1000Y challenge! Test your 1st shot hit capabillity.

[Broz]

I am interested in the test. But I am aprehensive as to your motive here. So I am not going to commit. I have done this before but not 10 shots. Also I didn't do it on consecutive days. I did it when conditions were good and were comparative to what I would require to take this shot on game. When I did this the reason was to confirm actual spin drift at 1000 yards on several occasions with different conditions and temperatures. I used a 20" steel target with a 7" orange circle for point of aim. I like your test but am not looking for any prise, bragging rights or to prove anything. However, I think this is a great test and can also be very humbling. This is something evry LR shooter should do for himself before he engages game as target

JMO

Jeff

[codyjoe1128]

Originally Posted by Broz

I think this is a great test and can also be very humbling. This is something evry LR shooter should do for himself before he engages game as target

JMO

Jeff

One more reason I seek out your advise on things.....I plan on repeating my 815 yard cold bore shot a few more times then moving on out to a grand....

[rscott5028]

You should change your challenge and see how many can accurately range a whitetail at 1,000 yds within some time limit.

I have no idea how you'd compare results considering all the variables. But, my point is that you're making a hunting comparison. Yet, one doesn't stand much of a chance without an accurate range. And, getting an accurate range on a piece of steel is a lot easier than trying to range a deer at that distance.

I have a Leica 1200 CRF and can't do it on flat land without a whole lot of luck. Certainly not quick enough and with sufficient confidence to get set up for an ethical shot.

-- richard

[Sauer 150]

Originally Posted by Broz

I am interested in the test. But I am aprehensive as to your motive here. So I am not going to commit.
Jeff

Jeff, please do not be aprehensive. My point with the test is making sure everyone that tries anything like this in the field fully appreciate the difficulties involved and methiculous focus on every little detail needed to be succesful and be very humble to the fact that a 1k shot on a deer sized target is extremely challenging under field conditions

And finding this out prior to season on steel, rather than on game is much better for all parties involved.

From our cources I have seen even experianced shooters having a hard time keeping POI within 1/2 MOA from center shot from a field rest wether this is over a backpack, bipod and bean bag in a precise rifle cartridge combo. With some basic training and careful building a good shooting stance most can do 3/4MOA groups. To have some room for error on a deer sized target one needs to be a 1/2 MOA or better shot and quite frankly that kind of shooting skills does not come easy.

Besides the actual shooting itself you need to factor in drift, drop under various conditions both temp and pressure, having a very consistent load with very low ES and last but not least you need to perform tests making sure the bullet of choice actually opens at the velocities it has passing the 1000y mark.

It is not impossible - a lot of work and VERY challenging.

[Broz]

I agree with your last post Sauer150. As I stated earlier it is something everyone should do to realize the factors and the limitations of the team, the rifle, ammo and shooter skill combined. That is why I refer to Long Range shooting / hunting as a commitment. If you dont have the time and persistence to work hard for it, it will not work.

Even though I practice to past 2000 yards the number of animals I have taken past 1000 are limited to counting on one hand (excluding coyote). The reason is that many of us here pactice the " Conditions Rule" discipline. I have heard Shawn Carlock say it very well. " If I do not feel I will be totally amazed if I miss this shot, I will not take it on a game animal"


Another point to be made is that with good elevation control like a solid rest and low ES. Combined with a good Long Range bullet choice, you can improve your odds greatly and also widen the effective kill area in windage. The way I do this is by using these rules.
Make sure the animal is close to completely broadside. I am not worried about penetration , at these distances most all bullets will penetrate well. But if the animal is quartering you have now just narrowed the windage portion of your target and also increased the posibility of a deflecting bullet that does not continue on a true path after impact.
Shoot for the crease behind the shoulder. This will not only give you that 10'"to 12" target of the vital area but will also widen that target into the shoulder area where you will still get good terminal results. This is important if you are off on a wind call.

Anyway, I agree these things are something that need to be talked about and realized. And the more you shoot the more you will increase your skill set and knowledge. But I simply need to know this for my own self, not for a prise or bragging rights.

Jeff

[NZ Longranger]

I agree with everything Jeff and Sauer have said, but will add another couple of comments.

Firstly, in trickier conditions at very long range we will sometimes fire a spotter shot at a bank at a similar range and direction to the target animal, but not too close, usually 50 plus yards off to the side. The animal will usually look up but still give you time to correct, get on him and get a killing shot away. If he does bolt at the spotter shot, so be it. I would rather have this happen than risk a wind call I'm not quite sure on. I know other very experienced extreme range hunters who use this technique, and it works.

Secondly, I always err on the high side with my POI - I aim 2/3rds of the way up the shoulder not 1/3 to halfway up like I do at a shot inside say 500 yards. There is more lateral leeway with quickly fatal organs etc to hit in the top half than the bottom half. If you stray back a bit, you have the rear of the lungs, then the liver and spleen, and then the kidneys. You also have the spine all the way as an anchoring shot even if hit behind the diaphragm. Forward of the shoulder itself you have the neck vertebrae. If you hit low and back, you miss the lungs, and will hit paunch at best which is a terrible place to wound an animal. And if you're going to miss just over or under, over is best as you won't wound the animal. Just under can easily cause a smashed front leg and a lost wounded animal.




You don't "practice" on our game animals. Once you've done all your range work, "Rock hunting" in your hunting areas as Shawn Carlock says is probably one of the best ways to teach yourself to make the shots in the field, and to work out when you and your equipment are up to the task. Its also bloody good fun too!
Greg

[Sauer 150]

Thanks Greg for your insight. Spotters are a very good way of determine actual wind drift and drop under the current conditions.

I am still a bit curious why nobody has taken the challenge since there should be plenty of candidates according to the replies in the thread; How long will you shoot at a deer...

A bit strange if it's more challenging and a tougher accomplishment to hit a stillstanding steelplate than it is shooting at and hitting a live deer with ones 1st round.