My bad, all, I stirred things up with the barrage of arrogant yobuck quotes. There's no greater freedom than not caring what others think of you. But, I lost it when he attacked fitzm2's alternative view, who put a lot effort into it.
To clarify, not defend - I've killed 16 elk, 2 moose, over 50 whitetail, and dozens of antelope, mountain lions, and black bear, most taken with a stock Remington 700. Before this year, only two were shot beyond 150 yards. I simply preferred still hunting and stalking to glassing and lobbing. The two longer shots were elk at 420 and 450 yards, "chip shots" is the term I believe, using simple holdover values. Last year, after I retired, I gained long term access to some high desert elk property in NM where longer shots are common, so I invested in what most here would call a "mid-range" starter kit. The scope only has 53 1/4 MOA clicks or just over 600 yards. And, yes, I did take a two-day long-range shooting class. I've become friends with the owner and have free access to his knowledge and range 5 days a week, only 1 1/2 hours from my cabin.
Before anyone rushes to post, the problem wasn't the shooting instructor, it was his student. It wasn't the equipment, we know that. One last time, it was poor shooting form and lack of field practice. I'm lucky to have the resources to work that out.
And, yobuck, it wasn't the spotter. Redirect your sarcasm at me, there's plenty more material above. Geez, I swear you were gonna suggest tracer fire. I'll end this thread the way I started it - "bring it". It's outlived it's usefulness, I'm done monitoring it, so blow away.
To all others, thanks for the character, the leadership, and especially the patient advice. I respect what you do and how you do it. I'd single a few out, but that'd probably put a target on your back!
I'll be lurking other threads, but for now, Song Dogger out.