Australian Shooter Letters

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December 2011

‘Cute’ animals
As both a keen hunter and fisher, I totally agree with the points made in Bob Green’s ‘Cute animals’ September President’s Message. It seems the PC brigade and government can and do have policy decided by the ‘cute’ or ‘wow factor’ of the animal in question.
Here on the Mid North coast, we have had hypocritical logic and baseless science used by dive operators and organisations set up by the previous government to lock us out of prime fishing spots, Fish Rock and Solitary Islands, in case we disturb the fragile ecosystem of the allegedly endangered grey nurse shark. (The shark is common in other states and around the world.) At the moment, we have strictly enforced exclusion zones around other marine animals that have a bigger wow factor or a better public profile.
At the same time, dive operators are allowed to take thousands of people a year onto the breeding grounds of the shark and invade its personal space, complete with bubble-blowing paparazzi armed with lights and oversized flashes. The same act carried out on whale, fairy penguins or a sea lion could see you hit with a huge fine or even jail time. Why the hypocrisy? Is it because the shark is worth fewer votes or isn’t as pretty or popular as the others? Could, as alluded to in Bob’s article, the survival of one species over another one day be decided by how cute it is?
I suppose if, in the future, the government locks me out of every worthwhile hunting and fishing ground, I can always get another hobby - whale watching, anyone?
Paul Hogan, NSW

Wood ducks in view
On August 14, my partner and I drove to a friend’s place at Anakie, near Geelong, in an effort to set up nesting boxes for the local duck population on several big dams. During the season, my sons and I shot about 15 ducks off the dams, including wood and black duck.
While setting up the nesting boxes, my partner took this photograph, which shows a great view over my ute toward the You Yangs (Little River) with a wood duck in view. The duck circled us twice before landing and got quite close. It was good to be able to put in and create a sustainable environment and give back a little.
Aaron Riches, email

Owen Gun response
I am writing in response to a letter written in the Australian Shooter October 2011 edition by Eric Warren of New South Wales. In my younger days, I had similar experiences to him; when I left school at the age of 16, I joined the Australian Army, doing an apprenticeship for nine years. We did our basic military training and apprenticeship at a camp called Balcombe 1954 on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. Serving our military training, we were taught to use the Owen and Austen, and also the Bren Guns, but not the Thompson Sub-Machine-Gun.
Being a shooter most of my life since 12 years of age, I am still interested in firearms and the history of them. In 2008, I was told of a chap from Cairns at a place called Gordonvale, who wrote a very good book (133 pages) on the history of the Owen Gun. I can recommend this book plus the DVDs that came with it to Eric Warren. Copies are available from Clive Morton, PO Box 166, Gordonvale, Qld 4865 or hmorton@tpg.com.au
Les Sherrin, Qld
Editor’s Note: Our regular contributor and Basic Ballistics columnist Ian Thompson reviewed Clive Morton’s book The Evo Owen Story (about the Owen Gun) in the March 2008 edition of Australian Shooter.

November 2011

A first rifle
My parents have just bought for me my first rifle, which is a Miroku .22 lever-action. In the photo is me with my first ever rabbit with this rifle. I only started shooting about six months ago and I am really enjoying it. I am a member of the SSAA and I am improving every time I shoot!
Benn Camm, via email

Thank you to helpful staff
Thank you so much to Alison Slodki at the SSAA Media & Publications office for the copies of two articles which you sent me yesterday; both have been downloaded and studied avidly. I am predominantly a target shooter, but have been invited on a hunting trip by some blokes who really know what they are doing and I don’t want to be the one to let the team down. So hence my need for the articles.
I have been a member of the SSAA for 24 years. I regularly read the magazine and have gone along from time to time to the Association’s two ranges here in Melbourne. I have never had to seek anything in particular from the Association; my recent phone call to you was the first time in those years that I have asked for anything special.
I must say that it was a heartening experience. I reckon that your courteous, cheerful and efficient response was outstanding and deserving of my very real gratitude. My thanks are due to you personally and to the SSAA generally for the excellent service to members demonstrated by their helpful response.
John Edwards, via email

