steve, I've taken a couple dozen deer from 400 yards to over 800, once you get beyond 400 yards, they very seldom run even with a not to good hit, they take a few steps and lay down, these couple instances have been the only time I take a second shot, If I miss clean, I've just taken my best shot with my best efforts so I let them walk, missed twice last year at 785, and 985 yards. the 785 I have no idea but I missed big, the 985 miss was my error, dialed in 20" not enough elevation. RR
I find it hard to believe that a poorly hit deer beyond 400 yards will run less than one hit at closer ranges. A poorly hit deer may not run too far even with a close range shot, but then again it might. I think the same holds for shots from any range. In reality and with everything else being equal, wouldn't a deer potentially be able to run further when hit with a 7mm Mag at 800 yards than it would hit at 80 yards since the bullet has lost a good deal of velocity and energy already at that distance??? Won't the blow it takes at 80 yards be considerably more potent than it will be at 800? Your statement really doesn't hold much water. You also do not address the wind factor in shooting at such long range. I don't think anyone can guess with any consistant certainty what the wind will do to the bullet at such distances no matter how good and accurate your equipment is.