This thread is an extension of the thought process that trigger the wind number thread. https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/wind-number-and-caliber-cartridge.362572/
Basically, the realization that wind can matter inside 400 yards and the frequently repeated idea that wind doesn't mattering out to 400 yards is not true. At least not in the conditions I hunt.
Obviously shooting in field conditions and logging hits/misses is the best way to establish max effective range. However, my shooting skill has improved significantly and I am currently hunting, so max high confidence range in the field needs to be estimated while continuing to build skill and validate. Estimations for shooting at animals should always be conservative in my opinion and a hunter needs hard no shoot conditions established.
Expected average DA is 2000 feet, so this is used for all calculations. Below is a breakdown of considerations.
Velocity
-1800 fps minimum expansion velocity for bullets I'm using
-77 TMK = 470 yards from my gun (MV 2700 fps)
-103 ELDX = 650 yards from my gun (MV 2760 fps, can likely be pushed faster)
-112 match burner = 750 yards (estimated MV 2740 fps)
Shooter
Basic skill from prone-on demand (for simplicity, I'm not considering other positions in the thread).
-243 prone 350 yards (8 inch vitals, on demand sub 2.3 MOA; only 49 rounds fired, no 95% established)
-223 prone 440 yards or 614 yards for 95% (8 inch vitals, on demand sub 1.8 MOA, 95% sub 1.3 MOA)
Wind
If I can call it within 5mph (yes, I suck), and having to stay within an 8 inch vital zone.
-77 TMK = 300 yards (need to be able to call within 1.9 mph for 470 yards: 2 mph = 460 yards
-103 ELDX = 360 yards (need to be able to call within 1.6 mph for 600 yards: 2 mph = 540 yards)
-112 match burner =380 yards (need to be able to call within 1.9 mph for 600 yards: 2 mph =590 yards)
Gusting conditions
A gust combined with baseline error should not result in more than 4 inches of impact shift. So, baseline error of 5 mph and gusts up to 15 mph puts max range as:
-180 yards with the 77 TMK
-210 yards with the 103 ELDX
-220 yards with the 112 Match Burner.
20 mph sustained winds with 35 mph gusts would be:
-150 yards with 77 TMK
-180 yards with 103 ELDX
-190 yards with 112 match burner
So, for the 223 skill calling wind is what limits engagement range.
For the 243 my skill with the rifle is what limits engagement range closely followed by skill calling wind.
Basically, the realization that wind can matter inside 400 yards and the frequently repeated idea that wind doesn't mattering out to 400 yards is not true. At least not in the conditions I hunt.
Obviously shooting in field conditions and logging hits/misses is the best way to establish max effective range. However, my shooting skill has improved significantly and I am currently hunting, so max high confidence range in the field needs to be estimated while continuing to build skill and validate. Estimations for shooting at animals should always be conservative in my opinion and a hunter needs hard no shoot conditions established.
Expected average DA is 2000 feet, so this is used for all calculations. Below is a breakdown of considerations.
Velocity
-1800 fps minimum expansion velocity for bullets I'm using
-77 TMK = 470 yards from my gun (MV 2700 fps)
-103 ELDX = 650 yards from my gun (MV 2760 fps, can likely be pushed faster)
-112 match burner = 750 yards (estimated MV 2740 fps)
Shooter
Basic skill from prone-on demand (for simplicity, I'm not considering other positions in the thread).
-243 prone 350 yards (8 inch vitals, on demand sub 2.3 MOA; only 49 rounds fired, no 95% established)
-223 prone 440 yards or 614 yards for 95% (8 inch vitals, on demand sub 1.8 MOA, 95% sub 1.3 MOA)
Wind
If I can call it within 5mph (yes, I suck), and having to stay within an 8 inch vital zone.
-77 TMK = 300 yards (need to be able to call within 1.9 mph for 470 yards: 2 mph = 460 yards
-103 ELDX = 360 yards (need to be able to call within 1.6 mph for 600 yards: 2 mph = 540 yards)
-112 match burner =380 yards (need to be able to call within 1.9 mph for 600 yards: 2 mph =590 yards)
Gusting conditions
A gust combined with baseline error should not result in more than 4 inches of impact shift. So, baseline error of 5 mph and gusts up to 15 mph puts max range as:
-180 yards with the 77 TMK
-210 yards with the 103 ELDX
-220 yards with the 112 Match Burner.
20 mph sustained winds with 35 mph gusts would be:
-150 yards with 77 TMK
-180 yards with 103 ELDX
-190 yards with 112 match burner
So, for the 223 skill calling wind is what limits engagement range.
For the 243 my skill with the rifle is what limits engagement range closely followed by skill calling wind.
