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GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT #198643 04/07/2019 6:30 PM
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45MAN Offline OP
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I AM FLYING TO ANCHORAGE, ALASKA ON MAY 24, 2019, TO GO BLACK BEAR HUNTING IN THE TRAPPER CREEK AREA WITH MY GOOD FRIEND GEORGE FAERBER. I WILL BE TRYING FOR MY 4th BLACK BEAR, ALL WITH THE SAME FA MODEL 83 454 8 3/8ths INCH MNP STALKER REVOLVER. MY FIRST 2 WERE WITH 454 EQUIVALENT 45 COLT LOADS IN A 45 COLT CYLINDER. MY 3rd, AND HOPEFULLY 4th, ARE WITH 454's. WE WILL BE HUNTING OVER BAIT, AND FOR BLACK BEAR ONLY, BUT BROWN/GRIZZLY BEARS ROAM THE SAME AREA AND PRESENT AN ADDED DANGER. 2 YEARS AGO, WITH GEORGE, I SHOT A NICE 6 FOOTER (SMALLEST OF MY 3 BLACK BEARS) BUT THERE WAS A BIG 7+ FOOTER ROAMING AROUND THE BAIT I SHOT MY BEAR AT. HE SNUCK UP TO 20 OR SO YARDS OF ME AFTER I SHOT MY BEAR, AND ROAMED IN CLOSE WHILE WE WERE SKINNING AND QUARTERING MY BEAR. GEORGE SAYS HE WAS STILL AROUND LAST YEAR SO I GOT MY FINGERS CROSSED, THIS IS ONE BEAR THAT NEEDS KILLING!

MOST SHOTS WILL BE 50 YARDS OR LESS AND I SIGHT IN/DO A LOT OF SHOOTING AT AN 8 INCH GONG AT 50 YARDS, BUT ALSO PRACTICE WITH A FA 9 1/2 INCH 353 357 MAG REVOLVER ON A 6.5 INCH GONG @ 105 YARDS.

Last edited by 45MAN; 04/07/2019 7:48 PM.

"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: 45MAN] #198644 04/07/2019 7:13 PM
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Good luck on your hunt -- and please tell George I said hello. Thanks - Mark

Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: Mark Hampton] #198645 04/07/2019 7:20 PM
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Awesome. Good luck Rey.


The meat won't fry if the lead don't fly.
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: 45MAN] #198646 04/07/2019 7:28 PM
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45MAN Offline OP
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THESE ARE MY PRIMARY PRCTICE REVOLVERS FOR THE BLACK BEAR HUNT.

TOP GUN IS A FA 9 1/2 INCH MODEL 353 IN 357 MAG. FOR YEARS I SHOT AN OLDER BUSHNELL FIXED 2X ON IT BUT LAST YEAR I BOUGHT SOME SWIFT 158gr Aframes INTENDING TO MAYBE DEER HUNT WITH THIS REVOLVER, SO I SWITCHED TO A LEUPOLD FX-II 4x28. HAVEN'T HUNTED WITH THIS REVOLVER YET BUT OVER THE LAST MANY YEARS I HAVE SHOT SEVERAL THOUSAND PRACTICE ROUNDS OUT OF THIS GUN. CURRENTLY I AM SHOOTING SOME SPEER 158 FMJ's THAT I GOT A GOOD BULK PRICE ON SEVERAL YEARS AGO. I LOAD THEM OVER 16.5grs OF 296, IN IMI CASES, WITH FEDERAL 200 SMPP PRIMERS. ON A DECENT DAY, WHEN THE WIND IS NOT TOO BAD, I CAN ALMOST HIT 100% ON A 6.5 INCH GONG @ 105 YARDS, OFF OF A REST.

THE BOTTOM REVOLVER IS A FA MODEL 83 454 8 3/8ths INCH MNP STALKER, ITS TWIN IS MY PRIMARY HUNTING REVOLVER FOR THIS HUNT. BOTH TWINS WEAR NO LONGER MADE B&L FIXED 2X SCOPES, AWESOME SCOPES FOR BIG GAME HUNTING IN FAR AWAY PLACES. THE HUNTING GUN HAS A BETTER TRIGGER THAN THIS PRACTICE GUN SO I HAVE ALWAYS PRACTICED WITH THE ROUGHER TRIGGER AND HUNTED WITH THE BETTER TRIGGER.

