Choosing A Deer Rifle and Cartridge...In Depth

[@MikhaelEsterez]

Starting hunting at 31 and knowing no hunters to learn from I really appreciate your detailed videos. Merci (Thank you) Tom! Cheers from Quebec.

[@gtarick1225]

You are the Bob Ross of all things hunting rifles! That's a compliment BTW 😂 keep up the great work and thank you for such great information!

[@albertapeet]

I hunted with a Lee Enfield No1mk3 for many years and I knocked over more deer than I can remember with that gun . I had 2” taken off the barrel right off the hop . Most of my deer were shot within a 100yrds and I would say the majority were moving or on a dead run as we hunted by pushing small tracts of bush out here in Western Canada . I used a 150gr bullet factory ammo. Now I shoot a Tikka T3lite fancy stainless steel with synthetic stock . It has a pretty crispy light trigger and is dead accurate. Again I have no trouble killing deer with that rifle either but I can’t say it is better than my old 303 , just more refined and much lighter to pack around. The 303 is definitely a great hunting rifle and I credit it with making me a better marksman . You needed to pay attention to your trigger and learn where it broke . As far as breaking the trigger at the moment the crosshairs line up to the target goes , yes that is exactly right , I thought I was the only one who did that , I still do that with my Tikka . I have bought and sold a lot of different rifles in my life but I always regretted selling that beautiful old Lee Enfield.😕

[@MrBarramundi]

G'day from Australia. I watch yourself and gunblue because you are two of the few that cut through the rubbish and talk about practical application of hunting tools. My weapon of choice is a Lee Enfield No.1 Mark 3 .303 necked to .25. It's deadly even on the biggest hogs with a PBR of about 240 yards, using a 100gr spitzer soft point. No frills, it just works.

[@chasrmartel4777]

I hunted for years with a 6mm Remington 788 with a Redfield scope and Canjar trigger. Old school and completely deadly on deer. For 10 years after that I hunted with a .257 Roberts loaded with 120 Nosler Partitions. Same experience. Standard old school rifles with reasonable energy that are easy to shoot well.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I appreciate that greatly Andrew and to even be mentioned in the same sentence as Gunblue is a real compliment for me. And I have no doubt that .303 necked down to a .25 caliber is an outstanding hunting cartridge. Not to mention a pleasure to shoot in a Lee Enfield. That sounds like a combination I grow found of with the first pull of the trigger!

[@walterquick8649]

SAME OPINION, spot on!! Mate? Both are AWESOME FOLKS we need more on UTUBE for us with the hunger for knowledge

[@TakeDeadAim]

For short (under 125yds) in the woods type hunting it's still hard to beat the old 30/30 or any sort of lever action's(35 Rem/444 marlin etc...) just because of how quickly and easily they handle first and second shots. Also allows for open sights or small magnification scopes (under 4x) for great light gathering. For intermediate range (125-250yds) something of the usual .308/30-06 are great. Long range(over 250yds) start looking at the flatter shooting 7mm's, .270 and such. I discount magnums because I simply don't think there's a need for any deer sized game. Even elk, there's really no "need" for a magnum...assuming one can shoot anything of the 30-06/308/7mm class rifle accurately.

[@robertjoyner5544]

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY 100% RIGHT.

[@johnpekarski5030]

Dear Tom I am waiting for 257 Roberts results really like your show wish they were on tv!

[@jordancorriveau7312]

My family in canada uses 303, 308 and 30-06 for deer and Moose. And native up north use the 303 for huge bear. So it’s not under powered. Good video.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@johnnyboy1586]

Here in New Zealand with the rugged terrain and dense bush where I live 308,7x08 are the best choice, though 270 is popular when things open up a bit more

[@cbwelch4]

Isn’t .303 hard to find now?

[@texaspapa9445]

I bought a Winchester model 70 Super Supreme in Winchester 270 based on your channel. I had a hard time convincing my boss the need for an alternative caliber. My old rifle is a Savage in 308 bull barrel for 43 years but after seeing your video, I feel the need for another rifle soon.

[@darrelsearer4801]

I like your clear and concise descriptions,plain and simple to understand.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks Darrel, I really do appreciate that.

[@davidg301]

Greetings from the mountains of northern Idaho ! Love your channel! Down to earth knowledge based on proven experience! I use a lever action for short range and a 270 with 3x9 variable scope. Works for me

[@lowhydrogen7018a1]

I’m very glad to have found your channel. The information that you are sharing is so valuable and meaningful coming from someone who has had real life experience. I got into reloading about 5 years ago and I’ve bought so much stuff that I’ve only used once and some stuff not at all. Marketing and advertising must be the work of the devil. I recognize that you are putting a great deal of time into this and many of people will benefit from your shared knowledge. I don’t think that you should work on your presentation too much because the way that you talk on here feels like we are sitting down and sharing a pot of coffee and having a conversation like common people would.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks Train Wreck, your comments made my day. And you touched on something that I've talked with a friend about many times. Anytime we start something new like reloading it's chaos because we don't know what we need, and we end up with a lot of stuff. And we all blow through money then because some of it works out and some of it gets replaced. Plus its generally really disorganized because it's tough to organize stuff when you don't what all you're going to end up with. That's a deep subject there.

[@kelvinpatrick8435]

i dont mean to be so off topic but does someone know a trick to log back into an Instagram account?? I was stupid lost my password. I appreciate any tips you can give me!

[@ralphalaric6996]

@Kelvin Patrick instablaster ;)

[@kelvinpatrick8435]

@Ralph Alaric I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and Im in the hacking process now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@kelvinpatrick8435]

@Ralph Alaric It worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much you saved my account!

[@thrawn8749]

Sir. I wanted to thank you for the time and effort you put into your videos. I happened to stumble across your channel and have been watching non stop for days. You have a wealth of knowledge and again thank you for sharing it all with us.

[@apriliaguy4life198]

I use a featherweight m70 in 30-06 for elk. To each his own regarding felt recoil. This gun has taken animals from 50-300yds without any losses. It weighs 8lbs 5.5oz with the scope, far from being light compared to today’s light weights. I grew up using a Remington model 600 in 308. That gun had terrible recoil. It was light and short.

[@keithross4511]

Always enjoy and learn so very much from your knowledge and expertise . Your videos are always fun to watch. You’re never boring! You’re straight forward in all your information and feelings, and I enjoy that too. You do a great job in your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Merry Christmas to you too!

[@abolishwelfare]

Just discovered your channel. I must say I am thoroughly enjoying it. Kind of reminds me of sitting in deer camp talking guns with my late uncles. Subscribed.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks Adam.

[@the_watcher_abc]

Sounds like a a nice rain storm in the background. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and keep up the good work.

