Hi Paul, Fantastic!:jumpingsmiley:
I'm thinking .30 cal. I'm not sure of the cartridge. Perhaps .30-'06, or .30-'06 Ackley Improved, or .30 Gibbs. In addition to scouring the posts on THL, I've been reading Wolfe Publishing's Wildcat Cartridges. I'd like to shoot 165 gr Barnes for deer and elk. I don't know if it would work to also shoot lighter bullets, maybe 125's or 130's, for antelope. That would be nice, but I certainly understand that an antelope will succumb to a 165.
I'd like to shoot as fast as practical, with consideration given to the trade-off between actual velocity, case life, and reloading complexity. I like the concept of a wildcat with greater velocity, but I don't want to delude myself with make-believe velocities! Considering dates of publication, newer info on this and other websites, and new powders, I am unsure of the way to proceed.
I'm open to virtually any barrel length, and don't mind carrying an extra pound or so. This is to be a hunting rifle for the Mountain West, but I like to shoot and will punch lots of paper between seasons. I've thought about a longer barrel, heavier contour, with fluting.
Bottom line is: I'd sure like your input on this whole shebang!!! I am open!
Thanks tons!
Jim:grin:
I'm thinking .30 cal. I'm not sure of the cartridge. Perhaps .30-'06, or .30-'06 Ackley Improved, or .30 Gibbs. In addition to scouring the posts on THL, I've been reading Wolfe Publishing's Wildcat Cartridges. I'd like to shoot 165 gr Barnes for deer and elk. I don't know if it would work to also shoot lighter bullets, maybe 125's or 130's, for antelope. That would be nice, but I certainly understand that an antelope will succumb to a 165.
I'd like to shoot as fast as practical, with consideration given to the trade-off between actual velocity, case life, and reloading complexity. I like the concept of a wildcat with greater velocity, but I don't want to delude myself with make-believe velocities! Considering dates of publication, newer info on this and other websites, and new powders, I am unsure of the way to proceed.
I'm open to virtually any barrel length, and don't mind carrying an extra pound or so. This is to be a hunting rifle for the Mountain West, but I like to shoot and will punch lots of paper between seasons. I've thought about a longer barrel, heavier contour, with fluting.
Bottom line is: I'd sure like your input on this whole shebang!!! I am open!
Thanks tons!
Jim:grin: