Right now, shooters are obsessed with flat-shooting rifle cartridges. The advent of precision rifle competitions and the laser rangefinder has increased the public’s desire to go long. But what are the flattest shooting rifle cartridges?

The flattest-shooting popular rifle cartridge at 1,000 yards is the 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum, followed by the .26 Nosler, the .28 Nosler, the .22 Creedmoor, and the 6.5 Weatherby RPM. These cartridges all drop less than 255″ at 1,000 yards.

The following table averages multiple loads for each cartridge and shows an average amount of drop at 500 yards and 1,000 yards for each cartridge.

The flattest-shooting cartridges usually have Nosler or Weatherby in their name, and the top three flat-shooting cartridges were created by those respected companies. As much talk as there is about the .270 Winchester’s ability to shoot flatly, it does not compare with these three flat-shooting options.

6.5mm and 7mm projectiles offer very high ballistic coefficients, meaning they offer excellent ability to overcome drag and wind deflection over longer distances. When considering cartridges for their ability to shoot flat, overcoming drag is critical.

When a bullet is fired, many forces are immediately working against it: gravity, wind, and atmospheric drag.

As soon as a projectile leaves the muzzle, the earth’s gravity instantly begins to affect the trajectory of the round. Equally, cutting through the air slows the projectile down, eating away at its energy. Wind also affects bullets differently, and a cartridge’s ability to overcome these three forces makes it better or worse for shooting flat and far.

Spinning high B.C. bullets at faster speeds allows the projectile to get to the target sooner, minimizing the amount of time all three forces have to affect the bullet’s trajectory.

The way in which cartridge manufacturers develop rounds to overcome these forces is the twist rates of the barrels in the rifles the cartridges are chambered in, developing longer, more aerodynamic bullets with narrower ogives and case capacity.

Barrel twist rates spin the bullet out of the muzzle in a spiral much akin to a quarterback throwing a football. The spin rate helps to stabilize the projectile along its path, cut through drag and higher case capacities give the projectile more velocity thus delivering the bullet to the target more quickly.

The 26 and 28 Nosler as well as the 6.5×300 Weatherby Magnum all utilize heavy for caliber bullets with high ballistic coefficients that are stabilized by barrels with fast twist rates. All three cartridges also offer ample case capacity, allowing enough powder to send bullets at drag-defying velocities.

Below is a chart indicating the three best flat-shooting cartridges and their muzzle velocity, drop, energy levels, and felt recoil. Recoil statistics are offered for reference.

You can compare these numbers with your favorite cartridge using Backfire’s own table of flat shooting cartridges and you will see that the numbers indicated are in the absolute upper tiers. But let’s take a quick look at a historically popular “flat-shooting” cartridge, the .270 Winchester.

As you can see, one of our gold standard flat-shooting cartridges (.270 Winchester) does not compare favorably with either of the Noslers or the Weatherby Magnum. Of course, the .270 Win was developed in 1925 when 1000 yard shots were effectively unheard of.

This is not just a product of the .27 caliber bullet and its ballistic coefficient numbers. Case capacity is literally and figuratively the driving force here:

Both Nosler offerings are based on the 300 Remington Ultra Magnum and both boast case capacities of 93.5 grains of water. The 6.5×300 Weatherby magnum, as its name suggests, is based on the 300 Weatherby mag and has a case capacity of 98 grains of water. By way of comparison, the .270 Winchester (based on the .30-06 Springfield) offers a case capacity of 67 grains.

Deciding on the three best flat-shooting cartridges does not come down simply to one statistic, but a combination of all the factors inherent to a cartridge. Velocity, drop, energy and the use of bullets with their own factors which create their ballistic coefficients all should be considered.

Any cartridge that drops less than 40 inches at 500 yards or close to 200 inches at 1000 yards should be considered a flat shooting cartridge. The amount of drop is directly influenced by velocity, energy, rifle barrel, and bullet design.

With those thoughts in mind, it is easy to see why the 26 Nosler, 28 Nosler and the 6.5×300 Weatherby Magnums are the best flat-shooting cartridges offered to rifle shooters today.

Does Flat Shooting Even Matter?

Since nearly all long-distance shooters today use a laser rangefinder, does it even matter which cartridges shoot the flattest? Does it matter if there are -30″ of drop or -40″ of drop if the answer is simply to spin the turret a few extra clicks?

One argument for a flat-shooting cartridge is that it covers mistakes. I was once hunting plains game in Africa when my PH told me, holding a rangefinder, that the wildebeest was 155 yards away. I took the shot prone and then stood up after the wildebeest tipped over after a perfect shot.

I was surprised at the distance, so I asked my PH “That’s just 155 yards?” He got a stunned look on his face and said, “No, TWO hundred fifty-five yards!” Our miscommunication during the shot sequence didn’t matter a bit, because I was shooting a .28 Nosler, which put the shot only 2.8″ low at that distance. A flat shooting cartridge matters.

However, I fully admit that that a flat shooting cartridge is not nearly as important as a cartridge which is resistant to wind deflection. Still, a flat-shooting cartridge will often perform well with wind as well, because it is in the air for less time between the shot and hitting the target.

The Elements That Impact How Flat a Bullet’s Trajectory Is

Gravity impacts all objects the same. The longer the bullet is in the air, the longer gravity can pull on the object. Time of flight impacts bullet drop more than anything else. In fact, we may say that it’s the only thing that matters; however, factors that lead to time of flight changes are important to consider.

The ballistics coefficient of the bullet (a formula which considers the mass, diameter, and aerodynamic drag of a bullet to understand its ability to fight wind and continue on its path) greatly impacts time of flight because it keeps the bullet from slowing down due to inefficiency of flight.

Muzzle velocity certainly makes a difference in how fast the bullet reaches the target, but it is by no means the only factor to consider. For example, the .50BMG and the 6.5 Creedmoor both launch bullets at approximately the same muzzle velocity of 2,700fps.

However, the .50BMG bullet will reach the target with 143″ less drop than the 6.5 Creedmoor, because it has more mass which leads to a higher BC, and that higher BC given the same velocity, makes it slow down less during flight. Thus, the .50BMG drops less at 1,000 yards than the 6.5 Creedmoor.

