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Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (Victoria) official magazine Victorian Shooter November 2018 SSAA on the hunt Our own Hunting Manager heads to Namibia ALSO INSIDE • Victoria State Election 2018 • Our stance on the aerial deer cull • Introduction to reloading
News
Your vote is very
Election Special. P5
Blue Ribbon Day a
important
success. P7
I
have been to the early
polling station to cast
Our view on the Aerial my vote for the upcom-
ing Victoria State Election.
Deer Cull. P8-9 I’ll be interstate on polling
day but have put pen to Denis Moroney
Cooper’s Counsel. P11 ballot paper with the fu-
ture of our sport in mind. President SSAA Victoria
Greens are the new inva-
Expo Group goes bust
Our sport is most at
sive species. P13 threat from a Labor/
Greens alliance gaining power after this weekend’s election.
So please make sure when casting your vote in your electorate that you support
Tough new CPM Accredi- the candidate who upholds our sport and sees the value in a strong association.
tation course. P15 To help you understand the process, we have provided a guide to voting in this
magazine. It is also on our website along with which parties are supportive of our SHOT Expo organiser, Exhibitions Group, throws show in doubt.
Dave Laird on safari. P16 sport. You can find it at ssaavic.com.au/media/victoria-state-election
T
By now you are probably aware that we have severed ties with the Exhibitions he SHOT Expo organiser has gone As you have likely heard, Exhibitions If you have paid any amounts to Exhibi-
Introduction to reload- Group, which had been operating the SHOT Expos on our behalf since 2012.
While the SHOT Expos have been very successful so far, the company engaged
into liquidation and thrown the Group Pty Ltd has now ceased business tions Group in advance of Expos planned
show’s future into doubt. in Australia, and appointed liquidators. to be held next year in Melbourne and
ing. P24 to manage them has shown itself to be less capable as a business and has gone SSAA learned of potential issues The SSAA is disappointed by this Brisbane, you should seek independent
into liquidation. with the Exhibitions Group (EG) after it outcome, as the Expos have always advice regarding whether you are able
Branches & Sub-Clubs. As the National Junior Vice President I can tell you that at National level, we attempted to renegotiate the contract been valuable events for our industry to make a claim to recover some or all of
are working through the legal and financial impacts. We will keep our members agreement some months ago. and community. We are working on these amounts as part of the liquidation
P26 informed as to the future of the SSAA Shot Expo in 2019. We then warned future exhibitors alternative arrangements for future process.
You may also be aware that the international head office of QBE Insurance has against giving EG any money until the Expos and will be in touch again as these SSAA National, along with a number
Victorian
Shooter
made a blanket policy of not becoming involved in firearms-related insurance. situation could be clarified. plans progress. We hope that you will of State associations, is owed significant
As they were the underwriters of your $25,000 firearms insurance policy, it We are now sorting through the continue to be a part of those Expos amounts of money by Exhibitions Group
involved us undertaking a worldwide search for a suitable replacement. legal and financial implications, but our again in future. Pty Ltd. We are now taking appropriate
We have found one in Lloyds of London, but unfortunately, it has meant an commitment is to ensure the future of In the interim, we understand that steps to recover these amounts.
The Victorian Shooter is a quarterly increase in the premiums to $35 per year. It still represents excellent value for our the event. We are hopeful that the Expo, Mr Nissen has been in contact with a Now that liquidators have been
magazine produced by the Sporting members. which has become a popular industry number of exhibitors, stating that the appointed, they exercise control of Exhi-
Shooters Association of Australia This is the last Victo- showcase with many thousands of visitors SSAA was unwilling to continue with bitions Group Pty Ltd, and Mr Nissen no
(Victoria). Unit 3/26 Ellingworth Parade, rian Shooter before
Box Hill 3128 each year, will continue in some form. upcoming Expos. As per our letter in longer has any authority to act on behalf
Christmas, so we take Below is the letter sent to the exhibitors September, we remained committed to of the company, or any ability to return
Editor and Graphic Designer: this opportunity to on November 9 explaining the situation: the Expos. In this respect, we had been funds from the company to you.
Justin Law wish you a fun and attempting to schedule dates to mediate The SSAA National Board will be
Disclaimer: The views expressed in safe festive season. In September, we wrote to you to let you a number of issues with Exhibitions meeting on 17 and 18 November to
some articles and by some contributers We look forward to know that we were reviewing arrange- Group Pty Ltd shortly before the latest discuss the timing possibilities and format
are not necessarily those of SSAA a 2019 of growth ments in relation to future SSAA Shot developments. of 2019 Expos. We will continue to
Victoria. and prosperity as Expos. Given the uncertainty regarding update you regarding the arrangements
The Victorian Shooter online: we continue to add These Expos had been operated by Exhibitions Group Pty Ltd’s financial for future Expos, and we look forward to
www.ssaavic.com.au to and improve the Exhibitions Group Pty Ltd for a number position, and the viability of future Expos working with you in making these Expos
services offered to our of years, under contracts with SSAA as a result, we felt it necessary to warn a success.
Email alerts: Subscribe to SSAA
Victoria’s news alert. Email state_ members. National and local associations in each Exhibitors against making any advance We appreciate your continued
office@ssaavic.com.au Safe shooting State. payments to Exhibitions Group Pty Ltd. support.
