500grains,

Why can't you shoot them from further away?

The sunflower trick sounds like a good idea in general, and I think I'll spread out some sunflower seeds for this purpose. A sack of seeds will make a whole bunch of cheap targets!

I generally try to shoot as much off hand as possible, from 100, 80 meters and 40 or so meters.

Before going to Zim last year, I made my "famous" car pulled charging ele target just for fun. As it was possible to actually get hit in the head by the target which approached me at 30-40 km/h, it made the "dangerous game" part more realistic as I had to duck or jump aside as it passed by me.

One thing I did a bit of was to have a target at about 10 meters or so (or used the charging ele target) and after shooting it with 1 or 2 shots, I would switch to a target 90 degrees or so to my left or right to simulate a sneaky second cow ele that was charging from the side. And give that one 1 or 2 shots. I also sometimes added a 3rd target, and between the 2nd and 3rd target would reload the rifle with a few rounds. Or would shoot target 1, 2 and 3, reload, and then shoot target 1 or 2 again.

I also shoot a lot while sitting on the ground, or on a tree stump. From 100 or 80 meters. This is the most common positions for most of my hunting at home, in addition to leaning against a tree.

I very rarely shoot prone, as I have rarely used this possition while hunting. Although I did more this more than usual when I went to Namibia a few years ago, and actually did end up shooting a gemsbok while prone from a kopje.

Finally, I only shoot off a bench when sighting in the first shots with new ammo, or using a chronograph.

Erik