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It's my opinion that 90% of elk are harvested at under 300 yards.
95%+ at under 400 yards.
A .308, 30-06 or .270 with a 4X scope is more than enough.
A cup & core bullet of reasonable weight will do the job.
If you want a 20X scope on a .300 magnum, that's fine but you don't need it.
I have 5 elk under my belt, all taken at under 100 yards.
So how many of you actually take elk at 500+ yards, and what percentage of you elk were at longer distance.
MOLON LABE
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I’ve shot a couple dozen elk and the longest was 350 yds by the laser. I have a 12x scope on my rifle but it’s for my weak eyes, not the distance. I just need a few more X’s to see the animal clearly
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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I have shot just over 50 elk. Probably 15 of those were over 300 yards. Probably 4 over 500. Maybe a few more. Use a 4x if you like I usually have a 3-9 or 4-12. Almost always turned as high as it will go. I just love it when some one with limited experience tells me just what caliber, scope, and bullet I need because it worked for him on a couple elk.
Molon Labe
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I am on the back side of 50 elk tagged. I have been hunting them 55+years. A lot of years I could get two elk tags here in Colorado. One year, three. Less than 6 were over 250 yards. Most were less than 100yards. Many less than 50 yards. Center fire rifle and 50 cal muzzle loader. .308, 30-06, 44 mag carbine, 30-30. About five years with a7 mag. I found out it just burned more powder. It didn't kill any better. My .06 now has a 2.5-8 X as it was a gift. Other than that it has 1X, 4x, 2-7X, and 3-9X's usually set at 4X.
In my experience, the younger hunters today, lack the woodscraft, or hunting ability to stalk elk close and rely on distance shooting instead
Last edited by saddlesore; 06/18/22.
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I have personally taken 25 elk and have been in on the taking of at least 100 others. I grew up in elk country in CO and our family hunted them hard. The closest shot I have had at an elk was 3 paces and that was a cow taken with a muzzleloader. I came around a blown down tree and she was coming around it from the other side. The longest shot I have taken at one was about 575 yards at a good 5 pt bull across a sagebrush flat and he was the only bull I saw that season. I killed both of those elk. I'm guessing the other 23 elk I have taken have been anywhere from 70 yards to about 350. I've had the chance to take longer shots but try to work into a closer range. My old 7mm Mag is sighted in to be dead on at 250 yards so anything out to 350 all I have to do is hold on the upper chest. My rifle wears on old Leupold 3x9 and I have never found that scope lacking.
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I’m a baby compared to some. 8 elk in last 12 years of hunting elk.
Still using the trusty 30/06 originally with 180 tsx and 2.5-10 monarch BDC.
Now 168 ttsx. With 3.5-10 vx3 CDS.
40-400 yards.
The 300 win mag sits in the safe. And I bring 270 win with 3-9 CDS 130 ttsx as a back up
All of them do something better than the 30-06, but none of them do everything as well.
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I’m a midwesterner and didn’t start after elk until relatively late in life. I’ve taken 13 or so with two being cows. I’m not a guy who tries to intentionally take elk at long range, and took none if 500 yards is your threshold. But most, about 8 or 9 ors so, were past 400 yds, the longest at a walked off 475. These were mostly pre-LRF, or without time to do so, and the last couple were close enough to not have to range them.
So I’ve a small cluster between 400 and 500.
Edit: I’ve used a 45/70, 45 Colt, 30/06, and the last was taken with a 284 Win. But all those between 400 and 500 were with a 340 Wby. As a boomer I hate to use a millennials’ term, but it was “awesome”!
🙂
Last edited by George_De_Vries_3rd; 06/18/22.
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Farthest for me has been 400 yards with a 300 win mag pushing a 200 grain accubonds. Bullet clipped bottom of heart and elk fell where it stood.
Others have been at 250 yards or less with same rifle and load.
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In about 46 elk tagged, 1 over 400yds., 2 others over 300, and the rest less than 250, most of them less than 150.
Hunt!
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I have shot 8 bulls and 1 cow, 2 at around 150, 6 between 250-350 and one at 415.
For me anything over 350-400 yards is a long shot.
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16 bulls and one cow. 48 yards was my closest shot, 351 my longest. Most of my shots were in the 275-325 range.
You only live once, but...if you do it right, once is enough.
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It's my opinion that 90% of elk are harvested at under 300 yards.
95%+ at under 400 yards.
A .308, 30-06 or .270 with a 4X scope is more than enough.
A cup & core bullet of reasonable weight will do the job.
If you want a 20X scope on a .300 magnum, that's fine but you don't need it.
I have 5 elk under my belt, all taken at under 100 yards.
So how many of you actually take elk at 500+ yards, and what percentage of you elk were at longer distance. I'd agree with everything you've said, and it can also be applied to most all NA big game. All except the 4X part, there is zero reason to handicap yourself, if even only slightly, with a 4X optic when so many great and affordable variables are available.
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I have shot 16 cows and 5 bulls - from the 6.5CM to a pre'64 .338WM. The .338 does have an immediate effect but I no longer can handle that. My average is 185 yards, the longest 390 and the closest 55 yards.
Scopes have been 2.5-8x36 and 3.5-10x40's. The bottom line is a quality bullet in the right place.
Last edited by bigwhoop; 06/18/22.
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It's my opinion that 90% of elk are harvested at under 300 yards.
95%+ at under 400 yards.
A .308, 30-06 or .270 with a 4X scope is more than enough.
A cup & core bullet of reasonable weight will do the job.
If you want a 20X scope on a .300 magnum, that's fine but you don't need it.
I have 5 elk under my belt, all taken at under 100 yards.
So how many of you actually take elk at 500+ yards, and what percentage of you elk were at longer distance. I have killed more elk beyond 800yds than you have in total. Do what you want and shoot what you want but skip bloviating about what any one else "needs". Thanks. 
John Burns
I have all the sources.
They can't stop the signal.
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I got a hand full of elk... and a lot more unfilled tags than elk....
I got one bull with a 30-06 at 526 yards... shot twice... the holes were 8 inches apart....
I also got two different bulls with a 300wsm at 16yards and one at 12 yards... go figure.
Ya got to kill'em where they are at... no way around it.
Well... we have come to the point.... where... the parasites are killing the host. It's only a matter of time now.
They only win.... when they cheat.
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I have been an elk hunter since I was a young boy. I am a geezer now.
My one and only shot over 400 yards was at about 420, with a 270 Short Mag.
ALL the rest were closer, with most being a LOT closer.
If I counted all my elk at 300+, I can do it on my fingers and come up with 4 spare fingers. That's going back 56 years too and from 5 different states.
Many many dozens were at 150 and closer, with a large number being under 60 yards.
My closest was at about 8 feet.
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From 40 yards to 750 yards, with 4x to 15x, with 270 win, 284 win, 308 win, 300 wsm, 8x57, 338-06 35 remington, 358 win what difference does it make.
Know your and your equipment's capabilities and limitations and hunt accordingly.
Internet analysis: 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact Fools & fanatics are always so certain and wise people are always so questioning ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/lyarIYom.jpg)
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Never killed a elk, they sound very intimidating. I’m thinking high bc bullets and turrets for the win!! Hopefully I “draw a elk tag” someday!! I’m all ears on habits and tactics!!
Ping pong balls for the win.
Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable
I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.
Ain’t easy havin pals.
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The thing that has me mystified about 800 plus yard shooting.
Is finding the animal after the fact!
Unless there is snow, I struggle finding some at even 200!
"Shoot low sheriff, I think he's riding a shetland!" B. Wills
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Angus,
You stated "the thing that has me mystified about 800 plus yard shooting. Is finding the animal after the fact!"
Couple of ways;
1) Long shots are often two person efforts so 1 person stays back and marks the spot where the animal was standing and then directs the other person to that spot then comes over to help look.
2) Trigonometry. If you are at X/Y lat/lon for the shot which you would have marked with your GPS and you determine the bearing (compass heading) to the animal you can calculate its GPS coordinates for where it was standing by using the bearing and distance.
Obviously, these just get you to the starting point of the tracking.
Last edited by Mike_Dettorre; 06/19/22.
Internet analysis: 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact Fools & fanatics are always so certain and wise people are always so questioning
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Oh boy...
5 elk under your belt and all at under 100.
You got me beat by miles.
SMH 🤦♀️
🦫
Curiosity Killed the Cat & The Prairie Dog
“Molon Labe”
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Thanks
I figured it takes a few hunters to negotiate the longer distance deal successfully.
I also heard you can “shoot” a location with the newer gps deals.
I like ol Elmer Keith’s quote for my deal
“If u think yer close enough………
Get closer!”
I love it!
"Shoot low sheriff, I think he's riding a shetland!" B. Wills
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Closest - a bull at ~ 60 yards (338)
Furtherest - lead cow at laser measured 350 yards (270)
Both with heavy partitions.
I think that Elmer was spot on. But 350 yards was as close as I could get since there was an open meadow between us and it was near dusk.
I prefer classic.
