Turret question

[Huntndog]

I hope this is the right forum for this, but here is my question. I bought a turret for my rifle (rem. 300wm ) this year to elk hunt. Next year I am going to Colorado to hunt mule deer. Everything that went into the custom turret is the same except elevation. The one I have was made for 6000 feet. The outfitter in Colorado said we will be hunting from 7000 to 8500 feet. Should I get another turret that accounts for the difference or just go with what I have? Thanks

 

[wapitibob]

I didn't change anything from 3300 where I live and 4,500/7,500 where I was hunting in WY a few weeks ago, shot distances were just under 400 on Deer and Elk.

 

[Wrench]

You need to take the data used to make the turret and compare against the conditions where you end up.

I personally hate prelabeled turrets as they are never correct once stretched out and instead just use data and dial.

 

[voltage]

There are certainly differences, but they shouldn't be crazy at 1500 feet. However, those changes are more drastic the further you shoot, so what's your effective range?

I have a couple charts made for my 300PRC at 6500 feet and 8500 feet. At 300 yards, there is only a 0.1 inch difference. However, at 1000 yards, there is a 5.5 inch difference.

 

[Matt5266]

Just use what you have. I doubt you'll be taking distance shots that it would matter

 

[Chris in TN]

The answer is that it depends.

There are certainly differences, but they shouldn't be crazy at 1500 feet. However, those changes are more drastic the further you shoot, so what's your effective range?

I have a couple charts made for my 300PRC at 6500 feet and 8500 feet. At 300 yards, there is only a 0.1 inch difference. However, at 1000 yards, there is a 5.5 inch difference.

Yeah, this^^

Little errors made in calculating dope at a new set of conditions, can add up quickly. Just spitballing some numbers here based on the last thing I shot - a 6.5cm with 147s - the difference between 6000' and 8500' is going to be about 1/4moa or 1.5" at 600 yards. But that's 1/4moa you're adding to an already less than precise impact zone under field conditions and if it were me I'd prefer to minimize that error. Or you could just subtract a click from your 600 yard data at the higher elevation. Adding 1/4moa of error under perfect conditions is nothing, but under field conditions, it's better not to.

I don't do custom turrets and I don't do 'speed hacks'. I take glow paint and put a tiny dab at my 300/400/500 elevation settings (near the top of the turret, not down in the graduation markings) and then use a toothpick to scratch them off and reset them when I change elevation/rifle/load. Takes about five minutes in the off season. But I don't make any attempt to do that past maybe 500 yards. Past that I'm going to be putting data into a ballistics app and checking it twice before I go lobbing lead.

 

[Huntndog]

There are certainly differences, but they shouldn't be crazy at 1500 feet. However, those changes are more drastic the further you shoot, so what's your effective range?

I have a couple charts made for my 300PRC at 6500 feet and 8500 feet. At 300 yards, there is only a 0.1 inch difference. However, at 1000 yards, there is a 5.5 inch difference.

I am decent at 400 and have hit at 600 , but have no business shooting that far at an animal. Probably my shot would be 400 and under.

 

[BBob]

Probably my shot would be 400 and under.

At 400 and under there will be zero change in hold with a 1500ft elevation change. It’s a wash. With a 300WM and 215’s it’s .4” difference in drop at 400yds, 7.5” difference in drop at 1K yards. Another bullet might be different but not enough to matter at 400yds.

 

[Huntndog]

Thanks to all for your replies. I am shooting a Barnes 180 gr. bullet. From what I am getting in this discussion it sounds like I can just leave it alone and go hunt. Thanks again