DocHunter

Thanks for the info. I will be hunting Rhodes Canyon also, but in February. I sure hope I can get within 300 yards, but sounds like they are spooky animals.

To AJ: Thanks for the information. I plan to use my Remington 700 .270 loaded with 150 gr. Swift A Frame bullets with a muzzle velocity of 2930 fps with a 250 yd. zero. That load is just over 2.5 in. above point of aim at 100 yds., and just under 4 in. below point of aim at 300 yards, and just under 16 in. below point of aim at 400 yards. While I am very comfortable with this gun, I certainly prefer not to have to shoot beyond 300 yards. In spite of all the hype about much longer shots, too many things can go wrong at greater distances. This bullet should be able to penetrate the shoulder which is what is advised on a broadside shot at oryx. At 400 yards, this load has 1588 ft.lb. of energy left.

Thanks for the input. I am extremely comfortable with my .270, and am really inclined to use it. I know if I get something bigger, it would be more than a .30-06. Not a dime's worth of difference between that and what I have.

I have drawn a tag for a New Mexico Oryx hunt on the White Sands Missille Range in February, 2012. I have a Remington 700 BDL .270 with which I am very comfortable. I intend to use 150 gr Swift A Frame bullets loaded to about 2700+ fps. My gun consistently shoots 1 in. hundred yard groups, and this load, sighted in 2 inches high at 100 yards shoots abut 4 inches low at 300 yards. Official information from the WSMR advises .30 caliber or larger. I know this load is quite adequate for elk, but they say the Oryx is tougher to bring down. Can anybody give me any truly sound reason why I should not use the .270 I am comfortable with for this hunt? 

Weather was wet and cold, so pics are limited. http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk249/DocHunter48/Turkeys%202009/DSCN2300.jpg http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk249/DocHunter48/Turkeys%202009/DSCN2301.jpg http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk249/DocHunter48/Turkeys%202009/DSCN2302.jpg

Yesterday I got the best gobbler of my life on our family farm here in Kentucky. The day was cold, windy and rainy until early afternoon. Thoughout the morning I saw nothing but hens, one of which was out during a heavy downpour as if it had not a care in the world. Shortly after the wind died down and the rain stopped, I spotted two gobblers in a field about 250-300 yards away. I got their attention with a few clucks, then they spotted my decoys and made a slow deliberate approach. When they got within about 80 yards, the one that appeared slightly larger began to puff up and spread his wings a bit while continuing on toward me. Finally, when I was convinced that he was well within range, I clucked once, he stuck his head up and I delivered a load of #6's. He fell and his companion immediately flew off. The gobbler weighed 26 lb. 4 oz., had a double beard of 10 in. and 8 1/4 in., and spurs of 1 1/8 inches each for a total score of 85.00.

Just thought I would brag a little about all the fun I had last year taking a turkey with an antique double barrel caplock muzzleloading shotgun with Damascus barrels. Before everybody has a conniption fit, the gun has been well cared for and has safely shot loads up to 90 gr. of ffG black powder with an equal volume of shot. It seems to have a very open bore and working up a proper killing load with a decent pattern was interesting. With heavier loads, the pattern is more open. I finally settled on a load of 70 gr. of ffG with an equal volume of #6 lead shot and a personal maximum range (due to pattern) of about 25 yards. On opening morning here in Kentucky, I got my bird at 14 yards. That bird being killed with that gun was one of the most fun hunts I have had in ages, and almost every turkey hunt is fun. http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk249/DocHunter48/Muzzleload%20Turkey/Dscn0886.jpg

I have a caplock doublebarrel muzzleloading shotgun with Damascus twists barrels that I want to try to use for turkey hunting this spring. According to information in the Dixie Gun Works catalog, this gun should be safe with up to about 82 grains of FFg black powder. I would like to use size 4, 5, or 6 shot and would like some advice about how to maximize the density of the shot pattern and the best loads to try for such a gun. Both barrels measure 0.714 inch. at the muzzle, which, I think, corresponds to cylinder bore. I would also like to use Shockey Gold black powder substitute from American Pioneer Powder instead of black powder for the benefit of less fouling and easier cleanup. This product is supposed to be able to be substituted in equal volumes for black powder, and I think develops less pressure than an equal volume of black powder and would therefore be a safe substitute if I am correct. I want to try some loads and pattern this gun as soon as the weather here permits, so any advice on loads would be appreciated.

I have been drawn for a Wyoming Mule Deer Lottery tag and have been informed that the hunts begin September 15, 22, and 29. I will be hunting about 60 miles south of Jackson Hole. Outfitting will be provided by Great Plains Outfitters. Can anyone give me any advice regarding which dates to choose? I spoke briefly with the outfitter who said he could not really suggest one over the other, except that the first would be more crowded. Apparently residents can get tags over the counter and hunt the area we will be hunting. I am inclined to go to either of the other two dates, but would welcome any suggestions. I will probably be using a Remington 700 BDL in .270 with a Ruger No. 1 in 7x57 as a backup with handloads for both. Thanks.