Vern94
Member
I took the rifle out yesterday to get ready for the upcoming deer season. Scope is 2-7x Nikon ProStaff. The included picture is my final 3 shots. This is from 100 yds shooting Federal Power Shok (blue box) 150gr. I was satisfied with this grouping, as it is certainly minute of deer. I then moved to the 200 yd range and shot 5 times. I didn't take a picture, mostly because the result was less than stellar. Everything really opened up. The first shot was dead center. The remaining 4 shots were all low and right. Two were about 4 inches low and right and the final two were just on the edge of the target low and right. I was shooting at a Birchwood Casey target probably 12" in diameter.
I was shooting off of sand bags and had a reasonable steady rest that would replicate what I would have available from my stand. My concern/question is how everything opened up at 200 yards. Is is the ammo? Tikka's are known for good accuracy and not being finicky about what they are fed. 150gr isn't optimal for 7mm-08 and I'm planning to load some 145gr Speer Hot Core's with IMR 4350 for the season. Was it the weather conditions? It was low 40's with 8-10mph wind from the NW and the range faces east. It is sheltered fairly well the 1st 100 yds, but is more exposed for the next 100. Finally was it me? I've never shot at the 200 yd target and never shot a deer past 125 yds. If its me, then the solution is easy...practice and shoot more. Thoughts, comments, and criticism are all welcome and appreciated.
I was shooting off of sand bags and had a reasonable steady rest that would replicate what I would have available from my stand. My concern/question is how everything opened up at 200 yards. Is is the ammo? Tikka's are known for good accuracy and not being finicky about what they are fed. 150gr isn't optimal for 7mm-08 and I'm planning to load some 145gr Speer Hot Core's with IMR 4350 for the season. Was it the weather conditions? It was low 40's with 8-10mph wind from the NW and the range faces east. It is sheltered fairly well the 1st 100 yds, but is more exposed for the next 100. Finally was it me? I've never shot at the 200 yd target and never shot a deer past 125 yds. If its me, then the solution is easy...practice and shoot more. Thoughts, comments, and criticism are all welcome and appreciated.