In my previous life in professional baseball, I worked with ballplayers who exhibited incredibly strong affinities to particular brands and models of gloves, bats or cleats. Some of those affiliations had to do with sponsorship (some with superstitions), but mostly those loyalties derived from success on the field. As I’ve written before, I continue to be amazed by the correlations between bird hunters and ballplayers. Another one of these parallels exists in pheasant hunters’ brand loyalty and that’s what my focus is today.

In my estimation, pheasant hunters are largely gear junkies and that gear, in priority of importance, revolves around: their favorite breed of bird dog, shotguns, boots, ammunition and hunting vests.

So today’s blog post surveys the nation’s most well-renowned bird hunters to poll their favorites in each of these five categories. My assumption as I send out this survey is that like baseball players, expert pheasant hunters have a wide array of affiliations and there likely won’t be too many common answers. Let’s find out.

To start, here are my favorites:

Bob St.Pierre, Vice President of Marketing at Pheasants Forever and Co-host of FAN Outdoors radio on KFAN

1) Bird Dog Breed: German shorthaired pointer

2) Shotgun: Beretta 686 Onyx 12 gauge over/under with skeet chokes in both barrels

3) Boots: Danner Santiam

4) Ammo: Federal Premium Ammo’s Upland Steel 12 gauge 3” 5 shot

5) Vest: Wing Works Upland Vest

***

Ron Schara, Host of The Flush presented by Pheasants Forever on Outdoor Channel

1) Bird Dog: Raven, the black Lab, whistle trained

2) Shotgun: Benelli Super Black Eagle or Benelli Vinci with Carlson choke tubes

3) Boots: Irish Setter

4) Ammo: Federal Ammo’s Prairie Storm 2-3/4” lead 5 shot

5) Vest: Still looking for a good one; need deep pockets for ammo; easy reach for bird carrying pouch

Bill Sherck, Co-Host of The Flush presented by Pheasants Forever on Outdoor Channel

1) Bird Dog: My love of hunting dogs is pretty basic. I want a dog that can find downed birds, always. That’s A-1 in my book.

2) Shotgun: I have a 1929 LeFever Nitro Special 20 gauge that became a best friend of sorts. It is, by far, my ugliest, most beat up shotgun, but I shoot it well and I love the history. Serious patina.

3) Boots: Irish Setter 894s, Irish Setter 894s, Irish Setter 894s….

4) Ammo: Federal Prairie Storm is over the top! I absolutely love the stuff. No wounded birds, only kills (when I don’t miss!).

5) Vest: I’ve become a fan of mountain tech vests. I have an old Mother’s lightweight I still use a lot. A Buck’s is my next big investment.

Scott Linden, Host of Wingshooting USA Television

1) Bird Dog: German wirehaired pointer . . . is there any other breed?

2) Shotgun: Webley & Scott Model 2000 in 20 gauge

3) Boots: Meindl Perfekt from Cabela’s

4) Ammo: Depends upon the situation: Kent Cartridge Fast Lead or Fiocchi Golden Pheasant

5) Vest: Filson Mesh Vest

Hank Shaw, Author of Hunt, Gather, Cook and speaker at National Pheasant Fest

1) Bird Dog: Pudelpointer

2) Shotgun: Franchi Velochi 20 gauge

3) Boots: Asolo

4) Ammo: Federal Prairie Storm #5s

5) Vest: Filson

Lee & Tiffany Lakosky, Hosts of The Crush on Outdoor Channel

1) Bird Dog: Black Labrador retriever

2) Shotgun: Tiffany shoots a 12 gauge Beretta Silver Pigeon and Lee shoots a 12 gauge Franchi Instinct

3) Boots: Under Armour Ridge Reaper early season & Under Armour HAW’s late season

4) Ammo: Federal Prairie Storm

5) Vest: Badlands Pheasant Pack

Tom Dokken, Professional dog trainer and speaker at National Pheasant Fest

1) Bird Dog: Labrador retriever . . . or any dog that loves to hunt.

2) Shotgun: Browning Citori 20 Gauge

3) Boots: Danner Fowlers

4) Ammo: Federal Prairie Storm 20 gauge 3” 6 shot

5) Vest: J.L. Powell, waxed cotton

Nancy Anisfield, Professional photographer, Pheasants Forever National Board member and PF blogger

1) Bird Dog: German shorthaired pointer

2) Shotgun: Caesar Guerini 28-gauge Magnus Light

3) Boots: Danner Pronghorn

4) Ammo: Polywad Gram Crak-R and Spred-R 28-gauge

5) Vest: Browning Bird ‘n Lite Strap Vest

Billy Hildebrand, Host of FAN Outdoors Radio on KFAN

1) Bird Dog: American Brittany

2) Shotgun: Beretta 686 Onyx Over/Under 12 gauge

3) Boots: Danner Pronghorns

4) Ammo: Federal Upland Steel 3s or 5s

5) Vest: Browning Bird ‘n Lite Jacket

Note 1: Billy also prefers SportDOG Upland 1850, Chevy Z71, Folgers Coffee and “special” sandwiches.

Note 2: Billy’s hunting partners do not like his “special” sandwiches!

Justin Larson, Outdoors Media Specialist for the nation’s pheasant capital,SOUTH DAKOTA

1) Bird Dog: Prefers Labs, but doesn’t own his own at the moment

2) Shotgun: Winchester SX3

3) Boots: Muck Boots

4) Ammo: Federal Prairie Storm

5) Vest: Browning Bird ‘n Lite

Mark Herwig, Editor of Pheasants Forever’s Journal of Upland Conservation

1) Bird Dog: Springer spaniel

2) Shotgun: Beretta 391

3) Boots: Danner Uplander

4) Ammo: Federal 12 gauge 5 shot Pheasants Forever loads

5) Vest: A Pheasants Forever strap vest

Anthony Hauck, Pheasants Forever’s Online Editor

1) Bird Dog: English cocker spaniel . . . and I wouldn’t mind another

2) Shotgun: Remington 870 Wingmaster, in the market for my first O/U

3) Boots: Irish Setter Havoc when it’s dry, Muck Boots when it’s not

4) Ammo: Federal Premium Upland Steel #4s . . . served “chilled”

5) Vest: Browning Bird ‘n Lite Strap Vest

Steve Ries, Owner of Top Gun Kennels

6) Bird Dog: German shorthaired pointers

7) Shotgun: Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon over/under 20 gauge

8) Boots: Irish Setter Upland DSS Gore-Tex hunting boots

9) Ammo: Winchester

10) Vest: Gander Mountain Guide Series Hunting Strap Vest

Chad Hines, Owner of Willow Creek Kennels

1) Bird Dog: German shorthaired pointer

2) Shotgun: Beretta 686 Onyx over/under 20 gauge

3) Boots: Merrill Moab Hiking boots – I use these for almost all hunting.

