stubblejumper

Just looking at the charts,it shows a 100 yard zero for short and a 200 yard zero for long.

fdunford

Thats what I initally thought, but the delta drop from 100 to 300 yds is different. For the 100 yd its 13.5", but for the long its 9.5". Doesn't seem to add up.

stubblejumper

Picture a trajectory curve.With a 100 yard sight in the bullet is already in the falling part of the curve at 100 yards,and it continues to drop all the way to 300 yards.With a 200 yard sight in,it is stillin the rising part of the curve at 100 yards.Thebullet will be in the falling part of the curve for a much shorter distance so thedrop from 100 yards to 300 yards will naturally be less.

fdunford

Your right, if you think of the plot or graph of the trajectory it makes sence. The scope diled in at 200 is accounting for some of the drop seen at 100. Thanks.

txhunter58

I try and put my bullet 3"high at 100 yardswhen I hunt elk andI don't have to even think about it out to 300 yards, just put it on the bullseye and pull the trigger. Have to hold high at 400 yards, but a smarter man than meonce told me "always hold on meat, if you miss, he was too far." Translation: with any decent elk cartridge the highest you should ever have to hold is on the top of the back. Anything higher is beyondMY capability to shoot accurately.

To answer the original question, and it has to be a personal answer,MY max is 400 yards for an elk. Never shot at one over 250 though.

Here is another good ballistic calculator website: http://www.handloads.com/calc/

rather_be_huntin

Obviously it would depend on the load and the amount of powder you used. As a rule of thumb I have always said that350 yds is about the max for an 06 energy wise and using a 180 grain bullet. Beyond that the odds start to really tip out of your favor.

James B

Although a few hunters can place a shot well under field condition at 300 yards every time, Its not many. If you can't do it evety time then better shorten it up to where you can. The energy of the 30 caliber bullet most likely won't be the determing factor. The hunters ability to judge the range, factor the wind and know his trajectory will make much more difference. The 30-06, energy wise is capable of 400 yard clean kills given good placement.

laufer303

300-350 max with 180gr blts.

bigbulls

A 30-06 with 180 grain bullet such as a Nosler partition won't run out of enough energy to cleanly kill elkuntil you get well beyond 500 yards.

This is assuming you are getting close to published velocities with your ammunition.

Wether or not you have any business attempting a 500 or 600 yard shot is another thing entirely.

SILVERTIP-CO

The (physics of) ballistics doesnt take into account the word 'premium'. Thas a marketing/advertising/NewYawk kindaword thing. I could go on this subject for days.

The reality is that a 30-06 165 gr Sierra BTHP ( the world standard for 30cal a long range shooting bullet) is good energywise for 900 yards if shooting at a AlQuaida man. ( yeah yeah yeah I know a 06 will shoot 6 miles). I would cut that in half (450 max ) if shooting an elk. If you are using a 300win mag or 300 Wby then maybe longer shots are more into line with what we can do as the CALIBERShave increased velocity/energy.Of course we usually dont hunt with BTHP Sierras. 450 isa looonng way, offhand or with your shooting stick thingys. And I wouldnt do it to an elk with our 06's even if we did buy premium bullets.

The old standard for a 30-06 was a 220 gr round nose for the big stuff, grizzlers moose and heavy game stuff. Lots of energy but the range was limited to the 250yrds that the old 2.5x scope were designed. Todays USArmy sniper rifles are 300winmags with 10x scopes ( scientific reason for that too) for the increased ranges needed for shootin towelheads.

Old gun writers say 'buy the best ammo you can afford'. Its still true today. But I guarantee you the guy with the 13.99 green box of 30-06 Rem CoreLokt 150's that he got at WalMart is definitely NOT undergunned.

Be that as it may, the science is real, the rest is what we 'choose' to believe. Get yourself a good ballistics chart, turn OFF the tv, and study the numbers a few weeks.

Have a great day hunting.