Breaking in the new BOOMstick

by **WapitiTalk1** » 12 20, 2015 • [Post 1]

Well, I finally made it out with my new .308 (Weatherby Vanguard Series 2). I met up with a buddy of mine on the JBLM Range and while he threw some pistol rounds downrange at the other end of the overhead cover, I started the breaking in process down at the rifle end. Remember, although I've shot off and on over the years with Uncle Sam, and, with a very few borrowed civilian rifles, this is the first rifle I've owned in many, many years. OK, I put a 50 yards target out to give me a point of aim and started the process. One round, clean, one round, clean, one round, clean. I did this for 10 rounds. Mark finally expended his pistol ammo and came down to hang with me. He asked me if I was sighting the .308 in yet and I said "umm, sure"! I adjusted the scope elevation and windage a bit and started shooting 3 round groups at 50 yards (3 rounds, clean, 3 rounds, clean... I was gonna do this for the next 18 rounds) at a new target. The first pic below is what I ended up with the new target after a handful of 3 round groups and adjustments. I'm a bit out of practice with the shooting....steady hold, breathing regimen, squeeze factors, but not bad I guess. The second pic is 4 rounds at 200 yards. That's when I realized it was time to quit, and, my damn cleaning rod "broke" (crap). I'll head out next weekend and see if I can zero the new rifle in. All in all, a very enjoyable morning at the range getting to know the new BOOMstick.

by **baddaddy** » 12 20, 2015 • [Post 2]

Glad to see you made it out. Just like a bow it takes practice and consistency. Once its sighted in then startplaying with different loads to see what she likes. Congrats.

by **husky390** » 12 20, 2015 • [Post 3]

You might have to get a thread adapter but grab one of these and you wont have to worry about breaking cleaning rods. Or buy the Otis Cleaning Kit.

http://www.amazon.com/Dewey-Rods-30C-36 ... aning+rods

http://www.amazon.com/Otis-Deluxe-Pisto ... eaning+kit

by **dotman** » 12 20, 2015 • [Post 4]

Be careful not to over clean and damage the barrel. I never use brushes and clean about every 100rds. When I clean I just use pads and a bore solution, wipe wet until clean and then wipe dry.

by **WapitiTalk1** » 12 20, 2015 • [Post 5]

Noted guys, thanks.

by **wawhitey** » 01 10, 2016 • [Post 6]

Any update on the rifle yet? Experiment with different ammo?

by **WapitiTalk1** » 01 10, 2016 • [Post 7]

Just been out one more time. Shot some inexpensive Winchester ammo with decent results. Will probably up to some 168 GR rounds next time out. Still fiddling with it.

by **Dr. Rx** » 01 11, 2016 • [Post 8]

Since you are experimenting... In California.. we are pretty much moving forward with the LEAD ban in rifle ammo... I have been using E-tip by nosler..Devestating Ammo.. It's copper based alloy that pretty much maintains 98% weight retention.. so on a 168 gr bullet you will slam at least 164 grains at the animal..

So I have begun the process of changing all my Big Game Ammo to E-tips.

Just my 2 cents

Kris

by **WapitiTalk1** » 01 11, 2016 • [Post 9]

Dr. Rx wrote:Since you are experimenting... In California.. we are pretty much moving forward with the LEAD ban in rifle ammo... I have been using E-tip by nosler..Devestating Ammo.. It's copper based alloy that pretty much maintains 98% weight retention.. so on a 168 gr bullet you will slam at least 164 grains at the animal..

So I have begun the process of changing all my Big Game Ammo to E-tips.

Just my 2 cents

Kris

Kris, does that load seem pretty accurate at longer ranges?

by **Dr. Rx** » 01 11, 2016 • [Post 10]

I guess the question would be, what is long range?

I shoot a 300 WSM and has enough energy to place a kill at a 1000 yards..

I know you have a 308...see the link for Nosler below for E-Tips and you can see the Energy for your load.

http://www.nosler.com/e-tip-lead-free-ammunition

Kris

by **WapitiTalk1** » 01 11, 2016 • [Post 11]

Thanks Kris. I'll definitely take a look!

by **husky390** » 01 12, 2016 • [Post 12]

Barnes Vortx 168gr TTSX for the win.

by **WapitiTalk1** » 01 12, 2016 • [Post 13]

husky390 wrote:Barnes Vortx 168gr TTSX for the win.

Good copy. Thanks.

by **husky390** » 01 12, 2016 • [Post 14]

They work great on Whitetails at 25 yards.

by **WapitiTalk1** » 01 13, 2016 • [Post 15]

husky390 wrote:They work great on Whitetails at 25 yards.

That's a "good" range

by **husky390** » 01 13, 2016 • [Post 16]

Phantom16 wrote:
husky390 wrote:They work great on Whitetails at 25 yards.

That's a "good" range

LOL, there was a stupid turkey in the field and the doe walked in focused on it and circled my way when I was hoping it would circle the other way. Of course I had to sit in the stand that I couldn't shoot a bow from. Either way, very easy recovery and it didn't damage any meat.

by **Indian Summer** » 01 14, 2016 • [Post 17]

Lose the Hoppe cleaning rods or similar ones. That Dewey rod that Husky mentioned is THE way to go. It'll last a lifetime. It has a ball bearing swivel in the handle so the rods spins smoothly in the rifling and it is nylon coated all the way down so it can't damage a barrel or leave metal behind.

What scope did you top that out with?

by **WapitiTalk1** » 01 14, 2016 • [Post 18]

Good copy on the rod. Leupold VX 2 with the cds thingamajig for a scope.

by **wawhitey** » 03 01, 2017 • [Post 19]

Got my new stock on my rc vanguard. Original is pictured in front. I believe it would work on your rifle. Full length aluminum bedding and free floated barrel should benefit you. If you want to try it out let me know and i can send it your way.

by **WapitiTalk1** » 03 01, 2017 • [Post 20]

Thanks whitey. Definitely interested; let's work the details out. RJ