@backfire

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. The techniques and tips discussed are based on the personal experience of Erik Cortina. Erik Cortina is not responsible for any harm or damage that may arise from the use of this information. Viewers are reminded to always prioritize safety and comply with all applicable laws and regulations when handling firearms.

[@backfire]

This is gonna be awesome to see. Really curious to see what kind of hit rate is realistic with a pro shooting it.

[@timjohnson2731]

I'm going to guess that Erik will hit 95+%. I think James Eagleman at Barbour Creek could shoot 100% on this challenge. I would put my money on him over ANYONE else on KZbin for THIS challenge.

[@huntincolby7]

Eagleman would be very cool to see as well

[@jimothy-johnson]

@@timjohnson2731 I'd give Pieter Malan from the Impact Shooting channel a pretty good chance. He has like 35 videos hunting a variety of game in South Africa (he lives there) with his precision rifles. He's done a bunch of headshots out to 350 yards and body shots much further than that. And he's a professional PRS shooter.

[@ArkansasBadBoy]

@@timjohnson2731 AGREED. Eagleman is like some kind of machine and on a level above anyone else I've ever known.

[@alexs1972]

Honestly the other pro I think would do well is Mike Lilly from long range with the Lillies. He's an NRL hunter pro who thrives in field conditions with a precision rifle

[@sthomsen86]

As an experiment, I would love to see Erik shoot one of these challenges with a classic Western rifle like a T3x, with a vx3 or 5/vortex viper scope. It is by far the most relatable setup for most Western hunters. It would truly give many of us a more realistic expectation for performance. Everyone loves to talk about how it’s about the shooter, not the equipment, but I’ve never seen long range experts shoot anything much less than a competition/high end hunting setup. I believe Erik is one of the best shooters out there, but I’d be much more interested if this challenge was with an average rifle.

[@MrThunderbumper]

I agree, that 1st guy that ran the challenge with Jim was a perfect representation of the weekend warrior. Your idea would represent well the committed shooter who was willing to invest in the craft. Having Eric do the shooting takes the “shooter” out of the equation. It would be the perfect demonstration of why someone running a Ruger American and off the shelf CoreLok ammo should stay in their “inside 300 yards” lane. Too many folks fancy themselves an amazing marksman. This would give us all the ammo we need to show folks why it’s important to be realistic when hunting living animals. Good luck Eric! You’ll do great!!

[@ErikCortina]

Yeah, the first episode featured the average hunter that thinks they can shoot long range. I’m a long range shooter, so I’ll bring long range gear.

[@sthomsen86]

That’s fair. I just would like to see a great shooter shoot with average equipment. It would really show what skill gets you vs equipment. Maybe a bonus with you shooting one of Jim’s review guns?? Looking forward to the challenge! Good luck Erik!

[@johnbishop1911]

He definitely was a Vortex fanboy 😂​@@ErikCortina

[@MegaGouch]

A 6.5CM Tikka CTR in factory configuration should be more than capable of getting this task done. If you wanted to try a light weight set up then a Razor LHT 4.5-22 would be a good option, but honestly a K318i wouldn't be impractical for this shoot. I definitely don't think either the 6x47 or 6br as setup would be "fair" for this test. If a 20lb rifle was to be used then why not game the whole thing and run a 300NM and just ignore all the wind calls.

[@txpredatorhunting]

The real question is will you shoot from Jim’s back ?

[@Mike-xi4zt]

😂

[@backfire]

😂

[@jttipton8954]

I knew it was coming, TPH didn’t disappoint. 😂

[@quintonhays371]

Tph doesn't disappoint

[@northman77]

No no no, we need jim to flex a bit more for the butt crack rifle stand... 😂

[@scottmccullough70]

Since this is basically to legitimize hunting over 600 yds. I think you should use a common rifle. If someone with your skill can’t do it with even a premium “hunting” rifle, most hunters don’t have a chance to do it consistently.

[@edwardabrams4972]

I hope that is exactly what hunters get from all this is that it’s about being a ethical hunter not some Ahole who likes taking pot shots at our precious game🤔😳

[@NelsonZAPTM]

That's what I suggested, Eric didn't like it.

