BTW cereal - here's an old trick for those times you can't get to the range.
Go get either a tiny minature toy moose (or cow or deer or whatever. THey're readily available at most toy stores or dollar stores.).
Then go get some snap caps.
Close the blinds.
Set the toy up in your home in different places where it is a little ways away from you - farther is better. Dial your variable down to a low setting, so the 'animal' only fills maybe half or less of the scope. Practice holding and firing on it different ways - using the doorframe as an impromptu rest (as you might a tree), free hand, etc. From time to time, adjust the animal to give you broadside, quartering, head on shots. put it higher, and lower. Try having some lights off and some more on just to change the lighting. Partially obscure the toy with tissue or something to simulate an animal in the bush.
It's the next best thing to being at a range. You'll actually be able to see if you 'pull' the gun when you fire, you'll get used to making snap decisions about shot placement, you'll get the feel of your rifle better, and you'll get used to controlling the rifle as you lay it on target. You'll also get the feel of where your trigger breaks more.
Focus on holding the gun the same way each time, and your breathing and such. Strive for consistency - and once you get good, practice for speed. Practice your 'load and fire' routine gradually increasing speed - practice going from your carry position (slung rifle) to shoot and increase speed.
Believe it or not - it actually does improve your shooting. Range time is better - but not available every day to everyone. Try it every day for 30 or 50 'rounds' of ammo and i guarantee you you'll be surprised by the improvement in your off hand shooting at the range the next time you DO get out. The animals may be a little surprised as well next time you're out hunting
The more you know your gun and your body knows it, the better you'll shoot.
And definately - there is no good reason on earth a 3200 shouldn't be a fine scope at 300 yards. You don't need super clear glass or 1000 dollar scopes.
If you're having trouble finding things in your scope, try these two tricks -
1) - when you bring your gun up, have your finger alongside the reciever and off the trigger. Then imagine you're 'pointing' at what you want to sight in on. You'll find when you look thru the scope you're almost on target.
2) - keep both eyes open and on target, even after your scope is 'up'. Then close the left eye (for right handed shooters). You'll find the object is almost centered in your scope. With a little practice, this can get you on target VERY fast, and also helps with game that's moving a little as it's easier to track the movement and the gun will already be moving with the animal as you close your left eye.
If you're still having problems with your scope - something's wrong with the scope.
I consider myself to be a fairly good shot, not sharpshooter material, but I'll give it a try. turn the .270WSM down to 4 and -400 yds from sitting position. Honestly, in the typical SA wind, could be tough.