Well done, James!
A big pat on the back for James Adams for his article on hares in The Junior Shooter Issue 8. I only wish there was The Junior Shooter around when I was a kid! My first hunt was on a hare, shot at 27m with a Diana air rifle and I was chuffed at 12 years of age.
Get out there and get those ferals, kids!
Dave Lobegeier, Qld

The super-fly .30-06
Hi Australian Shooter. My name is Cory and a while back while at our rifle range, I took this photo of a .30-06 cartridge with a fly on top. My dad has been asking me for ages now to send it to you guys. Maybe you can use it in the Shooter magazine? I think this photo shows what is like being a shooter in such a country as Australia, which is full of flies and insects, even on the rifle range!
Cory Baker, WA

The .416 Rigby cartridge
Compliments to Damien Edwards for a well-researched and written article on the.416 Rigby (August 2011 Australian Shooter). The .416 and .275 Rigbys were to Africa, what Holland’s .375 Magnum and .318 W Richards were to India, notwithstanding the .275 Rigby being Jim Corbett’s favourite mountain rifle for tigers and panthers.
I understand that .404 Jeffery was routinely issued to game wardens on both continents, as a working magazine rifle. The Maharajas and Nawabs in India, being the wealthy customers, had a wide range of double rifles from some of the best gunmakers in England. Many of these beautiful rifles started their journey in England and have come to Australia via Africa and India, like many of us who now live in Australia. However, these are now Australian guns and their provenance makes them even more relevant to this segment of Australian history. I am certainly trying to convey this message to my grandchildren!
Jogesh Dhanda, NSW

October 2011

Chicago Typewriter response
My copy of the July Australian Shooter arrived yesterday and of course, I looked through it as soon as possible. I was very pleased to find the article ‘The Chicago Typewriter’ by Royce Wilson because as a national service recruit to the RAAF during the early 1950s, I qualified on the Thompson Submachine Gun.
The RAAF had done something clever with its national servicemen. They reasoned that most of the recruits they would like to get would be already receiving training in their civilian occupations in areas applicable to the RAAF’s needs. So they set up a scheme where such young men, instead of being RAAF trainees doing a six-month training and so having their civilian training messed up, could be brought into the RAAF in two periods of three months each during December to February, when most would be on vacation. As a radio technician-in-training in the Department of Civil Aviation, I obviously was of interest to them! This was not only to the RAAF’s advantage, but it suited me nicely also.
I grew up on a farm, where I had been taught at an early age to shoot rabbits and other vermin. I had moved to Sydney for training/employment and had become a member of a military rifle club shooting regularly on the old Anzac range at Holdsworthy, as well as doing a little hunting where possible. So being handed a Lee-Enfield, a handful of cartridges and being marched off to a rifle range made for something very like a holiday! Of course, there were other less enjoyable activities - drills, lectures and suchlike - but these were bearable, given the opportunities for shooting.
In due course, we were introduced to the Thompson. We were told that the RAAF was equipped with these sub-machine-guns because they were comparatively heavy and so were less suitable for the other services. The doctrine was that the RAAF should be able to defend its own bases, but not have to fight on the ground at any distance from their bases, whereas the Army had to carry its equipment and arms over long distances.
I found firing the Thompson to be interesting, but not easy owing to their weight. Obviously, they would be very useful in close fighting, but given a choice, I would stick to the rifle. I believe the Thompsons we trained with were the M1928A1, possibly including one pictured in the article, seeing that I did my national service at the Amberley RAAF base in Queensland.
The subject article refers in passing to the other sub-machine-guns used by the Australian Army - the Owen and Austen. I have found it difficult to get reliable information on these firearms. American publications usually approve of the Owen, whereas the English publications rubbish it. I would like to read an article by an Australian expert on these two firearms.
Thank you for the excellent job you do in producing the Australian Shooter.
Eric Warren, NSW

My first rabbit
My name is Luke Ascher and I’m 12 years old. I have just got my junior licence and went hunting on my uncle’s farm for rabbits with my uncle, cousin and pop. I have sent a photo of my first rabbit I shot with a .22. My pop showed me how to skin it. We cooked it in a casserole and ate it for lunch on Sunday. I can’t wait to go shooting there again and will practice my aiming at the SSAA range near my house.
Luke Ascher, NSW

