Thread: Reloading 22 Hornet (The Original) – Optimal Canada Goose Load

Originally Posted by Hugh Shields

@Jhon I fully agree with your method of training.
As I get more into this goose shooting lark, with center fire rifles, not shotguns, the more I realize rapid offhand shooting is essential.
Basically with geese you get one shot, perhaps two off the bipod then all he'll breaks loss and they are moving and the shooter is moving fast to keep them in sight, whilst finding a gap between tree to squeeze off.
This morning there were five geese on the grass and pond, I got all five with the 222 Remington. Only the first one was off the bipod.
The type of shooting is exactly what we used to do in our 20's. Rows of tin cans off hand as fast as you could. We also used to roll tyres down the hill, with a piece of cardboard stuffed inside as a target. The shooter would be at right angles to the travel of the tyre and be armed with a pump action shotgun, lever action or bolt action 22.
Perhaps that practice paid a dividend this morning

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Yes I'm sure you're correct Hugh. I was taught from the get-go by father and grandfather to shoot off the shoulder once I could hold the rifle. At 4 I was on the ground prone..Havnt made a habit of that since lol. I would never claim to be a crack shot, but I've put plenty of meat on the table, mostly small game. My father was deadly and held small bore records as an airforce Cadet for many years. I learned with his Slazenger Lithgow Model 12 and still have it. Back in the day we never ever thought to use a rest of any kind. Beneath us I guess but really it never entered our minds you would shoot off anything other than your shoulder. Nowadays I'll grab any rest I can if time permits.. where I stuff up offhand is when I have time to think about it. Otherwise I just do it and usually connect. Muscle memory does it and that comes from what you describe. Plenty of plinking. Headshot on a hare with 22Hornet at 80m or bodyshot on a rabbit out to 100 odd is really my limit these days. But bigger animals out to 200 on the shoulder is not a problem. Have fun down there!