[@russellkeeling9712]

I have hunted in southern Colorado all of my hunting life. In that time I have owned and used many different calibers of firearm. Where I live it is possible to hunt, antelope, deer(both whitetail and muley), elk, mountain sheep, bear, and even buffalo. If I had to choose just one caliber to use it would be 7x57 or .275 Rigby. Now days its equal would be the 7mm-08. I am like Mr. River in that I do not take shots I do not feel ethical. I feel if I have to shoot at something over 400 yards I am not hunting I am just shooting. However when asked which firearm I would give up I can not decide. I have found I do not need a magnum caliber firearm. I do have a "poor mans magnum" or .35 Whelen that is magnum enough for me and I love its base case the 30-06. Your logic is excellent, thanks for the videos.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

And your choice in cartridges is excellent! The 35 Whelen is an outstanding cartridge and I would take it any day over a magnum. I think you will enjoy reading the review of the 35 Whelen they have a ballistics research? It is an impressive cartridge. And the 7x57 has been getting the job done for well over 120 years. Sadly I don't have near the variety of game you do and the 7x57 would easily do everything I could ever want but like yourself I find it very difficult to decide what I would give up?

[@keithprinn720]

not sure you can pick either due to variety of methods of hunting, close range forested areas versus open areas with distance, sort range different to the other two you state.

[@michaelgarner4229]

Tom i rewatching your old videos.

[@lylewalters909]

I was 10yr and my dad had that same rifle(303). At the end of the season it was time to fill the freezer, deer drives. My brothers would walk the woods n swamp and push the deer out across the field in front of my dad and uncle. The only deer to make it across the field in front of my dad were the small 1yr Olds that we say are to small to shoot. we filled all our doe permits and a nice buck or 2 but my dad and that old 303 was deadly. I hated the trigger but that rifle FIT my dad n his long arms and he had the old open sights but it didn't matter when he squeezed the trigger we just grabbed the drag rope cause there was a deer on the ground.

[@tylarhaugan7908]

I handload the 150 tsx 174 interlock in 303 for family member. My Favorite deer/rifle rifle now is 7mm08 using 154 interbond I also use 300 winmag 175 barnes lrx is what I use I handload all my ammo besides plinking ammo

[@craigbenz4835]

Your thoughts on a 24" barrel also apply to the Winchester model 94. Two of mine have 24" barrels, and I prefer hunting with them over the 20" barrel ones, because they handle better for me and get that front sight out there just a little farther.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Now that's something I hadn't even thought about with the m94. I've always loved the 20" carbine but you would get better handling and a better sight radius with the 24" barrel. That's something I'll have to keep in mind, thanks.

[@edwardabrams4972]

I have been hunting reloading and collecting going on 60’s plus years now and I completely agree on the 24” inch barrels being the perfect length for an all around rifle!

[@MSHunts]

I absolutely positively agree with you about the triggers. I love a 2 stage trigger.

[@johnclark1925]

I am new to centre fire shooting, getting into it late, your videos are excellent… I am learning so much from you. Thank you.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I'm glad they've been helpful John. And I'm glad you've gotten into center fire shooting!

[@Randpage]

I can attest to several videos here on youtube, while pausing and advancing the video frame by frame it is possible to see that the bullet has indeed already hit the target before the rifle even really begins to move. However with that said, the anticipation of the recoil and the muzzle blast that follows can certainly make someone flinch as the trigger is being broke and spoiling the shot. I really enjoy the videos and have been binge watching them lately. Great laid back, calm and informative style. Great stuff, please keep it up and thanks for sharing. Take care.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I'm glad you've enjoyed the videos. As for the recoil and accuracy, I used think the same thing but I've since learned I don't quite understand it all yet and I'm glad I don't. Life is more interesting with a few mysteries yet to be resolved.

[@robertsebacher44]

Put a red dot on the 94 for your tired old eyes and use Hornaday Lever Revolution ammunition and your good for 150 yards . I am a decent shooter in both meanings of the word. I personally do not shoot at game over 400 yards and under some circumstances not over 325 yards. Use that and a 270, 308, or 30:06 with a good 3x9 scope and your good for any shot I would consider to be ethical for myself. Remember I think a great deal of my abilities. If you need light recoil use a 7mm 08, 25:06, or 243. If you can ethically shoot extreme long range a 7mm Rem Mag will work. Dangerous Game can justify a 375 H&H. Time and use has proven these cartridges. New and exotic cartridges may not be around years from now. These cartridges will be around for the foreseeable future. They will be here much longer than I will.

[@Shawn6025]

Thumbs up for the two stage trigger 👍

[@Cole4737]

I've found a 22" model 700 fits me perfectly. A 13.5" length of pull, and totally scoped out at 7.75lbs give or take. I'm from SC as well. Most of my hunting is woods and I think all but two or three of my deer have come from hunting woods inside of 50 yards at the time of the shot. I like the vx3i Leupold 3.5-10x40. I can understand why someone would want to hunt at this range without a scope, but from my experience, I usually shoot the deer around 5 power. Sometimes I want to zoom in to make sure I'm getting a clean shot (sometimes there's a branch in the way), or just to make my target bigger (it makes it easier for me to be more precise) (or maybe I'm looking to see if its a button head or a doe). I always walk in with it on 3.5 power, and hunt with it that way as well. I usually only see a few deer each year, so if one is walking the edge of my visibility, I like being able to find a window to place the bullet in the vitals. My 700 has a straight medium taper, not heavy but not light. Balances perfect for me. My 7mm mag BAR has a 24" thick barrel, it feels a little barrel heavy to me, just doesn't balance as well. My 30-06 BAR is about the same as the 7mm but not as noticeable. I have a 7mm Mauser winchester featherweight, and it feels a little barrel heavy, but the stock is hollowed out on that model I believe. I could always put some wood back in there I guess. I guess the a rifle that feels balanced is what I prefer. I also bought a 1894 30 30 from 57 a few years back, shot a coyote with it so far. It hasn't seen the deer stand, but I would love to shoot a deer out of a ground blind with it. It put a hurting on that coyote! I guess the only deer I've killed with open sights have been from Hawken muzzle loaders.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

You have quite a few choice firearms there. As for the 700 balancing perfectly to you, well it isn't just you. An awfull lot of other people agreed and that's why Remington sold so many of those over the years. And for myself on scopes, I love iron sights but I just can't see like I used to and a scope sure does help. Especially like you said in figuring out if it's a doe or button buck.