Fan of round-nose bullets
I just wanted to drop you a quick line to let you know how very much I enjoyed Australian Hunter issue 37. The article on round-nosed bullets by Damien Edwards was first-rate. I am a fan of round-nosed bullets too, but you just simply never read anything about them. I hope that a lot of your readership got something useful out of that most informative article.
Peter Henderson, via email

September 2011

Don’t give up!
I have not been shooting for long, but have been making regular trips to the range, hunting feral animals and have recently taken up clay target shooting.
Even before I received my licence, my goal has been to make a dent in the local fox population. Unfortunately, they are a big problem in the area and I know the farmers are keen to have them culled as often as possible. For a long time (longer than I care to admit!), I have been trying to shoot one of these crafty pests, but have met with limited success. While I had seen them, I had never managed to actually bag one.
To cut a long story short, I am happy to inform you that I managed to recently shoot my first fox. While it is only one (at the moment), I hope that my continued efforts will help assist those affected by this menace. To all those who have yet to bag a fox, don’t give up!
On a side note, I was lucky enough to attend the SSAA SHOT Expo recently held in Melbourne. May I say it was a very good event, with big crowds, helpful staff and good bargains to be had. In particular, the gundog demonstrations were a real highlight and a great source of entertainment and education for many. Thank you SSAA and Peter for making it a great day.
Steve Opie, Vic

July Around the Campfire response
I was perusing Warren McKay’s column from the July 2011 Australian Shooter over lunch today and found much there that resonated with me, particularly the bit about having trouble recalling things at times.
They usually come back to me after an hour or so of teasing my way through the memory banks and I have rationalised this phenomenon thus: As we grow older, we cram more and more memories and information into the finite space available for recall. It is logical, therefore, that the more we put in there, the longer it is going to take to find the snippet we seek to recall.
Modern medicine has yet to find a way to plug in an extra card with a couple of hundred more gigabytes of RAM, as can be done with any old computer, so we must resign ourselves to the fact that recall will sometimes take a bit longer. Usually, it’s worth the wait.
I was piqued by Warren’s hesitation to use the word ‘trophy’ in the context he was discussing and asked myself ‘What is a trophy?’ The answer came back to me that a trophy was essentially a memento of an incident or event in which one had taken part or had observed.
Still curious, I checked the Macquarie Dictionary to find that a trophy is variously described as “A token or evidence of victory, courage or skill; something taken in war, hunting, etc as a memento or souvenir; spoil or a prize.”
To my mind, most of these are accurately descriptive of the sorts of things to which he alluded. For mine, I will never have any hesitation again about referring to such memorabilia as trophies. It is, by definition, a perfectly legitimate and appropriate description and one of which we should never be ashamed!
Keep up the great work on the SSAA’s publications.
Keith Falk, NSW

Appreciating old rifles and guns
I enjoyed Al Horne’s article on restoring a muzzleloading rifle that had been converted into a shotgun (June Australian Shooter). It is always good to see someone appreciating and still using these old rifles and guns.
However, it fills me with grief to see a piece of Australian heritage like this P53 Enfield rifle that has been butchered in a misguided effort to increase its saleability. I’m too young to have known gunsmith Ray Cully and I have to forgive him for doing what I assume was regarded as acceptable back in the 1950s by converting this rifle. But if he had known that, 60 years later, what he did has reduced a rifle that would have been worth up to $2000 in its original configuration to $200, if lucky, he might have decided against it.
Nic Greguric, SA

August 2011

All-terrain wheelchair
I work for a company called Magic Mobility. We build power wheelchairs for individual needs.
An order came from overseas for an all-terrain all-wheel drive wheelchair, with a special custom camouflage cowl. The chair was built to suit the customer’s needs, then sent away. The unusual final touches were added by the owner in South Africa.
I believe other members will enjoy these photos.
Kevin Brownless, Vic