I AM THINNING OUT MY AMMO VAULT AND AM USING OLD AMMO TO PRACTICE WITH IN THIS 454, USING IT WITH EITHER ITS 454 CYLINDER OR ITS 45 COLT CYLINDER. YESTERDAY I SHOT SOME 1993 45 COLT LOADS USING THE 320gr COR-BON RN PENETRATOR. MY RECORDS INDICATE THAT THAT LOAD WAS DOING 1,650fps, THIS IS THE LOAD I SHOT MY FIRST CAPE BUFFALO WITH. IN 20mph WINDS YESTERDAY, OFF A REST, I SHOT AT THE 6.5 INCH 105 YARD GONG WITH THIS 26 YEAR OLD BUFFALO LOAD, AND BINGO!

A TYPICAL PRACTICE SESSION IS SHOOT 4 TWICE IN THE 353 OFF A REST AT THE 105 YARD GONG, THEN STAND AND SHOOT 4 AT THE 50 YARD GONG, THEN SHOOT THE MODEL 83 @ THE 50 YARD GONG, 1 OFF A REST AND 2 SHOTS STANDING. THEN REPEAT THE SEQUENCE 3 MORE TIMES, BASICALLY SHOOTING 50 ROUNDS OUT OF THE 353 AND 12 ROUNDS OUT OF THE MODEL 83. IDEALLY I LIKE TO DO THAT AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK, DID IT YESTERDAY BUT AS I STARTED MY SESSION THIS MORNING A WET NORTHER BLEW IN AND THERE WENT THAT. I ALSO SHOOT A FEW ROUNDS STANDING AND/OR SITTING WITH ONE OF MY RUGER BISLEY 45 COLTS, MY SEMI-PERFECTED RUGER SINGLE SIX 22lr, AND MY LINEBAUGH RUGER REDHAWK 45 COLT.

Last edited by 45MAN; 04/07/2019 7:44 PM.

"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: 45MAN] #198647 04/07/2019 8:11 PM
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Rey, Good luck and good huntin... get that big guy...Wish I as going....


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Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: jamesfromjersey] #198649 04/07/2019 10:02 PM
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Good luck n look forward to a pic of your bear!


Kentucky….no place like home.
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: jamesfromjersey] #198650 04/07/2019 10:24 PM
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45MAN Offline OP
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THESE WILL BE MY HUNTING REVOLVERS FOR THE BLACK BEAR HUNT.

TOP GUN IS AN 8 3/8ths FA MODEL 83 MNP 454 STALKER (THE GOOD TRIGGER TWIN TO MY STALKER PRACTICE GUN). 2 YEARS AGO I USED THE 325gr BARNES BUSTER IN F-A CASES, REMINGTON 7 1/2 PRIMERS, AND 30.3 grs OF 296. THIS YEAR I AM GOING TO TRY 30.4grs OF 296 IN STARLINE CASES. WAS GOING TO FIRE 3 OF THE NEW ROUNDS IN THE HUNTING FA THIS MORNING BUT GOT WEATHERED OUT. LIKE ITS PRACTICE TWIN, THIS GUN WEARS AN OLD MODEL B&L FIXED 2X. FROM A BEAR STAND THE SHOTS ARE USUALLY SITTING OFF HAND, @ 50 OR LESS YARDS, AND THESE 8 3/8ths INCH STALKERS BALANCE REAL WELL (FOR ME) OFF HAND.

