Ahh man, I didn't think about that.

"If you can't put the muzzle of the gun up against the critters hide, then you ain't no hunter."

I had an old man tell me that, one time. I like to think that he was exaggerating, maybe just a little bit. He certainly seemed to be the type to do that.

I bow hunt, too!! However, as a jiu-jitsuka, I look down on you: who needs weapons when you choke a __ out, huh?

Anything of controversy--multiple viewpoints and pros/cons--on any forum of any medium is often transformed into a competition: whosoever's genitals looks the largest, wins. TT85, Cleric, cmorsh, FiremanJG, and others have all contributed immensely to the cause of this thread. For that I am heartily grateful. Unlike all of y'all, "y'all" being the two sides to long range shooting vs hunting, I am not set in my ways. I have much less experience--but as much conjecture--than pretty much this whole website. I can take advice and implement it to my liking, from either "side." I've always been intrigued by long range shooting; 200 used to be far for me. I've hit a shot or two in that range (and the 5 nearing the 300 mark), but that's not a testament to being well off in the distance category. The reality is, from my readings and this forum's input, that an elk may pop up at 20yd, at 150yd, at 300yd, or it may not pop up at all. I'm good out to 200 (maybe 250?), but what if the biggest bull any of THF has ever seen steps out at exactly 323yd? If nothing pops up, well, that's hunting. Money well spent on a timeless skill regarding weaponry and optics.

It seems every fiscal quarter he has to be the pigeon you play chess with who chits on the board, knocks all the pieces off and says I won.

Best explanation yet. Don't know why O.P. didn't mention him in his list of thank you's.

Every time. You guys get a room.

Chital, I highly recommend JG's training! It is both fun and very informative and will directly translate into hunting situations. You can borrow one of my rifles or JG has a 7-08 to use if you don't have one up to the task.

For a light hunting scope, I am a fan of the Leupold VX3 with Boone and Crocket reticle or something similar that will help with hold overs at range...I don't like guessing. No doubt it is not as precise as twisting a turret but much better than questimating on a duplex reticle, it's light and plenty good for 400 yds and in.

You can also borrow my 30-06 for the hunt if needed. Very accurate with factory 165 grainers, Rem 700 stainless, Alaskan TI stock bedded, trigger lightened by gun smith and Titanium firing pin installed for supposed improved lock time.

Don't over-think it. Practice, prepare and have fun making some memories.

Amen RedSnake! This same kunckledragger has cost me a small fortune converting nearly all my scopes to Mil/Mil. Now I'm getting snobby with my friends that use inferior MOA duplex scopes.

One more good thread defiled by the long range, ethics ,and sportsmanship fight.

I don't know if that's a poke at me.

All I suggested was getting a scope with a reticle to hit as far as he wants to be able to hit. And I don't think 400 yards is an unreasonable distance for someone to want to be proficient at hitting vitals.

It wasn't directed just at you in particular more the whole group. The kid started with a legitimate question and people offered good advise from both sides. Then it became a pissin contest. Chitel is still trying to find his style if hunting and needs all the help he can get with out all the bs name calling and other stuff.

X2.

No argument from me.

I still can't figure out why so many people thin Mil and BC are bad words. They are ways to turn a guessed shot into a known shot. To me, that is nothing more that using the tools we have available to make more ethical, quick, humane kills. I am all about getting as close as possible, but I also want the tools in the toolbox to cover the distance, if I can't do it on foot. And it does happen as everyone here knows.

X2

If your serious about being able to shot elk t up to 400 yards, I would get a 10"-12" (elk vitals are about 15") gong and practice at random distances up to or over 400 yards until you can't miss. Any of the cartridges that you listed will work. Go with the one that speaks to you. If it was me, I would use the 7 mag. I haven't ran the numbers but it should have about the same energy and velocity at 300 yards as the 7mm-08 does at the muzzle. I just don't care for the 270. I don't have a reason for it I just don't like it.

Yessir, definitely going to head up there! Thanks for the info and for the offers! I've been "needing" a bigger rifle as is, and want something to spend summer job money on, but thanks again!


Regardless of banter and pissing contests or whatnot, THF always delivers. Thanks to all y'all for helping me out, and to those making it along the way.