Posted by: Dan C ®
05/21/2002, 15:10:16
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After a very limited amount of range work, I headed to Havre, Montana to do some gopher and PD hunting with James Leahy of James Calhoon Mfg. The wind was screaming at 30 to 40 mph the entire time, and the gophers were scarce.....We did run into a valley that had some chucks, and also found some PD towns to play in. I was using a mild load in the 19 FBI of 19.7 gr. 2200 powder with the Calhoon 27 gr bullet, about 3850 fps. This is 300 fps or so below a full house load, but I had it tuned down in the interest of reducing barrel heat. Didn't turn out to be an issue! I took 6 chucks with the 19 out to 300 yards. They simply rolled over and gave a couple of tail wags, instant kills. Inspecting them showed NO visible signs of being hit. Not a drop of blood. Jim was shooting his 19 Calhoon with 32's, and they did exit the chucks. Had a load of fun on the prairie dogs too, even though the 27 grain bullet isn't the first choice in the wind. I was surprised at how well they held up in those conditions.... The goofy guy with glasses is Barry Gluck, a living cartoon character pal of Jim's. Dan C 
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Posted by: Dan C ®
05/21/2002, 15:14:39
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The Ruger in back is James Leahy's (Calhoon's) 19 Hornet.....
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Posted by: Dan C ®
05/21/2002, 15:18:10
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I like the little 19 FBI enough that I wanted another one. The original (with the black HS stock) has a heavy 25" bbl. that is .700" at the muzzle. I wanted a lighter, shorter one for a calling/truck gun. This one has a straight taper barrel that is .550" at the muzzle, 23" long. Feels good! Dan C 
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Posted by: alan in ga
05/21/2002, 15:29:43
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I just finished two 17AHs on the CZ 527 actions. I have ONLY one 'problem' and that is the Hornet case is too small in diameter to 'single load' over the clip. The Mach IV (221/223 diameter case) would probably load single style just fine, is that what you have found?
Also, do you thread metric or use 20 tpi? thanks, alan in ga.
PS-Goin to Bozeman next thursday!!!!YAY-gophers away!
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Posted by: Dan C ®
05/21/2002, 15:38:34
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Actually, when I single load I stick the cartridge right into the chamber, at least part way. The bigger case still will not single load very good just sitting it on the follower. I wonder if you could remove the follower from a mag and try it that way??? Then the cartridge could center itself on the fed lips. James himself installed the barrels on both these rigs, and he did cut a metric thread. I hope the damn wind lets up for your hunt........I thought Wyoming was bad! Made for some tough shooting for sure. I don't think I ever actually aimed directly at anything all weekend!! Let me know how you come out. You are gonna love that 17 AH. I took mine along, but never uncased it......... Dan C
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Posted by: alan in ga
05/21/2002, 17:12:09
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maybe just one morning about 4" of snow JUST to show blood fan pattern behind gopher hit with 17AH(!). Ok,,gorry, but interesting thought. Before in Bozeman/Livingston/Wilsall area of Montana in last week of May we had 29 to 34 degree mornings and 55 to 75 degree afternoons.
Going on this trip are 17 HMR/CZ custom rifles, 17AH/two CZ rifles, 223 Ackley(s), already shipped 15,000 rounds of 22 LR Hollow point and several factory and custom Ruger 10/22s will be the mainstay. Between the 5 of us maybe twenty 25 round clips and at least two loaders for them. Problem IS: who's gonna load clips while others shoot!? alan in ga.
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Posted by: Fergus Bailey ®
05/21/2002, 17:50:13
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who's the ugly guy holding you by the scruff of the neck?  No, really, its great to see the pictures. Thanks for posting. Fergus
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Posted by: redfeather
05/21/2002, 19:38:28
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I was looking into getting one of the Weaver V-16's because I already have a V-24. I like the V-16 with dot reticle. How did the Weaver do on the gopher trip?? Thanks in advance.
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Posted by: Dan C ®
05/21/2002, 20:22:30
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it has the dot reticle too. I do like it, but it does make holding over at long range more difficult. No reference point like a duplex has. Very decent scope though........ Dan C
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Posted by: foxhunterbubba
05/22/2002, 01:01:14
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dan i'm shure glad you poasted your hunting update . the guns look great and seem to get the job done. did you tell me once that you were from midland tx? the reason i liked your posting is it reminds me of just how lucky i am. reading the other replys reminds me of when i lived in chicago. you had to go to montana or wyoming to do any serious varmint hunting. i guess thats why i moved to the wild west. we still have people walk down the streets with a colt 45 on there hip. just remember a trip where nothing extraordinary happens is quickly forgoten, you will never for get this trip and the winds blowing.
bob
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Posted by: Drifter
05/22/2002, 01:04:34
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Hey RF, take a look at Natchezs's , they have great prices on the v16's, paid $219 for mine, and want another for the hmr. The only thing is no dot recticles right now, they said a few weeks, I love that scope. see ya
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Posted by: jim saubier
05/22/2002, 07:30:18
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That trip sounds awesome. I dream of the day when I get to head west for a week of prairie dog hunting or rock chuckin. Them rock chucks look just like our eastern woodchucks. Only difference is that it is probably easier to find longer shot opportunites at the rock chucks in their habitat.
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Posted by: Matt Smith
05/22/2002, 10:27:29
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What a whopper ,I bet you could hear a loud wap when you hit him!
Regards
Matt
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Posted by: Dan C ®
05/22/2002, 12:03:22
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...it echoed across the valley like a thunderclap! Dan C
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| using RCBS Lil Dandy powder thrower |
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Posted by: alan in ga
05/21/2002, 15:36:22
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for a BUNCH of 17AH loads for Montana,,I found that rotor #14 throws a perfect 12.6 grains of AA1680-just right at least for the 20 grain V Max. Just in case you've got a Lil Dandy! The #13 rotor throws 11.7/AA1680 for great lower power loads that fireform fully. I have not chronographed them yet. The 12.6/20Vmax load shows no pressure signs at all so far. Alan -going to Montana, but still -in ga.
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