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I have returned...
Posted by Murphy on Apr 30 2006
I'm back. I have been lost in the wilderness for the past week and it was....ah,...stimulating. It's good to be home.
Looking over the many posts I see several things I'd like to comment on and will try to hit the high points here in this post.
The 338-06 vs 35 Whelen; Come on guys, surely you know I am biased toward the 338-06. I have to say, however, that neither the hunter nor the hunted will be able to see much much difference in field performance between the two. The 338 will have a slight edge in trajectory and possibly sectional density but the 35 will hold the edge at close-in thump. Bullet selection may also go to the 338 but the 35 Whelen can use 357 revolver bullets for "pot loads". (A lighter load with 50 yard zero for ptarmigan, rabbits, etc) An advantage when this can be done without changing the normal 200 yard zero with full power 250 grain loads. So...I guess the answer is both! Build the 338-06 then the next time you find an inexpensive FN action make the Whelen, or vise versa. Don't forget the 9.3x62, another great versatile caliber.
Ballistic Coefficient. I agree with the post about each makers optimistic approach to these numbers, and would add that little real world advantage is gained by going with the highest BC unless used at longer range, say about 600 yards. For hunting considerations, where shots are at 300 yards and less and under less than ideal shooting positions, it is not really possible to tell any difference in trajectory from the new plastic tipped boattails to the old fashioned round nosed designs. Marketing hype is not necessarilly an advantage in the field. If we are shooting at the long line for the utmost in precision, sure, it may well make the difference between first and second place. An individual may receive a boost in confidence with the low drag projectiles, which could make the difference. Shooting skill will be the more beneficial factor to consider. Also, I think we should consider that what flies through the air the easiest is not the best design for terminal energy transfer and wounding ability.
Do the rings on the TSX's and the North Fork bullets offer an increase in drag? Yes, but how much does that affect their practical field use? Bullets are a compromise. We always ask so much of them. That's why the bullet makers give us so many "super bullets" to choose from.
Montana Actions. My opinion, (did you expect someone else's?) By design, they are superior to the late model, post 94 Winchester classics and the original pre 64 Winchester actions, and the Mauser M98's. That should raise some eyebrows! Over the Winchester M70's because no coned breech and better cartridge support and gas handling, better bolt stop/release and smoother (than the newer M70)due to bolt guide system and bolt stop. Over the M98's because much smoother, much better trigger, better ejector design and bolt stop, better gas handling capability. They are investment cast, not forged steel. Is that less desirable? Not with todays technology. They are stylish and streamlined, strong and quality built with very close tolerances. They are in very high demand now and the price will go up. Montana will make a barreled action in your favorite caliber for less than a grand or a finished rifle (they send to a good stock man), for less than $1500. Any good smith can use the action for anything, anyway you want. Also the CZ model 3, is a Montana barreled action with an American black walnut stock. That is a buy!! The model 3 is (now) just for the WSM series of calibers. Could we find a better, more desirable action than the Montana Rifleman action? Yes, but at twice the money! They have the best design of all the actions for the short fat WSM series (well, Kimber is there, too), and the smoothest feeding for any belted caliber. Truly controlled round feed with mechanical ejection, great trigger and very strong. What else is there? It is good to be home!
Good shootin'.
Murphy
Next: I to have returned from the jungles Brian Richardson Apr 30 2006
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- I have returned... Murphy Apr 30 2006
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