How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Welcome to the Leverguns.Com Forum. This is a high-class place so act respectable. We discuss most anything here ... politely.

Moderators: AmBraCol, Hobie

Forum rules
Welcome to the Leverguns.Com General Discussions Forum. This is a high-class place so act respectable. We discuss most anything here other than politics... politely.

Please post political post in the new Politics forum.
User avatar
Canuck Bob
Senior Levergunner
Posts: 1830
Joined: Sun Oct 11, 2009 11:57 am
Location: Calgary, Canada

How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Canuck Bob »

I got into the habit of one in the chamber and two in the tube in my 444. Sometimes three in the tube in bear country. I found the hand carry was perfect at two and the spring tension was through the roof for the last two cartridges.

I loaded my new to me Win 94 full and was amazed at the weight and royal pain to unload. The Winoku 92 holds at least ten but again what a bother and the barrel droops too much in hand carry unless I hold them way out on the forearm with fully loaded tube levers.

I'm also starting to wonder if heavy feed spring pressure is detrimental to accuracy?
piller
Posting leader...
Posts: 15275
Joined: Sat Sep 29, 2007 9:49 pm
Location: South of Dallas

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by piller »

I don't know if spring pressure changes the tension on the barrel or anything, but I load my Guide Gun with 4 in the tube, then lever 1 of them into the chamber. I have never hunted anything with it that needed more. My .480 Ruger caliber model 92 shows no change in accuracy when loaded full or unloaded. I carry it with 9 in the tube. It holds 10. Unless I am hunting something that is actually out of the capability for that cartridges power, 10 total rounds will do anything I have ever wanted. And, yes, I did once hunt something that was actually beyond the .480 Ruger's capability. 86er was there to back me up with his model 86 in .45-70 and punch bullets loaded to the maximum safe level.

Part of the reason I carry it almost fully loaded is that I find it easier and quieter than carrying extra rounds in a pocket.
D. Brian Casady
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
User avatar
Pitchy
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 13146
Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2011 9:15 am
Location: Minnesooooota

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Pitchy »

I carry my 76 win. in 45-60 or my Marlin 95 cowboy in 45-70 the most so nine rounds of that adds a pound to the rifle :shock:
I generally put six in total.
Because I Can, and Have
-------------------------------------------------------------
USAF-72-76
God Bless America.
Disclaimer, not responsible for anyone copying or building anything i make.
Always consult an expert first.
rjohns94
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 10820
Joined: Thu Sep 06, 2007 6:02 pm
Location: York, PA

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by rjohns94 »

Full!
Mike Johnson,

"Only those who will risk going too far, can possibly find out how far one can go." T.S. Eliot
bdhold

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by bdhold »

with time, the spring tension changes the set in the spring and it eventually won't drive your last round.
User avatar
FWiedner
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 8862
Joined: Sat Sep 08, 2007 9:50 pm
Location: North Texas

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by FWiedner »

One in the pipe, two in the tube. No matter what rifle I carry.

No particular reason, just my preference.

Haven't yet needed more than one.

:)
Government office attracts the power-mad, yet it's people who just want to be left alone to live life on their own terms who are considered dangerous.

History teaches that it's a small window in which people can fight back before it is too dangerous to fight back.
User avatar
Blaine
Posting leader...
Posts: 30496
Joined: Mon Dec 17, 2007 2:22 pm
Location: Still Deciding

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Blaine »

No set number, but, I've never put the full 10 in the 1895 Cowboy....3, or 4 is enough.
The Rotten Fruit Always Hits The Ground First

Proud Life Member Of:
NRA
Second Amendment Foundation
Citizens Committee For The Right To Keep And Bear Arms
DAV
User avatar
El Chivo
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 3652
Joined: Mon Sep 03, 2007 5:12 pm
Location: Red River Gorge Area

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by El Chivo »

four
"I'll tell you what living is. You get up when you feel like it. You fry yourself some eggs. You see what kind of a day it is."
walks with gun
Levergunner 3.0
Posts: 630
Joined: Fri Jul 03, 2009 10:51 am

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by walks with gun »

Deer hunting I only stick 3 or 4 in the tube, kind of a pain to unload too many, you should really only need one anyhow, but out hiking if I'm packin my little 92 in 44-40 I seem to load 6-11 rounds in that little gun.
User avatar
Canuck Bob
Senior Levergunner
Posts: 1830
Joined: Sun Oct 11, 2009 11:57 am
Location: Calgary, Canada

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Canuck Bob »

I do load my little 32-20 up a little because it is more of a plinker. My motivation is some fun discussion about levers and other folks preferences. I originally figured folks were usually loading the tube full, responses would suggest otherwise.

One nice thing about a traditional lever most of them reload rather quick.
DPris
Levergunner 3.0
Posts: 983
Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2007 11:56 am

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by DPris »

Full mag, one in the chamber, on any levergun I take out on an excursion.
From .22 to .45-70.
Denis
User avatar
Borregos
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 4756
Joined: Thu Sep 13, 2007 7:40 am
Location: Ontario, Canada

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Borregos »

FWiedner wrote:One in the pipe, two in the tube. No matter what rifle I carry.

No particular reason, just my preference.

Haven't yet needed more than one.

:)
Same here :D
Pete
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
K1500
Levergunner 2.0
Posts: 122
Joined: Wed Oct 29, 2008 11:25 am

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by K1500 »

Full + 1. Why carry the empty tube around?
User avatar
Malamute
Member Emeritus
Posts: 3781
Joined: Tue Apr 03, 2007 8:56 am
Location: Rocky Mts

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Malamute »

Mine are usually full, with the chamber empty unless I plan on shooting right away, or have a small game load in the chamber ready. Most of mine have been loaded for as long as I've owned them. I dont think loading them up or leaving them loaded hurts the spring. Some have been loaded for 25 or more years that I've owned them, only had one magazine spring get weak, it was a Browning 92, and it's one of the guns thats used and left loaded least. I noticed the spring only came out a half inch once when I took it apart. I stretched it and put it back together, and its probably been left loaded ever since. It still works ok, but the spring is probably still funky. I was going to put a new spring in it, but haven't so far.

I dont know if having the magazine loaded changes the accuracy, I've usually shot them from a full magazine, so dont have anything to compare with.
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." -Theodore Roosevelt-

Isnt it amazing how many people post without reading the thread?
User avatar
Pitchy
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 13146
Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2011 9:15 am
Location: Minnesooooota

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Pitchy »

Besides being fully loaded is more fun. :wink: :lol:
Because I Can, and Have
-------------------------------------------------------------
USAF-72-76
God Bless America.
Disclaimer, not responsible for anyone copying or building anything i make.
Always consult an expert first.
Birdman
Levergunner 3.0
Posts: 914
Joined: Tue Dec 18, 2007 4:01 pm
Location: Central Illinois

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Birdman »

I load mine full with one in the chamber. Always have.No reason, just because. Now I'll have to try have to see if the balance is any better with 4-5.
User avatar
Malamute
Member Emeritus
Posts: 3781
Joined: Tue Apr 03, 2007 8:56 am
Location: Rocky Mts

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Malamute »

Pitchy wrote:Besides being fully loaded is more fun. :wink: :lol:

Dang right there Chief! :mrgreen:
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." -Theodore Roosevelt-

Isnt it amazing how many people post without reading the thread?
User avatar
TedH
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 8301
Joined: Tue Apr 03, 2007 5:19 pm
Location: Missouri

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by TedH »

Full.
NRA Life Member
DPris
Levergunner 3.0
Posts: 983
Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2007 11:56 am

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by DPris »

Do you carry your handguns half loaded in the bush? :)
Denis
User avatar
FWiedner
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 8862
Joined: Sat Sep 08, 2007 9:50 pm
Location: North Texas

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by FWiedner »

A rifle or a pistol with a single round in the chamber is fully loaded.

:roll:
Government office attracts the power-mad, yet it's people who just want to be left alone to live life on their own terms who are considered dangerous.

History teaches that it's a small window in which people can fight back before it is too dangerous to fight back.
User avatar
Ironwood
Levergunner 2.0
Posts: 126
Joined: Thu May 19, 2011 3:47 pm
Location: Lufkin Texas

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Ironwood »

For the 94M .44 Magnum if just poking around in the woods it's one in the chamber and two in the tube. When I was purposefully going for deer or hogs it was one in the chamber and 3 in the tube. If I'm just taking photos it's 3 in the tube.

