Caliber and max distance shot

[jaredwitman]

So I a saw a post recently regarding the "max ethical distance" for stick throwers. I have also been curious about the modern firearm hunters out there....Target shooting is one thing, shooting at an animal is another (Or at least it should be).  What caliber and load do you shoot and at what distance are you comfortable shooting at an animal? Your thoughts?

[syoungs]

Longest shot I've taken was just under 500 yrs in Wyoming on an antelope, using my model 700 30-06, been years ago now so I cant remember load data exact, think it was 165-168g nobler ballistic tips. I sat in a ditch with bi pods down, took me forever to calm down enough to do it, I was 15 at the time.

Edit: just realized this was in elk hunting section. Longest shot I've taken was 140-145 yds offhand. 180g factory remington core lokt out of the same 700. Only time I've shot at/ shot an elk. 3 years back on opening morning in 364

[jeffro]

I shoot .300wm out of a Savage 110 with a bit of work done to it.
The load we found works best for this gun was 67gr of WMR,
pushing 180 grain Nosler Partitions.
Me and my partner have a press we take to the range and work up loads until we find the one that works best for each gun.
I regularly practice from 200 - 800 yd so I've been able to work up a dope book.
Longest shot I taken on an animal was 648yd, one shot and it flat dropped him.
Prone, on the bipod and the stock on my fanny pack. Dead rest.
Had all day to figure the shot distance, wind speed etc. as the deer was oblivious to us.
At that distance your need to start taking every thing into account.
Good luck.