[@CJ-ty8sv]

@@edwardabrams4972 Thats the thing, I don't think many will get it, especially when Erik will likely do extremely well and it could actually be detrimental to the case of "ethical hunting" because most (well maybe not most but many) will likely not consider Erik's skills in wind reading and also will likely ignore the fact that he is also a very very good competitive long range / F-Class shooter both of which make the rifle aspect rather moot.

[@10-4CodyWade]

Mils vs MOA for hunting it doesn't matter one bit. Use what you know and are comfortable with. Both of them are just angular measurements and both work the same way. Its like asking are centimeters or inches better? It depends on what you're used to and how your tools are marked. FFP has a disadvantage for close up woods hunting due to the tiny reticle. SFP is trickier to use the reticle for windage or elevation unless you're zoomed in all the way. Each has it's pros and cons so again I'd say use what you personally prefer. This challenge is going to be so awesome, I can't wait. I posted a thread about Jim's video over on Long Range Only and nobody volunteered to try it.

[@StuninRub]

Nope, moa is more accurate.

[@brianthompson9485]

Mil is easier to use without pulling out a calculator.

[@takedeadaim8671]

@@StuninRub I cant see how its more accurate, can you explain

[@10-4CodyWade]

@@StuninRub I wouldn't say it's more accurate. It is a little bit finer adjustment, which may or may not make any difference at all on paper. 1 click on an MOA scope is about 1.57" at 600 yards while a Mil scope gives you 2.16". So it really depends where exactly you're trying to move your crosshair. Since we are talking about hunting at 600 yards in this video, a difference of a few tenths of an inch in scope adjustment will be overshadowed by the precision of your scope, the accuracy of your rifle, and your ability to shoot from a hunting position. So my original statement "it doesn't matter one bit" holds true.

[@commenter4515]

Came here to basically post this comment. Both are just angular measurements so you should use what you are most familiar with.

[@olsonshawn42]

Aero Solus fits the bill perfectly if you ask me! A production out of the box precision hunting rifle. You couldn’t ask for a more realistic situation than that!

[@newerest1]

Yup

[@billrentz9133]

I like your philosophy on long range hunting. Too many guys are shooting way beyond their capabilities and the animal pays for it. Thanks for being straight forward with hunters Eric. Be fun to see how you do on this challenge, it will be eye opening for all of us.

[@edwardabrams4972]

And this is ONE of the reasons Eric gets respect! Being ethical is so important because everyone is looking for an excuse to put down hunting 🤔😳

[@baitammo4652]

The one thing I would add to your comment is that it's not just the animals that pay for it, It gives hunters a BLACK EYE also!!

[@WHOTEEWHO]

I like MIL and FFP for hunting too. I pretty much never use MOA anymore

[@BigDsae]

Do you measure distance in yards or meters? I find most people measure in yards so moa ffp makes more sense in my head.

[@joshhendricks7053]

I’m glad to see you take a more practical approach to this challenge. Some states have restrictions on rifle weights, and you looking into small details makes this a good video. Can’t wait to see you try it! Post a video on how you attached the rail!!

[@MichaelMiller-ww9iy]

It would be cool if Erik made videos along the way. How he mounts the scope, the level, and gets the reticle perfectly level. Any shooting he does to practice and learn the rifle. How he selects which ammo to use (or if he builds his own ammo, the steps in the process). Erik is a hero in my house.

[@ottokittel709]

I will assure you that Eric will look impressive in the event. Eric does things much different than a serious hunter would. hopefully we will be able to see the testing and process of the rifle being put together before the event. the world champ will impress !

[@js7127]

Erik, your "going to see what is in the safe" already blows 90% of us out of the water cuz you have the good stuff. Fan of the 6br but am used to a 16lb pack riding my mtn bike so no big. What's really cool is you outfitting a bare rifle for the challenge. Tons we can learn from your components and decisions made along the way.

[@twojeepstoomany]

I’ve built a couple of long range hunting rifles, I started with second focal plane MOA Nightforce scopes. I now use first focal plane Nightforce scopes, but still MOA. My buddy uses MILS. Both work, you just need to be proficient and knowledgeable in whichever system you’re using. Looking forward to your build and challenge!

[@judelarkin2883]

I appreciate the experts being blunt about the limitations of long range hunting.

