earlthegoat2
Member
The .243 thread got me thinking about the firearms we use and the compromises we make, whether we realize it or not, with that choice. Also, the expectations we have and the philosophies we bring to the style of hunting we participate in.
I am a “Use enough gun” type of guy. I’m not being macho just pragmatic. I grew up in a shotgun zone hunting near property lines. I will sacrifice range and tolerate recoil so I do not have to wait for the perfect shot. I use the firearm that will give me the best chance of still harvesting the game even when everything goes wrong on me. I want the shortest possible death run.
This demands a cartridge, bullet, and rifle combination that will penetrate as far as possible to reach the vital organs even when every bone in the animal is hit.
I want through and through shots if possible. I am not a believer in “the bullet using up all its energy inside the animal”. That tells me more energy could have been deposited inside the animal and there would have been an exit wound if something larger was used. I use heavy for caliber bullets nearly always and sometimes premiums on top of that. I don’t like going down in weight just because a premium bullet is used. Premium bullets should ADD to the overall package of the rifle, cartridge, and bullet combination, not keep things equal by going down in weight from the heavy bullets your already using.
Handgun hunters are willing to give up range as well. So are bow hunters. I use a compound bow with a 70 lb draw. Many say 60 lbs is just fine. I know not everybody can handle heavier draws out there but I do believe in using the heaviest that is comfortable for you. I use 8-10 grain per inch arrows when many say 6-8 is fine. I use heavy FOC cut on contact chisel point broadheads to give every advantage to break through bone and have the arrow carry on through the animal. My crossbow is set up similarly with heavy FOC arrows and Ramcat broadheads. I also use a recurve in certain situations when fast shots are anticipated. Once again, heavy arrows and heavy tough cut on contact broadheads.
One might think the use of the “inferior” traditional archery equipment is going against my philosophy here. My philosophy is to use the equipment that gives me the highest degree of success. Sometimes that includes traditional archery gear. Some might say long range rifles will ensure better odds of success. Well, I’m not a long range shooter and my hunting situations preclude long range shots anyway. Other folks will have different needs in this regard.
Yes, less can and will work. Less had worked for centuries. Some folks use what they have already and I have tremendous respect for that. I find myself doing things a certain way but giving advice to others somewhat contrary to my own practices at times in this regard. I don’t think new hunters should go out and buy a bunch of gear. I think they should get in the woods and hunt.
I read a lot about these things. Probably too much. I read the tests done and the arbitrary scores given. Then I talk to people. I ask them questions. Detailed questions about their equipment and how it works for them. I try to get objective information from them as well as opinions.
I find all too often in every facet of life that there are theories and the way the books tell you and the way things play out in real life. Sometimes they are similar to each other and sometimes they are different but they are never the same.
Some are satisfied with what they perceive as good enough when there is a whole world of outcomes that are better than good enough if one gains enough experience. Once again, everyone will have a different view on these things.
I can’t imagine a scenario where I would choose a 223 over anything else larger if I had it. When, I hear about marginal cartridges being used I often think the person is doing it to see what they can get away with.
I am a “Use enough gun” type of guy. I’m not being macho just pragmatic. I grew up in a shotgun zone hunting near property lines. I will sacrifice range and tolerate recoil so I do not have to wait for the perfect shot. I use the firearm that will give me the best chance of still harvesting the game even when everything goes wrong on me. I want the shortest possible death run.
This demands a cartridge, bullet, and rifle combination that will penetrate as far as possible to reach the vital organs even when every bone in the animal is hit.
I want through and through shots if possible. I am not a believer in “the bullet using up all its energy inside the animal”. That tells me more energy could have been deposited inside the animal and there would have been an exit wound if something larger was used. I use heavy for caliber bullets nearly always and sometimes premiums on top of that. I don’t like going down in weight just because a premium bullet is used. Premium bullets should ADD to the overall package of the rifle, cartridge, and bullet combination, not keep things equal by going down in weight from the heavy bullets your already using.
Handgun hunters are willing to give up range as well. So are bow hunters. I use a compound bow with a 70 lb draw. Many say 60 lbs is just fine. I know not everybody can handle heavier draws out there but I do believe in using the heaviest that is comfortable for you. I use 8-10 grain per inch arrows when many say 6-8 is fine. I use heavy FOC cut on contact chisel point broadheads to give every advantage to break through bone and have the arrow carry on through the animal. My crossbow is set up similarly with heavy FOC arrows and Ramcat broadheads. I also use a recurve in certain situations when fast shots are anticipated. Once again, heavy arrows and heavy tough cut on contact broadheads.
One might think the use of the “inferior” traditional archery equipment is going against my philosophy here. My philosophy is to use the equipment that gives me the highest degree of success. Sometimes that includes traditional archery gear. Some might say long range rifles will ensure better odds of success. Well, I’m not a long range shooter and my hunting situations preclude long range shots anyway. Other folks will have different needs in this regard.
Yes, less can and will work. Less had worked for centuries. Some folks use what they have already and I have tremendous respect for that. I find myself doing things a certain way but giving advice to others somewhat contrary to my own practices at times in this regard. I don’t think new hunters should go out and buy a bunch of gear. I think they should get in the woods and hunt.
I read a lot about these things. Probably too much. I read the tests done and the arbitrary scores given. Then I talk to people. I ask them questions. Detailed questions about their equipment and how it works for them. I try to get objective information from them as well as opinions.
I find all too often in every facet of life that there are theories and the way the books tell you and the way things play out in real life. Sometimes they are similar to each other and sometimes they are different but they are never the same.
Some are satisfied with what they perceive as good enough when there is a whole world of outcomes that are better than good enough if one gains enough experience. Once again, everyone will have a different view on these things.
I can’t imagine a scenario where I would choose a 223 over anything else larger if I had it. When, I hear about marginal cartridges being used I often think the person is doing it to see what they can get away with.
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