I need a 400 yard deer gun. Here’s my options......

[HarboritE]

I’ve missed out on opportunities on nice blacktail due to my comfort level with my rifle this year. I have a couple rifles that may be capable with the right scope, but I need some advice. Both are old rifles but shoot flat. I’ve only really shot out to around 200 yards. I also am considering just buying a new rifle. I have a Winchester model 70 .243 , and a savage 30 06. Both have Leopold 3x9 scopes. I’ve killed deer at 200 with the .243. My questions is it worth getting a higher powered, better scope, quality ammo, for the .243 ? That would be my preference because I love the gun. But is it practice. Couple of disclaimers: I will be doing a lot of research, but have not yet. I figured I’d consult the experts first. I’m a decent shot, and this year is my first year rifle hunting in 10 years as I’ve been archery hunting for 10 years and drew multi season deer tag. This gun will be mainly used for blacktail. Words of wisdom please and thank you !

[300rum]

The .243 will be more than enough gun at that range and very flat shooting.  If sighted in at 1.5" at 100 yards using a Leupold scope, you will aim (at 400 yards) using the "point" on the bottom crosshair where the bottom line goes from the "heavy duplex" to the "fine line".  At 300 yards, you will put the horizontal crosshair even with the top of the bucks back, but not over it, hold on hair!

Get 3 boxes of premium ammunition, shoot in 3-5 round groups to see which one shoots the best, then buy a few cases (4-5 cases, at least, if you are young) of the ammo that shoots the best.  You'll be just fine if you do what I say.     

[TVHunts]

Not that it is the gospel but...I have been told that you can have a $3000.00 rifle but, if you have $250.00 glass on it you have a $250.00 rifle.  It makes sense to me...

[fishngamereaper]

High powered scope wont make you a 400 shooter...I know guys that with enough practice are surgical at distance with fixed 4x to 6x scopes.. practice makes you a 400yd shooter..

Stick with what you got, practice with it and build up your distance comfort level..a 3x9 is plenty for 400 if you know how to use it. If you desire a new scope focus on clarity, not power. A really clear 3x9 or 4x12 is perfect for blacktail. 44 or bigger objective lense for light gathering and your good...then lots of trigger time..step angles, different positions, different wind...etc.

[Bill W]

I'd check the energy level of the .243 at 400 yards before I'd settle on that option. What I'd do is use the .30/06, sight it in for 250 yards and then shoot it to see what the drop is at 400 yards.   Then I'd shoot a bunch of targets, or better, rock chucks to get the comfort level you need.   If I shot rockchucks I would not shoot the close ones.  I would make them 250 yards and further.  If you can hit a rockchuck at 400 yards you can hit any deer at the same distance.

[Dan-o]

High powered scope wont make you a 400 shooter...I know guys that with enough practice are surgical at distance with fixed 4x to 6x scopes.. practice makes you a 400yd shooter..

Stick with what you got, practice with it and build up your distance comfort level..a 3x9 is plenty for 400 if you know how to use it. If you desire a new scope focus on clarity, not power. A really clear 3x9 or 4x12 is perfect for blacktail. 44 or bigger objective lense for light gathering and your good...then lots of trigger time..step angles, different positions, different wind...etc.

Agreed.

My personal limit happens to be 400 yards.....  which only occurs under optimal conditions.
I'm sure that in the right hands my rifle is capable of much more, but I don't practice past 400.

Personally, I'd find out which of those two rifles in most accurate and then start practicing and stretching your distance.  There is no substitute for practice.....  besides, the confidence of shooting within your skill et will make a huge difference.

3X9 is plenty to 400 yards.

[fish vacuum]

I don't see anything saying you're going to practice a lot.
I don't see anything saying you've tried either of your rifles at 400.
I don't see anything saying you've ever shot at 400.
I do see a statement that you haven't rifle hunted in 10 years.
Missed opportunities because of distance are part of hunting.

[buckfvr]

So theres a .243 and a .3006 standing there........you want a 400 yard shooter.  .243 is minimal at 400 yards.  Id be taking the 06 for a walk.

[jackelope]

I don't see anything saying you're going to practice a lot.
I don't see anything saying you've tried either of your rifles at 400.
I don't see anything saying you've ever shot at 400.
I do see a statement that you haven't rifle hunted in 10 years.
Missed opportunities because of distance are part of hunting.

He actually says he hasn’t done any of those things but will be in the future.

[Bofire]

I hunt with and love my 243, have killed several deer and lots of coyotes with it, it is NOT a 400 yard gun the bullet weight and energy is just not there. Can it be done? YES. go with the 06 /put on a great scope and practice,practice,practice.
Carl

[yorketransport]

What exactly prevented you from taking the shots at 400 yards? Was it an inability to clearly see your target (because of the scope), a bad shot angle, or just an overall lack of confidence?

It sounds like the scopes might be older models, so maybe seeing the deer well enough to make a good shot at 400 yards is an issue. If that's the case, you can get a scope for around $300 which will be as good as you'll ever need.

If it's just a confidence issue then spend some more time practicing. I don't actually think 400 yards is that far once you've got a little trigger time in. The trick is being able to accurately range to that 400 yards. It's pretty tough to judge distance in the field some times and the difference between a 300 yard shot and a 375 yard shot is enough to cause problems. If you're going to shoot critters past 250 yards, you really need a rangefinder.

[Zardoz]

I hunt with and love my 243, have killed several deer and lots of coyotes with it, it is NOT a 400 yard gun the bullet weight and energy is just not there. Can it be done? YES. go with the 06 /put on a great scope and practice,practice,practice.
Carl

  And maybe a better scope. Can't hit what you can't see.   

[MADMAX]

Take a look at the Leupold freedom cds
Heck of nice scope for the money

[Alchase]

The trick is being able to accurately range to that 400 yards. It's pretty tough to judge distance in the field some times and the difference between a 300 yard shot and a 375 yard shot is enough to cause problems. If you're going to shoot critters past 250 yards, you really need a rangefinder.

Human eyes are horrible at estimating longer distances. Take your range finder out and start guessing distances, then range them. You will see how bad we usually are at guesstimating ranges.
I have gotten in the habit when setting up to watch over an area to range different items within view so I have a general idea of the ranges if something steps out.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

.243 all day every day! Glass is your friend.