.223 Range time (now with first blood pics)

[redleg11b]

Picked up the much talked and asked about CBA (believe it is a factory 4-12x40 scoped combo) .223 this morning and went to the range.  I had to level the canted scope and make some minor adjustments.  I went ahead and mounted a bipod.  Off the bench it shoots high by about 2", but on the ground prone, how it will be shot most, it shoots right where I want it for about a 250 yards pbr for groundhogs.  I smacked a soda can 4 of 5 times at 200 yards   

It didn't like 52gr match, 50gr Calhoon double hp, or UMC 45gr hp, but it shoots Hornady TAP 55gr rather well.  I will try some 50gr V-Max next range trip though because I still have 250 rounds of it.

I looked at the latch shelf and it is wearing all the way across, but a little more on the right side.  As it sits, I will probably move the front sling stud further back by 3" and attempt to float the barrel.  I'm letting it cool down all the way down, then shoot one round to confirm zero and head out to the hay field.  Pics to follow, hopefully with first blood.

[redleg11b]

First groundhog today was 20 yards away in a sapling.  The bullet went through the tree and the resulting damage was covered in this picture to protect the squeamish.  Hornady TAP 55gr.


Finished walking the draw out to the hay field and took an overwatch position.  I was hoping for the holes at 150 yards to produce, but I caught this youngish female at 80.  This is the impact side.  The exit wound is nowhere near as messy as the V-Max usually leaves them at this distance so I presume it has at least a thicker jacket.  I'll look into that though.

[yukondog]

Nice redleg.

[cwlongshot]

GOOD JOB!!

 Its been a while since I went huntin' chucks...

CW

[redleg11b]

I hear you CW.  In my single days I'd go out twice a week or more.  Family has a way of shifting priorities in a good way.  I still try to get out once a month during the warmer months though.  My son likes going along too, and I enjoy his company.  He just has a little more energy than the pigs are used to seeing at the field edges.

[OldSchoolRanger]

redleg11b - Is your new rig the mystical elusive "Dick's Special", and it's a .223 at that.  I've been looking for one for about a year now.  Guess there are still a few out there.

Nice shooting, good way to baptize the gun.

Off subject, but regarding your name, an artillery-rifleman? 

[Rustyinfla]

   I never cared much for a camo stock but that really does look nice.

[redleg11b]

OldSchoolRanger, I have no idea about the Dick's Special as I bought this used.  I like it though.  I just found a new youth combo 20ga/22 that may end up being donor barrels since the price is less than just the barrels from the factory.  Will see how the next month pans out though.
(I served in both 13 and 11 series MOS's)

[OldSchoolRanger]

OldSchoolRanger, I have no idea about the Dick's Special as I bought this used.  I like it though.  I just found a new youth combo 20ga/22 that may end up being donor barrels since the price is less than just the barrels from the factory. Will see how the next month pans out though.
(I served in both 13 and 11 series MOS's)

If that 22 barrel fits on a regular sized (SB1/SB2/CBA) frame, you just got lucky, and found a 22VP barrel, and a combo at that.  These barrels are getting harder and harder to come by.  If you plan on using it for a donor barrel, I would recommend that you sell it instead, preferably to me.     Actually, I already have a couple of 22VP barrels, but if you check the classifieds, you can sell it for a decent price, and buy a less expensive used or beat up barrel to use as a stub.  But it's your barrel, to do as you want.

[surehuntsalot]

very nice