[@Cole4737]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving Hey, can you do a video about hunting the wind? I don't really understand thermals and how other factors might play into the wind other than holding my finger up in the air lol. I mean obviously seeing leaves blow helps, but I think there's probably more to it.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

@@Cole4737 There is definitely more to it. And the common notion about thermals can be very misleading. I will certainly keep that in mind for a future video. But I'll give you the best tip now, every spot is different. That's why anytime I scout a new area my first goal is to find deer signs and my second goal is to figure out the wind for that specific spot. Then I'll start trying to figure out how to get in there with different winds. Then I pick stand location.

[@Cole4737]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving I guess my next question would be what are you looking for when you determine the wind pattern for a specific stand? Seems like every time I've paid close attention to the wind, it seems to shift and blow in a lot of different directions. I don't see many days where the wind really blows steadily all day. It seems to come and go, and more often than not, I don't really noticing it moving at all. I guess some days are stronger than others and that comes into play. Do you use a chalk powder bottle? Would you say what you're looking for is more of a natural "draft" of air through the woods that is typical for a given location and topography than merely a 5-10mph West to East wind according to the weather channel?

[@WayStedYou]

Sounds like you should get a 1 to 5 leupold instead

[@patrickwentz8413]

I have had two SMLE and neither would group better than 4 inches at 100 yards. That is great that you found one that works for you.

[@jeffjohnson7030]

Another great one tom. I hunt in north Louisiana and my go to is a FN. Built model 70 .308 featherweight. I'm like you I run the max point blank system. I also hand load for all my guns. Of course my 2nd rifle is a 1955 model 70 in 30-06....kinda of a pattern here, Winchester and 30 cal...lol God bless keep up the videos.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks, and that sounds like just about a perfect pair of deer rifles! A light weight easy to carry M70 in 308 and a solid pre 64 M70 in 30/06. It's doesn't get any better than that. And Happy New Year!

[@billbearback2591]

i know this is an older presentation , , i only just found your channel , watched a few of the 303 ones , wanted to say that i enjoy your style , it feels like a couple of mates talking over all aspects , not one of those slick " heres the reasons heres the answers " videos that really go in one ear and out the other , i'm a 44-40 guy but naturally have an old 303 sporter that is a bit over it now ,,thanks for sharing , cheers big ears from down under

[@jasonhoke3998]

30-30 the best brush gun out there Thick woodland i use a Marlin 336-RC Fields i use a Remington BDL 700 30-06 My dad uses a Marlin 32A 30-30 And A all stock 303 British his uncle brought back from the Army we use all Remington 180 grain soft tips me with bear i use a Remington 220 grain soft tip

[@terrymcclendon8715]

Tom river I have hunted with everything from 243 to 300 Winchester magnum ,but within hunting ranges for the normal hunting situation.i being a n ex bow hunter have settled on the old 30 30 Winchester and for 200 yds and under it's unbeatable! God bless!!

[@ianmccutcheon6319]

Great video. With my two favorite rifles on the table you had me hooked from the get go. I happen to agree 100 % with the points you made in the discussion. As for the .303 it may not look all that impressive on paper but if you have a good one it will always impress you in the field. IMO

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

And I completely agree with your opinion Ian!

[@chasrmartel4777]

Lightweight rifles are essential when hunting in the Mountain West. It just beats the crap out of you to carry a standard 8 lb plus rifle. When hunting back east (Michigan mostly) I didn't have any trouble with heavier rifles because I mostly hunted out of ground stands. If I was still hunting, the land was flat compared to the Rockies and I didn't have to cover nearly the mileage each day. For deer and elk in the Rocky Mountains a 7lb or under rifle is the way to go. I do agree a 6.5 or .270 is plenty of power with the right controlled expansion bullets and I'm a former Weatherby junkie. My go to all around rifle (for the West) now is a Ruger American 6.5 Creedmoor loaded with Nosler ABLR 142 grain bullet and a Burris BDC 4.5x14x scope. I practice all year out to 600 yards in the field shooting milk jugs. My deer rig is a CZ 527 with the same scope in 6.5 Grendal shooting the Nosler ABLR 129 grain bullet at 2580 out the the CZ.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I've mentioned in a lot of videos that lighter rifles are just more difficult to shoot as accurately as heavy rifles, but those light rifles have their place and they sure are nice on rough ground. But you touched on something important that I think a lot of people can learn from, you practice with yours. It's amazing what a man can do with a rifle when he puts in the practice.

[@lukethibodaux790]

There are many factors to consider when picking the ideal cartridge for your hunting, I have two odd ball choices for those who handload. For open ground 400 yards or less the 6.5x55 is a superb choice, beats the ballistics of a 6.5 Creedmoor and mimics the 300 Win mag for wind deflection and trajectory with recoil that your 8 year old can easily handle, has been my go to deer rifle for many years and shoot crazy, insane, you would not believe it accurate, consistently puts meat on the freezer. The second choice is even more odd and it comes into it's own in case you run into anything larger than the deer you thought you were hunting and that is the Browning BLR in 358 Winchester, sure it will absolutely flatten any deer with a 40% cross section advantage over a any 30 caliber and with more energy than a 7mm Rem Mag. With 225gr partition is also completely adequate for much larger game that we may come across and since it is pushing only 303 level speeds won't ruin a bunch of meat like most high power magnums will do up close. Very useful here in the south if we come across a monster hog, in the north east if you want to fill your moose tag, in Alaska if you come across a brown bear, or in the rocky mountains if you run into a trophy elk. Kills with significantly more authority than any 30-06 load with about the same level of recoil which most of us can handle just fine and in a handy short action lever gun is about the perfect match, it really is the perfect answer to one gun for all game, so long as they are inside of 300 yards anyway, and honestly I have never had any issue stalking to within that kind of range.

[@lukethibodaux790]

@markgrant3653 Short and heavy blood trails. When hunting in the thick underbrush like we all too often have to do in the deep south tracking downed game can be tricky sometimes and for all the fantastic aspects of the 6.5x55 much like all small calibers blood trails can be hit and miss. Don't get me wrong the mid ranged 6.5mms are fantastic all around cartridges but given the option for two rifles I would take the 6.5x55 in the pines and a slower medium bore in the thick stuff. Nobody in their right mind questions the effectiveness of a well placed 140-160gr 6.5mm bullet but I have had lackluster blood trails from time to time, not a deal breaker on open ground as they never go far, but it is an issue when you cannot see where the game went after the shot.

[@basshunter428]

New to your channel and appreciate your attention to detail and scientific practical application. That being said, I own a scoped Savage 1895 (anniversary edition 1970 in .308 win) and it shoots sub MOA consistently with Winchester Power Point 150gr ammo. The way you get accurate with any firearm is to shoot it, from multiple positions at the maximum distance your platform can effectively kill the intended game. The more confident and consistent you are the more lethal you become. The deer won't know if it was shot by a $2000 rifle or a $200 rifle if you do your part.

