First shot high

[usmcssgt]

I finally got some Montana X-treeme bore conditioner to use as the "final step" of the sabotloader cleaning method.

Did my cleanup and treatment of bore, and stored my rifle.

Pulled from safe, ran 3 dry patches down bore, and loaded up. I noticed the Barnes TMZ was VERY easy to load.....maybe a benefit of the bore conditioner?

15 minutes into the elk season, I shot at a bull at 38 yards from a stable kneeling, unrushed position.

Found I had missed (was aiming lower front chest/shoulder). Eventually discovered an 8" tree that took the bullet (30 yds behind the elk).

Also found a small branch that was clipped 10 yards before the elk. This branch seemed higher than I was aiming.

So, any guesses what may have happened? There were some branches closer to me, but found no evidence of impact. Recovered the sabot about 15 feet in front of shooting position.

Would the "very easy" loading cause a high shot? The reload felt tighter, but OK

I wouldn't think hitting the branch (pencil thick) would cause a miss since the elk was only 10 yards behind it.

Could it be I just screwed up

Knight Bighorn, T7 FFF, 110 gr, TMZ 290 gr. Note: The TMZ blew straight through the 8" Douglas fir

[encore50a]

Bullets sometimes do some funny things. I once shot through a 1" grapevine that I didn't realize was about 2' away and still killed the whitetail I was shooting 110yds at.  Hitting a twig or branch only 10yds from the elk, probably didn't deflect the bullet enough to go completely over it if, you were aiming low/behind the shoulder.  Notice I used "probably"?  But if that first branch was that high in the first place and at only 38yds, I'm inclined to believe the shooter may have just screwed up.  But again, bullets can do some crazy things when coming into contact with a twig, branch or brush.

[7mmfreak]

I disagree, hitting a twig 10yds away can cause a complete miss. Ever touch a top? What happened? Bullets do the same thing, best case. Worst case they go end over end and wildly off course. Go buy some 1/4" dowels and put them 10yds in front of a target and replicate your shot. I'm curious to see the results but I bet it leaves you doubting in "brush busting" bullets.

[Deleted]

IMO the clean bore likely played a part in it. Unless you practiced that exact process before to know where and what it was doing on a cold, clean barrel. I also think brush may have helped bite you.. We will likely never k iw for sure, the whole deal is a bummer. I guess thats part of it tho..
Clean cold bores have always been one of my biggest worries, especially with BP or a BP substitute.
Good luck getting even!

[bestill]

38 yards i dont believe cold bore would change poi enuf to miss a bull elk shoulder . I would definitely agree a limb will send a bullet for a ride especially a glancing hit limb is far worse than a direct hit limb to disrupt bullet path. Or a slight hang fire would definitely mess you up.

Probably has no issue with your hunt but does triple seven have extreme velocity changes compared to ambient temperatures.

[usmcssgt]

I did a test shot at 50yds, I was 3 1/2" high.

My 200 yd shot tonight (fowled bore) was right on.

Temps here are 50's and 60's