Bolt Action Exploring the Western Bushpig

[Ezana4CE]

I’ve had my eye on one of these for a couple of years and picked one up this year.


I’m working my way through some ammo I have for it to see what’s what. Since using the Athlon Rangecraft it’s a lot more convenient to collect velocity data and to compile DOPE. I shot a few groups with some NSA .452, 265 grain slugs today tethered to a 60 min CF SCBA tank with an external reg set to 3600 psi.


I shot from 25 yards and 50 yards. From 25 hm yards my rifle was placed in a Lead Sled on a crappy table top. I could not establish any holds that were consistent. I think the ammo may be undersized or maybe I’m not pushing it fast enough. I was working from 250 bar tethered for an average velocity of 826.37 FPS. I should probably sling these a little faster. At 25 yards I held in different areas and got some strange POIs. I moved to 50 yards and my first shot was a bullseye.


I got excited then my next shot was about 1.25” high and maybe just under an inch left, and my subsequent shots were hitting 6” - 7.5” high, 5” - 6” right. I thought I aimed at the wrong target, so I locked down the tripod. That’s when I found out that they were flying that way. Below you can see the three targets I shot. I admit I’m not a great shot, but I’d like to think that I’m nowhere near this horrible.


I’m thinking that these aren’t a good pairing with this rifle, but I still have a significant amount of exploring to do with ammo and information I’ve obtained. Keep checking in if you’re interested. Yes I know High Arc Hunters come highly recommended. Because of that, they’ll probably be the last thing that I try.

You can compare my numbers with the published velocities and power levels here. You can also purchase a Bushpig here.

Western Airguns Western Bush Pig .45 Carbine - Big Bore Airguns

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www.airgunsofarizona.com

Edited 9/11/25, 8:53pm to add photo of NSA 265 grain slugs. Their weights were pretty consistent. Their diameters micced consistently at .4525.

*Caveat: Please don’t let my shooting represent the optimal capabilities of this rifle or the ammo I’m testing. I am very new to shooting the Bushpig and have to learn to be comfortable shooting such a powerful big bore air rifle.

 

[Dogowski]

I’ve had my eye on one of these for a couple of years and picked one up this year.
View attachment 15821

I’m working my way through some ammo I have for it to see what’s what. Since using the Athlon Rangecraft it’s a lot more convenient to collect velocity data and to compile DOPE. I shot a few groups with some NSA .452, 265 grain slugs today tethered to a 60 min CF SCBA tank with an external reg set to 3600 psi.
View attachment 15823

I shot from 25 yards and 50 yards. From 25 hm yards my rifle was placed in a Lead Sled on a crappy table top. I could not establish any holds that were consistent. I think the ammo may be undersized or maybe I’m not pushing it fast enough. I was working from 250 bar tethered for an average velocity of 826.37 FPS. I should probably sling these a little faster. At 25 yards I held in different areas and got some strange POIs. I moved to 50 yards and my first shot was a bullseye.
View attachment 15824

I got excited then my next shot was about 1.25” high and maybe just under an inch left, and my subsequent shots were hitting 6” - 7.5” high, 5” - 6” right. I thought I aimed at the wrong target, so I locked down the tripod. That’s when I found out that they were flying that way. Below you can see the three targets I shot. I admit I’m not a great shot, but I’d like to think that I’m nowhere near this horrible.
View attachment 15825

I’m thinking that these aren’t a good pairing with this rifle, but I still have a significant amount of exploring to do with ammo and information I’ve obtained. Keep checking in if you’re interested. Yes I know High Arc Hunters come highly recommended. Because of that, they’ll probably be the last thing that I try.

What a cannon you've got there man! Looking forward to you getting it dialed in with the right ammo and seeing your progress.

 

[Ezana4CE]

What a cannon you've got there man! Looking forward to you getting it dialed in with the right ammo and seeing your progress.

@Dogowski Thanks. I look forward to exploring different ammo, aspects of the rifle, and putting some blood on the rifle.

 

[Grunt64]

I’ve had my eye on one of these for a couple of years and picked one up this year.
View attachment 15821

I’m working my way through some ammo I have for it to see what’s what. Since using the Athlon Rangecraft it’s a lot more convenient to collect velocity data and to compile DOPE. I shot a few groups with some NSA .452, 265 grain slugs today tethered to a 60 min CF SCBA tank with an external reg set to 3600 psi.
View attachment 15823

I shot from 25 yards and 50 yards. From 25 hm yards my rifle was placed in a Lead Sled on a crappy table top. I could not establish any holds that were consistent. I think the ammo may be undersized or maybe I’m not pushing it fast enough. I was working from 250 bar tethered for an average velocity of 826.37 FPS. I should probably sling these a little faster. At 25 yards I held in different areas and got some strange POIs. I moved to 50 yards and my first shot was a bullseye.
View attachment 15824

I got excited then my next shot was about 1.25” high and maybe just under an inch left, and my subsequent shots were hitting 6” - 7.5” high, 5” - 6” right. I thought I aimed at the wrong target, so I locked down the tripod. That’s when I found out that they were flying that way. Below you can see the three targets I shot. I admit I’m not a great shot, but I’d like to think that I’m nowhere near this horrible.
View attachment 15825

I’m thinking that these aren’t a good pairing with this rifle, but I still have a significant amount of exploring to do with ammo and information I’ve obtained. Keep checking in if you’re interested. Yes I know High Arc Hunters come highly recommended. Because of that, they’ll probably be the last thing that I try.

Try BARS slugs? The info is on the lid of the tin, Rick, 1721 I believe will have a video out using them at some point. If you do, I would call him to discuss your needs for your PCP. If I was lucky enough to get another pcp that would be the company I would love to get.

 

[Ezana4CE]

Try BARS slugs? The info is on the lid of the tin, Rick, 1721 I believe will have a video out using them at some point. If you do, I would call him to discuss your needs for your PCP. If I was lucky enough to get another pcp that would be the company I would love to get.

@Grunt64 I’ll take a look. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Ezana4CE]

I meant to post some shot string data from yesterday here’s 2 strings taken with my Athlon Rangecraft chronograph. These were measured with the rifle tethered using an external regulator with consistent regulated pressure of 250 bar/3600 psi per shot. These shots were shot on high power.

 

[Airgun-hobbyist]

@Ezana4CE Those are really consistent shot strings. Once you get the bullet diameter andbweight thatbthe barrel likes worked out you'll have an accurate pig shooter. Your post above where you say they are going all over the place indicates the barrel's bore may be much larger than those. 452 diameter slugs.

 

[Ezana4CE]

@Ezana4CE Those are really consistent shot strings. Once you get the bullet diameter andbweight thatbthe barrel likes worked out you'll have an accurate pig shooter. Your post above where you say they are going all over the place indicates the barrel's bore may be much larger than those. 452 diameter slugs.

@Airgun-hobbyist I don’t know what you mean by “much larger,” but I suspect that the bore may be larger than .452. I bought them so I shot some. The instructional leaflet says they recommend .452 - .454 ammo, so I’m starting within that range. Stay tuned. I’m sure I’ll find something the gun likes that I’m content shooting.

I would hope the strings would be consistent while tethered to a SCBA tank and external reg without falling off the reg.

 

[Ezana4CE]

@Airgun-hobbyist I keep think about your comment regarding the bore possibly being “much larger.” I looked at some High Arc Hunter slugs on AOA’s site and saw some were sized .456. Would those be for the Bushbuck or the Rattler? How much larger than .452 do you think the bore could be?

 

[Airgun-hobbyist]

@Airgun-hobbyist I keep think about your comment regarding the bore possibly being “much larger.” I looked at some High Arc Hunter slugs on AOA’s site and saw some were sized .456. Would those be for the Bushbuck or the Rattler? How much larger than .452 do you think the bore could be?