2 The Victorian Shooter The Victorian Shooter 3
Victoria State Election 2018 STATE ELECTORAL DISTRICTS AND REGIONS
It’s time to vote
2014
Legislative Assembly (Lower House) Districts
There are 88 Members of the Legislative Assembly
1 Member for each District
Legislative Council (Upper House) Regions
There are 40 Members for the Legislative Council
5 Members for each Region
Victoria decides the next Government on November 24 and to SUNBURY
SUNBURY
YUROKE
YUROKE
Northern
Metropolitan Region
help make your vote count we provided this short voting guide. THOMASTOWN
THOMASTOWN
MILL
MILL PARK
PARK
S
SAA Victoria members will be help- political points so it’s difficult to predict The Greens have five seats in the Upper BROADMEADOWS
BROADMEADOWS
Western
ing shape the next State Parlia- what sort of deal firearms users would House. Metropolitan Region
Eastern
Metropolitan Region
ment when we go to the polls on get from either of them, especially if The Therefore, it is important to consider SYDENHAM
SYDENHAM
BUNDOORA
ELTHAM
ELTHAM
November 24. We respect that all our Greens have the balance of power. voting BELOW the line. PASCOE
PASCOE PRESTON
PRESTON
members have different political beliefs, Voting below the line Voting below the line is the best way NIDDRIE
NIDDRIE
VALE
VALE
ESSENDON
ESSENDON IVANHOE
IVANHOE
so we will not tell you who to vote for, On Election Day you get two ballot to ensure we get the best representa- KOROROIT
KOROROIT ST
ST ALBANS
ALBANS NORTHCOTE
NORTHCOTE WARRANDYTE
but we can explain some key points papers. One for the Lower House, which tion. It works by numbering individual BRUNSWICK
BRUNSWICK BULLEEN
BULLEEN
about the election and how to get the is a short list of the candidates running candidates from 1 (most favoured) to at FOOTSCRAY
FOOTSCRAY KEW
KEW
CROYDON
CROYDON
MELBOURNE
MELBOURNE
most from your vote. for the seat in your electorate, and one least 5, but you can number them all if RICHMOND
RICHMOND
BOX HILL
BOX HILL RINGWOOD
RINGWOOD
For shooters, the worst potential large ballot paper for the Upper House. you really want to make sure your least TARNEIT
TARNEIT WILLIAMSTOWN
WILLIAMSTOWN
ALBERT
ALBERT PARK
PARK HAWTHORN
outcome of this election is a minority The Upper House ballot paper preferred candidate is last. PRAHRAN
PRAHRAN
BURWOOD
BURWOOD FOREST
FOREST HILL
HILL
BAYSWATER
BAYSWATER
government with The Greens holding (pictured below) has a range of parties Pro-shooting representation MALVERN
MALVERN
FERNTREE
FERNTREE GULLY
GULLY
the balance of power. to choose from above the thick line that To help understand who the pro-fire- ALTONA
ALTONA CAULFIELD
CAULFIELD MOUNT
MOUNT WAVERLEY
WAVERLEY
The Greens have well-documented divides the paper and their candidates arms candidates and parties are, we WERRIBEE
WERRIBEE
OAKLEIGH
OAKLEIGH
Southern BRIGHTON
BRIGHTON
anti-gun and anti-hunting policies and listed below the line. agreed to provide space for them to BENTLEIGH
BENTLEIGH
ROWVILLE
ROWVILLE
Metropolitan Region MULGRAVE
MULGRAVE
are running on the platform of locking Voting for the Lower House (Legisla- explain their policies and introduce their CLARINDA
CLARINDA
up hunting land in the Great Forest tive Assembly) is a simple numbering candidates. SANDRINGHAM
SANDRINGHAM
National Park proposal. If they get the system where you start at 1 for your We do not necessarily endorse any 0 10
NARRE
NARRE WARREN
WARREN
balance of power, it would give them most favoured candidate and keep party or candidate, but we are most
KILOMETRES
KEYSBOROUGH DANDENONG
DANDENONG
NORTH
NORTH
the ability to hurt shooters through numbering (2, 3, 4, etc) to your least concerned about the influence of The
these policies. favoured candidate. Greens on the future of firearms in our MORDIALLOC
MORDIALLOC
On the other side of the coin parties It gets a lot more complex when state and urge our members to vote NARRE
NARRE WARREN
WARREN
such as the Shooters, Fishers and voting for the Legislative Council (Upper carefully. SOUTH
SOUTH
CARRUM
CARRUM
Farmers, Liberal Democrats, Democratic House) because there are many more We encourage you to check out the
Labour Party and Australian Country parties and candidates in the eight large websites of the candidates in your elec- MILDURA
MILDURA CRANBOURNE
CRANBOURNE
Party have pro-firearms policies. Having electoral regions. But it is here that you torate or contact their offices directly to
them in the Upper House helps balance can make an impact on how firearms see where they stand on issues import-
FRANKSTON
FRANKSTON
the debate on firearms issues (the SFFP issues are decided upon. ant to you to help you decide. 0 7.5 15 Northern South-Eastern
has two MPs currently sitting in the The Upper House reviews Bills sent How-to-vote card volunteers kilometres
Victoria Region Metropolitan Region
Upper House). up from the Lower House and without All parties appreciate the help of
Meanwhile, the major parties (Labor the Upper House’s endorsement those volunteers who hand out how-to-vote MURRAY
MURRAY PLAINS
PLAINS
SHEPPARTON
SHEPPARTON
and the Liberal/Nationals) respond to Bills will not get through. This is where cards at the many polling booths in each
political pressure when making decisions members who are supportive of firearms electorate. How-to-vote cards instruct BENAMBRA
BENAMBRA
BENDIGO
BENDIGO
on firearms. use can impact on proposed Bills which voters on how to number the ballot EAST
EAST OVENS
OVENS VALLEY
VALLEY
Each party uses firearms issues to score may affect us. papers to ensure the party or candidate EUROA
EUROA
Through manipulation of the prefer- of their choosing has the best chance of LOWAN
LOWAN
RIPON
RIPON
BENDIGO
BENDIGO
ences system (where votes from unsuc- success. WEST
WEST
cessful candidates flow to other candi- Those wanting to help should visit MACEDON
MACEDON
EILDON
EILDON
dates and parties), the party website where they will have WENDOUREE
WENDOUREE YAN
YAN
GIPPSLAND
GIPPSLAND EAST
EAST
instructions on how to volunteer. YEAN
YEAN
BUNINYONG
BUNINYONG See Metropolitan EVELYN
Map
MELTON MONBULK
LARA GEMBROOK
GEELONG NARRACAN
NARRACAN
SOUTH-WEST
SOUTH-WEST COAST
COAST POLWARTH
POLWARTH
Eastern
BELLARINE HASTINGS Victoria Region
SOUTH MORNINGTON MORWELL
MORWELL
BASS
BARWON
NEPEAN
Western GIPPSLAND
GIPPSLAND SOUTH
SOUTH
Victoria Region
s Map prepared by the Victorian Electoral Commission
s
Copyright © 2014 - State Government Victoria
Disclaimer: This content is provided for information purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy
and authenticity of the content, the Victorian Government does not accept any liability to any person for the information provided VEC CODE: EDR14
4 The Victorian Shooter
News News
Blue Ribbon Day
another success
S
SAA Shepparton Branch hosted a Blue ton News and WIN News covering the event.
Ribbon Day shoot at its range in October Results:
and donated $2000 to the police charity. High Gun: Grant Sanford.
The day is the opportunity to recognise Victo- AA: 1st Chris Thompson, 2nd Cavo, 3rd Travis
ria Police members who have fallen in the line Tait, 4th Graham.
of duty and attracts many top-class shooters. A grade: 1st Ian Pyke, 2nd Harro, 3rd Toby,
“It’s in its 16th year at Shepparton and we 4th Matt Baldwin.
A mighty gust of wind broke dynabolts anchoring a large section of Main Range 1 had 66 shooters come to raise money for the B grade: 1st Cassidy Nolan, 2nd Mark, 3rd
roof, which then peeled back like a bed sheet. Repairs will commence early 2019. Blue Ribbon Foundation in support of our Peter Wilkie, 4th Trevor Simpson.
Big blow downs roof
Victorian Police and the amazing job they C grade: 1st Joseph Rochelle, 2nd David
do protecting our communities,” said SSAA Rees, 3rd Tye Boyle, 4th James Lloyd.
Shepparton Branch committee member Ladies: 1st April Thompson, 2nd Claire
Marion Barnes. Bourke, 3rd Marion Barnes, 4th Jess, 5th Vicky
at Eagle Park Range Marion also shot well on the day to pick
up third prize in the women’s event.
“SSAA Shepparton Branch donated
Anstice, 6th Jamie-Lee Thompson.
Veterans: 1st Rocky Furci, 2nd Trevor Beach,
3rd Peter Kriss, 4th Rob Keir.
$2000 and has now donated $32,000 Juniors: 1st Tom Bilney, 2nd Harrison Wilkie.
S
hooters at Eagle Park on September the remainder of the roof structure and over the past 16 years to the cause with all Police Squad: 1st Lloydie, 2nd Peggie, 3rd
15 got a shock when a powerful although it appeared to be unaffected money raised going to the Goulburn Valley Mark, 4th Wardie.
gust of wind peeled back part of the it was declared unsafe due to concerns Health,” she said.
Main Range 1 roof. that it had been weakened by the gust. SSAA Victoria CEO
Thankfully no-one was injured and the Meanwhile, debris from the damaged Jack Wegman and
only damage was to the roof itself, which section was removed and the uncovered Shooters Fishers and
lifted when the dynabolts holding it to section reopened for use. Main Range Farmers Party of
the ground failed. 2, which is usually reserved for sub-club Victoria MP Daniel
“It was a freak gust of wind that came activity, was also opened to the public to Young also attended
down off the hill at just the right angle minimise the impact for range users. the event.
and force to rip up the roof,” said SSAA Insurance assessors later attended the It also created
Victoria Facilities Manager, Shaun Doyle. site and after some weeks of deliberation positive publicity for
“It was a huge shock for the shooters over various repair and replacement the shooting sports
and range officers there on the day, but quotes, agreed that the whole roof struc- and SSAA Sheppar-
we’re just glad they weren’t hurt.” ture should be replaced. ton with Sheppar-
One third of the roof structure was Demolition of the remaining struc-
Cobaw Ladies Day a hit
damaged causing immediate closure of ture will commence before Christmas
the range. and works on the replacement roof are
Engineers were brought in to assess expected to commence first quarter 2019.
S
SAA Kyneton held another suc-
cessful Ladies Day at the Cobaw
Range in October.
The come-and-try day attracted 25
local women keen to test their skill with
a variety of longarms.
“It’s a great opportuntiy for women
to give range shooting a go in a
relaxed environment,” said organiser
Jeanelle Dol. “It’s always fun and we’re
grateful for the assistance of the range
officers and club volunteers who come
to help.”
Al fresco shooting
She said more events are being
has continued on
planned including a day for kids.
Main Range 1.
6 The Victorian Shooter The Victorian Shooter 7
News News
Aerial deer culling trials: SSAA Victoria’s opinion
Parks Victoria has trialled aerial deer culling as a management
One of the control notification maps
tool in the Victorian High Country. SSAA Victoria’s Hunting issued by Parks Victoria ahead of the
program to show where the trials
Development Manager David Laird explains our position on it. took place. The others can be found
S
SAA Victoria is reserving judgement on ssaavic.com.au
on Parks Victoria’s (PV) decision to tri-
al aerial culling of Sambar deer in ar- Trialling aerial
eas of the Alpine National Park in October. deer culling
We want to see what the trial produces will show
before we take a stand on aerial culling whether it’s
because we will then have facts and not effective,
guesses to work with. allowing for
However, we always have and always debate based
will call on the government to allow recre- on fact.
ational hunters into those areas as the
first tool to control the deer population.
Formalised control programs using
volunteer hunters would be the
preferred next step on those occasions
where recreational hunting alone is not
achieving management objectives.
Only in areas where recreational because hunters are being denied access their position. Sometimes concerns are
hunting and volunteer control programs to the areas where they are abundant. justified. Sometimes they are shown to
have proven ineffective should paid These sanctuary areas have allowed be unfounded.
ground-based or aerial contractors be population levels to increase to unsus- Hunters have also called for trials. The
considered. tainable numbers and then disperse recent Snake Island balloted hog deer
There have been genuine concerns into surrounding areas. Greater hunter hunting trial has proved that safety
expressed by some SSAA Victoria access equates to a greater take, all at no concerns expressed about hunting on
members regarding the trial. The Asso- cost to government, which will ultimate- the island were not valid.
ciation shares some of these concerns ly reduce populations. A trial allows a theory to be tested to
and has expressed them to PV. Transpar- The government’s position is that measure its validity before permanently
ency around the trial and clarity of the there are many interest groups other committing to a course of action.
implications of it are fundamental to any than hunters and it must find a balance What the Association does recognise
acceptance of the results. that will satisfy all of us. is that in specific areas where deer are
A request by SSAA Victoria to provide We respect that position because if we having significant and unacceptable
an independent observer during the simply oppose everything rather than try negative environmental impacts they do
trial to provide that transparency was to negotiate, we will be shut out of the need to be managed. However, it does
declined. PV did provide a detailed stake- conversation completely and lose our not mean that SSAA Victoria necessar-
holder briefing prior to the operation as seat at the table on other issues. ily supports aerial culling of deer in the
well as detailed information, which we Our relationship with Parks Victoria future.
have posted on our website. has contributed to the recent decision The Association will be carefully
One important factor to bear in mind to open 90,000ha of National Park to monitoring the trial results. It should
is that deer numbers are increasing and recreational hunting. give a good indication as to whether
while not to the extent of some of the We expect the government to look at aerial culling of Sambar is effective, cost
hysterical claims of the National Parks deer and hunting with fresh eyes and efficient and humane. We expect game
Association, we agree deer numbers not be constrained by historical thinking. management decisions to be based on
need to be controlled. Hunters must also adapt to a changing fact, not emotion. This trial must also be
If they are not controlled, deer could world and likewise be prepared to look judged on fact, not emotional appeals by
be reclassified as a pest animal and lose at alternative ways to manage deer and ant-hunting groups.
their status as our premier game species. keep an open mind on issues such as this If aerial culling turns out to be unviable it
This is among the worst possible trial. won’t be an issue after the trial. Only once
outcomes from a hunter’s perspective. Trials are just that, trials. Everyone has the facts are known will the Association be
Our position with the government an opinion on whether something will able to develop a reasoned and informed
is that deer numbers are increasing or won’t work and a theory to back up response to the aerial culling issue.
8 The Victorian Shooter The Victorian Shooter 9
News News
Where there’s a will...
... there’s a way to ensure your beloved firearms go to the right people.
N Cooper’s
o matter how blessed we are
with good health, stable rela-
tionships and loving children,
Counsel
one thing is certain, we will die.
Some years ago, in my legal practice
I had concluded, on behalf of a very
capable man, a large property transac-
tion which had been done in his capac-
ity of trustee of a family Trust.
I pointed out to him that this was a
good time to consider what arrange-
ments had been made for the estate, in
the event of his death or in the event Peter Cooper Lawyer
of his losing capacity to make decisions
for his family. I asked him whether he
had made a will and who held powers happen, you need to take these steps: • Be very specific about who is
of attorney over his affairs. 1. Make a will. NOT getting what. Sometimes one child
He left the office accusing me of 2. Appoint an executor, whom will get a substantial contribution in life
trying to bring bad luck to him, his you trust and who has a firearms for a property or a business venture
business and his family by mentioning licence. If you have a will that does and it would be unfair for him or her to
SSPC’s Shane Lott helps Josh Erikson achieve his dream. death. not meet these requirements, revisit it. have more. Making it clear, with a clear
Josh gets
Cultural differences aside, we human There is no alternative if you wish to be statement as to why, can avoid a lot of
beings are a death denying species in control. heartache, misunderstanding and legal
and it is a reality that 48 per cent of us Here are some thoughts about cost.
die without making wills. That is, we making a Will: • Where a specific firearm is
die intestate. When we make a will, 1. Use a solicitor. The DIY kits are being passed as an heirloom, make it
his wish
we make a document that appoints technically fine, but often fail when clear, passing it is conditional on the
a person called the Executor to carry challenged in court at the witnessing recipient getting the licence or permit
out our wishes for the disposal of our step. to hold it.
property after we die. 2. If you have a family solicitor • Where there is a second wife,
The State has rules called rules of who has no affinity or expertise with husband or partner, be very clear about
intestacy which try to be fair to surviv- firearms, refer them to this article (or what is happening to the family home.
SSPC puts a smile on Josh’s face ing family members. However, when contact SSAA Victoria). Typically, the second spouse or partner
should have a ‘life estate’ in the family
a firearms owner dies and leaves no 3. Do not pay too much for will
I
t’s always great to put a smile on peo- so much that we then sought to get him who is deaf and wheelchair-bound with will, or appoints an executor who does preparation, ask your solicitor about home. A “life estate will give the surviv-
ples’ faces and the Sporting Shooters to a handgun range. That’s when we only the use of his right arm. Shane’s not have a firearms licence, and does how to keep the will simple. ing second partner the right to live in
Pistol Club based at the SSAA Victoria approached the SSPC, upon referral by support, professionalism and patience not understand firearms, then it is quite 4. Do not develop an all-in-one the family home until their own death
Springvale Range recently did just that. one of the staff at the Upwey/Belgrave with a very disabled person was one of probable that that firearms owner’s mentality about your will. Our circum- or incapacity. The sale and distribution
Josh Erikson, 17, was treated to a RSL’s military museum. the highlights of the visit, because we all estate will never realise the true value of stances change as do our family’s of the proceeds of the sale of the family
handgun shoot by the club and his carer SSPC’s Shane Lott sent me an email enjoyed it in a relaxed manner. the firearms if they need to be sold. needs. It follows from the previous can take place after that happens.
Ross McClure sent this wonderful letter saying he would be happy to assist us It made a huge difference to Josh, It is also probable that a particularly point. Keep it simple and change it as
of thanks. with Josh’s wish to shoot a handgun. and he could not verbally express his beloved firearm or family heirloom will necessary. Lawyer Peter Cooper has been SSAA
So, we arranged a day and time for gratitude enough. Josh loved the smell disappear into the hands of a wrong 5. Do not use codicils which are Victoria’s counsel when it comes to
I approached the SSPC about a visit to Josh to visit the Springvale shooting of gunpowder on his hand an hour after family member just because they have sometimes used to amend wills. They legal matters concerning firearms.
the pistol range by terminally ill 17-year- range. we had left. a Firearms Licence. I have lost count are a false economy. Change the will His services are now available at State
old Josh Erikson. The day arrived, Josh couldn’t sleep Please pass on our utmost gratitude of enquiries about the possibility of and revoke the previous will. Office in Box Hill.
Josh only has a couple of months left well overnight because of his excite- and respect to Shane Lott, and we do getting a family heirloom back. 6. This final one is very import- Peter attends the office three days
to live, dying from an aggressive brain ment. Shane met us at the range, and we not hesitate to recommend him to help If it is a valuable firearm, it may be ant. If you are into a second marriage, a week and provides legal advice to
cancer, Glioblastoma Megaforma IV. It were impressed by his friendly manner other people with disabilities. acquired by a dealer for well below its or you have children from an earlier Association members at a third off his
was an item on Josh’s bucket list to shoot and we felt very safe and at ease with Thank you so much for making this true value. I have lost count of enquiries marriage, or step-children: normal rate.
a gun. him hosting the shooting session. happen! along those lines as well. • Be very specific as to who is To make an appointment, call Peter
We took him to a rifle range in Glen- During the shooting session, we had Regards, If you do not want these things to getting what. Cooper Lawyer on 0430 468 127.
rowan a few weeks ago, and he loved it to communicate carefully with Josh, Ross McClure
10 The Victorian Shooter The Victorian Shooter 11
News News
The new invasive species
SSAA Victoria’s letter in response to The Greens Nicole Rowan’s political push into the bush.
T
he Greens took to Victoria’s re- Estimating the Economic Impact of And The Greens want us to believe it’s and protected species (and tourism)
gional newspapers recently to Hunting in Victoria in 2013 carried out the other parties and politicians who use now thrive, and it is hunters who control
try to lay claim to understanding by the Department of Environment and “facts rather loosely”. invasive species in the bush.
the bush better than the people in it. Primary Industries showed that duck From this evidence it appears Rowan The Greens are the new invasive
We sent this letter to those newspa- hunting tourism alone had a positive and and The Greens want to rob regional species in the bush. Only voters can
pers in response. It was published in direct $43 million impact on the state. towns of real, tested, studied and proven control them.
many of them, including The Weekly In total figures, hunting tourism hunting-tourism dollars and
Times, while The Border Mail was a brought a total of $439 million to region- replace them with yet another
notable refusal. al Victoria in that year alone. Probably a eco-tourism fantasy.
lot more now that hunting has increased They want to deny Victorian
In typical Greens fashion, The Greens in popularity in the past five years. families fresh, organic,
Online gun sales are now legal in Victoria meaning SSAA members can use the candidate for Northern Victoria Nicole No facts fudged there. That’s an free-range food hunted
Gun Sales website, ssaagunsales.com Rowan wants us to sit back and look at independent government report, unlike on public land and feed
nature rather than be a part of it. the supportive document for the Great us supermarket sausages
Check out online sales
She and The Greens want us to feel Forest National Park. served up on plastic trays.
