Know Your Point-Blank Range

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

Hopeful hunters will be sighting in their firearms during the next two weeks in preparation for the big event:  opening day of regular firearms deer season November 15th.  Assuming we’ve settled on a firearm and ammunition and that reasonable accuracy has been achieved at the firing range, we must understand the flight of the bullet to maximize its potential.

One term loosely tossed around in today’s vernacular is point-blank range.  We may think of the term as being extremely close to given target – a can’t-miss proposition.  However, the point-blank range of any firearm’s chosen ammo is the distance out to which a hunter can hold right on the center of the kill zone and be able to hit within the vital zone.  This means, if you set up your gun properly, you won’t have to guess whether to hold high or low on the deer at a particular range, as long as you are within your maximum distance, as determined by the following example.

It is strongly suggested to assume a six-inch kill zone, rather than the actual dimension of a deer’s kill zone of some nine inches in diameter.  Doing so provides the hunter with a margin of error for shooting in conditions that are less than ideal in comparison to bench testing.

A lot of hunters make the mistake of sighting in dead on at 100 yards.  That’s fine if you are hunting in thick cover or a cornfield, where maximum shooting distance doesn’t require much contemplation.  However, if there is the possibility of shooting at longer ranges, a basic understanding of ammunition ballistics can deliver a distinct advantage to the thinking hunter.

A 30-06 with a 180-grain spire point bullet traveling 2700 feet-per-second (FPS) at the muzzle, with a 100-yard zero puts the bullet three inches low at 175 yards.  Using the 6-inch kill zone, 175 yards becomes your limit, because the bullet is at the bottom of the vitals.

However, if the same cartridge is set for a 215 yard zero, the bullet reaches its peak of three inches high at 130 yards and drops to three inches low at 255 yards.  As long as you know the deer is no farther than 255 yards, you can aim dead center for an ethical kill.  Just by changing the zero, you gain 80 additional yards.

There are several means of determining velocity, the best of which is through the use of a chronograph that measures the velocity of fired bullets.  If you don’t have access to a chronograph, many boxes of ammo have velocities printed on them.  If not, manufacturers have websites with the requisite information for given ammunition that can be used as guides.  Understand, however, that certain variables are at play such as barrel length that will affect outcomes to some degree.

Computers and associated graphs are great tools, but what if none is used?  Simple.  Get to a range where you can actually shoot at various distances and punch some paper.

Once you get sighted in, you can shoot from various positions and with rests you may use in the field.  As long as you can keep 9 out of 10 in the six-inch circle, you are shooting within ethical your personal limits.  If you fail the test, get closer until you pass the test.

When finished, don’t clean the gun’s bore, because a clean bore may change your point of impact.  Just unload the gun, wipe off the exterior, and put it away and it will be ready for action.

Ammunition, Firearms, Hunting

Beech leaf disease found in more southeast Michigan counties; still time to check trees for symptoms

Invasive beech leaf disease was first confirmed in Michigan in July 2022 after landowners noticed its characteristic thickened leaf bands on trees in a small woodlot in St. Clair County. Since then, new detections in Oakland and Wayne counties indicate the disease is more widespread.

Beech leaf disease is associated with the nematode Litylenchus crenatae, a microscopic worm that enters and spends the winter in leaf buds, causing damage to leaf tissue on American, European and Asian beech species. Trees weakened by leaf damage become susceptible to other diseases and can die within six to 10 years after initial symptoms.

Affected trees have been found on properties in Birmingham, Bloomfield, China, Clay, Grosse Pointe Shores, Rochester and Troy. The condition of the leaves at these sites suggests the infestations have been present for at least a year, possibly longer.

Though leaves are changing and beginning to fall, Simeon Wright, Michigan Department of Natural Resources forest health specialist, says there is still time to check beech trees for signs of the disease.

“We’ve now seen beech leaf disease in both woodlots and individual urban trees in southeast Michigan. The disease causes dark, thick bands between leaf veins, which can be seen on both green and brown leaves,” said Wright. “If you have beech trees, take time now to look for symptoms.” Read more
Wildlife

Michigan: extended hours at DNR shooting ranges to help hunters prepare for firearm deer season

Extended hours at DNR shooting ranges to help hunters prepare for firearm deer season

The DNR Ortonville, Pontiac Lake, Rose Lake and Sharonville shooting ranges are open six days per week in October (closed Tuesday) and seven days per week Nov. 1-15 (including Election Day and Veterans Day).

Weekday shooting hours:

  • Ortonville and Pontiac Lake – 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
  • Rose Lake and Sharonville – 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.

