TIP 1.
In a hunting situation, the shot that counts is the first one. If you miss, then quite often there is little opportunity for a second shot.
One method to ensure your first shot is spot-on is to never sight-in with a warm barrel.
For example, get your rifle to shoot an inch high at 100 yards, firing as many shots required, then set it aside and allow the barrel to cool for a good 20-30 minutes. Don’t clean the barrel.
After the barrel has cooled, fire one round at the target again. Did it impact near the center of the group, or did it impact several inches higher? If so, adjust your scope elevation/windage accordingly.
You have just determined where your rifle will print its first shot from a cold, fouled barrel – the all important first shot in hunting!
TIP 2.
There are many factors involved with the ‘killing power’ of a cartridge but when you get down to the nitty gritty, it is the bullet or projectile and where it impacts the animal that matters most.
If you do not use the correct bullet, you run a very real chance of only wounding your quarry.
Think bullet first, and power last.
TIP 3.
Whenever possible, try to find some sort of rest or support when taking shots at game with a rifle.
The best shooting position is prone, but usually the terrain won’t allow you to take advantage of it. And a tree, stump or rock often fails to show itself when you need it most. That leaves us with the sitting position.
To make the sitting position even better, consider using crossed sticks, like the Stoney Point bipod or Steady Stix II from cabelas.com. They’re lightweight, portable and rugged and allow you to take accurate shots anywhere in the field.