Semper Fi
I used to run with the hare. Now I'm envious of the tortoise and I do my own stunts but rarely intentionally
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OP, 5 elk. I think I am close to that. With a 1911. There are high percentage shots and low percentage shots. The range is really not a factor. You can have a shot in the timber that your odds of making it are bad and a low percentage of a good outcome and you should not take. Same with out in the open if the winds/snow/cold (all of the above) or environmental factors are against you. You can have a high percentage shot at 50 yards 350 or 650 yards that conditions are good, you have a solid shooting platform, plenty of time to make the shot and you know your comeups because you are well practiced because you shoot all year. There are always guys who will get on these boards who don't possess the skills, can't read wind or other environmental factors and will tell others because they can't do something, nobody else should either. They stopped learning a long time ago. They will throw in "Yeah-buts". Yeah but the animal can move. As if the person who has spent all that time preparing has not taken that into account in selecting an animal and determining whether it is a good choice for a shooting or not (determining whether it will be a high percentage or low percentage shot). This is a worn out old topic. And from someone with 5 elk. That is like saying. I am a professional driver, I will tell you all about driving and you should listen to me. I have had a driver's license for 5 years and I have been driving for 5 years now. 5 elk is what we call "December" and helping friends and family process meat for the winter/year. ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/CdkSv5T.jpg)
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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This is a worn out old topic.
And from someone with 5 elk.
That is like saying. I am a professional driver, I will tell you all about driving and you should listen to me. I have had a driver's license for 5 years and I have been driving for 5 years now.
5 elk is what we call "December" and helping friends and family process meat for the winter/year. I'm having a hard time finding where I claimed to be a professional. Just asking a question. Wondering if those with a lot more experience take a high percentage of elk at longer distances.
MOLON LABE
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But yet you are telling people that a 4X scope is "More than enough". So is a 2X or 3X just right? This is a 10X magnified view of some elk in a pic I took from the porch of my cabin. ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/PfWTsRM.jpg) They are within well range of a certain rifles that I use, as they are just to the right of my target steel. Would you take a shot at one of these animals at 1/3 this magnification/target size?
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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I've shot 35 elk, 30 bulls and 5 cows.
All were on DIY hunts, most were solo hunts, and most were on public land.
I've shot 2 bulls with my .300 Weatherby and 1 cow with my 7mm Rem mag, all at less than 200 yards.
I shot my first elk with a borrowed .30-40 Krag and he was so far away that with my first few shots, the front sight bead completely covered him. Luckily there was snow on the ground and no other hunters, so after a very long chase I was able to kill him with a 100 yard shot.
I shot my closest elk at 10 yards and the rest were under 250 yards.
I am not in the business of selling long range shooting equipment, so I don't consider shooting animals a half mile away to be sporting. Good shooting yes, but sporting NO.
SAVE 200 ELK, KILL A WOLF
NRA Endowment Life Member
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Angus,
You stated "the thing that has me mystified about 800 plus yard shooting. Is finding the animal after the fact!"
Couple of ways;
1) Long shots are often two person efforts so 1 person stays back and marks the spot where the animal was standing and then directs the other person to that spot then comes over to help look.
2) Trigonometry. If you are at X/Y lat/lon for the shot which you would have marked with your GPS and you determine the bearing (compass heading) to the animal you can calculate its GPS coordinates for where it was standing by using the bearing and distance.
Obviously, these just get you to the starting point of the tracking. Following up on this. I took this pic a few years back. Just dropped an elk with my 300wm and fixed 10X SWFA. I stepped back and took a pic of the hillside and timber where it was so when I go to it, if I had any issues, I had something to reference. Ended up not being needed, but it is just one more method. It was a mid 400s as I recall. ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/DHJDvlM.jpg)
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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Great idea!
BTW I was told the biggest bull ever harvested was with a 30/40 Krag!
I love my Springfield!
Was them 1911 elk harvest done with Ackley improved ammo? 😅
Last edited by Angus1895; 06/19/22.
"Shoot low sheriff, I think he's riding a shetland!" B. Wills
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Would you take a shot at one of these animals at 1/3 this magnification/target size? Without knowing the range, no I wouldn't. Very few people have the skill to make clean kills at over 1/4 mile (my opinion) I've done it on deer and antelope. I know what it takes and so should you. With your experience, I assume you have seen some things and met many other hunters in the field. What percentage of them would you guess are proficient at 500 yards+ ? What percentage of them would you guess are "under gunned" with a 4X on a 30-06 ? Honest questions, no offence intended.
MOLON LABE
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I don't try to play the percentages game. You cannot look at someone and tell what their proficiency level is. For hunting elk in typical western states terrain I would never recommend a scope that tops out at 4x and don't know anyone who would. I have zero issue with a 30-06 considering that I have killed 20+ elk with a .308 and usually pack a puny little 20" T3. Not every hunters terrain is going to be like your 5 elk hunts. The west has a BUNCH of wide open terrain and elk will often go out into the open sage where they can see threats coming at great distances. If you even come within a half a mile the whole herd will get up and get moving. That is the reality of late season hunts in many places. An early October hunt may be a totally different story, but terrain can vary considerably. ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/SgDMPst.jpg) There are about 50 elk in this pic but they are a ways out there: ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/a3sYocc.jpg) It can be a brushed up narrow draw and shooting across it. I crawled through brush to get to a ledge/ vantage point on this one and shoot into the shaded draw: ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/XWMysEt.jpg) ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/pG3z5uJ.jpg) I just looked at the pic and the notes said 485 yards with a 6.5 CM. ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/Wd6VVG9.jpg) You get both this: Warm 25 degree days with no snow and wide open terrain where 400 yard shots are going to be the norm. ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/hfmwuFo.jpg) To the next morning where it is -5 and fresh elk beds and tracks and a max distance high percentage shot might be 150 yards due to the storm ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/NOwfQ7E.jpg) ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/Z3ttb7J.jpg) ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/vQHJRHS.jpg) Then in the afternoon it clears up again and a 500 yard shot is in the cards again. ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/HyJFirF.jpg)
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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Great idea!
BTW I was told the biggest bull ever harvested was with a 30/40 Krag!
I love my Springfield!
Was them 1911 elk harvest done with Ackley improved ammo? 😅 Angus Pretty much all of my 1911 kills have not been intentional hunts. They have been right place, right time. The first one though was memorable. I was actually elk hunting, up by Stanley. One of those sunny days where the snow is melting and every two steps up a steep hill you slide one back. I had slung my rifle all the way across my back so I could grab sagebrush with both hands since I was getting tired of falling on my butt. I had arrived late (had worked a nightshift) and was trying to catch up with my dad who was some where ahead of me. My work gun was my old 70 Series Colt 1911 and I had it on my side. I finally got to the top of a saddle and was standing there bent over with my hands on my knees listening to my heart pounding in my ears when I caught movement. I looked up and it was a cow. (I had a cow tag). She was bedded down on the edge of the saddle. She was starting to stand up, and she only had to take three or four steps and she would be into the timber and gone. The distance was only about 25 yards and I was shooting a BUNCH of USPSA competition back then. There was no way I could get my rifle off my shoulder. She stood up at the same time I drew. I just shot her right in the ear hole and she collapsed right back into her bed and did the stiff leg thing. It all happened so fast I just stood there for a minute. I remember thinking "Holy crap! That just happened!". lol.
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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OP
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Mackay, your experience is appreciated.
MOLON LABE
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Thank you Anaconda,
It is only one perspective of many here. There are a lot of very experienced elk hunters on this board.
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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The thing that has me mystified about 800 plus yard shooting.
Is finding the animal after the fact!
Unless there is snow, I struggle finding some at even 200! The areas where I hunt and John Burns does also,( I believe ,correct me if I am wrong John) are devoid of trees and heavy cover> Even if I hit an animal at distance and it manages to run any distance it is still in plain sight and not an Issue. A spotter is helpful when hunting the wide open, but unless one makes a bad shot tracking it is a non issue.
Last edited by wyoming260; 06/19/22.
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Great idea!
BTW I was told the biggest bull ever harvested was with a 30/40 Krag! Nope. That would be the #2 bull killed by John Plute. For years it was the world record but fell to the #2 spot when the bull killed by Alonzo Winters was finally officially scored. The Winters bull was killed by a 300 Savage which is still not a huge round so the gist of your post is correct, just not the specific caliber.
You get out of life what you are willing to accept. If you ain't happy, do something about it!
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Campfire Outfitter
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I've killed 16 or 17 bulls. 10 archery, all under 60 yards and the others with a rifle. None over 300 yards. It's not that hard to get into reasonable elk rifle range if you are a decent stalker. This bull was shot about 275 yards. The toughest thing about elk hunting is drawing a decent tag. ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/xYKjy0X.jpg)
Last edited by centershot; 06/20/22.
A true sportsman counts his achievements in proportion to the effort involved and fairness of the sport. - S. Pope
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 30,745
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 30,745 |
My last......Utah LE November '11 308 with 180 gr Scirrocco with 2 shots 90 yds in his bed ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/zdJWtLO.jpg)
T R U M P W O N !
U L T R A M A G A !
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jun 2007
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It's my opinion that 90% of elk are harvested at under 300 yards.
95%+ at under 400 yards.
A .308, 30-06 or .270 with a 4X scope is more than enough.
A cup & core bullet of reasonable weight will do the job.
If you want a 20X scope on a .300 magnum, that's fine but you don't need it.
I have 5 elk under my belt, all taken at under 100 yards.
So how many of you actually take elk at 500+ yards, and what percentage of you elk were at longer distance. Elk brings out the best and worst of hunting stories. Easy/hard, it doesn't matter. I have killed my share, but I will also wager that 90% of the elk killed year to year are killed by the same 8-10% of the hunters that do it over and over. I really don't care what people use, but I do get tired of the continuous brag of killing them with small calibers and extreme distances. Sure it can be done, but is it really responsible hunting? ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/jneJR5q.jpg)
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,697 |
It's my opinion that 90% of elk are harvested at under 300 yards.