4) Ammo: Federal’s Black Cloud

5) Vest: Bird ‘n Light Vest

Matt Kucharski, Pheasants Forever National Board Member

1) Bird Dog: A tandem of German Shorthair Pointer and Labrador, trained to honor each other of course!

2) Shotgun: Ruger Red Label 20 gauge early season, 12 gauge late season. Skeet and IC chokes early season, IC and modified chokes late. Sadly, they’re not making them anymore.

3) Boots: Red Wing Irish Setter (short uppers) early season and Meindl Scotland GTX (or similar) late season

4) Ammo: Federal Upland Steel 4 shot. 3 inch in the 20. 2 ¾ in the 12.

5) Vest: Filson mesh strap vest for short walks, Bird ‘n Lite strap vest if I’m in the field all day or carrying Bob’s birds.

Jeff Fuller, host of Sporting Dog Adventures

1) Bird Dog: Labrador Retriever

2) Shotgun: Benelli

3) Boots: Danner Pronghorn

4) Ammo: HEVI-Shot Upland

5) Vest: Browning vest

Now it’s your turn. What are your favorites?

The Pointer is written by Bob St.Pierre, Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever’s Vice President of Marketing. Follow Bob on Twitter @BobStPierre and listen to Bob and Billy Hildebrand every Saturday morning on FAN Outdoors radio on KFAN FM100.

I am a new shotgun enthusiast from the R3 era – Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation.

I do not come from a family of outdoorsy people or firearm owners. Exposures and accessibility to equipment were rough getting started. Had it not been for the mentors and friendships during my process, I am not sure my love and respect for conservation and hunting would have developed.

After a few seasons of sporting clays and falling in love with upland hunting, I took an interest in learning how to hunt waterfowl. I did not know what was needed to attempt it. I thought I needed a well-trained dog and to master waterfowl calls, but all I needed was a 2 a.m. alarm and a reliable shotgun that suited my frame. When I started hunting waterfowl, I owned one 12-gauge shotgun mainly used for sporting clay.

I am not sure when waterfowl hunting became an obsession, but I was soon in a blind for more than four days a month. I felt my activity level was enough to justify needing an additional shotgun just in case mine malfunctioned. The problem was that shotguns are unavailable in my area to try before you invest in a new one. I made it a personal mission to try out different shotguns and determine my fit, ergonomics, and price range. My first shotgun was on a lucky sale, it was not a perfect fit, but I adjusted to it. After some trial and error, I learned that the feel and fit of a shotgun contributes to successful shooting.

As my hunting adventures increased in frequency, so did my observation of my hunting environment and the desire to blend more in the open. My hunting buddies had “upgraded” to camo-finished stocked shotguns, leaving me with camo envy. Having heard, “ducks do not care what color your gun is,” did not reduce the desire for a camo-clad shotgun.

On a Mission

Luck would have it that I was invited to review a Franchi Affinity 3.5 Waterfowl Elite. Now, the kicker was that I had not shot a Franchi at this point in my outdoor life. It never crossed my mind to consider one, and nobody within my circle owned one. I was set on a specific brand, and honestly, I was a little aloof about the Franchi. My only request was that it had a 28-inch barrel length, 12 gauge, and capable of loading 3 ½ inch shotshells. The 3 ½ inch, non-toxic, #2 shot shotshells were much easier to come by during my region’s 2021-2022 season. I was determined that the next shotgun I purchased would be able to handle 3 ½-inch shells in case that was all I could get.

The Franchi Affinity 3.5 Waterfowl Elite was shipped to me. It arrived a few weeks before I was heading out for my second attempt at a snow goose hunt. The day I picked up the Franchi, a new found excitement was activated. When I opened the box and saw that it sported the perfect camo pattern for the environment and surrounding areas I hunt

I sent out a group text letting the ladies of my sporting clay league and waterfowl hunting circles know I had a new shotgun to demo. I invited them for a clay date to try it too. I was shocked at how well I handled a 50-target run of sporting clays before sharing it with multiple ladies and a few guys.

I had a few weeks to prepare for my snow goose hunt, so it gave me ample time to practice and become intimate with the Franchi Affinity 3.5 Waterfowl Elite. Next, I purchased some inexpensive 3 ½ inch turkey loads to do an ill-advised “mag dump.” I was told by numerous seasoned wing and clay shooters that it had to be the craziest idea I have ever expressed out loud.

They wanted proof that I went through with it. Bets were placed on my shoulder being bruised, and me complaining about aches and pains for a few days. I had one witness that recorded my shenanigans, and we posted it on my social media. Next, I shared a picture of my comfortable, non-bruised shoulder. I was shocked at how soft the recoil felt with those turkey loads. I felt so confident with the Franchi Affinity 3.5 Waterfowl Elite in hand that if snow geese flew overhead, I would land a few. The Franchi was balanced and reduced felt recoil. If I could not shoot ten 3 ½ inch shotshells consecutively without discomfort, I would have needed to rush-order 2 ¾-inch shells.

Snow Goose Revenge

The previous season, only one goose showed up. My entire hunting squad was taking a stretch break at the time, and none of us could take a safe shot at the solo goose. This season, I was prepared with a camo shotgun that broke many clays. With a snack-packed blind bag filled with 12-gauge, 3 1/2 inch shells with BBB shot, I was determined to come home with a full cooler.

