Are you really trying to blame a miss on the scope being on 9x? Dude, you flat out missed.
This may have been said:
When you have the scope on 9x you will not see branches that are in the way at short range. You would think that you would only not see the smaller branches, but even 1" diameter branches can disappear in a scope set a 9x at close range.
Secondly, unless something is wrong with your scope changing the power from 3x to 9x will not change the point of impact.
Generally speaking in hunting situations, do not put your scope over 4-5 power when shooting. I understand that you may turn it up to 9x to access age and antler size at a distance, but then turn it back down to 4-5 before taking a shot. This is because there is a great deal of nerves involved and when at a high power it will make it look like you are shaking a lot more than you really are.
Also when at lower powers your field of view through the scope will be greater.
When you have the scope on 9x you will not see branches that are in the way at short range. You would think that you would only not see the smaller branches, but even 1" diameter branches can disappear in a scope set a 9x at close range.
Secondly, unless something is wrong with your scope changing the power from 3x to 9x will not change the point of impact.
Generally speaking in hunting situations, do not put your scope over 4-5 power when shooting. I understand that you may turn it up to 9x to access age and antler size at a distance, but then turn it back down to 4-5 before taking a shot. This is because there is a great deal of nerves involved and when at a high power it will make it look like you are shaking a lot more than you really are.
Also when at lower powers your field of view through the scope will be greater.
I've seen a lot of deer that were hit and not leave a blood trail for quite a ways. Gut shot deer are apt to not leave a good blood trail if any.
I always hunt with my scope at it's lowest power setting when a deer is close you have no time for fiddling with the scope. I also practice with my scope at it's lowest setting. I only use the highest setting for load development and long range shots that offer plenty of time to take the shot.
Depending on how high your scope is mounted above the bore of the rifle you could have been a much as 2 inches low. This is why it is so important to practice at at shorter ranges. Most guys practice at 100 yards and have no idea where their bullet is at 25 , 50 and 75 yards. This is a big mistake as most deer are taken at way less than 100 yards.
Pat
I always hunt with my scope at it's lowest power setting when a deer is close you have no time for fiddling with the scope. I also practice with my scope at it's lowest setting. I only use the highest setting for load development and long range shots that offer plenty of time to take the shot.
Depending on how high your scope is mounted above the bore of the rifle you could have been a much as 2 inches low. This is why it is so important to practice at at shorter ranges. Most guys practice at 100 yards and have no idea where their bullet is at 25 , 50 and 75 yards. This is a big mistake as most deer are taken at way less than 100 yards.
Pat
2 whole inches low? with a heart lung shot, you can miss by 6 and still be ok. Sounds like you got excited and pulled. I've done this many times. I had to learn to pick out a spot on the deer and shoot the spot. Generally behind the shoulder. Some people, and i'm guilty before, see hair in the scope and hold it there and squeeze the trigger. What i try to do is relax, pick the spot, be patient, squeeze the trigger.
Sounds like you missed.
I shot a big doe this season with my Tikka .243 using Win. Bal. Silvertip. I shot through the lungs. The bullet passed between the ribs on both sides without expanding. There was still a good blood spray pattern + hair at the point of impact. There was a blood trail for about 50-75 yards before plugging up. The deer traveled about 150-200 yards total.
Even if you made a belly/high back shot there should be some sign.
Maybe you need to spend some time actually holding your scope on deer that you don't intend to shoot, just to calm your nerves. Double check your rifle too.
I shot a big doe this season with my Tikka .243 using Win. Bal. Silvertip. I shot through the lungs. The bullet passed between the ribs on both sides without expanding. There was still a good blood spray pattern + hair at the point of impact. There was a blood trail for about 50-75 yards before plugging up. The deer traveled about 150-200 yards total.
Even if you made a belly/high back shot there should be some sign.
Maybe you need to spend some time actually holding your scope on deer that you don't intend to shoot, just to calm your nerves. Double check your rifle too.
Hey guys,just hard for me to admit.this is not my first deer ever.I've shot many over the years.What i'm saying is,i did everything i've done on all of them.I just didn't get the deer this time.Guess i need to quit blaming the gun,angle etc. and face it. Its gotta happen sometime.
Tough crowd today man. Don't sweat it, if you did miss it and it wasn't equipment failure, then you're already well ahead of a lot of shooters here if you're willing to admit it
We've all looked to blame something when we were sure we did everything right. Being able to get past it and improve / practice to get better is the key.
Congratulations, you're human.
