243 min range

[rocksaplenty]

Hi,

 

Can anyone supply some tech. info. on the minimum range that you can use a .243 safely?

[Dunkield]

That's a new question (I think)

 

I wouldn't have thought there was any specified minimum as long as the backstop was good and safe.

By that, I don't mean on the end of the barrels of course!

How close do you want to shoot?

[Mungler]

Are we talking sawn off tucked inside a jacket?

[rocksaplenty]

Shooting a wounded deer

[Dunkield]

Shooting a wounded deer

 

If you are dispatching a wounded deer, a shotgun with some heavy load may be more suitable.

A handgun would be better still, if you can get one, but a centrefire rifle would be the last thing I would use - having said that I wouldn't do it anyway

[al4x]

Its where the law is a complete ***, A .22lr would be the best tool yet isn't a legal caliber.

 

I've been to a lot of roadside deer shootings as my dads a vet. he used to use a Humane killer basically shaped a bit like a bell you bunged the round in then placed the end of the bell on the animals forehead then tapped the firing pin with a mallet.

 

Fine but even that still had a moment I remember where the bullet exited the animal went off the kerbstone and over a housing estate. Nice especially when theres two policemen with you!

 

Personally I'd try and avoid doing it but if needs must probably use a shotgun then you have far more worries legally just have the 243 in the car in case it decides to move off

[P03]

If you're shooting a wounded deer on the road then you can use a 12 bore shotgun with any sized shot a shotgun is much safer than any rifle. If it's a deer you have just shot move back as far as you can and if you have a safe backstop shoot it again in the chest kill zone DON'T WORRY ABOUT MEAT DAMAGE a humane kill is more important.

PS I'm currently studying for my DSC1 and thats the advice of the BDS.

[Dunkield]

PS I'm currently studying for my DSC1 and thats the advice of the BDS.

 

 

if the question comes up when you take your DSC1 they will tell you not to get involved under any circumstances and let the RSPCA do it.

[mry716]

Many many years ago I saw someone take a knife to a downed deer to slit its throat. He was kicked by a back leg whilst in front of its front legs. the hoof cut his thigh through his trousers to the bone and he always walked with a severe limp. Since that day I show more respect to a 'dead' deer than a ''live' one.

 

Over the years I must have shot hundreds - well many 10s at least - as a Coup de Grace shot rather than leaving the thing in pain a minute longer than necessary. I have recently mostly used a 308, (that is since they took our handguns away) or 25-06 or 300WSM all shot from the hip so to speak (ie stock in free air at waist level not in the shoulder)or if the 308 one handed at arms length.

 

Distance usually 2-3 feet.

 

I shoot to the back of the head if it is either on the ground (usual) or if raised (occasional) and I shoot in the base of the neck if the head is under the body as it would be if a deer is neck shot running and tumbles head over heels (rarely).

 

I have never used a body shot.

 

I have never encountered any danger but have on occasions received some back splatter.

 

 

Re RTA call outs I usually obtain permission from the Police Constable attending to use a 22 rim. I have a Ruger 10/22 with folding stock & min length barrel so in effect a long pistol and that is both effective, quiet and better for all concerned at the scene. I know it is illegal but have yet to be prosecuted (along with the attending officer) for its use. I always clear a good area beforehand and in all my call outs have only had one mishap - a broken a windscreen at 20yds with a stone thrown up from the tarmac. Remember most deer tend to be on the verge, which is soft underneath, not the road. I have never had an occasion where a live deer was actually still in the victims vehicle as did one of my friends. That was a difficult decision to make re shot placement.