This is a topic with no absolute answer because of so many variables. Last year with my rifle (a custom 7WSM) I let a friend shoot a Rocky Mtn.Bighorn sheep at 1285 yards. the very next shot out of my rifle was 2 weeks later when I shot my Rocky Mtn.Bighorn sheep at 675 yards, 2 shots 2 kills.
Monday I guided a client in on a California Bighorn sheep and watched him miss with 3 shots with the average shot missing by feet not inches at only 350 yards using a fully custom 7-378WBY and the same bullets I use.
Range time, load development,compotent rifle handling, and current weather all play a part
Well, there is one absolute answer: Don't shoot until you've stalked as close as possible.
1285 yards? 675 yards? That was the closest you guys could get? Surely, some creative sneaking could have closed the distance. Just because the gun and the shooter are capable of such long shots doesn't mean you shouldn't strive to get closer.
I could not disagree with you more, your approach is naive.
Take the best shot possible !!!!!!, taking the closest only gives pussies an excuse when they miss
