OPS Podcast Episode 6 : SETS

This podcast episode from O'Neill Ops features James O'Neill and Keith Risky discussing their lifelong partnership in hunting, filming, and gear development. They emphasize the importance of extensive field testing, continuous practice, and understanding animal behavior for successful predator hunting. The conversation delves into rifle modifications, suppressor benefits, and the evolution of their equipment and techniques, highlighting a commitment to practical, real-world application over theoretical best practices.

This video demonstrates the process of zeroing a new Athlon Cronus ATS50 thermal optic on a custom .223 Wylde rifle. Instructor Joel highlights techniques for target acquisition with thermal optics, including using contrasting markers, and walks through the zeroing process at 50 and 100 yards. The session concludes with attempts at longer-range shooting and a review of the optic's performance for predator hunting.

This video recounts a near-fatal incident where the speaker almost shot a person, mistaking them for coyotes due to poor target identification and lack of situational awareness. It emphasizes the critical importance of firearm safety rules, particularly confirming your target, even when experienced. The speaker highlights how overconfidence and assumptions can lead to dangerous mistakes in the field.

This podcast episode from O'Neill Ops focuses on the 22-250 cartridge for predator hunting, specifically coyotes. The hosts emphasize its inherent accuracy, effectiveness through hydrostatic shock, and versatility, especially when paired with faster twist barrels (like 1:8) that allow for heavier bullet weights. They discuss how modern optics and shooting techniques like holdover have modernized its application, contrasting it with newer cartridges like the 22 Creedmoor and older options like the 220 Swift, ultimately advocating for the 22-250's proven performance and ease of use for reloaders and non-reloaders alike.

This video provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to reloading the .22-250 cartridge, emphasizing precision for hunting applications. Instructor James O'Neill explains the importance of canceling variables through meticulous reloading processes, from brass preparation and trimming to powder charging and bullet seating. The guide highlights the benefits of reloading for optimizing rifle performance and achieving consistent, accurate shots.

Les Johnson, a renowned predator caller, shares insights on coyote hunting techniques, emphasizing patience, understanding animal behavior, and adapting strategies. He discusses the effectiveness of both hand calls and e-calls, the importance of scouting, and the psychological aspects of calling coyotes. Johnson highlights how competition experience has honed his skills, leading to successful hunts by understanding coyote responses to different sounds and environmental factors.

This video showcases expert predator hunting techniques for coyotes, primarily utilizing a suppressed .22-250 Remington rifle. The instruction emphasizes stealth, precision long-range shot placement, and effective use of electronic callers and decoys. It highlights advanced tactics for both open terrain and challenging winter snow conditions, demonstrating coordinated team hunting and the importance of specialized gear for successful predator management.

This guide details a predator hunting technique employed in South Dakota, featuring suppressed LRI Custom rifles and FoxPro electronic calls. The strategy involves coordinated, simultaneous shooting to maximize takedowns of coyotes, even after a severe blizzard. The hunters demonstrate advanced tactics for luring and engaging multiple predators effectively.

This guide details predator hunting techniques using a suppressed bolt-action rifle in challenging terrain like the Badlands. It emphasizes scouting, effective concealment with ghillie suits, precision shooting at ranges up to 200 yards, and ethical wildlife management. The instruction comes from a highly authoritative source with extensive tactical and hunting experience.

This guide details the setup and technique for predator hunting, specifically focusing on using suppressed bolt-action rifles with thermal optics in extreme cold. It emphasizes coordinated shots, livestock protection, and careful movement, drawing on the expertise demonstrated by James O'Neill of ONEILLOPS. The video showcases effective predator management strategies for ranchers facing significant coyote problems.