2010_FX4

The 6MM BR is shooting a 58gr. V-Max over 33.5gr of Accurate 2230 and so velocity is in the 3600-3800 range (it is a ball power so temp does affect it). I think it handles the wind sufficiently but there are times that I have to use the reticle to compensate although not nearly as bad as the .17 (20 gr.), .221 Fireball (34gr.), .223 (50gr), or .22-250 (50gr.) typically does. The advantage the .224 has over the .243 is cost and lesser recoil. While there are times that I see the explosion in the scope, I am not normally able to do so due to the recoil. The .224 guys see it all the time and so I am a bit envious of that! The cost of the components is a lot less too for the .224 stuff and shy of the range and performance that is afforded me by the 6MM BR, the .223 remains my all around favorite varmint cartridge. What are your experiences with it? Good or bad?

In the early days in TX and MT we went through about 1000 rounds per day, but this past summer in WY it was pitiful--probably less than 500 rounds in 2 days per rifle. I am not even sure that I capped 100 rounds in my 6MM BR, but I quit shooting to allow the younger guys (25 and 10) a chance to get their feet wet. They are hooked! But I must also admit the two older shooters are much better shots than we once were (+ we have upgraded optics) and so we tend to shoot less than when we started (practice does make perfect). The two younger guys go through quite a bit of .223 and .221, but I suspect they will burn even more next year as the Colorado location has quite a few more dogs. Like you--we look forward to the yearly trips, if nothing else but for the camaraderie. PS...what are you shooting?

I agree; aside from the rebates, I like the carbide button that is on all of the rifles dies--makes having to lube the inside case neck a thing of the past and Hornady really stands behind their products.

About 7 years ago, we hunted near Hereford, TX (near Amarillo), but the guy that was promoting the hunts lost his lease and so we have had to move a bit further north. We hunted for about 4 years with DCPC in Montana (unfortunately we have to pay to hunt--you lucky dogs that hunt for free!), but this last hunt was VERY disappointing (in Wyoming) and so we will not be going back to hunt with them. We found a place in Colorado that we are going to try out next year and if it remains as it was this past year (at least from what we saw), it should be fantastic. We normally try to make 3 hunts a year (late May, early June, and late June), but it all depends on funds and how much ammo I have been able to reload (I am stuck with that chore for 4 hunters and 5 rifles). Way back when, I tried to get my brother into it for a few years and when we finally went, he was hooked for life, as am I and so we have a family hunt each year. Nothing like the sound of "whop" at 700+ yards! =8^)

Greetings All! I recently joined BITOG and happened to stumble on this board while posting on that one. Years ago, we hunted deer and larger mammals, but these days we hunt prairie dogs almost exclusively during the summer months. Weapons of choice include: - Remington 700 Custom in 6MM BR with 26" Hart barrel, 1lb Jewell trigger, 8x32x56 Nightforce, in a fully bedded Remington laminated stock. - Remington 700 VSSF in .22-250 with 1lb Jewell trigger and 12x42x56 Nightforce in a fully bedded HS Precision stock. - Remington 700 Custom in .17 Remington with 26" Shilen barrel, 1lb Jewell trigger, 6.5x20x50 Simmons in a fully bedded HS Precision stock. Next year we will try 2 Thompson Contender Encores (one in .30 TC and one in .204 Ruger) with 15" barrels - for the close ones <grin>. Looking forward to conversing and learning from everyone!

Anyone here hunt the infamous prairie rat?

I think I have some Lee dies for my .17 Remington and M1 Carbine; they work well and are quite inexpensive. When I have some disposable cash, I want to get a Redding bushing die for the .17 (can be a pain to load, but great fun to shoot).

Post 'em if you have 'em... I prefer Hornady for most pistol applications, but have Redding Bushing dies for all of my varmint rifles. I use a Dillon RL550B for reloading and an old Hornady Projector for mass decapping. The Hornady dies are reasonable and do a good job on the pistols with the carbide rings inside. The Redding bushing dies (although expensive) are great for bolt action varmint rifles (a a quick neck size and you are on your way). What are you using and why?

I received 3 new handguns at my FFL dealer in Texas via Fed-Ex 2nd Day Air with no problems less than 1 month ago from Bud's Gun Shop in Kentucky. I also received 1 handgun via UPS 2nd day about 6 months prior to that. Not sure if this is a per state situation, but no problems with 2nd day air in Texas...