Tricks for running shots.

Bear....You are correct...I apologize...I guess my memory has gotten spotty about events of 55 years ago...That comment of mine was on my mind a few hours after I posted it, but I was involved in a medical issue that prevented me from coming back to correct it...

We used to run 3 second stop watches over a 110 foot speed block and a vehicle covering the distance in 3 seconds was traveling 25mph and in 1 second was traveling 75mph....Our 'cheat sheet' had it broken down into 1/10th second speed increments...I think I may even have the sheet buried in some of my old files...

tawnoper.....If you think about it logically,,,the human brain processes information as fast, or faster, than most computers (although usually with less organization/retrieval), you are instinctively 'doing the math' that has developed over time and 'practice' of shooting Rabbits, or other moving objects....Between solid extreme speed estimates and muscle memory that has been developed, it makes shooting at moving targets seem 'natural',,,I offer the exhibition shooters from Annie Oakley to date and would bet that few of them seldom, if ever, considered the mechanics of the process...
 
Originally Posted By: tawnoperI used to shoot a lot of running jackrabbits when I was younger. Shooting at moving critters really hasn't anything to do with figuring math equations, it's more about recognizing a sight picture. Also having a rifle that fits you right. You should be able to shoulder your rifle on a moving critter without taking your eyes off it and be met with a full sight picture with the cross hairs pretty much on target. After jump shooting a few hundred jackrabbits it becomes second nature. Honestly, a moving coyote at 75 yards or so was usually in big trouble. right on lots of shooting always keeping eyes open,i could tell stories you would not believe but I had a witness on a lot of them. lots of moving target practice I was always bad at math anyway.
 
Advice is don't take them..Ha Ha! Tough to do at times. My brother was always very good on running shots. Open sights he would just put in on the tip of the nose. Most shots were at 100 yards or less. Rudy
 
I just can't let one walk...I notice on jacks and coyote I hit them going left to right far more often than right to left. I think I tend to yank the trigger when shooting at something running. This causes the gun to move to the right when shooting offhand, and this accidentally gives me the necessary lead. I may not call the same place again for years, so educating them is not a concern for me.
 
I shoot moving coyotes fairly regular. Mostly they are under 100 yards and just trotting, so no real biggie there. I have a pretty good success rate on that.

But a running coyote at 100 plus becomes quite a bit harder. And one that is really running out past 200, is pretty much a Hail Mary. I rarely take that shot, and hit very few of those.

I don't use any math, or calculated leads for movers either. It is all strictly experience, much of which came from jackrabbits.
 
Originally Posted By: obaroThere is something about seeing a coyote doing a sliding face plant or tumbling cartwheels that I find extremely gratifying.

^this
 
Somebody had to do the math right? Heckle away I deserve it. I will use 44 feet per second or 30 mph as my speed for a running coyote.
60 mph is 88ft. per second. 88ft. x 60 sec. = 5280ft. wich is one mile.
Let's say that you have a muzzle speed of 3200 fps. for a 55 grain bullet. At 100 yds that same bullet will be traveling 2849 fps. 2849 + 3200/2= 3023 fps average. 100 yds = 300 ft. 300/3023=.0992 time of travel. .0992 x 44 fps. = 4.36ft. travel or lesd.

Let's extend the range to 200 yds. the bullet will be traveling 2501 fps at 200 yds. 2501+3200/2= 2800 fps average. 600 ft (200 yds)/2800 fps average .2143 sec. x 44 fps. = 9.428 ft. traveled or lead.

Let's speed up the muzzle velocity to 3850 fps. Swift velocity. That bullet will be going 3488 fps. at 100 yds. 3850+3488/2= 3669 fps average. 300/3669 fps =.0818 seconds x 44 fps = 3.59 ft. travelled 4.4-3.59=about 9.5" less lead at 100yds.

So it looks like the rule is lead a coyote 1 coyote length at 100 yds. and two coyote lengths at 200. If you are using a sustained lead.

I got my velocities from the Sierra Reloading Manual.

Heckle away!
 
Yes Dan that's about right. Don't forget wind speed rotational velocity Remember when Tom had the high school math teacher work that out for him. I'm getting the hang of hitting them running. Still running straight away is best.
MasterBlaster
 
Originally Posted By: tripod3If you're moving at the same rate as the target then windage is the only factor. Unless shooting distracts from driving.

In the good old days, I would let my wife drive on road hunting outings. Usually after a fresh snow, and right at sun-up....
 
Yes Masterblaster I remember. I stole that from Tom. I have nothing original. You are the new master, these stupid coyotes in Wyoming stop when you ask them. I have seen you shoot and I am your apprentice.
 
Originally Posted By: atdSteer with your knee.

A while back, some moron at work said "I'll just do a drive by on ya"
I just said, "Oh, grasshopper you have so much to learn"

Not to mention the idea that I live on a dead end.
 
If my reply to Masterblaster sounded mocking. I thought it did. That was not my intent. He is a great hunter. I have hunted with him for years. He used to be able to walk me into the ground. May still be able to. Just wanted to clear that up. Great running shooter. Only one better that I have ever met and that is a major compliment. Humbly yours Dan Wanfalt
 
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