My worst big game kill was an antelope. The problem turned out to be a loose scope mount (which was fine earlier that morning
). Everything would have been fine, if the first shot hadn't actually wounded the antelope. From then on, I had to use what was in my hand (while trying to close the distance - since I knew from the first shot, that something was wrong).
13 shots later, it was finally down. I am a firm believer in quick, humane kills. Having to chase down (and properly euthanize) that wounded doe was one of the worst hunting experiences of my life.
Other than that - it would have to be a prairie dog at about 600 yards. I unloaded more than 40 rounds at him, from my .220 Swift. I was so caught up in trying to get the damn thing, that I forgot about barrel heating. The more I shot, the worse things got... Eventually, I had to calm down, let the rifle cool, and watch the rest of my family make fools of themselves. We were not successful in eliminating the menace. Somewhere in Wyoming, that prairie dog is still laughing at us.