RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

.300 Wetherby with a 4X12 Nikon.

Longest kill was 468 yards at a doe coming out of cedars and then immediately another one came out at 486 yards, two shots two kills.

I watched a buddy shoot a big ten pointer at 510 yards free handed while the buck was runnin'.

It's called Kentucky Windage ...

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

woah, somthing smells. What is it though? hmmmm. oh yea! it's BS!

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

haha. Actually i think i smell it too.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

270 cause I know how mine shoots out to 400 just in case it ever happens.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

My wall currently displays zero deer trophies. If I had a clear shot, I would take it. While we're being hypothetical, would it be too much to ask that the drag back to the truck be downhill too?

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

damn its STRONG

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

[:@]AAHHHH!!![:@]PEOPLE KEEP SAYIN "ITS NOT HUNTING" THAT FAR, AND HOW "THEY WOULD QUIT HUNTIN IF THEY COULDNT GET CLOSER"

LET ME TELL YOU THIS ALL OF YOU ULTIMATE HUNTERS WHO THINK YOU ARE INVISIBLE TO DEER AND CAN GET AS LOSE AS YOU PLEASE,CRAWL OR WALK IF YOU ARE SUCH A GOOD HUNTER OVER 400 YARDS ON FLAT LEVEL WIDDDDEEEE OPEN DIRT OR GRASSLAND AND KILL YOUR DEER WITHIN 5O YARDS SUPERHUNTERS!!![:@][:@][:@]

[:@]

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Why would one hunt with a high powered magnum rifle if their only shots are within 75 yds?[:o] Are they scared of something? [X(]If they are "ethical hunters", then why are they not using lower powered 100 yd. calibers to reduce meat damage and bullet travel after passthrough?:eek:Whyisnearly every long range caliber made in a hunting rifle platforminstead of just target rifles? [:-]Same question for scopes?And finally, why do those with the least amount of knowledge on a subject make the most offensive comments concerning it?[&o] I assumed that it was universally known that it is better to keep silent and thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.[8D]

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Exactly, what I was thinking.

I've been to Wyoming 3 times, and most of our shots on mules and antelope were over 200 yds. On my 2nd trip my friend and I crawled on our hands and knees through a herd of cows to get to the edge of the ravine where a heavy 5x5 was standing on the other side. We ranged him at 425 yds. He looked like he was about 200 yds because it's so open out there. Well I knew he was mine.....We had been shooting for months before the triphitting three and four hundred yard gongs. One shot with the 300 Win mag, one kill. That mule went 2 ft...straight down. I have the whole thing on video. I must say I really enjoyed that hunt.

I'm an avid bow hunter and am a true believer in ethical shots. I won't shoot past 30 yds with a bow. That's my limit. I feel after that range there's too much of a chance that the animal could jump string. That's just me.

Rifle hunting is a different animal(no pun intented). Without a doubt, to hunt an animal at a close range is an incredible feeling, whether it be bow, shotgun, or rifle. But occationally there is the long distance shot that is just as gratifying. The 7mm and 300 mag reach these distances with a hell of a wallup. It's all about knowing your gun, ammo, wind, and where that bullet is going to be.

Anyway...yes, I would take the shot with a 7mm or 300 mag.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

One of my stands this year is overlooking a valley that crosses a pipeline. It has two roads that cross it and I can see from one side to the other. From my stand to the farthest point across the other road is 350-400 yards depending on the time of year. (In summer the underbrush is so thick that I can not see into the woodline but during winter the underbrush dies and I can see an extra forty or so yards.) If a ten point walks out on the road and won't come pay me a visit I may take a shot. But it all depends on the situation. If it is the first hunt of the season I would probably let him walk unless he got closer. If the season is winding down and I haven't taken a deer yet, he is going to eat 150 grains of 7mm rem mag federal vitalshok.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

8mm

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Now of course this is to say that it is that Monster 200" in PA that has been taunting me all season and won't come any closer, ofcourse I would take the shot if it was a clear view the whole way! That is why I practiced that shot. Now if it was your average buck or doe, nope. I know I know, but thats my choice not yours so live with it.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

I voted other. Win 264 Mag. Model 70, pre '64

-john

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

I don't understand why you guys think it's BS. I spend a lot of time and money practicing 500 yard shots along with my son, who by the way just got out of Iraq and was a sniper with the 125th Infantry.

