What Are Common Mistakes When Taking Quartering Shots?

Failing to Compensate for Bullet Drop

When taking quartering shots, bullet drop can be significant. A 30-06 Springfield rifle, for example, can drop 10 inches at 200 yards when shot at a 45-degree angle. To compensate for this, hunters need to account for the drop in their aim, typically by aiming 2-3 inches higher than the point of impact for a 200-yard shot. This can be calculated using a ballistic calculator or by consulting a ballistics chart.

Leading the Target

Quartering shots also require hunters to lead their target, taking into account the bullet’s trajectory and the target’s speed. For a 45-degree angle shot at 200 yards, a deer moving at 20 mph would require a lead of around 5-7 inches. This can be challenging, especially for inexperienced hunters. To improve accuracy, hunters can practice leading their target and using a chronograph to measure their rifle’s muzzle velocity.

Proper Rifle Setup

Proper rifle setup is also critical for taking quartering shots. Hunters should ensure their rifle is properly sighted-in for the angle they intend to shoot, and that their scope is set for the correct parallax setting. A good quality scope with a parallax adjustment can help hunters achieve accurate shots at longer distances. Additionally, a rifle with a good balance and weight distribution can help hunters maintain a steady aim, even at longer ranges.