95%+ at under 400 yards.
A .308, 30-06 or .270 with a 4X scope is more than enough.
A cup & core bullet of reasonable weight will do the job.
If you want a 20X scope on a .300 magnum, that's fine but you don't need it.
I have 5 elk under my belt, all taken at under 100 yards.
So how many of you actually take elk at 500+ yards, and what percentage of you elk were at longer distance. Elk brings out the best and worst of hunting stories. Easy/hard, it doesn't matter. I have killed my share, but I will also wager that 90% of the elk killed year to year are killed by the same 8-10% of the hunters that do it over and over. I really don't care what people use, but I do get tired of the continuous brag of killing them with small calibers and extreme distances. Sure it can be done, but is it really responsible hunting? +1 on the people that kill elk regularly. It takes dedication and tenacity to kill elk consistently - especially with a bow. I personally live for it.
A true sportsman counts his achievements in proportion to the effort involved and fairness of the sport. - S. Pope
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2007
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It's my opinion that 90% of elk are harvested at under 300 yards.
95%+ at under 400 yards.
A .308, 30-06 or .270 with a 4X scope is more than enough.
A cup & core bullet of reasonable weight will do the job.
If you want a 20X scope on a .300 magnum, that's fine but you don't need it.
I have 5 elk under my belt, all taken at under 100 yards.
So how many of you actually take elk at 500+ yards, and what percentage of you elk were at longer distance. Elk brings out the best and worst of hunting stories. Easy/hard, it doesn't matter. I have killed my share, but I will also wager that 90% of the elk killed year to year are killed by the same 8-10% of the hunters that do it over and over. I really don't care what people use, but I do get tired of the continuous brag of killing them with small calibers and extreme distances. Sure it can be done, but is it really responsible hunting? That seems to be the case. The same guys fill their freezer every year. The same guys complain about how they never shoot any elk. Frankly, killing elk is not difficult. Shooting them in a location where they are easy (relatively) to recover seems to be the hard part. They get heavier every year.
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2007
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Out of 20 or 25 elk, one was at 425, one at 550, and one was at 600 yards on the nose. The rest have all been less than 300 yards.
I am set up to go to 600+ but it is for those situations where I don't think I am getting any closer and often it is the last day of the season. A do or die kind of situation. I do prefer to get closer if at all possible but sometimes that just isn't going to happen.
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Aug 2005
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I've killed @ 25 elk & guys in my camp have killed @ another 25. I killed one bull with a 54 T/C Renegade, my buddy killed a bull with a T/C 50 cal Hawken & 1 bull was killed with a 300 Win Mag. The rest @ 47 were killed with 30/06 rifles. Using plain jane C & C bullets. One guy from PA wanted to use Partitions---they killed the bull just as dead as the "Core-lokt" All bullets were 180 grain. Scopes were 3x9, 2.5 x8 & several 6X. Leupold, Nikon and a couple of Weavers Shots were from 50 yards to 275. We lost 1 elk-----bad shot on my part--I tried to clip the spine. Several of the bulls were "300" class, small 6x6, raghorns, spikes when legal & cows & calves. We like elk-----we would shoot cows after we all had gotten several bulls over the years. A dry cow is good eatin. Bob
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: May 2014
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It's my opinion that 90% of elk are harvested at under 300 yards.
95%+ at under 400 yards.
A .308, 30-06 or .270 with a 4X scope is more than enough.
A cup & core bullet of reasonable weight will do the job.
If you want a 20X scope on a .300 magnum, that's fine but you don't need it.
I have 5 elk under my belt, all taken at under 100 yards.
So how many of you actually take elk at 500+ yards, and what percentage of you elk were at longer distance. Elk brings out the best and worst of hunting stories. Easy/hard, it doesn't matter. I have killed my share, but I will also wager that 90% of the elk killed year to year are killed by the same 8-10% of the hunters that do it over and over. I really don't care what people use, but I do get tired of the continuous brag of killing them with small calibers and extreme distances. Sure it can be done, but is it really responsible hunting? Agreed!
I prefer classic.
Semper Fi
I used to run with the hare. Now I'm envious of the tortoise and I do my own stunts but rarely intentionally
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2005
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It's my opinion that 90% of elk are harvested at under 300 yards.
95%+ at under 400 yards.
A .308, 30-06 or .270 with a 4X scope is more than enough.
A cup & core bullet of reasonable weight will do the job.
If you want a 20X scope on a .300 magnum, that's fine but you don't need it.
I have 5 elk under my belt, all taken at under 100 yards.
So how many of you actually take elk at 500+ yards, and what percentage of you elk were at longer distance. Elk brings out the best and worst of hunting stories. Easy/hard, it doesn't matter. I have killed my share, but I will also wager that 90% of the elk killed year to year are killed by the same 8-10% of the hunters that do it over and over. I really don't care what people use, but I do get tired of the continuous brag of killing them with small calibers and extreme distances. Sure it can be done, but is it really responsible hunting? Shrapnel, what do you consider to be the minimum cartridge for bull elk?
Faith and love of others knows no mileage nor bounds. That's simply the way it is.
dogzapper
After the game is over, the king and the pawn go into the same box.
Italian Proverb
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Posts: 47,960
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 47,960 |
I’m a baby compared to some. 8 elk in last 12 years of hunting elk.
Still using the trusty 30/06 originally with 180 tsx and 2.5-10 monarch BDC.
Now 168 ttsx. With 3.5-10 vx3 CDS.
40-400 yards.
The 300 win mag sits in the safe. And I bring 270 win with 3-9 CDS 130 ttsx as a back up You still in Or Dre? Public land hunt success rates are pretty bad/low there. I've hunted there the last 26 years. I ran a similar set up on a model 70 300WSM one year and hated the top heavy feeling that scope gave to the rifle. I've had better luck with smaller scopes on my "elk rifles", mainly Burris FFII 3-9x40 with ballistic plex reticle. My furthest shot has been 200 yards in a somewhat timbered area. The next furthest was 90, using the set up as described above with the Nikon monarch on a spike bull, one cow at that distance when she was on the move, another cow at 30 yards, a bull at 10 yards, another at 30, one at 20 yards. None of the ones I've shot have been considered "long range". However, if I had seen one at 500 yards, it wouldn't have been difficult. Always be prepared for any kind of shot and know your limitations. Most of my elk have been shot at pretty close range for the most part.
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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One at 618 yards
Most at 250-350 yards.
One at 25 yards.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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It’s weird 4 me….
Thinking bout the ones I got…….
They ain’t burnt in my feeble mind.
Most of my near photographic memories …….
It’s them sum beaches that got away, 😫
Last edited by Angus1895; 06/20/22.
"Shoot low sheriff, I think he's riding a shetland!" B. Wills
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 17,760 |
Much of this discussion is do to the country in which we hunt elk.. My first elk hunting was done in the mountains near town. But over the years, elk have expanded their territory, and now they are often found on the plains. Early in my elk hunting career, I found a spot I could get to each day after work.. I never had the luxury of a 10 day hunt until after I retired, by then my elk hunting was on the down swing. The deal was this was an open mountain side. The elk came out late in the evening, never the morning. The shot was long, and in the days before range finders, the flattest shooting rifle I could find was a must. If I went to this spot every evening, I would see elk. Maybe one in a season, maybe several times, but I would get a chance. So much of my elk hunting has been in open country after maybe the first 5 seasons. There are guys in town who hunt the mountains, and probably never kill and elk at over 200 yards. The country in which we hunt is one of the important things about the rifle we select for taking our elk.
Molon Labe
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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Elk originally were plains animals I believe.
But I have looked a long time for wounded / dead elk in 2.5 foot tall sage brush.
No trees really.
Laying flat, they ain’t much more than 24 inches?
Until they bloat.
Bulls got the antler deal sticking up though.
Last edited by Angus1895; 06/20/22.
"Shoot low sheriff, I think he's riding a shetland!" B. Wills
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15,612 |
I’ve only killed nine bulls, all with a 30/06, 180 Accubond at ~ 2740…..23 yds, 25, 75, 100, 150, 225, 250, 350, 475
NRA Life,Endowment,Patron or Benefactor since '72.
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Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 60,054 |
Have mostly hunted elk locally in Montana, but also in Colorado, New Mexico and British Columbia. My local experience began on public land in the 1970s, when most were found in thicker timber due to hunting pressure--especially for foot-hunters on public land. While quite a few elk frequent more open valleys these days, they're usually on private land--but even on many local ranches they still tend to hang in heavier timber. The longest shots that my wife and I have taken locally have been around 250 yards, with many under 100.
Hunted with three friends on a local ranch around a decade ago, and we all got 6x6 bulls. But even then the longest shot was 345 yards--made by one of my partners with a .30-06 and 180-grain factory ammunition.
The longest shot I've taken was on a ranch in Colorado, close to 400 yards. But the weather was pretty cold and snowy, and most elk were in more protected terrain, whether timbered or draws.
“Montana seems to me to be what a small boy would think Texas is like from hearing Texans.”
John Steinbeck
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Well, I haven't taken an elk anywhere near 500 yards. I've seen some but didn't plan to start shooting at that range and still don't.
