1.5" good enough for long range shooting?

[Mikeinaz]

Hello. I have a Weatherby Vanguard in 257. Weatherby guarantees a 1.5" or better group from this rifle and from what I have seen, it does that, maybe a little better. I am considering buying a long range scope and use this rifle for long range hunting of deer or antelope. If we assume that this gun shoots 1.5", is that accurate enough to hunt and shoot at 600-700 yards? Thanks.

[paphil]

I bet that if you load up some berger 115 VLDs you will get better than 1" and yes it would make a great long range gun. You probably could get 3300 fps or a little better.

[WYOMING WINCHESTER]

If the rifle is doing 1.5 at 100 yd, multiply the 1.5 times the distance you shoot it at and see if you think it will do. Aprox. 9 inch group at 600. Work up a load that likes your rifle at 100, and you will be happer at 600.

[dakota1tn]

IF you reload you should be able to get the gun to do better than that. Myself I wouldnt want to shoot at an animal at 700 yrds if it only grouped 1.5 at 100 yrds.

[Zulu50scar]

Its not just an accuracy issue Mike, its terminal ballistics and whether your bullet can deliver enough energy for a kill at that range. If you're hunting coyotes or antelope or deer and can get an optimal broadside shot then I think your safe out to whatever range you're still getting at least 1000 FTLBS of energy...below that and I'd back off the shot and try to get closer. That said, I have four 300 WBY's and with hand loads they all shoot right at 1" or less and my best shoots a consistant .6" at 100 yds. Work the trigger, work with hand loads and that rifle will perform...the rest is up to you to practice. Other than that, long range is not just what the equipment can do, its what you train to do.

[braddieselmorrison]

I have a 270 WIN in a Weatherby Vanguard. Its a great gun, but to get it to group under 1 inch I had to get a gunsmith to change the trigger. After this I have had some great groups with several loads. I think if you take that gun, bed it and change out the trigger, it will be a nice long range deer gun.

[stevenineden]

Great rifles those Vanguards. I own five of them. Trigger is still the issue. Bedding is number two. I have two Vanguards in the sub-moa model they shoot better than the standard. Though one of the standards is my best shooter. Accuracy is also in the barrel. If you can shoot 3/4 or better groups you have a candidate for a long range rifle. Otherwise they are just great rifles especially for the dollar. Keep working on the loads. Bergers are great bullets. All my hunting ammo will be in Bergers, except for an A-Bolt that is cahmbered for the 325 WSM, that rifle likes Accubonds from Noslers. Berger does not make a bullet in that caliber.

[dlstringer]

i have a little 257 wby to make it shoot take a good light bullet and make it scream. thats what mine likes