I'll bet you guys practice just enough to "feel good" about a 100 yard shot. As for the 500 yard shot my buddy took standing up .. he has the Kentucky State Record for a typical white tail deer and he practices with us also.

If you smell anything, well, they say "a fox smells his own hole."

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Growing up in southern ag country there are huge open fields, some miles long. We commonly shoot predators at ranges of 300 - 500 yds. I will agree an untrained/unpracticed shooter does not need to attempt this shot but myself and a lot of my pals can shoot 3" groupings consistantly at these ranges. Thus I would not be nor never have been afraid to take this shot. I feel more confident shooting a standing deer 400 yds away in a field than 75 yds away through timber risking bullet deflection. Having made these shots now for around 30 years, yes I would do it but theres people Ive hunted with that couldnt hit a barn at 40 yds but are self proclaimed expert hunters because they watch the TV Shows and Videos.

May your beards be long and your racks massive...Good Hunting

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

a 6.5 by 55 swedish mauser a sweet shooting gun at long ranges

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Where did all the BS smellers go?

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

300 weatherby, simmons 44 x6 x 20 mil dot 150 grn weatherby ammo 3540 fps

This rifle will drop em way out there.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Never shot a sporting rifle at that distance... wouldn't even know where to begin. I'll opt to try and get closer, or relegate the experience to a happy "close but not close enough" memory. Nothing worse than wounding a trophy animal because you took a shot you know deep down you probably have no business taking. Thats just me anyway, plenty of guys I know who can shoot their sporting rifles clean out to 600...but not me.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Amazing how this topic comes to the surface every year LOL. I am somewhat miffed at the military comments about snipers. I went thru sniper training many years ago. The target doesnt matter in the least. Conditions must be right whether its paper, a human, or an animal plain and simple. Would I shoot a deer at 400 yds? You bet and I have several times. Does that harvest mean any less than a kill at 20 yards? Not in the least.
What does bother me is the average Joe that hunts and or fires their rifle oounce or twice a year and blazes away at a deer at all ranges that he/she can see them, standing or running. If Joe wants to stalk and get within his range thats fine and I respect his desires. But I won't except being called a slob hunter if I chose to shoot within my capabilities at long ranges. Ive never lost or wounded a deer I shot at at "long" range. can everyone say that at shorter ranges? I bet not with all the wounded deer I have seen running around. Its all about capabilities and desire to hunt a certain way

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

400 yards isn't all that far.

But, without looking at the ballistic's chart, which would probably be almost identical between the 30/06 and the .308. I would have to say that I would be more comfortable using the 30/06 than the .308 at that distance. Even though the ballistics might be the same. More powder in the case = more power down range in my opinion.

Because a deer is a majestic creature in my book, it deserves a little more consideration than just throwing lead at it and praying that you might hit it.

I once took a 300 yard shot at a 12 point buck at the bottom of a field with my 35 Remington and I even managed to wound the deer before it got away. Since I only took two clips with me - because the only time I had to hunt was after work. I worked at a local University and one of my co workers told the story of that particular deer being in his back yard that morning.

Only he didn't hunt, so he didn't have any reason to lie about it.

I on the other hand believed his story and went to his neighbors farm and asked for permission to hunt and after a hour of beating the bush, I kicked that deer out and wouldn't even noticed it - if it wasn't for the fact that I looked back when I went to cross over the farmers wooden fence between the fields.

Even then, I aimed 12 inches over the deer's back, thinking that the rifle had a tremendous amount of drop at that distance. I since then learned that you shouldn't ever hold more than at the top of the body on any deer.