What a memorable weekend! With the Franchi Affinity 3.5 Waterfowl Elite, I had my first successful snow goose hunt. My hunting squad harvested 32 snow geese in total within a few hours.

Maintenance

I needed to tackle cleaning the shotgun. It hunted hard in extremely cold temperatures and muddy, wet, dusty environments. I surface wiped it and bore snaked after every other shoot, but after my snow goose hunt, it was time for a deep clean and inspection. It was a little different than the shotguns I had cleaned. However, it was not difficult to figure out how to remove the forward grip and disassemble and reassemble the components quickly.

I Need One

At the time of my initial review, this shotgun made my potential wish list. Not the I WANT list, but the I NEED list for a dedicated waterfowl gun. The managed recoil, handling, ergonomic structure, and weight worked in my favor. The price point is fair and economically feasible compared to others.

I am still new to the world of hunting, yet I am immersed enough to understand what I need, why I need it, and how much I want to invest in a product. I want reliable, generational products, but I also do not want to spend an ample amount of money this early in my hunting journey or spend a ton of money on a firearm that I have not been able to try out before buying it. This shotgun proved to me that it would be a great dedicated waterfowl gun to add to my staple gear pieces.

Franchi Affinity 3.5 Waterfowl Elite

I received the Franchi Affinity 3.5 Waterfowl Elite with the Gore Optifade Waterfowl Marsh Stock finish and a Burnt Bronze Cerakote barrel finish. The MSRP is $1449.00, and retail chains average roughly $1249.99. Here are the features you will have right out of the box:

• Optional Gore Optifade choice of Waterfowl Marsh or Waterfowl Timber stock finish
• Weighs 7 lbs
• TruGlo Dual Color Fiber optics
• Standard 28″ inch barrel
• Franchi Affinity Waterfowl 12 gauge Trulock choke tube set
  • Close Range .720 (Cylinder)
  • Mid Range .710 (Improved Cylinder)
  • Long Range .700 (Modified Cylinder)
• 1 flush choke tube – Modified, steel shot approved
• Choke Key
• Stock counterweight.
• Standard Shim Kit
• ¾-inch recoil pad
• Round Capacity is 4+1, varying by shotshell length
• Oversized bolt frag handle and frag bolt release
• The receiver is tapped for mounting optics
• Length of pull is 14 3/8 inches

• Drop at Heel: Adjustable 2″ to 2-1/2″
• Drop at Comb: 1-1/2″

• Overall length 50 ¼ inches
• Minimum Recommended Load: 3-dram, 1-1/8 oz
• Inertia driven system

The following ammunition cartridge ballistics information and chart can be used to approximately compare .30-06 Springfield vs .45-70 Government ammo rounds. Please note, the following information reflects the estimated average ballistics for each caliber and does not pertain to a particular manufacturer, bullet weight, or jacketing type. As such, the following is for comparative information purposes only and should not be used to make precise predictions of the trajectory, performance, or true ballistics of any particular .30-06 Springfield or .45-70 Government rounds for hunting, target shooting, plinking, or any other usage. The decision for which round is better for a given application should be made with complete information, and this article simply serves as a comparative guide, not the final say. For more detailed ballistics information please refer to the exact round in question or contact the manufacturer for the pertinent information. True .30-06 Springfield and .45-70 Government ballistics information can vary widely from the displayed information, and it is important to understand that the particular characteristics of a given round can make a substantive difference in its true performance.

Caliber Type Velocity (fps) Energy (ft-lb) .30-06 Springfield Rifle 2820 2920 .45-70 Government Rifle 1680 2270

Velocity

As illustrated in the chart, .30-06 Springfield rounds – on average – achieve a velocity of about 2820 feet per second (fps) while .45-70 Government rounds travel at a velocity of 1680 fps. To put this into perspective, a Boeing 737 commercial airliner travels at a cruising speed of 600 mph, or 880 fps. That is to say, .30-06 Springfield bullets travel 3.2 times the speed of a 737 airplane at cruising speed, while .45-70 Government bullets travel 1.9 times that same speed.

Various calibers

Energy

Furthermore, the muzzle energy of a .30-06 Springfield round averages out to 2920 ft-lb, while a .45-70 Government round averages out to about 2270 ft-lb. One way to think about this is as such: a foot-pound is a unit of energy equal to the amount of energy required to raise a weight of one pound a distance of one foot. So a .30-06 Springfield round exits the barrel with kinetic energy equal to the energy required for linear vertical displacement of 2920 pounds through a one foot distance, while a .45-70 Government round exiting the barrel has energy equal to the amount required to displace 2270 pounds over the same one foot distance. As a rule of thumb, when it comes to hunting, muzzle energy is what many hunters look at when deciding on what caliber of firearm / ammunition to select. Generally speaking, the higher the muzzle energy, the higher the stopping power. Again, the above is for comparative information purposes only, and you should consult the exact ballistics for the particular .30-06 Springfield or .45-70 Government cartridge you’re looking at purchasing.

Please click the above links to take a look at all of the .30-06 Springfield and .45-70 Government ammo we have in stock and ready to ship, and let us know any parting thoughts in the comment section below.

Foundry Outdoors is your trusted home for buying archery, camping, fishing, hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor gear online.

We offer cheap ammo and bulk ammo deals on the most popular ammo calibers. We have a variety of deals on Rifle Ammo, Handgun Ammo, Shotgun Ammo & Rimfire Ammo, as well as ammo for target practice, plinking, hunting, or shooting competitions. Our website lists special deals on 9mm Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 45-70 Ammo, 6.5 Creedmoor ammo, 300 Blackout Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 5.56 Ammo, Underwood Ammo, Buffalo Bore Ammo and more special deals on bulk ammo.

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Hornady’s new 7mm PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) is probably the best long-range 7mm cartridge ever introduced. As with all rifle cartridges, handloading tuned ammo for it helps achieve the best it has to offer. The 7mm PRC’s DNA is 100 percent long range. As such, loading highly aerodynamic bullets is recommended. The cartridge doesn’t offer any advantage with light 7mm bullets.

