25 inches left of the Hornady Flex Tip load.

Dan

A Clean Gun Is A Happy Gun

I decided to take the .308 back to the range today as I was not entirely happy with the groups I was getting last time. I checked the barrel stock mount screws and gave them just a smidgen more of a turn to make sure they were tight.

I then thoroughly cleaned the bore, bolt etc. and did NOT apply any oil to the inside of the bore. I made sure it was clean and dry. I took (3) loads to the gun club with me this morning. Winchester Power Points, Federal Power Shoks and Remington Core Lokts, all in 150 grain persuasion.

I placed the target at exactly 100 yards, and fired one round of the Winchester 150 grain load. I moved the scope two clicks to the right and fired two shots for each load at the 100 yard mark off the bench. From previous shooting time, I knew the gun would be in the black with just about any load in my safe from the 150 grain on up through the 180 grains.

The top left target is the Winchester's and the top right is the Federal Power Shoks. Both loads are almost identical in both group size and shot placement. Both loads are 5/16 inch center to center and about 1 1/4 inches high. Just about perfect for a gun that probably will not see any shots beyond 150 yards, and likely inside of 100 yards.

The bottom left group was made by the Remington Core Lokts and measures 1 inch center to center and 1.5 inches high.

The Federal's and the Winchester's are two peas in a pod and are completely interchangeable. The Remington's shoot more than adequate enough to thread the needle through brush to take a clean shot at a buck.

The Savage Weather Warrior with the accu trigger is probably the most accurate rifle in my possession, and handles like a dream besides. It is easy to carry, comes into shooting position quickly and hits hard.

I always clean my guns every time I take them to the range, however it normally consists of running a couple solvent based patches down the bore followed by one or two dry patches and then a lightly oiled patch with a product called "Clenzoil" available from E. Arthur Brown Co.

Occasionally I guess it pays to do a through cleaning, and from now on when I go hunting, I will run a dry patch or two through the bore before heading for the woods. I like to use the clenzoil patches when I put it away, but apparently it shoots much tighter with a clean dry bore.

No one asked, however NO it is not for sale. If you are in the market for a new deer, black bear, wild hog, caribou, moose rifles, you can't go wrong with the Savage Weather Warrior in .308 Win.   Dan

45-70 Leverevolution water jug penetration test

I went back to the range this week and did another water jug penetration test using the 45-70 Leverevolution load. I placed the water jugs at 50 yards as opposed to the normal 25 yards from the muzzle.  My fall baited bear hunt in Maine will have bait stations from 25 to 50 yards from the tree stand.

I only had (5) jugs with me and at 50 yards, the 325 grain FTX load blew up and penetrated all five and I was unable to recover the bullet. I also read on a recent forum post that someone else who does water jug testing tried this at 100 yards, an the 325 grain FTX load penetrated all (9) jugs, and was not recoverable.

Previously at 25 yards,  it had blown up (4) one gallon water filled milk jugs and lay neatly on the 2X4 in front of the 5th jug. Bullet was nicely mushroomed and intact, with no core or jacket separation.

Makes sense that the further one is from the target, the lower the velocity and the bullet would therefore penetrate farther. Hitting a wall of water jugs at 25 yards is tougher on the bullet than at 50 yards.  In other words a bullet that may not do well real close hitting a 300 pound plus bear, might be perfectly fine say at 50 yards and beyond.

In this case based on my testing and what I have read, it did well at 25 yards, 50 yards and 100 yards. When you factor in the extreme accuracy of this load, it is a winner.

Again if I were hunting grizzly or brown bear, I would load up with either BB 350 grain JFN penetrator load or perhaps one of their special 430 grain loads or even Garret's Hammerhead loads. I would want more penetration and less expansion if after the larger bears.

Nuff said about Leverevolution loads out of a 45-70, at least for NOW. I will report the results if I am successful in September in the state of Maine.

Dan

Revelation 22:12 KJV "Behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according to his work.........."

45-70 Leverevolution Bullet

Still researching google and various search engines and forums for more about the 45-70 Leverevolution ammo specifically and the Leverevolution FTX factory loads in general.

One seems to have to dig and type in what you are looking for a variety of ways with each new search revealing something new to look at. I especially like coming across reviews written by individuals on forums and/or on ammunition reviews from Cabela's, Midway USA, and others.

