Unsure Shot

Thanks for the ballistics jparent. 200 yards it will be. I am amazed that this gun will be able to hunt like this. Lucky guess on purchasing it!

horseman2- The rifle is a Browning X-bolt, and she has a vortex 4-12X40 scope on it. She is popping off apples at 80 yards. And I invested in a range finder as well. Having all the right tools for the job is important!

KodiakHntr- We were going to hunt with hornady superformance rounds for that gun. They are 95gr. Would you suggest anything different or against the hornady?
 
You may also want to consider having a range finder when you hunt. The excitement of the hunt and the terrain make range eastimation challenging even for experienced hunters. If anything a range finder will tell you when that animal is too far. In good light and background a deer can seem a lot closer than really is and vice versa in poor light. A range finder takes a second to use. Practice and learn your trajectory. The only way to know what your gun does at 300 Yds is to shoot at 300 yards. Ballistic tables are great but are only a part of the process.
 
JamesM said:
The real deciding factor is ones ability to place bullets where they need to go from field like conditions; prone, kneeling, seated, using makeshift rests and particularly important if still hunting off hand. The only way to decide this is to go out and practice, among my favorite targets for these purposes are 6-8" paper plates or pie plates, the distance or position at which I can't keep all shots on this target is where I choose to either practice till I can or accept as beyond my abilities.
I personally always believe closer is better, so while I'm capable of making long shots I have never actually shot an animal much past 100 yards because I always try and get a little bit closer even when an animal is inside my comfort zone.
Click to expand...

We have a winner!
 
Thanks for the ammo tip KodiakHntr. Will take our advice, as you know better than I!

powdergun- I have a rangefinder in my bag already. When we set up for a hunt in the morning, I range around and check all of my distances. At least if it had to be a quick shot, I would have an educated guess. And as JamesM and ATOM said, I will more likely be close enough not to worry to much. Just wanted to make sure that if we had a nice clear, broadside, distance shot, we could take it. Thanks again everyone!!
 
Tycon said:
Thanks for the ballistics jparent. 200 yards it will be. I am amazed that this gun will be able to hunt like this. Lucky guess on purchasing it!

KodiakHntr- We were going to hunt with hornady superformance rounds for that gun. They are 95gr. Would you suggest anything different or against the hornady?
Click to expand...

Welcome. There's an app for that. Just saying.

Test the Superperformance ahead of time, I haven't a rifle in my collection that will group that stuff. Runs to fast and won't stabilize in my hunting rifles (light profile barrels). Also, be aware of your clean cold bore shots (the one you always take on game) it can be a huge difference with some brands of ammo/rifle combos.
 
Tycon said:
Thanks for the ballistics jparent. 200 yards it will be. I am amazed that this gun will be able to hunt like this. Lucky guess on purchasing it!

KodiakHntr- We were going to hunt with hornady superformance rounds for that gun. They are 95gr. Would you suggest anything different or against the hornady?
Click to expand...

Welcome. There's an app for that. Just saying.

Test the Superperformance ahead of time, I haven't a rifle in my collection that will group that stuff. Runs to fast and won't stabilize in my hunting rifles (light profile barrels). Also, be aware of your clean cold bore shots (the one you always take on game) it can be a huge difference with some brands of ammo/rifle combos.
 
I've killed more deer with a .243 than I remember. I have shot them at 200 yard no problem. That is with 100 grain hand loads, a scoped bolt action rifle and sitting in a stand with a rest. I would take one on at 300 yard from the same rest if given the chance. I've hit them running at 200 yards as well.
My daughter however doesn't have the confidence with her .243 and shoots only out to 120 yards from a stand in a sitting position with a rest. She has passed up a few deer at 200 yard plus and I always commend her for doing so. "If in doubt....don't" is our deer gang's motto. She has shot her iron sighted AR on a military range out to 300 yards and connected on the target. Hunting is a different matter.
My wife has come out with me with her .243 and had deer in her sights and never shot. She knew the deer would be dead and the deer had no idea the wife was there in a stand aiming at it. She has never shot a deer in her life but doesn't need to to have a successful hunt.
 
I thought you were better off not doing the full barrel clean before hunting? Was told that it was better to leave the rifle they way you know it shoots. That had merit to me, but obviously I'm missing something! Why do you use the clean cold bore on the game?
 
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