Ever just stop and laugh?
- Thread starter Ardent
- Start date
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Nothing wrong with that! Hobbies are good no matter which angle they take, I just found myself moving away from the guns side, towards the hunting side as far as the principle interest. Ended up looking at all my bickering over the superiority of one bore or cartridge over another and had to laugh at myself and the whole scene as in the end, all my game is in the bag regardless what I take afield. Just doesn't seem to matter if its a boring .270 or a whiz banger. I started seeing the different cartridges not as distinct brandable choices but rather just different shapes of the same thing; a bullet, powder, case, and primer that's used to take game.
No slight against those who love the guns and tweeking micro-factors in hunting, just feel it doesn't make a difference, but hobbies are rarely about critically important things so it's all good. Would take the fun out of it.
I have spent a lot of time playing with the Winchester Ballistics site because I suspected what the OP has said. There are differences yes but they are small and who is to say that a little longer barrel or better bedding is enought to cover that? There are a number of groups yes but for the most part there is a lot of similarity and as some have often pointed out, the game doesnt know the difference. WSMs are cool and sound hip but I only have so much money and time to shoot, load, hunt and am not getting any younger. I am happy to stick with the good old boring tried and trues. I will wear the FUDD crown happily.
Let the FUDD be with you!!
Let the FUDD be with you!!
In a general sort of way I favor the international system of divideing rifles into light, medium and heavy. Nearly every caliber used in Canadian hunting is a light.
Since any light rifle is suitable for some type light hunting, it shouldn't be astonishing to anyone if a .243 and a .300 Win both happen to be adequite 200 yard deer rifles. Realistically, there is a whole lot of hunting that doesn't require scopes, smokeless powder or even rifling. Does that mean that a .243 and a .300 Win are just as suited as the other for 500 yard elk? Not bloody likely.
Its easy to study a ballistic chart and find dozens of similar cartridges that only vary by a few thousandths here and there, or a few fps this way or that way. It is equally easy to find cartridges that beat others of similar caliber and bullet weight by 1000 fps. Should we conclude that since many calibers are the same, that they all are? Who wants to be the first to put their 30-30 up against a .300 Weatherby? I'll grant that for a 50 yard shot out a tree-stand it may not make a difference, but I beat any one of you a case of primers that I can tell the difference on the prairies. In fact, you may have to concede that it started makeing a difference a long time before those two extremes.
If velocity didn't matter why are so many muzzleloaders so full of themselves? Could it be that they realize that their chosen arm has some distinct limits? I happen to like the special season myself, but know full well that there comes a point where the show is over. I can find a situation where the front stuffer doesn't give up much, but I may wish I was packing an STW before the day is over.
I can understand that the OP is pointing out that there isn't a whole lot of use for a .270 fan and some delusional .280 groupie getting into a fist-fight at the range or hunting camp. I can even see where someone packing a 7mm S&H just may have a incureable desire to do things the hard way. He probably shaves with a straight razor too. What I won't ever concede is that just because some things don't matter sometimes, that nothing matters ever. You are free to disagree with me, just remember that I like Federal Match primers when you come to prove me wrong.
Since any light rifle is suitable for some type light hunting, it shouldn't be astonishing to anyone if a .243 and a .300 Win both happen to be adequite 200 yard deer rifles. Realistically, there is a whole lot of hunting that doesn't require scopes, smokeless powder or even rifling. Does that mean that a .243 and a .300 Win are just as suited as the other for 500 yard elk? Not bloody likely.
Its easy to study a ballistic chart and find dozens of similar cartridges that only vary by a few thousandths here and there, or a few fps this way or that way. It is equally easy to find cartridges that beat others of similar caliber and bullet weight by 1000 fps. Should we conclude that since many calibers are the same, that they all are? Who wants to be the first to put their 30-30 up against a .300 Weatherby? I'll grant that for a 50 yard shot out a tree-stand it may not make a difference, but I beat any one of you a case of primers that I can tell the difference on the prairies. In fact, you may have to concede that it started makeing a difference a long time before those two extremes.
If velocity didn't matter why are so many muzzleloaders so full of themselves? Could it be that they realize that their chosen arm has some distinct limits? I happen to like the special season myself, but know full well that there comes a point where the show is over. I can find a situation where the front stuffer doesn't give up much, but I may wish I was packing an STW before the day is over.
I can understand that the OP is pointing out that there isn't a whole lot of use for a .270 fan and some delusional .280 groupie getting into a fist-fight at the range or hunting camp. I can even see where someone packing a 7mm S&H just may have a incureable desire to do things the hard way. He probably shaves with a straight razor too.
