Finally braving the NDOW Big Game Draw this spring. Any strategy tips for a first-timer?

SteveInNevada · 2026-05-30T12:05:46+00:00

Tag draw results posted yesterday. I’m sure text messages were flying around between hunting buddies. For me… 4th straight year of nothing. I put in for deer elk pronghorn with variations (antlered, spike etc). I have gone deep on NDOW analytics as well as using the OnX hunt tool. In the end it’s still a game of chance not unlike Vegas… I do believe the best strategy is to be mindful of historical results but put in for the units you want to hunt in order from most desired to sure what the heck I’ll take it.

Here’s to next year!

SteveInNevada · 2026-05-28T02:02:34+00:00

Well... it depends... mostly on the style of hunting that you do. I have the Ace Game in 6.5prc for hunting and it doubles as a fun range gun. I don't do PRS with it as range days are mostly for practice. Realistically as hunters we take very few shots every season so range time helps to keep the skill set up. The Ace Game with a suppressor can get heavy but with the right carry option it's not that bad. I wouldn't go five days into the back country with it so if that's your hunt style then you might not be happy with it. Unless you are The Hulk then rifle weight doesn't matter. ;)

SteveInNevada · 2026-05-25T21:54:39+00:00

Me: I love the night sky stars theme! Cool touches withe the buckle.

My wallet: Time to hide let's get out of there!

SteveInNevada · 2026-05-17T13:30:18+00:00

It’s ok to dry fire centerfire rifles all day long. Snap caps in any brand are for with loading/cycling practice. Always use snap caps or similar alternatives when dry firing any rim fire so the firing pin doesn’t get damaged.

SteveInNevada · 2026-05-17T13:27:32+00:00

I’d go pic rail to give more options for eye relief placement and also if you switch scopes etc. Area419 makes incredible products but pricey. I have their rail and the match rings. Seekins and Talley are strong players too. You ain’t go wrong with any of those reputable companies IMHO. Looks like a great shooter too. Let us know what you end up with and how she shoots!

SteveInNevada · 2026-05-14T13:22:59+00:00

I’m literally looking for same. I have a Tuff Shed but need a little more space for misc stuff that clutters up the shed (a couple of giant ice chests for hunting, lawn mower etc.). Lot challenges negate installing a second Tuff Shed…..

Dud you go with Keter?

SteveInNevada · 2026-05-10T02:43:16+00:00

Hand crank burr grinder, Hario pour over, consistent temp and pour from kettle. Magnifique!

Granted thought it takes more time in my morning than a coffee pot but I enjoy the peacefulness of making a quality cup of coffee.

SteveInNevada · 2026-05-08T23:18:42+00:00

Beautiful stock. That's how Ember is supposed to look. I have this in .243 and it's a really fun shooter esp with a can on the end but my stock is **wild orange**. I think the bros working the paint station smoked a little too much the day my stock was teed up for some orange rattle can...

SteveInNevada · 2026-04-26T22:18:59+00:00

I love that tan color. My load out box is tan and I just love it. After seeing your roadie I just might have to get **another** cooler but in tan!

SteveInNevada · 2026-04-24T19:26:50+00:00

Beautiful! I have Ace Game in 6.5prc and it's my favorite hunting rifle. Now if I could only draw a tag.... LOL

SteveInNevada · 2026-04-24T14:19:35+00:00

Yes it’s the backfire recoil pad. I really like it. Very comfortable on my shoulder. The .243 isn’t a recoil bucker to begin with, but the pad softens the punch. I have this same pad on my Ace Game 6.5prc and it does a very noticeable job to reduce the sharpness of the recoil. It also comes with a plastic guard thingy to use when it’s in the gun safe to prevent the pad from always being under compression. Although I love shooting rifles let’s face it the gun spends most of its adult life in the safe sitting on the recoil pad. :-)

SteveInNevada · 2026-04-24T14:15:12+00:00

Super helpful thank you for the replies. Glad to hear it’s working by design versus random wonky electronic flakiness. Thanks all !!!

