About Ed Hale

I am an avid hunter with rifle and Bow and have been hunting for more than 50 years. I have taken big game such as whitetail deer, red deer, elk, moose, buffalo, Russian boar and African Plains game such as Kudu, Gemsbok, Springbok, Blesbok, and Impala and wrote an ebook entitled African Safari -Rifle and Bow and Arrow on how to prepare for a first safari. Ed is a serious cartridge reloader and ballistics student. He has earned two degrees in science and has written hundreds of outdoor article on hunting with both bow and rifle. He lives in New Hampshire with his wife Susan. He is a Patriot Life Member of the NRA.

375 Ruger Reduced Loads and Powder are Here!

Posted on September 5, 2014 by Ed Hale

Here is great news for folks that have rifles for dangerous game or really big game rifles like my .375 Ruger. Now there is a reduced load powder is available from Accurate Powder called 5744 and it has been used in the .375 Ruger with excellent success. See this site for load data.. http://www.chuckhawks.com/reduced_big_bore_loads.htm

product

I had to wildcat my way starting very low with lots of research. Here you can use published data. I just love my finished low power loads in particular because they are very accurate and easy to shoot for deer and black bear size game. I have not tested 5744 powder but will purchase some and write about it in a future article. My reduced loads with two different powders that are 350 fps apart from one another are only 2.5 inches apart at 100 yards. I have stated in other articles, I have killed a 700 lb Bison and a New Hampshire bull Moose with my .375 Ruger in the Ruger African M77 with full power loads. The Bison fell “dead as a door-nail” with one shot that fully exited, taking out heart, lungs and the far shoulder. But full power is not needed for deer, accordingly, I began using reduced charges borrowing starting loads from the .375 H & H and .375 Dakota in several handloading books, again starting with very low charge weights of SR 4759 and working up. I have had no issues at all with my load work-ups grain by grain. Energies are excellent in my finished low power loads and are in the 1700 ft-lb range at 100 yards. When the 235 grain heads are loaded with other powders upwards of 2400 to 2500 fps accuracy at 100 yards for either powder given the 300-400 fps differences are within 2.5 inches of each other at 100 yards. Wow! Such versatility! Plenty for deer and bear at those ranges with Speer’s 235 grain .375 in semi-spitzer which will quickly mushroom and exit with much of its weight intact.

There is a company that makes reduced intermediate load cartridges for the .375 Ruger it is known as Nyati, Inc. and you can find them on the web. See Below.

https://nyatiinc.com/index.php?

route=product/product&manufacturer_id=12&product_id=50

Full Power Testing? The .375 Ruger when fully loaded with 260 grain spitzer’s like the Nosler AccuBond and it has a max point blank range of 300 yards when zeroed at 250 yards with a 4 inch kill zone radius delivering 2750 ft-lbs to big game like Brown Bear, 2000 lb Bison or a Moose. At 400 yards it still delivers over 2000 fps and 2340 ft lbs to your game. I have demonstrate its accuracy at 600 yards with 3 1/4 inch vertical height groups using 260 grain AccuBonds under full power shooting prone position from sand bags. At 100 yards on a good day it shoots 1/2 inch groups. © 2014

Bowhunting NH Deer

Posted on September 3, 2014 by Ed Hale

Perhaps one of the toughest animals to hunt with Bow and Arrow is the Whitetail Deer. Here in New Hampshire it is even harder as the deer population density is lower than in many other states. Deer per square mile ranges from 4/sq mile in the North Country up to more than 20 per square mile along the seacoast. Much of the seacoast land is posted but you can ask permission. All they can say is no! Of course you are hunting in and around homes and woodlots. The deer I show on the cover was taken not far from my home in Plaistow, NH.

The season begins September 15th and Closes December 15th according to NHFG at http://nhfg.net/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_deer.htm

Special Permits are still being taken (see the website above.

I have scouted in the North Country and finding deer sign regularly but here we are talking about 4-7 deer per square mile. The reason to hunt here however is that there are few houses and lots of land. Further, there is a mystery to hunting wild places. Today there is a movement to hunt with ATV’s of all sizes up north. http://www.riderplanet-usa.com/atv/trails/new_hampshire_list.htm

These ATV’s are big kids toys for those that can afford it. A good 4WD vehicle can get you mostly to where these ATV’s go. The big plus for ATV’s is to be able to get your deer out of the woods too.

Back to Bowhunting; Today’s successful Bowhunter’s rely on scouting and knowledge of deer movement patterns and deer densities.

