Shot Distance

[emac]

So this is going to be my first year muzzy hunting.  So I was just wondering what yardage you guys felt comfortable shooting a deer at and what are some of your longest kills.  I have been practicing quite a bit at 100 yards a fell really comfortable at that yardage.  Would like to go somewhere and shoot at 200 yards before the season.

[fishunt247]

A lot of guys will boast that they will shoot at a deer at 200 yards. I know I have 7 inches of drop at 160 yards (just where I happened to set the target and could see it), and have shot out to that distance quite a bit. But with open sights, it's pretty tough, and deer/the hunting situation is a lot different than paper. At 175 yards, my front sight covers half of an average size deer, which isn't precise enough for me to take that shot. I'll shoot a deer out to 150 only if the situation is absolutely perfect.

[bobcat]

For me 100 yards is the absolute maximum limit for deer. Maybe 120 for elk because it's a bigger target. I'm much more comfortable with 75 yards or less. But I always hear about people shooting to 150 yards or even 200. I'm just not that good of a shot with open sights I guess. If you're a good shot I can see 150 yards being do-able, but beyond that is irresonsible in my opinion, just because with a muzzleloader that bullet has really slowed down by the time you get out beyond 150 yards, and it will be dropping like a rock.

[JColony]

100 is my max.  I know I can hit out to 150 consistently, but like Bobcat said, just to much loss of velocity out that far.  I know I would hit my target as thats the distance I practice out to.  But not confident in the killing capabilities out that far.  Just not worth the risk.

[dawhunt]

100 yds max !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob

[boneaddict]

I might push 150 if the conditions were right, but generally like most, 100 is my max goal.  Thats a long ways out there with ole' iron sites. 

[Gutpile]

For me 100 yards is the absolute maximum limit for deer. Maybe 120 for elk because it's a bigger target. I'm much more comfortable with 75 yards or less. But I always hear about people shooting to 150 yards or even 200. I'm just not that good of a shot with open sights I guess. If you're a good shot I can see 150 yards being do-able, but beyond that is irresonsible in my opinion, just because with a muzzleloader that bullet has really slowed down by the time you get out beyond 150 yards, and it will be dropping like a rock.

 

[turkey slayer]

200 yards for me but I also pratice every weekend. My gun is sighted in at 50 yards 4 inches high  100 yards I am 1 1/2 to 2 high 150 2 inches low 175 3 1/2 low and 200 5 inches low. I am shooting 250 with 125 GR of powder.  My longest shot was last year on my mule deer at 173 yards. I held 2 to 3 inches over his back and snaped his back and fell in his tracks. The only reason why I am sighted in like this is becouse of were I hunt, most of the time I can stalk with in 100 yards.

[ribka]

100-125 yds if conditions are good and have a rest. I shoot out to 200 yds but feel that my rifle limited to 100-125 yds for an accurate shot.

[Whitelightning]

I Will not hesitate at 100 yards. I have taken a Whitetail at 200 and as long as everything was the same i would do it again. As said practice with the M/L and know what it and you can do.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Now you can shoot a jacketed sabot you should beable to reach out just a little further now and seriously drop some sheet 

[Nilehunter]

For me 100 yards is the absolute maximum limit for deer. Maybe 120 for elk because it's a bigger target. I'm much more comfortable with 75 yards or less. But I always hear about people shooting to 150 yards or even 200. I'm just not that good of a shot with open sights I guess. If you're a good shot I can see 150 yards being do-able, but beyond that is irresonsible in my opinion, just because with a muzzleloader that bullet has really slowed down by the time you get out beyond 150 yards, and it will be dropping like a rock.

[emac]

I was thinking my max distance would be at 100 to 150 yards. Right now I am sighted in a 2in high at 100 yards.  I am shooting 300grain with 100 grains of pellets. I don't wanna push it when shooting at a deer.  I got drawn for a second deer tag so my plan is to test it out on a fat muley doe first which should be no more than a 75 yard shot. I think that will help when it comes time to shot the buck

[TopOfTheFoodChain]

With my old x-150 and the whambedyne fancy bullets I shoot- I'm dead on at 200 yards and won't hesitate to shoot out to 300 yards given a perfect broadside non-moving shot- on Mule deer only. Still have just barely over 1,000 ft. lbs. energy at 300. I won't take anything other than broadside past 150 yards. The gun shoots 1.25" group at 100yds(with field style rest, better from bench). I'm confident in my shooting but I'm also human and subject to buck fever and just flat screwing up. Zeroed at 200 I have 13 inches drop at 300yds. Anything from 50 yards to 200 is within 5 inches. I practice at distance and have been successful in the field. Preferably, I will get much closer as any good hunter would. Last mule deer was at 160.

Just got a new(old) Thompson Center White Mountain Carbine. Beautiful gun- 1 in 20" twist! I shot it with 395 grain buffalo bullets. Extremely accurate. I couldn't be happier! Consistantly dead on at 100 yds and 6" right at 200 yds with 27" drop at 200. Will keep game shots at under 150 with this one. This might be next years gun.

[Curly]

Wow, 300 yards?  You must have really good eyesight.  That is a looonnggggggg shot with open sights........