Process to use Target Shooting Rifle for Deer Stalking

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Sampo

Sampo

Well-Known Member
My current FAC is closed with the words clearly allowing me to use the rifles only for 'target shooting'. What would be the process if I were to have the .308 allowed for deer stalking? Does a variation requesting for the change allow me to get just one firearm opened or do I need to apply for a second slot to purchase a new rifle? Also do you need expanding ammo when you go stalking or would the FMJ be just fine? I am worried that the FMJ might go right through the animal without the intended effect.

Also are there any recommendations on what a good stalking rifle would be and what features one should look out for? Is moderators essential or good to have? Also what ammo (make/ load etc) does everyone use/ prefer?

Sorry if this is a repeat question and if there are other threads where this has been discussed, happy to be pointed in the right direction.
 
Here's my punt on this:

.308 is good for stalking. The rifle should have a carrying-sling fitted, and be neither too heavy nor too long for ease of handling and carrrying in the field, and if it's a bolt-action one would expect it to have a magazine. The 'scope should not have too high a minimum magnification (not higher than 6 or 10, perhaps?) and the reticle should be clearly visible in poor light against a deer-coloured object. If iron sights, these likewise should be suitable for field use - not TR sights, for example.

If you wish the FLD to condition the rifle for deer, then they'll probably want you to show that you've got somewhere to stalk. If you're planning go go stalking on your own, they'll want to know where and will ask for proof of your permission to do so. They might additionally be interested to know if you've ever been out as an observer on a stalk i.e. whether you've had a chance to see field rifle-handling in practice. If going out on a guided stalk (which might make them happier if your a novice) they might want proof of the booking.
They'll hopefully also be interested to know that you're aware of safety considerations which apply when using a rifle in the field, as opposed to on a range. They are in principle the same, of course - but on the range a lot of it is taken care of for you by the layout and the RO.

My view is that a moderator is a good thing, but by no means essential.

Ammuniton preference if not handloading will, among the deer-legal loads, be down almost as much to the rifle as the rifleman. For .308, I'd start with a few boxes of different standard 150gr or so pointed softpoints and see what it shoots best.

The above is a just a brief summary, of course...
I'm interested to see what others think!
 
I think Dalua has covered all the main points, it would be interesting to know what your current target .308 is in order to make further comment. If you've got other deer legal calibres then there would be no harm in getting them conditioned for deer. Are you likely to get land permission or buy stalking days?
 
Tell them ( your FLO)you intend to start up stalking and then book a few days out with some out fit try on that Malcom off here he is one of the moderators a request from to pm you vie admin page if you wish, and you can't go far wrong with the information on how to go forward from here, FMJ no it has to expand but was ok in yesteryear .as per a Sound mod you can have one now under H&S to save your hearing and others on the range . as above 150 gr sp ammo is fine for anything in the uk imo, good luck enjoy the sport we call stalking :tiphat:
Good Reason is what there looking for at this point.
 
malmick said:
I think Dalua has covered all the main points, it would be interesting to know what your current target .308 is in order to make further comment. If you've got other deer legal calibres then there would be no harm in getting them conditioned for deer. Are you likely to get land permission or buy stalking days?
Click to expand...
Was thinking of a Ruger American 308 (Ruger American Rifle .308 Rifle | New Guns for Sale | guntrader) I am yet to get it as I have been using mostly .308 target rifles at the range, which I think is way too heavy for field use and doubt if one would be shooting deer at anything over 100-150 yards. (just my understanding). Having booked in my DSC1 for early December, I am hoping to get started with buying some stalking days before I think of attempting it alone.
 
paul o' said:
Tell them ( your FLO)you intend to start up stalking and then book a few days out with some out fit try on that Malcom off here he is one of the moderators a request from to pm you vie admin page if you wish, and you can't go far wrong with the information on how to go forward from here, FMJ no it has to expand but was ok in yesteryear .as per a Sound mod you can have one now under H&S to save your hearing and others on the range . as above 150 gr sp ammo is fine for anything in the uk imo, good luck enjoy the sport we call stalking :tiphat:
Good Reason is what there looking for at this point.
Click to expand...
Do you need a separate entry on your FAC for sp ammo or can you buy it under the allotted .308 rounds?
 
At various times I hae had all, or just some, of the rifles held on my FAC since 1976 authorised for "target shooting" alone, for "deer stalking" alone or for BOTH. When I was in the HBSA they ran competitions for stalking rifles so in order to compete legally these had also to have authority for "target shooting" as well as for "deer stalking". So at one time I had a .280 Ross "1905 Highland Stalking Model" so authorised. Then at another time I had the .303 SMLE held then for "target shooting" authorised to be used also for "deer stalking".

In essence as long as you can carry it and as long as you can shoot it to the accuracy required to shoot deer then, yes, you could use a rifle listed as for "target shooting" with a suitable authority on your FAC for shooting deer. However nowadays unless it is your own land most estates would frown on anything that doesn't at least conform to a vague resemblance to the idea of a stalking rifle and that isn't equipped with a suitable telescopic sight.

As to ammunition, yes, the law throughout the UK requires that the bullet be expanding. But at least the nonsense of this ammunition being classed as s5 has been done away with. As others have said a 150 grain expanding bullet in a good, accurate, .308 Winchester chambered rifle will do the job fine on any UK deer species out to 200 yards.
 
Your need exp on your cert ,all my rifles are down as deer ,target ,zero,and AOLQ .all on an open cert , start slow and get it right and the correct words on your cert then you cant but stay on the flos good side ,try to slip around they won't find it funny and it will be at a loss to only you mty.
 
I've used mine the other way around which is not a problem, now all open AOLQ rifles for deer, fox, vermin.
I would pay for a stalk using an estate rifle first and then go and say you'd like another slot and a mod as you are booking a couple of accompanied stalks and would like your own rifle. See what he/she says ?
 
With any rifle, whether you are looking to acquire or to vary its use you need to demonstrate good reason to the FEO.

Deer stalking is a good reason, but to get a full open licence will require demonstration of experience.
 
Heym SR20 said:
With any rifle, whether you are looking to acquire or to vary its use you need to demonstrate good reason to the FEO.

Deer stalking is a good reason, but to get a full open licence will require demonstration of experience.
Click to expand...
Not in any rush, just want to get started using my rifle at a land or two and take it from there. Is sp .303 brit ammo available?
 
Yes soft point .303 is available. But often in 150 grain or if heavier with a bullet shape with the ballistic grace of a half-brick.

But get good spritzer 180 grain factory ( or handloads) at 2,450 FPS and it should match your iron sights near enough.
 
Oh...one other thing..be aware that some 1980s Norma component bullets...180 grain...are lead core but steel jacketed. So if trawling the auctions take a magnet! LOL!
 
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