Okay, I'm new to long range, but I really want to get into it. What I'm wondering is, if I wanted to get into some serious long range precision shooting, like 1000 to 1500+ yards, and I wanted to shoot a larger caliber, like .338 or, my personal favourite, .375 H&H Mag, am I nuts?
I want to get into long range precision shooting, for the sake of long range game hunting, and I've shot a really accurate 7mm STW and dropped a bear at 348 yards, (I know, that's like spitting for you precision guys
), but it made me want to get really good at it, and I love the challenge of real long shots. Is there a large caliber you'd suggest, and is it possible to do anything with a big one like .375 H&H or something like it? And if so, any particular rifle model you'd suggest?
Thanks, in advance, for any advice.
To be able to pull off shots as shown in the NF video and a number of others that float around the net, 3 rifles will be required.
#1 a decently accurate 22LR bolt rifle, like a CZ452. Shooting a 22LR at 200 yards takes as much skill or more than shooting a high caliber rifle at 1000.
With the 22 you work on your breathing, trigger control and get you muscle memory instilled. Start close and work out, Ie 25 yards until all buulets are virtually in the same hole, then out to 50 yards and repeat this, and the 75 and so on. At 200 if you can consistently hit a popcan on end, you have the basics down firmly. This is cost effective, to gain the amount of practice to do this with a centerfire will cost many thousands of dollars, not just a few hundred as 22 ammo is cheap, and the learning is the same.
Step up to a 308 then and repeat the process only now the goal is 1000 yards.
The 2nd would be a 308, which is limited in killing power to about 700 yards under ideal conditions.
Once you have the 308 mastered, you will have found that there are some things that you prefer in a rifle, by this I am meaning how it fits you, what trigger pull you need, as well as stuff like optics and any accessories to make extreme long range easier. Not to mention by then you will have a firm grasp of doping the wind and how to run the turrets on a scope, ballistics and reloading. Reloading your own ammo is a MUST, factory ammo is just not accurate enough for extreme long range hunting, nor is it intended for this purpose. Bullet selection is also critical beyond 500 yards, some bullets fail to expand, and will pencil through , yet at close range will blow up on impact.
Then get a long range rifle built. There are very few production rifles that are capable of under 1/2 moa accuracy at extreme long range, the 1s that are , are just as expensive as a custom, the advantage of the custom is that it can be tailored to your build, requirements of use and caliber of choice.
Of what is on the market today in real long range calibers the heavy 338s seem to dominate, especially in hunting applications. The big 30 cals come close, but lack the weight, and down range energy. The 375 H&H is a nice big bore but has serious issues with extreme long range, due to bullet selection , velocity and what the caliber really has the potential of.
338 Lapua, Edge, even a well built RUM would be the route I would suggest.
There are many opinions on this subject that many will put forth, some with real world experience , some without.
My furthest kill to date is a moose at 1175 yards, my goal is to 1 shot cleanly kill an animal at 1 mile, my best shot to date a head shot on a sparrow at 660yards.
I build extreme long range rifles for a living.
Be aware also that extreme long range hunting is apt to bring all sorts of "ethics questions " and critics of all sorts condemning extreme long range hunting as "not hunting" Some folks think hunting means getting close enough to spit on an animal then pumping lead at it from a rifle that has not seen a box of shells through it since last season.
Long range shooting/hunting is an art that must be kept up religiously or your shooting skills will deteriorate.
Any particular rifle model suggestions? Why not a bigger caliber? And what exactly is a "match" rifle?