I'm not sure as to how much larger the bore may be to make them shoot that way. But my experience with a Challener 457 with too big of a bore for slug diameter (and unstabilizing, short slugs) had exactly the same shot pattern. Bigger diameter and longer slugs that fit the bore tighter and length/weight acceptable to the twist rate fixed the pattern to tighten the groups.

I would try the larger diameter .456 slugs. I have shot those diameter in my Rattler with fairly tight groups, even though they fit tight. Tight fitting slugs seems to be way better than loose, because loose throws them everywhere down range. I use a Lee .454 sizing die on my slugs.

 

[Grunt64]

That's because the tighter fit slugs are sealing so when you fire the air
Stays behind the slug, it's when you have air blowing around the slug or loose fitting slug it becomes unstable. You actually want to feel little resistance when you close the chamber.

 

[Pesty3782]

@Airgun-hobbyist I keep think about your comment regarding the bore possibly being “much larger.” I looked at some High Arc Hunter slugs on AOA’s site and saw some were sized .456. Would those be for the Bushbuck or the Rattler? How much larger than .452 do you think the bore could be?

High Arc Hunter High Arc Hunter .45 Caliber Hollow Point 365 Grain - Airgun Slugs

For Big Bore Airguns in .45 Caliber. Heavier weight for Magnum .457 caliber airguns! Large Hollow Point for high expansion and better transfer of energy.

www.airgunsofarizona.com

Here is what my Carbine likes....

I shot these at RMAC big bore and hit targets out past 300 yards with them.

I was able to get 4 shots inside a silver dollar at 110 yards........4100 PSI fill. 1st shot 775 FPS for about 480 FPE and the 2nd at 725 FPS. Then I have to refill so 2 "good" shots before refill.

I do use the Emperor Moderator on it when I shoot. It adds about 25 FPS compared to not having it on...

Tony P.

 

[Ezana4CE]

Another thing I meant to add is that the Western Airguns Bushpig is very front heavy. If you pick it up by the pistol grip using one hand, it will tilt forward then down towards the ground if you do not support it. It should be obvious why that is by looking at the way the gun is built. I assume this helps to prevent the muzzle from rising so much on the shot. As expected, the Bushpig has a kick to it. It's not too violent, but it's going to jump. It has some weight to it and I'd definitely want to sling this rifle while carrying it afield. Thankfully there is a picatinny rail on the underside of the forestock in front of the trigger guard. A Magpul styled pic-rail sling adapter can be installed there. The Western Bushpig build quality feels good to me. It feels really durable as a hunting rifle should. When cocking the rifle you have to use some force. I think it will take practice to cock this quietly. I'd like to have it cocked and ready to rock when a deer shows up as opposed to cocking it after the fact. Perhaps I need more time to get the feel of this bolt. That remains to be seen.

I really wish there was a manometer incorporated into the fill port or reservoir. What I started doing is sticking a piece of masking tape on the butt with the fill pressure of the reservoir. In this instance I wrote 250 bar on the tape since that was the external regulator's set point on my last outing before I disconnected the rifle from it. I'm also not a fan of split picatinny rails, but at least there's no magazine to worry about interfering with loading due to scope height. I guess if I wanted to mount a Cold Shot adjustable base I could use a cantilever mount for my scope. Anyhow, just some observations and opinions here.

 

[Ezana4CE]

High Arc Hunter High Arc Hunter .45 Caliber Hollow Point 365 Grain - Airgun Slugs

For Big Bore Airguns in .45 Caliber. Heavier weight for Magnum .457 caliber airguns! Large Hollow Point for high expansion and better transfer of energy.

www.airgunsofarizona.com

Here is what my Carbine likes....

I shot these at RMAC big bore and hit targets out past 300 yards with them.

I was able to get 4 shots inside a silver dollar at 110 yards........4100 PSI fill. 1st shot 775 FPS for about 480 FPE and the 2nd at 725 FPS. Then I have to refill so 2 "good" shots before refill.