Most of the excitement is about the accuracy of these rounds which I can verify in my own experience out of the my Marlin mdl 1895 with 22 inch bbl and a Wild West Happy Trigger" installed.

My particular rifle shoots some very tiny groups with the 325 grain FTX Leverevolution ammo. I also recently did the water jug tests on this load, except this time I moved the jugs out to a measured 25 yards (instead of the 20 feet or so I usually conduct testing at). I thought this would be a reasonable distance  between a baited bear bait site and a ladder stand in the N/E, specifically in Maine.

As mentioned the FTX bullet blew apart (4) one gallon jugs of water and landed neatly resting on the 2X4 in front of the 5th jug. From a penetration standpoint, this was the equal of the BB 405 grain Expander load recommended by Tim Sundle's for bear hunting. Tim indicates it is designed for 2 1/2 feet of penetration in flesh with tremendous expansion qualities. Their 350 JFN (the penetrator) is designed to go 4 feet in flesh and is rated for game up to 2500 pounds, which certainly includes anything I am ever likely to hunt.

My one shot test in water jugs of the Leverevolution 325 grain FTX bullet duplicated the 4 jugs blow apart along with the BB 405 grain JFN, however the FTX bullet mushroomed nicely and HELD together intact.

I have been criticized in print for using water jug testing for bullet penetration as water is a HARSH medium to use and plays havoc on bullets. I have not shot my first bear yet, however I am told that bears can play havoc on bullet construction also.

That being said, I have now read probably 15 or more separated accounts of the Leverevolution bullet being used on baited black bear with great success. One in particular I read involved a 300 pound bear purposely shot in the near shoulder quartering towards the hunter by a 45-70 with the 325 grain leverevoluton ammo.It broke the shoulder, and penetrated through the length of the bear and left a golf ball sized exit hole. I find it difficult to fault that performance.

I have read a dozen or more testimonials on various forums, bullet reviews for customer's writing in from Internet supply companies including Cabela's, Midway USA to and the bullets always rated between 4 and 5 *****'s. Much of this is due again to accuracy, however there are enough wild hogs, black bears, bison,  and large (4-500 lb Plus hoofed animals to make up a respectable data base).

The bullet itself is similar in construction to Hornady's famous (Interlock) bullet, except I understand the locking ring has been moved forward to allow it to retain more weight. The rubber type pointed tip (elastic polymer) of course allows one to use it safely in a lever action without the point of one bullet detonating the one in front of it etc. It also adds measurably to the ballistics of the various loads it is used in. It has been tested under severe heat and severe cold etc. enough to satisfy me it works. The point also aids in expansion of the bullet. I believe this a better bullet than the old Interlock design, and a lot of game fell to the Interlock bullet over the years.

Factoring in the price of these loads from the on line companies, and they have a winner in this market. I still have some reservations  about the bullet, however I cannot find any out and out failures using this load on black bear, even with shoulder shots at close range. I did read a couple of notes about the bullet coming apart, however the animal was still recovered and died quickly. It is designed to penetrate, retain its weight and also expand. The 200 grain FTX bullet in the .338 Marlin is designed specifically for bigger game including black bear, elk, moose etc. and is of the same design as the 325 grain 45-70 load.

It has certainly turned my 45-70 from a 125-150 yard gun into a 200 yard or better rifle.

I may just end up taking the 325 grain Leverevolution loads to Maine in September after all.

I guess enough bear have been cleanly taken with .50 caliber muzzle loaders using round balls ahead of 80 or 90 grains of black powder, that I should be okay with the FTX load.

JUST thinking out loud again.

RESEARCH UPDATE:   7/13/2010    /     Found a post on the Marlin Owners forumn dated March 8, 2010 on a subject entitled (.450 Marlin Leverevolution) This post was from member by the name of (Tenderfoot) and indicates water jug testing similar to mine, except his took place at 75 yards. He lined up 9 water jugs and on his first shot (3" high), the bullet exited the 6th jug at an angle and went into the dirt pile. His second attempt lined up better and the bullet landed in the bottom of the 8th jug. The bullet retained about 90-95% of it weight and was mushroomed nicely.



Dan

45-70 Leverevolution Ammo For Bear?