As spec’d by SAAMI, the 7mm PRC has a rifling twist rate of 1:8. This enables it to effectively stabilize the long-bodied, streamlined projectiles. Lead-core bullets of 168 grains ranging up to 195 grains and monometal bullets of 160 grains up to 168 grains provide optimal performance in the 7mm PRC. Examples are Barnes 168-grain LRX bullet; Berger 168-grain VLD Hunting, 180-grain VLD Hunting, and 195-grain Extreme Outer Limits Elite Hunter; and Hornady 160-grain CX, 175-grain ELD-X, 180-grain ELD Match and 190-grain A-Tip.

The 7mm PRC has a cartridge case design characteristic that affects handloading technique, particularly projectile seating. Like its 6.5 PRC and .300 PRC siblings, the 7mm PRC is engineered with a lot of head height. This allows long bullets with stretched-out, fine-entry noses to be seated well out of the case, so the bases don’t intrude into the powder reservoir. This is important, as you’ll see in a moment.

The parent case is the .375 Ruger, which is a non-belted case with quite parallel sides and relatively steep 30-degree shoulder angle. It’s actually a quarter-inch shorter than the classic 7mm Rem. Mag. and has less capacity when filled to the case mouth. The 7mm PRC case contains 82 grains of water; the 7mm Rem. Mag. contains 85 grains of water.

However, since you don’t have to seat long, heavy-for-caliber bullets deeply into the powder reservoir, loaded 7mm PRC cartridges actually have greater internal capacity than 7mm Rem. Mag. cartridges.

Overall 7mm PRC case length is 2.280 inches. Trim-to length is 2.260 inches. Overall maximum loaded cartridge length is 3.340 inches. This puts the 7mm PRC into the “standard .30-06” cartridge length category. As with every cartridge, if desired, handloaders may load to longer max length if their rifle’s magazines will allow it. SAAMI pressure limit is 65,000 psi.

Currently, cartridge cases are available only from Hornady. That’s not a problem, because the Hornady cases I’ve used in my testing and handloading and hunting with the 7mm PRC have been stellar.

If you want to milk every ounce of potential out of the 7mm PRC and your Hornady cases, trim them all to equal length, then weight-sort and neck turn them. You’ll end up with top-notch cases equal to any task.

My reloading dies are standard Hornady versions, and they’ve served very well. Presumably, other manufacturers such as RCBS and Redding will soon get on board, and we may see match-grade dies as well.

As nearly all propellant charges will be well north of the 60-grain threshhold compatibility with Large Rifle primers, it’s best to use Large Rifle Magnum primers. I’ve been using Federal 215 Gold Medal Match primers, and they’ve provided splendid consistency.

Data for the 7mm PRC are currently available on the Hornady reloading app. I developed the loads in the accompanying chart from early recommendations by Hornady technicians based on their lab work. They suggested Reloder 26 and H1000, with RL-26 being particularly magic.

However, at first I didn’t have any RL-26 on hand, so I started with H1000. To my delight, every load averaged less than three-quarters of an inch at 100 yards. Even with the relatively short 20-inch barrel on the Gunwerks Nexus test rifle, velocity was rather good.

Accuracy with Hornady’s 180-grain ELD Match bullets was eyebrow-raising, averaging 0.42 inch over a series of three-shot groups. This bullet has an incredibly good ballistic G1 coefficient of .796, and Hornady’s factory ammo is spec’d to generate about 2,950 fps in 26-inch barrels. That makes it one of the most capable extreme-range cartridges on the market.

Thanks to the 7mm PRC’s head height, handloaders will find it easy to finesse seating depth for best accuracy. Load thin-jacketed cup-and-core bullets to kiss the rifling. Load thick-jacketed bonded-core and monometal bullets 0.050 inch off the rifling leade so as to avoid pressure spikes, and tune from there. Generally, best results with such will be found between 0.020 and 0.100 inch off the leade.

As with all bottlenecked, centerfire cartridges fed from box magazines, there’s no need to crimp seated bullets. Just allow the neck tension to hold them in place.

For Idaho’s 2022 spring bear season, I loaded up a batch of 7mm PRC ammo using 150-grain Hornady CX bullets. My wife and two daughters proceeded to clobber three black bears with the 7mm PRC.

A few months later, the 160-grain CX was launched. My first try at working up a handload resulted in a load under half m.o.a., courtesy of RL-26. Clearly, the 7mm PRC is a well-behaved, inherently accurate cartridge that’s easy to handload for splendid results.

I haven’t yet experimented with a broad variety of projectiles by manufacturers other than Hornady. However, I’m looking forward to doing so.

Candidly, before learning the details of the 7mm PRC, I was a deep skeptic. I didn’t believe we had any use for another 7mm Magnum. After handloading and shooting and hunting with it, I’m a convert.

I experienced a powerful testimony of the cartridge’s right to exist at the SAAM shooting facility in Texas. Using a Remington 700 chambered in 7mm PRC, I shot steel targets all the way out to a mile. Then I put five consecutive 180-grain ELD Match bullets onto a 24×48-inch steel plate at 1,800 yards. I became a believer.

I now consider it the best 7mm magnum ever designed, and tuned handloads take it from splendid to spectacular.

WARNING: The loads shown here are safe only in the guns for which they were developed. Neither the author nor Outdoor Sportsman Group assumes any liability for accidents or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this data. Shooting reloads may void any warranty on your firearm.

Humans are curious being, often intrigued to know about obscure things, including food that doesn’t fall under the conventional realm.

In this case, slugs may not be mainly known as a kitchen delicacy but have stirred interest among a specific section of the people.

However, is this shell-less mollusk edible or safe to eat? Unless you’re into unconventional foods, these questions are probably in your mind.

In this post, we’ll reveal what slugs taste like. Not only that, we’ll answer crucial aspects related to it.

Let’s get into it without further ado.

What are Slugs?

The term ‘slug’ refers to all forms of gastropod mollusks without a shell.

It’s also commonly known as a land slug.

Various kinds of this species are found across the globe, varying in shapes and sizes, but the external anatomy remains the same.

