Moved up to 200yd range

kb007

kb007

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So, I've been having fun with my Rem 700 LSSF 30-06 and my Savage 110BA 338LM for a while now shotting at 100yds. Was getting to the point where I could get sub moa at 100 yds > 1/2 the time with the Savage.

Still have lots to learn, but was feeling a little cocky on Sunday, so I thought I'd try the 200 yd range...

Holy crap it's a lot harder! but still a lot of fun. My groupings were between 3 - 4 inches with a few flyers here and there. I know, nothing to write home about, but still I was happy so far. Couple of random thoughts that hit me:

1) 200 yds seems a lot farther to walk than 100 yds - well, I know it's double, but it seemed like it was way longer (weird space / time thing going on???)

2) how do you control your heartbeat?? I have a ono-pod on the butt of the Savage and it was really noticable that the gun would move side to side with my heartbeat. I think next time out I'm going to use a sand bag/rest for the rear, I have a suspicion that it will provide just a little less movement than the pod.

3) the 200 yd range is way less busy than the 100 yd range - had it to myself for the first hour, then 1 other guy came along.

4) Retumbo powder smells funny... Was doing some comparison between retumbo and H1000 with a couple of different bullet types Hdy (SST and btsp, both 225gr)

5) I've decided I like shoting in the rain (our ranges have a roof covering the shooting benches), so the only time I got wet was walking all the way down to do targets.

It was really quite an interesting day, despite the fact that I feel like I'm back to square 1 with sooo much to learn. :)
 
"...200 yd range is way less busy..." That's because of your point #1.
"...control your heartbeat..." There are several techniques, most of which start with what you had for breakfast. The caffiene you drank will increase your heart rate. So will being less than 100% fit. cough, cough, hack, ouch.
I'd be thinking of replacing the mono-pod with a bipod or using sand bags. They're more stable.
"...groupings were..." Good enough for hunting anything. Sight in 3.5" high at 100 for the M700.
 
When you get back to the bench, take some time to rest and relax a little before you start shooting. Dead calm is what you want. Sit down, clear your mind and slow your breathing down and your heart will follow. Walking 400 yds is not a good precursor to precision shooting so take your time when you get back. A good rear bag is a good idea, I don't shoot without one.
 
Caffeine can increase your heart rate that being said if you usually drink coffee then stopping at once most likely will not be a big help for you (cut it out over time). Best thing you can do for your heart rate is do more cardio.

If you have a bipod in the front make sure to load it every shot (push forward), a sand bag on the rear that you can squeeze to change elevation is good. As your distance grows watch your cant too.
 
It will come in time.

2) You may also want to loot at your rifle hold. People who muscle their guns exaggerate the effects of breathing and heartbeat.
 
Hell yeah - i know I've got lots to learn. I do have a bipod on the gun, and I'm definitely going to try with my send rest in place of the pod on the stock next time. I get the feeling the pod on the hard surface wasn't helping any.

Hell, if I can't have a nice bacon sandwhich and big jug of coffee, then getiting out of bed ain't worth it ;). As for Cardio - I am not buying any yoga pants anytime soon.

Maybe I'll get onto the 300yd range soon, we have to drive down to put up targets on the 300 yd range.
 
Try to eliminate all your influence on the rifle by understanding that your job is only to aim then release the trigger and catch the rifle before it falls. Sounds simple but make it work and the rifle will do its best. Hard kicking rifles (like the 338 LM) you will need to hold tighter (dont give it a running start) and they will jump more when fired. This method works for me until you get into heavy recoil, then its work.
 
Take a drive out to Connaught ranges on a Sunday morning and watch the guys shooting 900m. Most of these guys wouldn't get out of bed for 100-200 yards unless they were only shooting a .22:p
 
One piece of advice I got a while ago was to get the rifle into position, get myself into the shooting position with the rifle, get some forward preload on the bipod, adjust my rear bag or rest so that my reticle was on my target then close my eyes for about 10 seconds. If you reopen your eyes and your reticle hasn't moved then you should be able to make some really good groups because your body isn't transferring to the rifle. If you are adjust in your shooting position and comfortable you will always shoot better, small things like scope position for perfect eye relief make a world of difference.
 
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