Hi, this is my first post, so I figured I'd ask a question:
On a $150/month shooting budget, in what order would you purchase equipment and how much would you spend on each component?
Background: I have a Mossberg Patriot in 7mm-08 with a synthetic stock and a Primary Arms 4-14x44 FFP mil-dot scope. Basic sling, no bipod, sand-in-a-sock for a rear bag. No laser rangefinder, or spotting scope, but I do have a cheap chronograph. I reload most of my ammo and have a basic selection of bullets and powders (Hornady 150gr ELD-X, Sierra 150gr Matchkings, Hornady 139gr SST - Varget, H4350, CFE223). So far most of my groups are in the 2-3 inch range, I'm sure most of that is my fault, and some is due to the rifle. I recently had a chance to shoot the white buffalo silhouette at the NRA Whittington Center from 1,125 yards and I'm now hooked on long range shooting.
Given my financial situation, for the time being, my equipment budget is $150/month. Based on the equipment I listed above how would you prioritize spending my budget to maximize my long-range capabilities? I would love to shoot a monthly PRS club match in my area, but I feel so limited in my equipment and capabilities.
According to my understanding of Bryan Litz's book "Applied Ballistics for Long-Range Shooting" here are the main reasons shooters miss at long range:
1. Incorrect range estimation - can be mitigated with a laser rangefinder
2. Incorrect wind reading - mostly a matter of experience, though a kestrel or other wind sensor will help
3. Incorrect dope - know your bullet's BC, it's velocity, and have a good zero
If you were in my situation would you wait 6-7 months and buy a $1,000 scope or rifle? Are there other pieces of equipment that will make more of a difference? Would it make sense to buy cheap gear now and upgrade later? Where can I find the best value to enhance my long range capabilities on a budget?
Thanks,
Josiah
On a $150/month shooting budget, in what order would you purchase equipment and how much would you spend on each component?
Background: I have a Mossberg Patriot in 7mm-08 with a synthetic stock and a Primary Arms 4-14x44 FFP mil-dot scope. Basic sling, no bipod, sand-in-a-sock for a rear bag. No laser rangefinder, or spotting scope, but I do have a cheap chronograph. I reload most of my ammo and have a basic selection of bullets and powders (Hornady 150gr ELD-X, Sierra 150gr Matchkings, Hornady 139gr SST - Varget, H4350, CFE223). So far most of my groups are in the 2-3 inch range, I'm sure most of that is my fault, and some is due to the rifle. I recently had a chance to shoot the white buffalo silhouette at the NRA Whittington Center from 1,125 yards and I'm now hooked on long range shooting.
Given my financial situation, for the time being, my equipment budget is $150/month. Based on the equipment I listed above how would you prioritize spending my budget to maximize my long-range capabilities? I would love to shoot a monthly PRS club match in my area, but I feel so limited in my equipment and capabilities.
According to my understanding of Bryan Litz's book "Applied Ballistics for Long-Range Shooting" here are the main reasons shooters miss at long range:
1. Incorrect range estimation - can be mitigated with a laser rangefinder
2. Incorrect wind reading - mostly a matter of experience, though a kestrel or other wind sensor will help
3. Incorrect dope - know your bullet's BC, it's velocity, and have a good zero
If you were in my situation would you wait 6-7 months and buy a $1,000 scope or rifle? Are there other pieces of equipment that will make more of a difference? Would it make sense to buy cheap gear now and upgrade later? Where can I find the best value to enhance my long range capabilities on a budget?
Thanks,
Josiah