[@davidinghram2494]

Over the years I have used several calibers in both rifle and handgun, even my Kimber 45 acp one time. For quite a few years I used trad bows during bow season. I have gotten too old to do the bow hunting now so have returned to using a rifle. Like you, I have been a caster and reloader since 1969. About 15 years ago I bought a Savage stainless weather warrior in .223. The plastic stock was so bad that I was tempted to literally throw the rifle away and let it go to the landfill. A few years ago a friend on Rimfire Central suggested that I look at some factory walnut stocks that Numrich was selling. The stock that I got is absolutely beautiful and transformed my rifle from a toad into a butterfly. I mounted a 4-16 Nikon Monarch on it, and shoot the 65 grain Sierra Game King bullet. I have yet to have a deer go more than ten feet after being hit with this bullet. As always it`s all about placement. I have numerous rifles that have been used on deer in the past, but I`m so confident in the performance of this one that it gets the nod almost every time. Good luck this fall to you.

[@zayacz123]

Have you watched the gunblue490 channel? You remind me of him and he reminds of you. You both have common sense and experience.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Yes, I have seen the gentleman up in New England and you saying that I remind you of him is one of the nicest compliments I've ever received. And I want to give him credit for helping me connect all of the dots so to speak. I had a lot of different thoughts on hunting rifles just from years of hunting and shooting but those thoughts just weren't quite fitting together. Well it was as if he provided the last couple of pieces I needed and suddenly everything just feel into place as far as my thoughts on hunting rifles. And if I had to guess what specifically I got from him I would say its the historical context? So thank you for that.

[@lukemartin8379]

Randy has far more knowledge than this guy.

[@richardsabo7917]

@@lukemartin8379 historical knowledge, yes. They both have a high amount of common sense and experience though. Mr. Rivers here is not stupid by any means

[@frankwebster3656]

Ya , I watch Gunblue490,and his channel is also Great. This channel, I have found, is just amazing. Tom, sounds just Down to Earth, as they say.

[@LF12468]

@@lukemartin8379 Southern hunters are not as good as guys in the north I found. The animals in the south are small and over hunted.

[@johnventers5128]

Great vid. Im what some would call en experienced hunter. Im a scottish deer manager and my personal tally is pushing 3 or 4 hundred. Pretty much everything you say holds true. Out of curiosity i ran my max point blank fir my 243. Which i do most of the culling with. 27" barrel. Muzzel vel 3200fps 101gr monolithics (extremly effecive btw very very energetic exspantion) g7 bc. 222 Scope 1.75 high and vitals radius of 5" which is about right for our stags. A tad big for the hinds and about double of a calf. Point blank range of 380 yards. Good ol 243 winchester. 315 yards for a calf. As fir weight. My mates tease the hell outta me because i love a heavy gun. I dunno how heavy it is but its been described as an anchor and as an artillery piece. Like i said 27" mtu profile. I think the maker said the barrel is about 7lbs then the hougue aluminium skeleton stock and the but filled to capacity with 150gr 7mm bullets which pulled the balance point back to the front action screw. I guess its got to weigh 14 lbs. Thats a long poke in my opinion.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I load a 100gr bullet in my .257 Roberts and it's running 3100fps and also has a long maximum point blank range but it's also in a Winchester model 70 Featherweight. I have a long MPBR similar to you but what I don't have is a rifle that is as stable as yours and that's something that so many just don't understand. Your rifle is heavy and not as much fun to carry as my Featherweight but not only does your rifle have a long MPBR but you can actually shoot yours accurately at those distances. And you can do it over and over and over. I can make a great shot with my Featherweight but I can't do it every time like you can with your rifle and that's the difference that extra weight makes. Not to mention you're aware of the importance of balance which most people aren't. So thank you very much for sharing that. Hopefully someone will read this and start to understand that it's not just about the velocity but also the setup of the rifle. And I really have to remember to talk about reducing your diameter for calculating your MPBR on smaller bodied animals like a doe vs a buck. That's a great point you make on that.

[@johnventers5128]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving thanks for the reply. Id be keen to see a vid about mpbr and body sizes. I use it for evrythig from rabbits to deer. Makes shooti g fast and accurate enough to get the job done cleanly. I always run the same size vital radius though. 2.5" keeps things even and simple accross all game. My 243 not inly sees deer but foxes and rabbits too. Also it means that im less likly to miss clean over the top at a 100 yd head shot. Not that i take them often. And only in very very specific circumstances. Such as laying down chewing the cud and facing away from me. Only time ill ever take the head shot. Take care.

[@russellkeeling9712]

A friend of mine had his brother pass away not long ago. His brother was a firearms trader and left my friend a bunch of Winchester model 94 rifles. Many different calibers. I have been helping him because he is nearly blind and wanted to get rid of all those rifles and pistols. I found an auction company and we have been selling those rifles at auction. It amazes me how much people want those Win. model 94's. The average brought for them is just under 1,000 dollars each. The most so far was 2,100 dollars.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Something you have to keep in mind Russell is that they are never going to make rifles like those again, ever. They still make lever action rifles, but they aren't made the same. It's sort of like old cars that actually had style to them and chrome steel bumpers as opposed to plastic everything. So when you think about it that way those high prices start to make a little more sense, and then think about what those same rifles are going to be worth in 50 years from now as the quality of our rifles continue to decline.

[@TonyYork-KB9RAO]

I would guess that anyone who questions why carry a Winchester 94 in the hunting woods aint done so. pretty much the most comfortable out of the box guns I have ever had the pleasure to own.

[@christopherkingsland4604]

Thankyou Tom for this great video. It's true; looking at a rifle as part of a shooting system is the proper way to go. The discovery of your hunting/shooting 'sweet spot' involves finding the best blend of rifle, ammo, you, and the object of your 'average expected/planned' hunt or target. I agree with you - all the talk about MOA, lightness and obsessing about recoil is so much hype. How can one expect 'hyper' performance in the field with low recoil from a light short-barreled rifle chambered for high power magnums !? It is a contradiction. I'm new again to this (I'm retiring and taking shooting up) and haven't fired a gun since the 1980s/1990s. While in the militia in the 1980s in Canada I used and loved my own assigned 1958 7.62 FNC1A1, it was a brute at I think 12 lbs field configured & loaded but boy could I shoot with it. And I carried it for miles and miles. Your commenting on the Lee Enfield brought back the memory of what makes a good shot all back to me and that is how I will go about choosing my new rifle. Thanks again.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I'm really glad you enjoyed it Christopher. But I will add that I've noticed as I've gotten older I sure do like carrying a light rifle a lot more than a heavy one! LOL But anytime I mention light rifles I always make it a point to mention that I think they need to be firing light recoiling cartridges. Like you said you can't expect hyper performance in a light rifle chambered in a magnum. And I only use light rifles for closer ranges where I don't need the extra accuracy.