My longest elk was about 225 yards, my shortest no more than 25 yards. Most have been 60-125 yards. I hunt elk brushy areas and long shots are few and far between. I shoot more deer at longer ranges than elk. Often with deer just a bit shorter than 300 yards is needed frequently. I got to 85 yards for my bighorn. I did have to shoot my pronghorn at 268 yards. Point being, I prefer to be close.
Just why you have strong opinions about the correct equipment escapes me. For what it is worth I use 2.5-8, 3-9x40 and 3.5-10 scopes on elk guns. A 4x I used for a few years wouldn't resolve antlers on a couple of spikes so I changed up.
Your chamberings are fine with me. I used a .308 Winchester for several years . Now generally an '06. Even so, I still use my .338 when I get a good tag.
I don't think you should leave magnums out of the mix where more open country is involved. I plan on using my .308 Norma and/or my .300 Weatherby when I hunt Wyoming where my oldest boy lives.
I do practice shooting at longer range and if needed, I believe I could hit at 500 yards with my main elk rifles. That said, I don't plan on taking a first shot past 300 yards. I did on a deer (465) and the goat roping involved in finding it put me off.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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25 to 30 elk for me. Been hunting them for about 50 yrs. Only one over 300 yards (around 325 or so). Majority between 100 and 200 yds except archery kills. I’m old, I use wood/blue rifles in either 308 win or 270 win, and a 3-9x40 scope. I wouldn’t take a shot at 400 plus, but that’s just me.
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Campfire Member
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I've have 2 elk to my name, both under 50 yards. 2 years ago when I went with some friends, we tagged 5 elk, all under 100 yards. Four were shot with 308s and one with 300 mag. What's my point, match your gun and scope with where you are hunting. There is no need for high power scopes and magnums in the thick timber where we hunt, but our 308s and low power scope would be challenging in wide open, cross canyon type hunting.
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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I've have 2 elk to my name, both under 50 yards. 2 years ago when I went with some friends, we tagged 5 elk, all under 100 yards. Four were shot with 308s and one with 300 mag. What's my point, match your gun and scope with where you are hunting. There is no need for high power scopes and magnums in the thick timber where we hunt, but our 308s and low power scope would be challenging in wide open, cross canyon type hunting. But what if you stalk thru the black timber all morning looking for gleaming eyeballs, then come to the edge of enormous canyon, and all your elk are now on the opposite slope 600 yards distant? Then what?
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Campfire Member
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I've have 2 elk to my name, both under 50 yards. 2 years ago when I went with some friends, we tagged 5 elk, all under 100 yards. Four were shot with 308s and one with 300 mag. What's my point, match your gun and scope with where you are hunting. There is no need for high power scopes and magnums in the thick timber where we hunt, but our 308s and low power scope would be challenging in wide open, cross canyon type hunting. But what if you stalk thru the black timber all morning looking for gleaming eyeballs, then come to the edge of enormous canyon, and all your elk are now on the opposite slope 600 yards distant? Then what? Won't happen where I hunt, but if you hunt there, I would choice a set up for that environment. Or, just sit back and watch them and enjoy the day.
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Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
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I've have 2 elk to my name, both under 50 yards. 2 years ago when I went with some friends, we tagged 5 elk, all under 100 yards. Four were shot with 308s and one with 300 mag. What's my point, match your gun and scope with where you are hunting. There is no need for high power scopes and magnums in the thick timber where we hunt, but our 308s and low power scope would be challenging in wide open, cross canyon type hunting. But what if you stalk thru the black timber all morning looking for gleaming eyeballs, then come to the edge of enormous canyon, and all your elk are now on the opposite slope 600 yards distant? Then what? Remember that a bloodspot is very hard to find after crossing a large canyon to start tracking your wounded elk.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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It’s been a long time since I killed an elk. Sadly. 9 feet to 425 yards. All but three under 300 yards. I have never desired to shoot beyond my ability from my best field position, which is sitting over sticks. That limit is about 400 yards in calm winds. The 425 was not a good shooting day as he was running across alfalfa field. I prefer to hunt close.
I also have no desire to carry the gear to create high percentage longer range shots.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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I like a 6 power LRD reticle for daylight hunting.
Twilight, snow tracking, I like a 1.5 to 4 illuminated burris
"Shoot low sheriff, I think he's riding a shetland!" B. Wills
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Depends a lot on where you hunt. Where I hunt in north Idaho its usually heavy timber and thick. I have taken over a dozen elk and I don't think any of them were over a hundred yards.
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Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
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Depends a lot on where you hunt. Where I hunt in north Idaho its usually heavy timber and thick. I have taken over a dozen elk and I don't think any of them were over a hundred yards. I'm at the other end, in southern, ID where it's often wide open and you can see for miles. Even at that, my longest shot on a couple dozen I've shot was 350 yds. There's always a way to get closer.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Tired subject at best.
It’s your story, tell it like you want to…
Life Member NRA, RMEF, American Legion, MAGA. Not necessarily in that order.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Depends a lot on where you hunt. Where I hunt in north Idaho its usually heavy timber and thick. I have taken over a dozen elk and I don't think any of them were over a hundred yards. And what you hunt with. It's been my experience that very few bowhunters or muzzleloaders take 300 yard shots.
A wise man is frequently humbled.
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Campfire Outfitter
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John Janovy junior told me in a lecture.
There are stupid questions
One u already know the answer too.
"Shoot low sheriff, I think he's riding a shetland!" B. Wills
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Campfire Tracker
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I have killed 16 elk, 14 bulls and 2 cows, most killed with a 300 Weatherby with a 3.5-10 Leupold shooting 180 Nosler Partitions. My longest shot was 512 yards (300 BEE) and my shortest was 150 it ards with a 6.5 GAP 4S.
My go to rig now is a Gunwerks RevX in 7mm RM shooting 168 Bergers and a 5-25 Nightforce ATACR. I wish I could get shots at elk closer, they all seem to be 400 yards plus.
I've never had an elk get up after being knocked down with any of the cartridges I've used to kill them (300 and 7mm BEE, 270 WSM and 6.5 GAP 4S). I shoot a lot and regularly practice from 300 to 1000 yards. My shot distance limit is 500 yards and I prefer them much closer.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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John Janovy junior told me in a lecture.
There are stupid questions
One u already know the answer too. Who is John Janovy? Was that a stupid question?
A wise man is frequently humbled.
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Campfire Outfitter
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John Janovy would have been the lecturers father.
Yep
"Shoot low sheriff, I think he's riding a shetland!" B. Wills
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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John Janovy junior told me in a lecture.
There are stupid questions
One u already know the answer too. It’s called “stump the instructor” or “stump the speaker”.
NRA Life,Endowment,Patron or Benefactor since '72.
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Not to be confused with
Stump Broke 🤠
"Shoot low sheriff, I think he's riding a shetland!" B. Wills
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I've have 2 elk to my name, both under 50 yards. 2 years ago when I went with some friends, we tagged 5 elk, all under 100 yards. Four were shot with 308s and one with 300 mag. What's my point, match your gun and scope with where you are hunting. There is no need for high power scopes and magnums in the thick timber where we hunt, but our 308s and low power scope would be challenging in wide open, cross canyon type hunting. But what if you stalk thru the black timber all morning looking for gleaming eyeballs, then come to the edge of enormous canyon, and all your elk are now on the opposite slope 600 yards distant? Then what? Remember that a bloodspot is very hard to find after crossing a large canyon to start tracking your wounded elk. Even if the Elk falls right there, it will be tough to find if your alone.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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I've have 2 elk to my name, both under 50 yards. 2 years ago when I went with some friends, we tagged 5 elk, all under 100 yards. Four were shot with 308s and one with 300 mag. What's my point, match your gun and scope with where you are hunting. There is no need for high power scopes and magnums in the thick timber where we hunt, but our 308s and low power scope would be challenging in wide open, cross canyon type hunting. But what if you stalk thru the black timber all morning looking for gleaming eyeballs, then come to the edge of enormous canyon, and all your elk are now on the opposite slope 600 yards distant? Then what? What is your point?
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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My longest was 450 on a spike in OR, shortest was a cow in the Timber at maybe 15 steps outside Sheridan. I practice my butt off to be proficient at as long a distance as I can shoot all summer, which is usually around 800. Our group has a mess of elk around the 250-275 with a few as far as 675 yards.
Everything has worked great from a 270 up to a 338 Win Mag.
Semper Fi
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I've have 2 elk to my name, both under 50 yards. 2 years ago when I went with some friends, we tagged 5 elk, all under 100 yards. Four were shot with 308s and one with 300 mag. What's my point, match your gun and scope with where you are hunting. There is no need for high power scopes and magnums in the thick timber where we hunt, but our 308s and low power scope would be challenging in wide open, cross canyon type hunting. But what if you stalk thru the black timber all morning looking for gleaming eyeballs, then come to the edge of enormous canyon, and all your elk are now on the opposite slope 600 yards distant? Then what? What is your point? Just poking fun at this thread! Elk hunting and cartridge/rifle discussion that never ends.
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It's my opinion that 90% of elk are harvested at under 300 yards.
95%+ at under 400 yards.
A .308, 30-06 or .270 with a 4X scope is more than enough.
A cup & core bullet of reasonable weight will do the job.
If you want a 20X scope on a .300 magnum, that's fine but you don't need it.
I have 5 elk under my belt, all taken at under 100 yards.