that, as humans, we are guilty interlopers The document (Great Forest National SSAA Victoria believes
on nature and that our desire to hunt and Park: economic contribution of park our bush should be open
A
use the resources available to us is abhor- establishment, park management, and to everyone, especially
dvertising of legally owned fire- He said the amendment aligns the
rently unnatural, even though humans visitor expenditure) was funded by the hunters who are the
arms for sale is now allowed on advertising for the sale of legally held fire-
have done so for time immemorial. corporate pro-Green giants The Wilder- real environmentalists.
the internet thanks to an amend- arms in Victoria with the rest of Australia,
They want to end hunting in Victoria ness Society. It was hunters who
ment to the Firearms Act 1996 pushed maintaining a consistent approach and
and replace it with tourism. Hunting The very beginning of the executive restored Victoria’s
through by the Shooters, Fishers and makes it easier for legitimate firearms
is tourism and it successfully co-exists summary on the report reads “Nous wetlands where game
Farmers Party. owners to legally sell their firearms.
with other tourism, to the benefit of all Group (Nous) was engaged by The
The amendment was moved by SFFP “This is merely bringing a part of the
regional Victoria. Wilderness Society to undertake a
MP Jeff Bourman who said “an online legislation into the 21st century,” Mr
Where is this “plethora of independent narrowly scoped analysis”.
advertisement will have the same Bourman said.
economic studies” Rowan can’t seem Is it narrowly scoped because they
requirements as a printed advertisement “When the laws were originally
to name which “show duck shooting is don’t want us to know the whole truth
with details as specified in the Firearms drafted, the internet was not a house-
detrimental to rural areas”? about the massive tax-payer burden to
Act listed. hold service like it is today and the
We can produce at least one indepen- replace the current income from the
“A Permit to Acquire must be obtained amendment merely fixes that.”
dent study which shows Rowan is just areas earmarked in this sop to inner-city
from the police by someone with a valid SSAA Victoria CEO Jack Wegman
plain wrong. voters who never visit the bush?
shooters licence and that the purchase applauded the change and described it
Your voice is important too, so speak up
must go through a licensed dealer.” as common sense.
SSAA GUN
GUN SALES
SALES
A
s a SSAA Victoria member, you people in his electorate wanting him or some way, because they have a lot of the exact same letter from a bunch of
are part of the country’s biggest her to take action that means they have different voices, they get more coverage. different people will be ignored. Instead,
voice on firearms issues and we a mandate. You are empowering them A publication will become mindful of you should write a letter in your own
Australia’s most comprehensive firearms and accessories trading website
work hard to make sure our members to act on your behalf. running letters from the same person, words, expressing your views on the
are represented at State and Federal Anti-gun groups have been very good but they are happy to run letters on the issue.
Rifles Shotguns
Government level. at encouraging people to be proactive same issue if they come from different It is also hoped that when we raise
However, sometimes your individual in this way which is why there always people. issues affecting us as shooters, that you
voice has a lot more impact than our seems to be a disproportionate number You can do the same thing because would be inspired to make your feelings
collective one and you might see us ask of people calling for more restrictive gun your views are just as valid as anyone known to those in the positions of power
for your support in writing a submission laws. else’s. who can make the changes. We do our
Reloading equipment Handguns Optics Ammunition to a government department or to your You may see evidence of this activity in Again, it is the individual voice that bit as the advocates, but there is power
local MP. your local paper, especially if you live in carries a lot of weight in this scenar- in your voice well.
ssaagunsales.com That’s because the impact of, for a regional area. Small groups with a big io and we encourage you to write a You can find tips on how to write to
Buy and sell new and used: instance, a proposed legislation on an voice will often flood the Letters to the response whenever you feel misrep- politicians and the media on the SSAA
individual is what an opposing politician Editor pages with their views. resented or marginalised by someone National website.
• Firearms, parts and optics • Knives and hunting products
• Camping gear, vehicles, boats and property
can use to argue against it. While these small groups all share the else’s published view. ssaa.org.au/members/member-ac-
• Ammunition and reloading components
If your MP has a bunch of letters from same agenda and are often affiliated in We cannot write letters for you because tion/
12 The Victorian Shooter The Victorian Shooter 13
Lead dust: New CPM assessment
News
Reduce the Risks highlights shooting skill
Tough new CPM Accreditation Course focuses on marksmanship.
T
hree out of 11 volunteer hopefuls responsibilities
will now be able to participate in when shooting on
Conservation and Pest Manage- Parks Victoria land,
ment operations following a shooting the appropriate
assessment recently. firearms for each
These three SSAA Victoria members task, navigation,
showed they had the shooting skill humane dispatch
required to take part in the CPM program and hunting expe-
after successfully completing the Asso- rience,” Mr Coote
ciation’s updated CPM Accreditation said.
Course. “We want to
• Eating, drinking and “The new course ensures that we are
supplying a high standard of accredited
develop a high
standard of
smoking when shooting volunteers for the program,” said SSAA
Victoria CPM Manager Rhys Coote.
volunteers who
understand Parks
can put you at risk. Developed with SSAA Victoria’s
Assistant Manager Training and Educa-
Victoria’s expec-
tations.”
tion Fady Khalife, the updated course Parks Victoria
• Wash your hands and face now has three practical marksmanship
components for assessment.
funds the CPM
program as
after using firearms. With centrefire rifles, the students
get one attempt at a B target off-hand
an
to
initiative
provide
at 25m, seated or kneeling at 75m and a service to
prone at 100m. control pest
Any amount of lead exposure is harmful to expose your family and children. The rimfire component is five shots into species on
a 40mm target at 50m from the bench. Parks Victo-
human health. People using firearms, handling Your children are especially at risk
Previously, applicants were required ria-managed
ammunition or visiting shooting ranges are Children are more vulnerable to the effects of to score a minimum 37 out of 40 points land and
at risk of inhaling or swallowing lead dust or lead exposure. Extra caution should be taken shooting at 100m from any position p r o v i d e
fumes, and to a lesser extent, absorbing lead when attending the ranges. Ensure your body (bench, prone, etc). h u n t i n g
through the skin. and clothing are free of lead dust before em- “This was changed to make it more opportunities
Protect your family bracing children or handling toys and personal representative of actual shooting for SSAA
conditions and to ensure a higher skill Victoria
Don’t bring lead home with you. effects. If you are pregnant, consider the risks
level and standard of shooting for this members.
Lead is ‘sticky’ and can be transported from of lead exposure to yourself and your baby program,” Mr Coote said. “We currently have
a shooting range on your body, clothes and and take appropriate precautions to minimise “We have assessed some really good 300 accredited CPM volunteers on our This B target shows 10 rounds of
equipment, into a car and your home. It may exposure to lead. hunters, but you must be proficient in database,” Mr Coote said. “These volun- centrefire shooting during the CPM
marksmanship to become an accredited teers take part in an average of 100 pest Accreditation Course. This shooter
volunteer. management shoots each year.