Reading deer sign is still the most sought after skill and is a work in progress as the season progresses toward the rut. The rut here in NH peaks around mid November and begins in September. As each day passes the bucks will gather in small groups in September. Some sparring will begin and in October the bucks increase aggression toward one another knowing that mating season is almost upon them.

By mid October scrapes and tree rubbing are evident and the first doe is in estrous and can be mated. This is perhaps the best time to bow-hunt when the rut is not yet in full swing. Bucks during this time frame are vulnerable because they are eager to mate and come to calls and smells and remain out on the trails during the daylight.

If you are tree-stand hunting your scent is above the ground and chances are better that you will see game that is not spooked by human scent. Most bowhunter’s spend many hours in tree stands so be safe and be harnessed in to prevent falls.

Smell is the most important of all senses that a deer has in its defense. Hearing is second and Seeing is third. So if you don’t smell and have good woods skills, to keep walking sounds to a minimum, your chances increase greatly in seeing game.

I was in my tree stand for just minutes when I called that buck in with a doe bleat call. At 20 yards it was a good shot with a fixed blade Muzzy head.

Today you need to be aware that coyotes can smell blood and body gases from your dead deer so retrieval ASAP is key. New England Coyotes Canis Latrans Var. are one third wolf and are larger than their southern and western cousins and have larger jaws and muscles to eat deer.

For Hunter Education please see NHFG site below.

http://nhfg.net/Hunting/hunter_ed.htm

Scott Brown -Liberal Republican and anti-gun – Bob Smith Conservative and Pro Gun

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Ed Hale

Which would you choose?

Ok, lets say there is a tie vote on the floor of the Senate regarding more restrictions on Semi- Autos and magazine capacity. Who do you want making that call, Scott Brown or Bob Smith?

For the Record we have 20 days left and Scott Brown is a 2 issue candidate for Republicans. Hey Republicans have the Constitution in their talking points but the so called inside Republicans talk little about it. Scott Brown verbalizes little on his 20 Second TV add as to what he is really for but bangs on Senator Jeanne Shaheen on the Border and on ObamaCare.

We know that he, (Brown) has said he is for restricting the use of Semi- Auto firearms and calls them Assault weapons. Scott being in the military knows full well that a semi- auto firearm has been in use in America for sport and home protection since before WW II. So he is lying to those who do not know the difference.

All in all if you want a conservative Democrat in the Republican Party or a very Liberal Republican vote for Scott Brown. On the other hand if you want a Conservative, Constitution believing Republican vote Bob Smith.

Voting for Brown is a vote against the Second Amendment!

Voting for Smith is a vote for the Constitution and the Second Amendment.

Second Amendment Champion Senator Bob Smith confronts Scott Brown

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Ed Hale

Former Senator and NH Republican Candidate Bob Smith is a champion of Liberty, the Constitution and the Second Amendment, and signed a new tax pledges and he says it with gusto! Here he confronts NH Candidate Scott Brown!

Senator Bob Smith Message to Scott Brown(see image below)

“Why won’t you sign the American’s for prosperity pledge?”

Senator Bob Smith and other major candidates have signed this important pledge against raising taxes, spending the Affordable Care Act and for Right-to-Work says the message below from Bob Smith.

Candidate Scott Brown is clear as mud on raising taxes, Right to Work and of Course the Second Amendment. Brown is the inside man for mainstream Republicans and giving all Republicans a black eye, especially conservatives.

Screenshot (33)

Go get’em Senator Smith!

Gun Storage Safety – Update See Al’s Gun and Reel

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Ed Hale

Today responsible firearms owners have a locked Safe to store guns and/or a lockable case where gun access is possible by key or finger print ID and lockable doors that prevent access to children yet when there is an intruder access is possible quickly. I was just up to Al’s Gun and Reel Shop in Derry, NH and very soon they will have Hornady’s RAPiD™ Safe for Pistols (in stock). A great answer to security, safety and access using biometrics. This unit will retail for (Al has not set a price yet) check it out at Al’s in around 1 week. You can reach his shop at 603-432-2708. Tell Al I sent you!

a rapid safe

Also see these reviews on line at http://www.bestbiometricgunsafes.com/review-gunvault-speedvault-svb500-biometric-safe

Gun Safes for Pistols

Gun Safes for Long Rifles

BUT THAT IS NOT ALL!

WE MUST TRAIN OUR CHILDREN WHEN A GUN IS FOUND!

Stop! Don’t Touch! Leave the area! Tell an adult!.

This is the Eddie Eagle training video below for kids.

NRA Eddie Eagle Video

Why Vote for New Hampshire’s Bob Smith for Senate?

