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A Thor in the Midwest

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20 May 2005, 01:36
xphunter
A Thor in the Midwest
This week I got a phone call from my local FFL dealer that a very special SP had come in. I am now the proud owner of a "Thor" in 6.5x57R by Tanfoglio. This is the blued version. I have 100 rounds of RWS brass and Redding dies. I have determined AOL with a 142 SMK and have 100 rounds primed and ready to stuff powder and bullets for load development. It is sporting a 3-12 Burris LER currently but will wear a Mark IV 8.5-25 Leupold LR/T with TMR for load development. This is the first European cartridge chambered for the Thor in the US, but it is a standard chambering for the Thor/Raptor and can be available here. RWS brass is on the same quaklity line as Lapua. The 6.5x57R is simply a rimmed 7x57 Mauser case necked down to 6.5 with a rim. It's performance level will be somewhere between the 260 Remington and the 6.5-284. Since it's throating is longer than I expected (to my joy) I will be able to take full advantage of the case capacity even with 142 SMK's. After SHOTS, I should have a real good feel for the Thor. I will take pics soon. The case and the accessories it comes with is so professional-I'm impressed.
Bill Hicks Company is a distributor for the Thor.
They stock every chambering that E.A.A lists. The man to contact if you are a FFL holder is Matt Taschner:
1-800-223-0702 (Ask for Matt)
Some of the chamberings he has in stock is:
223
270 Win.
308 Win.
44 Mag.
45-70


Ernie



08 August 2005, 04:19
Sean VHA #60013
XP, how has the Thor been shooting? Curious to know what game you have taken as well Big Grin


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GOA LIFE MEMBER
17 August 2005, 23:43
xphunter
Sean,
Sorry for so long to reply. After some very initial load development I have put over 100 rounds through it @ ranges out to 600 yards doing some prone field shooting with a Harris Bi-Pod on steel targets. Accuracy has been great and I intend to use it on deer in this upcoming season. My elk season got knocked out this year so I also intend for the Thor to be one of the SP's I use to do some LR PD shooting.
Ranges will be from 600 yards to the one mile mark. Although I do not plan to use the 14 inch 6.5x57R for one mile PD's, I am positive it can take one out to 1k. The next time I go to Pella, IA 1000 yard match I also intend popping some clay pigeons at 1000 yards with it too.


Ernie



19 August 2005, 18:55
xphunter
Here is a pic of the 6.5x57R Thor and a custom Savage Striker in the field. Notice how compact & field practical the Thor is.




Ernie



19 August 2005, 22:07
McClura
Ernie, when is the next match in Pella? I hope to have a new 3x12 Burris soon after working all weekend doing storm restoration in central OK. Got a little OT.
Did you ride in the bike race in Bethany this last weekend? I was just North of Bethany at Piedmont putting power lines back up.

MIke


You don't quit playing because you get old, you get old when you quit playing.
19 August 2005, 22:24
xphunter
Yes, I did the ride @ Bethany but it rained the whole time and they ultimately closed the course. I did get in 65 miles though.
Labor day weekend (Actually, Thursday, Friday & Saturday) is the next match but it is the Nationals. The next one after that is September 23-24 (Friday is a practice day). I doubt if I am going to Nationals, but I may get to go to the match on the 24th.
There will be no Handgun Class @ Nationals.
If I go, one of the kids will go with me and I will be shooting the Thor some @ 1k.
Here is what Kristen and I shot @ Pella @ 1k in the spring.



Ernie



20 August 2005, 03:08
xphunter
Mike,
BTW--When we were almost into OKC last week the storm hit so hard on I-35 we had to pull over and wait it out eek2


Ernie



26 August 2005, 08:44
xphunter
Here is the newest pic of my 14 inch 6.5x57R Thor clap



Ernie



26 August 2005, 08:45
xphunter
Now the other side.




Ernie