Counter the lies and mistakes
As an 80-year-old, I lived through the Second World War and have very vivid memories of that period. I have long been a student of military and political history and can recommend the writings of an American journalist, William L Shirer, in his classic tome, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. The Nazis had, as propaganda minister, a nasty little weasel named Dr Josef Goebbels. Having just read the ASJ insert in my June copy of Australian Shooter, I am prompted to offer my following comments in relation to the duck wounding ‘statistics’, which I hope you might find constructive.
One of Goebbels’ practices was, with Hitler’s endorsement, to exaggerate his point of view. It’s a well-accepted axiom that, in war (and in political circles), truth is often the first casualty. Goebbels believed that small lies would be seen as such by the general public, but whoppers were more likely to be accepted, as the public would not imagine the perpetrator would be so bold. Believe me, these tactics worked, and not only for the Nazis.
During WWII, when the Allies were island-hopping across the Pacific towards Japan, they were focusing on the Japanese-populated island of Okinawa. Capture of this strategic island would provide airfields within bombing range of the Japanese homelands. In order to provide an incentive for the civilian population to resist the imminent American invasion of Okinawa, the community was told that the Americans were cannibals who would eat them and their families. Consequently, history records (and I have seen film footage on TV) that thousands of Japanese civilians chose to end their lives by jumping to their deaths from the island’s high cliffs, often clutching their children to their bodies as they did so.
Closer to home, and more recently, we have memories of the 1996 gun buy-back scheme and currently, we are being flooded with the catchcry of ‘Great Big New Tax’, with no detail to support the Opposition’s scare campaign.
Unless countered widely, it is easy to see how the media can be influenced to run with exaggerated claims by some few extremist animal activists or tree-hugging politicians. Blood and guts sells newspapers, and all reporters are always hoping for a ‘scoop’.
There’s an old adage that if we don’t learn from history, we are condemned to make the same mistakes all over again.
Vic Cristofani, ACT

A good shot
I was on a hunting trip with a friend of mine in May this year near Cobar in New South Wales when we came across a sow. We stopped our quad bikes short of a dam and walked in through the scrub. As we came up to the dam, we saw the sow on top of the ridge, so I lined it up with my Remington .223. It was a good shot and she dropped straightaway. I thought I’d send a photo in to share with everyone.
Nathan Coles, Vic

July 2011

Eagle Park Youth Training Scheme
I am a long-time member (since age 13) of the SSAA and remain a very occasional shooter, mostly in the field and rarely the range. In April, I took my kids (12 and 13 years old) to the Youth Training Scheme day at Eagle Park at Little River, Victoria, because they have come of age and I wanted them to experience the shooting experience in a controlled range environment. I was not disappointed with the day, to say the least.
Upon arriving at the range, we were met by instructors Dean and Jack, who guided us down to the shooting area. The day commenced with a safety refresher talk for all participants, then the new starters were taken aside for some intensive safety and range protocol induction. As an ex-serviceman and practising OH&S professional, I was very impressed with the quality of instruction provided and the subsequent supervision and coaching that followed during ‘live fire’ on the range.
All in all, several great things happened on that day. My kids learned about respect for and use of firearms in a controlled and friendly, competitive environment. They had a ball and visibly took pride, ownership and growth in the responsibility that had been placed in them. My kids have now been introduced into a multi-faceted sport in which they can pursue multiple disciplines throughout their lives if they choose and to any level. I am now expanding my personal SSAA membership to ‘family’ status and look forward to spending many future weekends at the range with the kids. My wife was first (secretly) pleased to ‘get rid’ of us all for an afternoon, but she’s now interested to come along next time!
I urge all members who have a son, daughter, niece or nephew that are ‘at risk’ of becoming computer age couch-potatoes to get them down to the local YTS. They won’t look back! Thanks SSAA and Jack and Dean. We’ll see you next session.
Barry Dunn, via email

A monster pig
My mate Warren and I took this pig near Stanthorpe, Queensland, with a .25-06. The pig’s estimated at 150kg plus, with 2.5" tusks.
Ross Brown, via email