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Ed Hale

March 4, 2014 -- Bob Smith Announces Senate Campaign

Friends,

Please take a moment to visit Senator Bob Smiths Website:

http://bobsmithforussenate.com/

First and foremost Senator Bob Smith is a Vietnam Era Veteran. He believes in the Constitution and the Second Amendment that our Founding Fathers created and been steadfast to it during his whole life.

I spent a better part of an hour with the Senator and he is a Ronald Reagan kind of leader. Both the Senator and I are big fans of Reagan and his ability to lead. I found that the Senator communicated with me at my level. I felt quite disarmed and comfortable to speak with him. He is an honest and sincere man as ever and he speaks his mind as Reagan did! I am supporting Bob Smith for Senate and have tickets to the Rochester Concert at the fairgrounds on August 29th. If you email me we can make arrangements to get tickets to you for $20 each. My email is erhale@comcast.net , title it Concert Tickets.

Ed Hale

Bob’s Website says under Veterans and Military

Duty, Honor, Sacrifice, Patriotism, Respect, Love, Admiration

“These are the words that come to mind when I think of American Veterans. My father gave his life in the service of this country during World War II, and my brother and I both served in Vietnam. I understand acutely the sacrifices made by men and women of our armed forces, and their families, every day.”

Illegal Immigration

Illegal Immigration Threatens Our Country, Communities, And Way Of Life

ObamaCare

WE WERE NOT TOLD THE TRUTH BY OUR LEADERS

National Security

“Our country must be able to decisively respond to threats from terrorists and hostile regimes that are now, or will soon be, nuclear powers. America must remain a world leader and role model of economic and political freedom.Those seeking to gain prestige or international standing by misrepresenting our actions and beliefs, through state-sponsored terrorism, or by openly hostile gestures, must be met with fierce resistance, not bowed to.

Let me quote my friend former Speaker Newt Gingrich, “I am a hawk, but I’m a tight hawk.” Maintaining our technological superiority has enabled us to keep relatively low force levels without excessive risks. The economic component of our National Security Strategy is equally indispensable to the military component. The Executive Branch, the Congress and industry must be partners with the services in building force capabilities that are the bridge between our current and future forces. When I chaired the Acquisition Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I worked very hard with my colleagues to be sure that we did not squander the “seed corn” of future weapons that we would need to defend our nation and to provide for our troops.”

These are but a few quotes that are from his Website, Please go there NOW!

Gun Owners of America Endorse NH Senator Bob Smith

Posted on July 25, 2014 by Ed Hale

Smith on 2nd Amendment

If GO America endorses him that is good enough for me!

bob smith concert1

Senator Brown isn’t getting the Live Free or Die stuff! Bob Smith has always got it! See below. I spent a good part of an hour with Senator Smith and he gets it BIG TIME on the Second Amendment.

WHAT PART OF THE LANGUAGE DON’T LIBERALS UNDERSTAND! Here is his Campaign Hat! This one is mine and personally signed by Bob!

Smith Hat

Now how do we win! See and hear the Senator in Rochester, NH and have a great time

bob smith concert

Senator Bob Smith Surging on Brown? – New Hampshire Senate

Posted on July 25, 2014 by Ed Hale

Second Amendment: I asked the National Rifle Association in an email today if they intend to endorse NH Senate Candidates for the September primary. They said that they will provide endorsements and grades about 2 weeks before the primary in order to take all information into account on www.nrapvf.org when you provide your NRA Member ID.

Gun owners of America have endorsed Senator Smith over Brown

Both former Senator Smith and Brown are neck and neck 10 to 12 points behind Shaheen. The fact that Senator Brown has avoided solidifying his Second Amendment position by deferring to his Campaign Chair on Second Amendment issues tells me that he is not being candid with voters.

The fact that Brown is widely endorsed by NH Republicans is perhaps because mainstream Republicans believe he can beat Senator Shaheen more so than any candidate but not because of his Second Amendment stance which still appears clear as mud.

