Long Range Shooting 3

As we all know, long-distance rifle shooting is a skill that combines precision, patience, and the ability to read environmental conditions. Whether you’re a hunter or a competitive shooter, mastering the fundamentals of ballistics, optics, and marksmanship can greatly improve your accuracy at extreme ranges.

In our first two posts on the subject (Jan. & Jun. 2023), we covered the basics including equipment, technology, shooting positions, grip, breathing and trigger control. In this edition, we’ll touch on a number of other elements that all help to build overall proficiency with long-distance shooting. Ultimately, there are a lot of moving parts to consider, and addressing each will serve you well.

Wind & Environmental Conditions

Even with the available technology, reading the wind requires a lot of in-the-field experience and personal trial-&-error. With the understanding that wind is rarely ever constant, you’ll have to compensate for potential multiple wind directions and speeds between yourself and the target. Like accounting for bullet drop, your hold may vary, but the half-target (into the wind) seems to a be good standard bet. This can help to simplify the process and avoid overly complicated calculations. Temperature, humidity and altitude can also affect your trajectory, but wind is the biggest ‘drift’ culprit by-far. Experience assessing natural indicators such as terrain effects, mirage, grass movement etc. can all help. Using apps is all fine-&-good, but having some old-school skill can make a huge difference.

Optics

Aside from the actual equipment, there are a number of elements and adjustments to consider when optimizing your view of the target, especially at longer distances.

Commit to memory where your crosshairs are when the shot breaks and then refocus on the moment the bullet hits the target or lands nearby. Resist the opportunity to flinch by focusing entirely on the target and maintaining a clear post-shot sight picture. Both sets of information are vital to the placement of your next shot.

Zero your scope to a higher standard when shooting long. Adjust for shorter, known distances to start, and work your way up until you are getting consistent, tight groups. Don’t settle for less.

Understand your scope’s reticle (ie.MOA or MIL) in relation to the point of impact and how to adjust for elevation and windage accurately (for specific distances).

Minimize parallax error by properly adjusting your scope’s setting for the given distance. The parallax effect is more pronounced at greater distances.

Ammo

The tolerances for the performance of your ammunition at longer distances are more critical, given the variability of factors in-play. It’s vital that you really know your bullet and to choose carefully for both type, grade, load and weight, depending on the application. Having a clear understanding of overall performance in all environmental conditions (trajectory / drift / drop) will help to optimize results.

Ammo choice will likely take some trial-&-error, but the efforts you make in testing will pay-off in the long run. Elements to consider could include:

• Manufacturing & brass quality
• A high BC (Ballistic Coefficient) rating
• Proven consistency in your specific rifle
• Muzzle velocity
• Powder sensitivity/stability
• Seating depth

DOPE

Data On Previous Engagements provides specific information on your shooting experiences, accounting for environmental conditions, bullet performance and adjustments made, at various distances. DOPE cards / charts / apps help shooters make accurate shots at extended ranges by providing pre-calculated data on bullet trajectory, allowing for quicker and more precise scope or holdover adjustments. Most experienced shooters collect this information with each outing, and put it to its best use with each following session.

Training & Preparation

As with any shooting discipline, consistent, focused practice and attention to detail will always serve you well. Some items to consider would include:

Try dry-fire practice to help improve target acquisition, trigger control, breathing and follow-through without using live ammo.

With range work, start with shorter distances and work your way up in increments of 100 yds. to ensure that you’re getting consistent results before you go long. This is also a good way to build confidence.

Train under different conditions, angles and positions to help promote adaptability. This is especially important for hunters or professional snipers.

Using a spotter when training is a good way to track your shots and to make real-time corrections.

When shooting in the open (ie. off-range), be sure that you know the terrain and plan your shots accordingly. Scout the area beforehand to determine possible shooting lanes and obstacles or changes in elevation.

Stay calm and focused throughout the shooting process. Mental discipline and patience are crucial for making precise shots.

Fitness counts – good core strength and endurance help maintain stability and reduce fatigue during long shooting sessions.

When hunting at greater distances, be sure that you have the opportunity for accurate, ethical shot placement every time. It’s important to know your maximum effective range to ensure a humane kill. If you’re not confident, don’t take the shot.

Consistently accurate shooting at longer distances is possible, but there are a number of varied elements that need to be accounted for. Experience, diligence and the right equipment are keys to your success.