| Ripp |
| (.577 member) |
| 29/05/14 11:26 PM |
Re: Is the .308 Win a viable long range caliber???
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Quote:
Ethically speaking how does one count deer antler points at beyond 300?
Not unlike so much of what you read and hear the long range hunting fad reeks of bravado and bullshit! 100 yards becomes 300. 250 yards become 800.
How many hunting stories have you heard where the teller will yap about their 400 yard shot on a deer sized animal and when asked about hold over or drop compensation their answer is merely a dumb look or something of the like?
Partial copy of initial post:
Verdict
The .308 Winchester is capable of the mechanical accuracy, trajectory, and wind resistance in order to make hits on big game animals at far beyond the ranges at which I intend on shooting them. Where we hit a non-negotiable barrier is the velocity threshold necessary for reliable bullet performance. In most bullet weights, that distance is around 500 yards at sea level.
From an ethical standpoint, I cannot recommend using a cartridge at distances where the bullet cannot be counted on to do its job. I’d call the .308 an adequate cartridge out to 500 yards, but beyond that you’ll need to show me a bullet that will perform well at that distance.
Before you say it, yes, I am aware that the .308 has done decades of duty as the go-to sniper rifle cartridge for our military. That doesn’t mean that it was the best tool for the job, and it doesn’t mean that it’s a great choice for shooting deer at 700 yards.
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agree with you dumprat..think the long range craze for shooting animals is the latest fade to make up for poor hunting skills, etc. Having said that I feel this article is NOT promoting long range hunting, actually opposite of that..and at numerous times states that...however have NO issue for someone shooting targets at 800,1000 or 2000 yards for that matter which is a range supposedly opening up out here sometime this summer..can't imagine too many holes in that target, but it will be there just the same..
As to marines being the specialists in shooting, while I believe some may be able to shoot just like some general population folks can, the 2 I have hunted with couldn't hit a bull in the ass with a scoop shovel..in fact there is one that is in our elk camp for the past 4 years..typical "legend in his own mind" kinda guy..they were BOTH very good at wounding animals, but a clean kill, never saw it happen...but then again, they may have also had sore shoulders from the continuous motion of padding themselves on the back. Just say'n..
Ripp