[@christopherkingsland4604]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving All good points indeed and I have to admit and agree with you Tom, for us older guys the mind is willing but the body is weak - so I won't complain for lightness in the end either !! All the best.

[@Jeff_Seely]

I know the blessing of a deer rifle given from a father. Mine was a 250-3000 Savage with a shot out barrel that I am pretty sure is slightly bend. And I would hike 2 miles into the mountains after school and I would practice off hand and various positions, over and over and over and I was never satisfied and was my own worst critic. But I sent more deer to the dirt than any youth that i knew until I worked for a roofer and built up my summer income for my first 270. I've had many successes with my favorite 270 guns. But no feeling that I felt when I used that rifle and I still hunt occasionally with it after 37 years. My dad's gone now, God love him. But I have every gun he owned. Still my favorite gun of all is that 250-3000 Savage😢. God bless, the River family always.

[@lukeorchiston9291]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Have you done a video on Lee Enfield sporterizing in particular removing barrel fixing to change to free floating ? Thanks from New Zealand.

[@Jeff-mo5gc]

Thank you so much for making this video. I love the Truth. I could go on and on about laughing listening to my buddies stories of hunting with his .303, all the market hype of hunting rifles…6.5 Creedmoor 🤮, I really enjoyed listening to you. Every word from beginning to end had a lot of value to me.

[@Jeff-mo5gc]

@markgrant3653 😆 Perfect!

[@midnightsailor1]

Glad I stumbled across your video, I found it very helpful in understanding differences in rifles , shooting scenario, and trigger choice. Very clearly explained. I use either my Winchester 94 in "32special with iron, my 336 Marlin in 35 Remington ,scoped or for medium to longer distances my Argentine Mauser in 30.06.( a rechambered/ barreled Sporter)scoped .

[@gilream]

I'm enjoying your videos and have just subscribed. Good honest information and good commenters down below...(many hunting rifle videos generate irate, immature flamers in the comment section that accomplishes nothing.) your Point Blank discussion is well received. I've been hunting and reloading since 1990 and recently shooting a PRS rifle chambered in 6.5 X 47 Lapua.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thank you. To be honest I was expecting at least some of the types of comments you mentioned when I started the channel but that hasn't been the case at all. I don’t think I've I had to remove a single comment other than a few that were just obvious spam. And I've learned a great deal my self from those commenting here.

[@markhansen8078]

To me it comes down to what you intend to use the rifle for. What is the game and what are the conditions.... If you are in thick timber hunting whitetail or out on the plains hunting pronghorn.... In AK after moose. Taylor your choice of rifle and caliber to your game and conditions.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Agreed!

[@woodsman132]

I am a woods hunter been hunting for 60 years most of my game has been killed at under 100 yards,I have used 30/30,243, 8mm, 308,30/06 300 win mag,338win mag,375h@h,270 win,6mm rem.The ones i like the best are 6mm rem,270win,30/06 in the model 70 win and the ruger model 77 they work great for me.

[@DeepOwl1073]

I have a small ring Mauser (Spanish m1916 short rifle specifically) that I've been contemplating a custom build on. I like the philosophy of not shooting more than you need, and I'm taking the pressure limitation of the receiver into consideration. So I'm back and forth between the .250 Savage and the .257 Roberts. I have a .300 Savage barrel on my Encore, but I've not yet developed a non lead load that will print less than 1.5" @ 100... unacceptable in my mind. So, until I can get my "just enough" rifle dialed in, I find myself carrying my Remington 600 in .350 Rem mag. Extreme overkill for our mule deer and black bear, but I can cloverleaf 3 shots @ 100 nearly every time. I've heard the term "hunting accuracy" thrown around. I suppose most people would think inch and a half groups are acceptable "hunting accuracy". To me, hunting accuracy should exceed target accuracy. The paper won't run off and die a wasted death. As a hunter, I owe a quick, humane death to the animal. I never want to walk up on an animal and say, "Well, that's about where I was aiming." Great video! I think your on camera presence is just fine Tom. I just watch on 1.25x. Even though you're only a few years older than me, it reminds me of talking guns with my dad, whom I miss dearly.

[@johnw4416]

Greetings from Ireland Thomas!! Enjoying the videos, keep up the good work 👍👍

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks John

[@gavintrousdale7585]

Enjoy the videos you put out. Would guess you are in the southeastern part of the USA . Why do I say that , the red cedar cabinet on the wall behind you. Take care and keep it up.

[@E3fieldservices7144]

I can agree with the 2 stage trigger my grandpa's 03 Springfield that I inherited is the rifle I shoot most accurately in field conditions better than any of my newer rifles even the scope on it is a dinosaur old weaver 4×32mm

[@cbwelch4]

I’ve used .308 for years. Great medium sized game round. I just got into a Tikka in 6.5 CM and really like the way it shoots. A little less hot at the muzzle than .308 but plenty of power for deer. Both shoot very similarly out to 300 yards, but I’d never had to shoot past 200. Pretty good all around calibers.

[@twostroke7810]

I love what you have to say just not how long it takes to get to it. IDK if it's a southern thing, or just my own lack of chit chat. I learn a lot, but spend a lot of time saying get to the point sir.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Two stroke, if it makes you feel any better I sometimes think the same thing when I watch one of my videos. LOL Part of it is a southern thing but part of it is also just me learning how to make a video. This was all new stuff for me when I started and it was tuff just figuring out how to explain things I knew but had never put into words. But it's getting better. When I look back at my earlier videos I can see a big improvement and I'm still working at getting better. And hopefully I'll keep improving.

[@elizabethnybeck9935]

My new gun is savage axis in 25-06 and one in 243 but I always go back to old school stuff model 94 in 30-30 or my grandma Winchester in32-20 or my old military surplus guns

[@dinoquintana4319]

I really enjoy your videos and your knowledge.how ever i will call you out on the 3030 being limited to 100 yd shots.i shoot a savage model 1899 in 303 savage almost identical to the 3030 ballisticly.sir can routinely shoot this rifle from a kneeling position out to 225 lazer checked yds into a 10in circle Offhand 150 yd s into a paper plate allday.i have 3 3006s and a 7remmag.none of these rifles are nearly as handy as the 99.being from the westi have only shot i elk at 285 yds.keep up the great work,butnever discount the man who has devoted himself to an open sighted rifle

[@saskdad115]

Another great video Tom! I appreciate your detail and perspective. The gun store staff just don't have the communication skills to help a guy understand what he's getting into

[@sammylacks4937]

Hey , I don't blame you. I'd a rode those boys hard just like you. I understand different strokes for different folks but I love your old war horse. I think it's great to use and I love military surplus rifles. Pretty is as pretty does counts here. Who doesn't love a fine lined walnut stock , the finest checkering and blued steel. I'd like thinking of the history of that Enfield and tomorrow's history with it is still being made. Hope you get a bunch more with her. Thanks Remember reading a story from a Outdoor mag where this hunter had a custom light weight rifle built chambered in 338 Win M. He said everytime he fired it he had to pick up body parts off the ground......

