Thirteen years can mess around with a (My) skill set.
Shooting within your limits.
- Thread starter Edd101
- Start date
Yup, miniature stream of freezing cold rain coming in on one wrist cuff, going out opposite ankle.There is a good clue in the thread title but don’t overthink it.
There are so many variables in “your limits” and with respect, you will not know them until you have experienced them - preferably many times. There's simply nothing to beat putting rounds downrange - as often as you can afford.
Shooting a 40 yds Muntjac off sticks as part of a gentle walk through a forest is a completely different world to shooting a Red off a bag/bipod at 200yds after a 5 miles hike (usually uphill) and a 300 yards crawl through mud/snow and sheep droppings.
All part of the rich compendium of “challenges” that make our passion so enjoyable, except of course the droppings bit….
Electric Ian
Active Member
On my old 308 mannlicher, after it had been cleaned, there was a noticeable difference in point of impact from the cold bore shot to the following shots. I used to only clean the rifle prior to checking zero on the rifle then zeroed normally with cold bore shots, then finished with a cold bore and 2 follow-up shots to check the group size.
FWIW that's not quite correct, the DSC1 does not require a 'group' at all. It requires 2 shots within a 4" target area equating the kill zone at 100m, which depending on the lighting/scope you may or may not be able to see.
TringSaint
Well-Known Member
It’s funny that the bit I needed a second go on, for my shooting test, was the ‘close up’ shot as I have never practiced shooting at anything within 10m!Nonetheless, you've only got to look at the number of experienced stalkers who have to retake the shooting test to realise that, under pressure, it can be challenging.
Most people blame their kit, of course. ("I think I knocked my scope this morning").
(And before anyone asks, yes, I did pass all sections at the first attempt. And I acknowledge that I'm a pretty poor shot. So there's clearly other factors at play that make people screw up).
The distance shots were not a problem, but, as you say the nerves do start jangling!!
TringSaint
Well-Known Member
Yeah, the munty is a harder shot because the little buggers never stand still!!There is a good clue in the thread title but don’t overthink it.
There are so many variables in “your limits” and with respect, you will not know them until you have experienced them - preferably many times. There's simply nothing to beat putting rounds downrange - as often as you can afford.
Shooting a 40 yds Muntjac off sticks as part of a gentle walk through a forest is a completely different world to shooting a Red off a bag/bipod at 200yds after a 5 miles hike (usually uphill) and a 300 yards crawl through mud/snow and sheep droppings.
All part of the rich compendium of “challenges” that make our passion so enjoyable, except of course the droppings bit….
Foxyboy43
Well-Known Member
God - when I read that it was just like being there….Yup, miniature stream of freezing cold rain coming in on one wrist cuff, going out opposite ankle.
I believe this is to allow for users of stutzen rifles. But only if used in conjunction with a rolled loden cape as forend support.
K
And a single stick to assist the aging stalker along.
In of course the Greenest of Green.
I always find it ironic that what we as shooters define animals as food or vermin, which seems to determine how they should be treated when in fact if we are a hunter (in whatever form) we are killing animals.
My key concern when doing so is to kill the animal as quickly and as cleanly as possible, irrespective of how they are generally defined, and what I intend to do with it, once dead..
Practise is key here. Very few people actually have the space to practice at 200m or 300m to know what those limits actually are! Also occasionally I find my technique goes bad and I start snatching shots or flinching. A few measured shots on a target helps restore the confidence and technique.
The shooting position I don't think I practice enough is downhill off a crag with the rifle pulling away from you. I don't shoot reds on the hill much, but its quite a common technique on the hill, because deer rarely look up. Every time I do a shot like that I think this feels so awkward, I must practise this more.
The shooting position I don't think I practice enough is downhill off a crag with the rifle pulling away from you. I don't shoot reds on the hill much, but its quite a common technique on the hill, because deer rarely look up. Every time I do a shot like that I think this feels so awkward, I must practise this more.
Shooting downhill is always awkward.
The very worst is if you’re on a downhill slope, and the target is level with you (or even above you) on an opposing slope. Very, very hard to get a stable hold.
My answer to your question specifically. If the DSC1 requirement is to "consistently hit a 4″ target at 100 metres" then your benchmark is 4" at any range over that, with the aim to improve on that. Bare in mind that is for the classic heart/lung shot on larger animals. If you are are going to head shoot or target little critters, your benchmark would shrink accordingly. Probably a third of that.
Your benchmark should be a cold shot (and all subsequent shots), from all positions you are likely to use in the field.
Despite the claims of many here and elswhere, there are very, very few who can consistently put a round into a 4" circle over 200m under actual field conditions. Yes, they killed that deer at 399 yards, but since there was no target on it, we will never know if it was within the magic circle.
Agreed, my neck hurt just reading this.
I’ve ended up lying with feet downhill (parallel with the rifle), then craning round at the top. Actually shot my furthest ever deer this way. But not something I want to repeat!
TringSaint
Well-Known Member
Supine stylee!!
Bordenhunter
Active Member
3” at 200 yards on a body shot fallow is dead
I think the key is only to shoot at ranges that you are comfortable that you will kill whatever you are shooting at humanely. I agree that, on the face of it, shooting a 4" group at 100 yards is not something to boast about but there has to be a start point. Can you imagine how many people would fail the test if it was a 1" group at 100 yards...even prone.
If in doubt either dont take the shot ...or get a lot closer. I was once asked if I would take a 520 yard shot at a deer...my response was ..of course...as long as I can get 320 yards closer
If in doubt either dont take the shot ...or get a lot closer. I was once asked if I would take a 520 yard shot at a deer...my response was ..of course...as long as I can get 320 yards closer
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