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#Post#: 1248--------------------------------------------------
How to choose the right hunting rifle
By: xclusive1 Date: December 10, 2012, 7:43 pm
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[font=times new roman]The best way to choose a rifle is to work
backward, first asking what type of game you intend to hunt? The
type of game will narrow down the caliber of bullet you should
use. Once you know the type of cartridge that will limit the
types of rifle you can use, leaving the final points to personal
preferences.
For example, a 30-06 rifle - means a rifle that can fire a
.30-06 Springfield cartridge - various rifles can fire this
cartridge.
It is important to select the correct caliber because you should
choose ammunition that will guarantee a humane kill, while
damaging as little of the meat as possible. Using a more
powerful caliber than required will give a humane kill however
more meat will be damaged. Alternatively, to small a caliber
will mean the animal will suffer.
Other factors to consider: a comfortable rifle weight, the type
of rifle action you prefer, and the materials you prefer.
Choosing Rifle Caliber : what type of game you will hunt
A bullet, is part of the rifle cartridges, a rifle cartridge is
a case that contains primer, gunpowder and a bullet at the tip.
The primer ignites the gunpowder, which then propels a bullet
down the barrel towards your target. The casing of the cartridge
remains behind, expelled manually or automatically.
To add to the confusion of choosing the correct rifle, not all
cartridges follow a standard naming conventions. Usually,
cartridge are named by their bullet caliber (diameter of the
bullet). With UK and USA using the English measurement system,
while all other countries use metric.
Some cartridge names have a second number, that can refer to the
length of the cartridge casing, except black powder cartridges,
where the number refers to the size of the powder charge (the
charge exerts power on the bullet, telling you how fast and far
the bullet will travel).
In addition to caliber, bullets are classified by weight,
measured in grains. An ounce is 435.7 grains -a 150-grain bullet
weighs .34 ounces or 9.6 grams. A light bullets is more accurate
over short distances, however has less impact on distant targets
than heavier bullets.
If you will be shooting small game, use smaller caliber bullets,
either a .17 or .22 caliber bullet is a good choice. However,
you also need to consider how much power is required to propel
the bullet the distance you will be hunting. If you will be
hunting at closer than 100 yards (91.4 meters), you could select
a .22 Long Range cartridge. If shooting greater distances
consider a .22 Magnum cartridge.
For hunting larger game, use bigger bullets and cartridges with
a greater charge. Medium or large game, consider .24 to .45
caliber, making sure the cartridge is powerful enough to take
down the game you're hunting. Remember, more powerful cartridges
have more recoil force.
Once you select the cartridge for your type of game, you can
choose rifles capable of firing that cartridge, considering the
personal preference for the rifle.
Choosing Rifle Action Type
Most common types are either single shots or repeaters. A single
shot can be fired once before you have to put a new cartridge
into the rifle, while repeating rifle holds several cartridges
at once.
Some hunters prefer single shot rifles, as the appear sleeker
and more elegant in design and have an element of nostalgia,
similar to historical rifles. A single shot rifle puts more
pressure on the hunter, as they must take down game in one shot.
Single shot rifles come in different styles and mechanisms,
including falling block action, rolling block action, break
open, and trapdoor action rifles. Each style, has a different
way of loading and unloading. The one you choose comes down to
personal preference, generally falling block action rifles are
accurate and working well for both left and right handed
hunters.
Repeating rifles also have a variety of actions, including bolt
action, pump-action, lever-action and automatic rifles. Bolt,
pump and lever action rifles require a movement from the hunter
to eject the spent cartridge and load the fresh cartridge into
the chamber. Automatic rifles have a mechanism that does this
without any intervention.
If you are new to hunting, you should stick with a repeating
rifle, although single shot rifles can be elegant and accurate,
they also require more skill and confidence to handle.
Choosing Rifle Material
Rifles are constructed in a variety of materials. The metal is
usually either carbon steel or stainless steel. Carbon steel is
less expensive, however is prone to rusting. Stainless steel
does not rust as easily as carbon steel, however is more
expensive. Care and maintain of your rifle means rust should not
be a problem.
Rifle stocks can be made from a variety of materials including
wood or fibreglass. Different woods can have a different feel
and weight, some like walnut, are more expensive. It is
important to choose a stock that feels comfortable.
Choosing Rifle Weight and Length
You should avoid a rifle that feels to heavy or long to handle,
hunting requires patience, which would be made harder if your
carrying a rifle you are not comfortable with.[/font]
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