The rifle was almost complete, with some magazine work still to do, but the gunsmith and I pumped a few rounds through it to test 'er out. Didn't try producing any groups or anything, just wanted to get the feel of her. I was duly impressed. It will make a great elk rifle, and the gunsmith did a really nice job on it!

The details, for those interested, are as follows. Browning BBR action, Douglas barrel with 1-12" twist finished at 23", Richard's Microfit walnut/walnut laminate stock, Leupold Vari-X II 1-4X scope.

I am presently applying finish to the stock and hope to be doing load development on the weekend, in hopes of using it during elk season (which starts today!!).

BTW, the gunsmith on the project, about whom I cannot say enough good things, was Bill Leeper, a regular visitor to this forum.

Canuck

Sounds like a winner.

Are you still grinning like a kid at Christmas?

Don

quote:

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Originally posted by Don G:
Are you still grinning like a kid at Christmas?

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From ear to ear, bud!

Canuck

I like that 12 twist Douglas barrel. That is relatively fast for a .416 bore, and I like that. I didn't know any better when I built my .416 Taylor with a 14 twist.

Bill Leeper must be a fine gunsmith, judging from his knowledgable posts hear.

I think you can make an excellent load with the 400 grain bullets with RL-15.

For varmints use the 300 grain bullets and IMR 3031.

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Good huntin', shootin', and spear chuckin',
RAB

Well, you probably won't be surprised to hear I chose the 12" twist because of discussions on the topic on this very website. For soft point bullets I guess it likely won't make much difference, but you never know, I might find an excuse to shoot solids one day.

When I first met Bill on this website I didn't know he was a gunsmith. He gave me some great advice on the project when I was first thinking of it, so he was a logical choice for the job after I found out he could do the work. Turned out to be a great choice. I should probably refrain from futher praise however, as he is probably reading this, and he might end up raising his fees!!!

I planned on using RL-15 from the start (again, advice from this site - thanks BW). The loads I created for fireforming (I was forced to neck up .338 WM brass), was 71gr RL 15 and 400gr Hornady's. I plan to work up to about 75 gr and then hunt with the most accurate load. I will probably have to defer most of my load testing till next spring, as the weather around here after hunting season really isn't too conducive to it (read COLD).

Bullet selection is pretty lean around here, but I'll see if I can't find some 300gr'ers for coyotes this winter.

Canuck

ps: A friend just got a scanner. Maybe this weekend I'll see if I can scan those big bison pics we talked about a while ago.

[This message has been edited by Canuck (edited 09-12-2001).]