Hi I'm new here but have read a lot of info as a non member. I Am in the process of getting a new reticle in a fixed power leupold 4x scope. I was toying with the idea of having some range estimating lines added at the same time. What I need to confirm is if what I have always thought the approx hieght of some game is right or not. I have been told that black beer are about 2ft tall when on all fours, that the average hieght of mule deer is 3ft ground to shoulder, and that the it is 5ft for the average elk ground to shoulder. Any help with this would be greatly helpfull.

Thanks, Erik

A good friend of mine has worked with Leupolds range estimating system they've developed for their fine plex reticle. He has concluded that the avg. mule deer buck is 16-18" back-brisket(Leupolds system is based on 16"), cow elk are 28" back-brisket, bulls are 32" b.-b., and coyotes around 11" b.-b. (all approximate, OBVIOUSLY!) He has increased 1st shot connections using this sytem out to believe it or not 600 yds. in perfect conditions on some game animals. I've just finished an article that i'm going to be submitting to PS magazine on just this subject, if they'll accept it, so if you're interested stay tuned to that channel.

I think most of the range finding or stadia lines in scopes are based on the size of the chest of the animal not the overall height. As a rule, if you have a shot at an animal, you can see his chest area while not, perhaps, his legs or even head.

Thanks for the info. I plan on going through Premiere Reticles and due to the fact that the scope is a fixed power it is not subject to the 16in or 32in hieght rule. Once I pick a hieght and range for that height they figure the distance between the stadia lines and add them in. SSCOYOTE I would be interested in getting a peak at that article that you wrote. BEEMANBEME That you for the other point of view on were to measure the animal, that is probly the beter way to go. Due you have any idea what the chest hieght on a black bear is? This scope is going to be on a 35 Whelen and I figured that I would have these heights set for 250 yards as kind of a quick reference as to whether I nee to hold over or not with a 3in high 100yd zero. This rifles main duty in life is going to be a beer rifle, so I am really intersted in beer height.

Thanks, Erik

Beers are mostly 6" high, with the big ones (Fosters, tallboys) going 9-10 inches .
For Bears, Might I suggest that A, set the rifle up for a 6" point blank range (with your Whelen that should cover 250yd), and simply use a center hold. And B, check out taxidermists and 3D archery targets (there perty close to actual size)
Edit: Factory balistics on the Federial TBBC 225gr load shows +2.825 @ 100, +3" @ 124.2yd, zero @ 218.6yd, and -3" @ 256.4 yards. These #'s whold have to be tweeked based on your rifles actual MV and actual local conditions.

[ 03-22-2003, 16:54: Message edited by: Tailgunner ]

Started to measure the beers in the fridge but my calipers only go to 6" and I want to be accurate. So I got out the tape measure...
Results coming after the fact finding is complete,we are talking 12oz., 16oz., and of course the 24oz.er

When I wake up will publish the results.