I have been vacillating back and forth on what load to take to Maine this fall for a bear hunt. Most of the vacillation has been around the 45-70 caliber. The .308 my son has decided to take is relatively easy. The 165 grain Hornady Interbond factory load shoots tight and is up to the task. The gun wears  a Bushnell 3X10X40 Elite 3200 scope without firefly. The reticle is BOLD enough for all but past shooting light.

My backup rifle for both of us is the Ruger Hawkeye .350 Rem mag and it wears a Burris 1.5X4.5XX32 scope with an illuminated reticle and will be stuffed with Nosler 225 grain partitions if it comes into play.

The 45-70 is a tough one for me, perhaps because it shoots so many loads well. The Leverevolution loads are absolute tack drivers, way out beyond the range that is practical for a baited bear hunt. The 45-70 wears a Bushnell Elite 3200 in 1.5X4.5X32 persuasion with firefly and is an ideal scope for a 45-70 lever action.

I had done previous "water jug" testing of different loads for the 45-70, including Buffalo Bore's 405 grain JFN and their most impressive 350 grain JFN nick named the "penetrator". In previous water jug testing ( see blog posts on  11/12/2009  ), the 405 grain only penetrated 4 water jugs and landed in the bottom of the 5th. To top it off, there was complete separation of the core and jacket in two different tests. In emails from Tim Sundles, he indicates this is still his load of choice for baited black bear and is more than up to the task. My problem is that personally I have lost confidence in that load for a BIG bear. Confidence is at least 75% of the program for me, and I think for a lot of others. I KNOW that dozens and dozens of big black bears have been taken with this load, however I still keep seeing that separated bullet and the four water jugs.

The 350 grain JFN penetrator load from BB on the other hand blew up 5 jugs and landed in the bottom of the 10th with jacket and core intact, perfectly mushroomed. I am leaning towards an entrance and an exit hole and for that reason am leaning very strongly back in the 350 grain JFN camp. It is ACCURATE enough, hits like a freight train, and penetrates and expands and hold together.

Back to the Leverevolution load. As mentioned accuracy is definitely it's strong point. It will end up being my load of choice for deer hunting with a 45-70 and most other game. For bear hunting, I was a little disappointed in the water jug results at the gun club this morning. This load blew up (4) jugs and landed on the 2X4's between the 4 and 5th jug. It did NOT penetrate one side of the 5th jug or even  cause a rupture. On the positive side, it did mushroom nicely and held together with NO core and jacket separation as experienced with the 405 grain load.

I know, I know, lots of bears have already met their demise with the Leverevolution ammo in 45-70, however given a choice, (IF I WERE LEAVING TODAY) I might likely OPT for the BB 350 grainer for the trip. If I was assured of a perfect angle and could precisely place the 325 grain Hornady flex tip load in the heart/lung area, I am convinced it would be more than adequate. Presented with a quartering on shoulder shot as my only shot, my mind would keep saying to me, ................." Remember the 4 jugs. Does it have the ooomph to break the shoulder, hold together and penetrate?....Will it leave an exit hole from any angle ? etc."


(SINCE this post was written)  update 7/9/2010, I DID read about such a shot where an individual had a shot on a 300 pound plus black bear, that was quartering towards him.  He hit the near shoulder with the Leverevolution load, and the bullet ended up exiting the rear of the bear leaving a golf ball sized exit would. the bear was recovered in short order).

I may have to RE-think my strategy. I just heard from my outfitter today and rifle set ups on baited bear at our camp will be from 20-50 yards. Since I can hit a quarter at 50 yards with the 325 grain FTX bullet, I might very possibly take this load with me and leave the 350 grain JFN BB bullet at home.

I would really like to settle on ONE load for the Marlin 1895 for everything except perhaps an opportunity at interior grizzly or coastal Alaskan brown bear hunting, in which case I would definitely carry the BB 350 grain JFN or even one of the Garrett Hammerhead loads.

I always say that half the fun is planning the trip. Dan

45-70 Penetration and Expansion bullet testing

My son Jeremy and I recently went to the gun club to some additional water jug penetration tests, using the .338 Federal, .350 Remington mag and the beloved 45-70.

