The Realities Of Long-Range Hunting

[Talyn]

Good Article...
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Uncontrollable variables and physics argue strongly against excessively long-range hunting. But how far is too far?​

The debate over long-range hunting has long existed.

Technological advances over the past quarter century have accentuated it. Laser rangefinders. High magnification scopes. High-BC bullets. Pocket anemometers with barometric pressure gauges. Computerized scopes and binoculars. Turret dialing scopes. Even scopes that automatically illuminate the proper aiming dot for precise shot placement at any distance.

How far is too far? How do we define unethical and irresponsible?

The Realities Of Long-Range Hunting

When it comes to long-range hunting, how far is too far? Here we discuss the variables that play into the answer.

gundigest.com

 

[Anchorite]

And yet, rifle and ammunition makers continue to market in a fashion that makes the practice of "long range" shooting seem so easy....it fosters that unethical and irresponsible conduct.

 

[trader]

Several things I was taught as a lad, no shots where: you can't be sure of what is behind the target, no shots except the animal is on the hoof and not bedded down, for waterfowl - none on the water - only shots once birds are on the "wing", flying. And so on. We didn't have all the fancy scope and calculators back then so ethical shots meant what you can reasonably do and no more. It is a good discussion, best had with beverages 'round a warm fire with good friends.

 

[Retired Bum]

Just because we can, don't mean we ought to...

That was something hammered into my thick skull more than twice. About many things, hunting especially. When I started hand gunning, I limited my shot to the caliber I was using. The gun limit left me with humane and makable shots.

 

[BruceMc]

The surest long range (1000 yds plus) is a bedded animal. If it's up and moving how far can it move if it chooses to in the 1.5 second bullet flight time. All the modern technology you possess can not alter that reality.

 

[Grayfox]

If you can make the shot, more power to ya.
Realistically, at my age and condition, about 200 yards is as far as I dare push it. I'd be thinking hard about trying that too.
But then, at my age and condition, I quit hunting years ago.

 

[Phaser]

This subject is a good one for all you mountain goat hunters. The long range shot and when the animal drops into a ravine thousands of feet down...then the effort to retrieve it begins.

 

[Jester560]

Oh come on, if you can't make the shot because you don't practice, don't knock on someone that can because they do.

I practice to 800 and wouldn't hesitate to take that shot if all conditions are right. I shoot whitetails in the head at 200+ yards on the regular. My longest whitetail kill is 538.7 yards. 1 shot anchored where it stood. The only reason I havent taken one longer is the lack of open spaces in Alabama to do so.

 

[Talyn]

I've lost count of the folks that come out here and go to a LGS, and say they want a rifle that will kill an elk at 1K yards.

And I've seen out-of-staters taking shots at elk when they didn't have the skills nor knowledge of the country & existing conditions that made a shot like that highly unlikely.

They watch those hunting shows on TV that glorify long-distance shooting, with guys popping animals with all sorts of fancy gear, on game ranches.

 

[Shibadog]

At what range can YOU (not your rifle) place every shot into a 5 inch paper plate? And THAT is a stationary target. If you can’t put every round in that small circle then practice until you can OR shorten your range until you find a distance where you can….

 

[KillerFord1977]

At what range can YOU (not your rifle) place every shot into a 5 inch paper plate? And THAT is a stationary target. If you can’t put every round in that small circle then practice until you can OR shorten your range until you find a distance where you can….

I say the same about pistols

 

[Phaser]

All this talk of shot placement at extreme distances is necessary but let's not overlook how elevation plays a significant role also. Whether it's squeezing off a round above or below you. Not to mention crosswind encounters...etc.

 

[Jester560]

All this talk of shot placement at extreme distances is necessary but let's not overlook how elevation plays a significant role also. Whether it's squeezing off a round above or below you. Not to mention crosswind encounters...etc.

That's why you practice real life situations and not just static bench practice.

I would say 500 yards is the sweet spot. Most people with any skill at all can make a shot out to 500. Once beyond 500, its a different story. That's where you have to start to true your data and velocity. That's where your reloading skills start to really show how well your routine is doing. Double digit es and SD numbers start having an effect on grouo size and swings in velocity can mean the difference between a solid hit, a marginal hit or a miss.
At 1000 yards you better have all your crap together. Beyond 1k, no one should be shooting at live animals. To much to go wrong with so very little input.

Outside elements play a HUGE roll in what it takes to make a shot beyond 500 yards. Air temp, humidity, pressure, wind and elevation all come into play.