[@garyomalley4521]

I started laughing about half way through and saying ,”God, I love you him!” when Eric said, “Some people will say that’s a target scope, not a hunting scope. Well animals are targets and we want to put the bullet where we want it.” True that! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@edwardabrams4972]

So true until you have a small buck jump out of the brush at 25 yards and the FFP crosshairs cover the whole body 🤔😳

[@garyomalley4521]

@@edwardabrams4972 Hmmm the challenge is not at 25 yds though. I’ve never had the crosshairs cover an entire buck though.😀👍

[@eisenshift5930]

@@edwardabrams4972 that's not how antelope hunting works. which is why he's selecting the scope he's selecting. and why he asked backfire to specify an animal. I brought a 4-16 ffp on my antelope hunt and was very pleased.

[@justice1327]

Did you get the OK from Hornady to say your rifle is a sub-moa?😊

[@trident919]

I’d say as far as mils or moa it’s just what you’re proficient with but agree it should be ffp. No matter what rifle you choose, that aero precision rifle would make a great video.

[@monsterk7603]

Eric, you are killing it with the content! Here's another series I cannot wait to watch. I am super curious to see how the Solus performs. I have been itching to get one of those variants for a while now. I am still kinda partial to the needs more with the prefit barrel.

[@Learning_2_shoot]

About half way through this video I already had the comment written out saying “not custom tanks mate, you need a **hunting** rifle you would take on an actual hunt”. Great to see you getting a hunting rifle for the challenge!

[@ErikCortina]

Technically, all rifles aes hunting rifles. 😉

[@Learning_2_shoot]

@@ErikCortina I say, grab the last rifle you took hunting big game and go do the challenge. I reckon you always shoot better with a rifle you are familiar with so fitting out a new one puts you at a disadvantage.

[@173tomten]

Not all custom rifles are built for long range. My 2 most common hunting rifles are definitely custom rifles, neither of them are built for long range. The normal distance when I hunt is around 50 meters. My rifles are built to be easy to get on target quickly and take safe shots in such contexts. I have shot competition revolvers heavier than my 9.3x62! I have tried that rifle at 575 meters on steel. I think the deer can feel quite safe, even if you shoot at them at that distance with that equipment 😂

[@kenbrown873]

I think you are going at this the right way and agree with you about the 600 yard shot on game.

[@elkhuntr2816]

Idaho has a 16 lb max rifle weight rule that would also disqualify the heavier rifles. Very helpful information listening to your thought process in choosing a rifle. I would love to hear what you would take on a combo mule deer / elk hunt especially caliber wise.

[@albundy7459]

That is an absolutely wild rule. What’s the reasoning behind it?

[@iflycentral]

I, too, would love to know the reasoning behind that rule.

[@jimothy-johnson]

@@albundy7459 it was a roundabout way for them to address guys supposedly using .50 BMG to kill elk.

[@StuninRub]

@@jimothy-johnson What's wrong with that?

[@gregorygreen7912]

For caliber, a good balance of accuracy, distance, down range energy and RECOIL, the 7MM Remington Magnum is hard to beat. Especially if you hand load.

[@sebase6577]

I follow both of you and can’t wait see this challenge . Gone be good one

[@jimg.4913]

Looking forward to this. Love all the vids and collaboration that have sprouted from the Rock Chuck series. I do a fair amount of field shooting and military biathlon; my personal preference is to take weight off of me rather than the rifle if I have to make a choice. Everything I've got is currently a chassis gun but I have to admit to being hugely "Foundation curious" so that's where my vote is going. Yer gonna crush it👍🏻

[@annexpaint]

loved the video, lot of good take aways for the, under 200 yard hunter, who wants the ability to reach out, A. no one use a a level,1/2 a degree off level at 600 yard and you have missed, B.no one use the tripod for stability even when shooting from prone you are more stable, stable gun = a good shot. and then there is calling the wind and you are the master at that. the other thing I noticed was that all the shooters ( in the challange) came off the scop right away, a discipline your were teaching Ruger in a earlier Back fire video .... this is a lot of fun and very educational. I really appreciate all the knowledge you guys are bring to the table

[@jeffmiller2433]

The 13lb weight is totally fine for long range hunting. Heavy but not too much. I think mine is 13-13.5 if I remember correctly. Also looking forward to your review of the Aero action.

