Longer range shooting?

[75]

of course the true test of the stalker is the ability to read wind without mildotting the previous shot etc. Or to know when that shot just wasn't on in the conditions faced.

The true test of the stalker is the stalking and getting close enough not to worry about mildots.

 

[old 30-06]

I try to avoid shooting at an animal over 300 yards. Yes, I have shot some just over that , but not too much over. I consider that there are too many variables to exceed this range. I would try to move the animal (call) or myself (stalk) or pass the shot up. Target shooting at over 300 yards, however, I would recommend. It helps to know what you can do with a rifle, installs confidence, and is enjoyable. Please bear in mind that Americans shoot Canada Geese on the ground, so there is no surprise that they will "ping" at animals over 400 yards away.

 

[VSS]

I try to avoid shooting at an animal over 300 yards. Yes, I have shot some just over that , but not too much over. I consider that there are too many variables to exceed this range. I would try to move the animal (call) or myself (stalk) or pass the shot up. Target shooting at over 300 yards, however, I would recommend. It helps to know what you can do with a rifle, installs confidence, and is enjoyable. Please bear in mind that Americans shoot Canada Geese on the ground, so there is no surprise that they will "ping" at animals over 400 yards away.

I don't understand the connection between shooting Canada geese on the ground, and pinging at animals over 400 yards away? Am I missing something here?

 

[finnbear270]

Never shot at Canada’s in the air with the .223 when we were shifting some.

 

[Bowland blades]

The true test of the stalker is the stalking and getting close enough not to worry about mildots.

Of course but that wasn't the context posed but i agree but like i keep posting real world you just alter your aiming point to allow for wind or drop when the shot is on , especially if your tasked with numbers

 

[Bowland blades]

I'd put the most emphasis on modestly and undramatically admitting the second; and avoid taking what will in nearly all cases be a vague punt on the former.

dont exactly get what you are saying . only wild punts i take is if something has gone very wrong and that is a very infrequent thing that everyone will experience on rare occasions .
I remember every slip up i have had when shooting deer over decades

 

[Dalua]

dont exactly get what you are saying .

Just that if there is sufficient wind to make one concerned about significant bullet-drift, at longer ranges without the benefit of wind-flags, sighters etc. a shot is more likely than not to be a vague punt - and therefore better passed over.

 

[Utectok]

I get the fun of stalking close and all that…. But if it’s crop protection you often just want to get the job done and I see no reason why not to shoot further if you are confident in the results and need to cull deer. If you’ve got all day and a full freezer it’s a different matter!

 

[rem284]

It all depends on you objectives. I hear "it's stalking, and it's all about getting as close as possible". However more deer will be bagged if there is an ability to kill them effectively at distances other than "close as possible". The right equipment and the right skills are important. It's important to shoot within the capabilities of equipment, personal ability and that of the environmental and situational issues that are prevalent.

I dial in when necessary and use high bc bullets when possible. With having to use copper bullets in one rig that I use I have reduced the range at which I shoot at to suit.

 

[Bowland blades]

I try to avoid shooting at an animal over 300 yards. Yes, I have shot some just over that , but not too much over. I consider that there are too many variables to exceed this range. I would try to move the animal (call) or myself (stalk) or pass the shot up. Target shooting at over 300 yards, however, I would recommend. It helps to know what you can do with a rifle, installs confidence, and is enjoyable. Please bear in mind that Americans shoot Canada Geese on the ground, so there is no surprise that they will "ping" at animals over 40

Just that if there is sufficient wind to make one concerned about significant bullet-drift, at longer ranges without the benefit of wind-flags, sighters etc. a shot is more likely than not to be a vague punt - and therefore better passed over.

there are fewer occasions where i might not adjust for wind at least some , than i might give nil . On the Hill its pretty much the normal ! As if its no -wind its Probably fogged in

 

[old 30-06]

Hi VSS, My point about Americans shooting Canada Geese on the ground is that just because someone else does something, it does not always make it the right thing to do. Some people will follow herd mentality, if they see others doing it they will copy. Americans may "ping" at real animals at long range, but I will not be.

 

[VSS]

Hi VSS, My point about Americans shooting Canada Geese on the ground is that just because someone else does something, it does not always make it the right thing to do. Some people will follow herd mentality, if they see others doing it they will copy. Americans may "ping" at real animals at long range, but I will not be.

Ok, I see.
Not sure what's wrong with shooting geese on the ground though? Seems perfectly sensible. I shoot pheasants the same way. Much more productive than trying to shoot them on the wing.

 

[Oracle]

of course you would have made it if you knew where your shot would land in its trajectory curve but if it was zeroed about 200 most loads/ ammo would need x amount hold over the kill zone . Wind ? talking no sighter shot likewise a bit left or a bit right . Bisley is however flat and can hardly be termed a difficult range to dope and everyone gets two sighter shots on a range so you can actually dial in perfect and 25x gives you some of the ability to see mirage and grass movement down range ( depending on climate and how the flags move )

 

[Oracle]

Chobham Ridge…..not “flat” at all

 

[wildfowler.250]

Cheers folks! There’s a lot of interesting replies here. I prefer to reply to each one individually but I’d be here for days. Thanks and lots of good points I can pick out. Even if it’s plinking paper it would be nice to get more out of the rifle.

 

[Donkey Basher]

View attachment 347126

Now there's a challenge!

 

[Sol]

I know a chap that was getting a 'prairie' gun too shoot pronghorn and mule deer at 800 yards pronghorn are about the size of our roe deer!

 

[Woodlander]

Hi VSS, My point about Americans shooting Canada Geese on the ground is that just because someone else does something, it does not always make it the right thing to do. Some people will follow herd mentality, if they see others doing it they will copy. Americans may "ping" at real animals at long range, but I will not be.

Up here in the North Isles, shooting Greylags on the ground with a rifle is not uncommon, in fact my justification for a 6mm was for geese in strong wind. They cause damage to grazing and leave a slippery mess, where they congregate in numbers. You only get one, but has the added benefit of moving them along, for a while at least, which the farmers appreciate.
People shoot Corvids on the ground, all the time and they don’t even eat them, I eat everything I shoot.

 

[old 30-06]

Woodlander I take your point. What I meant is that the Americans habitually slaughter geese when they are on the ground, or just about to land, with a 5 shot semi auto shotgun. There is currently a clip on U-tube of a 960 yard shot at a moose. Personally I want nothing to do with either.

 

[hendrix's rifle]

Now, I’ve no intention of shooting deer beyond my 250 yards max,(realistically 200-220) but it would be good to practice on targets and potentially shoot longer range crows etc.



I have to ask, why are you happy shooting crows further out but not deer?