THE BOTTOM GUN IS A REDHAWK 44 MAG THAT LINEBAUGH CONVERTED TO 45 COLT FOR ME A LONG TIME AGO (BEFORE RUGER CHAMBERED THE 45 COLT IN THE REDHAWK). I THEN SENT IT TO MNP FOR PORTING, JEWELING, ACTION WORK, etc. TWO YEARS AGO I WAS USING A 260 CAST WFN IN THE HIGH 1,200's. THAT LOAD SHOOTS EXTREMELY WELL IN THE REDHAWK, AND I KILLED A BIG HOG (HEAD SHOT) WITH THAT LOAD A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. THIS YEAR I AM TRYING A 265gr SWIFT Aframe AND A CUSTOM FURY 260gr FP FMJ. BEFORE I GOT WEATHERED OUT THIS MORNING I WAS ABLE TO FUNCTION TEST BOTH BULLETS OVER 26grs OF 296 IN NICKEL STARLINE CASES, FEDERAL 155M PRIMERS, EASY EXTRACTION WITH BOTH LOADS. WILL SEE HOW THEY SHOOT ON PAPER AND THEN DECIDE WHICH ONE TO TAKE TO ALASKA. BOTH LOADS FELT LIKE THEY HAD PLENTY OF SPEED GOING FOR THEM. THE REDHAWK IS MORE OF A BACK-UP GUN, TO BE CARRIED IN A DIAMOND D CHEST HOLSTER. USUALLY CARRY RUGER BISLEY REVOLVERS WHEN OUT AND ABOUT SO I FORGOT WHAT MASSIVE REVOLVERS THE REDHAWKS ARE.


"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: 45MAN] #198651 04/07/2019 10:34 PM
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Good luck! Sounds like you're prepared!

Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: RSW] #198655 04/07/2019 11:40 PM
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Vance in AK. Offline
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I will be doing the same thing on a spot and stalk backpack hunt in the Kenai mountains (about 100 road miles the other way from anchorade) the 16th through the 19th. Unless i can get a ton of practice in with the handgun between now and then i will be using a rifle. Its been a long time since i shot the short guns much and i dont want to mess up and wound and lose one. Good luck.


Vance in AK.

Matthew 6:33
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: Vance in AK.] #198661 04/08/2019 1:21 AM
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Dang, you're going on my hunt! Congrats and good luck.


With God all things are possible. Matt.19:26
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: Okie Hunter] #198664 04/08/2019 2:28 AM
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You have some great looking rigs there 45MAN!

sounds like you have a great practice regimen down. When I was prepping for a baited bear hunt, I did a lot of shooting seated offhand (even in a tree stand in the yard) and that makes a big difference. it will feel like clockwork.

I hope you get a crack at that big wise ol 7 footer! I am sure you will have fun either way


"If you are going to go through all the trouble to put a hole in something, why not make it a big one?"
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: Okie Hunter] #198665 04/08/2019 2:34 AM
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We'll be there in spirit guys. Can't afford to be there any other way!


John

But for the grace of God, there, I go.
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: JDK] #198668 04/08/2019 6:34 AM
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sixshot Offline
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I love, love, love to hunt bears! Rey, good luck & I hope you whack that 7 footer. And Vance I hope you get to pistol whip one also. Some of our Idaho bears are just starting to show up although it's still a bit early.

Dick

Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: Okie Hunter] #198669 04/08/2019 10:11 AM
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Good luck!

Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: racksmasher1] #198670 04/08/2019 11:48 AM
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Best wishes for you with your hunt, Rey! George has certainly hosted some successful fellow handgunners! I am recalling Mark Hampton's feat of shooting a Black Bear and a Brown Bear on the same day, probably in that same area.

Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: 500WE] #198677 04/08/2019 2:48 PM
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Hey, Rey, get one for the "experienced" guys (i.e., older).
Never give up.

Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: wvhitman] #198714 04/09/2019 2:14 AM
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Rey,

If I may ask, what grips do you have on your Redhawk? Pachmayrs?
How do you like them?


"If you are going to go through all the trouble to put a hole in something, why not make it a big one?"
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: BBwheelgunner] #198728 04/09/2019 10:12 AM
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have a grand time


Everything before "but" is B.S.
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: Okie Hunter] #198730 04/09/2019 11:35 AM
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Sounds like you are ready for a great hunt. Good luck and stay safe.

Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: BBwheelgunner] #198731 04/09/2019 11:53 AM
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45MAN Offline OP
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 Originally Posted By: BBwheelgunner
Rey,

If I may ask, what grips do you have on your Redhawk? Pachmayrs?
How do you like them?


THEY ARE PACHMAYRS, UGLY AS HELL BUT THEY WORK VERY GOOD! I CANNOT HANDLE REGULAR RUGER GRIPS WITH HEAVY KICKERS.


