Most popular calibers for long range Hunting
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grtwhthntr
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500 yards and out? Hopefully nothing.
What do you mean??? I was under the impression that everybody on here could shoot a 1" group at 1000 yards?!?!?!? ;-)
What do you mean??? I was under the impression that everybody on here could shoot a 1" group at 1000 yards?!?!?!? ;-)
kaferhaus
Member
99.9% of all hunters couldn't hit a Moose sized animal at 500yds with any regularity from any kind of hunting position, much less hit it in the vitals.
Many couldn't do it off a bench.
In my opinion no one has any business taking shots past about 250yds unless they are highly skilled.... and that requires constant practice which nearly no one does.
The vast majority of guys shoot a bit before hunting season and that's done at 100yds or less and that's it.
Most people don't even have access to a place to "practice" anything further than 200yds.
Plenty of hunters want to "try it" or have tried but are unwilling to go to the trouble and expense of learning how and practicing it on a regular basis.... and that means shooting all year long at those ranges with the same rifle you're going to hunt with using the positions you're likely to find yourself in.
Many couldn't do it off a bench.
In my opinion no one has any business taking shots past about 250yds unless they are highly skilled.... and that requires constant practice which nearly no one does.
The vast majority of guys shoot a bit before hunting season and that's done at 100yds or less and that's it.
Most people don't even have access to a place to "practice" anything further than 200yds.
Plenty of hunters want to "try it" or have tried but are unwilling to go to the trouble and expense of learning how and practicing it on a regular basis.... and that means shooting all year long at those ranges with the same rifle you're going to hunt with using the positions you're likely to find yourself in.
sappyg
Member
IMO if i'm shooting at game at + 500 yds. i'm not really hunting. i'm sure it's done but i can't and would'nt do it. it's WAY beyond my abillity.
you have to be referring to http://www.miamirifle-pistol.org/
That is a nice range. One of these days I need to join there to work on long range shooting.
bhk
Member
Somewhere between a hit and a miss is a terrible wound. Be responsible with your shooting distances. If you are not 100% sure, don't shoot. Very few of us can be 100% sure past 200 to 250 yards.
brandon_mcg
Member
i've shot 2 whitetails in the 350-375 yard range with the .308 and it worked effectively. any further than that and i would not consider the shot. 500 yards is a tough shot on any type of game.
caribou
Member
Most shots I take are from 50 feet to 150 yards. Depends on what Im after, and how Im going about it.
I try and get a good long look at what Im stalking and decide if its worth the effort, Fat or skinny, sick or healthy.....especcially Caribou, because they are in groups, and finding the best takes observation. Easy enough to get close and make a sure shot.
My long shots are at spooked or wounded animals, as long as they stop and they usally do , to have a look, on open Tundra. Past 150, I move from the head/neck to the chest. Thats fairly uncommon, but it happens.
I feel that Im proficient at those ranges, but I can make longer shots, sometimes with a spotter shot or two, but thats not ethical in my mind, nor productive tward getting "good meat" . Any shot past 300 yards, while hunting is usually "desperate" or "survival" type shots if all else has failed.
Now shooting Prairiedogs would be an exception, or possibly "Varmits" , but not "Fur",(Wolves, Fox, Lynx, Wolverine) as a rifle that shoots that far is gonna blow holes out the exit side that a fur buyer wouldnt like at all.....
I try and get a good long look at what Im stalking and decide if its worth the effort, Fat or skinny, sick or healthy.....especcially Caribou, because they are in groups, and finding the best takes observation. Easy enough to get close and make a sure shot.
My long shots are at spooked or wounded animals, as long as they stop and they usally do , to have a look, on open Tundra. Past 150, I move from the head/neck to the chest. Thats fairly uncommon, but it happens.
I feel that Im proficient at those ranges, but I can make longer shots, sometimes with a spotter shot or two, but thats not ethical in my mind, nor productive tward getting "good meat" . Any shot past 300 yards, while hunting is usually "desperate" or "survival" type shots if all else has failed.
Now shooting Prairiedogs would be an exception, or possibly "Varmits" , but not "Fur",(Wolves, Fox, Lynx, Wolverine) as a rifle that shoots that far is gonna blow holes out the exit side that a fur buyer wouldnt like at all.....
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d2wing
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I saw a one shot kill on a running deer with a .284 Win mag. I'm ok with up to 400 yards with my 7mm RM with a good rest. Beyond that I'd need a good reason but I am pretty sure I could hit a man size target at 600 yards because I did it in the Army with open sights with an M-14.
Flatbush Harry
Member
I had made up some loads this weekend for all of my hunting rifles and, today, tested two of them. After sighting in, I posted reduced size coyote targets (about 1/4th size) and shot them at 100 yds. With both my .308 and my .30-06, I tore the hearts out of each target using just a Harris bipod that I'd use in the field...I'll presume that I can hit a coyote with either rifle out to or beyond 400 yds.
