Dropped rifle cartridges - what do you do?

[Mr. Gain]

A friend, who is quite new to stalking, called me today in a state of concern owing to having lost a live round in long grass while clearing his rifle after a stalk. He had combed the ground where he thought the cartridge had fallen, but without success.

I suggested that he might try to recreate his initial position and posture and eject a second cartridge with similar force, so as to see where that fell, then repeat his search centred on that spot. He tried this, but again without success.

With other matters pressing, he had to leave the ground. The location where he lost the cartridge is not remote, but is nevertheless well away from any footpaths, and off the farmer's beaten track, so it's unlikely it will be found by anyone else, but it's still an obviously sub-optimal situation.

My question to the gentlemen of the SD is, therefore, what do/would you do in similar circumstances?

 

[gixer1]

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[Mr. Gain]

View attachment 408110

Have you used one to find cartridges or cases?

 

[Donkey Basher]

Grass can’t be that long at this time of year, how about taking a grass rake out (one of those fan shaped ones with thin metal tines) & ‘combing’ the area while listening for the metallic contact? Cheaper than buying a metal detector.

 

[calgeo]

Find somebody local with a metal detector. I’ve seen somebody use one to find a round in the same situation.

 

[VSS]

If I really couldn't find it, after a thorough search, I'd stamp all over the area where I dropped it to hopefully bury it in the ground, then forget about it.

(Incidentally, my daughter lost a box of .22lr rounds off the bonnet of the vehicle while rabbit shooting one night. They were found and returned to her a year later, and worked fine!)

 

[Andyquadra]

Try loading with Lapua brass, no case is ever left in the battle field

 

[Triggermortis]

This is what I have in the motor when I’m out shooting, rounds, mags and even car keys have been found with it

Pro-Pointers | Metal Detector Pinpointer and Accessories

Check out our Pro-Pointers at Garrett Metal Detectors! These metal detecting accessories ensure your precise locating and recovery of all kinds of targets.

garrett.com

 

[Chill 123]

Hi Mr Gain
to be honest I personally wouldn't bother too much about it . If your friend cant find it and know its where about location , what chance as a member of the public finding it ?The brass will tarnish in a few days making it even harder for someone to accidentally find .

Chill

 

[Andyquadra]

If I really couldn't find it, after a thorough search, I'd stamp all over the area where I dropped it to hopefully bury it in the ground, then forget about it.

(Incidentally, my daughter lost a box of .22lr rounds off the bonnet of the vehicle while rabbit shooting one night. They were found and returned to her a year later, and worked fine!)

I know someone who unknowingly transported their loaded magazine on the pickup rear bumper for a 45 minute journey home. No. I've never owned a pick up before some says

 

[Nickb]

Wouldn't worry about it, I'm sure it's happened loads of times.
I was stalking in the Scottish Borders a long time ago and found a live 7mm round.

 

[Cyres]

We lost one once in a gateway couldn't find it. Borrowed a metal detector and found it easily. It was almost upright so neigh on impossible to see.
On rare occasions dropped another round and found lost one close to it.
Best to mark exact spot with stick tissue paper or hat and carefully look using a torch. Look from 4 different positions 12 3 6 and 9pm.
Worse is in thick sward of old meadow.
You can try and systemically feel through it with your fingers.
Always happens with ejected Nosler .204 cases never a Hornady.
D

 

[gixer1]

Have you used one to find cartridges or cases?

No reason it wouldn’t work! Brass, copper and lead are all detectable.

 

[gixer1]

Try loading with Lapua brass, no case is ever left in the battle field

Wait until you use Alpha! You’re on your hands and knees wailing and weeping!

 

[gixer1]

Hi Mr Gain
to be honest I personally wouldn't bother too much about it . If your friend cant find it and know its where about location , what chance as a member of the public finding it ?The brass will tarnish in a few days making it even harder for someone to accidentally find .

Chill

The law of sod states that the first child to pass the area will be like a magnet to it…he will then be obliged to take it home to Karen, his over protective mother, who absolutely has to contact the local press to report the terrorist splinter cell in the area….before the BBC pick up the story and tie it to a murder that happened there in 1973….

 

[Bluey]

Grass can’t be that long at this time of year, how about taking a grass rake out (one of those fan shaped ones with thin metal tines) & ‘combing’ the area while listening for the metallic contact? Cheaper than buying a metal detector.

Springbok

 

[Mr. Gain]

Grass can’t be that long at this time of year

You would think, but there's still a lot of tangled dead stuff left.

 

[gixer1]

Could you get a Yorkshireman on scene and tell him there’s “t’free primer in’t grass?”

 

[Norfolk Horn]

Metal detector will find your bullet or bullets, even if it's underwater in a ditch in a plastic magazine.
Let's say I just know.

 

[billy_boyle_2010]

In much the same way that shooters are always keen to help with shooting related tasks/favours- especially for "civilians"- metal detectorists are always keen to help.

Join a few FB groups- someone will gladly volunteer for a bottle of wine.

The only issue is they may well ask the farmer for permission to detect- so you may wish to make it clear this isn't an option at the outset- but you will pay for a successful visit etc etc