So how many of you actually take elk at 500+ yards, and what percentage of you elk were at longer distance. Elk brings out the best and worst of hunting stories. Easy/hard, it doesn't matter. I have killed my share, but I will also wager that 90% of the elk killed year to year are killed by the same 8-10% of the hunters that do it over and over. I really don't care what people use, but I do get tired of the continuous brag of killing them with small calibers and extreme distances. Sure it can be done, but is it really responsible hunting? Shrapnel, what do you consider to be the minimum cartridge for bull elk? For Big Mike Werner 243 Win Lol 🦫 PS SLM, say’s you’re still a ball bag 😳
Curiosity Killed the Cat & The Prairie Dog
“Molon Labe”
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Campfire 'Bwana
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John Janovy would have been the lecturers father.
Yep Is he related to Jon Bon Jovi?
A wise man is frequently humbled.
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I propose Mule Deer said it best when ….
And I paraphrase:
I came to realize no cartridge was gonna change my life
"Shoot low sheriff, I think he's riding a shetland!" B. Wills
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I'm in it for the tasty dinner. Cow elk, or a spike at most. I use whatever cartridge I'm currently not bored with. I've used from .257 Roberts to .400 Jeffery.
Now my brother is a different story. He's a head hunter. What's on his Wall Of Dead is never good enough. Pretty sure his scope has a built in tape measure.
On his next hunt they run him through a LR shooting course, then using that rifle they head into the hills.
Different folks, different strokes.
It's you and the bullet, and all the rest is secondary.
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I totally agree with center shot
The hardest part of ( trophy) elk hunting is drawing a tag.
Effort ,and Hard work , experience help also.
"Shoot low sheriff, I think he's riding a shetland!" B. Wills
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I would suggest that's there's a difference with someone who lives in elk country and can hunt often and choose their shots based on conditions and recovery effort and "the rest of us" who may travel at great expense of time and money for a once in a lifetime hunt and wanting to be in a position to take any reasonable shot that they are qualified to make a high percentage of the time. I still believe in hunting v shooting and prefer to get as close as possible to any game I'm hunting but in the case of out of state elk, I'd want a rifle scope combo capable for me to have the power necessary for a clean kill out to 400 yards. My likely choice would be 308 or 30-06 with 180s or 7mm with 160s.
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All of mine have been under 125-yards and a long shot would be 250-yards. Other areas of the state I could see maybe longer.
Good Shooting!
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Here we go, now Mikey is going to want to throw on his dress shoes, borrow the wife’s grocery getter and go on an ass kicking road trip again. He gets side tracked pretty easy though, he stopped in Amarillo for a Chippendales show and wound up hooking up with one of the roadies and never made it last time. It's my opinion that 90% of elk are harvested at under 300 yards.
95%+ at under 400 yards.
A .308, 30-06 or .270 with a 4X scope is more than enough.
A cup & core bullet of reasonable weight will do the job.
If you want a 20X scope on a .300 magnum, that's fine but you don't need it.
I have 5 elk under my belt, all taken at under 100 yards.
So how many of you actually take elk at 500+ yards, and what percentage of you elk were at longer distance. Elk brings out the best and worst of hunting stories. Easy/hard, it doesn't matter. I have killed my share, but I will also wager that 90% of the elk killed year to year are killed by the same 8-10% of the hunters that do it over and over. I really don't care what people use, but I do get tired of the continuous brag of killing them with small calibers and extreme distances. Sure it can be done, but is it really responsible hunting? Shrapnel, what do you consider to be the minimum cartridge for bull elk? For Big Mike Werner 243 Win Lol 🦫 PS SLM, say’s you’re still a ball bag 😳
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Curiosity Killed the Cat & The Prairie Dog
“Molon Labe”
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High teens on elk killed, the closest 11 yards longest 550 yards. We hunt open country most of the time so my average distance has been just under 300 yards.
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I have killed 8 elk in my hunting life. Not as many "kills" as some on here. My closest was 65 yds with a 30-06 with a 180gr. Hornady, longest was a lasered 410yds with a 300WM and 180gr Accubond.
I have had many elk rifles over the years, but all of my kills could have been handled with my 30-06 I bought when I was 21yo! But, where's the fun in just one rifle!
Elk Country
"I refuse to waste my common sense on those who have been educated beyond their intelligence"
All you need to know about Democrats is they call American citizens "Deplorables" and illegal immigrants "Dreamers"!
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I have essentially hunted with one or two other guys my entire lifetime. We were not always the same, but 3 is a pretty good average of hunters in our camp over 6 DECADES . I won't talk about the number of elk, because I tire of being called names from those who have not had my, or our success. Anyway, shortest distance of any elk killed that I can remember was right around 20-40 yards. I probably have 8 or 9 of those myself. As others have mentioned not many are killed at that distance . Two years ago we took a bull at 600+ yards and another close to that. Mine that year was 330, and my best ever with a rangefinder was 540. There are probably a few more at that distance or farther, but not having a rangefinder sometime confuses reality. The last bull I killed was at 420 and a cow with a muzzleloader at 40. I would guess that average distance including me and my group over all of those years is around 300 yards. When your hunting the wide open ridges and canyons, the distance adds up fast. I consider 300 yards is point blank, and that is my primary practicing distance. The vast majority of these elk were taken with magnum rifles.
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The country in which we hunt is one of the important things about the rifle we select for taking our elk.[/quote] As a native Texan I got to bowhunt elk in Colorado when I was a young man (1980-81), but unfortunately belong to the "missed an elk" club. Fast Forward, 11 yrs later. Had a back operation, worn out knees, and finally moved here to elk country (Utah). If I wanted to hunt elk, I had to "pick my hunt and terrain" as I am just not physically a bull anymore, ha. I have only killed 4 cows in about the last 25yrs. My average is roughly 171yds ( 135, 200,250,100) ( 30-06, 375 H&H, 338WM, 300WM) Only the one I took at 250yds I don't "think" I could have killed with my old iron sighted 30-30, but look at the fun I had/have!! I love the hunt, messing with rifles, but I have always known my own abilities. The ONLY time I ever saw a bull was ONLY when I had a cow tag, ha. But I don't care, I love it all. Now, age and more surgeries has me even more limited, physically, but I'm still "17" inside! ha Life is short, do what you like to do, but you better hurry! 
Last edited by Jim_Knight; 07/01/22.
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Been practicing the last couple of days. Distance 433 yards with two separate rifles. Prone position on the ground with two of my hunting rifles. The first 300 WM group 9 inches just outside the bull,, one called flyer. Second group was 7 inches inside the bull at 12. The the third group 3.7 " at 10 o'clock. Kimber light weight second group 280 AI, 2.75 inches at 5 o"clock. An adjustment or two will get it in closer to center. The Kimber is new to me with two elk, one at 420 the other at 310 or so. With the 300 WM, 40 plus, I will get better as the summer goes on with more range time. I only have a window of a couple of hours each day, and one or two days of manageable wind conditions out of every 10 days. It takes 6 min each way, to get to the target on my 4 wheeler, so the available time gets eaten up fast.
Last edited by elkmen1; 07/02/22.
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500 yard cow, .264 Winchester, 147 ELD-M, scope on 20X ![[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]](https://i.postimg.cc/Bn86cc5c/C0097864-9-E6-F-484-B-860-E-B36-E84-B5-D6-F5.jpg)
The people wringing their hands over Trump's rhetoric don't know what time it is in America.
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500 yard cow, .264 Winchester, 147 ELD-M, scope on 20X The stuff my dreams are made of!! ha
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Longest at ~ 325 yds. I knocked him down with my '06, don't remember what bullet (C&C)
Most have been at 200, mas o menos. Usually 165 gr. Sierra GK's.
Don't remember any close kills.
I've always been a curmudgeon - now I'm an old curmudgeon.
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
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Of course most guys will get as close as they can if the opportunity presents itself, but to dictate what power scope, which bullet, and which rifle is sufficient is nonsense and shows your lack of experience. Every hunt is different and you have to be capable of what comes up or go home empty handed. I prefer to be prepared.
If you hunt West coast jungles like Judman does mostly, you will be mostly shooting at point blank range and usually quickly. If you're hunting the wide open spaces like John Burns you will be doing a lot of walking where elk can see you from a long ways off so you better be good at long range shooting and even then you will probably need to be able to sneak pretty good just to get to what most would consider long range... or you could hunt across canyons like we do most years or across farmer's winter wheat fields. The longest shots I've had were 600 yards (well 599 according to the LRF) across a canyon, 450 yards across a canyon, and 515 yards across a farmer's winter wheat field . But of the 16-20 elk I've killed, most have been in the 150-250 range. Even the long shots I've made with a 3-9 or 2.5 - 10 scope and didn't have any trouble placing my shot, but I would have preferred a bit more if I had the chance at the moment. I now carry a 4.5 x 14 on my present elk rifle.
The trick is to know when not to shoot. Even at short range there are times when the shot is bad- moving elk, brush in the way, a bad place to recover an elk, can't get a steady shot for one reason or another, etc... lots of reasons. But that all comes with experience and patience, which takes a few hunts to get there... I've probably passed up more short to medium range shots than some for these reasons...
Bob
Never underestimate your ability to overestimate your ability.
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The trick is to know when not to shoot. Even at short range there are times when the shot is bad- moving elk, brush in the way, a bad place to recover an elk, can't get a steady shot for one reason or another, etc... lots of reasons. But that all comes with experience and patience, which takes a few hunts to get there... I've probably passed up more short to medium range shots than some for these reasons...
