Range Report A Comfortable, Ethical Range

[Pogo57]

Not a pure ballistics question but...

Using an AR with a 20" barrel what is the maximum range you would feel comfortable taking a shot at an average whitetail deer using a 6.8SPC? A 6.5 Grendel?

 

[AUJohn]

Re: A Comfortable, Ethical Range

The range you can hit 1/2 the size of the vital zones every shot from fields positions after walking around.

Likely to be 350mtrs at most. At that range most cartridges have enough energy for humane kills.

 

[Pogo57]

Re: A Comfortable, Ethical Range

Let me more clear...

I was just looking at the rounds performance, not the hunter's.

Has anyone actually used this for hunter and what did they think of it's performance.

 

[trilogymac]

Re: A Comfortable, Ethical Range

Comfortable parameters for ME on WT:

.308
178 amax
400 yards from a solid position

6mmAR
105 amax
300yrds

.223
62 gr TSX
200 yard

Some may call me a puss but I haven't lost a deer in 25 years.
I try to stay over 1000 ftlbs of energy but let that slide a little with the .223 and always use a TSX.
Given my self imposed 1000lb parameter, the 6mmAR should be good to 400. Just don't feel comfortable shooting it that far at deer.

What AUJohn said above work for me as well.

YMMV

Hope this helps!
Trilogymac

 

[jtac]

Re: A Comfortable, Ethical Range

Besides accuracy of the gun and your position. I think it comes down to practice. I'd take a vital then try for a head or spine shot with my 223 as it has worked for me with a red dot at 100 yards max.
30-06 I'd go for 200 since its a auto and follow up is easy.
.243 350 with solid rest
.308 400 with right conditions.
That's rough estimate but if you have concerns about the shot don't take it. Worse than missing is hitting and not finding. Just my .02!

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: A Comfortable, Ethical Range

Everyone's answer is going to be different and it is based on YOUR actual ability with the given caliber/rifle. If you can only shoot accurately to 200 yards, the 200 it is. If you can shoot accurately to 600 yards, then 600 would be your answer. Totally depends on the shooters ability, with the help of some decent ballistics.

 

[dmgreene]

Re: A Comfortable, Ethical Range

Pogo most bullets need at least 1800 fps to get some form of expansion. I would keep bullet impact velocity above this as a minimum. Run the ballistics for each round and see what you come up with.