The Continuing Adventures of Skippy & the 204 (Pt II)
Posted: Sat May 12, 2007 2:10 pm
After a good first day, a great dinner, watching the DVD "Smokin' Aces', and a good snooze, it was back to the rifles and Skippy.
We shot day two from the same position, then on the third monring, our rancher buddy moved the rig to a new position for a fresh area loaded with pesky squirrels.
I decided to start the day with my Sako Vixen in 17 Mach IV, as the wind was light and perfect for the little sizzler:
A freshly fireformed case alongside one fresh from the loading bench. Not much difference, 23 degree shoulder (like the 223) then a 30 degree shoulder after fireforming (like the 204 Ruger):
This is a neat little caliber. Looks like a big hole here, but it's only .172" bullet diameter, and gets an honest 3850fps using the Berger 25gr HP. Remington finally got smart and made it a factory round this year, known as the 17 Remington Fireball.
Another view of the little Rat-Zapper:
Skippy on his mound after meeting that Berger 25gr HP:
You can see the fresh annealing colors on these freshly formed cases. The bullet coating is WS2, or tungsten disulphide. It allows shooting up to 50 hot rounds between cleanings. Evidence of neck turning can be seen also. These necks have exactly .001" per side of clearence in the chamber neck area:
Skippy near the trench-style borrow entrance he had excavated in the alfalfa. Another 17 Mach IV victim. Amazing performance from such a tiny little bullet.
My new "Wind-O-Matic 2000" from Captqc. Knowing the exact wind speed sure does help that first shot long range hit probability!
I'm certain Skippy does not approve, and considers it cheating. 
Shooters view of the little Vixen prior to the next shot. Next round ready to chamber and send on it's way:
When Skippy gets a solid hit, he flies up about 6' - 8' in the air, spinning from the gyroscopic action of the spinning bullet. Here's the result when he lands, usually less his innards, but the two ends are still connected. Looks like he tried to make himself into rope!
Back to the Sako 204 the next day in a new position on the ranch. The shooting was pretty much non-stop, just time to clean and get back into the fight.
Cleaning time. During these times, one must remember to have your IPDW ready for those sneaky little rodents that pop up close to your position!
If Skippy is out there, he'll be seen and dispatched quickly. Here's Rat Force One scanning for rodents:
It just doesn't get much better: an accurate rifle, elevated shooting position, solid rotating bench, a target-rich environment, and good friends:
When the shooting is this good, it's hard to break away from the rifle and take some photos.
Sunset at The Rat Hilton. If our wives ever leave us, you'll find us all together here fondling our rifles, and loading ammo for the next day!
Back to the loading bench again now to get ready for the next extended trip coming up next month at the Rat Rodeo. I love springtime!
We shot day two from the same position, then on the third monring, our rancher buddy moved the rig to a new position for a fresh area loaded with pesky squirrels.
I decided to start the day with my Sako Vixen in 17 Mach IV, as the wind was light and perfect for the little sizzler:
A freshly fireformed case alongside one fresh from the loading bench. Not much difference, 23 degree shoulder (like the 223) then a 30 degree shoulder after fireforming (like the 204 Ruger):
This is a neat little caliber. Looks like a big hole here, but it's only .172" bullet diameter, and gets an honest 3850fps using the Berger 25gr HP. Remington finally got smart and made it a factory round this year, known as the 17 Remington Fireball.
Another view of the little Rat-Zapper:
Skippy on his mound after meeting that Berger 25gr HP:
You can see the fresh annealing colors on these freshly formed cases. The bullet coating is WS2, or tungsten disulphide. It allows shooting up to 50 hot rounds between cleanings. Evidence of neck turning can be seen also. These necks have exactly .001" per side of clearence in the chamber neck area:
Skippy near the trench-style borrow entrance he had excavated in the alfalfa. Another 17 Mach IV victim. Amazing performance from such a tiny little bullet.
My new "Wind-O-Matic 2000" from Captqc. Knowing the exact wind speed sure does help that first shot long range hit probability!
I'm certain Skippy does not approve, and considers it cheating. Shooters view of the little Vixen prior to the next shot. Next round ready to chamber and send on it's way:
When Skippy gets a solid hit, he flies up about 6' - 8' in the air, spinning from the gyroscopic action of the spinning bullet. Here's the result when he lands, usually less his innards, but the two ends are still connected. Looks like he tried to make himself into rope!
Back to the Sako 204 the next day in a new position on the ranch. The shooting was pretty much non-stop, just time to clean and get back into the fight.
Cleaning time. During these times, one must remember to have your IPDW ready for those sneaky little rodents that pop up close to your position!
If Skippy is out there, he'll be seen and dispatched quickly. Here's Rat Force One scanning for rodents:
It just doesn't get much better: an accurate rifle, elevated shooting position, solid rotating bench, a target-rich environment, and good friends:
When the shooting is this good, it's hard to break away from the rifle and take some photos.
Sunset at The Rat Hilton. If our wives ever leave us, you'll find us all together here fondling our rifles, and loading ammo for the next day!
Back to the loading bench again now to get ready for the next extended trip coming up next month at the Rat Rodeo. I love springtime!
) I'd imagine soon everyone will be on a high speed connection.
Now how about those Cabana Girls?....... 