Now my other 30-30 it's one in the chamber and 4 in the clip.

My .44 revolver it's 5 loaded and the hammer on an MT. :)
Born in the Pineywoods of East Texas a long long time ago.
JerryB
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 5493
Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2007 9:23 pm
Location: Batesville,Arkansas

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by JerryB »

If you carry a double barrel do you just load one barrel? I have always carried any gun fully loaded. I reckon the Winchester folks made them that way so why not?
JerryB II Corinthians 3:17, Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

JOSHUA 24:15
User avatar
jeepnik
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 7086
Joined: Sun Apr 08, 2007 1:39 pm
Location: On the Beach

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by jeepnik »

Guide gun I do as Piller. One in chamber, three in tube.

On something like my Model 39 Centenial (heck, I use it more that the GS) I'll load the tube full. The Model 336, one in the chamber and three in the tube, same as the GS.

On the rare times I've been in big bear county, the GS tube held all four. But, let's face it. If I had a bear encounter and got to that last shot on the GS, either the bear would be eating me, or it was a long way off when I started shooting. Still...
Jeepnik AKA "Old Eyes"
"Go low, go slow and preferably in the dark" The old Sarge (he was maybe 24.
"Freedom is never more that a generation from extinction" Ronald Reagan
"Every man should have at least one good rifle and know how to use it" Dad
User avatar
Old Ironsights
Posting leader...
Posts: 15084
Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2007 9:27 am
Location: Waiting for the Collapse
Contact:

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Old Ironsights »

Full up.

2 "regular" hunting loads, followed by Whompumstompers. Pretty much how I load a revolver.

If 2 "regulars" don't do it, then I need the "biggest" gun I have available.

86er can attest to the problem with loading Heavies on top.... poor bunny I shot on his TX ranch sort of disintegrated.... :oops:
C2N14... because life is not energetic enough.
מנא, מנא, תקל, ופרסין Daniel 5:25-28... Got 7.62?
Not Depressed enough yet? Go read National Geographic, July 1976
Gott und Gewehr mit uns!
User avatar
AJMD429
Posting leader...
Posts: 32800
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2007 10:03 am
Location: Hoosierland
Contact:

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by AJMD429 »

In my favorite .22 LR levergun I usually just load ten in the magazine, but carry a couple extra magazines if I'm out plinking. In my favorite centerfire levergun (.44 Mag) I usually load four in the magazine, but also carry a couple extra magazines if I'm target shooting or plinking - for hunting, I'll just put three rounds in the magazine and not carry any extras.

(Love them Ruger 96's... :wink: )
Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.


Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
User avatar
Borregos
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 4756
Joined: Thu Sep 13, 2007 7:40 am
Location: Ontario, Canada

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Borregos »

Pitchy wrote:Besides being fully loaded is more fun. :wink: :lol:
You got tht right Pitchy :lol: :lol: :lol:
Pete
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
User avatar
Old Ironsights
Posting leader...
Posts: 15084
Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2007 9:27 am
Location: Waiting for the Collapse
Contact:

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Old Ironsights »

AJMD429 wrote:In my favorite .22 LR levergun I usually just load ten in the magazine, but carry a couple extra magazines if I'm out plinking. In my favorite centerfire levergun (.44 Mag) I usually load four in the magazine, but also carry a couple extra magazines if I'm target shooting or plinking - for hunting, I'll just put three rounds in the magazine and not carry any extras.

(Love them Ruger 96's... :wink: )
Hey now... I've got SP in one. FMJ in the second and AP in the third of my 4 Savage 99C mags... Should I put Tracers in #4? :twisted:
C2N14... because life is not energetic enough.
מנא, מנא, תקל, ופרסין Daniel 5:25-28... Got 7.62?
Not Depressed enough yet? Go read National Geographic, July 1976
Gott und Gewehr mit uns!
DPris
Levergunner 3.0
Posts: 983
Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2007 11:56 am

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by DPris »

This is really quite a new concept for me. :)
All my shooting life I've carried everything full up (except for a Glock 17, loaded down by one).
On the job, hunting, bumming around, or wandering through bear country.