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

My hunting rifle is a shade over 9lbs and I wouldn’t want to carry anything heavier. How much are you carrying that 13lb rifle?

[@jeffmiller2433]

I’m older now and do not walk as much as I used to. So if I am in my favorite pastures, I only walk in a few miles to post up and let the rifle do the walking for me. I have a nice, lighter hunting rifle, but I find the long range rig is so nice to shoot that I take it as much as possible.

[@rockcrusherkennels4482]

Absolutely yes on the scope selection.

[@roddawe2505]

Eric I really like your KZbin channel and learned alot from you over the years on reloading and shooting techniques. I'm just a hunter and do not shot competitively, but I just bought a CZ America wood stock in 22 WMR and intend on signing up for the 22 shooting competitions held monthly at my gun club in the hunting class for fun and too improve my shooting skills. The reason for my post is I would like to commend you on your comment "statement " that know one should be ethically shotting at animals at that distance. Regardless of their claimed shooting capabilities. Thank you for that.

[@sethlarson5110]

Glad your doing the challenge. I like your approach to selecting your rifle.

[@ErikCortina]

Thank you.

[@bww1970]

Can't wait to see the challenge.

[@stewartw7248]

Mil ffp is all we use for hunting. We tend to pick cartridges with lower wind drift for hunting open country. Helps minimize risks if wind call is off at all.

[@brianmassey8645]

Best of Luck. I’m super excited to see this very practical exploration into a heavy challenge using an affordable and obtainable tool set. I can’t wait to see the outcome especially with the factory ammo.

[@jamesmooney5348]

Kinda wish it was elk. Gave you some help, calling on antelope.... but hey,, glad you ding this! A 100 rounds is a lot! Best wishes Mr. Cortina!

[@michaelhmfic8346]

I can't wait, love this challenge and want more people to try it.

[@jefferywilliams7687]

Eric, in 1983 I had Bill Wiseman build me a 264 Win Mag with a long throat and on a long action. It is a 1/4 MOA Rifle. It is about the same you are putting together. It made a fantastic Antelope and Mule Deer rifle. Scope is an excellent choice for Antelope. Maybe not for light unless you an illuminated reticle. Antelope is a small target at 600 yards and the wind will can be an issue. I have not had to a big game animal over 437. I would prefer to stalk.

[@truthteller5539]

Good luck 🍀 Your selections are spot on!

[@kentuckywindage222]

Good luck Eric! The barrel heat build up is something I think will show up. Hunting your shot will be most likely cold bore. Here you have the timing and a hot barrel will be in use.

[@fps079]

Measured the jam on my 308 rifle and it is 2.966" I know that through your videos. For jam I can barely seat the bullets in the brass at that length, but I have done it. Rounds won't fit into a magazine. Thanks for your videos, Erik. Good luck,and anything that makes a clean kill more likely, such as a mil dot ffp scope that the shooter is comfortable with, is warranted.

[@chrisb9478]

Erik says, “I’m your huckleberry.” 😂

[@U.C.Hunter]

Hi Eric! I would love to see you shooting the same stock gun setup as the backfire troll, tikka t3x lite 300wm with real light weight hunting scope around 12 power and shooting of a backpack or shooting sticks We all know what you are capable of with a fancy equipment, we all want to see the limitations of professional shooter with a very simple and cheap gun , but elk capable power at 600yd Guys if you like my idea, please click "like" , otherwise Eric probably won't see this

[@bella-bella-sinderella2261]

I agree that would be much more interesting 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@grygoriirozdorozhniuk3750]

Yes, that way it would be more beneficial for the hunting community Eric, just don't get scoped lol

[@greasydot]

Awesome content Eric. Looking forward to see this series. Good luck man.

[@Kentucky.Tactical]

I can't wait to see Eric do the challenge. If anyone can do it he'll be the one.

[@mikesauer7775]

Out in the field off hand 200yds I'm only good for 8"circle. None of my west coast elk were shot off bag,bipod or tree even. 5 seconds or less shots from ID to hammer drop. One step and they are gone,and your chance for a shot

[@greasemonkey4god]

New to the channel. I learned more in 20 minutes then the many hours of watching some of the other hunting channels I follow… thanks!!!