What I won't ever concede is that just because some things don't matter sometimes, that nothing matters ever. You are free to disagree with me, just remember that I like Federal Match primers when you come to prove me wrong.- Location
- North Western Ontario
Dogleg
I bet you didn't shoot your giraffe with a 30/30. I am thinning my herd somewhat to accommodate my favourite old chamberings, but in that I too am excercising choice. I hunt the thick bush so my choices will be different than yours. I hunted Africa in 2009 and was at home in the jess, but was way out of my comfort zone on the veldt. That country would have felt like home to you. I knew there would be long shots so my 338 win mag took the trip. Any 7mm mag, any 300 mag and my 3006 would have worked. The flatter trajectory of the 338 with a 185gr bullet gave me less bullet drop at distance.
By the way I thought I was the only nut bag that used match primers for hunting. Good to see I am not alone.
Randy
I bet you didn't shoot your giraffe with a 30/30. I am thinning my herd somewhat to accommodate my favourite old chamberings, but in that I too am excercising choice. I hunt the thick bush so my choices will be different than yours. I hunted Africa in 2009 and was at home in the jess, but was way out of my comfort zone on the veldt. That country would have felt like home to you. I knew there would be long shots so my 338 win mag took the trip. Any 7mm mag, any 300 mag and my 3006 would have worked. The flatter trajectory of the 338 with a 185gr bullet gave me less bullet drop at distance.
By the way I thought I was the only nut bag that used match primers for hunting. Good to see I am not alone.
Randy
In a general sort of way I favor the international system of divideing rifles into light, medium and heavy. Nearly every caliber used in Canadian hunting is a light.
Since any light rifle is suitable for some type light hunting, it shouldn't be astonishing to anyone if a .243 and a .300 Win both happen to be adequite 200 yard deer rifles. Realistically, there is a whole lot of hunting that doesn't require scopes, smokeless powder or even rifling. Does that mean that a .243 and a .300 Win are just as suited as the other for 500 yard elk? Not bloody likely.
Its easy to study a ballistic chart and find dozens of similar cartridges that only vary by a few thousandths here and there, or a few fps this way or that way. It is equally easy to find cartridges that beat others of similar caliber and bullet weight by 1000 fps. Should we conclude that since many calibers are the same, that they all are? Who wants to be the first to put their 30-30 up against a .300 Weatherby? I'll grant that for a 50 yard shot out a tree-stand it may not make a difference, but I beat any one of you a case of primers that I can tell the difference on the prairies. In fact, you may have to concede that it started makeing a difference a long time before those two extremes.
If velocity didn't matter why are so many muzzleloaders so full of themselves? Could it be that they realize that their chosen arm has some distinct limits? I happen to like the special season myself, but know full well that there comes a point where the show is over. I can find a situation where the front stuffer doesn't give up much, but I may wish I was packing an STW before the day is over.
I can understand that the OP is pointing out that there isn't a whole lot of use for a .270 fan and some delusional .280 groupie getting into a fist-fight at the range or hunting camp. I can even see where someone packing a 7mm S&H just may have a incureable desire to do things the hard way. He probably shaves with a straight razor too.
The big picture here or for the most part, North American hunters can get by hunting big game with one firearm. Hell if people hunt and kill all North American big game species with arrows (ie: prairie mulies, antelope, whitetail) I'm sure that only a 30-30 will do the job that much better. Yes a magnum can reach out further for those longer shots for people who do not have great hunting/stalking skills, but what I mentioned originally is that for the most part one firearm is all what is needed. However, we do not live in the 1950's where our father and grandfather only had three guns, a 12 gauge, 22 and 30-30. The hunting world today is alot different, hell I hear that there is a thing called a "range finder" heaven forbid that I will ever use one. After over 100 big game animals I didn't need one, but of course todays hunters need their backpack full of gadgets to find their way back to the truck and thin rubber gloves to gut out their deer. Times sure have changed. Anyway, thats my 2 cents.
- Location
- Saskatchewan
Good topic Ardent! And I pretty much agree with you.
I really like a quote by Stephen Bodio from his book "Good Guns" - in the end, it's about experience, not acquisition.
I know I would be just fine ending up with only one big game rifle in .308, one upland bird gun in 20 ga, a 12 ga goose getter, a .22rf, and a .22cf. I had to learn that through considerable experience and experimentation. I certainly don't "need" all those experiments any more.
But some of my guns are functional art, some have nostalgic / family heritage value, some are technical marvels, and some have special niche purposes.
I completely agree with the concept of fewer guns/better hunting skills. But the collection of fine firearms is fun all by its self - kinda silly, but fun.
OH - and I tell my wife that carefully purchased good used guns are a fine investment!;-)
I really like a quote by Stephen Bodio from his book "Good Guns" - in the end, it's about experience, not acquisition.
I know I would be just fine ending up with only one big game rifle in .308, one upland bird gun in 20 ga, a 12 ga goose getter, a .22rf, and a .22cf. I had to learn that through considerable experience and experimentation. I certainly don't "need" all those experiments any more.
But some of my guns are functional art, some have nostalgic / family heritage value, some are technical marvels, and some have special niche purposes.
