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> Doping the wind... or being a dope in the wind.
Doping the wind... or being a dope in the wind.
@ 05:08 pm (GMT) |
Matt ReidHi all,Would be interested to hear some feedback regarding wind calling techniques for long range. I had an experience on a hunt recently in the Ruahines, taking a shot at a deer across a valley. The cross wind component was probably 40-50km/h and subsequently i missed. Range was 368m, so well within what I would normally feed comfortable with (.308). I was probably a bit over eager, but it was one of the few animals seen on the trip. Would you generally have a max wind value you would feel comfortable taking a shot in? Obviously this would be range dependent. Is it possible to achieve consistent results in winds of this speed or is the ethical choice to move closer? Cheers, Matt |
Replies
@ 10:36 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Doping the wind... or being a dope in the wind.Hi Matt. Personally, once the winds get over 20mph (32kph), I start to find it hard to read the differences in wind speeds. I don't like to use a wind meter as every time I use one, I decide to trust the cursed thing and don't look at whats really going on in the middle ground and at the target. I tend to think- if I need three wind readings (or four if you include up/down drafts) and the meter can only give me one reading (at my position)- whats the point. So I go on what I can see and feel- which takes time. But as I say, it gets hard once the winds really get up and often at the speeds you are talking about, the winds are gusting.I think a wind meter has more merit for your example than at truly long ranges, mainly because there is a greater chance of wind speed / wind direction consistency between zero and 400 yards than there is between zero and 1k. For me, 300 yards is starting to push it with the .308 in very high winds. 400 yards is really pushing it for me with the .308. If I have a magnum in hand, I connect with targets at 300-400 yards with far less error than when I am carrying the .308. In high winds, 400 yards (365m) is a heck of a long way for anyone. Possible options: Get closer Adopt a magnum cartridge Use a wind meter More practice at shooting in high winds and feeling (being able to read) high winds. Most folk would not want to do this and like I say, it gets to a point where its hard to tell 40kph from 60kph. The winds we had here last week were gusting from 40-60kph. A wind meter would be better, samples taken at intervals when you are stalking / walking the tops. Some of my clients who have been on hunts with me (if you are reading this) will recall that in very high winds, I usually call 300 yards a challenge with the .308 and 400 yards a challenge with the magnums. We will then set up our sniping locations accordingly. |
@ 12:09 am (GMT) |
jason brownRe: Doping the wind... or being a dope in the wind.nathan had already told me why a wind meter isnt the best idea, and i would agree.but i do have one for work. i took it to a full bore rifle range. first thing i did was guess the wind speed. then i checked it. just to see how accurate i was. iv only been to that kind of range three times. but i find it helps everything. you can watch the wind flags and notice the differences at different distances to the target. then compare that to the grass or trees, as there is no flags hunting. the last two times most of the shooters from that club were away at a competition. so there was only a few old guys. but they were helpful to share there tricks. so i would recomend going to your nearest full bore club range. it costs me $3 per time. they shoot twelve shots per target. i just shoot 5 or 6 max so my barrel doesnt get too hot. im only there for the practice and to check my drop chart. |
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@ 01:24 am (GMT) |
Matt ReidRe: Doping the wind... or being a dope in the wind.Thanks for the feedback. Definitely seems more practice in the wind is in order. Other than the wind, couldn't complain about the weather, some beautiful country down there.
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@ 04:11 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Doping the wind... or being a dope in the wind.Fantastic Photo Matt. |
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