The long range cold bore shot project

[yorketransport]

After watching the other topic about the Gunwerks 1500 yard shot go off in an odd but entertaining direction, I thought it might be time to start a new thread.

I think that we need to set up a friendly forum competition where members attempt to document their shots at various extended ranges in an attempt to push the limits of what they believe they're capable of. I don't want to set a specific yardage because I want everyone to feel like they can contribute and be a part of it. A 600 yard shot with a hunting rifle in 358 Win would be a heck of a shot and definitely qualify as long range for that set up. Likewise, a 600 yard shot with a dedicated heavy long range gun is boring.

I envision this whole thing as being similar to the LRSU milk jug challenge if anyone is familiar with that. We do need to set up the specific rules (and hopefully not change them as we go along) just so that there is no back and forth about this doesn't count because you didn't use a specific cartridge, bullet, velocity or shoot through the green hide of a poached deer in the middle of August.

Here's what I'd like to see for rules:

- 3 shots at a known distance on a target of known dimensions
- Documentation of the shots through either pictures or video.
- Specific details of conditions (temp, wind, altitude, range, time of day etc.)
- Details on the gun and load used
- Details on other equipment used (range finder, spotters, wind meter etc.)

As far as target size, I think 1 MOA is a good base line. That would give you a target the size of the "kill zone" on an elk at 1500 yards assuming everyone can agree that elk have a 14-15" kill zone. I'm open to suggestions on that though. If you want to go for group size as well that would be fun to, but I think the focus will be on simply hitting the target to begin with. Extra points can be given for consistent and repeatable results. You still get credit for making one lucky hail Mary shot and connecting though.

This is not intended to become an ethics debate on the viability of LR hunting which is why this is in the guns and ammo section. The goal is to get people out there shooting and practicing and to try and take away some of the mystique of long range shooting. There's no need for specialized of high dollar gear. For anyone who want's to try and shoot but doesn't have some of the necessary gear (range finder, spotter, camera or wind meter) see if somebody lives in your area who can help you out. I have an odd work schedule some times but I'm all for trying to get out with a few people and try some shooting.

For the record, double points are given for making your hits with a specialty pistol.

[KFhunter]

Thought I heard today on the radio a fire restriction in place prohibiting outdoor shooting, but it's more of an advisory, anyways I dug it up to make sure. 

19 August, 2016
News Release Oregon/Washington Contact: Jeff Clark (509) 536-1297
BLM Issues Fire Restrictions Order in Eastern Washington
Spokane, WA –The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Spokane District has issued a fire restrictions order on public lands administered by the BLM in eastern Washington. The order is effective Aug. 20, 2016 at 12:01 a.m. in the following counties: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman, and Yakima.
Caution is advised at all times when operating motor vehicles on roads or trails with vegetation or high grasses, and due to fire hazard risk the public is asked not to bring fireworks or exploding targets onto public lands at any time. The public is also asked to ensure that any campfires are completely extinguished and cold before departure from a camping area.
Target shooting with the use of exploding targets (including Tannerite) is prohibited. Target shooters who start wildfires may be responsible for the cost of fire suppression. Wildfires caused by recreational target shooting in dry grasses have steadily increased on the Spokane District over the last few years. The easiest ways to prevent these fires from starting is to ensure your target area (at least 20 feet around the target) is free of dry vegetation, minimize the use of ammunition containing steel and avoid shooting under hot, dry and windy conditions.
Additional information about BLM Spokane District and seasonal fire regulations, as well as the Official Fire Restrictions Order, is available at: http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/spokane/index.php
-BLM-
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. In Fiscal Year 2015, the BLM generated $4.1 billion in receipts from activities occurring on public lands.

[yorketransport]

Ha! For once the "wet siders" in western WA win!

[jasnt]

Blm managed lands are a moot point in my area (NE) so I'm game. I'm headed up to Sherman tonight. May just have to pack the XLR up to my spot and do some rock hunting. I like this idea. Hey yorke would my XLR count as a " specialty pistol" if I remove the folder and stock behind it? 26" tube lol

[Karl Blanchard]

Tagging along.  My gun is almost done, so hopefully I can join in soon

[packmule]

Cool thread!

[yorketransport]

Tagging along.  My gun is almost done, so hopefully I can join in soon

Shoot whatever you've got sighted in! I'm going to try for 600 yards with my 19" 358 Winchester and the 200gr TTSX I run in it after I throw a different scope on there. It should be pretty fun. Heck, I'd love to see a few attempts with a 22lr at 300 yards and out. I used to be pretty good at hitting my 10" gong offhand with my iron sighted MKIII pistol at 150 yards but that was before rimfire ammo became such a valuable commodity!