I do use the Emperor Moderator on it when I shoot. It adds about 25 FPS compared to not having it on...

Tony P.

@Pesty3782 What’s the report like when you used a Donny FL Emperor? Does it make a significant difference or does it only dampen the report a little?

 

[Pesty3782]

For me a very big difference. It throws the report out forward compared to not having it on

It does make the Carbine longer, but you can shoot it without hearing protection if in the open

Tony P

 

[Ezana4CE]

For me a very big difference. It throws the report out forward compared to not having it on

It does make the Carbine longer, but you can shoot it without hearing protection if in the open

Tony P

@Pesty3782 Thanks for your input here.The first time I shot it, something I noticed about the Bushpig is that it is quieter than I thought it would be. My Benjamin Bulldog M357 sounds louder to me.

 

[Ezana4CE]

These are nothing to brag about, but I got some data from a couple of cast slugs. I obtained these semi-wadcutters (or maybe they’re wadcutters) as .452, 318 grain slugs. Their weight varies from 316.7 grain to 322 grain. I shot 5 unsorted straight out of the bag from 50 yards standing behind my tripod. I shot tethered around 3600-3700 psi.




Here’s the shot string data.


Varying weights.






I’m not blaming any of my shooting on the slugs. I have several factors to work out: like zeroing the scope (I don’t intended to keep this scope on the Bushpig), cleaning the barrel, shooting from a more stable position, and shooting at different reservoir pressures. Ultimately I should’ve given myself more time to work through the small details. There’s always tomorrow or the next day.

Oh and if anyone has advice on how to handle the recoil, I’m open to read what you have to say based upon your experience. I could use some help learning to hold this correctly on my follow through.

 

[Airgun-hobbyist]

These are nothing to brag about, but I got some data from a couple of cast slugs. I obtained these semi-wadcutters (or maybe they’re wadcutters) as .452, 318 grain slugs. Thier weight vary from 316.7 grain to 322 grain. I shot 5 unsorted straight out of the bag from 50 yards standing behind my tripod. I shot tethered around 3600-3700 psi.
View attachment 15921
View attachment 15920
View attachment 15922

Here’s the shot string data.
View attachment 15928

Varying weights.
View attachment 15923
View attachment 15924
View attachment 15925
View attachment 15926
View attachment 15927

I’m not blaming any of my shooting on the slugs. I have several factors to work out: like zeroing the scope (I don’t intended to keep this scope on the Bushpig), cleaning the barrel, shooting from a more stable position, and shooting at different reservoir pressures. Ultimately I should’ve given myself more time to work through the small details. There’s always tomorrow or the next day.

Oh and if anyone has advice on how to handle the recoil, I’m open to read what you have to say based upon your experience. I could use some help learning to hold this correctly on my follow through.

I deal with recoil with a firearms type of muzzle brake, made of aluminum. Less length and weight than a LDC, and does calm the bark/tone down some too.

 

[Ezana4CE]

If there is something you guys want to see, ask and I’ll see what I can do. I have some ammo I want to shoot through before grabbing more, so that will come later.

 

[Airgun-hobbyist]

If there is something you guys want to see, ask and I’ll see what I can do. I have some ammo I want to shoot through before grabbing more, so that will come later.

These NSA 350 grain rebated boat tail slugs fly great and produce my tightest long range groups, after having tried several manufacturers' designs and weights in a couple of 45 caliber airgun's. They have OK expansion, and because it doesn't turn into a flat ashtray in the shoulder bone and meat the slug actually carries momentum for an exit hole through the offside hide.

45 cal | 350 gr | 50 Slugs | $0.67 / Rd

Our ammo is only for use in Air Guns. Our air gun pellets/slugs are swaged from soft lead to give excellent expansion for effective and responsible hunting. This is a hollow point nose with a dish base. Most accurate slug for Airforce Texan big bore air rifle and LONG RANGE SHOOTING. 350 grains...

nielsenspecialtyammo.com