Our tests on the 45-70 consisted of two loads from Buffalo Bore Ammunition. The first load we tested was the 405 grain JFN at around 2000 fps. Let me repeat the parameters of our testing here. We test bullet penetration and expansion in one gallon water filled milk jugs with caps screwed on tight. The jugs are placed tight up against each other in a straight line on 2x4's nailed together sitting on sawhorses. All shots are at 25 feet from the muzzle.

** The 405 grain load (known as the "expander") did just that. It walloped the first 4 jugs exploding them and landed neatly in the bottom of the 5th jug. I was suprised to learn that there was complete separation of the jacket and core (see video and photos).

Second up was the 350 grain JFN at 2150 fps and this load is called the "penetrator". This load also lived up to its namesake and is the #1 penetrating load we have tested this far in several rifles, incluidng the .308 Win, the 30:06 using 180 grain accubonds, the .338 Federal using 210 grain Nosler Partitions and the excellent 200 grain Federal Fusion load, and the .350 Remington Mag using 200 grain corelokts.

The 350 grain JFP, blew up the first 5 jugs, and then went on to penetrate 5 more and ended up in the bottom of the 10th jug perfectly expanded and totally intact (core and jacket held together in a classic mushroom).

I was surprised by the lack of penetration and the jacket and core separation on the 405 grain load as I was planning on using that load in the fall of 2010 on a bear hunt my son and I are going on. On the other hand, the wallop shown in the video for this load is awsome. I wrote to Buffalo Bore Ammunition and received a very promt and knowledgeable reply back from Tom Sundles by email.

The 405 grain load is his PERSONAL choice and recommendation for both black bear and hog hunting. It is designed to penetrate apprx 2 1/2 feet into tissue with violent expansion. Numerous black bears have been taken with this load with ZERO reports of failure in hundreds of thousands of rounds sold.

The 350 grain JFN penetrator on the other hand is designed to penetrate approximately FOUR FEET into living tissue. The best loads we have tested up to this point in time were the 180 grain accubond in the 30:06 and the 210 grain Partition in the .338 Federal, both of which were in the 6th or 7th jug category, with classic mushroom expansion and bullets that held together in the water jug medium.

I have on hand some 350 grain Corbon JFN ammo for the 45-70 also and hope to get back to the range for penetration test for that load also.

There are a lot of excellent loads out there that will turn your 45-70 into a fire breathing monster. Time and cost of factory ammunition prevents me from testing them all, at least for now.

Other loads that have excellent reputations are the Garrett hammerheads in various weights and configurations and also the afore mentioned CorBon loads.

NONE of these are cheap, however neither is a guided hunt for the BIG beasty stuff. $3 or $4 per round is very cheap insurance, when what you are hunting can eat you if your bullet fails. My dream hunt of a lifetime is to go after Alaskan Coastal Brown Bear. Will it ever happen? I don't know, however I will hold onto the dream for now.

In closing, if you want an education from the man who has been there, please visit Garrett Ammunition's website (http://.garrettcartridges.com/new.1.asp.

Take the time to read about the effect of "meplat" disameters on 45-70 bullets. Garrett amunition boasts the widest meplats in the industry, and he has to my knowledge the widest selection of both .44 mag and 45-70 loads in the industry. One can learn about pushing the 45-70 loads to over 1600 feet per second actually REDUCES penetration and why. You will learn that, " the wound channel disameter is far more a product of meplat diameter than actual bullet diameter, impact-effect can be considerably enhanced through the use of bullets with wider than normal meplats" (quotation from the page on 45-70  PLUS-P, Hammerhead ammo).
You will learn Randy's ammo for the 45-70 is capable of shooting lengthwise through the heaviest game while providing rapid incapacitation.

If I were leaving for my Alaskan brown bear dream hunt next year, instead of a baited black bear hunt in Maine and I were taking my 45-70, I would certainly be on the phone with Randy Garrett for his recommendation before I left. At the time of this post his 45-70 ammo runs $80 for a box of 20, which means every time you pop a cap, you are looking at $4.00. Again, it is cheap insurance when a brown bear hunt can cost one upwards of $15-25,000 depending on accomodations, specific outfitter etc.

Dan

2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17:  "Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work"

View Video HERE

TC Encore 209/50 With 250 Grain TC Shockwave

It is that time of year again to spend a little range time with both the Encore 209/50 and the Thumb hole laminated stocked Omega for the upcoming season in NYS.

