Hogs have been scarce lately, but I got lucky about 45 minutes after sundown. I was actually outside checking out a used Zeiss Diatal Classic 8x56 that just came in today to see how it did under overcast skies and with virtually no ambient light remaining. I had been watching deer and rabbits and -- since visibility was all but gone -- had turned to go back inside when I noticed a dark blob moving through the outer edge of the brush -- and at rather close range, too.

Through the scope, I could see it was a hog. It was about to drop off into a gully that is overgrown, so I knew I had to act quickly. I had no time to get to a rest but felt comfortable with the 70-75 yard shot, so when the illuminated red dot of the #60 reticle settled low on the chest, I tripped the trigger and sent a 100 grain Ballistic Tip on the way.

I did not hear an impact, and since it was nearly fully dark, I could not see a reaction, either. So I went back inside and waited a few minutes before grabbing a thermal monocular and a sidearm and driving down there. Turns out, there was no need to wait and certainly no need for the firepower I bought along. The hog only made about 20 to 22 yards after impact and left a blood trail that would have been easy to follow if needed.

The 100 grain Ballistic Tip, with a muzzle velocity of around 2840 fps, broke a rib on entry, absolutely demolished the heart and broke two ribs in exiting. The chest cavity was mostly liquid and sloshed when moving the hog.

I'm already liking this scope LOL...

Funny thing is, FedEx got here early with it today, so I hustled up and got in on my rifle and sighted it in between the few raindrops that were falling.

It sits in medium Warne rings.

The scope comes from Poland and has a few minor ring marks, but the glass is in superb condition. I have the little brother (7x50) to this model on a .223 and love it. The illumination on these goes extremely dim, which suits my needs perfectly as I almost never get a shot in anything but poor lighting.

These are almost never seen in the US, so when this one became available for $630 shipped, I couldn't type "I'll take it" quick enough ha ha.

Good on ya, Bobby

You sure play hell with hearts!

George

Bobby:

You sure play hell with hearts!

George

There ya go. Right place, right time. Ballistic tip hit bone and still made it all the way through. Interesting. Backstraps!

quote:

Originally posted by custombolt:
There ya go. Right place, right time. Ballistic tip hit bone and still made it all the way through. Interesting. Backstraps!

And it was a light-for-caliber Ballistic Tip to boot...

For many years, the 120 grain BT was my go-to bullet in various medium-capacity 6.5s. I used the 100 but only minimally compared to everything else. However, when they went on sale a while back at Midway for something like $18.24 per box, I got a few and decided to put them to use.