I've never assumed a partially loaded gun would get a particular job done. :)
Denis
User avatar
ollogger
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 2826
Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2010 2:47 pm
Location: Wheatland Wyoming
Contact:

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by ollogger »

Loaded to the max

ollogger
tman
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 3243
Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2007 6:43 pm

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by tman »

Full, cause there is bears where I hunt deer. The 45 ACP. is also fully loaded.
User avatar
Hobie
Moderator
Posts: 13902
Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2007 1:54 pm
Location: Staunton, VA, USA
Contact:

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Hobie »

If I was shooting off my doorstep the gun would likely be fully loaded. Dittos when I step away from the truck. If you don't need 'em ok, but if you do and don't have 'em...
Sincerely,

Hobie

"We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we find in our travels is an honest friend." Robert Louis Stevenson
t.r.
Levergunner 3.0
Posts: 816
Joined: Fri Mar 21, 2008 10:00 am
Location: Ft. Braden, Florida

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by t.r. »

If its an organized drive and I'm the designated shooter on post I load up all the way. Otherwise, three in the magazine works just fine.

TR
Fire Up the Grill - Hunting is NOT Catch & Release!
User avatar
Rifleman
Levergunner 2.0
Posts: 142
Joined: Sun Dec 20, 2009 1:52 am
Location: Ohio
Contact:

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Rifleman »

I'll sometimes scope the fields for varmints and such with my Win94. If I see something I'll load whichever cartridge I deem appropriate directly into the chamber. If I deer hunted with it, I would load the tube to whatever the max would be according to the hunting regulations.
User avatar
Canuck Bob
Senior Levergunner
Posts: 1830
Joined: Sun Oct 11, 2009 11:57 am
Location: Calgary, Canada

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Canuck Bob »

DPris wrote:Do you carry your handguns half loaded in the bush? :)
Denis
Carry one here and go to jail and maybe lose your guns!

This has been interesting. There is no right or wrong way and at least we have the options that those clumsy bolt shooters don't. Even my short tube 444 will carry six total, I think, if I want to. I once loaded my long barrel Winoku 92 full of 32-20. I then proceeded to dance a stick floating in a slough as fast as I could. Now that was some shooting fun. It is amazing how much accurate fire a pistol cartridge lever will lay down.

I didn't consider the 22 levers, someday I hope to get one and full would be my choice. My 10-22 standard mag just doesn't hold hardly enough.
DPris
Levergunner 3.0
Posts: 983
Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2007 11:56 am

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by DPris »

Bob,
Yep, no "right" answer I guess. :)

The concept of a half-loaded gun is just so utterly foreign to me I'm surprised at how many people apparently do it.

From my rabbit hunting days as a teenager through deer hunting later, military time, police time, lots of general desert & mountain ATV time, and regular daily carry, it's always been a matter of loading as full as the circumstances & practicality would allow.
Thought that was the whole idea behind a repeater. :)
Denis
User avatar
AJMD429
Posting leader...
Posts: 32800
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2007 10:03 am
Location: Hoosierland
Contact:

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by AJMD429 »

Canuck Bob wrote:I didn't consider the 22 levers, someday I hope to get one and full would be my choice. My 10-22 standard mag just doesn't hold hardly enough.
The after-market magazines for Ruger 10/22's are nice in their 96/22's, and the Butler Creek (I think) ones made for the 10/22 Magnum are SWEET for the 96/22 Magnum guns or the 96/17 HMR guns.

I think the reason I often go non-full with the tube-loaders is that (except for those loading from a 'port') they are kind of a pain in the butt to load and unload (other than by firing them), vs. other action/magazine types. Just lazy I guess, plus taught from childhood 'no loaded guns in house unless they NEED to be loaded'.
Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.


Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
User avatar
Old Ironsights
Posting leader...
Posts: 15084
Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2007 9:27 am
Location: Waiting for the Collapse
Contact:

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Old Ironsights »

AJMD429 wrote:...plus taught from childhood 'no loaded guns in house unless they NEED to be loaded'.
Every gun not locked in a safe "needs" to be loaded. It's just a club otherwise.
C2N14... because life is not energetic enough.
מנא, מנא, תקל, ופרסין Daniel 5:25-28... Got 7.62?
Not Depressed enough yet? Go read National Geographic, July 1976
Gott und Gewehr mit uns!
User avatar
Canuck Bob
Senior Levergunner
Posts: 1830
Joined: Sun Oct 11, 2009 11:57 am
Location: Calgary, Canada

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Canuck Bob »

My uncles were WW2 vets. When I signed up I asked one of them for advice. After telling me what to expect from the average British officer his advice was, carry lots of ammo and water everywhere in the field. It came from some nasty experiences in Italy involving German Paratroopers.

