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Hunting
The Basics, Starting Out
Minimum cartridge for 1000 yard elk
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<blockquote data-quote="specweldtom" data-source="post: 173588" data-attributes="member: 2580"><p>I have only shot targets out at 600 and 1000 yds, no live game. A couple of thousand rounds at 600 and 2-300 rds at 1000 yds. Match rifle and Service rifle at 600 and any rifle-any sight at 1000. None of that makes me comfortable with even a 600 yd shot on an Elk. On the contrary, it has shown me the difficulty of placing the cold first shot in a vital zone on even a big target like an Elk.</p><p></p><p>To prepare for a 1000 yd shot, I would load my 14 lb, 3/4 moa .338 x .378 with 300 gr Smkhp's to 2700 fps min (easily done), start a log book only for that rifle with that load, burn up several hundred rounds (and dollars) sitting and prone in nothing worse than moderate conditions, (forget poor conditions), have absolute confidence that I could make the shot and the rifle make the kill, OR just pass. If this sounds too conservative, try hitting a 16" paper target (or gong) at 1000 yds with the FIRST round, let alone in a running, gusting, or boiling wind. You have to know when you can do it and when you can't do it. Nothing ruins a hunt, or a year, like a wounded animal. </p><p></p><p>As to the importance of caliber and cartridge choice, maybe retained energy isn't as important as I think it is, but the 300gr Smkhp with 2000 ft/lbs at 1000 yds out will get it done if I do my job and is an easy choice for me.</p><p></p><p>I have a .30 x .378 that is sub 1/2 moa, but I would not choose it over the bigger .338. As for the 7mm's, see my signature.</p><p></p><p>One more thing, after all this preparation, if I could, I would still take a spotting shot if at all possible.</p><p></p><p>These are my opinions based on my limited experience and ability,</p><p></p><p>Good hunting, Tom</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="specweldtom, post: 173588, member: 2580"] I have only shot targets out at 600 and 1000 yds, no live game. A couple of thousand rounds at 600 and 2-300 rds at 1000 yds. Match rifle and Service rifle at 600 and any rifle-any sight at 1000. None of that makes me comfortable with even a 600 yd shot on an Elk. On the contrary, it has shown me the difficulty of placing the cold first shot in a vital zone on even a big target like an Elk. To prepare for a 1000 yd shot, I would load my 14 lb, 3/4 moa .338 x .378 with 300 gr Smkhp's to 2700 fps min (easily done), start a log book only for that rifle with that load, burn up several hundred rounds (and dollars) sitting and prone in nothing worse than moderate conditions, (forget poor conditions), have absolute confidence that I could make the shot and the rifle make the kill, OR just pass. If this sounds too conservative, try hitting a 16" paper target (or gong) at 1000 yds with the FIRST round, let alone in a running, gusting, or boiling wind. You have to know when you can do it and when you can't do it. Nothing ruins a hunt, or a year, like a wounded animal. As to the importance of caliber and cartridge choice, maybe retained energy isn't as important as I think it is, but the 300gr Smkhp with 2000 ft/lbs at 1000 yds out will get it done if I do my job and is an easy choice for me. I have a .30 x .378 that is sub 1/2 moa, but I would not choose it over the bigger .338. As for the 7mm's, see my signature. One more thing, after all this preparation, if I could, I would still take a spotting shot if at all possible. These are my opinions based on my limited experience and ability, Good hunting, Tom [/QUOTE]
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The Basics, Starting Out
Minimum cartridge for 1000 yard elk
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