Table 1: Result of test firings, Mosin Nagant
Ammunition
3-shot group extreme spread( mm)*
Mean velocity( ft / sec)
Difference between fastest and slowest shots( ft / sec)
PPU 180 gn pointed soft point 25 2,630 45 Sellier & Bellot 180 gn PSP 44.5 2,612 37 Handload 180 gn Sierra PSP 0.308” diameter 31 2,440 141 Handload 180 gn Sierra PSP 0.311” diameter 45.5 2,470 53 Barnaul 203 gn PSP 63 2,346 22 Barnaul 174 gn FMJ 43 2,654 35
* Extreme spreads are averages of three-shot groups. Velocities were also taken from three-shot strings.
Discussion
For some people, hunting with a century-old design( even though the rifle might be only half that age) evokes a sense of nostalgia that is denied to those who use more modern equipment. Ballistically, the cartridge matches. 30’ 06 Springfield quite closely, and of course the. 308 Winchester is right up there too. Buying ammunition for the Nagant is not as easy is it is for more modern cartridges of course, but in major population centres such as Dunedin and Invercargill(!) there is plenty to choose from.
Whether you can be bothered to tart-up a military
References de Haas F( 1995). Bolt Action Rifles. 3 rd Edition. Wisconsin, USA: DBI Books, Inc.
Griffin TJ( 2008). Lyman Reloading Handbook. 49 th Edition. Connecticut, USA: Lyman Products Corporation. leftover is another matter, but with a little TLC these rifles will perform adequately in the field to satisfy all but the most exacting requirements, in my view. With 180 grain spritzer bullets and in the hands of a competent shooter, the Mosin Nagant can easily make humane kills out to 300 m, and at closer range it’ s just as devastating as any other more modern rifle loadings. Only experimentation will determine if your rifle works better with. 30 cal( 0.308” diameter), or. 31 cal( 0.311” diameter) bullets.
Acknowledgement
I’ d like to acknowledge Mike Jennings, who supplied the sporterised M-N rifle.
Smith WHB, Smith JE( 1963). The Book of Rifles. Pennsylvania, USA: The Stackpole Company.
Game recipes
Wild smoked rabbit by Matt Wilson
Often the lowly rabbit is a new hunter’ s first quarry. In many places they are plentiful and can easily taken with even an entry-level rifle and for the novice hunter there will be more in the next paddock if you miss the first one. Head shots are best if you want them for the table.
Once taken in the field, the rabbit is an ideal animal on which to learn the basics of skinning and preparation. It’ s easier to skin and gut rabbits while they are still warm.
Unlike venison and pork, there is no need to age rabbit meat and I have cooked it as soon as 24 hours after shooting. Rabbit meat is similar to
Cleaned rabbits soaking in the brine solution
44 NZ Hunting & Wildlife 196- Autumn 2017