Check out this long range video of me shooting a cow elk at 960 yards with my Christensen Arms 28 Nosler.
For the first shot, I held halfway between the top of the cows back and her belly. When I shot, I could see the cow jump but wasn’t sure where the bullet had gone. I audibly indicated that I was going to hold lower and held about 6 inches lower on the cow. After the second shot she stood up, so I thought, “Well, I’ve held middle and low, that leaves high.” I held about six inches higher than the first shot. All three bullets hit her. The one in the middle stopped in the hide on the off side. The other two penetrated all the way through and we actually saw dirt kick up on the other side of the elk on the last shot. After examining the video, you can see blood pouring out of her just as she stands up. I didn’t see that and shot her the 3rd time. In actuality, neither of the last two shots were necessary.
I care for and respect animals and don’t think anyone should shoot at animals at any distance unless they have a proven and tested rifle, scope, and bullet/load. My bullet, in this case, was still traveling over 2100 feet per second at 960 yards. In addition to a rifle and load that are proven at the intended range, the shooter has to be capable, meaning they can consistently make the shot because they have practiced at the range. Testing out your shooting on an animal isn’t ethical. I’ve spent a lot of time shooting long range. For me it was not a difficult shot, especially considering there was no wind and that I had plenty of time to get set up.
Rifle: Christensen Arms Ridgeline in 28 Nosler
Optic: Leupold Mark 6 3-18×44 TMR Reticle FFP
Rings: Seekins Precision 34mm (Low)
Bipod: SnipePod (Terry Kramer)
Suppressor: SilencerCo Omega
Suppressor Cover: Armageddon Gear
Load Data
Bullet:180g ELD
Case: Nosler
Primer: CCI Magnum Rifle
Powder: Hodgdon Retumbo
Velocity: 3106
ES: 15
B.C.: .796 (G1)