[@BigTimberLodge]

Thanks for your honesty Erik

[@jr7548]

I'm so excited to see this collaboration and I'm really impressed that Eric is wanting to do it with a factory rifle. The reality is 100% is not realistic and this is going to really show people that there's alot that goes on in taking those types of shots and skill is not the be all end all.

[@tacdriver22mk2]

I think the solus is the closest to being in the spirit of the challenge for sure, ideally an actual lightweight (sub 6.5lb rifle) scope etc. but I understand budget matters. I would love to see what a real comp rifle can do in those conditions too so shooting both would be very cool to illustrate the difference. I also think it’s very important to be shooting a HUNTING bullet actually appropriate for antelope if that’s what you’re going for. I don’t think factory or handload really matters, nor do I think components used in the handload matters price wise, just as long as that VV powder and lapua brass is paired with a hunting bullet designed for terminal effect and ethical kills

[@jeremyfrisbie239]

I think with optics for hunting, the most important thing is the hunter must know what they have and understand how to use it. They must be proficient in using the optics for the situation. Whether Mill/Mill or moa/moa, the hunter must understand and know how to apply it to the shot presented.

[@williamsweet7511]

I took a Solus in a chassis to a 600 yard f-class match, in 6 CM, with a leupold mark 5, 5x25, Box Berger 105 hybrid ammo and shot 600 with 34 x's. It was cloudy, windy and on and off/on rainy. Those guns can shoot. I put a Phoenix bipod on it, and shot off carpet board, lol, if you know you know.

[@yootoober49]

Cool stuff! I took a 18 pound 7mm prc to Eastern Montana this fall and hiked around for a week. Shot a buck and an antelope with it. Antelope was 385 yds walking In the middle of a bunch of does. Had a quick second where it was safe to shoot and made it.

[@Gibbs365]

Great video Cortina , sounds like a humble build considering it's gonna be 600 yards .. look forward to coming videos....

[@KPHVAC]

I love it!! I mentioned you in his comments as well. I want to see him do your blackjack challenge as well.

[@michaelthrelkeld212]

Can’t wait to see this. Honestly I agree most people should not be taking that long a shot at game. That being said I would take what I felt would perform the best regardless of weight.

[@garrytalley8009]

Modesty is under rated. Eric is modest. I am hopeful he can do the challenge. Out of the challenge not all of the shots are 600 yards they vary. And face it milk jugs are a lot bigger than a couple of the targets in the Blackjack Challenge. You never can have enough rifles either. You need the right tool for the job.

[@clintcarpenter8423]

Can’t wait to watch the challenge. Fan of both Jim and you. I got an arrow action with a barrel chambered in 6GT.

[@ludeguy]

When it comes to optics… I say use what you’re comfortable with. I’ve been an MOA guy most my life and you learn to adjust no matter which you use. FFP preferred as well at least for me.

[@bigcliffadventures]

I am with you. No one needs to shoot game that far away . I wish luck too, like it said it is not easy at all. People set on there butt and say a lot of things that just now . God bless you I know you do great on the build too I looking forward to the videos of it too. Oh by the way my EC tuner is doing a great job too.

[@danielfinke6677]

Good stuff. Looking forward to following. The best hunting optic I own (may be the best hunting optic ever) is the Kahles 3-18.

[@edwardabrams4972]

You have chosen wisely 😳🙌

[@chandlerray5553]

I agree with you 100% on using a FFP Mils scope for hunting. Since I shoot PRS a lot that’s what I use anyway, and having the exact same optic on my hunting rifle just makes sense and will be so much more efficient especially since the bullets I compete and hunt with are nearly identical in BC. Mils in my head also just happens to be so much faster which is also a huge benefit.

[@BigDsae]

Do you measure distance in yards or meters for your shooting?

[@hulley5223]

The one possible exception to this challenge might be James Eagleman from the channel "Barbourcreek Long Range Shooting & Hunting School". Concerning the rifle choice, it would be better with a PRC cartridge for a long range shot. Also, I drilled and tapped a 10-32 thread into my Bergara B-14 HMR stock and attached a cheap arca rail that I bought from Amazon ($9) and it works great.

