Most all of my rigs weigh about or around 18-20 pounds, + or -, this allows one to better do their own spotting.
As mentioned accuracy trumps speed, I still admit to being a speed freak. When I am holding head high and hitting low, I switch rigs with something that is zeroed higher or shoots flatter, if not both. I use 17's, 20's a lot more than I use too. The 22's and 6mm, come out in wind and distance issues.
I have had use of $300-$3000 range finders. All tend to have their faults. Standing on the tailgate or even a small step stool or short ladder allows you to get more of an angle and some better results even with cheaper equipment.
Once you get "on" you can do some guesstimating. However things can get way out of reference because of the way the terrain and mirage will work.
Most folks with honest talk on shots will walk out and find said critter and then zap back to a specific point.
I would venture to say this is about like most deer hunting stories, ranges are actually less than what is said.
Guys talk about the 1000 yard club. Where I frequent, you have maybe 1-2 hours tops to locate a dog at that distance and get all your dope to hit the little SOB. After that the mirage usually limits us to around 3-400 on a regular day.
