I believe we should simply use common sense based from actual shooting in the field. Computer generated energy numbers are - numbers. I know that the .308 Win. kills effectively out to 600-650 yards on deer. Deer are hit with enough energy (how much I don't know or really care to know to the exact ft/lb) that their systems are overwhelmed by a chest hit. Shock happens. Best performance with the various bullets we use is from 500-650 yards. After 700 we still kill deer, but they don't show evidence of shock. More likely the bullet just doesn't open up enough (frontal diameter is the key) so energy is not delivered as quickly. Frequently the bullets go right through.
Having this knowledge I would not shoot at an elk or moose at 700+ with my .308's, that is where the .300/.325/.338's take over. If I had to use the .308 I would limit shots to 4-500 yards and do just fine with heavier, tougher bullets. Only makes sense. Once again I don't know exactly what the energy dumped to the ft/lb is, that is only a number. I do know that the larger or faster bullets hit harder and kill better. Only makes sense.
Don't forget, distance is also only a number. We should kill as cleanly as possible, we owe that to the animal. Getting closer is still the best, every rifle shot by guys on this site will hit harder and closer to the point of aim at shorter ranges than at the outer boundaries. We learn the skills and get the equipment to confidently make long shots - but we should never quit trying to get as close as possible for the kill shot. The few seconds when we are putting two or three pounds of pressure on the trigger is it - everything has to come together so we make a clean kill. I can always place my bullet better when the shot is as close as possible, but sometimes "close as possible" is pretty far out there.
Determine how far you can maintain lethal field accuracy. That is placing your first shot into a 10-12 inch paper plate with the first shot every time, regardless of wind, angle, available rest. If you and your rifle are good to 500, then don't shoot past that number. Use proven bullets - how do you determine that if you are new to the game. Very simple. You ask the guys on this site and you will get real-world info.
Where are ethics in this consideration. No where. Your ethics are yours, mine are mine. Game laws and regulations set boundaries ethical hunters stay within. I might have a problem shooting at a deer with his left eye blinked or closed, you might not like shooting one bedded down. Keep that stuff to yourself - we have no right to impose our "ethics" on others, nor theirs on us. This site is not about ethics, hopefully the guys here have realistic boundaries that they have set regarding enjoying the outdoors and taking the lives of animals.
Good luck with your entry into long range hunting. There are habitats and critters that make long range shooting skills a definite asset. We don't shoot long to "try to hit" a critter. We should fire the shot with 90-95% confidence that the bullet will hit where we aimed. Many guys cannot shoot with confidece past 250-300 yards so they use the ethics bullcrap - nobody likes to admit they simply cant do what someone else can do. We can make long shots, everyone's "long" is different. I believe most guys here are interested in extending their confident long range ability, that is why this site has such fine people. We all owe many thanks to Len for making Long Range Hunting such a great place for us to hang out.
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