In addition, we’re offering extended weekend shooting hours Oct. 29-30, Nov. 5-6 and Nov. 12-13:

  • Ortonville and Pontiac Lake – 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Rose Lake and Sharonville – 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

DNR shooting ranges ?

Firearms

Turkeys For Tomorrow message to be driven by Confluence, Tate

Two outdoor media engines will be pulling together to help ensure a bright future for wild turkeys. The Confluence Group is proud to announce its association with Kevin Tate and his agency, Tate Outdoor Communications. Together, they will be sharing the message of Turkeys For Tomorrow, a young, nonprofit organization whose mission is to secure the future of wild turkeys in the United States.

“TFT dedicates their resources to improving turkey habitat and studying how to help raise more birds,” Tate said. “It’s a tremendous honor to be working with a mission so necessary and pure. The true, positive message of the outdoors is a story common to all of us who love our natural world.”

Tate is a long-time freelance writer and former outdoor television production and marketing executive. He learned the business first-hand through two decades with Mossy Oak Productions. He made the leap to launch his own communications brand earlier this year.

“I bring more than 20 years’ experience in the outdoor industry and a professional lifetime in media to this partnership,” he said. “I’m also a lifelong outdoors enthusiast, and I’m excited about what we will accomplish together. I’ve known and worked with the guys at Confluence for years, and I’m proud to be part of the team.”

The Confluence Group is a full-service marketing agency founded in and for the outdoors. Their clients benefit from the group’s array of specialists, each thoroughly versed in the spirit and perspective of life lived under the open sky. Read more

Wildlife

SK Customs Announces the HAKA Stainless is Now Available

HAYMARKET, VA –– SK Customs® is officially shipping the HAKA in stainless steel, the final product of a two-part, limited-edition production designer series Colt 1911.

“As we continue to pay tribute to traditions and cultures from around the world, we’re thrilled that this firearm is now available for shipping,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Customs. “The HAKA is a ceremonial dance in Mori culture and represents a display of a tribe’s pride, strength and unity. SK Customs is proud to finally get this historical pistol into the hands of collectors and firearm enthusiasts.” Read more

Firearms

FIRE-N-The Hole Introduces SLANG BLADE 1×4 Mechanical Broadhead

Jerseyville, IL, Fire-N-the-hole Broadheads has introduced the SLANG BLADE 1×4 mechanical broadhead. The only mechanical broadhead on the market that can be used with traditional compound bows and crossbows alike.

Fire-N-The-Hole Broadheads Slang Blade 1×4 Mechanical Broadhead:

The Slang Blade 1×4 mechanical broadhead is a different design from other mechanical broadheads on the market with 3 goals in mind: 1) A firing mechanism that guarantees to open every time and 2) the largest cutting radius than any other broadhead. 3) field point accuracy.

Size: The 1×4, 4-inch cut is attained by removing the ferrule out that the traditional broadheads have, and replacing it with the weight of the cutting blades. This gives the blades four times more material than traditional blades of other broadheads. Each blade weighs 34.5 grains, which means that 70% of the weight of the broadhead is in the blades. This turns blades into small knives, which are tough enough to cut through skin, fur, flesh, bone, vital organs, etc. At 50-thousandths thick and 200-thousandths wide, this makes the 4-inch mechanical an exceptionally durable broadhead that gets the job done.

Cut: The blades are sharpened and beveled in one direction, like the blade of a lawnmower or scissors. Each blade is sharpened to the point making the broadhead cut on contact. This design gives the 1×4 the sleekest profile amongst all mechanical broadheads resulting in unmatched broadhead accuracy. The 1×4 spins through the air closed {7/8” in flight} and continues spinning through the animal at 4 inches in width for unmatched penetration for such a large broadhead. Read more

Archery

Mossberg Adds 7mm PRC to Patriot Predator Bolt-Action Series

North Haven, CT – Mossberg is pleased to offer the latest Hornady® Precision Rifle Cartridge, 7mm PRC, in its series of Patriot Predator bolt-action rifles. Designed to outperform existing 7mm cartridges in a standard long-action rifle, the 7mm PRC is a match-grade cartridge that delivers consistent velocity and repeatable accuracy. The 7mm PRC is the perfect “match” for Mossberg’s purpose-built, suppressor-ready Patriot Predator platform. Two synthetic-stocked models are available with 24-inch barrel length and 1:8 twist rate to maximize the performance of the 7mm PRC cartridge.