Pregnant? Lead dust can affect “It was a surprise that more applicants
didn’t pass but the result highlights the
“To maintain their accreditation their
shooting skills will need to be regularly
was one of few who passed the test.
The next CPM Accreditation Course
importance of range practice in different reassessed.
your unborn child field positions to become a proficient
hunter.”
Mr Coote said that while marksman-
“We also get a steady flow of applicants
for the program, however, the people
who are selected must have a high-level
will be held before the end of the year
and will process the remaining appli-
cants.
ship was a key aspect of the accredita- of hunting experience and ethics. Visit ssaavic.com.au/education conser-
SSAA Victoria: Promoting safe and responsible firearms use tion program, there are other important “If you want to become a successful vation-and-pest-management-accredita-
Visit ssaavic.com.au for more information components. applicant, it’s also important that you tion/ to learn more about becoming an
“We assess firearm safety knowl- practice the required fundamental accredited SSAA Victoria CPM Program
These guidelines are detailed in Information for Gun Shooters: Managing Exposure edge and risk management, rules and shooting skill.” Volunteer.
to Lead. State of Victoria, Department of Health and Human Services, October 2018. The Victorian Shooter 15
Feature Feature
Safari in
Namibia
SSAA Victoria Hunting Development Manager David
Laird experiences the hunting adventure of a lifetime.
I
have been lucky to hunt overseas a number of times cattle farm approximately 50km west of Windhoek. The
but Africa had always remained just out of reach. Rose farm is part of the Khomas Highland Conservancy, which
and I celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary (and covers numerous farms in the region and allows for
my 50th birthday) was the perfect incentive. larger scale wildlife management to occur and the option
I chose to hunt with Philip Hennings, from Khomas of hunting a huge area. Being cattle-fenced, the wildlife is
Highland Hunting Safaris and we found ourselves clear- able to roam largely unrestricted, with most animals able
ing immigration at Hosea Kutako International Airport in to go under, through or over the fences.
Namibia on July 16, 2018. A typical day saw us have breakfast in the main house
Philip was there to greet us and we all hit it off straight at 7.30am. We would then head out towards the moun-
away, so the drive to the farm passed very quickly as we tains in the open-backed ute. Game could be seen from
discussed the upcoming hunt. the vehicle and a stalk would be planned or we would
Most of the hunting occurs on the Hennings’ 8500ha Continued Page 18
Dave realises a hunting ambition
by bagging this magnificent
kudu bull in Namibia.
16 The Victorian Shooter The Victorian Shooter 17
Feature Feature
From Page 17
simply drive to an area and then walk the
undulating valleys glassing as we went.
We would return to the house for
lunch, have a rest for a few hours, meet
for coffee and cake at 3pm and then
head out for the afternoon hunt.
Most days saw us back at the house
before dark for a quick shower and a
sundowner at the fire before dinner,
though a few times we didn’t arrive back
until well after dark.
Dinner was always a social affair, with
good wine and excellent food, mostly
dishes from the animals we had taken
in previous days. The whole place was
relaxed and enjoyable and Rose felt very
welcome, comfortable and included.
Rose carried the camera and took
photos of animals and scenery while we
were hunting. There was plenty of wild- The first job on any African safari is to from us. One was
life to see but you still have to work for check the rifle and we did just that. I was an excellent trophy
a trophy. using one of Philip’s rifles, a synthetic but they were right
Part of my requirement for the hunt Blaser R93 in .300 Win Mag with a 2-8 onto us and had the The sun reflects of the horns of a kudu bull. Left: Isaak and Marius help spot while
was that animals were free-range. They power Zeiss scope. It also had a sizeable advantage of height. Dave takes aim. Far left: Springboks were among the abundance of wildlife.
could come and go as they liked and suppressor screwed on the front. We waited patiently
there were no guarantees that you It wasn’t long before we were seeing and they eventually had the late afternoon sun reflecting off again. I wasted no time in taking the
would take an animal of a particular animals and things got really exciting moved around the face his horns. Truly a magnificent sight and shot at the standing animal as I knew he
trophy standard. That said, there were when we saw some kudu in the scrub and through a saddle one that I won’t forget in a hurry. The wouldn’t stop again.
plenty of outstanding trophies through- beside a dry river bed. A good bull made between the hills, taking big bull continued to slowly contour The suppressor enabled me to hear
out the area. The animals were certainly a brief appearance so we put in a stalk. them out of sight. We down into the gully and we lost sight of the solid hit and the bull changed from
wild and very switched-on. I was amazed He ended up not being old enough and immediately started our with him for some time. angling up to heading straight down
at the distances they would get on to us we backed out without disturbing them, stalk, following them up. a good bloodtrail He had to be there and I kept search- to the bottom of the gully. We moved
at times. The red hartebeest in particular but the sight of my first wild kudu was Isaak’s knowledge of the leading to the gemsbok about 40m ing the other face as we carefully moved quickly to keep above him and then
had phenomenal vision. something special. My priority animals animals and the terrain meant we inter- away. I took plenty of time simply soaking down. Finally I saw him, standing in the watched to see whether he reappeared.
After breakfast on the first morning had always been kudu, gemsbok and cepted the two bulls further up a big up the moment and appreciating the shade looking across at us, only 150 Not seeing any movement and confi-
Rose and I were introduced to our zebra. side gully. The wind was good and we animal I had been fortunate enough to dent with the shot we headed across to
take.
Master Hunting Guide, Isaak, and our
driver/assistant guide, Marius. They were
After moving on from the kudu we saw
plenty of other animals until mid-morn-
managed to come in underneath them
spotting them at about 60m in among Perfectly adapted to thrive in the dry I placed the look for him. There, in the bottom of the
gully, lay my kudu bull.
great guys and we got along very well ing when we spotted two gemsbok bulls the thorn bushes and scrub. landscape the gemsbok is a truly strik- As I approached him I realised that I
for the whole hunt. on the side of a mountain about 800m Leaving Marius and Rose back a bit, ing animal and is Namibia’s national
emblem. The photo session was exten-
crosshair on had just fulfilled an ambition that had
Isaak and I snuck up to a large rock been harboured for many years. I was
which gave good cover and an excellent sive before we dragged the bull off
the side of the hill and down the gully.
his chest and pleased that my wife, who has always
supported my hunting adventures over
Two .300 Win Mag rest. Identifying the biggest bull I placed
projectiles taken from
a carcass.
the crosshairs on his chest and slowly
took up the trigger pressure. The recoil
Marius managed to get the vehicle over
some pretty rough, trackless terrain and
slowly took the past 20 years, was there with me for
this special moment.
and muzzle blast of the .300 Winchester
Magnum were so muted by the large
quite close so that we didn’t have to
work too hard on the carry out. up the trigger We took plenty of time just admiring
the bull and soaking up the moment
During the afternoon hunt we saw a
suppressor that I saw the bullet strike the
gemsbok a moment before the sound of good kudu bull on the top of a ridge. pressure. before taking heaps of photographs. He
was a magnificent beast, 10 years old
the solid chest shot clearly reached me. Taking time to thoroughly glass the and in excellent condition.