"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: 45MAN] #198741 04/09/2019 2:31 PM
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Russell Offline
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Best of luck to you, Rey!


It's not the gun, but the man behind it.

Sheriff Russell Cottle, Ret.
USMC; 1967-1970; Vietnam-'68-'69
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: 45MAN] #198808 04/10/2019 2:37 AM
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 Originally Posted By: 45MAN
 Originally Posted By: BBwheelgunner
Rey,

If I may ask, what grips do you have on your Redhawk? Pachmayrs?
How do you like them?


THEY ARE PACHMAYRS, UGLY AS HELL BUT THEY WORK VERY GOOD! I CANNOT HANDLE REGULAR RUGER GRIPS WITH HEAVY KICKERS.


Thanks! I am shopping around for a good somewhat compact revolver for carrying in grizz country and hadn't seen or held a redhawk with that grip


"If you are going to go through all the trouble to put a hole in something, why not make it a big one?"
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: Okie Hunter] #198814 04/10/2019 12:18 PM
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Sweet Guns! Best of Luck!

Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: rougerocco] #198895 04/12/2019 6:46 AM
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Good luck Rey!!!! Hope you get that big blackbear or a nice brown bear!!!

Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: tradmark] #198898 04/12/2019 2:13 PM
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 Originally Posted By: tradmark
Good luck Rey!!!! Hope you get that big blackbear or a nice brown bear!!!


Or both?!?!

Give 'em hell, Rey!


Max Prasac

Semper Fidelis

BIG IRON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6aXjMH5C30

Gun Digest TV's Modern Shooter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGo-KMpXPpA&t=7s

Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: Whitworth] #198958 04/14/2019 10:33 PM
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45MAN Offline OP
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GOT IN GOOD PRACTICE SESSIONS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY MORNINGS, 10-15mph QUARTERING CROSSWINDS FROM THE SE YESTERDAY AND FROM THE NW THIS MORNING. HIT THE 6.5 INCH SWINGER AT 105 YARDS, WITH THE SCOPED 353 OFF A REST 31 OUT OF 33 SHOTS YESTERDAY AND 29 OUT OF 32 TODAY, SOME "SHOOTER ERROR" ON THE MISSES. TOOK ALL THE OFF HAND SHOTS WITH THE MODEL 353 AND 83 SCOPED FA REVOLVERS SITTING. ALSO SHOT MY BACK-UP LINEBAUGH REDHAWK 45 COLT OFF HAND STANDING AND PLINKED WITH MY "PERFECTED" 22 RUGER SINGLE SIX. FOR THE REDHAWK I HAVE A GREAT 260 CAST WFN LOAD DOING AROUND 1,250fps THAT IS EASY SHOOTING AND VERY ACCURATE BUT I AM EXPERIMENTING WITH A 265 SWIFT AFRAME AND A CUSTOM FURY 260gr FP FMJ OVER 26grs OF 296. WAITING FOR GOOD WEATHER TO SHOOT 'EM ON PAPER AND CHRONY THEM. GOING TO MY RANCH TOMORROW, WILL BE CARRYING THE REDHAWK, WITH THE 260 WFN's, IN A CHEST HOLSTER.


"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: 45MAN] #199107 04/20/2019 12:34 PM
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45MAN Offline OP
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GOT IN A PRACTICE SESSION YESTERDAY (4/19/19) IN THE AFTERNOON, CLEAR, SUNNY, SLIGHT WIND, 88 DEGREES. SHOT THE 260gr FMJ FP FURY BULLET OVER 26grs OF 296 OUT OF MY BACKUP 5 1/2 INCH LINEBAUGH 45 COLT REDHAWK, OFF A REST, ON PAPER @ 25 YARDS. FIRST 3 SHOT GROUP WAS 1 1/8 INCHES CENTER TO CENTER, SECOND 3 SHOT GROUP HAD 2 SHOTS 1 1/4 INCH CENTER TO CENTER AND A HIGH FLYER (I FIGURE SHOOTER ERROR INDUCED BY THE "HIGH SKY"). A SNAPPY LOAD BUT WITH EASY EXTRACTION. WILL TRY A FEW MORE TODAY AND/OR TOMORROW, AND IF THEY GROUP IN THAT 1 1/4 INCH RANGE I THINK I WILL GO WITH THIS LOAD FOR MY BLACK BEAR HUNT. I HAVE PLENTY OF THE FURY BULLETS, WHICH I HAD CUSTOM MADE WITH THIS APPLICATION IN MIND, SO I MIGHT AS WELL USE THEM. MY PLAN IS TO TRY AND HEAD SHOOT ANY CHARGING BEAR, SO I PRACTICE OFF HAND WITH THIS REVOLVER @ 25 YARDS ON AN 8 INCH GONG.

