Used to be, anyone suggested shooting game at even 1K yards was scolded. I've always felt it was about shooter ability- including wind and elevation calls, and the hardware more than "rigid" guidelines.
Of course that's changed, at least in the minds of those that utilize the advancements in bullet technology that have minimized drop and drift dramatically over just the last decade.
Not trying to rile anyone up- but as someone that shoots steel at ELR ranges I'm trying to understand how one could be absolutely confident of hitting the kill zone at these ranges, even in perfect, windless conditions.
I'm no expert here, have hunted but do not consider myself a hardcore hunter- I just build the rifles.
I find the kill zone on an Elk to be 14-1/2"-15-1/2" per Chuck Hawks. I'm assuming that's at least in the ballpark even if some might disagree to a point.
At 2000 yards, that's a 3/4 minute shot.
With a 338 LM, I'm confident in most conditions out to 1200-1300 or so. With a CT or XC, I guess that might be extended, a bit- but I could never be confident enough beyond 1500 or so regardless of conditions. The CT has nearly 1,500 lbs retained energy so it's capable, but game at that range would be no for me.