Post by: jasnt on October 15, 2018, 12:45:14 PM
Sunday we decided to go to a new spot. Pulled in a few min before shooting light and with in mins we jumped some deer and they took off in all directions. Thought I saw 2 shooters drop off in to the bottom. We set up and started glassing and could make out a few doe’s heading up the other side. They stopped about 300 yards away and stayed grazing. Few min latter they were joined by more doe’s and a spike. Watched them work up the hill towards the tree lined ridge top. I ranged the tree line at 710-730yards. Then I spotted a huge 3x5-6 muley buck just in the timber line. First thought was elk as the times where long daggers stretching high above the head!
I was hunting with a friend from work that has never killed a buck yet. I wanted him to get his deer this year and he has been practicing shooting long range all summer with his bergara hmr 300wm.
When my friend spotted the buck he got excited to say the least. That 730 yard reading must have gotten stuck in his head cause he dialed 17 min
The buck was still in the timber but heading toward the doe’s in the open. Few more deer moved in from the draw on our right and I spotted a small 4 dogging them. Ranged him at 690 and got set up.
Told my friend if you get a shot don’t wait for me just take it!
I dial 13 min and load the bipod.
Hear him shoot twice so I let out a breath and fired.... miss....reload... glance at my level and correct.... fire again and see my round hit just above the buck.
I had ranged a doe above him I latter realized. Dialed down a min and nailed him and he dropped,( he’s down)tried to get back up and I put one more behind the shoulder (didn’t need the 2nd shot. Both in the boiler room). At this point I had shot 4 and my friend 2 and none of the deer had even acknowledged any thing off.
I glanced at my friend and he says. Idk if I hit him he didn’t even flinch but chased a doe in to the timber.
Now all the deer are staring at my buck wondering why he’s taking a nap and after a few min wonder up in to the timber.
I range my buck again and he’s at 675. I did not see where the big buck went or the shots my friend had taken. After quartering my deer and packing him on the packs we looked all over for the big buck and never found any sign of a hit. I asked my friend what he dialed and found out he was 2.4 min high minimum if not 3. It was an exciting morning and a lesson that will haunt him for many seasons I’m sure.
Spent the rest of the day trying to find the buck with no sign of where he went.
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 15, 2018, 01:47:40 PM
Post by: jasnt on October 15, 2018, 02:13:05 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on October 15, 2018, 02:23:55 PM
Post by: Machias on October 15, 2018, 02:25:33 PM
Post by: jasnt on October 15, 2018, 02:26:22 PM
That thing looks like a tank!much bigger than the whitetail I’m used to packing out.
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on October 15, 2018, 03:10:42 PM
Post by: jasnt on October 15, 2018, 04:30:33 PM
Post by: gaddy on October 15, 2018, 04:51:32 PM
Post by: huntnfmly on October 15, 2018, 05:14:02 PM
Thanks for sharing
Post by: bowhunterforever on October 15, 2018, 06:08:00 PM
Post by: elkoholic1 on October 15, 2018, 06:08:17 PM
Post by: jasnt on October 15, 2018, 06:14:06 PM
Nice ! Now I want to hear about the cougar :tup:my first cougar was quite the adventure. Story is here in the other big game section
Post by: Ridge Hunter on October 15, 2018, 07:52:16 PM
Post by: JakeLand on October 15, 2018, 08:24:30 PM
Post by: jasnt on October 15, 2018, 08:35:34 PM
Post by: JakeLand on October 15, 2018, 08:40:06 PM
Lol most folks have their mind blown when I show them I have over 1000 ft/lbs of ke at 700. The 243 is a deer killing machine....and I can spot my hits with out an annoying brakei think you’ve also killed bear with it too !!!
Post by: syoungs on October 15, 2018, 09:26:06 PM
Nice buck, I'd be pleased with him.for sure!
Post by: jasnt on October 15, 2018, 09:42:06 PM
yes sir 2 large black bear one of which had 40lb hams! :yike:Lol most folks have their mind blown when I show them I have over 1000 ft/lbs of ke at 700. The 243 is a deer killing machine....and I can spot my hits with out an annoying brakei think you’ve also killed bear with it too !!!
Post by: Tracker0721 on October 16, 2018, 06:59:20 PM
Post by: jasnt on October 16, 2018, 07:12:37 PM
Nice buck! And good shooting too, those were some long pokes! I’m using my 243 and 100 grain nosler or the 95 ballistic tip reloads I have worked up. Nothing long range from this gun as I got to shoot nice 100 yards groups but haven’t gotten out to shoot anything farther. Mind letting my know which bullets you’re using? Ive been on the fence about taking this over 500 yards.ive taken the 87 gr vmax to half mile. 95 gr would do better. I’m shooting the 115gr VLDs at 2950 from a 28”1:7 criterion barrel. This is my 3rd 243 barrel.
Post by: Biggerhammer on October 16, 2018, 09:39:10 PM
Post by: Tracker0721 on October 17, 2018, 05:21:45 AM
Post by: jasnt on October 17, 2018, 05:30:01 AM
Yeah that’ll do it! Haha I’m shooting a 1:9.25 22” barrel. Think I’m only gonna have 800 ft-lbs at 450 yards. Congrats on yours and good luck to your buddy!if your interested I got 250ct 87gr vmax forsake in the classifieds section. Never seen a 243 that wouldn’t shoot them well.
Post by: ELKBURGER on October 22, 2018, 08:19:16 PM
Post by: jasnt on October 22, 2018, 08:42:28 PM
Way to go! Love the 243!thank you Steve