[@davidscherer2576]

Tom, you are so right on for the average Joe. You are the real deal. Stay true.

[@BillyHill360]

Im late to the party, but I just really enjoy your approach and presentation of your topics. Im a new subscriber, but as I was watching I went to retrieve two of my favorite deer rifles to keep as company while I watched. Great content

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks Billy!

[@jmac6242]

Tom River, Thank You! Keeping the facts real and bringing common sense back into the fold. We, meaning myself among others, get so caught up in the marketing BS it's not funny. Thanks again for reminding me that advertising is not all that it's made out to be... That's about as close as I can get to what I'm trying to say...

[@lylewalters909]

I would like to hear you talk about the Remington 244 or 6mm remington.

[@gilbertgurule5395]

Loved this presentation brother, God bless you

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks Gilbert!

[@allenlarabie8854]

Great podcast.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks

[@MrHf4l]

I shot a very large mature cow elk in WY in 2014 with a 25-06 at 300yds. Hand loaded 110 accubond right in the shoulder pocket. Dropped like someone pulled the rug out from underneath it. Dead as dead gets…instantly. Some cartridges punch above their weight class and the 25-06 is one of them with the right bullet.

[@russellkeeling9712]

I was interested in the scope mount of the enfield rifle. That action can be hard to scope up.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

It has an S&K mount which just replaces the rear sight and makes mounting very easy for the No1 Mk4. No drilling or tapping required. It's the No1 MkIII's that can be tougher to mount a scope on. I hope that helps?

[@TXLorenzo]

I think my 7mm08, 35 Whelen and 45-70 pretty much cover the bases.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

And I would have to agree. There's certainly nothing in North America that those 3 can't handle.

[@jerroldshelton9367]

I spent a lot of time and money on the search for the perfect hunting rifle. It turns out that I had it all along, but I didn't realize that until I was deep into "middle age." What I didn't have until 2007 or so was the perfect ammunition for it. I've had a hunting license every year since I was 11 years old. I've had the same Marlin 336 in .30-30 since I was 11, too. 47 years later, I've finally concluded that it's not just all I need, but exactly what I want. In my 47 years as a hunter, the longest shots I've ever taken on game were a 275 yard poke at a Santa Rosa Island, CA pig, and another 275 yard poke on a California HIgh Desert mule deer. Now, back when I made those shots, I wouldn't have tried making them with my Marlin 336. I would now, even though I didn't have to then. I could have gotten closer if I had to. By method, I'm a still-hunter. That method played to the strengths of my lever-gun when I was a kid and I stuck with it because the methods worked (and still works) for me. Because I'm a still-hunter, most of my shots are close-range affairs and I've killed more game at 50 yards or less than 100 yards or more, even in the "wide open west" where I hunt. No matter what rifle I was toting, I wouldn't pull the trigger on game at over 300 yards. Inside of that range, I can usually find downed game quickly, but it becomes exponentially more difficult the farther outside of 300 it is. Now, I shoot the 160 grain FTX bullets and get an average velocity of 2,380 fps at the muzzle for 2013 ft/lbs of energy. I'm hunting the rifle from about 5,780' above sea level or higher. I sight the rifle in to shoot 3" high at 100 yards. It's dead on at 200 yards, where the bullet is traveling 1987 fps and hitting with 1,402 ft/lbs of energy. That's enough power to kill an elk stone-cold dead and more than enough to kill a deer dead. At 250 yards, my velocity is 1,895 fps, my energy is 1,276 ft/lbs, which it still believe to be plenty to kill an elk, while my bullet is impacting 4.65" below point of aim. That's a dead game animal, from 0 to 250 yards, and that's with a pipsqueak .30-30. With the load I use, I can reliably hit 9" pie tins at 300 yards, At that distance, the bullet is moving along at 1806 fps, which is well within the bullet's reliable expansion impact velocity range, and it is thumping to the tune of 1156 ft pounds. At 375 yards, the bullet is thumping with an even 1,000 pounds of energy and it's still within the velocity range for reliable expansion at 1678 fps. Power: Since the advent of the FTX bullets, I no longer worry about whether my pipsqueak little .30-30 have enough power to kill a deer. It now has as much power at 400 yards as it did with old-school 150 grain factory ammo at 200. I've killed 16 elk in my lifetime and I killed 7 of them with my Marlin 336, shooting Speer Hot Core 170 grain bullets at 2150 fps. I've long since lost count of how many feral pigs I've killed with that load, I've shot three pronghorns in my lifetime and I killed two of them with the 336, with the farthest shot being 175 yards and the closest being 125. Accuracy: My 336 was a 2 to 2.5 M.O.A. rifle when new. That is and was precise enough for me to hit 9" pie tins at 200 yards with every shot. It is now a 1 to 1.5 M.O.A. rifle after glass-bedding the butt to the action and bobbing the magazine tube to half-length. That's when I scope it. With a Lyman 66LA peep sight and Merit adjustable iris aperture disc, it's a 2 to 2.5 M.O.A. gun for me again. To put it another way, I shoot it just as well as I could shoot NM M-1A or NM AR-15 highpower target rifles with metallic sights. Trigger: 3 pounds, crisp and creep-free with no overtravel and consistant let-off. In a hunting rifle, I wouldn't want it lighter. It's a very pleasant rifle to shoot, I have a recoil pad on it from some Browning or other and that takes any felt recoil the rifle could muster completely away. The mild report is more "Pop" than ear-splitting roar. It's accurate enough to be a fun range toy now. It's "all wrong" by today's standards. Two-piece stocks made of wood. Polished and blued barreled action. Gutless .30-30 chambering. Most of the time, it doesn't even wear a scope. But, after 47 seasons of getting used in dust and rain and snow, it hasn't turned into a pile of ferrous oxide yet. It's walnut stocks aren't scratched up and dinged. It's not supposed to be accurate, but it is. Since it is, and since it has mild recoil and report, it is a hoot to shoot, so I shoot it often. Since I shoot it often, I shoot it well. When it's got the peep sight on it and scope off, it points like my 28 gauge bird gun does. So, it's not really "all wrong" but for still-hunting, it is, in fact, pretty much all right, no matter where I am hunting, or what.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Jerrold, I want you to know that I'm going to make a video on your comment here. I don't know how or when but there's going to be a video on this. By my thinking there is no perfect rifle and cartridge. Everything is a trade off and to get something more in one area we have to give up something else in another. That part is simple physics and there's no way around it. But what we can do is put in the work, develop the skills, and get the most out of we have. That's exactly what you have done. You know your rifle, your cartridge, and you know how to use it. There is nothing more effective than that, nothing. And you have confidence in it and confidence is something that can't be bought. Confidence comes from work and experience, and that's the difference between confidence and arrogance. Arrogance can be bought. Well said Jerrold!

