Ballistics

While it is nearly impossible to find a tool or load out that works best for all situations, I continually find myself creating lists of things I want and that go well together for different tasks. Mission dictates everything, and companies design dedicated gear to fit specific situations.

Today I’m covering their Terrapin X rangefinder, which a few of you may have heard about because it launched in 2018. From what I know, this rangefinder is currently Vectronix’s only item marketed to civilians. Even though it isn’t new to the market, I recently got one and thought it review-worthy because of recent updates to its Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with popular ballistic apps that most long-range shooters already use.

I have known hundreds of hunters over the years and I have to say turkey hunters are the most passionate, focused group of hunters I’ve ever encountered.

Selection of a load for self-defense use is a choice that is important because that load may be called upon to save your life. Fortunately, most major ammunition manufacturers make cartridges specifically designed for that use.

I have rifles chambered in both 6.5 and 6mm Creedmoor (CM) but the 22 CM has captured my attention. I first heard of it from a friend that said the 22 CM came in the top 3 in a first-round hit capability study he had read.

The Mil-Dot system is exceptionally versatile – if you know how to use it. If you shoot a rifle, you can use mil-dot to hold the correct amount over a distant target. There’s a lot of fancy math behind the whole mil-dot thing, but we’re going to ignore most of that here and explain the concept, and more importantly, how you can use it, in plain English. There won’t even be a quiz at the end, I promise.

The Kestrel 5700 with 4DOF (for short), is compact and robust. These traits are necessary for a unit designed for long range shooters because many applications including hunting, military and competitive uses put the ultimate strain on equipment due to harsh environmental conditions, rough handling and long hours of use. This weather meter is drop tested, waterproof and dust-proof, which I have verified through my months of use while I’ve had it.

I’ve always been a big fan of .357 Sig caliber. Yeah, I know, it’s got more recoil and muzzle blast than 9mm. On the other hand, it comes darn close, and sometimes matches, the performance of the classic 125-grain .357 Magnum round. It’s hard to argue with the effectiveness of that cartridge.

The FK BRNO Field Pistol is chambered for the 7.5mm FK cartridge that shoots a roughly .30-caliber bullet at .44 Magnum power levels.