Like snails, it has tentacles on its head, giving sensory and optical senses.

Instead of a shell, it has a mantle covering the top of the head.

Although these species are categorized under the same class-Gastropoda, significant differences start from behavior to anatomy.

Water comprises half of the slugs’ bodies. These mollusks are found primarily on moist ground after heavy rain.

You’ll find them in the damp area under rocks, tree bark, and fallen logs during the dry season.

They have soft tissues which make them highly prone to desiccation due to the absence of an outer shell.

Hence, mucus generation is vital for this mollusk in order to survive.

What Do Slugs Taste Like?

Most people might be familiar with snails as part of kitchen delicacy compared to this shell-less mollusk.

However, some people consume slugs.

It may not be the aesthetically pleasing creature, and to have it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

That said, unconventional food like this tends to have divided opinions.

Some people like it, while others may not. It also mainly depends on how you prepare it.

The texture is rubbery, and its outer body is quite slimy.

The taste of a slug would be best described as mild, closely similar to snails.

It also largely depends on the ingredients and the preparation process involved.

Because of the presence of mucus, it has a hint of bitterness.

In this case, proper cleaning is required before you proceed with the cooking.

Not many are enthusiastic about eating slugs, which is understandable.

However, some people relish this mollusk. Regardless, it has high nutritional value.

It’s a good source of protein and minerals and also has a high caloric value.

Cleaning these critters is crucial if you plan to have them.

Since they’re scavengers, they may carry parasites that might cause a potential health risk.

Once cleaned, you may prepare it any way you want, from stir-frying to backwoods boil.

We suggest using richly-flavored ingredients since it has a mild taste.

Want to know how to prepare these critters? Keep reading below.

How to Prepare and Eat Slugs?

Since slugs are scavengers, thorough cleaning is to prevent potentially life-threatening diseases.

They’re considered safe but come with a caveat.

If you plan on having these critters, putting them in a container filled with damp cornmeal for a day or two is highly advisable.

Or, put it in wet lettuce, and let them purge.

Once done with toxic cleansing elements, proceed with your culinary adventure.

Some of the ways to have these shell-less mollusks are as follows:

• Stir-fry slug.

Stir-frying these critters is one of the best ways to relish their taste.

First, you need to blanch slugs in boiling water and then slice them.

Take a wok or skillet to stir-fry along with vegetables.

Add soy sauce to enhance the taste further.

• Slug pasta.

Give your pasta a new taste by adding these critters.

Stir-fry them in butter first, and then add the pasta sauce.

Let it cook under low-medium heat for ten minutes.

Fold cooked pasta in the mix and then serve it.

• Deep-fried slugs.

Another great way to enjoy these mollusks is by deep-frying them.

Preparing this way will be an excellent introduction to slugs if it’s your first time.

First, you need to boil them in hot water for two minutes.

After this, immerse them in egg and then rub them in bread crumbs.

Deep fry them like how you do with fried chicken. Fry until it’s golden brown.

Conclusion

Slugs may not be the most pleasant-looking creature, but they are essential to our ecosystem.

Consumption of these critters is a personal choice but comes with a caveat.

Although it’s considered safe to eat, it’s prone to carry parasites that may pose a potential health risk.

If you plan to have it, ensure it’s adequately cleaned and thoroughly cooked.

Avoid raw slugs since they’re scavengers and are likely to have toxic elements.

About The Author

Calling coyotes in the state of Oklahoma, a pair of dogs winded us and cut diagonally across the ravine. The duo stopped to look back at 200 yards, and I squeezed the trigger on my Savage 110 Predator. The yote disappeared into the grass and rolled down the hill.

I was happy with the accuracy and knockdown power of the Federal Premium Barnes TSX ammo. I had used it in the past, but since being discontinued in 2013, I forgot how deadly the bullet was on game.

The diminutive .223 barked again late in the evening when we ran across a sounder of hogs in the dry bed of a wetland. The tall grass provided brief glimpses of the swine, as they sauntered in and out of view like apparitions. My hunting partner and I lined up on the two largest pigs, which didn’t have a clue we were perched on a hill 230 yards away. Our elevated position allowed us to see into the grass where the pigs had been rooting. When the two mature hogs turned broadside at the same time, we squeezed the triggers. The hog I had in my scope dropped like a bag of concrete. It was dead on impact.

A hog is a stout critter and often requires serious knockdown power from a larger caliber rifle, but the .223 Rem. did just fine with the performance of the Barnes TSX. We repeated our performance the next evening when a large sounder of hogs appeared below us, wandering a creek bottom just before sunset. We knocked down three pigs and caused the rest to scramble in a matter of seconds.

Solid copper bullets are nothing new. Federal loads several varieties of copper bullets, including Trophy Copper and Power-Shok Copper. I’ve used them on everything from bears to elk and love the terminal performance the bullets provide.

The name says it all, as the TSX stands for Triple-Shock X. The TSX was introduced in 2003 and is Barnes’ most popular hunting bullet. Barnes claims, “The TSX has gained worldwide recognition as one of the deadliest, most dependable bullets you can buy. Try these all-copper bullets and realize the added benefits of improved accuracy, reduced barrel fouling and increased velocity.”

Instead of trying to describe why hunters should consider the TSX bullet, I asked Barnes engineers what makes the Triple-Shock X so popular, and its engineers said, “The Barnes TSX, TTSX and LRX bullets are all a monolithic design. They are manufactured using a solid copper slug. They are a controlled expansion projectile. This gives high weight retention due to the fact that there is not a core and jacket to separate. They have a cavity formed into the nose which allows rapid expansion upon impact when fluid enters the cavity. The ‘TSX’ grooves cut into the shank reduce bearing surface [pressure] and fouling. The grooves also increase accuracy. Proprietary design, tooling and manufacturing processes allow us to produce accurate and consistent projectiles. They are very popular among hunters because of their excellent terminal performance and accuracy. Being a controlled expansion bullet, we are able to ‘optimize’ the function window for a given cartridge and velocity range. This aids in superior terminal performance.”