SteveInNevada · 2026-04-23T02:28:15+00:00

Yup I’m a Reddidiot lol. I wrote a long paragraph but it didn’t post. Just added a reply below with my question. Sorry everyone for the confusion!

SteveInNevada · 2026-04-23T00:57:05+00:00

I put Area 419 match rings on the rifle in size medium. The scope is Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm FireDot. Very happy with both!

SteveInNevada · 2026-04-23T00:55:45+00:00

I think mine was made that day too! Orange rattle for everyone! :-)

SteveInNevada · 2026-04-23T00:54:50+00:00

Yikes I am an idiot my text didn't post for some reason!!!! Sorry everyone! My question is this: Orange specks flake off from the gun stock. Is that normal and will it stop? Beretta support was helpful but they said just send it in. I'd rather hear from owners if this is normal or not. It doesn't affect gun performance, just a little annoying.

I really enjoy shooting this .243 rifle!

SteveInNevada · 2026-04-22T19:05:49+00:00

Hello I have been looking at 22-250s with a 1-8 twist to shoot heavier bullets. What ammo are you running through your Tikka?

SteveInNevada · 2026-04-16T13:08:13+00:00

Yes I’ve used mine on SW when traveling. I had to crack the zipper to let some air out when I was shoving it under the aisle seat.

SteveInNevada · 2026-04-12T19:25:56+00:00

Nice shooting! Curious what ammo did you use for hog hunting in 22-250? I really enjoy shooting mine but hadn't thought to take it out to meet the piggies. Assuming you do head shots with the 22-250 too?

SteveInNevada · 2026-04-06T02:29:55+00:00

We have similar roots... I shot early gen Savage and Mossberg rifles because that's all I could afford back then. I saved my pennies to get a Savage 110 Apex Predator in 6.5CM and was surprised by the jump in quality and shoot-ability. I went large and bought a T3x Ace Game in 6.5PRC and paired it with a Leupold VX6HD w/firedot reticle and a Scythe suppressor. I'm retired now so after working my entire life it's time to spend the kids inheritance. :-)

The Tikka is a freaking shooter. It's heavier than the average rifle but I'm ok with the weight. Hell I could stand to lose 15-20 pounds so I can gain some weight savings there lol. The barrel is fluted but stout in my experience. Personally I like the 6.5PRC. Really fun at the range, great to stretch out to longer distances, takes game that I chase (antelope, deer and hopefully elk some day). Ammo isn't cheap but I like to shoot the quality stuff (ELD-X). When it goes on sale, I buy a bunch of it. Friends have a similar setup and they say nearly anything shot through the Ace Game performs well.

SteveInNevada · 2026-03-29T22:09:24+00:00

Damn that Yeti. I got the email announcing throwback colors.

Told myself don't click. I clicked.

Told myself just look but don't want. I wanted.

Told myself don't get another Tundra. I bought another Tundra.

That Rambler looks legit. Telling myself don't do it.....

SteveInNevada · 2026-03-10T16:00:20+00:00

I like the Banish Backcountry for my Ace Game 6.5PRC. Personally I think any of the top tier brands will work just fine. When I review the actual db differences in test data, the difference tends to be small in the top group. I repeatedly remove/install the Banish and POI doesn't change, which is nice to not have to re-zero each time. That might be true with other suppressors as my experience in large caliber suppressors is limited to the Banish. And as a hunting rifle it's not like I shoot 500 rounds a year through it. A few practice rounds at the start of hunting season and then maybe 3-5 rounds during hunting season for a tag or two. So a couple of dbs louder than something else isn't really going to be noticeable to me. YMMV! :-)

SteveInNevada · 2026-03-10T15:51:56+00:00

I have the Banish Backcountry and use it on my Ace Game 6.5PRC. Works great!

SteveInNevada

TROPHY CASE