[@albertlemont5471]

NEEDSMOOR pick one!

[@matthasaname]

For hunting, MOA vs MIL, mil dot vs VEPR vs Tree. . . None of that matters. If you are compitent with your equipment and you are confident with your range estimate or measurement, then any of the scope tech out there is suitable for the shot. As long as you are capable. As for me, it doesn't matter what equipment I have with me, I couldn't do much better than Military Mike did on Jim's channel. That's a tough challenge and there's no doubt in my mind it would beat any shooter.

[@averagejoeshooting800]

1st focal plane scope is a must, imo. The ability to dial your elevation is also a must. I like moa reticles though. As far as I can see, the difference is metric vs imperial. Which do you prefer? There are systems for estimating range based on target size, but both have enough error that when you get out further, those systems are useless. You're using a calculator. If you already have to calculate it, then one number system is as good as another to me. The only reason I put moa over mil is because I like the hash marks more than dots.

[@scruffyarms]

Yes the scope choice is correct and then for the rifle I think the aero would be the best to test a hunting rig.

[@maddogmaz1576]

Its all about shoot placement. 1 MOA is good enough, Pronghorn antelope = 14"-15" killzone. Don't over think it and bring a laser rangefinder.

[@elevationrifles]

IMO to keep it fair choose a rifle you would hunt with .

[@jimmywilliamson8540]

I think Eric would be One of the first people to tell you if you have a very basic hunting rifle and you're very good with it, you can definitely increase your percentage chance of making long-range of shots. But he's a humble guy. He's admitting that even he with absolutely top-notch equipment might not make every shot. I would like to be able to do ELR-shooting but I need a new car, house, ammo. So ELR will have to wait. Hunting will be from 5 yards to 299 yards

[@rodmcisaac3]

I have full confidence that you, with any rifle, are up for the challenge. I would like to see more discussion regarding the "hunting" aspect of the competition. What caliber, and bullet, could be the best choice to ensure an effective and ethical kill, even at the farthest distance? With that in mind, you may automatically eliminate many of your competition rifles. For you, the shot placement may not be a issue, even though critical with hunting. I do not know the 6.5 Creedmoor, and it may in fact be suitable for the hunting task. Please elaborate.

[@tiroalargadistancia4293]

As Adam would say...this, is about to be a very fun video!!! I do a little long range shooting and have hunted at distances longer than 600 yards, but the water jugs behind brush can definitely throw you off. I'd definitely carry a heavy rifle and a solid tripod. I hunt with a custom 28 Nosler and 300 Norma Mag and I wouldn't be afraid of embarrassing myself trying the challenge lol. I may do a similar set up and give it a shot! Looking forward to the video!!

[@nospam3409]

Totally agree on all counts. Personally, i do use MOA reticles because my brain has been calculating hold overs in minutes since before x-mas tree reticals were a thing. If i were not already stuck in this rut, I'd go with mil-radians. I dont think you need a $3k rifle and a $2k scope, but I'd definitely want something that was 1/2 moa or better, and I'd likely bed it into a chassis just for peace of mind. If i were starting from scratch, id likely go with an entry level bergara action and a prefit barrel with a diamond trigger. I'd look for a lightly used Vortex pst or Athlon Ares optic. For antelope, Id likely go with a 6br or 6x47 and work up some handloads. Realistically, i might be inclined to try the 6.5x47 and load it with Cavity Backs 105gr MKZ because they've been amazing in my 6.5 Grendel. Id imagine i could push them fast enough in a 6.5x47 that i wouldn't loos much on wind to the 130gr stuff.

[@orBetter-xt1sf]

I think the Aero is a good choice and ffp mil dot has worked well for me hunting!

[@user-kv4kw5dx8n]

Really looking forward to this. Good luck!

[@Xeetrix]

my solus with the non-fluted barrel has really preferred heavier factory loads 140-143 around half-moa give or take depending on suppressor coming on or off

[@lexusowner2924]

100 round challenge sounds really fun and challenging. My first thought on caliber was 6br. 18 pounds is heavy, but has definitely been done before. I'd do everything possible to set myself up for success. If someone wants to challenge you later to a sub xx pound competition, fine, but for now go with the rifle you have the most confidence in. Good Luck! It's like Erick Cortina shoots X's!