[@jerroldshelton9367]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving Thanks for the response, Tom, and the kind words. "Everything is a trade-off" and I generally agree that to get something more in one area, we have to give up something in another. But, as you say, there is something to be said for getting the most out of what we have. Having to work around the .30-30 lever action carbine's limitations was a Godsend that I didn't fully appreciate as a child. Making it work made me the "still-hunter" I've always been and still am today. Hunting that way, most of my shots were and still are inside of 50 yards, even in wide open country. I'm trading downrange terminal ballistics I don't really need, because of the way I hunt, for shotgun-like handling dynamics that I do perceive a need for. There's more than one way to skin that proverbial cat, though. When I turned 18, I inherited a Griffin and Howe Springfield with Lyman M48 aperture sight, and as you have an '03 of your own, you can easily imagine that "shotgun-like" handling can come from a 23.5" barreled, standandard-action length turnbolt rifle, too. How did my pediatric dentist get from 1932 to 1983, taking game on five continents, with one rifle that never had a scope mounted to it for the 50 hunting seasons he used it? He was a still-hunter, too. He simply worked within the limitations of his sight system, which, by the way, wasn't so limiting to my twenty-something eyes, as I made one of my longest shots on game with that rifle, taking a pig at 275 long paces on California's Santa Rosa Island. (Had I not lost that rifle to a fire, I'd still be using it and probably to the near exclusion of all else as I did when I had it.) In 47 years as a licensed hunter, I've only had to shoot that far one other time and even so, saying I "had to" is stretching the truth a bit. I could have closed the 275 yard distance between me and that high desert mule deer, but since I had a Ruger No.1 in .300 Weatherby Magnum on me at the time, I took the option of NOT closing that distance. I reckon that my long-winded point here is that my former dentist and shooting buddy made the most of what he had and he did such a great job of it that he only owned that Griffin and Howe Springfield, a 28 gauge Parker shotgun, and a Smith and Wesson .22 LR revolver. He certainly could have had more, but he was content with what he had, truly and totally. With just three firearms, he lived the kind of hunting adventures many of us dream of. It took me more lifetime to learn the lesson, but when one fully appreciates what one has, one more fully realizes what one can also live without. I really enjoy your content and I know with a certain conviction that "Doc" would, too, if he were alive today to do so. Blessings to you, and thanks again for your response.

[@kris308100]

Hi Tom. Great video many thanks for the information. Regarding the .303.......what loads are you using for your 180 and 150 bullets?. I have a Uberti 1885 Courteney single shot falling block on order chambered in the .303. I will be using it as a short range stalking rifle on red and fallow deer, and possibly wild boar. In your opinion what bullets would you go for?. Currently I'm looking at 150 spire point and possibly 174 round nose Hornady interlocks as they are .312 in diameter and may give me a little more accuracy. I'm in England so don't get quite the size and variety of game as yourself. I would value your opinion on this as you clearly show good knowledge of the .303. As of yet I have only been reloading and shooting it as a target round in my old SMLE.

[@johnhunt4579]

Love your videos motor, very informative content

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Glad you like them!

[@stefanocappella9612]

Excellent video 🇨🇦

[@RespectTheChemistry]

I heard an old timer explain how he used pointed bullets in a lever gun. He'd put one in the tube, work the action to chamber it, and then put a second round in the tube. 2 rounds was all he felt he needed and he'd rather of had 2 spitzers than 2 flat points.

[@donaldanderson3249]

Awesome video and yes I own both rifles and love them

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@georgebachelder3000]

Awesome info!

[@jmartin9059]

*Why 30-30 & Iron sights with 26, 27" or 29" barrel... Or, generally, "why use iron sights and a long barrel ?" Slight velocity gain... Slightly longer sight radius.... AND, perhaps, of more practical importance... With the long barrel we can hide in the brush, or in the limbs of a tree, and poke the tip of the long barrel out... exposing only the tip of the barrel... while the person is remaining hidden. So, the LONGER barrel sometimes works better while hiding in the foliage or using a pine tree, or blue spruce, or any conifer, as a ground blind. These few minor gains are NOT necessarily a huge gain or greatly noticed in all hunting situations or in all areas. At 100 yards the longer barrel probably does not gain enough speed to notice, HOWVEVER with the 300 or 325 yard shots, yes... we might notice.*

[@terrymcclendon2277]

hello mr river have yoi tried the nosler ballistic tips on deer I had great success with 150 and 165 gr bullets out of the 30 ,06 awesome performance!

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

My buddy Joey has used them extensively in 7mm mag and .280 and had great success with them. I seriously wouldn't even try to guess how many deer he's taken with them but it's a lot. I've been a little hesitant to try them in the .270 Win in the 130gr but I have loaded some Accubonds to try in 130gr. I just wanted a little bit tougher bullet for the smaller 130gr.

[@terrymcclendon2277]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving yes sir I have shot 2 deer and one of those two was a great deer with 130 grain 270 ,my friend you will have no problem and with a shoulder shot , 185 dressed not a pass through but drt . I hunt in georgia so my deer run small ! I shoot 150 and 165 in 30 06 and I have never recoverd one, only time will tell!

[@terrymcclendon2277]

I normally shoot partions but as expensive as partitions are you will have no problems! I load 130 ballistic tips in the 270 to about 3000 fps , I will give you the load , half moa . out of a rem 700 , should be awesome in your model 70 ! H4831 !

[@juliojames5986]

Of course you are right ! In the Southwest, the 303 is not a popular cartridge...but to your point, with the right bullet, I could kill deer in the closer mid ranges....I feel....less than 250 yards....we certainly have a huge variety of calibers to choose now days....and most will do the job of putting meat on the table , if we and our system do our part. But now numbers and bragging rights will always be there. .257 Roberts, or 7X57 ..... different ballistics...both deer killers ! Thanks

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thank you Julio, and just so you know the 303 isn't popular anywhere in the U.S. LOL I just by shear luck ended up with one. And yes it would work very well in the Southwest out to exactly what you're thinking, 250 yards. It can reach further but then you start getting into having to hold over. And if you happen to be hunting any couse deer it might interest you know that is what Jack O'Connor grew up hunting before chasing game all over the world and he took his first couse deer buck with a 30/40 Kraig. They all work if we do our part.