Cool thread!

Join in and try a few shots. All you need to do is try a few shots beyond what you're used to. If you miss, the only damage is to the backstop of your target .

I don't necessarily want it to become a contest to see who can get the farthest, although those are fun. The whole point is for everyone to get out and shoot more. Shooting at longer ranges forces you to pay more attention to little things that sneak past you up closer. It will all help you be a better shot on game at whatever range you hunt at. Trust me, after shooting at 3-4" dots at 1000 yards, a deer looks HUGE at 200!

It doesn't need to be an equipment race either. Any hunting rifle capable of holding 1 MOA at 100 yards will work. If you don't have a range finder just invite somebody who does have one to come along. Most rifle scopes will work just fine, even a Vortex. 

[JDHasty]

"I envision this whole thing as being similar to the LRSU milk jug challenge if anyone is familiar with that. We do need to set up the specific rules (and hopefully not change them as we go along) just so that there is no back and forth about this doesn't count because you didn't use a specific cartridge, bullet, velocity or shoot through the green hide of a poached deer in the middle of August. "

An untanned deer hide from last season can be kept in the freezer and thawed out and used to evaluate bullet performance.  I guess if someone were predisposed to poaching deer in August that would not occur to them. 

However, in context of your challenge this would be irrelevant.  I am assuming that you only included it as a way to take a shot at me.  Go ahead, I will return the favor by responding in kind. 

[jay.sharkbait]

"I envision this whole thing as being similar to the LRSU milk jug challenge if anyone is familiar with that. We do need to set up the specific rules (and hopefully not change them as we go along) just so that there is no back and forth about this doesn't count because you didn't use a specific cartridge, bullet, velocity or shoot through the green hide of a poached deer in the middle of August. "

An untanned deer hide from last season can be kept in the freezer and thawed out and used to evaluate bullet performance.  I guess if someone were predisposed to poaching deer in August that would not occur to them. 

However, in context of your challenge this would be irrelevant.  I am assuming that you only included it as a way to take a shot at me.  Go ahead, I will return the favor by responding in kind.

Yes JD, we are all out to get you.........

[hyde35]

This will be a fun project. If I can figure out how to download a few videos from earlier this year I will throw a few up tomorrow . A phone scope adapter works amazingly well to record shots. It also Is a great too for long range shooting and load development.

[Motorjosh]

I'm game, the milk jug challenge thing is cool because they are cheap and all pretty much the same size.

[yorketransport]

An untanned deer hide from last season can be kept in the freezer and thawed out and used to evaluate bullet performance.  I guess if someone were not predisposed to poaching deer in August that would not occur to them. 

However, in context of your challenge this would be irrelevant.  I am assuming that you only included it as a way to take a shot at me.  Go ahead, I will return the favor by responding in kind. 

 
I thought you might join us. I enjoy a good back and forth more than most, so welcome! The only rule here is to keep the comments clever and light hearted without resorting to personal attacks. Remember, this is supposed to be fun. Otherwise I'll get bored and go jump in a lake....

Since you're here though, please get some pictures or video and add to the discussion. Maybe we can learn something from you or maybe somebody can help you extend your functional range.

Hey yorke would my XLR count as a " specialty pistol" if I remove the folder and stock behind it? 26" tube lol

I almost missed this. If my 18# 338/408 Cheytac counts as a pistol then your gun should too!

This will be a fun project. If I can figure out how to download a few videos from earlier this year I will throw a few up tomorrow . A phone scope adapter works amazingly well to record shots. It also Is a great too for long range shooting and load development.

I've been thinking about getting one of the phone skope adapters for a while. Setting the GoPro up on a tripod works well but it's a bit of a pain to get just right. I'm with you though, having the camera is a great tool. It lets you be your own spotter when you go out alone.

I'm game, the milk jug challenge thing is cool because they are cheap and all pretty much the same size.

Milk jugs work for me. They're a pretty tough target when you get out there far enough.

[actionshooter]

tag

[coachcw]

Tagging along.  My gun is almost done, so hopefully I can join in soon

seems you have a cooper to shoot ...lol

[Karl Blanchard]

Tagging along.  My gun is almost done, so hopefully I can join in soon

seems you have a cooper to shoot ...lol

  haha!  True but I fire formed all the brass I had loaded, so now it's load developement stage.  Goal is to have it ready by elk opener so I can hand it off.