- Thread starter lrsnewbie
- Start date
Need a little more data, your experience, type of rifle you will be shooting and what you consider long range.
Before you gear up, you need to have a solid understanding of external ballistics and how it applies to long range shooting. Given that, you will then know what you need.
Ballistic software or slide rule (FDAC)
Data book can be a simple memo book, something to jot down the environmentals, your calculated dope, vs actual dope.
Then tools to record your enviromenatals, Kestral or similar to record wind speed, temp, pressure and to calculate density altitude.
Something to shoot at, steel gong or some type of target
Lastly a crap load of ammo.
Before you gear up, you need to have a solid understanding of external ballistics and how it applies to long range shooting. Given that, you will then know what you need.
Ballistic software or slide rule (FDAC)
Data book can be a simple memo book, something to jot down the environmentals, your calculated dope, vs actual dope.
Then tools to record your enviromenatals, Kestral or similar to record wind speed, temp, pressure and to calculate density altitude.
Something to shoot at, steel gong or some type of target
Lastly a crap load of ammo.
If you're getting started, a data book will be a key piece of educational gear. Also, instead of purchasing a spotting scope, you'd be better served by putting that money into your riflescope. A clear, quality optic with proper magnification can double as a spotting scope(unless you're spotting for a friend in which case he won't be happy about your barrel pokin his ribs).
It's easy to get wrapped up in all sorts of ancillary gear but a rifle, data book, ammunition, weather station and ballistic computer is all you need to start learning. I'd also recommend investing in some formal training. It's not the sexy pick but it'll give you a solid foundation to work off of and save you a lot of time, money and ammo correcting bad habits formed by teaching yourself.
It's easy to get wrapped up in all sorts of ancillary gear but a rifle, data book, ammunition, weather station and ballistic computer is all you need to start learning. I'd also recommend investing in some formal training. It's not the sexy pick but it'll give you a solid foundation to work off of and save you a lot of time, money and ammo correcting bad habits formed by teaching yourself.
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I'll bite:
A trunk full of money.
A trunk full of money.
Fixed
If you pick up that Litz book and like what you read, you can take it a step further and delve into his Applied Ballistics for Long Range Shooting. He does a great job of dumbing down extremely complex concepts so the average joe can understand. 95% of long range shooting is mental; understanding what's happening to your bullet in flight and compensating correctly. The other 5% is just execution of the fundamentals.
+1. Only get into it if your close to a 1000 yard range.
i would recommend taking a class somewhere like rifles only before buying any gear. They will rent you a rifle and all you will need to bring is ammo a notebook and a good attitude. After a class like that you will have a lot better idea about what you need and what works and what doesn't. i wish i would have taken a class before buying anything. i would have saved a lot of money
K&M Precision Rifle Training for great training
Id recommend going out with the gear you have now and then itll be a good eye opener as to what youll need. You may spend a ton of cash on gear that you "think" you need or will work for your needs but once you get out and use it that may change.
Hey, original poster....where are you located?
As others have mentioned, read Litz's book and get a good basic understanding of external ballistics.
Shooting fundamentals like proper position behind the gun, breathing control, trigger control are essential to any precision shooting pursuit. Dry firing inside and practicing on a smaller caliber like a .22 is a great way to get proficient in the fundamentals.
I'll second the notion of finding the right scope and then finding a gun to put under it. I'd also suggest a decent precision shooting class....hence my questions as to where you're located. We have some great options here in the Pacific Northwest but there are clubs nationwide that will help give you a better idea as to what the sport/discipline demands from your wallet and your body.
As others have mentioned, read Litz's book and get a good basic understanding of external ballistics.
Shooting fundamentals like proper position behind the gun, breathing control, trigger control are essential to any precision shooting pursuit. Dry firing inside and practicing on a smaller caliber like a .22 is a great way to get proficient in the fundamentals.
I'll second the notion of finding the right scope and then finding a gun to put under it. I'd also suggest a decent precision shooting class....hence my questions as to where you're located. We have some great options here in the Pacific Northwest but there are clubs nationwide that will help give you a better idea as to what the sport/discipline demands from your wallet and your body.
