Blaser R8 for Dangerous Game

[BeeMaa]

Starting to research a case to house both of our R8's.
Mine came with the Blaser foam inside a Pelican 1700, but only fits one rifle with 2 barrels.
I went on My Case Builder and made one for two rifles and two barrels.
I have to leave the bolts in the stock to make it fit, but it does fit.
I may try a Pelican 1720 case and see if I can get three barrels to fit.

 

[Opposite Pole]

Starting to research a case to house both of our R8's.
Mine came with the Blaser foam inside a Pelican 1700, but only fits one rifle with 2 barrels.
I went on My Case Builder and made one for two rifles and two barrels.
I have to leave the bolts in the stock to make it fit, but it does fit.
I may try a Pelican 1720 case and see if I can get three barrels to fit.
View attachment 328357

Have you considered putting barrels on another layer? Here are some pictures of my Pelican 1750 setup.

 

[BeeMaa]

That is a good thought.
Gonna have to look into that.

 

[Opposite Pole]

That is a good thought.
Gonna have to look into that.

Here are a few more photos. It works well and survived a couple of flights already.

Per recommendation of the company that made it I’ve gone with high density foam. They said that while more expensive it offers much better protection and does not disintegrate with time. These guys specialised in making cases for expensive photo/film and lab equipment so I trusted their judgment. Looking at their work it was obvious they knew their stuff.

 

[BeeMaa]

I'd appreciate it if you shared the company information.
Not sure it's available in the US, but worth checking out anyway.

Truth be told I'm torn between separate cases for each of us or combining into one.
The Pelican 1700 is the perfect travel size but is best suited for 1 receiver stock and 2 barrels.
Yes, it's possible to squeeze 2 receiver stocks and 2 barrels in there...but it's really tight.

The 1720 doesn't get me much closer to 2 receiver stocks and 3 barrels...it's really just longer and heavier.
The 1750 is what I used last time and is just too huge...so that could end up on the chopping block.

Man, I really have enough Pelican cases and need another one like a hole in the head...

 

[Opposite Pole]

I had it done by a company in Sydney. Can’t remember their name unfortunately, it’s been a few years.

 

[Tra3]

Has anyone used the blaser bipod?

I now have an R8 in .375h&h. If the 2nd rifle in my case is an R8 for my son in a 6.5 CM, is it silly to try and bring a .300 WM barrel also? I know I will use the .300 for elk in the fall, but would bringing it to Namibia just be carting more weight?

 

[Opposite Pole]

Has anyone used the blaser bipod?

I now have an R8 in .375h&h. If the 2nd rifle in my case is an R8 for my son in a 6.5 CM, is it silly to try and bring a .300 WM barrel also? I know I will use the .300 for elk in the fall, but would bringing it to Namibia just be carting more weight?

More weight, more ammo types... What will 300WM do that 230gr projectile from 375 won’t?

 

[MMAL]

I agree. Do many. I have 6.5, 300 wm, 458 Lott and I was thinking 458 and 6.5. But with a 375, it’s even better, really no need for the 300. The 6.5 will take everything except eland and giraffe for plains game. Remember that you do not have to take a 250 yard shot if you don’t want to. There is another ridge to climb or another day and most certainly another animal around the next bend. You just have to work for it.

 

[BeeMaa]

I now have an R8 in .375h&h. If the 2nd rifle in my case is an R8 for my son in a 6.5 CM, is it silly to try and bring a .300 WM barrel also? I know I will use the .300 for elk in the fall, but would bringing it to Namibia just be carting more weight?

More weight, more ammo types... What will 300WM do that 230gr projectile from 375 won’t?

I was having this conversation with my wife last night.
Less stuff is easier and that is a good direction to be headed.
One caliber each.

You take the 375 and your son takes the 6.5 or 300, whichever he shoots better.
375 is the Swiss army knife of African calibers, alway good to have one.

 

[David AK 53]

 

[BeeMaa]

Euro Optic called last Thursday and said some things were ready.
Others, obviously were not.
He shipped enough to make a "complete" 375H&H rifle.
Still waiting on things for my wife's rifle, the 416RM and 22lr kit.
So here is a picture of the good news...
Safari weight barrel with Contessa QR mount and Swarovski Z8i 1.7-13.3x42P

Blaser R8 w/ 375H&H Safari Barrel, Contessa Mount and Swaro Scope

• BeeMaa
• Mar 5, 2020
• 2

Blaser R8 w/ 375H&H Safari Barrel, Contessa Mount and Swaro Scope

Took about 10 minutes to mount the scope and set it for proper eye relief.
I should have switched to rail mount scopes and QR mounts long ago.
Here are the cartridges I will be testing for the 375.

