Grouse while deer/elk hunting...

[Mo]

40 years ago my Scoutmaster showed us how to use a 0' buckshot over a tiny bit of Bullseye Powder in our 30-06's.  They would print pretty close to our full powder jacketed loads out to 25 yards or so.  Worked well on Grouse and made for some inexpensive Trigger time.

These days I use a cast bullet like the Lee "Soup Can" or the Lyman 311008 over enough Bullseye or W231 or Red Dot and drive it about 950 fps in my 30 caliber rifles (30-30, 308, 30-06).  Quiet, accurate and great on small game.  I even use it in silhouette matches for the 50 meter chickens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbRsCaLvpEQ

If you are an experienced reloader, it is an option.  You just need to know where the Point of Impact is compared to your normal hunting load.  It is usually pretty close out to 25-50 yards, especially with the iron sights.  Scoped rifles tend to print the load lower, depending on your zero.

[pd]

40 years ago my Scoutmaster showed us how to use a 0' buckshot over a tiny bit of Bullseye Powder in our 30-06's.  They would print pretty close to our full powder jacketed loads out to 25 yards or so.  Worked well on Grouse and made for some inexpensive Trigger time.

If you are an experienced reloader, it is an option.  You just need to know where the Point of Impact is compared to your normal hunting load.  It is usually pretty close out to 25-50 yards, especially with the iron sights.  Scoped rifles tend to print the load lower, depending on your zero.

Mo, that is a really interesting idea.  In other words (say your hunting rifle is chambered in .30-06), rather than carry an extra firearm or slingshot, just reload some extra .30-06 brass with a small bit of powder and "0" buckshot.  Did I get that right?  Boy, that would be a slick solution.  And, probably not that loud??

[Mo]

Rimfire like report.  It has worked well in all the 30 caliber rifles I've tried it in.



The buckshot mics .314" average.  If you shoot a bunch of them you will get a little leading but a dozen or so doesn't have any detectable effect in my rifles.  Lubing with Lee Liquid Alox seems to mitigate leading.  As a pup we used to shoot tons of these out of our surplus 1903's, backyard mostly.  Fun and cheap.  Accuracy really drops off after 50 yards or so.  Grouse neck accuracy out to 25 yards, body out to 50.

A 115 grain 30 caliber cast bullet is better.  Less fouling and accurate at longer ranges.  Same amount of powder or even a little less to keep the velocity subsonic.  Not as cheap as a sack of buckshot though unless you cast your own.

[KFhunter]

tag

that is awesome! I had no idea man I learn something new each time I log on.   Excellent way to get trigger time on kids with the full size rifle.


How much of that powder should I start with? 

[Mo]

I am uncomfortable posting load data as there are so many knuckleheads out there.  GMDR.com has a lot of reduced load data on its sight.  PM/email is better if you want to talk specifics.

[pd]

Thanks, Mo.