Next Step in LR Equipment

[dbransco]

Hey, I'm pretty new to long range shooting and have a lot to learn. For the most part I shoot 260 REM and am working my way to being consistent at 1k yds (first goal). I picked up a SRS and also have a 338 LM that I want to shoot a little a while working with the 260 REM. I have a chrono and a Kestrel and am thinking about getting a PDA or Terrapin. I don't have experience with either and was wondering what people that have them feel would be most beneficial. I plan on taking some long range courses locally so would one aid better than the other? I don't mean to beat a dead horse, I know equipment questions have been asked numerous times before, but I read so many mixed reviews on whether or not a ballistic calculator is a big benefit under 1,500-1,800 yards or whether or not ranging with your reticle is just as effective as having a range finder?

Thanks for the advise,

Dusty

 

[tylerw02]

I've never shot over 1500 yards so I can't comment on that. But I will say I use a ballistic calculator all the time for point blank on out.

Reticles aren't always the most accurate...its only as accurate as the individual using it.

You made a major mistake spending a ton of money on a .338 Lapua and not having other essential gear or skills. That's like picking out a car before getting your driver's license for the first time. You have to learn to walk before you run. Best bet is to take that class and learn to use your .260 Rem proficiently before having a $4000 rifle that fires $5 bills.

 

[dbransco]

Thanks for the advise Tyler. Do you use a PDA (FFS or Coldbore) or do you use a phone app.? The 338 was part of a package I took in trade (DTA conversion), so I don't really feel it is a waste, especially not a $4,000 waste!. I reload as well, so although expensive, it is not too ubsurd. The 338 LM is something I have wanted for a long time and intend to grow into. I agree with what you say, my plan is to "learn to crawl" with the 260 before "walking" with the 338.

Thanks.

 

[PDXGS]

Get a calculator app that runs on a modern phone.
Get a data book and write everything you do in it...that's shooting related.
Hone your reloading skills
Take a wind reading class
Buy good glass, mounts and rings
Practice shooting fundamentals

Gadgets will never replace muscle memory or skills development

 

[jordan0317]

I use ballistic ae on my iphone and it is pretty deadnuts for me when everything is plugged into it correctly. If you have the cash snag a good lrf like the terrapin, always a great thing to have in your bag.

 

[Greene]

I have never used a PDA for Ballistics data, but have used Shooter App on my phone and it works well. Granted like any other situation its as good as the info entered. So far using good phone apps like the Shooter and Ballistics are usually within a tenth of my actual data.

Hope this helps,
Greene

 

[dbransco]

Thank you.

Great advise below. I try to remember this, but do find myself getting caught up in gadgets sometimes. I'm working on that list, but there is always room for these; "Hone your reloading skills", "Take a wind reading class", and "Practice shooting fundamentals". I have not thought about the wind reading class. I try to take my Kestrel with me when I work and work on reading the wind, but a class would be great.

Get a calculator app that runs on a modern phone.
Get a data book and write everything you do in it...that's shooting related.
Hone your reloading skills
Take a wind reading class
Buy good glass, mounts and rings
Practice shooting fundamentals

Gadgets will never replace muscle memory or skills development

 

[M14 Shooter]

I would work on building a proper shooting position and practice.Good equipment and ammo can not make up for poor position or shooting fundamentals.

Regards,Mike

 

[tylerw02]

The app on the phone will do you just fine. I have Ballistic AE for the iPhone and its been basically perfect for what I do.

 

[PDXGS]

I try to take my Kestrel with me when I work and work on reading the wind, but a class would be great.

Remember, a Kestrel, or similar device, only informs you about the wind conditions at the device- not necessarily at the target. Learning about effects that terrain, and the wind flowing over it, have on your bullet it is an essential skill. To my knowledge, there isn't a gadget made that helps judge wind at target better than the human eyeball and a good scope.
Moving to to a .308, or even a decent .22, and trying to squeeze the max precision out of those rounds at distance is a good way to learn wind skills quickly.

 

[BigJohn141]

I'm running Coldbore on a Pharos PDA and it works very good, tons of inputs. If you are just getting started you may not need or know half the inputs. I would suggest getting a good mobile app such as ballistics AE and getting a good range finder or something else that will be more useful.

As for your last question, a range finder will always be more accurate than reticle ranging but that doesn't mean you don't need to know how to do it. A range finder can stop working at any time.

 

[mikeltee]

Get yourself the new Kestrel Applied Ballistics model that's supposed to ship next month and a good ranging device. I got the new Bushnell 1 mile laser binos and they are awesome. With these 2 items and your DtA, you should be good to 1500yd. If you miss, you have nothing to blame but yourself. 1300 for the binos and about 800 for the Kestrel. I too got a 338 conversion for my DTA and I too feel as if I didn't flush 5k down the toilet. H1000 and 300gn Bergers aren't that expensive. The brass expensive but 100 rounds will last me 5 years.