With two bullets left in the gun, the deer came right to me broadside - 125 yards away and I took a shot, again aiming high and I hit the deer and one of the neighbors came down through the field with his 4 wheeler and scared the deer away. I went to track it, only the farmers kid had other plans, and kicked it out of it's bed and it got up and ran away.

We tracked it for a mile and I never got the deer.

I imagine that one of the other neighbors got that deer sometime later that year or found the rack while small game hunting.

If I would have had my 7mm Remington Magnum or my .300 Winchester Magnum - we wouldn't even be having this discussion because I would have had that deer by the second shot.

Even the 30/06 would have been more than enough rifle to get the job done.

The only thing you have to have is confidence in yourself and in the rifle that you are using. Know the ballistic's of the ammo that you are using and make sure that the wind is in your favor.

If you can shoot a groundhog at 400 yards with a 22-250 or a 220 swift, why can't you shoot a deer with a 300 winchester magnum?

At least witha deer, you have a target that is 30 times bigger than the groundhog.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

You know I read through 23 pages of thisthread to see that.
Others may have said it in different ways but your simple statement pulled the trigger.
I completely agree with your statement..and the rights of other people to disagree with us:D

Yes...this kind of post comes up every year.
It's debated in the same way...Every Year!
Evidently...I have wasted alot oftime being who I wanted to be...all the while I could have been a carbon copy of "The Perfect Hunter".
OH...Your opinion matters more than the next guy eh...Take a number:D
Your in good company right next to politicians running for public office who call me on the phone at anytime during the eveningand the IRS[:'(]

I sincerely apoligize if you feel in any way offended by my reply and comments...and my apparent inability to conform to your condescending rehtoric. I'm sorry I must have missed your mailing for the courseI do not doubt youhad on "How to be like Me"!
I am however very happy that you feel strongly about your way of hunting...hopefully someday you will give that right to others(not that thier going to turn blue waiting on your approval).


I feel so much better now...I got out enough sarcasm there to do me the rest of the season;)...be angry at me if you wish...obviously your wishes come before any others so you'll be happy too!
See...now dont you feel better:D
(I better stop now because I'm into next years alottment of sarcasm...LOL)


You hunt your way and I'll hunt mine...We have that privelege!
I was going to say "Right"...but hunting is a "Privelege".
When you start telling me my license should be taken away because I choose to hunt differently than you...you lost more than my respect as a fellow hunter...you lost common courtesy.

BTW...I'm just as happy with my choice of a Doe @5yds with a Bow as I am with my choice of folding a decent buck @ 376yds with my .06.
Both situations Absolutely Required me to control myselfto the point where I couldmake a decision that answered a simple question:
"YES or NO"
I'm no less happy then someone who chooses to hunt within different parameters. For me my "Hunting" is not a Yes or No question..but every single shot I choose to take Absolutely has to answer that question, "YES or NO"? ....beyond a shadow of a doubt at any range with any weapon.
Enjoy Your Hunting Season.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Very nicely put OGW :)

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

I voted for 30.06, because of all my rifles thats the one Im most comfortable with shooting, and the one I use the most. It is more then capable of shooting that far. Just make sure you practice ALL year. And only shoot the ranges your comfortable with.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Damn, chill out!!! I just didnt hear antone backing that guy up when he posted and i figured that if it were true someone would have said something. Its about time

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

I smell something now ... sandwiched between peer pressure, and an apology! LOL

OGW and basserman said it best!

Just chillin' and grillin'... run fox run!


