I want to be a l337 snipz0rz plz h3lp (just kidding)

[DaveMachine]

So, I finally have a 6.5x55 rifle setup after asking countless questions and pestering the hell out of fellow nutz. (http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199882)

I settled on a Tikka Varmint Stainless w/ Leupold Mk4 high rings, Falcon Menace 4.5x18x56mm and a EGW 25 minute base.

MY question is how would I go about setting up a data book for the rifle and getting is dialed in for different ranges? Basically, how can I can I learn how the rifle will act under different conditions and at different ranges?

 

[dan belisle]

By shooting it under various conditions and at different ranges and noting your results. Eventually, the answers aren't on the internet. - dan

 

[DaveMachine]

Ok, but I'm wondering what I should record and how I should record/format my results. What are some commonly used formats? I really don't know where to go or what to do so that's why I'm asking, if that's alright with you of course.

 

[BC_Guy]

You could get ahold of Ed Begg (VBull, sponsor link above) and get one of his data books. He put in considerable time designing a data book that keeps track of all pertinent information, about the rifle, round count, etc, and of course a 'diary' of shooting and results. Good guy, good product.

 

[CyaN1de]

Start with a ballistic chart for your various ranges once you chrony your final loads and get an avg velocity. They are not dead on as there are many variables but they should get you on the paper at given distances.

http://www.eskimo.com/~jbm/calculations/traj/traj.html

 

[Mystic Precision]

Follow the link in my sig line. Wrote an article on how to set up your optics for LR shooting.

Jerry

 

[Bush Man]

I also use JBM calculations for my first long range adventure. I was bang on out to 600yds then it was off by a bit out farther, but I also guessed on my velocity for the calculations.

 

[dan belisle]

Bullet drop and group variance, at each distance you shoot, under whatever climactic conditions you ever envision shooting in, for starters. Velocity. Note temp, humidity, wind, any other variables that seem odd (low pressure fronts moving in extremely quickly will do odd things to groups at long distances), light conditions. Any quirks of that particular firearm should be noted, to be dealt with later. That should get you going. - dan

 

[DaveMachine]

Thanks Dan. That was what I was looking for.

What is the reason for noting the light conditions? (position of the sun in the sky? cloudy/clear skies/etc?)

 

[dan belisle]

Depending on where the light is, the angle that it hits your target, it will change your point of impact slightly (your eye "sees" things in different places under different light conditions). - dan

 

[Silverado]

DM: What is your exact load? Or if you're shooting factory, get me your bullet and MV. I'll print you out a couple of charts and e-mail 'em to ya showing bullet drop, sight correction in clicks and MOA etc.

Then get a good sniper data log book or make your own based on their design and keep track of your shots and range conditions etc.

I also find it easiest to shoot small targets once you have your rifle zeroed on paper.

I like clay pigeons out at 300-500m. Charcoal briquettes work well at 100-250.