Now I've also shot military rifle matches with AR15s, M1As and M1 Garands with targets out at 600 yds and I can say the following with some authority: I won't take a shot past 400 yds or so at game even though I'm fairly confident of my abilities; the target game deserves the respect of an ethical kill.
I've been shooting for more than 50 years and believe myself to be pretty competent. I'm also a certified NRA rifle instructor. I'm also a curmudgeon but I believe strongly that hunting is a holistic experience that asks for and rewards ability and respect. I hope the sniper wannabes recall that a military sniper accomplishes mission goals by wounding in many cases, but a game hunter never does.
FH
Now I've also shot military rifle matches with AR15s, M1As and M1 Garands with targets out at 600 yds and I can say the following with some authority: I won't take a shot past 400 yds or so at game even though I'm fairly confident of my abilities; the target game deserves the respect of an ethical kill.
I've been shooting for more than 50 years and believe myself to be pretty competent. I'm also a certified NRA rifle instructor. I'm also a curmudgeon but I believe strongly that hunting is a holistic experience that asks for and rewards ability and respect. I hope the sniper wannabes recall that a military sniper accomplishes mission goals by wounding in many cases, but a game hunter never does.
FH
Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
I get a serious case of the twitches when folks start talking about "long range hunting". Sure, some shooters have the basic shooting skill, but the real question is about knowing the distance in order to use the (hoped for) knowledge of the trajectory. Then, if old Brer Wind enters the picture...
I've succeeded with a couple of rather-long shots, but conditions were near perfect. And, after way too many years, I'm pretty good at range estimation--even better, now that I have a laser range-finder.
I've been married up with the '06 for sixty years, now, and know quite well how it performs to 500 yards.
But, frankly, I don't give a tinker's dam about 600. I really, really prefer Ol' Bucky to be about a hundred yards off, standing in the jeep trail.
If a deer is out at 600 or 700 yards, and you misjudge the distance as being 50 yards closer, any Loudenboomer you use will hit low or miss low. If at 700 and you judge 750, you'll shoot over. And a gentle breeze where you are doesn't mean a gentle breeze where he is. More oops...
I've succeeded with a couple of rather-long shots, but conditions were near perfect. And, after way too many years, I'm pretty good at range estimation--even better, now that I have a laser range-finder.
I've been married up with the '06 for sixty years, now, and know quite well how it performs to 500 yards.But, frankly, I don't give a tinker's dam about 600. I really, really prefer Ol' Bucky to be about a hundred yards off, standing in the jeep trail.
If a deer is out at 600 or 700 yards, and you misjudge the distance as being 50 yards closer, any Loudenboomer you use will hit low or miss low. If at 700 and you judge 750, you'll shoot over. And a gentle breeze where you are doesn't mean a gentle breeze where he is. More oops...
Flatbush Harry
Member
Well said, Art.
Cheers,
FH
Cheers,
FH
Old Time Hunter
Member
There is no such thing as "hunting" if you are that far away...that is pretty much the antithesis of "hunting".
Bird Dog II
Member
I think 400 yds is a very reasonable range for big game if you practice and are a good shot. That range assumes:
1. A good soild rest. A good rest can be a log, or your back pack or a bi-pod. Whatever gets you set and still on target.
2. A reasonable wind
3. You know the distance with 25-50 yds
4. You have a flat shooting, hard hitting rifle. A .30-06, .280/.284, 7 or 300 Mag.
A .270 Win, .308 Win and 7-08 is fine for deer and antelope at 400. I personally wouldn't go bigger than that though with these calibers.
5. You are a good steady shot and you practice for shots of this range. And I don't mean practice the week before the season.
If any of these variables is not a "check", you need to stalk and get closer or pass on the shot. How much closer, is a judgement call. Too many hunters don't exercise such judgement.
As experienced bowhunters, my best friend and I have often been asked to help track animals that some "two week a year shooter" drew down on at long range. Noteable calibers of this crime have been two or three 7 Mags, a couple .25-06s, one a couple .270s, one .30-06 and one .257 Weatherby Mag. Most of those tracks were long, frustrating, and resulted in a petered out blood trail and then someone's hunting dog or house dog finding the animal weeks later. In each case the shooter claimed "I know that gun will shoot that far". Yes perhaps, but they couldn't.
Practice, more practice, and clear judgement is what it takes. You end up passing more 300 yd+ shots then you take. But 400 and even a little more is doable if you have a code. IMO
1. A good soild rest. A good rest can be a log, or your back pack or a bi-pod. Whatever gets you set and still on target.
2. A reasonable wind
3. You know the distance with 25-50 yds
4. You have a flat shooting, hard hitting rifle. A .30-06, .280/.284, 7 or 300 Mag.
A .270 Win, .308 Win and 7-08 is fine for deer and antelope at 400. I personally wouldn't go bigger than that though with these calibers.
5. You are a good steady shot and you practice for shots of this range. And I don't mean practice the week before the season.