I completely agree with the concept of fewer guns/better hunting skills. But the collection of fine firearms is fun all by its self - kinda silly, but fun.
OH - and I tell my wife that carefully purchased good used guns are a fine investment!;-)
At any given time there are 20 to 30 hunting rifles around here but come hunting season it's one of my two 260s that go out the door.
I have at least 15 rifles I can use for varmints from gophers to coyotes but half of the time one of my 4 32-20s goes with me.
Make that 5 I would have done real well at the Calgary show if that Model 43 Winchester hadn't followed me home.
Rich
I have at least 15 rifles I can use for varmints from gophers to coyotes but half of the time one of my 4 32-20s goes with me.
Make that 5 I would have done real well at the Calgary show if that Model 43 Winchester hadn't followed me home.
Rich
Got to agree with you. How is hunting mulies with my 7mm SAUM makes me a worst hunter then the day before when I was using my .260 Rem. One could argue that the hunter who uses only one rifle is more intimate with it and more familiar with the trajectory. I shoot and develop loads for all my hunting rifles and I'm confident I know how they shoot. I like to shoot and compare different rifles, cartridges and bullets. It's hard to say that your Stevens 200 in .30-06 shooting the Federal blue box from Canadian tire is the best when you've never tried anything else.
" It's about experience, not acquisition."
Bite your tongue, lol. - dan
Bite your tongue, lol. - dan
The more firearms/cartridge combo's I own is directly related to being a better hunter I also shoot all of my rifles/handguns enough to be very proficient in their use so the beware of the man with one gun saying is also moot too me...
CC
CC
Nope, shot the giraffe with a .375 H&H, same as practically everything I shot in Africa on 4 safaris. The ability to go from tiny to huge, short to long with that caliber is unsurpassed. The elephants were shot with a .416 Rigby, plus one cape buffalo. I got 3 buffalo with the .375, but that was in South America.
For North America, I'm quite happy with one of my STWs or .300s for hunting, but could end up packing just about anything for novelty.
I don't get it either. The best shots I know are buried in rifles, a natural outgrowth of their enthusiam.
I suspect that the one gun thing is rooted in sour grapes and wishful thinking.
Other cases of this phenomenom are associateing ugly women with loyalty, or being poor with being honest. The implication being of course is that less is somehow more. Yep, them grapes is probably sour.
RememberTheSomme
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nova Scotia
I'd say the multitude of Rifle/Cartridge combo's makes you a Firearms enthusiast's as much as a proficient Hunter.
I have had many combinations in my day as well but a proficient hunter, meaning where and when to hunt, marksmanship, tracking skills for when things go wrong, stamina patience ,etc etc does not require alot of firearms but a well rounded intelligent individual whos learns from his mistakes and learns from others. He will probaly be carrying an adequate firearm for his quarry and his MARKSMANSHIP dosen't let him down when the other skill sets, present the game, as a target.
Having said all that, a well rounded rifle hunter who enjoys the full spectrum of Rifle hunting would not be at a disadvantage, along with his excellent marksmanship skills, having these Rifles in his/her safe,
Medium-High power scoped, .223REM/.22-250 Rem
Low-medium power scoped, .270WIN/.280REM/.30-06Sprfd.
Low-medium power scoped, .338WIN MAG, .375H&H MAG.......
...with one fine accurate/reliable rifle from each of the three catergories listed, I think I could deal with all game that there is to be taken in Canada from east to west, north to south, gophers to Polar bears.
All the other Rifles we have to hunt with are okay too, the spice of life, but being a great hunter and excellent Marksman will put the finishing touches and bring the most fullfillment to any hunt, not the Rifle/Cartridge combo alone!
- Location
- Lumby Town!!
We must be thinking alike....
Fun to read this post Ardent....I must be thinking along the same lines as you. i just sent a 280AI to the smith to be rebarrelled......to 30-06!!!
But I have to admitt, i still like tinkering and buying/selling guns, if nothing more then it keeps me "involved" in what I really like, and that's hunting. But we can't hunt all the time, can't hunt at work (much)...but I can read, swap, buy, trade and study guns and shooting all year 'round, and for me that's the next best thing to actually being out there and "doing it".
How's the little one?
Fun to read this post Ardent....I must be thinking along the same lines as you. i just sent a 280AI to the smith to be rebarrelled......to 30-06!!!
But I have to admitt, i still like tinkering and buying/selling guns, if nothing more then it keeps me "involved" in what I really like, and that's hunting. But we can't hunt all the time, can't hunt at work (much
)...but I can read, swap, buy, trade and study guns and shooting all year 'round, and for me that's the next best thing to actually being out there and "doing it".How's the little one?
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I agree 100% the number of guns you own means nothing for your proficiency, all that matters is the shooter. I still own far too many hunting rifles, but just use one this last while and found going to a single rifle changed nothing in my success.
