How to practice my long range shots ? - The Firearms Forum

mcgreen85 · 07-06-2012, 01:52 AM

Hey guys, I have a Howa axiom 22-250 & I like to shoot out to 500-600yds. I've been practicing just trying to better myself. A friend of mine told me to print out a target that had 4 squares on it ranging from 1 inch down to 1/4 inch & to put it at 100 yards & try to shoot each square. I thought that was a good idea, I was wondering if any of you might have any ideas on some things I can do to help me get better, any info would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance for your replies, Matt

Zane71464 · 07-14-2012, 06:49 AM

First off, you shooting off a bench, sandbags?
When I dial a rifle in and have it where I want it shooting/hitting @ 100yds., I make my
own targets.
I take an all white cardboard with a black 1 inch circle with crosshairs in that. I'll put a 1 inch (lightly colored) square 3" over top the black cirlcle and practice with just that.
I dont like the targets that have "targets" all over them, as I dont like distractions and like to concentrate on just that 1" black ring with crosshairs drawn in it.
If you have a decent scope and fine crosshars....as the saying goes, aim small, miss small.
Everyone you talk to will have their own way and it's all good, whatever works for the person shooting the rifle is all that matters, but that practice is critical whatever type of target your shooting.

aa1911 · 07-14-2012, 06:56 AM

the only real difference would be things like wind, otherwise just a reduced target to simulate further range is perfect.

rifle fundamentals = sight alignment, trigger control, body position, distance doesn't really matter besides environmental stuff.

maybe play with different zeros, point of impact on crosshairs vs. parallel zero, etc... that would be the other (small) difference.

and remember, there's always two zeros due to bullet trajectory not just one

Zane71464 · 07-14-2012, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aa1911

the only real difference would be things like wind, otherwise just a reduced target to simulate further range is perfect.

rifle fundamentals = sight alignment, trigger control, body position, distance doesn't really matter besides environmental stuff.

maybe play with different zeros, point of impact on crosshairs vs. parallel zero, etc... that would be the other (small) difference.

and remember, there's always two zeros due to bullet trajectory not just one

So very true.

Rockyja · 07-14-2012, 08:00 AM

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, AND PRACTICE. Practice breathing, Practice control, Practice soft trigger squeeze.

Rest a penny on the barrel while your gun is empty, and see if it falls off when you
squeeze off the trigger. Practice this often, it helps a lot.

redwing carson · 07-14-2012, 08:15 AM

The 22-250 loaded with a 55 gr. bullet is an effective 500 yd. varmint rifle. They are used here on the high desert country for long shots. We have targets set up out 1,800 yds. That being said you must get the rifle shooting under i" at 100 yds. We set our rifles at 1 to 2" high at 100 yds. This will give you a POI of 300 yds or so. The corrections needed on the 500 yd targets is really simple after that. A better choice for the 500 yd shooting in the fall when winds pick up is the 25-06. The 25-06 has enough energy to roll coyotes at these extended ranges. My choice in the big .22s has been the .220 Swift. It runs a little larger engine and seems to have a small edge out in the "Dog Towns".

Zhurh · 07-14-2012, 09:52 AM

Main thing I need to do is nx winter extend my 200 yard range out behind the house, which means the stihls.

07-06-2012, 01:52 AM	#1
mcgreen85 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Marion Junction,Alabama Posts: 68	How to practice my long range shots ? Hey guys, I have a Howa axiom 22-250 & I like to shoot out to 500-600yds. I've been practicing just trying to better myself. A friend of mine told me to print out a target that had 4 squares on it ranging from 1 inch down to 1/4 inch & to put it at 100 yards & try to shoot each square. I thought that was a good idea, I was wondering if any of you might have any ideas on some things I can do to help me get better, any info would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance for your replies, Matt -->

07-14-2012, 06:49 AM	#2
Zane71464 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ohio NRA Member Contributor Posts: 5,371	Re: How to practice my long range shots ? First off, you shooting off a bench, sandbags? When I dial a rifle in and have it where I want it shooting/hitting @ 100yds., I make my own targets. I take an all white cardboard with a black 1 inch circle with crosshairs in that. I'll put a 1 inch (lightly colored) square 3" over top the black cirlcle and practice with just that. I dont like the targets that have "targets" all over them, as I dont like distractions and like to concentrate on just that 1" black ring with crosshairs drawn in it. If you have a decent scope and fine crosshars....as the saying goes, aim small, miss small. Everyone you talk to will have their own way and it's all good, whatever works for the person shooting the rifle is all that matters, but that practice is critical whatever type of target your shooting. __________________ Two Words; "Simple Man", song by Charlie Daniels sums up my thoughts on a "few things"! Last edited by Zane71464; 07-14-2012 at 06:50 AM..

07-14-2012, 06:56 AM	#3
aa1911 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 3,115	Re: How to practice my long range shots ? the only real difference would be things like wind, otherwise just a reduced target to simulate further range is perfect. rifle fundamentals = sight alignment, trigger control, body position, distance doesn't really matter besides environmental stuff. maybe play with different zeros, point of impact on crosshairs vs. parallel zero, etc... that would be the other (small) difference. and remember, there's always two zeros due to bullet trajectory not just one __________________ "Loud noises don't end gunfights.... well placed shots do."

07-14-2012, 08:00 AM	#5
Rockyja Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Living in Burnsville, MN, a Transplant from Los Angeles Posts: 155	Re: How to practice my long range shots ? PRACTICE, PRACTICE, AND PRACTICE. Practice breathing, Practice control, Practice soft trigger squeeze. Rest a penny on the barrel while your gun is empty, and see if it falls off when you squeeze off the trigger. Practice this often, it helps a lot.

07-14-2012, 08:15 AM	#6
redwing carson Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: western wyoming Posts: 734	Re: How to practice my long range shots ? The 22-250 loaded with a 55 gr. bullet is an effective 500 yd. varmint rifle. They are used here on the high desert country for long shots. We have targets set up out 1,800 yds. That being said you must get the rifle shooting under i" at 100 yds. We set our rifles at 1 to 2" high at 100 yds. This will give you a POI of 300 yds or so. The corrections needed on the 500 yd targets is really simple after that. A better choice for the 500 yd shooting in the fall when winds pick up is the 25-06. The 25-06 has enough energy to roll coyotes at these extended ranges. My choice in the big .22s has been the .220 Swift. It runs a little larger engine and seems to have a small edge out in the "Dog Towns".

07-14-2012, 09:52 AM	#7
Zhurh Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Upper Yukon, Alaska Posts: 1,820	Re: How to practice my long range shots ? Main thing I need to do is nx winter extend my 200 yard range out behind the house, which means the stihls.