Bob NAILED it...
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went"
Will Rogers
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Over 25 elk so far, farthest was 327 yards.
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Every Elk ever taken in America was shot either under or over 100yds.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Except the ones Shrapnel killed with his pickup.
If you put Taco Bell sauce in your ramen noodles it tastes just like poverty
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But what if you stalk thru the black timber all morning looking for gleaming eyeballs, then come to the edge of enormous canyon, and all your elk are now on the opposite slope 600 yards distant? Then what? That sounds like a typical day chasing elk, black bear, or blacktail deer a Pacific Northwest tree farm. A typical sporting rifle with a typical 3-9 scope handles quickly enough for the close shots and can still reach out for the long ones. I don't have enough experience with true long-range rigs to know how they handle in the brush, but I'd bet that they'd work if the hunter puts in the reps to get it right. Use any cartridge you like, but know the range at which your bullet is going too slow to expand and stay within that. The key is to train for both types of shots. Too few hunters actually practice and almost none of them actually train. There's a BIG difference. Okie John
If Montana had a standing army, a 270 Win with Federal Blue Box 130's would be the standard issue.
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But what if you stalk thru the black timber all morning looking for gleaming eyeballs, then come to the edge of enormous canyon, and all your elk are now on the opposite slope 600 yards distant? Then what? That sounds like a typical day chasing elk, black bear, or blacktail deer a Pacific Northwest tree farm. A typical sporting rifle with a typical 3-9 scope handles quickly enough for the close shots and can still reach out for the long ones. I don't have enough experience with true long-range rigs to know how they handle in the brush, but I'd bet that they'd work if the hunter puts in the reps to get it right. Use any cartridge you like, but know the range at which your bullet is going too slow to expand and stay within that. The key is to train for both types of shots. Too few hunters actually practice and almost none of them actually train. There's a BIG difference. Okie John This is the reason that hunters should be prepared for close shots as well as longer shots. This includes choice of scopes and proper bullet selection. Limiting yourself with skills, cartridges, scopes and bullets expecting only close shots or only long shots seriously limits your elk hunting if you are a responsible hunter! memtb
You should not use a rifle that will kill an animal when everything goes right; you should use one that will do the job when everything goes wrong." -Bob Hagel
“I’d like to be a good rifleman…..but, I prefer to be a good hunter”! memtb 2024
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I have found that weaver style bases and Burris rings the scope would rock loose while in the saddle scabbard
I now use quick detach rings and a rifle/carbine that sports iron sights. When I am mule back the scopes not attached to the firearm.
This thread got me thinking if one needed a close range and a long range scope two different scopes could be taken.
I personally haven’t any plans on shooting over 400 yards so I haven’t set up two scopes. But maybe this year I will.
On a side note iron sights seem more usable than a scope in wet heavy snowfall.
Last edited by Angus1895; 07/07/22.
"Shoot low sheriff, I think he's riding a shetland!" B. Wills
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A few years ago I had built a long range rig in 7 Rem mag, 6.5 x 20 Mark 4 Leupold with turrets, 168 grn Nosler LRAB with H1000. Shoots great, and I regularly practice on steel to 800 yds. That said, my longest shot on an elk was a bull at 412 yds.
Ive taken around 10-15 head of elk with that rifle, in Wyoming and Idaho, mostly between 250-375 yds.
The balance of the rest of the elk Ive taken (another 30-40 hunting 2 states) were all under 350 yds or so. Closest was a small 6x6 at 70 ish yds.
My hunting has gone full circle. The "long range rig" hasn't been used on game in a couple years. I'm kinda over it at this point. The last 2 bulls I killed were using a 45-70 Sharps with blackpowder and a paperpatch bullet, and a .348 Winchester. I drew a muzzleloader tag locally this year so will be using that, at least here in Idaho.
Regards,
Manny
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This topic still going on? Closest: 4 inches. Longest: 690 yards plus whatever a steep down angle added to that topo map measurement. 13 yards, 125 yds., 100, 175, 30, 40, 450, etc… There have been some excellent posts on this thread, including to be prepared for close or far. I played hide and seek with an elk 40 feet from me in a thicket on the rim of a canyon. I moved a few feet, could see across the canyon and killed an elk at 450 yards, all within a minute or two. There are several questions going on here. It becomes a touchy subject depending on which one we answer, plus we often add a personal angle. Question 1. How far does a person have to shoot to kill an elk? Archery hunters answer that one. Question 2. How far away can I get and still brag that I’ve killed an elk? Ever evolving answer. Question 3. What is the smallest/lowest powered firearm I can use and still kill an elk? Question 4. How can anyone have a different opinion or experience than mine, and not be an idiot?  Question 5. (No one asks this one but it is the most pertinent). How much do my hunting preferences, hunting style and my assumptions about hunting influence how close I am to the elk I shoot?
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Largest bull elk- with a takedown 1895 Winchester in .405 at 90 yards. Same distance on largest bull moose-95 yards with
a Model 71 in 348 Ackley Imp-270 gr 348 bullet.
Not much mentioned about the guide and hunter mauled by grizzly and 2-yr old cub that took over a bull
elk arrowed the afternoon before, outside Yellowstone Park 3 years ago. Guide killed by the bear.
The widow probably would agree that a .405 would not have been too much gun as a backup rifle.
Carry a rifle as Bob Hagel states: to use that's big enough when everything goes wrong.
Use Enough Gun-Ruark
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena-not the critic"-T. Roosevelt
There are no atheists in fox holes or in the open doors of a para's aircraft.....
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But what if you stalk thru the black timber all morning looking for gleaming eyeballs, then come to the edge of enormous canyon, and all your elk are now on the opposite slope 600 yards distant? Then what? Remember that a bloodspot is very hard to find after crossing a large canyon to start tracking your wounded elk. Even if the Elk falls right there, it will be tough to find if your alone. Tangent, but an important one. A compass can pinpoint a spot or blood trail across an enormous canyon. My compass put us within 6 feet of a blood trail across such a canyon. It also got me within 35 yards of a bedded mule deer over half a mile up and across a ragged cliffy basin. You have to shoot a precise compass bearing from the spot where the critter was hit to some precise small spot that will be easy to see from the critter's side of the canyon BEFORE YOU MOVE FROM WHERE YOU SHOT. That could be an orange cap or vest hung at the spot of the shot.
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Campfire Kahuna
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But what if you stalk thru the black timber all morning looking for gleaming eyeballs, then come to the edge of enormous canyon, and all your elk are now on the opposite slope 600 yards distant? Then what? Remember that a bloodspot is very hard to find after crossing a large canyon to start tracking your wounded elk. Even if the Elk falls right there, it will be tough to find if your alone. Tangent, but an important one. A compass can pinpoint a spot or blood trail across an enormous canyon. My compass put us within 6 feet of a blood trail across such a canyon. It also got me within 35 yards of a bedded mule deer over half a mile up and across a ragged cliffy basin. You have to shoot a precise compass bearing from the spot where the critter was hit to some precise small spot that will be easy to see from the critter's side of the canyon BEFORE YOU MOVE FROM WHERE YOU SHOT. That could be an orange cap or vest hung at the spot of the shot. IOW, take a careful reading and shoot a back azimuth from the far side.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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But what if you stalk thru the black timber all morning looking for gleaming eyeballs, then come to the edge of enormous canyon, and all your elk are now on the opposite slope 600 yards distant? Then what? Remember that a bloodspot is very hard to find after crossing a large canyon to start tracking your wounded elk. Even if the Elk falls right there, it will be tough to find if your alone. Tangent, but an important one. A compass can pinpoint a spot or blood trail across an enormous canyon. My compass put us within 6 feet of a blood trail across such a canyon. It also got me within 35 yards of a bedded mule deer over half a mile up and across a ragged cliffy basin. You have to shoot a precise compass bearing from the spot where the critter was hit to some precise small spot that will be easy to see from the critter's side of the canyon BEFORE YOU MOVE FROM WHERE YOU SHOT. That could be an orange cap or vest hung at the spot of the shot. Yup, things look a lot different when you get way over there and don't recognize the spot you saw through your scope... the couple times I have shot that far I've been lucky to have someone next to me to spot as I make my way to the spot.
Never underestimate your ability to overestimate your ability.
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It's my opinion that 90% of elk are harvested at under 300 yards.
95%+ at under 400 yards.
A .308, 30-06 or .270 with a 4X scope is more than enough.
A cup & core bullet of reasonable weight will do the job.
If you want a 20X scope on a .300 magnum, that's fine but you don't need it.
I have 5 elk under my belt, all taken at under 100 yards.
So how many of you actually take elk at 500+ yards, and what percentage of you elk were at longer distance. I have killed more elk beyond 800yds than you have in total. Do what you want and shoot what you want but skip bloviating about what any one else "needs". Thanks. It's Monday, and yet you put a smile on my face....Bloviating!!!! 
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Sad that anyone would brag about shooting at an Elk at 800 yards.
Shows complete lack of respect for the animal. You have to wonder how many were missed or wounded and lost, but we'll never know because it's "classified" with no independently verified data.
Next we'll be hearing they were shot with a 6.5 Creedmore.
Sad that sniper wannabes are polluting our sport and leaving more horror stories to feed the anti-hunting gristmill. They have forgotten or never learned the meaning of the hunt.
