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Montana Bull Elk - updated with view of Black Butte & the Rack is Back

This topic can be found at:
https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/3411043/m/2021044862

26 November 2021, 02:24
Mike_Dettorre
Montana Bull Elk - updated with view of Black Butte & the Rack is Back
After 7 years of applying, I finally drew a 412-20 permit in the Judith Mountains of North Central, Montana.

On the first evening hunt, I missed a very very nice bull at 330 yards. In retrospect, even though I had a solid rest; I should have not taken the shot given the strong swirling winds. I got lucky in that it was a clean miss.

Three evenings later, this bull stepped out of the timber way up the top of a ridge and we were able to sneak over to a parallel ridge that was one over from him and below him about 250 yards away. I was able to go go prone over the pack and scrunched up my stocking cap and used it as a rear bag.

At the first shot I got a satisfying "thwack" and the bull shuddered. The second shot resulted in another satisfying "thwack" and the bull shuddered again. As I was re-acquiring the bull in the scope for a third shot, I heard - "He just went down" followed by breaking branches as the bull rolled down the slope thru the timber.

Browning X bolt 300 WSM, 168 grn TSX over 66.1 grns of H4350, 3135 FPS chronographed. Leupold 4.5x14, 30mm tube, side focus, Boone and Crockett reticle.

First shot was in the lungs and stopped under the hide on the far side. The second shot was top of the heart and exited.



The guiding crew Olivia (who is an outstanding guide) and outfitter Keith Atcheson:




Mike

Legistine actu quod scripsi?

Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.




What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
26 November 2021, 03:03
kurtbe
Nice bull Mike. Congrats!
26 November 2021, 05:24
theback40
Very nice!
Did the bullets pass through?
26 November 2021, 05:41
Hogbreath
Very nice!


Guns and hunting
26 November 2021, 06:36
Mike_Dettorre
Back40,

1 pass thru, 1 recovered just under the skin on the off side. I will post a pic of the recovered tomorrow.


Mike

Legistine actu quod scripsi?

Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.




What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
26 November 2021, 06:47
LHeym500
Congratulations, well done.
26 November 2021, 08:05
bisonhunter1
nice looking bull.
guided hunt or DIY?
26 November 2021, 08:20
30.06king
Congrats Mike. Sounds like all came together for you. And some good shooting as well.
Any plans for Mule Deer this season ?


Hunting.... it's not everything, it's the only thing.
26 November 2021, 08:34
Jason P
Great Job Mike on a nice bull!
26 November 2021, 10:47
boom stick
awesome!


577 BME 3"500 KILL ALL 358 GREMLIN 404-375

*we band of 45-70ers* (Founder)
Single Shot Shooters Society S.S.S.S. (Founder)
26 November 2021, 11:59
HAY-MAN
Love hearing the "thwack". Nice elk and a bunch of good meat.
26 November 2021, 16:09
Mike_Dettorre
In answer to a few questions:

1) No mule deer hunt this year, other obligations and rain were uncooperative for where I intended to go

2) Hunt was guided

3) Recovered slug

Retained weight 167.8 Expanded Diameter .669






Mike

Legistine actu quod scripsi?

Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.




What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
26 November 2021, 19:25
Outdoor Writer
Nice bull, Mike. clap


Tony Mandile - Author "How To Hunt Coues Deer"
26 November 2021, 22:58
Palladin8
COngrats and Nicely Done!
26 November 2021, 23:07
bwanamrm
First a nice bull moose courtesy of a drawn tag and now an elk to follow... well done!


On the plains of hesitation lie the bleached bones of ten thousand, who on the dawn of victory lay down their weary heads resting, and there resting, died.

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch...
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
- Rudyard Kipling

Life grows grim without senseless indulgence.
27 November 2021, 05:37
Todd Williams
Very cool. Nice bull and recovered bullet.
27 November 2021, 06:47
Hogbreath
Nice bull, nice shooting!


Guns and hunting
27 November 2021, 07:02
Kyler Hamann
Great bull, congratulations. I thought this hunting year was as good as a guy could get with that moose - and then you took a really nice bull elk too.


___________________________
www.boaring.com
_____
27 November 2021, 07:48
dpcd
Wow, awesome. That is the biggest elk I have ever seen.
27 November 2021, 08:10
Wstrnhuntr
That's a dandy! Congratulations Sir!



AK-47
The only Communist Idea that Liberals don't like.
27 November 2021, 08:39
georgeld
Very good bull Mike.
Congrats!

George


"Gun Control is NOT about Guns'
"It's about Control!!"
Join the NRA today!"

LM: NRA, DAV,

George L. Dwight
27 November 2021, 10:21
DLS
Mike, you should invite me over for dinner and we can talk duck hunting while enjoying your elk or moose. Big Grin
27 November 2021, 19:57
JBrown
Well done! I love the width on that bull.


Jason

"You're not hard-core, unless you live hard-core."
_______________________

Hunting in Africa is an adventure. The number of variables involved preclude the possibility of a perfect hunt. Some problems will arise. How you decide to handle them will determine how much you enjoy your hunt.

Just tell yourself, "it's all part of the adventure." Remember, if Robert Ruark had gotten upset every time problems with Harry
Selby's flat bed truck delayed the safari, Horn of the Hunter would have read like an indictment of Selby. But Ruark rolled with the punches, poured some gin, and enjoyed the adventure.

-Jason Brown
27 November 2021, 20:08
nmhunter4life
Nice bull, congratulations!
27 November 2021, 21:50
WLW
Nicely done Mike!


http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4821014232


"He Who Farts in Church, Must Sit in Own Pew".
28 November 2021, 00:11
TREE 'EM
Nice bull, congrats!


All We Know Is All We Are
28 November 2021, 10:09
Beretta682E
Well done !!!

Very nice elk.

Mike
01 December 2021, 20:37
TigerPaw
Congrats on your bull! And thanks for sharing your pics.
02 December 2021, 09:46
surefire7
Great job Mike. Congrats!
02 December 2021, 17:20
Wendell Reich
Beautiful Bull. Well done!
03 December 2021, 03:47
Craig Nolan
Great bull Mike, congrats !!!


Best Regards,

Craig Nolan
14 December 2021, 02:37
Mike_Dettorre
A view from the ridgeline in the Judith Mountains over to Black Butte. What's crazy is this photo was taken November 23 and is at 5800 ft and there is no snow.




Mike

Legistine actu quod scripsi?

Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.




What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
14 December 2021, 04:07
JTEX
Outstanding!


.
28 February 2022, 20:45
Mike_Dettorre



Mike

Legistine actu quod scripsi?

Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.




What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
28 February 2022, 21:45
DesertRam
That's a handsome mount Mike.


_____________________
A successful man is one who earns more money than his wife can spend.
01 March 2022, 00:29
30.06king
Classy Mike. I like the looks of that.


Hunting.... it's not everything, it's the only thing.
01 March 2022, 01:53
Outdoor Writer
Nice!!


Tony Mandile - Author "How To Hunt Coues Deer"
01 March 2022, 07:38
LHeym500
Beautiful mount and scenery.
01 March 2022, 12:17
Karoo
I have the identical rifle (300 WSM Stainless Stalker) but use 180 gr Federal Fusions. Unfortunately mine will never see an elk but it sure works for kudu, wildebeest and gemsbuck, among others. Love it and it wears a suppressor.
02 March 2022, 11:06
Charlie64
.

Big animal and a nice European mount of the antlers! Congratulations and thanks for positing. It is great to see more American animals posted up. Nice change from Africa!

Cheers

Charlie

.


"Up the ladders and down the snakes!"