How accurate does a hunting rifle need to be?
- Thread starter Buckmastr
- Start date
I agree, 1.5" at 100 yards is plenty accurate for hunting big game. I love reloading to have my rifles achieve sub .5" moa, however was probably not required, accompanied with ultra high velocity. Knowing the POI from 100 to 300 yards is probably more important that 1/2" groupings.
For my purposes, 1.5MOA is a good minimum accuracy threshold though. 2MOA will theoretically get you into the vitals of a deer at 300yds, but 1-1.5moa gives the shooter a bit more leeway in their own skillset, particularly in field conditions where you might not have that perfect rest, body position, etc.
Of course, it all depends on the range you're willing to shoot. A guy who hunts from a tree stand with a max shot of 75 yds is going to have very different opinions on what "accurate enough" is compared to someone who hunts the high country for goats and sheep and is willing to take a 400yd+ shot.
Of course, it all depends on the range you're willing to shoot. A guy who hunts from a tree stand with a max shot of 75 yds is going to have very different opinions on what "accurate enough" is compared to someone who hunts the high country for goats and sheep and is willing to take a 400yd+ shot.
Looking at targets left at the rifle range seems lots of fellas would be ecstatic with 1.5 groups.
Paper targets left past 200m often don’t have any holes in them at all doubt someone walked 300,400,500,600m one way then didn’t take any shots?
Everyone starts somewhere…
Paper targets left past 200m often don’t have any holes in them at all doubt someone walked 300,400,500,600m one way then didn’t take any shots?
Everyone starts somewhere…
- Location
- Western Manitoba
How accurate? Basically however accurate you need to hit an 8" paper plate with your first shot, at the range you plan to shoot at. One shot = one hole, or get more accurate rifle / load, or get closer, until you can do that...
The write up in the OP borderlines on "stunt", in my opinion. Do not think contact with a vehicle is allowed in the province that I hunted - although was done often. Never often was within such distance of a vehicle anyways - drive around until you see something? 275 yard shot and aim for neck - leaning over a hood - so what if he hit the jaw, instead?? - would he have written a story about that?? I suppose hyenas gotta eat, too...
The write up in the OP borderlines on "stunt", in my opinion. Do not think contact with a vehicle is allowed in the province that I hunted - although was done often. Never often was within such distance of a vehicle anyways - drive around until you see something? 275 yard shot and aim for neck - leaning over a hood - so what if he hit the jaw, instead?? - would he have written a story about that?? I suppose hyenas gotta eat, too...
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I say in this day and age why settle for good enough. Practice, practice, practice ,field positions that is,and achieve your best confidence .If your rifle is shooting sub moa at 300 yds from the bench than there is only one variable that is your skill level.
gunrunner100
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- NW Ontario
Knowing the accuracy of your rifle and your limits at various ranges and hunting scenarios is the most important.
Having spent time pursuing big game for the past 60+ years, I am quite happy to hunt with a true 1.5 moa rifle.
If I am afield with a 1 moa rifle, that merely adds to the confidence.....it is not a prerequisite to a successful hunt.
I have found very accurate hunting loads for most of my rifles, but that does not encourage me to take low-percentage
shots. [Head or neck] I like the heart lung area, and always try to put my shot into it. With a decent bullet, one can
reach that from even pretty steep angles. I do not take "Texas Heart Shots" unless the animal has been wounded.
My personal choices in these areas has helped me be a very successful hunter, and I cannot ask for much more than that,
except to be allowed to hunt for a while yet.
Dave.
If I am afield with a 1 moa rifle, that merely adds to the confidence.....it is not a prerequisite to a successful hunt.
I have found very accurate hunting loads for most of my rifles, but that does not encourage me to take low-percentage
shots. [Head or neck] I like the heart lung area, and always try to put my shot into it. With a decent bullet, one can
reach that from even pretty steep angles. I do not take "Texas Heart Shots" unless the animal has been wounded.
My personal choices in these areas has helped me be a very successful hunter, and I cannot ask for much more than that,
except to be allowed to hunt for a while yet.
Dave.
- Location
- Western Manitoba
Having spent time pursuing big game for the past 60+ years, I am quite happy to hunt with a true 1.5 moa rifle.
If I am afield with a 1 moa rifle, that merely adds to the confidence.....it is not a prerequisite to a successful hunt.
I have found very accurate hunting loads for most of my rifles, but that does not encourage me to take low-percentage
shots. [Head or neck] I like the heart lung area, and always try to put my shot into it. With a decent bullet, one can
reach that from even pretty steep angles. I do not take "Texas Heart Shots" unless the animal has been wounded.
My personal choices in these areas has helped me be a very successful hunter, and I cannot ask for much more than that,
except to be allowed to hunt for a while yet.
I especially like that bolded part - my Dad would make us walk out to the track and follow it - whatever distance we fired at - his thought was to teach us that if we fired, we meant to kill - for sure, not "maybe". School of "hard knocks", I suppose!!!
18"!? Good lord! Cut that in half and we're getting close to being on the same page...
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
1-1.5 moa is what I aim for, it’s nice to have that part of the equation out of the way when your out hunting whatever it may be.
No doubt. Wow.