Bug wars
Peter Bindon was spot-on in regards to biting annoyances in the bush (June Australian Shooter). In my part of the world, we get hits from mozzies and midges at the rate of about 60 per minute. I discovered DEET in the 1960s when it first appeared as Muskol. On behalf of the importer, Tom Betherum, a chemical engineer, I tested the stuff in the Gulf Country and the Top End in various applications and found that 80 per cent DEET was required to be effective.
Tom experimented with DEET when he moved to Cairns and founded Bushman Repellent (www.bushman-repellent.com). DEET was unjustly given a bad name because it has a chemical reaction with some vinyls. The armour cladding of scopes, field glasses and cameras is damaged by it, but some sunscreens also do this. But, contrary to the belief, DEET does not harm fishing lines.
Some people have skin problems with repellents, make-up and sunscreen creams. Use DEET products with care on babies and small children. After 40-odd years of use, my skin has not been harmed by DEET - but my health has suffered from Ross River fever!
Peter mentions odours, but Bushman repellent does not alarm game, as its smell fades quickly. I have stalked wild dog, buffalo, deer, scrub bull and other wildlife within touching reach while wearing it. Many armed forces of the world use Bushman, including the Australian Army. You don’t want odours in jungle warfare.
The best and lasting repellents are wipe-on gels. Only a thumbnail dab is needed to cover legs, arms and lower face. Never apply insect and sunscreen above the eyes, as it will wash into them when sweating.
Dick Eussen, Qld

Thank you to helpful readers
I do thank you all for all the information via emails that has been coming to help me on my air rifle [Help with identifying air rifle, May Australian Shooter]. I would like to thank all who have responded to my letter, as it’s a very big help.
I have since been in contact with one reader, who has a very similar looking one to mine. Their model is a Telly 200. Take the image of mine and it looks exactly the same, but in a different calibre .22 air rifle; mine is a .177.
Thank you again for all the help.
Joseph Cooke, via email

June 2011

M1 Carbine response
It is so good to read articles on interesting items and events, and the March issue of the Australian Shooter magazine has just that, especially the article on the M1 Carbine. For anyone who has been lucky enough to have a copy of the movie that is mentioned, Carbine Williams, originally made in black and white, they should really treasure it, as it is one of the rarest films ever made and because of the true events related to it. It is one of the only black and white movies that was colorised and strangely enough, it is not listed in any of the film credits of James Stewart, which is one of the main reasons it is so rare. Excellent article SSAA!
Garry Gibbons, via email

Thanks from Timor Leste
Just a short note to say thanks for the monthly delivery of Australian Shooter to us overseas; it’s always a welcome read. I am a keen hunter/shooter and member of the SSAA since 1997. I have been on deployment for the past few months with the Australian Army (ISF) in Timor Leste.
My wife, who is also a SSAA member, my children and myself are all looking forward to resuming our hunting trips when I return home.
Thanks for your continued support.
Pte Chris Redlich, Timor Leste

Winchester-SSAA ammo
I am writing to see if anyone would remember seeing this ammo from Winchester labelled ‘SSAA Field/Match/Club Special’. I found the empty boxes on display at Wizz Bang Firearms at Sorell in Tasmania and wondered when it was made and sold. I have never seen it before and just wondered.
Robert Barnett, Tas
Editor’s note: The ammunition was a special once-off product run in August and September 2003. They were produced by Winchester Australia in conjunction with the SSAA and were offered in .22LR SSAABR (Blue Ribbon), SSAACS (Club Special) and SSAAHP (Hollow Point).

Big ‘bunny rabbit’ hunting
After reading Simon Rossic’s letter in the February 2011 edition of the Australian Shooter about father and son relationships regarding shooting trips, skills and attitudes, I was tempted to tell this story.
It was about 42 years ago. A mate of mine and I had sons about the same age, five or six years old, and we decided to introduce them to rabbit shooting and some of the safety procedures concerned. I arranged with a property owner to stay in his hayshed and shoot rabbits on his property.
The first night was very successful and we all had a great time. When we shot a rabbit, the boys would run out and put it in a sugar bag, accompanied with great excitement. Then later that night, we all bedded down on the hay bales.
The next morning, I woke up and the troops were still asleep, so I got in the trusty old Vee-Dub and drove up the bush. I got out and walked a bit, then two Eastern greys came over the rise; I dropped them both and returned to the camp. After a quick breakfast, we drove back up the bush to where I shot the roos. The boys got out and my young bloke grabbed one of the roos by the tail and said “Gee, thanks Dad!” to which I replied, “What for, Andrew?” and he said, “For shooting such big bunny rabbits.” We all had a great time together and I could not agree more with Simon Rossic’s letter. Cheers Simon!
Ron Guttormsen, Qld

