Nesika's Sporter Part 2

Recapping Part 1 – The Nesika Sporter is materially better than then a typical high end, mass produced sporter. As detailed in Part 1, the Nesika is made of better materials, the associated manufacturing processes and finishing operations are held to a higher standard and the pieces that form the whole are more considered for a better performing integration. Without tinkering, the Nesika is an easy sub-MOA firearm that would, no doubt, last most hunters a life time and go on to serve future generations. Is all of this of consequence? Yes and no/

For a woodland hunter who sees a rifle as providing utility and limits its use to a range session followed by deer season, the Nesika represents approximately $3,000 more than the going rate for utility. For a hunter who appreciates superior equipment, feels pride of ownership and is accomplished enough as a shooter, hunter and/or handloader to bring out the performance potential of a quality firearm, the Nesika represents value and a bit of functional, mechanical art.

Handloading for the Nesika

The 280 Remington has a SAAMI maximum cartridge overall length of 3.330″. However, variations in components and chamber dimensions sometimes offer some latitude and potential for improved performance. The easiest way to assess the situation was to take some measurements with a cartridge overall length gauge, unfortunately, ammunition shortages are even affecting the availability of modified cases used for COL gauges. So we made our own using a spent 280 Rem case from the Nesika. The case was decapped, chucked in a lathe and drilled out though the primer hole with a 19/64th drill, then the hole was threaded with a  5/16 x 36P tap. The result was a modified case, headspaced to the rifle’s chamber.

 

The Nesika had enough clearance ahead of a very long and sharply tapered ogive 168 grain Berger VLD hunting bullet to accommodate up to a 3.656″ COL. No, we did not load any ammunition to that overall length as seating would have been too shallow. However, in checking each of the four bullets we intended to load, we found there was more than sufficient clearance to assemble all to our preference as they appear on the table below, pictured left to right, listed top to bottom. The 175 grain Remington bullet was seated to cannelure position, but could have easily been seated to only 0.284″ if that had been desired.

Just because a rifle can chamber a longer than standard cartridge, doesn’t mean it can cycle the same. In this case, however, the Nesika Sporter’s bolt stroke measures 4.915″ and its magazine box interior is 3.712″ long so cycling was not a problem.

 

Two more Nesika featured benefited the 280 Remington’s performance. The twist rate is 1:9″. Relatively tight for the 7mm bore and good for stabilizing long, high B.C. bullets. The barrel length is 24″ which substantially boosted muzzle velocity over a more typical 22″ barrel.

 

Actual performance

 

After juggling some powder types around, the noted seemed to work the best. Hodgdon H4350, IMR 4350 and Alliant 22 were also tried, however, they fell short on velocity or accuracy.

 

We also had to contend with severe gusting winds for three days until we ran out of time and had to press on. We ended up mounting the backed targets to fiberglass rods. The target would move with the bending rods while the wind was blowing, so as soon at the target was straight up and down between gusts, it was time to take a shot.

 

The smallest and largest groups, left. It is impressive to be able to get this level of accuracy without spending hours tweaking and refining ammo and rifle.

The table above is an example of the 280 Remington’s exterior ballistics with decent bullets. This is with a +3 ordinate which is reasonable for medium to large game.

Final comments

There were a lot of nice things about this combination that perhaps weren’t individually earth shaking, but certainly appreciated. The Burris Veracity 3x-15x50mm was clear and sharp and had terrific contrast. Incremental adjustment was uniform and positive to the extent it was easy to walk shots around the target to zero and adjustments stayed put.

The Nesika is easy to top load. It has a traditional follower and nothing is crowded under the scope. Cycling the bolt is so smooth; no binding, no stuttering over a feeding cartridge and empties are tossed out of the way. The rifle feels really solid and barely warmed during range sessions. The magazine release actually worked cleanly when unloading. The stock geometry is excellent in terms of support and deflecting recoil. The finish wipes clean with little effort and the rifle drew a lot of attention as a good looking firearm.

Is the Nesika worth the money?  That’s the beauty of being an independent thinking enthusiast. If you want it and can afford it, why not? No apologies or explanations needed. If you have the knowledge and skill to fully utilize this firearm, even better. The truth of the matter is, comparing the Nesika with custom firearms or name gunsmithing services that could approximate its quality and performance, you’d find the Nesika is a bargain.

Nesika’s Sporter Part 1
Nesika’s Sporter Part 2