First off I would like to say hello to all and thanks in advance for weighing in on this topic. I am new to long range shooting and I am trying to gather as much info as possible before trying to thump any game. I have been looking around for info on my gun past 500yds. and its hard to find. I am shooting a M77 Mark II rem 280. My question is how far is my gun lethal given I can shoot it acuratly. The load I worked up that shoots best out of my gun is a Hornady 162 sst 56.5 grains of RL22 I conagraphed it at 2945 fps at the muzzle. I know this question is broad but any help is apriciated.
Please help the "greenie"
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ss7mm
Well-Known Member
First of all, welcome to Long Range Hunting.
Take this for what it's worth, as energy is not the only deciding factor. A lot of people like to have 900-1000 ft. lbs. of energy at the maximum range they will shoot a game animal. That said, below is some data on your round that will show you how far the bullet will retain that amount of energy.
Take this for what it's worth, as energy is not the only deciding factor. A lot of people like to have 900-1000 ft. lbs. of energy at the maximum range they will shoot a game animal. That said, below is some data on your round that will show you how far the bullet will retain that amount of energy.
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royinidaho
Well-Known Member
Welcome to LRH.
From what ss7mm posted I'd say that 850 would be about the max distance for deer and a closer for larger stuff.
There's lots of drop so I'd consider zeroing at 300 instead of 100, it'll give you less necessary adjustment or hold over depending on your scope's reticle.
Dick - what software did you use to get that chart. I've been using pointblank.exe and RSI.
From what ss7mm posted I'd say that 850 would be about the max distance for deer and a closer for larger stuff.
There's lots of drop so I'd consider zeroing at 300 instead of 100, it'll give you less necessary adjustment or hold over depending on your scope's reticle.
Dick - what software did you use to get that chart. I've been using pointblank.exe and RSI.
specweldtom
Well-Known Member
Mark; ditto ss7 and royinidaho. If you don't anticipate shots over 500 yds, you're in clover. Otherwise, I would shut down at 600 yds because of trajectory and drift. (see my signature).
I'm a lot less picky on paper targets and in fact I used to shoot with a High Master who used a custom .280 Rem for his 600 and 1000yd Any Rifle. He won or placed in most matches he fired.
Try some 160 gr Accubonds.
Personally, I prefer the larger magnums because I'm a lousy wind doper.
Goes double for hunting. If you screw up on paper, no real harm done, but a lousy shot on game will ruin a trip, or the whole season.
Good luck, Tom
I'm a lot less picky on paper targets and in fact I used to shoot with a High Master who used a custom .280 Rem for his 600 and 1000yd Any Rifle. He won or placed in most matches he fired.
Try some 160 gr Accubonds.
Personally, I prefer the larger magnums because I'm a lousy wind doper.
Goes double for hunting. If you screw up on paper, no real harm done, but a lousy shot on game will ruin a trip, or the whole season.
Good luck, Tom
ss7mm
Well-Known Member
ss7mm
Well-Known Member
MarkII280:
As long as you can range the distance accurately then trajectory becomes a small problem. It's the wind that will get you. Do whatever you can to eliminate as much drift as possible.
For something to think about......the wind drift for my 7mm AM at 1200 yards is about the same as your 280 at 850.
Sight in distance was mentioned and I'll just throw my $.02 worth in. I zero all my hunting guns at 300 yards. This gives me a point blank range of almost 400 yards before I have to worry about holding over or under very much. This is useful under somewhat hurried conditions. Zero at 100 and you'll be guessing or dialing at 400.
As long as you can range the distance accurately then trajectory becomes a small problem. It's the wind that will get you. Do whatever you can to eliminate as much drift as possible.
For something to think about......the wind drift for my 7mm AM at 1200 yards is about the same as your 280 at 850.
Sight in distance was mentioned and I'll just throw my $.02 worth in. I zero all my hunting guns at 300 yards. This gives me a point blank range of almost 400 yards before I have to worry about holding over or under very much. This is useful under somewhat hurried conditions. Zero at 100 and you'll be guessing or dialing at 400.
That is pretty fast load for a 280, I shoot a 7 mag with the same bullet. It isn't a hot load but I am only going about 100fps faster...very accurate! That matters more to me. I would keep that bullet to around 650yds at your velocities. The bullet might not open well any slower, so the ft lds of energy won't matter there.
Sorry, I meant 750yds. We only get 30 minutes at a time on the computers, and of course they wanted to shut the MWR down for cleaning half way through my post. That is one hell of a deer bullet. They are inexpensive, have good bc and great terminal performance. And...extremely accurate in my rifle! I always try to hit at least one shoulder to drop'em and have never had penetration problems. They open fast and have enough shank left to push the mushroom through. I am wanting to go Elk/Mule deer hunting next year when I get back to the states. I am taking the 7mag with this load....and the Edge of course.
PS- For those of you who support your troops, my company lost another soldier last week. Please say a prayer for the family and friends of Sgt Mike Chenoweth.
God Bless America?! He already has, most people just don't realize it!!!!!
PS- For those of you who support your troops, my company lost another soldier last week. Please say a prayer for the family and friends of Sgt Mike Chenoweth.
God Bless America?! He already has, most people just don't realize it!!!!!
royinidaho
Well-Known Member
Done deal on the prayer.
pm me re: muley/elk ideas.
I'm Idaho's foremost tour guide/promoter.
Went to Hawaii for a month and got home and couldn't find the thread. Thanks a $hitload (no pun) to all of the imput, WOW! I really am greatfull for all the help. Correction on the fps it was 2845 Bravo not 29 and my prayers are with Sgt Mike Chenoweth's family, Godspeed. ss7mm mighty nice of you to copy and paste the ballistics table with all my info. Where can I buy that software? Roy you make a good point on zeroing at 300 I dont seem to get many shots under 250 anyway. Spec do you know the coefficientcy of the 160 Accubond and does anyone know if the Hornady 154 IB is any good on Mule deer? My info shows it is just a touch faster out to 500 and it still has 6ft lbs more energy at 500 as well. Coefficientcy on th 162 sst is .55 and the 154 IB is .53 so I am not loosing much there and it seems to be flatter all the way out. Need ss7mm software to see if it falls on its face after that.
Thanks again for all the help.
Thanks again for all the help.
