Quote:

---

Multiple trips to the range and $100 in ammo before the hunt.

---

And there in lies the problem--IMHO---most people shoot a few times before going hunting and that is why a 200 yard shot seems far--then there are those that can and do shoot pretty much 12 months out of the year--either targets, varmints, whatever...

Not trying to dismiss anything that has been said or offend anyone.. probably have done enough of that on this site as it is ......however I do NOT consider a 2 or 300 yard shot to be too far--and YES, I take them at will when the opportunity presents itself--also shoot prairie dogs 10 months out of the year at ranges of 150 to 400 yards not being unusual..I am not saying that as a braging statement but merely stating that we (my friends and I) shoot alot and therfore do not feel these are extreme..

Realizing most people do not have those same opportunities or desires,, they should NOT shoot at longer ranges and yes, to them--a 200 yard shot can be considered long.

YOU are how you practice...

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

Post Extras:

Quote:

---

No matter how much one practices, and no matter how good the shot, long range shooting involves a substantial amount of luck. By that I mean, there are random variables over which we have no control whatsoever. At shorter ranges the random fluctuations are small enough that they will not cause a well-aimed shot to become a wounding shot. But the magnitudes of random variables increase with range (although the average remains zero); at longer range an otherwise good shot can easily become a gut shot, and there is nothing the shooter can do about it. If shooting inanimate targets bad luck causes no hardship. If shooting animals it causes great suffering. We are not required to harvest an animal. Passing up long shots is good sportsmanship, and is respectful of the animals we hunt.

Take care, Tom

---

Post Extras:

Quote:

---

If luck is involved with consistently shooting prairie dogs at 150 to 400 yards then I need to go to Vegas as I have one hell of a lucky streak going--If you have not shot a lot at longer ranges I can understand your statement--HOWEVER, if someone is consistently shooting groups at 2,3,or 400 yards under a 1 1/2" group--I would suspect luck would not be as much of a factor as skill...

---

Post Extras:

Quote:

---

Quote:

---

]

I have been shooting at ranges out to 1000 yards for many years. No amount of skill will stop the wind, and no person can know when the wind will blow, or the direction, or the magnitude, or for that matter where (for the wind blows differently at the place from which the shot was fired, the intermediate ranges, and the target). Skill cannot predict when an animal will move, and the time to impact of a high velocity bullet at long range is considerable. On 1000 yard shots I can raise my head and watch the bullet arc to the target (really quite interesting in itself, as the twisted path tells a lot about the intermediate wind). I know plenty of prairie dog shooters, and I know they kill a large percentage of the animals at which they fire. It's the few they wound that keeps me from joinng them. I do not condem the practice of others, but only explain my reasons for not joining them.

---

**Well I guess this is an item we are NOT going to agree on .. but that is the beauty of this--you can do what you feel comfortable with and I will as well..

Per the earlier comments as to skill versus luck and wind, etc.. some common sense would apply here.. somthing that seems to be in short supply these days.. but YES, you would not attempt to shoot long yardages in severe winds--

Interesting in that you mention 1000 yard matches, as we are just getting a 1000 yard range set up about an hour from my home--plan to use the 6.5/284 for starters--looking forward to the fun..

As to prairie dogs--I am going to keep shooting..

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

Post Extras:

Quote:

---

Moral of the story--I don't shoot past 250 with any kind of a 10mph+ steady wind blowing.Why? I tend to get PO'd with the poor results.

---

Post Extras:

Quote:

---

Jack O'Connor once stated that kill distances seem to greatly increase "after they've been processed through a typewriter".

I can't help but think he was right.

Guys might buy long-range rifles in long-range chamberings, but that act does not necessarily make them long-range riflemen..........

AD

---

ALLEN

Agree totally--which I have stated all along-you need to shoot and shoot alot. I find it quite interesting that some that have responded on this topic had stated in previous blogs about making shots anywhere from 250 to 400 plus yards and now suddenly have "Seen the light" and are no longer willing to either take or attempt them.. Well good for you...the phrase "flip-flopper" comes to mind.

I on the other hand, do shoot and shoot alot--not braging --just something I really enjoy doing with my friends...If any of you that think the ability to place tight groups at ranges out to 400 yards is pure luck.. please stop by my town at your convenience--I am more than willing to spend an afternoon with you at our local gun range... maybe I or one of my friends can make you a believer maybe not...but at the very least, when it is all over we could have a beer or two and talk guns..

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

Post Extras: