Will I be able to reach out to 500 yards?

[casilva43]

I have a .338 Rum that I have been shooting here in Texas. I have been getting pretty consistant out to 500 yards. I am hoping to start stretching my shots out to 700 or 750 yards.

My question is this, I will be going elk hunting in 2014, will it be ethical to take a shot at say 500 to 600 yards just using software to give me my dope? There has to be a huge difference in shooting at sea level in 90+ degrees compared to shooting at 10k above sea level in 20 degree temps?

 

[MMERSS]

There has to be a huge difference in shooting at sea level in 90+ degrees compared to shooting at 10k above sea level in 20 degree temps?

Hopefully there isn't much difference in your shooting at sea level or 10000 ft or anything between. The difference I believe you are referring to is the air density associated with temperature and elevation changes. Your program will compensate for the air density change as long as you zero your rifle under a specified computer input air density and apply the changes in air density during hunting conditions.

 

[casilva43]

That is correct. I was wanting to know how much difference there will be from shooting in the heat of texas compared to the cool temps and elevations of colorado.

I know there is a little difference in what the ballistic calucator will tell me my dial up should be compared to what my actaul dial up are in real life. So I am scared to soley rely on the ballistic calculator software.

 

[upacreek]

If your question is weather the balistics calculator is a reliable way to shoot 500 yrds at an elk, I would ask what choice do you have? I have never used this elk hunting, but have used a range finder the last few years. Most cases elk don't give much time to 'calculate'. I have been used to the practice and guess plan, if you have time to use your balistics calculator by all means do it. I have been witness to many newcomers to my area who guess yardage way short or think they can shoot long range. Both groups either blast away never coming close and scare all the elk into the next county or wound 2 or 3 elk to take home one.
I cannot tell you what is ethical cause only you know your abilities. Practice much, err on the side of ethical and don't let elk fever get the better of you. That's the best advice I can give. As far as the caliber you don't have anything to worry about as far as knock down. Its all in delivering where it counts.
Hope this helps, good luck.

 

[MMERSS]

So I am scared to soley rely on the ballistic calculator software.

Shoot a few rocks when you arrive at your hunting camp. The practice should give you the answer and establish a new zero under current conditions at the same time.

 

[bigngreen]

My 338 RUM shooting a 250 Berger at 3100 fps changes .8 MOA at 700 yards going from 90 degrees at sea level to 10000 ft and 20 degrees. If I we're you I'd take your program that is trued to your rifle and shoot it at your max range then punch in the expected numbers for the hunt, it should shoot high the amount you'd need. Plan your hunt so you can get a chance to run a few rounds out and double check your solution.

 

[Greyfox]

At the very least I would check your zero at the new location. At 500 yards the altitude and temperature change you describe should be no issue given your ballstic calculator inputs are accurate.IMO.

 

[kraigwy]

At the very least I would check your zero at the new location. At 500 yards the altitude and temperature change you describe should be no issue given your ballstic calculator inputs are accurate.IMO.

I agree with Greyfox, BC programs are fun to play with, but any data should be confirmed at the range. Need to start checking for a place to confirm your data when you get to your hunting location.

 

[minute of elk]

No offense meant here, but it sounds like you would be wise to take a long range rifle course with your RUM. After some training & practice at long range, changes in Density Altitude won't worry you. Also, it never hurts to have a couple dope charts handy for appropriate DA's for when (not if) you're battery croaks & your ballistics app ain't there for ya
Technology is great, but elk country is hard on it.

These other guys know a lot more than me. I'm just throwing this advice in because it helped me.