Bullet Performance On A California Big Horn Ram

6ppc

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We had a lot of discussion this fall in various forums on bullet performances experiences on big game. I'm in my 80th year and have hunted and reloaded all my life. I never expected to get a Rocky Mtn. Big Horn tag and started selling off my gear as I was pretty much retired from the hunting game. Anyhow, wanted to share my recent experience after drawing an unexpected California Big Horn tag.

In all my hunting over 50 some years that included all the Rocky Mtn. states and Alaska, I primarily used my Pre 64 Winchester Model 70 .270 Fwt. loaded with either 130 or 150 grain Nosler Partitions and H4831 powder. With this setup I've taken three varieties of north American sheep, mule deer, antelope, moose, caribou, elk, coyotes and so on and have never lost an animal.

With only a few mixed bag of leftover reloads, I decided to use factory loaded 130 grain Remington Core-Lokt's on my sheep hunt. There was a recent post on, both positive and negative, on Core-Lokt's which added interest to my decision to use this bullet. On the fourth day of my hunt, a friend spotted my ram wooing an ewe high up on a rocky outcrop. I was glassing in a different area and drove up to take a look. Had to go up the canyon a bit for a better look. He was not a giant we all hope for but a decent ram so game was on. Leaning against a tree, one 288 yard shot through the ram's heart that exited and took out the off shoulder ended the wooing. I now have great respect for the performance of Remington Core-Lokt's...accurate and deadly!

The happy sheep hunter and his ram...
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We had a lot of discussion this fall in various forums on bullet performances experiences on big game. I'm in my 80th year and have hunted and reloaded all my life. I never expected to get a Rocky Mtn. Big Horn tag and started selling off my gear as I was pretty much retired from the hunting game.
Nice ram! Congrats.

I was beginning to think I was the eldest dude on this site, but I don't hit 80 for a few more days. More power to you, sir.

letsdrinktothat3.gif
 
That's perfect!

I figured you could "git er dun" in that unit and I also had zero doubts about your shooting ability. Damn fine ram!

It was fun a couple times that we rubbed shoulders at Walgreen's when I was picking through your reloading goodies. Thanks

Well done sir!

Zeke
 
The o'l classic cup-n-cores dont get the respect that they are due. They have killed stuff just fine for decades. I too have a 270 that likes the green box 130 gr. It has accounted for more than a few one-shot kills on deer and elk.
 
Great ram!! Congrats and awesome report. My .270 shot tighter groups with hand loads 140 gr ballistic tips IMR 4831, but 130 gr CoreLokts flat out kill stuff out of it.
 
That's perfect!

I figured you could "git er dun" in that unit and I also had zero doubts about your shooting ability. Damn fine ram!

It was fun a couple times that we rubbed shoulders at Walgreen's when I was picking through your reloading goodies. Thanks

Well done sir!

Zeke
Thank you very much Zeke, I sure appreciate you taking the time to post a reply. Have to tell you after climbing those steep mtns. the last couple of days I ache in places I didn't know existed!

How did your hunt go?
 
Congrats on a nice ram...being 73 I can sort of imagine how tough this hunt was on you...imo core-lockts and nosler partitions are tops for killing power and nosler accubonds right up there with them...again ku-does on your ram
 
Yes...about 1/2 mile up from the Oak Creek Campground on the north slope...kinda a hunters paradise with the sheep and deer in that area.

Thanks for the compliments!!
 
Nice Job!

But You Can Keep Your Core-Lokts!

Tried Them & Drilling Holes Ain't For Me!

The Pic Is Damage A Core-Lokt Will Never Produce!

damage-1.jpg
 
LOL!

CORE-LOKTS Work for Some!

But Not Me!

How'd The Meat Taste?
I took the meat to a processor in Draper and it was hard to phantom the number of deer hanging in the outside locker waiting to be skinned and real pick ups (not Dodge's) bringing more in while I was there. Anyhow, they said I won't get my meat for eight weeks...I'll have you over for a steak!:rolleyes:(y)
 
Congrats on a nice ram ! I'm sure at 80 you've tried them all. I'm sure you still shoot well and know the limitations of your equipment. Glad the Coreloks did the job !
 
Your original rifle/load combination sounds like it came straight out of a Jack O'Connor article! I know, because that's what I loaded in my 270. ;)
If Ol Jack was still around, I'd bet he'd tell you to stick to his receipt instead of the Core-Lokts, but it's hard to argue with the results.
Well done 6ppc!
I'm hoping I still have a sheep hunt in me at 80...if I'm still here!
 
Your original rifle/load combination sounds like it came straight out of a Jack O'Connor article! I know, because that's what I loaded in my 270. ;)
If Ol Jack was still around, I'd bet he'd tell you to stick to his receipt instead of the Core-Lokts, but it's hard to argue with the results.
Well done 6ppc!
I'm hoping I still have a sheep hunt in me at 80...if I'm still here!
Read and owned every book O'Connor wrote...many times over. He was responsible for getting me hooked on sheep hunting and Winchester Model 70 .270's. O'Connor, Robert Ruark and Bob Hagel were my idols and miss their presence in today's hodgepodge of outdoor writers.

Got my first Model 70 .270 in 1959 at a Navy PX in Sasebo, Japan for $89. and a Model 12 Winchester 12 ga. for $69. Next cruise a year later got my second Model 70 .270, a feather weight. Been a hell'uva romance!!
 
Read and owned every book O'Connor wrote...many times over. He was responsible for getting me hooked on sheep hunting and Winchester Model 70 .270's. O'Connor, Robert Ruark and Bob Hagel were my idols and miss their presence in today's hodgepodge of outdoor writers.

Got my first Model 70 .270 in 1959 at a Navy PX in Sasebo, Japan for $89. and a Model 12 Winchester 12 ga. for $69. Next cruise a year later got my second Model 70 .270, a feather weight. Been a hell'uva romance!!
I too own almost every book he wrote. They are comfort reading in the off season.
You are a bit my senior, but we obviously grew up in the same era. I'm very happy to hear there are still others that reverence Master Jack. Congrats again on the ram.
 

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