I would not bring a half loaded gun to a gunfight. Many of you folks have served your country and communities by putting yourselves in peril. I can sure see how those experiences would impact how full your mag is!

I guess I was thinking only of a day out moose hunting. That uncle carried 10 in his LE mag. His favourite hunting statement was one shot, moose, two shots maybe moose, three shots no moose.
User avatar
Griff
Posting leader...
Posts: 21016
Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2007 4:56 pm
Location: OH MY GAWD they installed a STOP light!!!

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Griff »

Since I carry one of five long guns, and 3 of the are .30-30s, it depends on the gun, 94 Rifle, 3 or 4 in the tube, carbine & Trapper full; and depending on what I'm doin' 1 or none in the chamber. 375 Marlin, 4 in the mag & same for the chamber, Rem700, mag full, chambered & safety "on".

If I'm not hunting, then I won't have a round chambered, as I can do that quickly, as surprise or stealth ain't the goal. Ad in pre-season scouting and other work around the lease (when I used to do that... read could afford to!).
Griff,
SASS/CMSA #93
NRA Patron
GUSA #93

There is a fine line between hobby & obsession!
AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
User avatar
44-40 Willy
Levergunner 2.0
Posts: 232
Joined: Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:16 am
Location: West Tennessee

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by 44-40 Willy »

Usually fill the tube as I've had occasions with packs of dogs running stock where I've needed to shoot several of them. With a 24" full length tube on a 357, that's quite a few rounds of ammo.
44-40 Winchester. Whacking varmits and putting meat on the table since 1873.
User avatar
FWiedner
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 8862
Joined: Sat Sep 08, 2007 9:50 pm
Location: North Texas

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by FWiedner »

Canuck Bob wrote:My uncles were WW2 vets. When I signed up I asked one of them for advice. After telling me what to expect from the average British officer his advice was, carry lots of ammo and water everywhere in the field. It came from some nasty experiences in Italy involving German Paratroopers.

I would not bring a half loaded gun to a gunfight. Many of you folks have served your country and communities by putting yourselves in peril. I can sure see how those experiences would impact how full your mag is!

I guess I was thinking only of a day out moose hunting. That uncle carried 10 in his LE mag. His favourite hunting statement was one shot, moose, two shots maybe moose, three shots no moose.
If I were intending to particiapate in a gun-fight, I'd load up full and carry as much more as I could.

For hunting game animals I carry somewhat less, as I've yet to have a four-legged creature turn and shoot back.

Honestly, I just never saw the point in carrying more than I intend to use.

:)
Government office attracts the power-mad, yet it's people who just want to be left alone to live life on their own terms who are considered dangerous.

History teaches that it's a small window in which people can fight back before it is too dangerous to fight back.
User avatar
Hobie
Moderator
Posts: 13902
Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2007 1:54 pm
Location: Staunton, VA, USA
Contact:

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Hobie »

DPris wrote:Bob,
Yep, no "right" answer I guess. :)

The concept of a half-loaded gun is just so utterly foreign to me I'm surprised at how many people apparently do it.

From my rabbit hunting days as a teenager through deer hunting later, military time, police time, lots of general desert & mountain ATV time, and regular daily carry, it's always been a matter of loading as full as the circumstances & practicality would allow.
Thought that was the whole idea behind a repeater. :)
Denis
Amen.
Sincerely,

Hobie

"We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we find in our travels is an honest friend." Robert Louis Stevenson
User avatar
Malamute
Member Emeritus
Posts: 3781
Joined: Tue Apr 03, 2007 8:56 am
Location: Rocky Mts

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Malamute »

DPris wrote:....The concept of a half-loaded gun is just so utterly foreign to me I'm surprised at how many people apparently do it.

.... it's always been a matter of loading as full as the circumstances & practicality would allow.