The bull reared up, turned and ran, entire face of the hill we finally found metres away. I whistled softly to Issak His neck was still swollen from the rut
immediately disappearing from sight two bulls near the top and one lower and slowly pointed. He saw the bull and and he had green staining on the back
among the thorn bushes on the side of down. They all looked good, but the immediately set up the shooting sticks. of his head from where he had been
the hill. I knew he was hard hit and took higher two were relatively young and I inched forward towards him and got rubbing bushes to display his dominance.
a moment to marvel at the fact that I had were not what we were after. The lower the rifle steady. As I picked the bull up Once back at the farm the carcasses
just shot my first animal in Africa only bull was a mature animal and a true in the scope he started to trot up the were hoisted on a gantry using an
three hours into the hunt on the first trophy. Working our way through the face. Isaak whistled, which paused him electric winch and skinning and gutting
morning. Wow! thorn bushes we slowly closed the gap. for a moment, then he went again. I had carried out. All the meat is used, either to
The follow up was straightforward One of the bulls on the top of the ridge the crosshairs on him when he paused Continued Page 20
18 The Victorian Shooter The Victorian Shooter 19Feature Feature
Giraffe, elephant and rhino in the Looking out over the African savannah with
Kalahari. Dave and Rose went on kudus in the foreground. Okambara Lodge
tours out from Okambara Lodge. (below) where the food, company and acco-
mondation was all first class.
From Page 19 and thorn trees to cover our approach
feed the farm workers and household or and the sun helped as well. We got
to sell for additional farm income. into 250 metres fairly easily, then had to
I couldn’t believe that after my first slow right down. The bull looked in our
day of hunting in Africa that I already direction a couple of times and we had
had two of my priority animals in the to freeze until he went back to feeding.
salt and that they were such magnificent At 190 metres Isaak set up the shooting
trophies. If I didn’t take another animal sticks and I got comfortable.
for the rest of the trip I would still have Squeezing off the shot I was rewarded
gone home happy. with the sound of a solid hit. The bull
The second morning did not result in a lurched and swayed, then slowly walked
shot fired and Isaak and Marius appeared behind a bush.
a bit disappointed when we arrived back We slowly made our way between
at the farm at lunchtime. I had to explain the thorn bushes to where I expected
to them that it didn’t matter. to see him on the ground but he wasn’t
Rose and I were enjoying the expe- there. Moving a bit further he appeared
rience and the hunting was excellent. between some bushes, walking slowly
We were seeing animals and putting in away. He was obviously hard hit but still
stalks. Hunting is about so much more on his feet. A second shot, hitting behind
than squeezing the trigger. I had allowed the shoulder, angling forward knocked
plenty of time so that there was no pres- him down.
sure to feel like I had to take an animal. Isaak’s congratulations were cut short zebra on the next mountain. There were heading down the ridge and around
The afternoon hunt turned out to be when the bull struggled back to his feet. about 15 animals in the group, which was the base of the mountain, but the pace
one to remember. We had looked over Wow. These African animals are tough! over a kilometre away. There was a good slowed as we started climbing.
plenty of animals but had not seen A third shot to the shoulder finished the stallion with them but they were already It would have been almost an hour
anything that we wanted to take, until matter. The autopsy later showed that the watching us so a frontal approach was from when we had first seen the zebra
the vehicle crested a rise, opening up a first shot had taken out the bottom of the out of the question. Our best option was until we finally crested the ridge. Moving
whole valley system below us. heart and the second and third shots had to drop back over the ridge we were on slowly and glassing constantly we care-
A lone red hartebeest was on the other gone through the shoulder into the lungs. and then head down the valley, around fully approached the gully where we
side of the valley. We were lucky that the As we walked up to the bull I was the bottom of the mountain, climb the expected to see them. Thankfully they
sun was dropping behind us and the bull struck by the beautiful colouring and the back side of the mountain and come were still there.
was looking into it. From our perspective enormous mass of his horns. I realised down on top of them. A simple plan, They were relaxed and the wind was
he stood out clearly, with the sun shining that the animal in front of me was some- but one that would involve walking for favourable so we took a few minutes
off his rich chestnut-red coat. thing special. It turned out to be the best about four kilometres, much of it out of crawling closer to get to a rocky outcrop.
Leaving Rose and Marius behind, Isaak one taken on the farm and everyone sight of the zebra. Laying my daypack over the rock I
and I began our stalk. We had a fair bit commented on what an exceptional a We left Rose and Marius to watch the adopted the prone position and got
of ground to cover and moved carefully trophy it was. herd while Isaak and I headed off. They comfortable. The stallion was at the top
down the face of the hill, with the bull One of the most memorable hunts would let us know on the radio if the of the herd, away from the mares and
just below the crest on the other side. occurred one morning when we crested zebra left, saving us considerable effort foals. I watched him through the scope
Fortunately there were plenty of bushes a ridge and Isaak picked up a herd of on a wasted stalk. We made good time Continued Page 22
20 The Victorian Shooter The Victorian Shooter 21Feature Feature
challenging and I was delighted when
The silencer on the synthetic I finally got a nice warthog boar. I now This magnificent blue wildebeest was
Blaser R93 in .300 Win Mag had five animals with plenty of time left the last animal taken. His trophy will be
made a lot of difference to so we decided to go to the Kalahari for a among the other reminders (bottom) of
the hunting experience. few days to see elephant and rhino. an incredible experience.
We spent a couple of days at the
Okambara Elephant lodge where I cele-
brated my 50th birthday. It was a lovely
place, with great food and friendly staff
and owners. We got to see rhino and
elephant up close on game drives, which
was pretty exciting, as well as the various
plains game animals.
We returned to Farm Heusis and went
looking for my last animals. Springbok
had been seen on most hunts but a
good buck had proven elusive.
We finally got lucky when I caught a
glimpse of a springbok moving through
the thorny scrub. Being so small it was
well concealed but we had the wind in
our favour and plenty of cover. He joined
two other bucks and moved into a more
open area. Crawling for 50 metres we
got to the last cover and I ranged the
animals at 184 metres.
