When I raided as Survival during Cataclysm, opening on a boss was a bit easier. We didn't have any additional abilities like we do in this expansion. I'm currently playing Survival in Mists of Pandaria. Keep in mind that I don't get to raid often, so my item level is only around 465; the best I am able to do is Raid Finder and even then, I only have access to Mogu'shan Vaults. My armory is in my signature if you're curious.
Right now I'm doing the following;
I started playing my hunter a couple weeks ago after having transitioned to warrior for several weeks of Mists of Pandaria. Maybe someone has a better way of opening? With this opener and in my gear, I usually break 100k DPS and float around 60k depending on the encounter.Trinkets / Virmen's Bite / Rapid Fire / etc.
- Explosive Shot
- Black Arrow
That puts those two abilities on CD.
- Serpent Sting
- Dire Beast
- Stampede
- Glaive Toss
By this time, Explosive Shot will be coming off CD..
- Explosive Shot
- Murder of Crows - this usually becomes delayed due to it's cost.
When I get to this point, I am usually around 70-80 focus. I prioritize Explosive Shot over everything so after I use it at this point, it's usually 1-2 Cobra Shot casts for Murder of Crows to become available.