“As all hunters, the people of the Americas relied on the skills of stalking, tracking, and trapping to get close to their quarry, so the range and power of the weapon were not so important as the craft of hunting.” – Robert Hardy
Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
Step out of line, the man come and take you away
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You should really look into having that pole removed from your asss.....
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Campfire 'Bwana
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You should really look into having that pole removed from your asss..... He's got to remove his head first..
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Sad that anyone would brag about shooting at an Elk at 800 yards.
Next we'll be hearing they were shot with a 6.5 Creedmore.
Sad that sniper wannabes are polluting our sport Not as sad as sock puppets like you polluting our forums.
Let's Go Brandon! FJB
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Sad that anyone would brag about shooting at an Elk at 800 yards.
Next we'll be hearing they were shot with a 6.5 Creedmore.
Sad that sniper wannabes are polluting our sport Not as sad as sock puppets like you polluting our forums. If you're shooting all that many elk that far out, try getting closer.
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Sad, that so many who can't shoot are polluting our hunt.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Sad, that so many who can't shoot are polluting our hunt. I don't really care how long of a shot a guy takes, as long as they can make it happen with just 1. That is 1 shot to kill the elk!!! If a guy can consistently make an 800 yard shot, take it, but don't be guessing or wounding animals. This schidt is really not hard: Know your abilities and don't shoot outside those boundaries... Not everyone has the same ability or skill.
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Nobody can "consistently" make an 800 yard shot on a living animal in real world conditions.
Damn few can make an 800 yard shot on a fixed target with wind flags every 100 yards.
In fact damn few can make 100% killing shots at 300 yards in real world conditions.
But wolves and Yotes have to eat too. Easier for them to take down a cripple than a healthy animal.
Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
Step out of line, the man come and take you away
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Campfire Ranger
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Nobody can "consistently" make an 800 yard shot on a living animal in real world conditions.
Damn few can make an 800 yard shot on a fixed target with wind flags every 100 yards.
In fact damn few can make 100% killing shots at 300 yards in real world conditions.
But wolves and Yotes have to eat too. Easier for them to take down a cripple than a healthy animal. That may be, but why put down those "damn few" who can do those things? That isn't to mention not everyone who takes those long shots at critters take any shot they have, though some do. Plenty of folks have the discipline to stay off the trigger at whatever range unless everything "feels" right. You're wanting to punish good behavior right alongside the bad. Something tells me you're one of those people who I wouldn't trust to responsibly make a 100 yard shot on a critter.....so maybe everyone should be limited to that distance???
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Sad that anyone would brag about shooting at an Elk at 800 yards.
Shows complete lack of respect for the animal. You have to wonder how many were missed or wounded and lost, but we'll never know because it's "classified" with no independently verified data.
Next we'll be hearing they were shot with a 6.5 Creedmore.
Sad that sniper wannabes are polluting our sport and leaving more horror stories to feed the anti-hunting gristmill. They have forgotten or never learned the meaning of the hunt.
“As all hunters, the people of the Americas relied on the skills of stalking, tracking, and trapping to get close to their quarry, so the range and power of the weapon were not so important as the craft of hunting.” – Robert Hardy I sure hope you never, ever take a shot at running game. Shots on running game leave more horror stories, and hypocrisy is a terrible thing.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Nobody can "consistently" make an 800 yard shot on a living animal in real world conditions.
Damn few can make an 800 yard shot on a fixed target with wind flags every 100 yards.
In fact damn few can make 100% killing shots at 300 yards in real world conditions.
But wolves and Yotes have to eat too. Easier for them to take down a cripple than a healthy animal. You are an idiot without a clue..
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Nobody can "consistently" make an 800 yard shot on a living animal in real world conditions.
Damn few can make an 800 yard shot on a fixed target with wind flags every 100 yards.
In fact damn few can make 100% killing shots at 300 yards in real world conditions.
But wolves and Yotes have to eat too. Easier for them to take down a cripple than a healthy animal. Lots of guys can and do make long shots because they can and that is what is presented. Every time this stupid statement comes up from someone I am reminded how many guys I've seen who are lucky to hit a deer or elk at 50 yards, but brag the deer or elk they shot was at least 600 yards away- until you prove to them with a LRF that it was actually only 150 or 200 yards.... IMO, those are the guys who are sending wounded animals into the next canyon or county to be eaten by coyotes, wolves, etc.... Having the discipline to shoot when the shot is right, regardless of the distance, is what ethics is really about. On top of that, animals that are a distance away are seldom spooked and are quite often standing still for the shot and you have time for a good broadside turn for the best sight picture.... all depends on your perspective.
Never underestimate your ability to overestimate your ability.
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Pot meet kettle. Nobody can "consistently" make an 800 yard shot on a living animal in real world conditions.
Damn few can make an 800 yard shot on a fixed target with wind flags every 100 yards.
In fact damn few can make 100% killing shots at 300 yards in real world conditions.
But wolves and Yotes have to eat too. Easier for them to take down a cripple than a healthy animal. You are an idiot without a clue..
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Campfire Ranger
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Nobody can "consistently" make an 800 yard shot on a living animal in real world conditions.
Damn few can make an 800 yard shot on a fixed target with wind flags every 100 yards.
In fact damn few can make 100% killing shots at 300 yards in real world conditions.
But wolves and Yotes have to eat too. Easier for them to take down a cripple than a healthy animal. Run this up your pole hole. 🖕🏾 🦫
Curiosity Killed the Cat & The Prairie Dog
“Molon Labe”
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Nobody can "consistently" make an 800 yard shot on a living animal in real world conditions.
Damn few can make an 800 yard shot on a fixed target with wind flags every 100 yards.
In fact damn few can make 100% killing shots at 300 yards in real world conditions.
But wolves and Yotes have to eat too. Easier for them to take down a cripple than a healthy animal. ![[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]](https://i.postimg.cc/fRVHDX7V/my-gifs.gif)
Let's Go Brandon! FJB
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Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
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Nobody can "consistently" make an 800 yard shot on a living animal in real world conditions.
Damn few can make an 800 yard shot on a fixed target with wind flags every 100 yards.
In fact damn few can make 100% killing shots at 300 yards in real world conditions.
But wolves and Yotes have to eat too. Easier for them to take down a cripple than a healthy animal. Changed your diaper today Maser? LMAO ! Ole NoElkSlayer/ Maser/ Jason Cardenas has never seen an Elk. Much less shot one. Kinda hard to make 800 yard shots with your Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun. 😂😂😂
"Allways speak the truth and you will never have to remember what you said before..." Sam Houston
Texans, "We say Grace, We Say Mam, If You Don't Like it, We Don't Give a Damn!"
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
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40 years of hunting elk and about 20 taken, Longest shot was 487 yards with a 338WM but most an of my rifles could have handled the shot. Next longest was 411 followed by 400, 350 and then all the rest at 300 and under. Closest opportunity was about 20-25 feet but I passed and took another at about 25 yards.
Coyote Hunter - NRA Patriot Life, NRA Whittington Center Life, GOA, DAD - and I VOTE!
No, I'm not a Ruger bigot - just an unabashed fan of their revolvers, M77's and #1's.
A good .30-06 is a 99% solution.
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Never hunted anything bigger than Whitetail. Longest shot 75 yards rest about 50 yards. Still takes a keen eye and controlled breathing.
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I’ve got a 225 yard range at home & a 500 yard elk vitals sized rock. Nobody in our group can’t hit that rock 1st shot from a field rest including 12 year old grandson. We take 2 trips to a ranch with a setup to over 1200 yards with gusty winds to prepare. 12”x24” metal targets so narrower than an elks lungs. Shooting seated resting on my pack 7&800 yards are doable over 70% of the time wind dependent using a 300 Weatherby 180 grain TTSX & Zeiss z800 reticle. The preparation during the year makes it much easier to make a 400 -500 yard shot at an elk. Average for 20 animals is a little under 300 in the area we hunt.
Most hunters don’t practice & prepare adequately for longer shots at game. Some who hunt successfully are lucky to hit a pie plate at 200 yards off a bench. We know a guy well with that skill level. He took a running shot at a bull at 500 yards. I told him that elk was in more danger of being struck by lightning than that bullet. Some shots are missed even by well prepared hunters but most by guys shooting beyond their effective range.
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Originally Posted by UpThePole
Nobody can "consistently" make an 800 yard shot on a living animal in real world conditions.
Damn few can make an 800 yard shot on a fixed target with wind flags every 100 yards.
in fact damn few can make 100% killing shots at 300 yards in real world conditions.
But wolves and Yotes have to eat too. Easier for them to take down a cripple than a healthy animal.
So what you're saying is that military trained snipers do not actually kill out past that range, you are a fool.
Last edited by elkmen1; 08/19/22.
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This is a worn out old topic.
And from someone with 5 elk.
That is like saying. I am a professional driver, I will tell you all about driving and you should listen to me. I have had a driver's license for 5 years and I have been driving for 5 years now.
5 elk is what we call "December" and helping friends and family process meat for the winter/year. I'm having a hard time finding where I claimed to be a professional. Just asking a question. Wondering if those with a lot more experience take a high percentage of elk at longer distances. No kidding, that was real DB reply to the OPs question.
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This is a worn out old topic.
And from someone with 5 elk.
That is like saying. I am a professional driver, I will tell you all about driving and you should listen to me. I have had a driver's license for 5 years and I have been driving for 5 years now.