Take them along too
I have been shooting and hunting for 65 of my 77 years, but I have never received such excitement, pleasure and satisfaction as when I recently took my young grandson Dylan to South West Queensland for hunting. The accompanying photo of a large feral tom cat that fell to the little Brno .22 says it all!
The trip was low-key, with emphasis on safety and education - not on numbers shot - relating to all aspects of hunting. Going by Dylan’s actions, it won’t be long before we go again.
All you hunters out there should share your passion and pleasure with your children or grandchildren by taking them along. Their reaction will reward you for years.
Kev Silcock, Qld

A happy prize winner
I would just like to say a big thank you for the Australian Big Cats book I won in the Australian Shooter December 2010 issue. I am looking forward to reading it.
My children were excited when they saw it and then saw my name in the magazine. I will be entering all the competitions again. Keep up the great work!
Melissa Jaillet, Qld

May 2011

Pass on the knowledge response
I was very impressed by the column written by Warren McKay in the February Australian Shooter - very informative indeed.
The advice given in the column in regards to using the correct projectile for the game pursued for a humane kill was excellent. So much so, it should be included as information when novices go for their licence as a safety awareness course. Using the correct type of projectile for the calibre of choice for the appropriate game hunted would minimise failure in the field.
Brian Walker, NSW

Pink and blue bunnies
I have just read the Letters section in your February magazine, specifically a letter titled ‘A first rabbit’. It made me think of my family.
I have two young children, aged six and four. About two years ago, when my eldest was only four and a half, we bought a small property in northern New South Wales. At the time, she had a small stuffed rabbit, which was grey, pink and blue. We used to go out rabbit shooting and she used to get upset, asking me not to shoot them.
After much discussion (with a four-year-old) about rabbits being a pest, we both agreed that I was allowed to shoot brown rabbits, but not allowed to shoot pink or blue ones. On that note, she never asked why she never saw pink or blue ones.
Anyway, I thought I would share that little story with you.
Chris Pieterse, NSW

Good service, good news
I would like to share an excellent customer service story with you. I was out hunting recently when one of the screws on my sling went amiss and I had to remove the sling from the gun.
I had purchased two identical slings a couple of years ago, so when I got home, I sent the supplier (Steve Reed from Dingo Gun Products in Victoria) an email asking where I could purchase a replacement screw and a couple of spares. Within a week of sending my email, I was surprised to find a package from the supplier, with six new screws enclosed at no cost to myself! Needless to say, I will be fitting all of my new firearms with this supplier’s slings.
Russell Healy, Vic

Help with identifying air rifle
Can you please help with the name of the maker of my air rifle that my late father bought me in 1969? I need some parts for mine. The only way of identifying it is from the ‘Model 69RB’ stamped on the air rifle and the serial number.
I did have a search online to see if there is a mention of this particular air rifle and there seems to be nothing available on it. Is it possible that someone who has one of these old air rifles may know the maker of this air rifle?
Joseph Cooke, via email

A proud husband
“Yes, okay” was my wife’s eventual reply with a hint of irritation after I had been trying for a while to convince her to go hunting with me on our first trip back to our once home country of South Africa. I had this ‘dream’ of us hunting together as a hobby and of course at this stage, I had enough excitement for the both of us.
On the big day, I thought it a good strategy to let her have a practice run on a +/- 100m target so as to give her an idea as to what to expect as this would be a far cry from her once or twice target shooting practice at school. To my surprise, she hit the target bullseye! Gobsmacked, but impressed, I thought of the saying ‘beginner’s luck’ and kept in mind the adrenalin rush that would surely hit when the blesbok is standing in front of her.
Proud of herself, and with me quite impressed, we entered the field for the real deal. Squealing about twigs scratching and poking her and with a neck ache from lying on the ground with gun in hand, the first and final shot went off. Anticipating a flesh wound, I immediately raced off ready to finish off the animal, but it was not needed. There, on the exact spot the blesbok was targeted, it dropped straight down with one single shot, dead.
Impressed and proud, but yes, also quite embarrassed for doubting her ability, I now see her in a different light - she’s not quite the beginner I thought she was. I guess the target practices at school did pay off after all!
Here she is with the blesbok she shot with a single shot on her first ever hunting trip.
Quentin Fick, NSW

