Recent content by Goose Cracker

Both of the Blaser R8s I've hunted with in the UK were threaded and wore a suppressor. I also don't understand why threading isn't ubiquitous on the US barrels. I'd guess most folks who can afford a Blaser can (and have) negotiate(d) the suppressor acquisition process.

This is incredibly helpful!

Butch's Gun Oil and/or Montana Extreme Bore Conditioner

Tikkas are terrific rifles. Very accurate and durable for the price point. But the R8 really is a better mousetrap. I used one extensively while living and hunting in the UK and it will definitely be the next rifle I own. I've sold a Christensen 300 WM and a custom CZ 375 and both will be...

I do like others say here - only one powder on the bench at a time. I've made one mistake reloading in about 15 years - wrong powder weight (transposed weight for one powder with a different one). Max was supposed to be 38 grains, I loaded 41 accidentally. I knew it when I pulled the trigger -...

I like the idea of DSC moving around, but it does seem odd for "Dallas" Safari Club to hold its convention in Atlanta. I've lived in Dallas and Atlanta. And several other places. I think Dallas and Atlanta are more similar than different. I tell folks that Dallas is just Atlanta without the...

That's a SilencerCo Hybrid 46 on my 450 BM upper. It definitely tames the BM nicely. It's rated to 338 Lapua and safe on a 375 (confimed). It's not light or short, however. I plan to shoot 375 H&H suppressed from now on.

Permethrin is your friend.

I purchased a 450 Bushmaster upper as a pig thumper. It's fun to shoot suppressed. Only thing I've thumped with it thus far is a coyote.

Like @Throwback says, definitely consider Europe. I've loved hunting in England for roe, fallow, and muntjac. The rut for roe deer and fallow is a hoot. Calling in muntjac is really fun also. In no particular order: Spain for all four species of ibex. Red deer/stag in Scotland Roe in England...

My experience with buff is only three animals. I tagged along on two hunts before my first buff hunt in 2021. Of the two I got to tag along for, I saw one buff shot with a 375 and one with a 416. I much preferred the reaction to the 416 and promptly purchased one (Kimber Caprivi 416 RM) for my...

I've always been intrigued by the 280 and 280 AI. I already own a 7-08 and have always thought a 7RM was a little too much of a good thing. I think the 280/280 AI/284/7x64 is the "right" combo of performance and recoil, especially with 160 grain bullets. If I could only have one 7mm, this would...

We ate zebra on my first safari and I really enjoyed it. Over wood coals on the braai as has been described. People are weird about zebras - the first timers I'm taking to Limpopo in 2024 don't want to hunt or eat zebra but they are fine with all the other animals. To each his/her own!

One thing to keep in mind - thermals don't see through trees or brush or even through your windshield. So parts of the animal need to be clear of the obstacles for the thermal to pick it up. I'm sure folks already knew this but just in case....

I purchased a thermal handheld (Pulsar Axion) a couple years ago. They are used extensively here in the UK for spotting game during daylight. They are a game changer when stalking. Find a heat source, then swap to the binos for proper identification. You can definitely tell the difference...