What constitutes “long range hunting”?

[gvjm]

So what exactly is "long range hunting"? Here in Texas the a average shot is around 100 or less. My longest on deer was 225 and my longest on a prairie dog was 350+. At these ranges I'm not sure that BC or barrel length matter that much. When do these "factors" come into play?

 

[257 STW]

So what exactly is "long range hunting"? Here in Texas the a average shot is around 100 or less. My longest on deer was 225 and my longest on a prairie dog was 350+. At these ranges I'm not sure that BC or barrel length matter that much. When do these "factors" come into play?

I`m thinking the main reason barrel length comes into play is to get all the powder burned in the bigger capacity cases, which equals velocity. And BC/Velocity start to matter past 500. My .02

 

[FEENIX]

So what exactly is "long range hunting"? Here in Texas the a average shot is around 100 or less. My longest on deer was 225 and my longest on a prairie dog was 350+. At these ranges I'm not sure that BC or barrel length matter that much. When do these "factors" come into play?

On this site the ELR forum is >1KY; LR then is <1KY. However, the NUT behind the trigger defines what is LR to them.

 

[Plinker147]

Long range starts at 600yds. By NRA standards and that really when BC and all the other stuff start to come into play. For moderate distances like as stated BC barrel length, and even cartridge selection dont make much difference. Good ol flat base bullets and 308's are just as good as any of the new cartridges at those distances.

 

[DoneNOut]

On this site the ELR forum is >1KY; LR then is <1KY. However, the NUT behind the trigger defines what is LR to them.

That's about the most perfectist answer I've read on here!

 

[dfanonymous]

Yes, 600 yards for centerfire cartridges. On average this is when outside factors begin to influence the bullets flight. Its not really a whatever you think it is type ordeal. The 600y rule is pretty much universally agreed on by a most community institutions and minds.


It's important to have standards.

Edit:
In the matter of hunting, long range is still long range. I'm sorry. Just because you don't want to take a long shot doesn't mean you get to make 100yds seem like ELR with a centerfire rifle. It's more involved than shooting steal because terminal performance needs to be considered. But a man is man, a woman is a woman and long range is long range.

 

[FEENIX]

That's about the most perfectist answer I've read on here!

LL!

 

[bamban]

In high power competition long range starts at 800. 2 to 6 is mid range. That's my calibeation point.

 

[HARPERC]

However, the NUT behind the trigger defines what is LR to them.

Many other disciplines define long range in their own way. If it's long range HUNTING we're discussing the answer is individual.

Take and make shots you're proud to talk about.

 

[nksmfamjp]

I think of it as the point where I have to think about it. Basically sighted in at 100 yds is basically point and shoot to 300 yds. 300yds can apply some thought, especially with a bit of wind, so….

Greater than 300 yds.

 

[Troutslayer2]

Every fall people show up at my local range who can't hit their targets at 100YDS so I think this topic is subjective.

 

[BrentM]

A long shot IMO is anything you have to factor in ballistics to adjust the shot. Could be 300 in 25-30 mph winds. Technically I consider anything in the 400 plus range to be long range hunting since I need my set up to be able to manage that range plus. For example, I can hunt and guess at ranges under 300 with decent accuracy and make minimal reticle hold adjustments with a simple duplex reticle. Past that, I really need a LRF to give me exact range to compensate for drop, hold or dial the scope, and if wind is an issue calculate the hold. I mostly predator hunt with a rifle so a coyote with a 6-8" kill zone leaves little room for errors. It's just my take. It seems most consider anything inside 600-700 medium range and 700 plus to be long. I can also agree with that.

 

[chav0_12]

Another question for everyone; when does the quarry come into play? A longrange shot on something small like a javelina can be a lot closer than a longrange shot on an elk. I mean the size of the elk's vital zone is almost the same size as the whole body of a javelina. Now, taking long shots on javelin is at least a little unnecessary as they're pretty easy to get close to, but the question still remains.

 

[asd9055]

What is long range shooting and extreme long range shooting I believe has been established by the compettive sports.
Long range hunting on the other hunt I think it is subjective.
If I am hunting in FLAT west texas for antelope....it can be one range
If I am hunting in Colorado..it can be a different range..
Then again, if I am on one hill side, and the game is on the other...with very clear view of surroundings..could be a third...
How I decide, is not the ability to shoot at that range, but whether I can find the wounded annimal in case not everything goes right.
That is MY Subjective Opinion/Decision Process, applied to ME!
you decide yours!