April 2011

October Reloading response
I read Barry Wilmot’s column from the October issue with great interest and thought I might have something to add.
For my Tikka T3 in 6.5x55-calibre, I thought I ought to feed it the best I could, so I ordered 400 Lapua virgin cases. The first thing I did was to prepare them for use. My press is a Dillon 550, not a cheapy, so imagine my surprise when more than 40 from three of the four boxes would not go into the shellplate holder! Bear in mind, the plate covers 6.5, .308 and .30-06 calibres. While the groove diameter of the 6.5 is the largest of the three, it did show a lack of machining consistency.
I was told “We have never heard of this before. No-one else has complained.” Three boxes were changed, but no change, and again, I was left to polish out the shellplate and grin and bear it.
This was brought back to me when recently, by mistake, I length-trimmed the 6.5s with the .308 holder. Some went in; some did not. This shows too much of a variation to be happy with.
The message here is hope the inside volumes are equal and don’t discard cases based on weight. With this same brand of brass, I get a lot of primers that will not seat fully, so I’ve had to cut all the pockets to a constant known depth. While I’m at it, I chamfer the edge of the primer pocket to assist in seating, the way Remingtons come as standard.
We frequently hear ‘You get what you pay for’, but I’m afraid not always.
Alec Whitelaw, via email

An admiration for Winchester firearms
I read with great enthusiasm the article in your December edition by Damien Edwards on the history of Oliver Winchester. I can’t recall ever reading a better or more thorough article on the subject. From 1965 until my retirement in 2005, I was a professor of English Literature and some of my masters students couldn’t have articulated more concisely. This was a wonderful article on a highly interesting subject, written, quite obviously, by a man with a profound understanding of and deep admiration for Winchester firearms.
Glen Jackson, via email

Thinking of buying a gun?
Experience and service in the industry are two factors you should seriously consider before deciding on the vendor. Recently, I was in the market for a new .22LR, but having been brought up on shotguns, I needed more information.
I decided to visit my local gunshop (The Adelaide Gun Shop) to have a chat about my requirements. I first spoke with Allen, who discussed some options with me. He was knowledgeable and helpful, and didn’t rush me. You don’t rush into a marriage, so why be rushed into choosing a gun that will be a big part of your life for a very long time? I was given some literature to read and digest. This inspired me to also do some further research. Days later, I returned to the shop and placed an order for a Weatherby Mk XXII .22LR.
When the rifle arrived, I was given a call and went in to discuss some scope options with Allen’s colleague, Ian. After discussing some options and been given the opportunity to view the scopes, I decided on a Leupold VX 2-7x33. Ian fitted and boresighted the scope for me.
Once the necessary state regulation paperwork came through, I picked up the new tools. Ian gave me a few boxes of ammo and suggested I sight in the rifle with some Lapua Match Plus - a good choice, Ian!
I just happened to be going away the next day, which gave me the ideal opportunity to sight the rifle in. Once I had achieved this, the rifle shot consistent five-shot groups of less than 0.5" at 55 yards.
It was now time to start work. I set up on a very active rabbit warren at about 50 yards. I head shot eight rabbits in less than an hour!
Now, for the moral of the story - a bad tradesman always blames his tools. So, when you want a tool to do the job properly, visit the right tradesman’s shop, get sound advice, buy the right tools and reduce your workloads. Good hunting!
Gino Ierace, SA

March 2011

A nice billy down
I was on a hunting trip with my brother-in-law on November 19 last year in Albert State Forest when we came across a little mob of goats. There was a nanny, two kids and a big billy. After a short time following them through the scrub, we saw they had stopped, so I lined the billy up with my Stevens .223 rifle. It was a nice shot and he dropped straightaway, so I thought I’d send a photo in for everyone to see. Thanks.
Michael Collison, NSW