[@stevethompson7613]

I purchased the Aero precision Solus competition 6.5 and right out of the box after zeroing at a 100 yards with three rounds, then at 1040 yards right on target first shot. Scope is Athalon Chronus first focal plane 5x25x56. Shot it in a competition out to 1100 yards on target on second round. Using Hornady factory 140gr ELDM

[@michaelangelino3189]

As someone with a factory solus, 22” sendero in 6.5 manbun, if you have to load for it, somewhere around 43.6 of triple nickel with a 130OTM Berger should net you very acceptable groups. Can’t wait to see how this ends up.

[@jorgefigueroa7573]

Scopes would be a little complicated and too long of a discussion to debate. But FFP vs SFP for true hunting can get complicated in today's world. I use both, Depending on my needs. MOA vs Mils that's a how scope measures. Both can be used on FFP or SFP. But its very important ones application to make the right choice.

[@richiefutrell6247]

Eric this is a perfect excuse to build a rifle dont compromise. Spin you up a Brux for that Solus. Drop one of your barreled actions into that AG composites stock. Buy a HNT26 chassis. Carbon fiber barrel on your prs rig. So many good choices go crazy with it.

[@bobheale2521]

I hope you use the Aero rifle. Looking forward to seeing the video. Completely agree with Ffp and mildot reticle (I use a Leupold Mark4) although moa or mils make no difference as long as your turrets match your reticle.

[@robertspina1494]

Bravo, Eric, thank you for making that choice arrow will work just fine. 10 1/2 pound rifle decked out is a true hunting rifle in the real world. A bubble level would be the best but I’d only be jealous that you’re using the MDT. You will be giving arrow precision a lot of traction. I hope they sponsored that rifle. 5 to 25 is a great choice nowadays heavy yes but it sure is nice having 25 power when practicing And sighting in. As far as shots, 20%, 575 to 600 yards 20%, 500 to 575 yards, 20% 425 to 500 yards, 20% from 325 to 425 yards. And the first 20% from 200 to 300 yards. I predict at least a 94% hit ratio with maximum 15 mile an hour winds. This is going to be a great series of videos for you. Love it be sure and get one of his butt pads on that gun before you take it out. I plan on getting on myself or five lol. PS one of your tuner brakes is also a must have. The reason I went with percentages is I believe 50 rounds would be sufficient for a test and a challenge.

[@altruisticscoundrel]

Great video as you bring us along with your thought progression! Yes, MDT and Aero make great products. Please take your #1 Needsmore to compare with the Solus for your shots?

[@mjc_208]

I will love to see how you can do on the challenge. I believe you will do very well, 96-100%. There’s a few people who say they can do it, no problem, but I have doubts about most. I would love to try it just to see how good (or bad) I would do.

[@blaiz4]

i like the 6.5 x47 or Aero. im rooting for you. ill be watching this for sure

[@jamesmooney5348]

Right on Erik!

[@jackbuendgen389]

It's funny. What a target shooter thinks is "light" and a western hunter thinks is "light" is TOTALLY DIFFERENT. I think light weight starts at 8# and goes down from there. Average is 8.5-9.5#. A dedicated mountain hunter would think 14# is gastly heavy! For practical hunting situations sfp is the way to go. If I jump a buck or bull and he's standing at 40 yards I don't want to fish around for a cross hair.

[@Q_Sertorius]

Yes, I smiled at that too. My .30-06 and my 9.3x62 are both 8.2 pounds with 4x scopes. Obviously, I’m not taking 600 meter shots on game with them. But I can carry them all day up and down the little mountains we have in Virginia. On the other hand, my usual hunting rifle is an 11-pound .25-06 with a 2.5-8x scope. Despite the weight, it is well-balanced so I can carry it for a long time without getting too fatigued. If I were to attempt a challenge like this, that would be my hunting rifle of choice. But in the real world, it’s unlikely I will ever take a shot at more than 300 meters on game.