[@nickcirillo6191]

Excellent 😎

[@fredfordham574]

Hi Tom, thanks for the great info. Facts recited are boring but your insights and personal stories mixed in makes it informative and interesting. I like old school hunting rifles, not the plastic light weight sub moa guarantee rifles sold today. For a light weight stalking rifle I have a BRNO ZKK 601 in 308 W, 1967 production. It's a CRF sporterised Mauser short action. They were very popular here in Australia back in the day , my uncle passed on to me his BRNO 22LR. I am thinking of finding a BRNO ZKK 600 in 270win or 3006 for longer ranges, and just to add to the collection. Which catridge would you choose in a 7+lb rifle for a longer PBR than the 308 on medium game?

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I would recommend the 270. And either the 270 or 30/06 would make for a great rifle, but the 270win with a 130gr bullet will give you the longest PBR. I think that would give 2 different cartridges that would work well together and give you a lot of different options. And I really need to learn more about BRNO actions. They're just aren't many that I'm aware of here in the States but I keep hearing great things about them. I know Parker Hale built some rifles on BRNO actions and I'm sure other companies have has well plus all of the military actions that were converted to sporters after the war but I don't know that I've ever actually handled one? I think it's odd though how some actions from certain factories and manufactures end up being popular in one part of the world and another action becomes popular somewhere else. I think it just comes down to different importers having different business contacts? The FN actions were popular here but I suspect that's because of all the business contacts FN had because of their association with John Browning and Browning firearms?

[@maverickpaladin4155]

I'm curious...have you tried pressure bedding with your Enfield or any of your other sporterized surplus rifles?

[@dianaalfieri18]

Still own some Enfield rifles, in varying conditions, not one of them will not kill a deer 1st shot.I do love old military rifles, they all seam to be servisable and even if they have had honest use they are great shooters.VLA

[@jmartin9059]

*IF HUNTING in real world conditions, cold fingers, gloves... ... while possibly wet... or surrounded by snow and ice, etc. ... I also prefer a two stage trigger....even in a semi auto. I like feel that I am moving the trigger before the shot breaks... even if my fingers are cold or inside gloves.*

[@lauriegaudet5805]

Did you ever look into a Savage 99 with its rotary magazine and a splitter ammo. In say 300 Savage or 308

[@MD-mm1zv]

Hi Tom. What's your view on new barrel conditioning? Say, a new model 70, 24-inch, in .270? If necessary, what's the best process? Thanks.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I used to do a barrel break in where I cleaned after the first shot, 3rd shot, and so on but I don't think it's needed now? The finish on the hammer forged barrels is so much smoother that now I don't think it matters. But I do think you need to run about 200 rounds through one to get the barrel up to speed. My 2013 M70 with a 24 in barrel is slower with factory ammo than my 1960 Featherweight with a 22 in barrel using the same ammo because it hasn't had enough rounds through it yet. The 2013 should pick up 50 to 70 f/s after I get some more rounds through it. I hope that helps?

[@MD-mm1zv]

Tom River - Simple Living It does, and thanks for the response. Other knowledgeable KZbin'ers say the same thing, and recommend maintaining a degree of jacket copper plating in barrels to fill in any machine marks. Not sure how applicable marks are in the age of CHF, but, the advice to limit the use of copper cleaners that might be caustic and damaging seems wise to me. This rifle is one made in the FN Portugal plant, and as I understand it, is of high quality compared with other Model 70's made some years ago. While I won't use it as much as an AR or a shotgun, I'm wondering what the expected barrel life is. I'll likely use loads and weights in the 110-150-grain zone, and mostly for target shooting, with an occasional hunt for hogs or deer. I believe the Supergrade has a heavier barrel, and it'll be 24-inches in length. Thoughts on this? Thanks, and love the channel. Especially the current series on developing your hunting loads for the two ranges of rifles.

[@pim1234]

I have had 2 Lee Enfield No5's, the short jungle carbine...now that kicks 😆

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

And so does the Ruger No1a light sporter in 303! It's really making me appreciate the Lee Enfields.

[@garywoodlief1976]

Good video i think i am going to watch it again to count how many times you picked the rifle up and layed it back down LOL

[@williamhumphries1869]

What scope mounts do you have on the enfield no1 mk|||? I own one and would Locke to scope it out.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I have an S&K. It's a good mount and it doesn't require any machining to the rifle.

[@Dale37]

My first hunting rifle is a Model 94 30-30 that my Dad bought me over twenty years ago. That gun never let me down and is still in my gun cabinet. It came with a side mounted Tasco scope. I shot it a couple weeks ago and it is still shooting like it did when I got it as a kid. The gun was already used then and from what I found it's about 45 years old, I am 35. I have wondered what it's life was like before my Dad purchased it from the pawn shop. It shot dozens of deer in our possession before I was moved up to a model 742 Remington .308, that gun done well but I have sold it and replaced it with a Ruger American 308. I have also added a .243, .270 and a 25-06 along the way and think a 6.5 creedmoor will be my next purchase.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

That rifle of yours sounds awfully familiar. My first rifle was a used model 94 that my Dad got for my Christmas present, and the first thing I did was added a Tasco fixed 4 power scope using a side mount. And I have loved Winchesters every since then.

[@Dale37]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving Yes sir, sounds like the same setup.

[@lugerstonecock]

Great video, thank you.

[@gennerobootz6490]

That really is a beautiful sporterizd enfield

[@robinj.9329]

Choseing a proper rifle/cartridge combination depends almost entirely on the type of country you plan on Hunting. The "Wide, open plains" of the Pronghorn requires quite a different weapon then stumbling through the brush and brambles after white tail or black bear! Thus the immense popularity of the Winchester Model 94, as a deer rifle, by millions of East of the Mississippi Hunters!!!!!

[@jonathanmitchell3733]

130gr bullet in the 270win, is why I got a .270. When you shoot a 150gr bullet in the 270, you end up with a 308 that burns more power and has less bullet diameter.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

I never thought of putting it that way, but it's true and a great point.

[@shaneash1598]

Speed and power is fine but accuracy is final !! To quote a great man .. Any 30 cal super sonic × 2 if instant death If? can hit the target .

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

You nailed it Shane, shot placement!

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

Tom keeps it sane ------------------------- Ugly? Before I saw the magazine I thought you had a model seventy laying on the table.

[@pim1234]

I have a rangefinder in my Zeiss scope

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

The technology now is getting interesting.

[@tekguru7]

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge sir. I have enjoyed listening. Like & Sub

[@timmasincupp6760]

Do a 99/44 Dear field vid...