Joel Russo
Well-Known Member
After weeks of begging, badgering, heckling, name calling, and threatening e-mails, my Alaska hunting partner Phil, known here as Philny1, finally coerced me into delivering his new project. I offered the big brown truck, but that wasn't good enought for my friend. So I loaded up the gear and his project and headed Northwest for a fun time. The honeymoon was over when we left Chisana, AK no doubt...
I won't steal his thunder, as I'm sure he'll put a post up on his progress.
Phil has a beautiful place in the middle of nowhere, with nice white steel plates strategically placed all over the mountain behind his house.
Yep.... loaded up a few rifles to spend the day with my friend splattering copper on those nice white plates.
I just finished a new build and needed to fireform cases for an upcoming match.. Phil was eager to offer his services..
I decided a month ago to try my hand at the Mile. There is a match in Ohio on April 5 and as usual, it was crunch time to get a competitive rifle built.
Decided on a .338-.408 Imp w/a .365 NK aka Big Baer.
In the interest of saving time in the finishing of my laminated stocks, I cashed in a few favors and had a McMillan A-5 delivered in a week. After the match, I'll make an A-5L and take my time finishing it..
I figured you guys would give me hell on that.
Had a 33" 10 tw, 1.450", 338 Krieger barrel, that I re-contoured and had Baer flute it.
Turned all the metal over to Baer and asked him to work his magic.
Got the barreled action back, bedded it, installed a Jewell, 8 x 32 NXS and worked up a load in no time. 132.0 gr of H50BMG w/300SMK at 3160 fps with single digit ES, shooting 1" at 450 yds. Seems to like it there..
Back to Phil's place and fire forming.
He had two 14" plates at 750 yards, down to one now.
With 12 moa elevation and 2.5 moa of wind correction, it was quite amusing to repeatedly punish those plates.
Phil had a three shot 3" group going until I wrestled my rifle away from him for a few shots. I ended up tearing the plate away from the chain and into the snow it went.
I had a wonderful time with my friend Phil, we even discussed hunting together again in the fall. hmm.. that should be another exciting trip.
Here's a few pictures.
Phil at the wheel...
/
Also a picture of my 284 Baer that is responsible for some copper on that mountain.
300 Wby necked to 284 with a 35* shoulder and .312 NK.
Spitting out 180 Bergers at 3220 fps.
Russo/Seekins stock
8 x 32 NXS
Jewell
Seekins Base
NF rings
Chambered by Baer
I won't steal his thunder, as I'm sure he'll put a post up on his progress.
Phil has a beautiful place in the middle of nowhere, with nice white steel plates strategically placed all over the mountain behind his house.
Yep.... loaded up a few rifles to spend the day with my friend splattering copper on those nice white plates.
I just finished a new build and needed to fireform cases for an upcoming match.. Phil was eager to offer his services..
I decided a month ago to try my hand at the Mile. There is a match in Ohio on April 5 and as usual, it was crunch time to get a competitive rifle built.
Decided on a .338-.408 Imp w/a .365 NK aka Big Baer.
In the interest of saving time in the finishing of my laminated stocks, I cashed in a few favors and had a McMillan A-5 delivered in a week. After the match, I'll make an A-5L and take my time finishing it..
I figured you guys would give me hell on that.
Had a 33" 10 tw, 1.450", 338 Krieger barrel, that I re-contoured and had Baer flute it.
Turned all the metal over to Baer and asked him to work his magic.
Got the barreled action back, bedded it, installed a Jewell, 8 x 32 NXS and worked up a load in no time. 132.0 gr of H50BMG w/300SMK at 3160 fps with single digit ES, shooting 1" at 450 yds. Seems to like it there..
Back to Phil's place and fire forming.
He had two 14" plates at 750 yards, down to one now.
With 12 moa elevation and 2.5 moa of wind correction, it was quite amusing to repeatedly punish those plates.
Phil had a three shot 3" group going until I wrestled my rifle away from him for a few shots. I ended up tearing the plate away from the chain and into the snow it went.
I had a wonderful time with my friend Phil, we even discussed hunting together again in the fall. hmm.. that should be another exciting trip.
Here's a few pictures.
Phil at the wheel...
Also a picture of my 284 Baer that is responsible for some copper on that mountain.
300 Wby necked to 284 with a 35* shoulder and .312 NK.
Spitting out 180 Bergers at 3220 fps.
Russo/Seekins stock
8 x 32 NXS
Jewell
Seekins Base
NF rings
Chambered by Baer
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