at 100 yards with my 223 i can't get below a 2-3" grouping.. i have a bipod, but i don't have a sandbag yet, but i use my left hand to simulate one.. i have a sandbag on order.. will this tighten my groups a lot?! i feel so useless can't i can't get a tight group at 100 yards.
ok this is a hard one with the info you supplied. at 100 yards, 2-3 inch is not bad. try not to beat yourself up about it. thats the first thing that will improve your shooting....confidence.
second, if you want a good grouping. you need good support. depending on your bipod theres no real point putting your left hand on the front of the srock. your bipod is taking the weight of the weapon. so your hand is now acting as a possible shot adjuster as you may be squeezing to tight (muscles are naturally pulling the rifle when you shoot off target without you even realising). instead, put your left hand tucked into your right elbow making a L shape with your hand and thumb. tuck it snug into your elbow. i dont know what bipod you have, but they are only as good as the surface they sit on. if it is a harris (most common) then they are not great for precision accuracy on table shooting/ range. there designed to be used on rough ground and high friction or grip surfaces (gravel,sand,soil which absorbs recoil and steadys the shot) but if used with other shooting techniques properly then they are not bad.
sandbags are a huge improvement. try using one on both the front of your rifle on the stock to let it bed in and snug fit on the sandbag and on the rear of the stock, under your armpit a little and let the rear of the rifle rest on it. this will again, absorb recoil, and make a firm platform for your rifle to sit on and slide back and forth on without breaking your point of aim.
i could go on and on with things you could do to help your shooting. but here are the main ones that i can gaurantee will help you out.
1.relax- dont over think your shot. if your holding your breath for more than 1-2 seconds then your holding for too long. dont hold your breath! this is a strewd misconception of shooting. squeeze the trigger on the natural final point of your exhalation breath. (hard to explain without a diagram)
2- work on handloads- handloads will improve your shooting. ammo makes a huge input into good shooting. it takes time, patience and practice to make a good round that your rifle will like to make those sub MOA shots.
3-Ask others at the range for help!!!- dont be embarrased to ask someone for a bit of coaching. most people are great at my range for helping the new guys. however, avoid the know it alls.....they can be very forceful and telling you to do something thier way instead of just giving you tips. if you dont have a range, look at some online sites that ahve videos etc for tips.
4-CONFIDENCE! - there is no rifle or ammo in the world that will make your shooting ant better if you doubt your shooting skills. pull the trigger and put the round down range. once its gone, its gone theres no judge worse than yourself. if your not getting the results you want, then experiment and practice and stay with a smile on your face
remember.....your shooting! its fun!
these are just some of my opinions that helped me when i was a new shooter. i was pressured alot in the army to make good shots etc and it just doesnt work. doubting your shooting will make it harder. everyone will point out there own opinions. but these helped me. hope it gets better man!
Just planting little thoughts like "Jeez, these Cheytac cases make those little .338s look puny and inadequite." or " Hey, if you lived at the range you'd be home already", or "There's places with no limit on buffalo."