The Patriot Predator bolt-action is based on Mossberg’s proven twin-lug push-feed machined-steel action, fed from a flush polymer magazine. The free-floating, carbon steel barrel is threaded (5/8”-24 threads per inch) for ease of adding a suppressor or muzzle brake; includes a protective thread cap; has a 11-degree match crown; and is fluted. For the addition of optics, the Patriot Predator is equipped with a receiver mounted Picatinny rail. Patriot rifles feature Mossberg’s patented LBA™ (Lightning Bolt Action™) user-adjustable trigger with a 2 to 7-pound range of adjustment for consistent shot placement. Rounding out this full-featured rifle is an oversized bolt handle; spiral-fluted bolt; and sling swivel studs.

Stock options include a Flat Dark Earth stock with matte blue metal finish (28170) and TrueTimber® Strata™ camouflaged stock with complementing Patriot Brown Cerakote metal finish (28171). MSP: $519 – $616 Read more

Firearms

Savage Arms® Introduces Rifles Chambered in the New 7mm PRC

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – October 27, 2022 – Following the recent launch of the Impulse Mountain Hunter, Savage Arms is thrilled to introduce a wide array of rifles chambered in one of the newest long-action cartridges, 7mm PRC from Hornady®. The 7mm PRC provides ultimate performance without compromising accuracy.

“We’re thrilled to get these 7mm PRC additions into the hands of Savage fans and shooters everywhere,” said Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing at Savage Arms. “With Savage’s heritage for proven accuracy, these rifles are designed for top performance and match grade accuracy, putting challenging shots and the biggest game in your reach.”

Optimized for ultimate long-range shooting and big game hunts, the Hornady® 7mm PRC utilizes long, high BC bullets for excellent and repeatable execution. The case is designed to use common, temperature stable, magnum speed propellants yielding consistent velocity and increased barrel life. These rifles are hunt-ready and changing the game for 2023. Read more

Firearms

Holosun Weaponlight Series

City of Industry, CA – Holosun introduces its P.ID series of weaponlights which consists of four models, P.ID, P.ID HC, P.ID Plus, and P.ID Dual. Compact, lightweight, and ultra-durable, each P.ID model gives you the confidence to tackle any task in the dark. P.ID features include high candela white light, visible green laser, and IR laser depending on the model. Built for the rigors of professional use, P.ID is compatible with common duty holsters.

The Holosun P.ID series of weaponlights feature a CNC milled 7075 anodized aluminum housing that is IP68 waterproof and offers 2000g of shock resistance to provide maximum protection. P.ID weaponlights are compatible with 1913 Picatinny accessory rails and include interchangeable rail interface keys for optimized button positioning and compatibility with various firearm options. P.ID weaponlights offer a 60-minute runtime using the included 18350 flat-top battery that is both removable and rechargeable via the magnetic USB charging cable in the box. Both the P.ID Plus and P.ID Dual models feature independent white light and laser activation buttons and have programmable modes for function customization.

P.ID is a high power, compact white light featuring 1,000 lumen and 23,000 candela.

Shipping Now – MSRP: $135.28

P.ID HC is a high candela, compact white light featuring 42,000 candela and 800 lumens.

Shipping in Q1, 2023 – MSRP: $199.99

P.ID Plus is a high-power white light with visible green laser which can fire independently using WL or VIS activation buttons or simultaneously via Plus Mode which enables the user to fire both white light and green laser by pressing any activation button.

Shipping Q4, 2022 – MSRP: $199.99

P.ID Dual is a high-power white light with visible green laser and an infrared laser. P.ID Dual includes Plus Mode and adds IR Mode (IR function only) and Dual Mode which enables the user to fire white light and VIS green laser, or IR laser using different activation buttons providing active aiming on multiple spectrums should the need arise.

Shipping Q4, 2022 – MSRP: $282.35

As with all Holosun products, the P.ID weaponlight series includes a limited lifetime warranty with more information available at https://holosun.com/index/product/item/cid/26.html. Read more

Optics

RMEF Offers Career Opportunities in Oregon, Texas, Southeast

Are you looking for a career focused on conservation, elk, hunting and the outdoors? The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation seeks regional directors to engage and manage volunteer activities, event fundraising and mission granting program oversight in northern Oregon, Texas and the Southeast (Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Mississippi). Hired candidates will live in those regions.

To apply for these positions or others currently available at RMEF, email a letter of interest and resume to jobs@rmef.org. The positions are open until filled. RMEF is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. For detailed employment information, including essential job functions and a listing of knowledge, skills and abilities, go to https://www.rmef.org/careers/. Read more

Wildlife
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