I’ve got a browning safari, new to me, seemed to site in decent at about 1.5-2 inch high at 100 yds. Can anybody think of any reason other than shooter error that the gun would seem to be shooting way low at around 400 yds? In theory it shouldn’t be much more than 21 inches low at that distance, seems to me it was way way lower . The 400 yds is a guesstimate , it was a shot at an animal and I haven’t had time to confirm at a target but 3 shots were low in the ground well short.
300 HH shoots low
- Thread starter Gldnbear
- Start date
Ammunition?
bullet?
Way too many variables.
bullet?
Way too many variables.
- Location
- Van. Is. B.C.
“The 400 yds is a guesstimate ”
Perhaps dead ground between you and the target that makes it look closer, distance is harder to judge over water or if the ground drops away out of sight. I once shot at a woodchuck that looked no more than 380 yards that I later lased at 525. It still looked like a shot under 400 even with the rangefinder in hand.
Perhaps dead ground between you and the target that makes it look closer, distance is harder to judge over water or if the ground drops away out of sight. I once shot at a woodchuck that looked no more than 380 yards that I later lased at 525. It still looked like a shot under 400 even with the rangefinder in hand.
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so maybe 1.5 inches high at 100
400 yards a guess
3 shots low in the ground - the first shot low in the ground should have clued you in to adjust your aiming point higher... many many times hunting coyotes the first shot was low or high as the distance was guessed... but the following shots were on...
I have not owned a 300 H&H but it is not much different than a 30-06 which I have not owned either, but I suspect you need to be about 3 to 4 inches high at 100 if you want poi to be on at 400.
Somebody will be answering this soon...
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It’s federal 180 grain, not sure on the age, it’s what I used to site it,
After the missed shots I re checked zero with 180 grain hornady ammo that runs slightly faster but the zero was basically the same 2-3 shots lowest 1.5 high , highest 2.0.I need to go to the range I guess but I was hunting and I’m going back this week. And won’t have time to get to the range.
It was a big wide open field so possibly I underestimated the range but I’m a golfer and am pretty decent at guessing ranges.
From where the impacts were I’d have to have underestimated by a couple hundred yards.
No biggy, I’ll figure it out eventually was just wondering if rifling could be screwed somehow or the scope,. It’s just mounted and everything is tight and like I said gun groups nice at 100.
My bad for not putting in more time with the gun before heading out to the field
After the missed shots I re checked zero with 180 grain hornady ammo that runs slightly faster but the zero was basically the same 2-3 shots lowest 1.5 high , highest 2.0.I need to go to the range I guess but I was hunting and I’m going back this week. And won’t have time to get to the range.
It was a big wide open field so possibly I underestimated the range but I’m a golfer and am pretty decent at guessing ranges.
From where the impacts were I’d have to have underestimated by a couple hundred yards.
No biggy, I’ll figure it out eventually was just wondering if rifling could be screwed somehow or the scope,. It’s just mounted and everything is tight and like I said gun groups nice at 100.
My bad for not putting in more time with the gun before heading out to the field
Running the numbers for Federal 300 H&H 180 Nosler Partition (the only load listed, except for Barnes) (Actual Bullet?) 2,880 fps (ACTUAL MV?) 1,080' ASL (ACTUAL Altitude?) @ 59F (Actual Temp.?) through BEX (Ballistic Explorer Ver. 6.8.3) & based on a POI of +1.72" [OP stated 1.5-2.0"] @ 100 yds. the 400 yd. POI is -24.06" LOW. That's based on a scope mounted 1.5" above line of bore.
Now, let's change a few things. The OP's profile says he is from Edmonton, so that brings our altitude to at least 2,200' ASL. On January 15, 2023 Edmonton's temperature was +25F. Let's say that instead of the stated velocity, he's getting only 2780 fps (not an unreasonable drop based on my experience with a .308 Norma Magnum with factory ammunition vs. a chronograph). Now we've got a 400 yd. drop of 26.26"; 425 yd. drop is 32"; 460 yd. drop is 41".
Now, let's change a few things. The OP's profile says he is from Edmonton, so that brings our altitude to at least 2,200' ASL. On January 15, 2023 Edmonton's temperature was +25F. Let's say that instead of the stated velocity, he's getting only 2780 fps (not an unreasonable drop based on my experience with a .308 Norma Magnum with factory ammunition vs. a chronograph). Now we've got a 400 yd. drop of 26.26"; 425 yd. drop is 32"; 460 yd. drop is 41".
First of all, there’s no good reason to sight any rifle for big game at less than three inches high at 100 yards, regardless of what velocity it is leaving the muzzle.
Secondly, I would be surprised if your factory ammunition is going much beyond 2800 fps, and is perhaps less than that.
There are several other things to consider in your posting, but one last thing is you will certainly do better with a new rifle after you have shot several hundred rounds, at least half of which should not be from the bench.
Ted
Secondly, I would be surprised if your factory ammunition is going much beyond 2800 fps, and is perhaps less than that.
There are several other things to consider in your posting, but one last thing is you will certainly do better with a new rifle after you have shot several hundred rounds, at least half of which should not be from the bench.
Ted
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Ya probably all makes sense it was-15 I believe and the altitude is probably pretty close to what you stated, still doesn’t explain how low I was. I guess I definitely need to buy a chronograph to start with and shoot a pile more, sounds mostly like miss communication between me and my gun… lol
Was just trying to eliminate the gun itself out of the equation
And if it matters it’s an old Zeiss straight 6x .
Gldnbear, whatever you do, don’t put that great outfit aside. Both the Browning and that Zeiss will become what you want as you get comfortable with it. You’re just startling with it, if I understand correctly, and you will be surprised how much better it gets the more you use it.
Something as simple as the way you shoulder that stock, which is a bit of a unique design, could be responsible for the way you are handling the recoil. That can certainly affect trajectory, and might be what happened.
Fine outfit, stay with it, and enjoy the grins.
Ted
Thanks !!
Ya I definitely won’t give up on it, I’ll do some practicing with it in the off season. I’ve got a 375 Belgium browning that I haven’t shot yet either, and a safari in 243 that seems to shoot decently so I’ll give it some time
Bloody 'ell rubbin the horse radish in from way down under like it was nuffin !
Good on ya
Rob
Agree. Great rifle and cartridge combo. - dan
Handload for it. Factory ammo is pretty anemic for the 300 H&H. I have an old Sako in 300 H&H, and handloads are much faster (200-300 fps) than factory offerings. I like the 180 to 200 gr partitions in mine, though I have some test rounds with Accubonds I haven't finished testing yet. Waiting for weather to get up to around freezing. - dan
I don’t reload , but I probably should if I keep the gun long term, I was lucky to buy 9 boxes of ammo with the gun.
I’ve always heard that 300 HH should be hand loaded to get the most out of its capabilities. I don’t know why the offerings that are out there are so anemic? Really factory offerings are barely a bump on 30-06, which is ridiculous. And trying to find anything other than 180 if you can even get that is impossible.
Maybe I need to talk nice to my brother in law who does load and buy some dies and get to it.
