Re: Need some Direction.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: .Scarecrow.</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hey man that was really interesting to read, like I said in my other reply I think I'll start with my father's .17 HMR, if that sounds like a decent cartridge, then move onto .308, and .338. What types of things will I learn about? Or is that something I have to find out for myself?</div></div>
17HMR is a great round don't get me wrong, a GREAT round. The reason so many will suggest a 22LR over the 17HMR is that ammo is (typically) cheaper, more plentiful, and there are a variety of grades and velocities for many different scenarios. But, since your dad's 17 is available that is a great way to go!
The things you will learn are broadly categorized as the fundamentals of shooting. That would be; how to build a steady position, proper sight alignment, breath control, and trigger control. These are broad topics that cover a large amount of information and they all come together in a system to make accurate shooting possible. These are things that you will have to practice and perfect with every shot you take to make sure that you place that bullet where it needs to go.
So, you're probably thinking that doesn't seem very dificult. I know I didn't think so when I was just getting into LR shooting... then I was told that instead of just shooting 50 yards with a 22LR, move back to 100. Okay, still pretty easy on a calm day. But damn, you really get tested when the wind picks up!
Now move out to 200 and you have a party going on... it takes A LOT of practice to figure out how the wind works and a lot of your shots will miss their mark and it's not a big deal when you're shooting a cheap rimfire cartridge. You wasted a couple cents at the most and you have many more to re-try that shot. If you jump straight into a 338, well... you're wasting money every time you miss, a lot of money.
Rimfire shooting presents a high versatility in learning how to shoot. You can figure out your positions and get the fundamentals figured out pretty inexpensively at a 50 yard range and just move out to 100 yards whenever you feel ready. Heck, many people think a 22LR is only good to 75 yards. I have shot mine and made hits out to 450 yards... don't get me wrong, it's really difficult but it is doable.
The biggest thing a rimfire will teach you, which was your question to me, is how to read the wind without wasting too much money in the process. It is the most difficult concept of shooting to master for the vast majority of shooters. And when you really start stretching out the distance, say 1760 yards with a 338LM, you will be dealing with so much wind variations it'll make your brain hurt trying to figure it out. But if you lay a good solid foundation out with a rimfire, and then move up when you're ready, you'll be much better equipped to achieve your goals of making hits on targets at extended long range.
But don't let any of this discourage you, it's difficult, expensive, addicting, time consuming, and VERY rewarding to make everything happen perfectly and hear the sweet ring of steel when your bullet impacts what you were aiming at!!
Good luck with all of it!
