Anyone else think shooting targets of the ground is more difficult than elevated targets?

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Okie1907

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I have the hardest shooting cans, little a frame targets or jugs off the ground. I have a much easier time when they are on an elevated platform 3-5 feet high. Or on a target hanger like at most ranges. Anyone else find this in their own shooting?
 

gmar

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Can someone explain to me he point of aim difference when shooting targets downhill from you? For example, at the last run and gun we had to shoot a dueling tree downhill from us while we were standing on a dam. I didn't do very well at this stage but I think I had to aim below the target but I'm not 100% sure.
 

dennishoddy

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Gravity has its greatest effect at level shooting angles. Yes, you would have had to shoot low depending on your sighting in distance. What distance was the dueling tree?
Anytime one shoots uphill or down hill (it makes no difference) your shots will go high if your gun is sighted in at 90 degree levels on a range for the same distance.
Its a common issue with those of us that hunt in the mountains where virtually no shooting is done on flat land, although we zero on a range.
If I'm zero'd at 200 yds and shooting an elk at 400, ballistics will tell us to aim about 12" high with a shot on level ground.
If its at a 45 degree angle, I'll shoot at the point of aim at 400 because the bullet will have less drop at those angles.
I hope this explains it. If not, I'll try to get more specific with some ballistic tables.
For the record, I screwed up a shot on a monster buck because I didn't know the above when first getting into deer hunting.
 
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gmar

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That makes perfect sense. Thanks for the explanation! The course had three stations where you had to shoot down hill.

1. Had to shoot a steel target at 150 yards through a Vtac wall.
2. Dueling tree 10 yards out.
3. Large Pistol target about 20 yards out, rifle target 250 yards out and head shot at 150 yards out.
 

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