[/quote]
Damn, chill out!!! I just didnt hear anyone backing that guy up when he posted and i figured that if it were true someone would have said something. Its about time
[/quote]

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Look i wanted peoples opinions, which is why i posted it Now say what u will,but when you try to downngrade what i do with quotes like u wouldnt hunt if u couldnt get closer and bull like that. Other than that there is no right or wrong answer. If 1 guys says its about capabilites and desire, then ok but every post what u believe, its about opinions.
P.s. 2poppa, i dont know what ur talkin about"fox", i m a human, !!! And it aint an apology

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Thank you

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

I know it might seem hard to believe,but I seen my dad kill one well over 500 yrds with a 300 Mag,while it was running from dogs,so yeah it can happen.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

For the record, I chose other above. Right now, my choice is a .338 Lapua Mag.I shoot an Armalite .338 LM with 4-14.5 X50 Luepold MK IV mildot scope, since, at 300-400 yds, it has the same energy as most of the rifles listed here at their muzzle, or for that matter it has that energy still left at 1000yds in some cases. I know that there are gonna be some no believers, but do a little research before you argue this one)

I would not hesitate to take this shot since, the OPTIMAL DISTANCE to zero my rilfe, and my particular round is at 400-500 yds.

I have just one question to the "ethical" hunters out there that say it is only ethical, if you get close, and show respect for the game, or tha tonly a REAL hunter can stalk close and take the shot. For some of you, that means siting in a tree stand and waiting for a deer to come close enough to shoot. Does that make you any better than the rest of us???? Get off your high horse and understand the same as I do, that these are 2 very different styles of hunting, and EACH requires skill in it's own field. Sure, you can crawl up and get close, and get your deer. Great, I am happy for you. You do this portion better than I do. Me, I have the KNOWLEDGE (I too have been to the Army Sniper School, and have competed at a few sniper competitions in Florida and California), and the experience to shoot that distance. So, I am BETTER AT THAT than you are. Just recognize that BOTH REQUIRE a GREAT DEAL OF SKILL IN THEIR OWN RIGHT.


So, to all you guys that sneak up nice and close, good luck, I hope that you have you successful and ethical hunt this season. For the rest of us, I wish you all luck too. I know and believe that there are enough of you out here that understand all that goes into that 400 YD shot.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

I almost forgot....

As far as shooting a running deer at that distance. Sure, it can be done, I don't believe that it can be done consistantly, and it is damn sure a shot I would NEVER take.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

[/quote]

Chuck, my driveway is 1200ft (400yds) and it's a piece of cake for the 7mmMag!



[/quote]

Just curious Reb, do shoot at the road or at the house?:D:D

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

You had it right the first time Icetrey ... people's opinion. As for the fox comment, it is a metaphor, http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=metaphorit has the same meaning as when you say, "you smell something." You don't mean that literally do you? If so, the smell is sitting there with you.

As for the apology, I like to think that most people are commonly good and don't purposefully offend people ... most people.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Yes we ranged it ... after he shot it. We were on top of a ridge and hewas bumping me some deer. The biggest one in the bunch ran down the ridge, across the creek and nine tenths of the way back up the other ridge. Boom!

One shot ... after I heard him shoot, I walked over to where he was and then ranged it ... five hundred, ten yards, five-one-zero. It wasn't 1 in 1,000,000. He does it all the time.

And, to lend to his credibility, he has the Kentucky State Record ... the third largest typical deer ever taken. Here is a picture of the deer ...

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

26 ft?

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

If I had a good shot yes I would shoot him with my .300 win mag. I have done it before and pray I will do it again.

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Holy crap. Yeah, could you post those figures. Theoretically,you would have to lead an antelope around 70ft?

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Let's see 'em ...

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

Ridge Runner,

I know you know what you're talking about when it comes to long distance shooting. Probably why the deer in Mathias are scared:D.

I also agree that no one could routinely make a 500 yard shot on a running deer. Another big reason would be because deer don't run in a flat line. The broken ground running of a deer would be much harder to judge or "luck into" at that yardage then, say, judging a horse on a racetrack.

Not saying this guy may not have made the shot, but he does'nt do it regularly--not running.

And if he does do it regularly, Why are deer always running when there 500 yds away? Talk about poor hunting skill:D:D:D:D

RE: 400 yard trophy?
 

RR
I think that there is only one person here that says this can be done on a regular basis, and it isn't me.
IF there is somebody out there that canCONSISTANTLY hit a RUNNING deer at 500yds, then I want to know when the Devil himself is coming to collect his soul. Cause that is the kinda of trade he made!!