SmallCaliberCentral

So I'm new to .204's and this was my first squeak hunt to the wilds of NE California for the (not-so) elusive Belding's Ground Squirrel. Brought out the .17 HMR the first day since I forgot my bench and was nailing 'em out to 125 yds with pretty good accuracy. On day two I brought out SQUIRRELZILLA (Howa .204 ruger, seen here) and that thing is almost "unfair" at anything under 200 yards. Just aim the crosshairs dead on and then watch 'em fly...literally. I also used my Stag Arms 24" Varmint BBL in .223 with my hand loads while my dad used his favorite Savage .17 HMR at the close stuff.
Tried the new 40 grain (.224") Varmageddons and the results were equal to the V-max as witnessed here ( Skippy did about a 10 foot launch before what was left hit the ground)

By the looks of things it will be a banner year for skurrels up that way. Lots of numbers and the babies aren't even out yet.

Hummmm... very interesting. Thanks for sharing the photos. Bill K

Don't worry, I left enough for you.

Bodei wrote:Don't worry, I left enough for you.

I certainly Thank You, for that... I have a couple of small places south, that are holding a few. And the sage flats have plenty of running jacks.. Loads ( pun intended) of fun.. Bill K

I see it has snowed since your hunt. Curious if the alfalfa has grown enough to need cutting yet, or if it's pretty low crop right now?

Headed to Alturas for my first Belden's trip, so any help in the ranch location/ contact greatly appreciated if you can share via PM. It's a 7+ hour drive up for my son and I, hope Thurdsay to Sunday's weather report is correct for sun and warmer weather.


Thanks for the pictures


Allen

I am about 2 hours west of Alturas. Because of weather and especially wind where I am, I haven't ventured out in the field yet. This weekend tho, we are expecting temps in the 70's and maybe low 80's. I am planing my trip as I write this. I will be packing a lot of heat to shoot. 22's 20VT, 204R, 223, and I may even break out my Hummer. I am guessing the alfalfa has grown enough to make finding and killing skippy a little more difficult. But thats life, and we take what we can get!

Bodei looks like you got the launch factor down. Nice photos with the mountions .

Anyone get out this weekend? I bet it was fantastic! Looking to get ol' Squirrelzilla up to Cedarville again soon. Took the old .22 Ruger out and found some Beldings up in the hills north of me. One shot, two kills at about 60 yards with CCI Segmented HPs. These rounds are awesome for squeaks. Opens em up good on the reverse side. Unfortunately they are Stinger-length and I upgraded my barrel to a Bentz chamber so can't use em anymore. I'll post the photo in the rimfire section.