Thought that was the whole idea behind a repeater. :)
Denis
That's sort of how my mind works. Usually have about 30 rounds or so on me most of the time also. Life can have surprises for us at times, generally when we aren't expecting them.
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." -Theodore Roosevelt-

Isnt it amazing how many people post without reading the thread?
BigSky56
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 2356
Joined: Mon Sep 03, 2007 6:49 pm
Location: NW Montana

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by BigSky56 »

What ever the mag holds because of predators and rustlers, for the house, walking and in the truck I load the chamber( its legal here even during hunting season in a vehicle) on the horse I leave the chamber empty in case of a horse fall. Iam with DPris never even thought of it less I was at the range and single loading, last thing I would want is to run into a trouble with a half loaded gun. Its the reason we use repeaters and not single shots or doubles. danny
User avatar
Pitchy
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 13146
Joined: Tue Mar 01, 2011 9:15 am
Location: Minnesooooota

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Pitchy »

Just a little more of my opinion, it depends on the gun and caliber.
As i said ten rounds in a nine lb 1876 makes a ten lb gun which gets real heavy in a hurry.
Six rounds in it is still more power than a carbine in a lesser cal.
When i carry the 35 Rem Marlin i load full as with the 94-30-30 and 92.
Because I Can, and Have
-------------------------------------------------------------
USAF-72-76
God Bless America.
Disclaimer, not responsible for anyone copying or building anything i make.
Always consult an expert first.
MrMurphy
Senior Levergunner
Posts: 1947
Joined: Mon Jan 19, 2009 12:32 pm

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by MrMurphy »

Along with DPris i've never run around half loaded.

If it's a bolt or a lever, full magazine and one full reload.

If it's an AR or other detachable magazine rifle, full mag and two+ spares.

Sometimes there's more than just animals in the bush, and sometimes you run into them unexpectedly. Having enough rounds if it goes from deer hunting to World War IV would be nice.


I don't plan on bad things happening, but I've had enough experiences to plan for in case they do.
User avatar
Malamute
Member Emeritus
Posts: 3781
Joined: Tue Apr 03, 2007 8:56 am
Location: Rocky Mts

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Malamute »

BigSky56 wrote:What ever the mag holds because of predators and rustlers, ... last thing I would want is to run into a trouble with a half loaded gun. Its the reason we use repeaters and not single shots or doubles. danny

I read some of Charlie Rusells stories when I was young. It made an impression on me, particularly one tale, "A Savage Santa Claus" (and I know they are tales, though I'm sure many have a foundation under them). The image of fumbling for a cartridge in the dark isnt appealing.

Link to some of Rusells stories, including the one mentioned. If one isnt familiar with them, you may enjoy them. He lived in Montana from the 1880's, when he moved there on his own at 16 years old, til his death. He made some nice pictures too.

http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks07/0700941h.html
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." -Theodore Roosevelt-

Isnt it amazing how many people post without reading the thread?
User avatar
Panzercat
Levergunner 3.0
Posts: 965
Joined: Fri Aug 20, 2010 1:25 pm
Location: This thread is USELESS without pics!

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Panzercat »

Now playing devils advocate, I could see not wanting the full load of ammo and having to carry the deer back to the truck. Depending on the trek, you can regret every unnesisary ounce. That said, I'd rather go in with a full pipe than not, even if I never plan on hunting 14+1 deer ;)
...Proud owner of the 11.43×23mm automatic using depleted Thorium rounds.
Lastmohecken
Senior Levergunner
Posts: 1970
Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2007 1:42 pm
Location: Arkansas

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by Lastmohecken »

Well, If I wanted a singleshot, I would use one, the whole idea of a leveraction is being able to shoot often and quick if needed. And while we all want to make a clean one shot kill, during my lifetime, I have killed a good many running deer and dogs and coyotes on the 4th or 5th shot.

So, I want 4 or more rounds if the gun will hold them. On a really long barreled rifle with under mag, yeah, I might leave a couple out, to better affect balance.
NRA Life Member, Patron
BigSky56
Advanced Levergunner
Posts: 2356
Joined: Mon Sep 03, 2007 6:49 pm
Location: NW Montana

Re: How full do folks load the tube when in the bush?

Post by BigSky56 »

Good read Malamute, I like Russell and Will James writings with some humor from Rogers thrown in. danny
Post Reply