If any of these variables is not a "check", you need to stalk and get closer or pass on the shot. How much closer, is a judgement call. Too many hunters don't exercise such judgement.
As experienced bowhunters, my best friend and I have often been asked to help track animals that some "two week a year shooter" drew down on at long range. Noteable calibers of this crime have been two or three 7 Mags, a couple .25-06s, one a couple .270s, one .30-06 and one .257 Weatherby Mag. Most of those tracks were long, frustrating, and resulted in a petered out blood trail and then someone's hunting dog or house dog finding the animal weeks later. In each case the shooter claimed "I know that gun will shoot that far". Yes perhaps, but they couldn't.
Practice, more practice, and clear judgement is what it takes. You end up passing more 300 yd+ shots then you take. But 400 and even a little more is doable if you have a code. IMO
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There are places where you make a 400+ yard shot or don't get a shot at all. That's just the way it is.
If you can shoot at all, and have a reasonably flat shooting cartridge anyone can make hits at 300. Zero at 200 and aim on hair from the muzzle to 300. No special skills or equipment needed, just a little practice.
At 400 and beyond wind starts to become a factor as does perfect range estimation. A good range finder and some good shooting skills start to mean something and the farther out you go the more important it is. I believe any one who wants to put a little effort into it can become proficient to 400 yards.
Right now my personal limit is 300 yards, but I'm working on getting good enough to make shots up to 500. I know some guys who have spent serious time, and money on rifles, scopes, and other equipment to be able to take several elk out to near 700 yards. They are using custom rifles in 338 Lapua. My long range rig is a 7mm Rem mag.
If you can shoot at all, and have a reasonably flat shooting cartridge anyone can make hits at 300. Zero at 200 and aim on hair from the muzzle to 300. No special skills or equipment needed, just a little practice.
At 400 and beyond wind starts to become a factor as does perfect range estimation. A good range finder and some good shooting skills start to mean something and the farther out you go the more important it is. I believe any one who wants to put a little effort into it can become proficient to 400 yards.
Right now my personal limit is 300 yards, but I'm working on getting good enough to make shots up to 500. I know some guys who have spent serious time, and money on rifles, scopes, and other equipment to be able to take several elk out to near 700 yards. They are using custom rifles in 338 Lapua. My long range rig is a 7mm Rem mag.
Robert Wilson
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There are places where you make a 1000+ shot or don't get a shot at all. That doesn't justify shooting game animals at 1000+ yards.
X-Rap
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Jeez, I'm amazed it's this late in the year for the 250 yds. is my limit debate.
Op the 300 and 7mm are excellent rounds and if you practice and have a proper way to measure distance you will open up a whole new dimension to shooting and hunting.
I have no patience or respect for those who shoot artillery volley's nor believe those who say stalk your game when the canyon is deeper than it is wide.
A good man that can take that 1000 yd shot will tell you it is exponentially harder than that of a 400-600 shot so don't get cocky but know your gun and load and practice, practice, practice.
Op the 300 and 7mm are excellent rounds and if you practice and have a proper way to measure distance you will open up a whole new dimension to shooting and hunting.
I have no patience or respect for those who shoot artillery volley's nor believe those who say stalk your game when the canyon is deeper than it is wide.
A good man that can take that 1000 yd shot will tell you it is exponentially harder than that of a 400-600 shot so don't get cocky but know your gun and load and practice, practice, practice.
coug
Member
wow, sounds like a good scoalding for asking a valid question. hey if you are interested in long range shooting go for it. get a good capable rifle and optics. and start learning. you need a good fast round @ 6.5 to .338 caliber. (a magnum round) with lots of muzzle energy at whatever range you want to shoot. then start learning about difrent bullets for your rifle and how they perform at those ranges and shoot all the time. read about it.. get confident and if you hunt @ a place you need that range capability use it.. I am no extreme expert but I can and do shoot long ranges a lot. I also shoot all the time. I have a range in my back yard. I have a shooting bench to hunt from also in my yard. at wich I make 3 and 400 yard shots from several times per year. just because these guys don't and don't know how don't mean you can't learn. if they don't want to that's fine. but don't let these guys determine your abilities. if they don't know what they are doing don't let that stop you. I have killed 2 antalope @ over 600 yds without error but that was the end of my abilities. I am now in the prosses of learning the realy long stuff and when I get good if I need it I will use it. i would recomend a good 7mm magnum to learn with. have fun and don't let everyone brow beat you
I hunt Michigan's open bean fields. In all of these years of hunting, nearly 40, I have had only one case of not being able to stalk to less then 350 to 400 yards. That deer ran into the field at about 800 yards. I set the range finder at 600 yards, and as the deer got into the ranging zone, I dropped the ranging to 500 yards. As the deer entered that approximate range, I fired 1 shot from a .257 Wea Mag. For me, I would far rather stalk in closer, even on varmints. Can I shoot to 525 yards? Sure...I have. I don't think most hunters are practiced enough to take such shots reliably with any cartridge.
JMHO,
Geno
JMHO,
Geno
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