What’s the Range?

[MKMGOBL]

Not trying to get into a pissing match of what’s “ethically” right or who do what. I'm just trying to see what you consider or was taught the maximum effective range of the several different hunting weapons like the bow, handgun, buckshot, inline black powder, “pumpkin ball” for those politically correct or older enough to know them by the real name ;D the Foster “rifled” slug, rifle sabot slug guns and rifles. My father when I was growing up use to tell us if hunting with pumpkin balls from the single shot H&R....see that log? If a deer comes between you and that pile of deadfalls, it’s in range. Anything comes in beyond it, don't shoot because their out of range. Or if hunting with the Winchester 30/30 iron sights, don't shoot past a certain fence post in the hedgerow ;D

Anyways, to make it simple I’ll break it down by each type and then add how I was taught each type stood up to yardage or range. Note this is what I was taught and personally consider the average hunters maximum range NOT that of a guy who’s a long range rifle shooter using a spotter and calculator or some 3D pro shooting targets every day at 90yds.

Again, there’s no wrong answer here. Just looking to see who was taught what or what they consider the range of certain hunting weapons

Bow: 40yds

Handgun: 50yds

Buckshot: 35yds

Inline Muzzleloader: 125yds

Foster Slug: 50yds

Rifled Sabot Slug: 150yds

Rifle: 300yds

[masshntr]

Those are pretty much my numbers except handgun... I haven't hunted with one and what I have at the moment is my dad's Police Colt .38 Special, so 50 would be a stretch... my longest with a 12 gauge Foster was 110 yards... iron sights on an Ithaca Deerslayer... course I was 23 and could actually see 110 yards and iron sights... ;D

[ecgreen]

I would agree with those numbers, although my personal numbers are much smaller in many cases. It all depends, I know guys who can easily break the 300 yard mark with a rifle and guys who can take a 60 yard bow shot. Its all about being honest with yourself and knowing you limitations IMHO.

Here is what I stick to for myself and my skill level:

Bow: 30yds

Handgun: n/a

Buckshot: 35-40yds

Inline Muzzleloader: 200yds

Foster Slug: 30yds

Rifled Sabot Slug: 100yds

Rifle: 100-200yds

[MKMGOBL]

good reply

[regnar]

I know we differ on some of these but here we go. These are what I am comfortable with not what I was taught. I was taught much less on all but archery equipment, shot guns and ammo and muzleloaders have advanced light years since my dad taught me to hunt as well as my skills.

Bow: Depends on the situation and disposition of the deer. I have not problem taking a 50 yard shot if everything right on a whitetail deer. Longer on a moose.

Handgun: I would feel comfortable shooting a 100 yards if I had something like Redhawk 44mag with a scope.

Buckshot: N/A I have never used it so I dont know.

Inline Muzzleloader: 250 yards. My gun is and scope are more than capable and I am as well.

Foster Slug: not sure. Its been years since I have used them and cant remember how they shot.

Rifled Sabot Slug: 150+ yards with the right gun

Rifle: 600 yards with quality equipment.