[@beyondtwominutes]

In my opinion 2nd focal plane scopes are a thing of the past. I will never own one again. My hunting scopes are in mil. I like a christmas tree type rectile. Must be able to dial, must have a level (send it level). It must be capable of sub moa or better. I'm with you on factory rifles. They just don't cut it. It's custom for me. Oh and I'm just an average person but I put in the extra work to have the money for something I want and not something that leaves me wanting more. I look forward to seeing the results in the next few episodes.

[@Monkeydad1969]

This is going to be a crazy, very educational journey. I got my 🍿 ready.

[@jonathanrogers9961]

Aero Solus, the rest are all what I would consider to be target guns.

[@Sparks00psn]

Animals are targets

[@jonathanrogers9961]

@@Sparks00psn no, animals are food.

[@Sparks00psn]

@@jonathanrogers9961 after they’re a target, yes. Kind of hard to eat a still running deer.

[@georgeclarke4235]

Good luck on whatever you decide. I think the solus would be cool. I have two solus rifles. A solus/bravo stock with a 25 creedmoor prefit, and a solus action with a 25 prc prefit on a oryx chassis. Good actions at a good price.

[@AlecLCochran]

I’m excited for this! Would be awesome to see you take the 6x47, but I’ve heard good things about the Solus. Best of luck!

[@warrenjones2042]

The "Plumb" on bottom screen when discussing vertical straightness was good to me

[@jordanbalzer4933]

Thanks for the videos Erik! Looking forward to this series! I also hunt with a ffp mil reticle .

[@ErikCortina]

Right on!

[@tacticalrabbit308]

Best shooting and light weight rifle maybe throw in an ez tuner also . On a different note what muzzle threading would you use on a rifle that shoots 44cal bullets in a semi auto configuration 5/8×32 threads or 11/16×24 or .750×24 for an ez tuner set-up?

[@frankywalter2997]

Good luck!! Love your videos

[@DMOUA_OUTDOORS]

6BR. The type of terrain you hunt will determine whether a SFP or FFP would be the right choice. Granted antelope is in open country so a FFP scope would be a great option but you will not find your reticle in a FFP scope in timbered areas. Good luck. Can't wait to see the results.

[@edwardabrams4972]

300 yards or less you don’t need a FFP scope having owned plenty of both over my 60+ years of hunting and collecting rifles FFP is only need for target shooting unless your hunting at unethical ranges🤔😳

[@briansupermag3918]

Can't wait to watch. Oh, all my scopes are mil. Either hunting or target competition its all mil. FFP illuminated only in every situation. ❤

[@garydawson6346]

Spirit of the challenge is hunting, thus the out of the box Aero Solus is definitely the right choice! Mil/MOA doesn't matter, what ever the shooter is comfortable with. Like Km/hr or MPH, the relative distance and speed is the same regardless of unit of measure.

[@Kross8761]

I think something that could make the task (perhaps) a little easier is cartridge selection, the amount of recoil vs performance of the cartridge can be a significant factor and every game animal (and distance) has a kind of "sweet spot" for cartridge selection. In my opinion, for antelope and for the ranges given, 6mm Creedmoor is almost the perfect cartridge, the 6.5Creed will certainly get the job done but you're adding either recoil or weight to the build either way. 6Creed's only downside is it has nowhere near the amount of factory ammo offerings or rifles available.

[@RT-gv6us]

I cannot remember a video that I have been more excited about seeing in a long time!

[@troyrussell1009]

Same here

[@traucoGonzalez]

Here too.

[@brianrunyon6831]

I’ve a Leupold Mk5 5x25 on my 6.5prc Bergara Premier Divide. It’s also first focal and misread. It works quite well. Can’t wait to see how your”hunting” rifle performs.

[@o5245607]

Hello Mr. Cortina, thank you for saying something that should be said more, "animals are targets and the intention is to hit them where you intend". The BS spewed out for public consumption is so terrible for new hunters especially, that they have to sort through in order to have a rifle and ammunition that is adequate for harvesting game animals successfully. I also appreciate you mentioning that 600 yards is to far to be shooting a live animal except for very skilled and and knowledgeable people with the correct equipment. I will be watching for the upcoming video of the challenge and I have no doubts you will do exceptionally well.

[@ChristopherSmith-ut8gb]

Thank you for doing the run down of your equipment.