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Predator Hunting => Varmint Hunting => Topic started by: bigben on February 24, 2014, 02:14:47 PM

Title: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: bigben on February 24, 2014, 02:14:47 PM
Who's tired of seeing snow and ready to smack some hogs? 

I got a new to me savage 116 25-06 late last summer for a project gun.  Just got dies and bullets for it.  Once it warms up a little bit gonna try to work a load up for it.  Still need to load about 100 rds of .223 and 50 rounds of 6.5x284 yet for the upcoming season.

The .223 usually gets the nod for close work 0-300.  This 25-06 is going to be my windy day gun.  At 300 a stiff breeze pushes that 50gr vmax around a bit.  Im loading 100 gr sierras for the 25-06 hoping to hit 3200fps.  The 6.5 shoots a 140gr amax for distance. 

Can't wait to spend some warmer times in the field.  Looking to stretch my longest shot past 500 this year.  I'm right at 472 I believe now. 
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Deadeye on February 24, 2014, 02:53:36 PM
I think i'll try some hog hunting this year. Do you sit along a tree line at a hay field and wait for them to show or do you call to them? Any info will be helpful..........Thanks
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: bigben on February 24, 2014, 03:04:59 PM
I used to carry sticks and walk field edges waiting a half hour at each spot. Now i sit at locations that give me safe shots and bs with a friend till one shows or turn on the radio on my phone and enjoy the afternoon.  Here is sum of last years kills.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj45/bigben8011/final1_zps7d3da016.mp4


197 yd pistol kill.
(http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj45/bigben8011/20774044-8331-45EE-956B-DA8C9B765921-560-00000039DF79B643_zps1cad59bb.jpg)
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: coon hunter on February 24, 2014, 04:00:25 PM
Thanks for sharing makes me want to go today.
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Bowman66 on February 24, 2014, 05:08:00 PM
It can't thaw fast enough for me. It should be a fun spring and summer helping the farmers get rid of these vermin!
It's also a great selling point on a new farm to come back and predator hunt in the fall. The old back scratching saying.
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: TrappinJohn on February 24, 2014, 05:27:41 PM
I'm ready!  Nice video Ben and good shoootin

Picked up a Winchester model 70 Stealth II in 243 WSSM last year, have a lot of loads I want to try this summer.  And of course the contender is always fun
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: bigben on February 24, 2014, 06:03:26 PM
That .243wssm sounds like a barrel burner. Any reason why ya got that over a normal .243 win?  Almost picked up a 7tcu a little bit back for the contender.
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: TrappinJohn on February 24, 2014, 08:13:48 PM
I'm a big 243 fan, Already have a couple of them.  Kinda always wanted a wssm ever since they came out with it.  Probably not something you would want to take to a prairie dog town, but they have a chrome lined barrel.  Keep it clean and cool, should last plenty long enough.

7tcu would be a fun caliber too.  Working on some 110gr loads for my 309JDJ for groundhogs this summer.  2900 or so out of a 14" barrel should work pretty good
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: longhair on February 24, 2014, 08:20:46 PM
Nice video Ben........ ;) ;)

TJ, you'll like the wssm. I know I like mine. ;) ;D ;D

After a few years of VERY limited hunt'n, I'm hope'n to carve out more time this year. Got a couple new lead spitters to try out. ;D ;D ;D

BTW~ the grass rats have been out for a few days although the "polar vortex" just might send back in fer a while. ::) ::)
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: bigben on February 25, 2014, 08:01:35 AM
I thought yo liked the .243. I personally dont see the point behind the wssm series. Seems like a waste of powder too me. But some like vanilla compared to chocolate.

I havent seen any hogs out yet but have heard of sightings. I have hunted in march before for fields that get too grown up. Unless this cold weather gets replaced by 50 deg days i doubt you'll see many for a while.
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: shadowchaser on February 25, 2014, 12:54:40 PM
I like the WSSM series.  With anything though the better you take care of it the longer it will last.  Personally I think alot of "burned" out barrels are just extremely copper fouled.  I'm not saying it doesn't happen.  I just think its a false diagnosis alot of times. 
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: longhair on February 25, 2014, 01:25:47 PM
I've found that it is more "lubalox" or "molycoat" on factory ammo that's the problem. As long as you keep it clean or shoot it daily, no problems. If when cleaning and you don't get it REALLY clean, then shoot a few shots, it's like concrete and VERY difficult to get it clean. >:(
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Leglifter on February 25, 2014, 02:23:06 PM
do you need some company someday in the grass rat field george?
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: longhair on February 25, 2014, 02:51:47 PM
do you need some company someday in the grass rat field george?


If I get overwhelmed, I'll keep you in mind. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: bigben on February 25, 2014, 04:25:52 PM
what do you two use to clean your rifles?  I have been using sweets with a nylon bore brush till patch comes out clean then a shot or two of hopes no9 then dry patch. 

Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Predator100x on February 25, 2014, 06:59:57 PM
Ben,I use hoppes copper an lead solvent in all my guns,if gun is really fouled I will plug the barrel an fill it,let it soak for 10 minutes then run the brush threw er.you will be amazed what comes out,if I get a chance I will post a pic of one of my long range bangers. ;D
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: TrappinJohn on February 25, 2014, 07:01:53 PM
I thought yo liked the .243. I personally dont see the point behind the wssm series. Seems like a waste of powder too me. But some like vanilla compared to chocolate.

All about horse power Ben  8)
About 200 fps for that couple grains of powder. 

I had this discussion with a guy over calibers once and he pointed something out to me. Using Hodgdon site for 58gr bullets ans IMR4895 powder

243 win
44.7 gr = 3817 fps ..... that is 85.4 fps per grain

243 wssm
46.2 gr = 4017 fps ..... that is 86.9 fps per grain

That means it's more efficient right?  Well, don't know about that, but it helped me convince myself I wanted needed one  ;)
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: bigben on February 25, 2014, 07:31:03 PM
Id rather have a long high bc bullet over a fast light bullet. Jmo.

I thought about building a 6.5-06 but not sure if i want to give up on the 25-06
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: TrappinJohn on February 25, 2014, 07:47:45 PM
I think you should have both.

All I've shot in it so far are 70 gr and less.  Going to try some heavier stuff this summer for that same reason

Getting tougher to find fields to hunt around here any more.  Either not being farmed of too many houses now. 
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: bigben on February 25, 2014, 08:21:29 PM
Same issue here as well tj. Also seen my first roadkill ghog this afternoon.
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: bigben on February 26, 2014, 07:30:51 AM
And about having both. I have been wanting a wildcat. That isnt commercially available. The 6.5-06 is pretty much the same gun as the 284 version.  I also would only have to keep 6.5 caliber bullets as well. No need for the .257 bullets. We'll see how well i can get this 25-06 running first. Be bad to tear down a shooter
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Pa Goosehntr on February 26, 2014, 01:18:00 PM
25-06 deer load;

         IMR 4350 49.0 gr
         Sierra SPBT 117 gr
         2900 fps

    I've had it pick up a doe and throw her down with a straight on shot!! ;) mine is a Rem 700 BDL great caliber, and a great flat shooter... ;)
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: longhair on February 26, 2014, 01:20:35 PM
I use this
http://www.cheaperthandirt.net/product/8-SSR-WOA510?utm_source=GoogleShopping&utm_medium=organic&gclid=CP7ttrWz6rwCFc9lOgodKAYANw

That is what the gunsmith uses. ;) ;)
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: longhair on February 26, 2014, 01:39:47 PM
Yesterday "gert" was out on her dirt mound and the temp was @ 25. Upon a closer look she was insinuating that I was number 1. >:( >:( Walked a little closer and she ducked into the hole........only to stick her little fuzzy nugget out for peek. ??? ??? Upon further review with binos, it looked like she was grin'n at me. ::) ::) Seems a bullet is just too easy for this one. ??? ??? Might have to refer to the "acme" catalog for this one. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: TrappinJohn on February 26, 2014, 07:08:32 PM
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c96/TrappinJohn/DisintegratorPistol.jpg) (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/TrappinJohn/media/DisintegratorPistol.jpg.html)

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c96/TrappinJohn/amarvgun.gif) (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/TrappinJohn/media/amarvgun.gif.html)
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: shadowchaser on February 26, 2014, 09:13:49 PM
what do you two use to clean your rifles?  I have been using sweets with a nylon bore brush till patch comes out clean then a shot or two of hopes no9 then dry patch.

Pretty much the same I do.  Sometimes I let it soak in the barrel for a little while.  There is a cheaper foam out that I have heard works well and isn't as corrosive like some of the stuff out there.
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: longhair on February 27, 2014, 02:05:48 PM
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c96/TrappinJohn/DisintegratorPistol.jpg) (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/TrappinJohn/media/DisintegratorPistol.jpg.html)

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c96/TrappinJohn/amarvgun.gif) (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/TrappinJohn/media/amarvgun.gif.html)

That oughta work. 8) 8) Wonder if it has the mower mount option ?? ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: bigben on February 27, 2014, 04:19:05 PM
what do you two use to clean your rifles?  I have been using sweets with a nylon bore brush till patch comes out clean then a shot or two of hopes no9 then dry patch.

Pretty much the same I do.  Sometimes I let it soak in the barrel for a little while.  There is a cheaper foam out that I have heard works well and isn't as corrosive like some of the stuff out there.

I have tried the foam and even other copper removers.  if its not corrosive its hard to get the copper out.  my savage seems like it coppers up quick and if I don't use sweets it takes a lot longer to get the fouling out.  cheap is nice but plays heck to clean.  don't get me wrong either its accurate but after 30 shots I better clean it. 
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: bigben on March 06, 2014, 09:11:57 AM
seeing a lot more roadkill ground hogs.  Might go out Saturday afternoon and do a sit over one of my favorite fields to see if anything is out and about. 
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: longhair on March 06, 2014, 12:49:58 PM
No clean outs yet but did see tracks in the snow. Guess'n the males are ready....females maybe not. Talk'n about close to 50 degrees fri and sat. That ought have some of them poke'n their fuzzy nugget out for a peek. ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: takemrarely on March 07, 2014, 04:27:01 AM
well you won't need the cigar to keep the bugs away, that's for sure.......
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: bigben on March 07, 2014, 06:18:22 AM
Yea i wouldnt think so.
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Pa Goosehntr on March 25, 2014, 10:19:02 AM
You can spot them on a white background today  :P :P :P if they come out  :o :o :o
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: longhair on April 11, 2014, 01:02:25 PM
Out for the 1st time and scored two last evening.  ;D ;D ;D Really going to try to get after them before the grass gets to grow'n. ;) ;)
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Pa Goosehntr on April 14, 2014, 02:05:55 PM
Longtail, I bet the wind will cause your bullets to curve around the hogs today  :P :P :P :P Better anchor your tail to the Quad or you might blow away  :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ NOT  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Pa Goosehntr on April 17, 2014, 08:25:11 PM
 ;) ;) Lil Goose (1) Ground Griz (0)  :o :o :o
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: war_nrg on May 10, 2014, 07:43:59 PM
Went for a hike after the rain today.  Downed two hogs, one at 275 yards and one at my all time long 352 yards.  Saw 3 young reds, got up to 35 yards of them.  They took over one of my hog dens, hopefully I;ll be able to evict them in the upcoming season.  Was good to get out!  Have a safe season all:)
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Pa Goosehntr on June 02, 2014, 06:01:42 AM
 :( :( :( I'm thinkin the Ground Grizz and winning  :o :o :o even Longtail is not posting any numbers  ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: bigben on June 02, 2014, 09:08:42 AM
I only been out once and it was pretty much just to look over a few fields to see if anything was stirring.  Been doing too much fishing lately.  which isn't really a problem cept I haven't been out in the fields. 
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Lookn4Fur on June 02, 2014, 10:38:29 AM
My son Nick is up to three hogs this season behind the house.  One with the bow and two with the rifle.  Here is the bow kill.

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f319/Lookn4Fur/NickGH1_zps2c5544b5.jpg) (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/Lookn4Fur/media/NickGH1_zps2c5544b5.jpg.html)

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f319/Lookn4Fur/NickGH2_zps5d32efcd.jpg) (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/Lookn4Fur/media/NickGH2_zps5d32efcd.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Pa Goosehntr on June 02, 2014, 07:27:56 PM
 ;) ;) ;) Nice practice targets!!  :o :o :o
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Hern on June 03, 2014, 04:58:52 PM
Nice shot Nick...
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: longhair on June 04, 2014, 09:38:31 PM
I'm in observation/grass cut'n mode. ??? ??? ??? ??? Now if'n there was to be a hog hunt'n contest of sorts in this here club, I'd have to take a day off and thin the herd. :D :D :D After a rain shower the other day, I counted 13 hogs that came out of just 3 holes. :o :o :o and that just three of the many,many,tooooooo darn many holes on this property. >:( >:( >:( >:( Not even count'n the hay fields yet let alone the "king field". ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Leglifter on June 05, 2014, 05:44:59 AM
 :P
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Pa Goosehntr on June 05, 2014, 02:14:44 PM
 ;D ;D ;D Longtail still hasn't got a handle on counting....he goes from 2 ta 22 and skips everything in between ??? ??? ??? No wonder his numbers are so high  ;D ;D ;D ;D Guess it happens when you get old  :-[ :-[ :-[ that is why I plan on staying young and debonaire..... ::) ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Pa Goosehntr on June 10, 2014, 07:33:27 PM
 :) :) :) OK ya'll.....The first cutting is done and the farmer says the ground grizz are running everywhere... :o :o :o Sooooo tomorrow it's war on pigmy grizzly bears  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Bowman66 on June 10, 2014, 08:22:43 PM
We are just shy of 30 on the season and the smiles on the farmers faces tell me, we will be welcome back to fox hunt! Keep those shooting skills shape boys season will be here before you know it.
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Misterjake23 on June 10, 2014, 09:42:40 PM
The 204 Ruger has been cracking and the fur's been flying......
Title: Re: 2014 ground hog season
Post by: Pa Goosehntr on June 11, 2014, 11:13:05 AM
 >:( >:( >:( got 2 missed two  >:( >:( >:(  hafta get the 223 back out, was using the 22 mag this mornin ;) ;) ;)