Long Range Shooting Basics
Long Range Shooting Basics
Long-range shooting is a specialized skill that requires a high degree of precision and accuracy. Long-range shooting involves hitting targets accurately at distances beyond 500 yards, and it requires a comprehensive understanding of ballistics, environmental factors, and marksmanship fundamentals.
High-Quality Gear
The foundation of long-range shooting is the rifle, and it is essential to have a high-quality rifle that is capable of accurate and consistent shots at extended distances. The rifle should also be chambered in a caliber that is suitable for long-range shooting.
The rifle should be paired with a high-quality scope capable of adjustable magnification, reliable windage and elevation adjustments, and clear optics. Second plane scopes are reliable choices for long-range setups. Second plane scopes are where the focal point is in the rear of the scope. These scopes are more expensive and you will see these on setups for long-range scopes. As we know, a higher-end scope will have higher quality glass too. A high-quality scope will allow the shooter to make precise shots at long distances and adjust for various environmental factors. High-quality scopes do not necessarily have to be the most expensive scopes.
When shooting, if you move your head side to side you could see the reticle move a little bit, this is parallax. We see this often with less expensive scopes. Many long-range scopes have parallaxes adjustments. This allows you to eliminate parallax, if any exists. Long range shooters should be more concerned about parallax and the alignment of the reticle as it can cause you to miss your mark. If you want to shoot over 500 yards, you may want to consider the benefits of adjustable turrets. Adjustable turrets allow you to have the ability to change the scope’s center reticle. With these, you can sight-in to hit center at different yardages. As your target varies, you have to adjust for minute of angle on your scope.
Know Your Rifle and Ammunition
Knowing your rifle’s capabilities, including its ballistics, trajectory, and limitations, is critical for long-range shooting. Additionally, knowing the ballistic performance of your ammunition, including its muzzle velocity, ballistic coefficient, and bullet drop at various distances, will help you make more accurate shots in real-world shooting scenarios. It is essential to keep detailed records of your rifle and ammunition performance during practice sessions, including data on windage, elevation adjustments, and shot groupings. Some guns will pattern better with different ammunition, so find the specific ammunition that works best for your specific gun.
Ballistics references how a bullet travels through the air, including its trajectory, velocity, and energy. There are several key factors that influence ballistics, including the weight and shape of the bullet, the muzzle velocity of the firearm, and the atmospheric conditions in which the bullet is fired.
One of the most critical factors that affects bullet trajectory is bullet drop. As the bullet travels through the air, gravity exerts a downward force on it, causing it to drop towards the ground. The amount of bullet drop a bullet experiences is determined by several factors, including the weight and shape of the bullet, the muzzle velocity of the firearm, and the distance to the target.
Another important factor is wind drift. This is the amount of horizontal displacement that a bullet experiences as it travels through the air due to the effects of wind. Wind can cause a bullet to drift to the left or right of its intended point of impact, making it difficult to make accurate shots at long ranges. The amount of wind drift that a bullet experience is determined by several factors, including the speed and direction of the wind, the weight and shape of the bullet, and the distance to the target.
Master Fundamentals
The next step in long-range shooting is to master the fundamentals of marksmanship. The fundamentals of marksmanship include proper body position, breath control, trigger control, and follow-through. Developing a stable shooting platform by using a bipod, sandbag, or other supports to minimize movement and enhance stability is critical for long-range shooting. Proper breathing techniques should be practiced to manage your respiratory cycle and minimize movement during the shot. Developing smooth and consistent trigger control will ensure a clean and precise shot break. As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, the shot should take you by surprise. You should slowly squeeze the trigger and allow the shot to surprise you. This will eliminate your body reacting and throwing off the shot. Additionally, paying close attention to proper sight alignment, and following through with the shot to maintain sight alignment until the bullet has left the barrel. These are essential for making accurate shots.
Understand Your Environment
When it comes to long-range shooting, understanding environmental factors is crucial for making accurate shots at extended distances.
Temperature, humidity, and altitude are critical factors that influence ballistics. As the temperature and humidity of the air change, the air’s density changes, which affects the bullet’s trajectory. As the altitude increases, the air becomes thinner, which also affects the bullet’s trajectory. These factors can have a significant impact on bullet trajectory and can make it difficult to make accurate shots at long ranges.
Wind, temperature, humidity, and altitude can all affect the bullet’s trajectory and make it challenging to make accurate shots. Reading and interpreting these environmental factors is a critical skill for long-range shooters. Wind is one of the most significant environmental factors that affect long-range shooting. Wind can vary in direction and speed, making it difficult to predict and compensate for. Learning to read the wind is essential for long-range shooters, as it can significantly affect the bullet’s trajectory. There are several visual cues that shooters can use to read the wind, including observing vegetation, mirage, and flags. Shooters can also use wind meters to measure the speed and direction of the wind at their shooting location.
Developing the ability to read wind accurately is essential for making precise shots in long-range shooting. Wind is one of the most significant factors that affect long-range shooting. Learning to observe and interpret wind direction.
by Randy McPherren
July 2023
