Good thread Pappy. As most of you know, I am fortunate enough to be on a great hunting lease in Alabama in "the black belt" for whitetails. We took (not me, others) 3-160+ inch deer this past season. The land encompasses 6,000 acres and very long shots are not uncommon. Having said that (or justifying more "stuff") I use a wide range of weapons and RMKs.
200 Yard hunting: 6.5 Creedmore with 140 Gr. BT's.
300 Yard hunting: 308 or 30-6 with 165 Gr. BT's.
400 + Yard hunting: 300 Win. Mag. 165 or 180 Gr. BT's.
4 Randalls used: 4" Stanaback Special / 5" Model #3 / 5" Model #5
/ 4 1/2" Model #4 (or occasionally #7).
I also have "new wheels" to get me there! Looking forward to a great season. Good luck to everyone. I know The James' Gang headed out yesterday (early AM) for archery season in Montana. I used to be an avid Bowman, having met Fred Bear and completed his archery tuning and repair instruction in Gainesville, Fl. to become an authorized repair facility.
After my bicep muscle detached and had to be surgically re-attached, my compound bow days were over. I may try a cross bow but have not, to this point.
I also hunt the 4 day muzzle-loading season in Bama, using a Bad Bull Muzzleloader (smokeless powder) which I got in a marathon trade with GCTom!
Good luck everyone, Capt. Chris