Senator Bob Smith on the other hand appears to be surging. His Campaign is taking over the Rochester NH fairgrounds on August 29th for a huge gala Freedom Concert. Smith’s NRA credentials have been rock solid for years and his website says that in black and white. His candidacy surge means that he is going full tilt and money is arriving. Back a month ago he was looking mighty weak but today? What a difference! See Below!

http://bobsmithforussenate.com/

The .308 and 7mm08 vs 30-06 and .270 – Updated

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Ed Hale

Ok, so you don’t have lots of spare cash like me and you reload. A .308 Winchester or it’s necked down cousin the 7mm08 is a highly efficient cartridge to own for hunting or target. Many of us have opted for their larger bretheren the 30-06 and the necked down version in .270 Winchester. Most did this in their younger days like me and shot a box of 20 rounds with a poor recoil pad. That night and the next day your shoulder was not only bruised but in pain. And when it came time to reload them you brain was calling you names including “stupid” among others. Today with the advent of recoil pads like SVL- Simms Vibration Laboratory and Pachmayr Decelerator the recoil is largely cut by 50% so the only factor that adds to the reason to own a .308 Winchester is efficiency, cost of powder and a shorter bolt throw. The power is there, and plenty of it for hunting big game. Today a pound of Powder is around 30 dollars. A further argument for ownership is accuracy. As cartridges go a full cartridge is, in general, more accurate than a less full one. Lets examine a .308 round with a Hornady 150 grain head using Reloader 15 Powder. It uses 45.4 grains to push the bullet to 2700 fps out of a 22 inch barrel. In order to get the same velocity out of the 30-06 you must use 48.1 grains of powder in a longer barrel too 23.5 inches making it more likely that you will need 48.5 grains or so for the same barrel length. There are 7000 grains per pound thus with the .308 you can load 10 more Cartridges for the same velocity and the accuracy is potentially better and the bolt throw is faster and shorter than the 30-06. What about big game? Well for deer and black bear the .308/7mm08 is fabulous and has a shorter range on Moose but the 30-06 and .270 Winchester steps in as a better selection for Moose providing 300-400 fps more than the .308/7mm08 Winchester option out to 100-150 yards but so what, how often are you going to hunt Moose and African game unless you just love the fat side of medium bore as I do. All said and done, the 308 became the cartridge of choice for our Military in WW II, you can shoot faster per second and pack nearly as much energy as the 06. The M1A rifle in .308 is still highly popular at 1000 yards with open sights as a national match course cartridge. I give the .308 and 7mm08 a way thumbs up for hand loaders. The .308 and 7mm08 are at home with African Plains game short of the Big Five but most take the step up to 30-06 and 300 Win for reasons of safety and to have Enough Gun. I used .338 Win Mag and .270 Winchester as a two gun combo in Africa with my son Jason. I did not need the .338 Win Mag for Dangerous situations. Had I taken a lesser firearm than the .338 then Murphy’s Law would have put me in an untenable situation. The most important thing to remember is that shot placement is everything. © 2014

Ruger American .243 Winchester : Power + Accuracy = Wow

Posted on July 19, 2014 by Ed Hale

Many are aware that I like the Ruger American in .243 Winchester as I tested it and bought it a few years back. See my article on Rifle Tests. I shot it out of the box with Nosler 90g E-Tip deer loads and they shot sub-MOA at 100 yards and retails for under $400 dollars.

Since then I have toyed with 55 grain heads from Nosler and shot MOA groups at velocities in the 3500 fps class making it an outstanding Coyote rifle. But I also wanted a deer rifle with which the 90 grain e-Tip, as great as it is, wasn’t the only bullet that I could shoot. I was aware that with 100 grain heads and a 1 in 10 twist rate is a not so great combo for bullet stability e.g., that bullets could be unstable and even keyhole on the paper. I am here to tell you that I shot several 100 grain bullets with Speer’s Spitzer Boat Tail and every shot was true. I pushed the round with AA 3100 powder and RL 19 and they both shot well at 2500 fps which I think is slow yet adequate for deer out to 150 yards. I pushed the round today to nearly 2700 fps and the cartridge and standard CCI 200 primer did the job in stride and with room to spare. So I will look for the limits on this bullet, powder and rifle combination. Every rifle slightly different, even in the same model. But while I was at it, loading the Speer at 41 grains of AA 3100, I shot a 3 shot group at 50 yards that was basically touching each other. I just shot not knowing the group size and I was pleasantly surprised. See below. One thing you have to remember well is that this rifle cost less than 400 dollars and shoots like a $2000 rifle.

If I were target shooting for score at 600 yards in F class Competition this would be my load. For deer hunting you want power, reach, accuracy to a minute of angle at 100 yards, penetration and mushrooming this combo makes it harder to find that perfect load. But I found one none the less.

This load is perfect out to 200 yards which is most of the shooting on the east coast that most will do unless you are bean field hunting in the Carolina’s, then you will need a big power and accuracy too maybe out to 400 – 600 yards. I hope to write next month about the Nosler 26 as my Nosler friends are trying to get me a rifle and ammo to test.

July 2026

Author Archives: Ed Hale