First try at 300yds with hunting rifle

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I had some free time this afternoon, and it was absolutely gorgeous weather for a change, so I got clearance from the my FIL to use the property and loaded up the ATV. I have been wanting to shoot a little further for a while, and I couldn't pass up this prime chance. I was so pleased with the results I had to share.

I have shot at 100yds a fair bit, though I admit I'm rusty. I only did the cursory sight-check last year for my main deer gun, and almost all my range time since then has been at shorter distances with other weapons (mostly pistols). I've only twice had the opportunity to shoot further than 100yds with a centerfire.

The rifle is a Mossberg 100ATR in .30-06. It is an older one, before they added the adjustable trigger. The trigger has two noticeable grit spots before it breaks, which is impressive given the short travel of the trigger, and it feel slightly heavier ( and less smooth) than my RIA 1911's single action trigger. The rifle is wearing a last-gen Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 with the BDC reticle, and a scope level. The load was Hornady 150gr PSP over 51.6gr of IMR4064.

The setup:
20140907_145032_v2.jpg

I re-sighted at 100yds, then moved to 300yds. I was overjoyed with the results.
20140907_100atr_300yds_hrndy150gr.png

I adjusted the POI to the left a little after this group. The target was improvised from one I had laying around from a rim fire shoot, as I did this on short notice.

Getting a deer-slaying group on the first try made me ecstatic. I've only shot a couple times past 100yds, but this was my first day trying groups, and I am very pleased. I know a lot of folks here shoot far better at far longer range, but this made my day and I had a ton of fun.

How does this compare to other entry-level guns benched at this range?

Great day at the range =)
 
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1.5 MOA is good for a hunting rifle....and at 300 yds.....your group is certainly good enough to do in a deer, no doubt about that. Nicely done!
 
In your picture the target looks closer than 300 yards. Not calling you out at all. I'm just making an observation based upon my perception of the target in the photo. How did you get a measurement on distance?
 
Good job. I would hate to carry that lead sled into the woods though. I like the 300 yd deal though to see what the rifle will do...then offhand at 150 yds to see what I can dol
 
In your picture the target looks closer than 300 yards. Not calling you out at all. I'm just making an observation based upon my perception of the target in the photo. How did you get a measurement on distance?

I updated the picture in the OP with a circle around the 300yd target. I can make it out when I look close. The target in the foreground is at 100yds. My phone has a decent camera but it can only do so much.

Both distances confirmed with my laser rangefinder.

Also, no lead sled. Just a front rest and rear bag. I was feeling it in the shoulder after 30 or so rounds. Now that I've sighted it in and confirmed zero out to way further than I'm likely to shoot, I'll spend the next range trip shooting field positions.

Thanks guys.
 
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