One of the things I miss most about hunting in the old days was the stories of the older generation. Back in the 60's in the Virginia mountains deer hunting was more a social thing. We averaged killing two deer a year on the farm. When the season rolled around, my father's World War II buddies showed up, and the assortment of rifles they carried was amazing. While they went into the cabin to play poker and reminisce, I was tasked with checking the zeroes of the rifles. I shot Mausers, Enfields, Springfields, every manner of pre-World War II sporting rifle.
But back to cartridges, and specifically the .32 Winchester Special. If I were really hungry, would I pick it up as opposed to a bolt action telescopically sighted .308? I suppose that would depend upon the nature and the closeness of the cover. But much, I think can be learned about hunting and perhaps life with such a rifle in your hands.
A few years ago, late in the season, I had a Model 55 .32 Winchester Special, full buckhorn sights out with me, loaded with 180 grain RCBS cast bullets, at about a similar velocity to a factory jacketed load, and accurate enough on a calm day in good light to shoot a ragged hole at fifty yards, about as good as I can ever hope to do with aging eyes. In bad light, I tend to be very careful about the shot I'll take. What I did once on a warm afternoon in flat light means very little under the rigors of the hunt.
Two little bucks started going wild over a doe. I'd hate to have somebody hunting me when I was in the condition they were in. It might cause me to redefine my idea of sporting.
After a few minutes of watching, it was obvious the one buck had the inside track, and the poor second buck was going to come out too late and too slow. Realizing this, the second buck stopped to consider his situation. And there I was, twenty-five yards away in the shadows, an easy shot. With an expanded chunk of wheel weight straight through where he lives, he didn't get out of sight.
So there's your life lesson that any young hunter reading this ought by rights to pay strict attention to: If you're losing in love, keep pushing. Don't never stop to think about it. Cause sumptin might be waiting in the shadows ready to put you in the pot.
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but again, in my experience the adrenaline kills that. I still recommend 243 if your concerned. 260 rem was also an excellent suggestion along with the 6.5 Grendel.
