Killing range

[COLINSRI]

I have spent most of the bank holiday plinking away and getting used to the AGS mildot scope at different ranges. The furthest I had the target out is about 50 yards and can hit a 2inch spinner around 9 times out of 10.

 

My current rifle is .177 and quoted at 10.5 lbs. My new rifle is a .22 and perhaps 11lbs. What maximum ranges should both rifles be used for clean kills everytime.

 

I don't suppose 50 yards is close enough for a kill? is it?

Edited May 2, 2006 by COLINSRI

[SNAKEBITE]

50yds on a perfectly still day, rested is a doable shot.

If you are unsure then don't do it. It is right on the limit and as such is open to all sorts of variables which will mess it up.

The pellet drop between 45 and 50 yds is noticable and unless you are spot on with your ranging then again you will miss or injure.

 

Stick to 35-40 yds and be sure of a kill every time.

[Davej]

Hi Colin at what range have you zeroed your rifle and scope.

[Axe]

Colin the correct maximum range is very simple to work out. It is the maximum range at which you can consistantly acheive a pellet placement and grouping on a 2pence peice sized target.

 

Lay out targets at 10 yard intervals out to 50 yards and see how tight a grouping you can acheive, giving 10 shots at each one. Don't forget to use the firing position you intend to use in the field i.e. standing, kneeling or prone.

 

I think you'll find you will settle for 30-35yards for the moment. Once you get a little better you may be able to push it out to 40yards. However, remember its a live target and deserves the upmost respect. So if your not absolutely sure that you can acheive the shot, don't take it. Don't forget to consider wind etc.

 

Best of luck.

[COLINSRI]

Thanks for the replies.

 

I am hitting most shots at 40 yards. I know hitting fixed targets is much easier than shooting at live targets which even at rest have some movement i.e bobbing of head, (of course, I would not shoot at quarry that is in motion), so will stick to 30 yards for 'real' shots.

 

In the right hands a non fac rifle could kill at 60 yards then? What lbs pressure will the pellet be after 60 yards? I would assume only 2-3lbs?

Edited May 2, 2006 by COLINSRI

[Axe]

Colin, it is not realistic to think that a legal limit rifle should be used at 60 yards. I have in the past dropped rabbits as far as 55 yards with an S-16. But these were lucky shots, yes I aimed an educated shot, but you just dont know whats happening 55yards away.

 

No its better to stick to sensible ranges under 40yards, buyt make sure you can hit 2p at that distance and consistantly.

[beatingisbest]

which makes and models are the rifles?

[COLINSRI]

which makes and models are the rifles?

 

Umarex (Brocock) Air Magnum .177 (co2)

Air Arms Tx200 mk2 .22 (under lever)

 

I have not used the AATX yet but am enquiring on range of both rifles.

[Cranfield]

I am hitting most shots at 40 yards. I know hitting fixed targets is much easier than moving targets, so will stick to 30 yards for 'real' shots.

 

I'm sure you did not want to give the impression you are considering shooting moving targets, with an air weapon, which is not recommended.

 

There should also be no confusion between "hitting" a target and "killing" it.

Just because you can hit a target at a specific range, does not mean you could kill live quarry at the same range.

 

I would not attempt to kill anything beyond 35 yards with a non FAC air weapon.

[Davej]

Well said Cranfield I had many hours on the range learning my weapon before putting it to use on live targets, distance, windage and many more variations happen in the field be sure be confident and be safe.

[COLINSRI]

I'm sure you did not want to give the impression you are consideing shooting moving targets, with an air weapon, which is not recommended.

 

There should also be no confusion between "hitting" a target and "killing" it.

Just because you can hit a target at a specific range, does not mean you could kill live quarry at the same range.

I would not attempt to kill anything beyond 35 yards with a non FAC air weapon.

 

By 'moving' I mean't a head bobbing around (not static) etc.

 

My question is about range for a kill, not just a hit. I know i can hit well past the kill range of the guns.

 

35 yards, is the answer to my question. Thankyou.

Edited May 2, 2006 by COLINSRI

[roblade]

35 yards should be classed as an absolute limit on your airgun shooting/hunting regardless of using a rest/bipod or any other shooting aid. In time no doubt you will be able to extend it another 5 yards but that will only be after a good few tins of pellets, and dont forget the majority of shooters giving advice above are using PCP rifles which are a lot lighter than a TX200 as well as having little or no recoil to contend with.

 

 

the best way to imporve your bag is by improving your field craft skills,this is just as important as accuracy, because without it you wont be able to get close enough to the target.

 

This is why field craft is just as important as being able to shoot straight, if you cant get close to the quarry without spooking it your not going to be able to takle a shot at it.

 

 

ROB

Edited May 2, 2006 by roblade

[COLINSRI]

NO SHOT SHOULD EVER BE TAKEN AT A MOVING TARGET!!!!!! (this goes for everyone)

 

This is why field craft is just as important as being able to shoot straight, if you cant get close to the quarry without spooking it your not going to be able to takle a shot at it.

 

ROB

 

Rob, I assure you that a muppet I may be ( ), but i would not shoot at quarry in motion. I have edited my question to refect this.

 

I, responsibly so, need to know my range for kill 100%.

[coupe312]

i think 35 yards is a good mean, i know your hitting the target at 50 yard but is:

 

1.) there enough stopping power in the pellet to ensure a clean kill?

2.) are you hitting the target due to practice on that target only? have you tried putting the target into a diffrent backdrop or area?

 

i find i know what to give a target if shot form a certain postion? is this the case?

 

3.) is this a sheltered area, so less wind effects?

 

4.) is the pellet right for that range of hunting?

 

 

but if you hit a target at 50yard. well done :unsure:

[Lancs Lad]

Im happy to engage targets at upto 45yds. But thats because I know that I can shoot at that range. (But this depends on conditions)

 

I practice down the club shooting at the longer range targets, Ive got a good scope that is consistent and helps me to be accurate, the Hakwe SR, its mill dots are bob on.

 

Beyond the 45 yds and Im going to be pushing it. I can hit targets, but am not confident in getting an accurate placed shot, wounding would be more the case if I was to engage at that range.

 

I think the best advice is to look at the conditions, especialy the wind.....Ill drop my kill zone down to 20yds if the wind is giving it a good blow.

 

If its flat calm, then bunnies at 45yds it is for me.

[edd]

i would stick to anything under 40 yards for a long time, I have been shooting since i was nine and im now 16 and have had a fair bit of experence with air rifles, i never take a moving shot,best time to shoot a pigeon is when its in a tree or somthing and has just flew in when its dead still and not movin, ( you never no where the pellet is going to hit on a moving shot e.g gut of a rabbit, your b*ggered and off goes the rabbit in pain, and to sufffer, the furthest rabbit i have shot is 53 yards, i was practising in my garden every night at 50 yards making sure i could effectivly take a clean kill, air gunning is about fenese taking your time making sure your pellet is going to hit where your aiming, dont worrie if the bird or mamal b*ggers off it will be there another day just make sure you can take it effectivly, hope this helps ( sorry if you cant read it very tired lol)

 

cheesr edd

[Devilishdave]

Your .177 will go straight through a rabbits head at 50m so if you are confident you can place the shot it will do the business.

 

As some one said early on on this thread you need to be able to hit a 2p every time at your maximum range. With rabbits head shots is the way to go particularly with the .177.

 

Dave