I started out shooting up a box of reduced power target loads, 225gr bullet at 2050fps is a lot of fun to shoot, infact I had forgotten how much fun they are to shoot. The gun was already sighted in for the load and I was just pounding the center of a 6" gong at 150 yards, easy and a real confidence builder.

After that I resighted in for a 225gr SST bullet at 2700fps for hunting, my heavy elk load is a 230gr Failsafe at 2950fps and in my 8 pound rifle is just plain brutal to shoot. I am not chasing elk this fall so I decided to back down a bit in my load and it is amazing how much more shootable 2700fps is that 2950fps. I don't figure a mule deer buck will know the difference and beside I am going to try for getting my buck with a handgun first anyways.

I guess I have gotten so into my handguns and lever gun I forget how much fun bolt guns are.

A lot to be said for reduced loads. I find shooting the 375 Ruger with 350gr cast at 17-1800fps is much more enjoyable than a 300gr at over 2600fps. I am working with my #1 in 45/70, have a cow elk tag, and much of the area I hunt is very thick timber, so the shots are short. I will throw both rifles in the Jeep, see where it goes. Good luck on your hunt.

Dave