The buck I was after wasn’t offering
a good shot, but had no idea we were
there and was completely relaxed. Finally
he stepped clear of the other bucks and
turned broadside. The final animal on my list was a blue
Laying prone and using my daypack wildebeest. I had spent time hunting
as a rest I settled the crosshair on his them with the bow and had some great
shoulder and gently squeezed off the stalks but hadn’t managed to get one. On
shot. A second later the sound of the hit the last day I swapped back to the rifle.
reached me, but the ram was already Isaak spotted a good bull in a small
From Page 21 rocky terrain. We positioned the stallion down, knocked off his feet and killed group. We put in a stalk but bumped
and waited until he turned perfectly for photos, which was no easy task, and instantly by the 170-grain projectile. them. Isaak’s expert tracking allowed us
broadside. Mountain zebra have a trian- waited for Rose and Marius to make the I was very impressed with both the rifle to follow them and I got into position to
gular pattern of stripes on their shoulders long climb up the hill. Rose was stunned and cartridge and was pleased that I had take the shot off the sticks. Fortunately
which provides a perfect aiming point. by the beauty of the animal up close and taken up the offer to use Philip’s firearm. I made a good shot and had a magnifi-
I put the cross hair on the triangle and she took plenty of time admiring him. Walking up to the springbok I was very cent trophy on the ground.
gently squeezed off the shot. His skin will make a magnificent floor happy to again find an old mature I was happy that we had persevered
The solid thump of a perfect hit clearly rug and we will always remember the animal that made a fine trophy. and ended up taking such a great animal
reached me as the stallion reared for the day in the mountains after such a good hunt. After admiring
last time and tumbled down the moun- when I took him. him and taking photos, we loaded him
tain. I could not have asked for a better Sitting on the side of Dave and Isaak with
a warthog boar taken up and heading back to the skinning
end to a wonderful hunt. the mountain with my shed for the last time.
Isaak and I just stayed where we were zebra we were as close to with the bow.
It truly was the trip of a lifetime. Rose
for a few minutes watching the rest of nature as you can get and and I were made to feel part of the
the herd. Perfectly adapted for the harsh playing an active role in it. Hennings’ family who went out of their
mountain terrain they were something Sustainably using natural way to ensure we had a great time.
very special to see. Anyone who thinks resources is something The accommodation was excellent, as
a mountain zebra equates to a horse is man has done for count- was the food and most importantly, the
sorely mistaken and should try to get less generations and we hunting. I would not hesitate to recom-
close to them in their natural habitat. were both comfortable in mend Khomas Highland Hunting Safaris
They are a truly wild and challenging continuing that tradition. to any SSAA member who wants to expe-
animal to hunt. I hunted for a few days rience free-range hunting in Namibia.
We watched as the landcruiser with the bow chasing Everyone says that you can’t go
appeared in the valley far below us, blue wildebeest and hunting in Africa just once. I thoroughly
slowly crawling over the broken and warthog. It was extremely agree and I will be going back.
22 The Victorian Shooter The Victorian Shooter 23Feature Feature
An introduction to reloading
Want to get the most from your firearm? Reloading ammunition is much simpler than you might think.
By Ron James
I
f you’re new to shooting, you may
have heard people use terms such as
“factory loads” or “reloading” when de-
scribing ammunition.
Factory loads are simply ammunition
you buy off the shelf while reloading is
where you create your own ammunition
by combining a brass casing, gunpow-
der, primer and projectile (bullet).
Competition shooters will load their
own ammunition to get the best accu-
racy, while firearm collectors might find
that commercial cartridges are difficult to
obtain or simply not available for some
older rifles.
Cost is another benefit of reloading.
For the shooter who spends a lot of time
on the range, particularly with higher Above: a seating die on the left. Note
calibre firearms, reloading the same the decapping pin on the right. Right: a
brass cartridge case multiple times saves standard single-stage reloading press.
money.
There is no absolute reason why you the reloading press that is used to hold
can’t use factory ammunition and most the dies necessary to either reform a fired
people do. For more popular cartridges case or seat a new projectile.
there are relatively large numbers of In addition to the mechanical items a
factory cartridges available, and they are reputable reloading manual is essential.
a far better product than they were 20 Manuals provide powder loads for a
Clockwise from top: measuring powder
years ago. particular cartridge and a bullet weight.
in grains; reloading manuals; powder,
But firearms are quirky and what works The loads specified were tested and
primer, projectile and case are the four
in one has a different result in another found to be safe using specific powders
ammunition components.
and it will take some experimenting with for a wide range of firearms.
different brands to find the best cartridge If you purchase the required items indi- You should not attempt to use a
for your firearm. vidually you may be able to save money powder other than those listed, in addi-
Or you can load your own and with when individual items are on sale at a tion do not use less than the minimum
a bit of care and practice, the home gun shop. powder specified and certainly do not
reloader can produce ammunition better Any cartridge consists of four essential exceed the maximum load.
than the best commercial ammunition There are several ways that you may items: the brass cartridge case is the Note that powder weight is expressed
available. accumulate the required knowledge. receptacle that contains the propellant in grains, which is a very old weight
Loading ammunition doesn’t require Most reloading manuals have detailed powder, the primer for ignition and lastly system in which 7000 grains equals an die screwed into the press, we insert a the decapping die needs to be lubricated
a lot of equipment and good, accurate explanations about the whole process the bullet (projectile). Imperial pound. It is normal to start with lubricated used case into the die. with a high viscosity lubricant because
ammunition can be produced on the including illustrations or photographs. A new primer is inserted in the new the minimum load and work up in small As the case is fed into the die, the the forces used are sometimes consider-
kitchen table using a minimum of equip- There is of course the internet with case, the appropriate powder charge is increments, usually half or one grain at decapping pin ejects the spent primer at able and not all lubricants are suitable.
ment. multiple explanations and videos of the weighed on a scale and poured into the a time. the base of the case, at the same time the The projectile itself is a whole other
Loading or reloading cartridges entire reloading process. case, the projectile is then seated using You will also find velocities specified expanded neck of the case is squeezed column, but you cannot go wrong with
requires care. There are no shortcuts To get you started, there are two ways a seating die screwed into the reloading in a reloading manual, but they are only to a diameter smaller than the bullet size. a simple soft-point flat-based type. These
with safety particularly when applied to to proceed. Several reloading companies press. a guide as velocities vary dependent on As the case is withdrawn from the projectiles have stood the test of time
you personally. The start of the process is make a basic reloading kit that provides If however we are using a previously the rifle used. die it passes over the expander ball that and are still widely used.
some extensive reading and research so the necessary tools to complete the fired case several other processes are A fired case expands and to return expands the mouth of the case to a So, that’s a brief introduction to get
that you understand exactly how each process. Another other option is to have necessary to return the case to its origi- it to its original size we use a decap- size which will allow a new bullet to be you started and hopefully you will be
process is carried out and more impor- a knowledgeable person make up a list nal condition before use. ping and sizing die appropriate to the seated. inspired to explore the fascinating world
tantly, why. for you. At the heart of any reloading system is cartridge calibre we are using. With this Note that the case to be inserted into of reloading.
24 The Victorian Shooter The Victorian Shooter 25You can also read