From elk and moose to coyotes and hogs, the Barnes TSX works. The bullet stays intact to deliver maximum energy at any range. The consistent expansion of the bullet is what hunters will appreciate.

Federal Brings Back Fan FavoritesThe notion of using top-quality components to build superior cartridges started 42 years ago when Federal produced its Premium line of centerfire rifle ammunition. The Sierra MatchKing bullet was one of the first, grabbing the attention of hunters looking for optimal performance. No other company considered using another company’s bullets, but Barnes, Nosler, Sierra and Berger are but a few of the premium-class bullets loaded by Federal over the years to create a market demand for better performance. Does anyone remember the introduction of Trophy Bonded Bear Claw or Nosler Partition?

Over the years, there have been many variations of premium ammunition produced. Some were popular but discontinued in an attempt to bring something new to the market and keep up with demands like specialty cartridges for dangerous game, or long-range hunters. It has been over six years since Federal used the Barnes TSX bullet in its Premium line, but in 2019 it was brought back by popular demand. The offerings in the line from 2013 will be back in virtually the same form as before.

The good news is that powders and components like nickel-plated cases have seen advancements since the Barnes TSX was discontinued, so hunters will benefit from the short hiatus. The Federal Premium Barnes TSX loads will be very close to the same velocities and accuracy specifications as before, and will also be available in 6.5 Creedmoor and .224 Valkyrie, which have gained popularity in the short time Federal didn’t load the Barnes TSX.

The all-copper hollow point projectiles, known for tight groups at long range, and consistent downrange expansion are available in 17 loads from .223 Rem. to .300 Win. Mag. and have an MSRP of $33.95 to $52.95.

The senior communications manager from Federal said, “Anyone can load the Barnes TSX bullets, but it’s the premium components that set our cartridges above the rest.”

A short 42 years ago Federal made an effort to have its ammunition stand out, and continues to do so today. Look for new packaging as part of the marketing to separate Premium ammunition from others to make it emerge on the shelf and in the field.

Winchester’s Model 1873 lever action was the first truly successful high-capacity repeating rifle. Bugs that plagued the ancestral Henry Model 1860 and Winchester Model 1866 were largely eliminated in its design, and it quickly became the favorite of ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws. During the half-century it was manufactured, just over 720,000 were produced.

Manufactured in 1889, the Model 1873 shown and reviewed here represents the most popular configuration—the “rifle” model with crescent buttplate and 24-inch octagonal barrel. Second in popularity was a carbine version with a 20-inch round barrel. There was a third standard type (“musket”) with a 30-inch barrel and full-length stock, but it made up only about five percent of total Model 1873 sales. In addition, many custom 1873s were built and shipped.

Chambered in various cartridges, ranging from .25-20 Winchester through .44-40 Winchester, the Model 1873 was really a pistol-caliber rifle. It did not compete with the big-bore single-shot rifles and lever actions favored by big-game hunters in the Rockies and on the buffalo ranges. High cartridge capacity, light recoil, and good-enough ballistic performance for use out to 100 yards or a bit more were the Model 1873’s forte.

Mechanicals

The Winchester 1873 loads through a gate in the right side panel of the action. Rounds are contained in a tubular magazine beneath the barrel and fed up into the chamber via a lifting-block arrangement that serves triple-duty as a magazine cutoff and as a moving, mechanical ejector. The slender bolt reciprocates rearward inside the top of the action, and its rearmost portion pushes the hammer back to fullcock when the lever is opened.

When the lever is worked, a simple hook-type extractor positioned at 12 o’clock in the boltface draws the empty cartridge case from the chamber. The bolt cocks the hammer, and the lifter brings a fresh cartridge into alignment with the chamber, boosting the empty cartridge above up and out of the ejection port. Bringing the lever briskly back into firing position runs the bolt forward, pushing the fresh cartridge into the chamber.

A trigger-cutoff-type safety is incorporated in the action, and the lever must be squeezed fully closed before the trigger can be pressed. To prevent the lever from inadvertently opening while in the field, a rotating catch is provided at the rear of the lever and may be rotated to secure it in the closed position. Another field-expedient feature is the sliding dust cover atop the action, which may be manually closed to prevent grit from accumulating inside the action.

An additional safety is present in the form of a halfcock notch in the hammer, which may be lowered to this position after chambering a round.

Provenance

The .44-40 rifle reviewed here belongs to a good buddy of mine. His father purchased it for $700 and then handed it down to my friend. The original owner had it most of his life and had hunted with it. A close look inside the bore showed quite a lot of pitting and rounded-off rifling. A gentle but thorough cleaning removed accumulated dust and remnant traces of fouling.

Rangetime

Out of deference to the rifle’s vintage, I assembled two mild handloads to test-fire through it. One consisted of a 200-grain hard-cast bullet sized to 0.429 inch, with the correct nose shape and length for the .44-40, over 7.3 grains of Unique powder. The second load featured a 180-grain short-jacketed hollowpoint bullet over 6.0 grains of Trail Boss powder. Both loads were primed with Winchester Large Pistol primers in Winchester brass.

Not knowing how the worn bore would shoot, I placed my test target at 25 yards. I tested the jacketed-bullet load first, thinking that the cast-bullet loads might quickly build up leading in the pitted bore.

The mild jacketed-bullet load averaged 0.93 inch, and initially the load with the hard-cast 200-grain bullets showed tremendous promise. The first group clumped into one ragged 0.64-inch hole; however, as I expected, the more I shot the cast bullets, the worse accuracy became. Still, they averaged an acceptable 2.13 inches.

With accuracy testing wrapped up, I stepped away from the bench and shot casually, running a few rapid-fire rounds at my steel Birchwood Casey popper target. While I didn’t get too aggressive about speed, the vintage rifle ran smoothly and without a hitch—and without a miss. Balance was wonderful, and recoil was mild. It’s no wonder it was the most popular all-around rifle of its time.

Folks often associate rain with ducks and great waterfowl hunting. Ducky weather, they’ll often say, sounding as trite as a Midwesterner complaining about the gosh-darn humidity during summer.