375H&H Load Development Ammo

• BeeMaa
• Mar 5, 2020

375H&H Load Development Ammo

Not looking forward to "bench" time, but it needs to be done.
Truth be told, I'll be happy just to be shooting a DG cartridge again.
Haven't shot one since I put my CZ up for sale in Nov 2019.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Tra3, what are you hunting in Namibia? You might ask your PH which cartridge is best for the game you’re hunting. Some areas of Namibia can be pretty long range.
IME, the 250 grain Barnes out of a 375 H&H shoots much flatter than a 230-235 grain due to improved BC. It’s maybe 200 FPS slower, but makes up the difference at extended range.
JME&O

 

[Red Leg]

Euro Optic called last Thursday and said some things were ready.
Others, obviously were not.
He shipped enough to make a "complete" 375H&H rifle.
Still waiting on things for my wife's rifle, the 416RM and 22lr kit.
So here is a picture of the good news...
Safari weight barrel with Contessa QR mount and Swarovski Z8i 1.7-13.3x42P

Blaser R8 w/ 375H&H Safari Barrel, Contessa Mount and Swaro Scope

• BeeMaa
• Mar 5, 2020
• 2

Blaser R8 w/ 375H&H Safari Barrel, Contessa Mount and Swaro Scope

Took about 10 minutes to mount the scope and set it for proper eye relief.
I should have switched to rail mount scopes and QR mounts long ago.
Here are the cartridges I will be testing for the 375.

375H&H Load Development Ammo

• BeeMaa
• Mar 5, 2020

375H&H Load Development Ammo

Not looking forward to "bench" time, but it needs to be done.
Truth be told, I'll be happy just to be shooting a DG cartridge again.
Haven't shot one since I put my CZ up for sale in Nov 2019.

Lead Sled - been using one for a decade.

 

[BeeMaa]

Lead Sled - been using one for a decade.

Yeah, I've got one.
Having the extra stability is a big bonus.
So I'm planning on using it, but I'm gonna leave the weight off the sled.
I figure just having the extra weight of the sled should be enough.
It's only a 375.

 

[Red Leg]

Yeah, I've got one.
Having the extra stability is a big bonus.
So I'm planning on using it, but I'm gonna leave the weight off the sled.
I figure just having the extra weight of the sled should be enough.
It's only a 375.

Why? It is designed to be used with the weight. You will have zero recoil, and I have noticed no difference in group location on any rifle I have fired from it.

 

[BeeMaa]

Why? It is designed to be used with the weight. You will have zero recoil, and I have noticed no difference in group location on any rifle I have fired from it.

The why is pretty simple.
We have to drive to our range, it isn't in the backyard.
My wife doesn't like being tasked with carrying two-25# plates into and out of the range.
Between the weight of the rifle and the sled, it should be enough for a short session.
We are also limited to an hour when there are people waiting to shoot.

Each session I'll shoot four-3 shot groups at a time.
Each visit I'll rotate the order of what brand is shot first, second...etc.

Gonna take me a bit to work it out, but it's about getting it right...not just getting it done.

 

[Tra3]

@Ridgewalker the hunting plans are for PG and hippo. We will be in Caprivi, Waterburg, and west of Etosha. I’m really looking forward to just being out hunting!

@BeeMaa I too use a lead sled. I pirate extra unused sand bags from nearby benches for the weight. I shot the .375 R8 without scope a few days ago. At 7 lbs 5 Oz, it was exciting! (Offhand only)
Have you put your rifle on a scale? That is a fantastic setup!

 

[BeeMaa]

@Ridgewalker the hunting plans are for PG and hippo. We will be in Caprivi, Waterburg, and west of Etosha. I’m really looking forward to just being out hunting!

@BeeMaa I too use a lead sled. I pirate extra unused sand bags from nearby benches for the weight. I shot the .375 R8 without scope a few days ago. At 7 lbs 5 Oz, it was exciting! (Offhand only)
Have you put your rifle on a scale? That is a fantastic setup!

Yeah, I just put it on a scale and I think I need to put it on a diet.
13.5# with scope, mount, sling and ammo pouch...and no ammo by the way.
The kickstop will most likely be coming out.

The heavy barrel will certainly help my bride mitigate the recoil.
She's most likely to be shooting the 375 anyway.
I'll leave the kickstop in until I have a chance to shoot the 416RM.

 

[Ridgewalker]

hunting plans are for PG and hippo

Yep you’ll need 375 with at least 300 grain. Maybe solids if you’re trying a hippo brain shot. Check with your PH.
The Caprivi is a dream of mine. As I understand it ranges are easily within 375 H&H range. That’s what I would take. Shoot that’s what I always take by itself. Works for me!
Oh I’m envious!