5 elk is what we call "December" and helping friends and family process meat for the winter/year. I'm having a hard time finding where I claimed to be a professional. Just asking a question. Wondering if those with a lot more experience take a high percentage of elk at longer distances. No kidding, that was real DB reply to the OPs question. Disagree. When someone makes a statement with an ‘absolute’ about what is ‘only’ needed for elk, or any hunting for that matter, without having a vast amount of experience hunting different types of territory. The poster is hanging a shingle that reads ‘Come prove me wrong’....Which wasn’t hard to do, if you read the original post. 🦫
Curiosity Killed the Cat & The Prairie Dog
“Molon Labe”
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I've only taken a paltry 4 cow elk...in 30 yrs out here, ha. However, I am blessed to have shot many ( a couple dozen) elk sized Plains Game in South Africa. ( Bear with me) My average on the cow elk is 174yds, with the farthest at 250yds. In South Africa, 45yds to 90yds with 150yd was tops. The longest shooting in my life was in Namibia ( very open) and I killed the majority of my game around 130 -150yds; only 2 were at 370-380yds and one at 300yds. I personally do not "like" shooting far. I grew up in the Big Thicket of East Texas. Took me 20yrs to get a long shot (which was on a pipeline Right of Way) at 276 long steps, the rest were from 60yds to 90yds! I hunted with a bow hard for 5 yrs straight (deer/hogs) there and for mule deer in Colorado. All the game shot in Texas was 10yds and under, 35-45 in Colorado. BUT, bowhunting taught me "how" to be a hunter. So, some guys like to shoot way out there, and hunt in places where they can. I practice out to 300yds here, but I check my rifles grouping out to 500, just in case one gets wounded. I just won't shoot at game anymore out past 300 or a bit. But that's just me. I know I can get "in amongst them"....:) PS I'm so jealous of all you guys that have killed dozens of them!!!!
Last edited by Jim_Knight; 08/26/22.
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I have taken 1 elk.it took me 17 years to draw a PA tag, it was a cow. After three days of my guide and I walking the mountain and low lands I had a chance to score, two adult cows and a young 6 pt bull walked out into a turnip field out of the trees at 155 yards according to my range finder. The longest shot I had made to date. Where I hunt deer 100 yds is a long shot. I was shooting a 30-06 off my bog pod. One shot behind the shoulder, she took one step and went down. When we gutted her I found i had shot off the top of the heart. She was 4 years old and weighed approx 650lbs live weight. I had this rign made from one of the ivory's. ![[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]](https://i.postimg.cc/7hpSJp13/Elk-Tooth-Ring.jpg) ![[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]](https://i.postimg.cc/XvqnJc0x/100_0340.jpg)
Last edited by oldtimr1; 08/27/22.
The more I get to know people, the better I like dogs, life is short, eat dessert first.
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She sure had a purty mouth......
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Ran into a young man today who hunts in one of the Units that I hunt. Its open country with deep canyons, lots of openings and pockets of dense timber. Its steep and ugly and those that go there year after year are serious hunters. He hunts with friends and relatives and huts several miles from my camping spot. He is in his late thirties and killed a similar number of elk . They average 7 bull elk out of the unit annually and average shot is out near the 500 + yard mark, with his longest kill at 1150 yards, and many at 500 plus. He has never lost one he has hit. He practices frequently has a custom 7 mm Mag, and seems pretty much dialed in.
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Except the ones Shrapnel killed with his pickup. Me too. My record is 3...at once. I have a few one kill events, with various pickups. A cow catcher saves the pickup imo.
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Good lord, it never ceases to amaze me the shiit a guy reads here!! 😂😂
Ping pong balls for the win.
Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable
I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.
Ain’t easy havin pals.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Nobody can "consistently" make an 800 yard shot on a living animal in real world conditions.
Damn few can make an 800 yard shot on a fixed target with wind flags every 100 yards.
In fact damn few can make 100% killing shots at 300 yards in real world conditions.
But wolves and Yotes have to eat too. Easier for them to take down a cripple than a healthy animal. 800 yards is a chip shot if you use a 350 yard zero.
If you put Taco Bell sauce in your ramen noodles it tastes just like poverty
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Never killed a elk, they sound very intimidating. I’m thinking high bc bullets and turrets for the win!! Hopefully I “draw a elk tag” someday!! I’m all ears on habits and tactics!! I've hunted more elk than all you combined have shot!
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I suspect you have hunted more elk than you have shot as well!
The more I get to know people, the better I like dogs, life is short, eat dessert first.
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Nobody can "consistently" make an 800 yard shot on a living animal in real world conditions.
Damn few can make an 800 yard shot on a fixed target with wind flags every 100 yards.
In fact damn few can make 100% killing shots at 300 yards in real world conditions.
But wolves and Yotes have to eat too. Easier for them to take down a cripple than a healthy animal. Don't project your your lack of experience, proficiency and skill on to others.
I've seen more well-shot game lost with TSXs than any other premium bullet.
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In fact damn few can make 100% killing shots at 300 yards in real world conditions. Exactly where does one shoot 300yds not in "real world conditions?"
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UtP lives in a fake world. 300 yards is not that tough!
Molon Labe
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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UtP lives in a fake world. 300 yards is not that tough! Relatively short distance for some..
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Nobody can "consistently" make an 800 yard shot on a living animal in real world conditions.
Damn few can make an 800 yard shot on a fixed target with wind flags every 100 yards.
In fact damn few can make 100% killing shots at 300 yards in real world conditions.
But wolves and Yotes have to eat too. Easier for them to take down a cripple than a healthy animal. 🤣🤣
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Good lord, it never ceases to amaze me the shiit a guy reads here!! 😂😂 Ain’t that the truth! 🤣🤣🤣
Life Member NRA, RMEF, American Legion, MAGA. Not necessarily in that order.
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Campfire Ranger
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Nobody can "consistently" make an 800 yard shot on a living animal in real world conditions.
Damn few can make an 800 yard shot on a fixed target with wind flags every 100 yards.
In fact damn few can make 100% killing shots at 300 yards in real world conditions.
But wolves and Yotes have to eat too. Easier for them to take down a cripple than a healthy animal. Billion percent made up bullshit, trollbait...
- Greg
Success is found at the intersection of planning, hard work, and stubbornness.
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Nobody can "consistently" make an 800 yard shot on a living animal in real world conditions.
Damn few can make an 800 yard shot on a fixed target with wind flags every 100 yards.
In fact damn few can make 100% killing shots at 300 yards in real world conditions.
But wolves and Yotes have to eat too. Easier for them to take down a cripple than a healthy animal. 300 yards? My wife has made numerous kills between 300 and 400 yards on game from Pronghorn to elk …..often from a sitting position! 300 yards is pretty much a “chip shot”! memtb
You should not use a rifle that will kill an animal when everything goes right; you should use one that will do the job when everything goes wrong." -Bob Hagel
“I’d like to be a good rifleman…..but, I prefer to be a good hunter”! memtb 2024
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Nobody can "consistently" make an 800 yard shot on a living animal in real world conditions.
Damn few can make an 800 yard shot on a fixed target with wind flags every 100 yards.
In fact damn few can make 100% killing shots at 300 yards in real world conditions.
But wolves and Yotes have to eat too. Easier for them to take down a cripple than a healthy animal. 300 yards? My wife has made numerous kills between 300 and 400 yards on game from Pronghorn to elk …..often from a sitting position! 300 yards is pretty much a “chip shot”! memtb For most people who hunt the west it is. Most.....
- Greg
Success is found at the intersection of planning, hard work, and stubbornness.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Sad that anyone would brag about shooting at an Elk at 800 yards.
Shows complete lack of respect for the animal. What is the proper way to show respect for an animal that you're shooting with a rifle?
A wise man is frequently humbled.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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You should really look into having that pole removed from your asss..... PoleUpTheAss??
A wise man is frequently humbled.
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UtP lives in a fake world. 300 yards is not that tough! I do that in NRL22X matches
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I consider 300 yards as POINT BLANK, assuming your gear is up to the task. My 50 year old post 64 Model 70 will do sub MOA out to 650 (the longest I can shoot from my backyard), if I am doing my job.
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Is there a distance when the accuracy of a projectile changes?
I have heard of some shooters believing the bullet “ comes home” and improves after the first few hundred yards ?
I don’t shoot enough to have an opinion, but I remember seeing an old Time / life article made in the 1940s where they photographed a bullet that appeared very unstable.
Thanks
"Shoot low sheriff, I think he's riding a shetland!" B. Wills
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Depends on a lot of things, but generally a good, high BC bullet will be accurate at 100 yards and also accurate to as far as it will go before dropping through the sound barrier. Then it's anybody's guess what will happen. Some bullets stabilize slightly more later in flight than others but it doesn't mean they will be any less accurate or stable from what I've read and discussed with others...
Never underestimate your ability to overestimate your ability.
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Is there a distance when the accuracy of a projectile changes?
I have heard of some shooters believing the bullet “ comes home” and improves after the first few hundred yards ?
I don’t shoot enough to have an opinion, but I remember seeing an old Time / life article made in the 1940s where they photographed a bullet that appeared very unstable.
Thanks It’s my understanding that many projectiles lose stability as they drop below the speed of sound! I can’t verify that, as I don’t shoot that far or that accurately! 😉 memtb
You should not use a rifle that will kill an animal when everything goes right; you should use one that will do the job when everything goes wrong." -Bob Hagel
“I’d like to be a good rifleman…..but, I prefer to be a good hunter”! memtb 2024
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