I’ve experienced some great days in the rain. I’ve also endured some awful rainy-day hunts. After a while, I began to realize that not all rainy, ducky days are the same. In fact, success in the rain often depends on many factors, including the ducks you’re hunting, the duration and intensity of the rain, and several other factors.

An old-timer told me years ago he’d hunt puddle ducks during a long, steady rain but would forget about divers during similar conditions. Generally, I think that’s good advice. Steady moderate to heavy rain seems to stifle diving duck movement more than puddler activity.

They key word, however, is steady. Puddlers and divers move like crazy immediately before and after periods of rain — even intense precipitation. I’ve seen seemingly dead lakes come alive with diver activity 10 minutes before thunderstorms or heavy downpours. Then, action wanes as the wet stuff arrives. Divers still move somewhat during the rain, of course, but the flight typically slows.

Puddlers, meanwhile, don’t seem to be quite as affected by steady rain. In fact, in some situations, such as field hunting, rain can increase your chances. During mild weather, ducks and geese often hit fields at first light, spend most of the day loafing on small waters and then feed again before going to roost. During a steady rain, they might spend all or most of the day in the field.

And consider this rarely mentioned tidbit: Some guides I know love hunting divers or puddlers during sunny days, when ducks can see decoys from long distances, but hate cloudy conditions unless it’s raining. Why? Rain, they say, obscures the vision of ducks so they can’t spot boats, hunters or other potential dangers. It’s an interesting theory.

Then you have those X-factors I mentioned. Wind tops the list, as a big breeze usually gets ducks moving during rainy or sunny days. Further, rain ahead of a major incoming cold front can trigger bird activity, as they sense the urge to feed or migrate, or fresh birds arrive with the new weather pattern.

If rain changes to snow, the debate ends: Get out there. Snow drives ducks crazy. Some of the greatest marsh, field and diver hunts I’ve experienced were associated with snowstorms — even prairie blizzards.

So, should you hunt in the rain? That’s really up to you. I always figure I’ll shoot more ducks during a steady rain than I would sitting at home. I don’t layout hunt during long, steady rains, because doing so is a form of torture similar to lying in a bathtub and turning on the shower — on its coldest setting. However, I’ll gladly brave intermittent showers or light, spitting rain.

My best advice is to watch the radar and get an idea of what the day holds. Then, weigh all the factors, and go with your best instinct. Do not hunt if thunderstorms are forecast. If it appears the rain will stop after a few hours, think about holding off and hunting later. If it looks like an all-day drencher, you’ll have to choose between getting wet or waiting for better days.

Really, with modern raingear, the only hassle associated with hunting in the rain is stripping and cleaning your gun afterward. Sure, that can be a pain. But it beats moping around while watching the weather forecast for the next day.

Most Expensive Rifle: Meet the Barrett Model M82A1 – The Colt AR-15 remains in the cross-hairs of politicians including President Joe Biden, who has vowed to do everything in his power to ban the sale of the most popular firearm; as well as the entire category of modern sporting rifles. However, there is another rifle that has long been targeted by lawmakers and gun control advocates who apparently fear what they don’t understand.

That firearm is the Barrett Model 82A1, the first and only semi-automatic .50 caliber rifle produced to date. It is also the most expensive firearm currently in production – at least one that can (mostly) be owned by civilians.

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Spotlight on the Barrett

There have been big bore rifles since the First World War, but all were bolt action. However, in the early 1980s former professional photographer, Ronnie Barrett, became intrigued with the idea of developing a semi-automatic rifle that could fire the .50 BMG round. In 1982, he launched the Tennessee-based Barrett Firearms and set about creating such a weapon.

The result was the Barrett M82 sniper rifle, and it was as innovative as it was powerful – and arguably as expensive. Today, a Barrett M82A1 will cost upwards of $8,000.

The shoulder-fired, semi-automatic rifle was designed around the .50 BMG cartridge, and unique among firearms of the time the Barrett rifle’s barrel recoiled backward after firing. A rotating-lock breech block equipped with an accelerator arm used part of the recoil energy to push back the block on firing. This cycled the action, cocked the firing pin, and loaded a new round from a ten-round steel magazine.

The Barrett M82 offered a solution to a problem the military really didn’t know it had, which was how to use a rifle that could shoot nearly a thousand yards. In fact, the U.S. military didn’t immediately see any need for Barrett’s design. Fortunately, Barrett did convince the Swedish Army to adopt the weapon, and that was reportedly enough to keep the company afloat.

Then in 1990, the United States military became involved in Operation Desert Shield and while preparing for Operation Desert Storm, the liberation of Kuwait, and the invasion of Iraq, the U.S. Marine Corps acquired 125 of the rifles. Orders from the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force soon followed. The M82 was adopted as the SASR – Special Applications and Scoped Rifle – and it proved its worth in Operation Desert Storm.

Official State Rifle of Tennessee

Since the founding of the United States, there had been a “long rifle” tradition in Kentucky and Pennsylvania of naming an official firearm of the state. Not wanting to be left out, in 2016, the Barrett M82 became Tennessee’s official state rifle. It joined a long list of other honorary state symbols, including the state flower, state tree, and even state rock.

Yet, not everyone was pleased that the rifle had gained such respect.

Gun control advocates expressed concerns that it would be used against light armor, helicopters, and even commercial aircraft. Some suggested it was the “perfect assassination weapon” or that it could be used by terrorists – even as the planes on 9/11 were taken over with little more than box cutters. Yet, the concern was so great that the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence called for a ban on civilian ownership of the Barrett rifle, while the New York State Senate even attempted to pass legislation to ban the sale and civilian ownership of the firearm in the Empire State.

Yet, to date, it hasn’t been employed in any nefarious ways by U.S. citizens – although there are reports that some M82s bought by the Mexican military have been used by the drug cartels, so too have weapons that no civilian can buy, including AT4s and Javelin anti-tank rocket launchers.

Moreover, despite its capabilities, the M82 still requires training to be able to hit anything at distance – not to mention it remains the most costly firearm on the market today. And then there is the fact that each round, which isn’t readily available at most gun shops, also costs upwards of $5 per shot!

A Senior Editor for 19FortyFive, Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,000 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu.