400 Yard Elk cartridge . what's your Pick
- Thread starter Spruster
- Start date
A wrong way...according to you. Ridiculous. As mentioned, if an elk is being shot at 400 yards, then zero the scope at 400 yards. If you're shooting past 400 yards, most would agree to dialing, as opposed to an estimated holdover... There is no guess in a dial. If a fella can read, and count, then where ever he decides to read and count from doesn't really matter? Reticles and their hold overs work at set distances only. That doesn't really scream versatility.
"The key is "knowing" that before you start shooting at game." At this point, that really goes without saying?
Lots of ways to get things done... saying one of them is "the best" or "wrong" is nothing more than close minded arrogance, as there are just too many variables in play.
R.
So... are YOU going to zero your rifle at 100 yards if you anticipate a 400+ yard shot??? Sure, you can learn to dial in elevation from any point, but there is not always time to dial up a turret in real world hunting situations. Even BDC reticles have significant variables and most start the algorithm with a 200 yard zero and then adjust from there. Do as you please, but if shots are likely to be 300-400 yards I will never recommend zeroing at 100.
The Zero will get put at wherever it needs to be depending on the situation. That's the beauty of it. But yes, it always starts at 100 yards.
Time is a variable, that can't often be fully controlled. That's part of hunting. Distance can, and usually does buy that time. If there isn't time, then there isn't. Rather let it go, than guess at a holdover, take a shot, and hit a jackpot.
If the BDC reticle is to be used, and it does get used, that option is only 6 to 10 clicks away, depending. Hell... we even use the same scopes, and the same reticles. These wear M1's with a zero stop. Tough act to beat, for versatility.
Haven't been on a long range course, or met a long range instructor yet that doesn't recommend a 100 yard zero as a starting reference point. It is simply the easiest and most common starting line. That's just a nod to their experience and preference, over yours...
Also notice that it isn't being said that it's the "best" or the "only" way.
It isn't for everyone, and that's fine too. Or, at least it should be, right?
R.
Really... Absolutely...100%...No maybe about it, as the target doesn't matter.
Put the zero where it needs to be, to suit the situation at hand. There is no handicap, whatsoever.
Holdovers and reticles have handicaps...
R.
I don't dial my scopes unless I'm changing loads and I have no dog in this fight. I am a hillbilly and shoot within the mpbr of my rifle. I generally spot and stalk or walk old roads and glass cuts etc.
The "what if you don't have time" argument strikes me as strange. If you don't have time, you don't have time. Such is hunting, you are planning to shoot at a long enough range anyways that you will have to take a rest and focus on the fundamentals of shooting enough that prepping for the shkt will buy into the theoretical time quite a bit regardless
I have scrambled to loop up and go prone or set up my bag as a rest only to have the animal stand around totally unawares and continue grazing or bugling or w.e at distances like 200-250 yards enough to question how 400 yards isn't at least a bit of an advantage in terms of time.
I guess I've also had animals come into calls behind me or step out onto a trail and not had enough time to count their points before they disappeared as well, that's a considerably worse feeling...
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