Nothing like a first round hit to bring a smile to your face.
Nice shot. Looks to me like a little wind out there by the target, but little or none where you’re shooting.
At any rate, of little consequence against that round.
Thanks.
There was more wind than it appeared. I was holding .9 mils left. If you watch the trace, you can see it boil off to the right very quickly.
I consider that an easy condition. That’s a very light breeze for South Dakota. 
Nice shooting, and you just confirmed my own windage read for your shot:)
I didn’t use your trace though, I used your mirage. Any stronger wind and I bet the mirage would disappear.
I haven’t really been able to trust mirage in regard to judging velocity. Obviously its a factor, as is the trace… but when calling wind I concentrate on grass, water, trees, dust, etc. I’ve had mirage screw me too much to trust it. … or maybe I just don’t know how to use it properly.
I honestly think that where you normally shoot…it blows too hard on a regular basis to rely on even seeing mirage. I hated the mirage in Alabama so damn bad that I spent about a year studying it, and then me, and a good shooting partner made specific practice sessions to learn it while in the field.
10 MPH wind: Mirage runs slowly and parallel to ground.
11 MPH wind: Mirage runs quickly along the ground, begins to break up.
12 MPH wind: Mirage runs very quickly in sheltered places, mostly broken up in exposed areas.
12-15 MPH wind: Mirage blows off completely in exposed areas.
Yes, but how mirage is viewed has as much to do with the wind as it does the particular area you are shooting in. Color of background, humidity level, and temperature can cause it to look different also.
I’ve had a lot of people try to tell me different ways to judge wind speed based on mirage over the years. So far, none have been able to prove their theories to me in person.
I have my greatest success when I use mirage for 2 things:
- Target position. Heavy mirage will require you to hold a bit for where the target actually is, instead of where you are seeing it through the mirage.
- Wind direction. Mirage is like having a wind flag everywhere at once. If you parallax in/out to different ranges, you can really see how the wind is playing on the area.
I have yet to find any consistently effective way to read wind speed from mirage.
Good shooting. That 338 should be just getting warmed up at 965, right?
In my limited opinion, mirage is very valuable. I use mirage to determine wind direction, and a “decent” wind speed estimate…combined with other visual cues. It is good enough under stress, and if my position is good, I can usually spot enough of a miss to correct in my reticle. It’s taken me a lot of practice to even read mirage, let alone utilize it in a meaningful way. Once I understood what I was looking at, first round hits went up significantly at distance.
Even if I have a good wind reading at my position, it’s never the same downrange or at max ordnance. In that case, mirage is very helpful in that it adds another part to the estimate…to me at least.
Thanks jpipes,
Don’t misunderstand though. Mirage is very valuable in setting up for a shot. It’s just that it can be very misleading. Other factors are easier to pick up on.
Yeah, a 1000yd shot with a 338LM that is tuned in isn’t as challenging as it is with the lesser cartridges.
However, firing a 338LM accurately is more challenging than the little pea shooters too. If you aren’t in position to accept the recoil properly, she can be an insolent bitch. Much more unforgiving to improper position than smaller lighter recoiling cartridges.
I’ve seen more than a couple people try to jump in the deep end, buying a 338… only to sell it a few weeks later because they can’t shoot it.
very nice shooting!
i know what you mean about mirage. some places, it’s actually pretty easy, like NRA high power ranges. in natural terrain, it’s pretty challenging.
I’ve been trying to get my brother to come out and see you, orkan. I’m certain he would leave with one of those rifles.
I talked with him a bit via email. Make sure he lets me know before he shows up. These DTA’s are tough to keep around.
Orkan,
IYO, is there any advantage(s) to having the SRS chassis vs. the SRS Covert chassis ?
I’m aware of the weight disparity vs. real estate rail for accoutrements & overall rifle length specs etc. I’m aware that barrel lengths are integratable w/ each system.
TIA
We’ve been discussing the merits of this particular rifle, and I think someone is nearly ready to buy one…
He needs to hurry the fuck up… Time is running out.
You’re tellin’ me? Last I heard it is in the works for February or March… Oh, well…
Planning is not his strong suit in case you haven’t noticed 
Now, now…
Aside from looks… not much of anything. Having a 26" barrel in a covert chassis can look a bit weird.
Sorry for the delay… I’ve been in oregon mule deer hunting. 
Had a blast, and took a great buck at 945yds. Took him with the DTA using 338LM conversion.
Solid copy Thx
Awesome looking Buck & recognize a good time when I see it !