Last year I took a button horn buck in the last fading light of a very rainy, foggy day in Steuben County NY with the Encore 209/50. The load I was using was the most consistently accurate load I had ever shot out of a muzzle loader. It was sighted in with (2) 50 grain Pyrodex Pellets behind a TC yellow tipped 250 grain Shock wave bullet. Prior to this hunt, that load had produced 3/4 inch groups at 100 yards out of a clean gun with a cold barrel.

After season last year, I disassembled the bbl and action, pulled the E-Z Tip extractor (Cabelas $21.99 fall 2009 catalog) and thoroughly cleaned the gun inside and out. I ran a patch wet with Clenzoil down the bbl a couple of times wiped the outside of all metal parts with clenzoil and stored the gun in my safe.

I went to the range this week with the Encore and three loads, consisting of the 250 grain TC Shock wave, Lighfield's Alpha Gold 300 grain saboted load and also Barnes Spitfire Expander saboted load in 285 grain boat tail hollow point.

I decided to try all three with my standard 100 grain load consisting of 2/50 grain Pyrodex pellets. Having put hundreds of rounds down range through the Encore has taught me that if a particular saboted bullet combination will not shoot well with two pyrodex pellets, it probably will not shoot well with anything else. At one time or another, I have tried Pyrodex loose powder, Pyrodex pellets, Triple 777, Pioneer's powder and a couple of others. I pretty much use Pyrodex loose powder in charges of from 100-120 grains in the Omega and normally use 2/50 grain pellets in the Encore. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it", is my philosophy.

I have also tried Remington Kleen bore primers, Triple 777 primers and Winchester 209 primers. I find Winchester's the most consistent, however have had pretty good luck with the other two also.

In any event, my first three shots out of the Encore on my first range outing were the TC Shock wave bullets and they landed neatly into a 3/4 inch (center to center group / subtracting the bullet hole) and approx 1.5 inches high and dead center on the target. I have center fire rifles that are NOT that consistent. When you consider that I disassembled the Encore and it is a break open action rifle, I consider that a testimony to the Artisans at the TC factory who build and assemble these guns. They go bang every time you pull the trigger and they shoot straight and hold their zero from one season to the next.

Needless to say, I will stick with the 250 grain TC Shock waves until something better comes along or they are discontinued, at least for deer hunting. If I were going on a baited bear hunt with the Encore, I would likely work up a load with a 300 grain bullet.

Other loads that have worked well in my Encore are:

100 grains loose Pyrodex powder behind a Precision 300 grain QT saboted load and Winchester primers gave me a 1.5 inch 100 yard group /www.prbullet.com

100 grains of loose Pyrodex powder behind a 295 grain Power Belt and Win 209 primers gave me a 1.5 inch 100 yard group

100 grains of Triple 777 using a 250 grain Shock Wave and Remington Kleen Bore primers gave me a two shot 1/2 inch group / thunder storm drove me off the range that day


Other loads in the 1.5 inch range at 100 yards include the Barnes 245 grain spitfire, Hornady 250 and 300 grain XTP's and Buffalo Bore 375 grain saboted loads.

I also liked the Precision Dead Center loads in both 260 grain and 300 grain version.

The trick to all of this is to experiment. Most muzzle loaders will do sub one inch groups with possibly only 1 or 2 specific loads.


Notice the photos attached. The 250 grain Shock wave load as mentioned went into 3/4 of an inch at 100 yards. The Lightfield Alpha Gold 300 grainers were FIVE inches center to center and the Barnes 285 Grain Spitfire MZ HPBT loads had two in the same hole and a flyer opening the group to 2 inches.

I tried the Lightfield Alpha Gold 300 load as I am a BIG fan of Roger Raglin and he is a big fan of Lightfield's products. I am NOT knocking the Lightfield load, I think they are a well made quality bullet and perhaps with a different sabot, they might shoot well in my gun. I KNEW when I loaded the first one down the barrel, it was NOT a good fit as it was too loose and probably would NOT shoot well.

Good hunting this year and I hope you shoot a big one.

 FOR MORE INSIGHT, see my 8/14/2008 post on Encore Accuracy Tips.
COMMENTS ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED, DAN