Thread: Noob...

Originally Posted by Feral

I have a B14 hunter in 300WM. Very happy with it although I have heard others talk about firecracking in the barrel quite early in barrel life. Haven't looked at mine. Done about a hundred rounds. Reliable on animals to around 650m (further if I could do my bit). Have shot it to 1k on steel, three in a row on a 600mm plate first attempt.

It's not a light rifle, but it feels and shoots great. Beats the pants off Rem 700 for build and finish quality.

https://youtu.be/Wy_iae4QBF4

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Never heard of Firecracking. Is this a hot loads kinda thing?

Join a club (NZDA) and meet some people. Getting someone to take you out and show you some pointers is a very good start. Maybe do a HUNTS course,
A 243, 308, 7m 08 is a good start in Cal. Dont listen to people that think the 243 softpoints are no good on pigs...they are. But if some distance shots are on the 7m 08 or 308 would be a good choice.
DOC websites normally give hunting areas and access points, or spot x books or listen to club members and hope someone takes you under there wing.

Good boots are where it starts...you be doing plenty of miles and nothing worst than sore feet to put you off.
Starting off with goats isnt a bad option, easy to get, will learn some things hunting them and the meat is great for stews, curries etc.

Originally Posted by Max Headroom

Never heard of Firecracking. Is this a hot loads kinda thing?

Yeah I'd never heard of it either and I don't have a borescope to look, but it's basically barrel wear in the throat that looks like dried, cracked mud in the steel. Wear and tear from the hot gasses that erodes the throat. Worse with hotter / faster loads apparently.

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