ALSO DID SOME NORMAL PRACTICE WITH THE MODEL 353, AND SHOT MY HUNTING TWIN OF MY 2 MNP 8 3/8ths INCH 454 STALKERS WITH MY 2017 BARNES BUSTER RELOADS AND WITH SOME NEW BARNES BUSTER RELOADS. BOTH LOADS (F-A CASES WITH 30.3grs OF 296, AND STARLINE CASES WITH 30.4grs OF 296) HAD SOME MINOR STICKY EXTRACTION. I AM NOT EXPECTING 88 DEGREE WEATHER IN ALASKA BUT I THINK I WILL BACK OFF TO 30grs. AT 50 YARDS, OFF A REST, THE STARLINE CASES LOAD GROUPED 3 SHOTS IN 2 1/8th INCHES, WHILE THE F-A LOAD GROUPED 3 IN 3 INCHES. I WAS USING A 2X SCOPE ON A SMALL ORANGE DOT. END OF THE DAY, I BELIEVE THE LOAD WILL BE PLENTY ACCURATE AT 50 YARDS.


"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: 45MAN] #199122 04/20/2019 6:42 PM
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I like to read about a man that practices!! Good Luck!

Dick

Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: sixshot] #199123 04/20/2019 7:16 PM
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 Originally Posted By: sixshot
I like to read about a man that practices!! Good Luck!

Dick


Are you supposed to practice?
\:D
;\)


It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: KRal] #199124 04/20/2019 7:18 PM
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Rey, I?m looking forward to read about your bear and seeing plenty photos!


It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: KRal] #199126 04/20/2019 8:06 PM
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ANOTHER SHOOTING SESSION EARLY THIS AFTERNOON. LOW 80's, STRONG QUARTERING CROSSWIND FROM THE SE, CLEAR AND SUNNY. FIRST OFF I TRIED THE 325 BARNES BUSTER, NEW STARLINE CASES, 30.0grs 296, REM 7 1/2 PRIMERS, OFF A REST AT 50 YARDS. FIRST 3 SHOT GROUP: 5/8ths INCH CENTER TO CENTER, SECOND 3 SHOT GROUP OPENED UP BUT THE WIND HAD PICKED UP. NO EXTRACTION PROBLEMS, LOOKS LIKE 30.0 grs OF 296 MAY BE A WINNER, JUST NEED TO SHOOT A FEW MORE GROUPS @ 50 YARDS AND TWEAK THE SCOPE SETTING. I THEN SHOT THE 353 OFF A REST @ THE 6.5 INCH SWINGER AT 105 YARDS AND SEATED OFF HAND AT THE 50 YARD GONG. THEN A FEW ROUNDS OF 22MAG IN A RECENTLY ACQUIRED 9 1/2 INCH RUGER SINGLE SIX, AND A LOT MORE ROUNDS WITH MY "PERFECTED" RUGER SINGLE SIX 22lr. WAS TOO WINDY TO TEST THE 260gr FURY LOADS IN THE REDHAWK. I FEEL LIKE I AM ON SCHEDULE WITH LOAD DEVELOPMENT AND PRACTICE, BEAR BEWARE!


"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: 45MAN] #199131 04/20/2019 10:12 PM
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I do love me some handgun hunting for bears! It sounds like you are well prepared. I will wait patiently for a results thread with photos.

Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: cmnash] #199250 04/28/2019 7:12 PM
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IN SPITE OF TEMPS IN THE HIGH 80's AND 15 - 20 MPH WINDS, I HAD A DECENT PRACTICE SESSION EARLY YESTERDAY AFTERNOON (SATURDAY 4/27/19). I WENT TO MY RANGE AGAIN THIS MORNING, BUT NOT EARLY ENUFF TO AVOID 16 MPH WINDS, THE TEMP WAS LOW 80's. TODAY I WAS SHOOTING ON PAPER vs. MY NORMAL PRACTICE ROUTINE. FIRST I SHOT MY HUNTING MNP STALKER FA MODEL 83 WITH MY HUNTING LOAD (325gr BARNES BUSTER, NEW STARLINE BRASS, REM 7 1/2 PRIMERS AND 30.0gr OF WW296. I SHOT 2 GROUPS OF 3, OFF A REST, AT 50 YARDS, WITH A SLIGHT SCOPE ADJUSTMENT AFTER THE FIRST GROUP. ALL SIX SHOTS HIT IN THE 3 INCH AIMING DOT, FIRST GROUP WAS 1 1/2 INCHES CENTER TO CENTER AND THE 2nd GROUP WAS 1 5/8ths INCHES CENTER TO CENTER. THE WIND WAS MAKING ME AND MY GUN ON MY MTM REST MOVE, AND THE PORTABLE TARGET WAS MOVING TOO, AND THEN THE WIND ON THE BULLET DURING FLIGHT, SO I WAS HAPPY WITH THE LOAD AND MY BEING SIGHTED IN. GOING TO LOAD UP 50 ROUNDS FOR ALASKA, AND CLEAN THE MNP STALKER AND PUT IT UP, ONLY SHOOTING MY PRACTICE MNP STALKER PRIOR TO GOING TO ALASKA. THEN I MESSED AROUND WITH SOME OTHER REVOLVERS (ON PAPER) AND THEN SHOT 2 3 SHOT GROUPS, OFF A REST, @ 25 YARDS WITH THE LINEBAUGH 45 COLT REDHAWK (MY BACK UP GUN), USING THE FURY 260gr FMJ FP OVER 26grs OF WW296. BOTH GROUPS HAD 2 WITHIN 3/4ths OF AN INCH OR LESS BUT THEN A 3rd "OUT THERE". I WAS DISAPPOINTED, SO I HAVE LOADED UP 6 ROUNDS OF THE FURY BULLETS OVER 21.0grs OF VVN110, ANOTHER 6 OVER 21.5grs AND ANOTHER 6 OVER 22.0grs AS SOMETIME BACK I HAD GOTTEN SOME GOOD GROUPS WITH THIS BULLET OVER VVN110. I "THINK" (AND HOPE) THAT I GOT ENUFF TIME TO GET THE REDHAWK/FURY LOAD WORKED OUT.


"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: 45MAN] #199251 04/28/2019 9:51 PM
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Rey, you're really getting intense on all this practice. That's the same intensity level I use on my groundhogs.
I'm sure it's going to pay off as long as you see the bears in reasonable ranges. That's the only part of you're hunt that involves luck. The rest of your luck is your preparation.
Go get 'em!!

Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: wvhitman] #199459 05/04/2019 10:21 PM
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45MAN Offline OP
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THIS MORNING (5/4/19) WUD HAVE BEEN A NICE LOW WIND MORNING TO PRACTICE AND TEST LOADS IN THE 45 COLT LINEBAUGH REDHAWK, BUT MY GRANDDAUGHTER WAS MAKING HER FIRST COMMUNION THIS MORNING AND SOME THINGS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN PRACTICE.

I WENT TO THE RANGE THIS AFTERNOON WITH THE 260gr FURY FMJ BULLETS, AND SOME FA 260gr BULLETS, A SUPPLY OF WHICH I STILL HAVE, LOADED OVER 21.0grs, 21.5grs AND 22.0grs OF VVN110. BOTH BULLETS SHOT WELL WITH 22.0grs OFF A REST AT 25 YARDS IN A 8-10MPH WIND. AM GOING TO LOAD SOME MORE WITH EACH BULLET AND THE ONE I SHOOT BEST WITH OFF HAND AT 25 YARDS WILL GET THE NOD. I AM GLAD TO HAVE THAT JUST ABOUT SORTED OUT, ALTHOUGH WHEN I STARTED AT 21.0grs IT WASN'T LOOKING TOO GOOD.