.303 British Service cartridges response
I refer to the information and interesting column by Barry Wilmot in the December issue of the Australian Shooter concerning the ubiquitous .303 Mk VII. Some 30 years ago, I was called as an expert witness in a court case to rebut evidence given by a police witness that all military ammunition is vastly different from that designed for sporting use. I testified that in 1909, the firm of Westley Richards was paid the sum of £1000 sterling for the use by the British Government of the patented 174-grain VElopex projectile designed specifically for use on ‘pot’ game on the African savannah. With an internal aluminium nose cap ahead of a lead core, that round was designed to tip on impact, imparting a wound, which facilitated the tracking of a wounded animal.
The British Government estimated that a wounded soldier required 17 personnel to care for him, whereas only a few were needed to bury the dead. It was a clever stratagem to counter the inequality of the British as against the continental armies, and it was so effective that the system continued on into WWII.
Further information could be obtained from Phillip B Sharpe’s monumental tome on reloading.
John Doherty, Qld

Shooters are conservationists
I wanted to share this photo with readers of the magazine. I took it at the Coffs Harbour Clay Target Club in the bush, where we shoot Sporting Clays. The roos take no notice of us shooting; in fact, we have approximately 100 at the range on any given day, and also six little wallabies. Who says shooters aren’t conservationists!
Barry Dray, via email

Keep up the good work!
I have returned to shooting after 35 years. As a researcher, I am not normally moved to superlatives. Having said that, your journal is excellent. Your articles transport me back to when I was a teenager purchasing a Brno .22 in Woolworths in the late 1970s. I have evolved Buddhaesque after all these years, so I shoot targets, and I still love reading about loading and the various gadgets. Keep up the good work!
Phil Shields, via email

February 2011

Keeping the sport alive
It is not an easy task being a parent these days, especially being a dad. We tend to get a lot of negative press pertaining to our lack of commitment and time spent with our children.
I am thankful that my dad introduced me to this sport and while my methods may vary a little to his, I’m sure my son will also look back when he’s older and appreciate the skills learned and attitudes acquired in relation to sport shooting.
So, to all the dads out there, make the time and never miss an opportunity.
Simon Rossic, Qld

Old bullets are .450 Tranters
In regard to the pistol rounds in the November Australian Shooter, I believe they are for the 1868 .450 Tranter, which I have in my collection. I base my knowledge on this because of the small thin rim of these rounds. I have six of these that fit the Tranter. They will also fit a .455 Webley, but the Webley rounds will not fit the Tranter.
David Devine, Qld

Thanks for November Youth in Focus
Thank you so much for writing the article on my son, Matt (Youth in Focus, November Australian Shooter). He got such a surprise when he was reading the magazine that he had to look twice! Your article impressed all at our pistol club also. Matt is very proud of it and I’m sure it’s something he will keep forever. Thanks!
Narelle Latta, email

A first rabbit
I have only been a member for a year now, but I love the magazine and love to read the letters from other members and look at their photos. A letter in the December issue from Tom White, NSW, made me think life is too short, so spend as much time as you can with your family! When my daughter is old enough, I’ll send those kinds of photos too. The accompanying photo is of my son Riley, 3, and me on a recent trip to Victoria. Riley is holding the first rabbit he has ever seen. He spotted it aout 100 yards off and loved following me through the fields.
Bradley Hope, via email

Big cats response
I read with some interest the recent article on Australian big cats by Rebecca Lang (December Australian Shooter). As a bowhunter and a researcher on the US Military in Australia in WWII, this subject has come up from time to time. At one time, I came across a reference to American pilots of the 35th Fighter Group (not Fighter Squadron) having both puma and panther cubs in their possession while based at Bacchus Marsh in Victoria for training in early 1942. Upon completion of their training, the unit was moved directly to NG and the cubs were released into the nearby bushland around Bacchus Marsh.
I understand that these types of cats only live 10 to 15 years, so it’s highly unlikely that they bred up in numbers, indeed, if they bred at all. The unit was only here for a short period and they only had a couple of animals with them, brought here because they were obtainable in the USA and were the emblems of the three squadrons that made up the group. These animals are probably the basis for the so-called ‘urban myths’ of WWII of the US Military leaving mascots behind.
A friend of mine, who lives at Deepwater, New South Wales, has a domestic-size cat, but it is jet black, and in appearance, configuration and conformation, it looks like a miniature panther, from its bulky head with small, pointed ears, to its unnaturally long, curling tail. I’m always intrigued why the main color of these big cat sightings is black - this is not a common color in the cat world and if they are evolving from a domestic feral cat, then why are they never tabby, ginger, white or blue? Intriguing.
John Daly, Qld