Effective Range versus Accurate Range...Impossibly Long Range Shots??
First off, I would like to comment on the movie Lonesome Dove. Seen it many years ago and watched it again these past few days after reading the novel. That movie is perhaps the most historically accurate Western ever made and I couldn't believe there were so many little things that I missed when watching it the first time.
The one instance when Gus was pinned down by Blue Duck and that spectacular shot he made with his Henry against his tormentor was the most memorable
Which raises one important question: What is the MAX EFFECTIVE range of a projectile fired?
We can assume that Gus' Henry was chambered in either .44 Rimfire or .44-40 centerfire. A 200+/- grain bullet at roughly 1100-1200 fps from the long rifle barrel. Most shooters would tell you that the maximum accurate range for this rifle/cartridge combination would be 100-150 yards. However, Blue Duck was located far from the maximum accurate range of the levergun. Gus was literally at the mercy of Blue Duck's scoped buffalo gun.
But what if the shooter is really skilled and he is able to "range" in on a stationary, or even moving target at 300 yards, 400, or even 600 or more yards? He can then aim his gun at a trajectory and direct the projectile towards the target like a howitzer shell, in an arc path.
With that in mind, the maximum EFFECTIVE ranges of most of our cap and ball and centerfire rifles and pistols would be far more than the usual 25 to 100 yards we aim at in practice.
Speaking from personal experience, I have hit stationary buffalo silhouettes in the "vitals" out to 300 yards with my 1858 cap and ball. Took some practice but it was possible and the sound of the impact drifting back told me that the projectile still packed a good punch. (Though I wouldn't want to hunt an actual bison at that range with the revolver for ethical reasons).
What was your most long range shot ever taken with any caplock/conversion revolver, rifle or carbine? If you have had scored shots which most other people would exclaim "Impossible!", post them here.
First off, I would like to comment on the movie Lonesome Dove. Seen it many years ago and watched it again these past few days after reading the novel. That movie is perhaps the most historically accurate Western ever made and I couldn't believe there were so many little things that I missed when watching it the first time.
The one instance when Gus was pinned down by Blue Duck and that spectacular shot he made with his Henry against his tormentor was the most memorable
Which raises one important question: What is the MAX EFFECTIVE range of a projectile fired?We can assume that Gus' Henry was chambered in either .44 Rimfire or .44-40 centerfire. A 200+/- grain bullet at roughly 1100-1200 fps from the long rifle barrel. Most shooters would tell you that the maximum accurate range for this rifle/cartridge combination would be 100-150 yards. However, Blue Duck was located far from the maximum accurate range of the levergun. Gus was literally at the mercy of Blue Duck's scoped buffalo gun.
But what if the shooter is really skilled and he is able to "range" in on a stationary, or even moving target at 300 yards, 400, or even 600 or more yards? He can then aim his gun at a trajectory and direct the projectile towards the target like a howitzer shell, in an arc path.
With that in mind, the maximum EFFECTIVE ranges of most of our cap and ball and centerfire rifles and pistols would be far more than the usual 25 to 100 yards we aim at in practice.
Speaking from personal experience, I have hit stationary buffalo silhouettes in the "vitals" out to 300 yards with my 1858 cap and ball. Took some practice but it was possible and the sound of the impact drifting back told me that the projectile still packed a good punch. (Though I wouldn't want to hunt an actual bison at that range with the revolver for ethical reasons).
What was your most long range shot ever taken with any caplock/conversion revolver, rifle or carbine? If you have had scored shots which most other people would exclaim "Impossible!", post them here.
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