Guntech you hit the answer square on the head. "Not something the average hunter can do." So why are there so many who believe they have the skills required to make such challenging shots? It appears to me that those who enjoy long range hunting obviously don't enjoy stalking their prey and providing for a closer shot. As for terrain, anywhere you're going to hunt where the topography resembles anything greater than Saskatchewan flat and barren landscape is not likely to provide many opportunities for 700+ enagements. If there is ample cover for prey to hide in, than your chances of spotting them at great distance is significantly handicapped, and so is your ability to identify your target and beyond.
As for accuracy, a pie plate sized group at 100 yards is no where near adequate for engaging targets anywhere beyond 100 yards. A pie plate group at 700-1000 yards is acceptable. To achieve such a group one must achieve an average 100 yard grouping of approx. 1 inch or less(assuming your pie plate is 8 inches in diameter) which for most shooters is not achieveable. Given the inherant accuracy of the rifle being used, the shooters experience. Which for most hunters is limited to what shooting they do prior to and during the season. The brand of optic and competency of setting up their rifle/optic. Climactic conditions, shooting position, load used, which for most hunters will be factory ammo. Last but not least, verifying that the load used in ones rifle under specific conditions is capable of holding its 1 MOA or less accuracy out to a specific range and all ranges in between and understanding the ballistics associated.
We know that most hunters don't shoot much, don't shoot custom handloads, and often spend as little as possible on their rigs. Most shots will not be taken by someone who is rested, with a normal heart rate from a known comfortable shooting position with plenty of time to set up the shot. With this in mind is there any reason we should even offer the benefit of the doubt about their ability?
Like MTM I do not wish to piss in anyone's cornflakes. I'm simply trying to understand why so many hunters wish to engage in long range hunting when the odds are stacked against you? I enjoy hunting, but I wouldn't complain if my game animal walked over to the truck and dropped dead for me. I enjoy eating wild game, not chasing the ones I couldn't or shouldn't have shot at in the first place.
TDC
As for accuracy, a pie plate sized group at 100 yards is no where near adequate for engaging targets anywhere beyond 100 yards. A pie plate group at 700-1000 yards is acceptable. To achieve such a group one must achieve an average 100 yard grouping of approx. 1 inch or less(assuming your pie plate is 8 inches in diameter) which for most shooters is not achieveable. Given the inherant accuracy of the rifle being used, the shooters experience. Which for most hunters is limited to what shooting they do prior to and during the season. The brand of optic and competency of setting up their rifle/optic. Climactic conditions, shooting position, load used, which for most hunters will be factory ammo. Last but not least, verifying that the load used in ones rifle under specific conditions is capable of holding its 1 MOA or less accuracy out to a specific range and all ranges in between and understanding the ballistics associated.
We know that most hunters don't shoot much, don't shoot custom handloads, and often spend as little as possible on their rigs. Most shots will not be taken by someone who is rested, with a normal heart rate from a known comfortable shooting position with plenty of time to set up the shot. With this in mind is there any reason we should even offer the benefit of the doubt about their ability?
Like MTM I do not wish to piss in anyone's cornflakes. I'm simply trying to understand why so many hunters wish to engage in long range hunting when the odds are stacked against you? I enjoy hunting, but I wouldn't complain if my game animal walked over to the truck and dropped dead for me. I enjoy eating wild game, not chasing the ones I couldn't or shouldn't have shot at in the first place.
TDC