I PLAYED AROUND WITH SOME OTHER REVOLVERS, AND GOT IN SOME TRIGGER TIME WITH THEM. WEATHER PERMITTING I WILL GET IN A FULL PRACTICE SESSION IN THE MORNING.


"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: 45MAN] #199485 05/05/2019 8:01 PM
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45MAN Offline OP
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HAD A DECENT PRACTICE SESSION THIS MORNING WITH THE FA MODEL 353 357 MAG AND THE FA MODEL 83 "PRACTICE" MNP STALKER, USING THE 45 COLT CYLINDER. I HAVE BEEN USING UP 454 EQUIVALENT 45 COLT AMMO FROM SAFARIS PAST, INCLUDING MY CAPE BUFFALO LOADS FROM 1993. I ALSO GOT IN GOOD TRIGGER TIME WITH MY SEMI "PERFECTED" 22lr RUGER SINGLE SIX. I HOPE TO GET IN 2 MORE PRACTICE SESSIONS NEXT WEEKEND, PROBABLY MY LAST, AS I GO TO THE RANCH ON THE 16th FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN ON THE 24th OFF TO ALASKA.

BEFORE I STARTED PRACTICING WITH THE SCOPED REVOLVERS I SHOT THE 260gr FURY FP FMJ's AND THE FA 260gr JACKETED FP's OVER 22.0grs OF VVN110, STARLINE NICKEL CASES, AND FED 155M PRIMERS, IN MY LINEBAUGH 45 COLT RUGER REDHAWK. COULD BE 6 OF ONE AND A 1/2 DOZEN OF THE OTHER, BUT MY GUT TELLS ME THE FURY IS MORE ACCURATE. MY GUESSTIMATE IS THAT THE LOADS ARE IN THE 1,300fps - 1,400fps RANGE.

BEHIND THE 25 YARD PAPER TARGET I WAS SHOOTING AT YESTERDAY AND THIS MORNING WITH THE FURY AND FA BULLETS, THERE IS A DIRT BERM AT 100 METERS m/l. AS I WAS SETTING UP MY 100 YARD SWINGER GONG ON THE BERM I "RECOVERED" (FOUND) 5 FA BULLETS AND 3 FURY BULLETS. ALL OF THE FA EXPOSED LEAD FP BULLETS SHOWED SOME NOSE DAMAGE, AND THIS AFTER TRAVELING 100+ YARDS BEFORE IMPACT. 2 OF THE FURY's SHOWED NO NOSE DAMAGE AND 1 SHOWED ONLY MINIMAL DEFORMATION. TO ME, THIS WAS ANOTHER REASON TO CHOOSE THE FURY's OVER THE FA BULLETS.

I BELIEVE I HAVE MY LOADS SORTED OUT NOW, JUST NEED TO DO SOME RELOADING, A LITTLE MORE PRACTICE, AND START PACKING.

Last edited by 45MAN; 05/05/2019 9:39 PM.

"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: 45MAN] #199540 05/07/2019 7:52 PM
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SChunter Offline
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Not only am I jealous of the hunt, I'm jealous of all the range time! Sounds like great preparation for your trip!

That 353 needs some play time in TX this year after being left behind for your AK trip tho...

Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: SChunter] #199546 05/07/2019 11:04 PM
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45MAN Offline OP
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SCHUNTER: PRIOR TO LAST DEER SEASON, I BOUGHT SEVERAL BOXES OF 158gr AFRAMES TO LOAD UP FOR THE 353 FOR DEER SEASON, THAT PROJECT IS STILL ON MY LIST, BUT I THINK I WILL GET 'ER DONE FOR THIS YEAR'S SEASON, MAYBE EVEN BEFORE FOR CULLING UP AT THE HIGHPOINT.


"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: 45MAN] #199576 05/09/2019 12:12 PM
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SChunter Offline
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Rey - sounds like a 353 culling safari is in order!

Re: GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT [Re: SChunter] #199597 05/10/2019 3:12 AM
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Getting ready, sounding good and hope you smash a helluva a bear but being in alaska its a helluva bear really no matter what!

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