Just because you have a quality scope, doesn't mean that the rifle is up to the task. I have owned many that were minute of barn, and have done much of my hunting with sillouette rifles. I bed my actions, tailor my loads for each rifle, and spent many hours shooting at long range. I am too old for taking the chance on a maybe shot and having to track a wounded animal. Not trying to disuade you on longer ranges. Spend time at the bench shooting at the distances that you plan on shooting. If you cannot cover your groups with your hand at 500 yards, DON"T SHOOT at the animal.