What equipment do i need when shooting long distance?

[505Gibbs]

I am building a .338 Edge right now, and Im planning on buying a nightforce scope 5.5x- 20x. What would you suggest that I need such as (rangefinder, pocket pc,etc.) and what kind would be better than the rest? Thank you for your time.

[trueblue]

I am using a Swarovski rangefinder and a Dell Axiom pda with ballistic software on it. It is a great set up. The rangefinder was alittle pricey, but worth it . I would go with the 50mm Nightforce, not the 56mm.

[kiwi3006]

If you are going to get a PDA, to get the most out of it you will need a weather meter of some sort to get temp, pressure, humidity and wind strength. Kestrel seems to be a brand a lot of people use, although there are a number of others You will also need some form of angle meter.

I just have a rangefinder, Leica 900, and a wind meter. I have two sets of drop charts one for 2500' and the other for 5000'. These charts also have drops for different angles.

I am limiting my shots to 600 -700 yards and my drop charts work fine out to that range. With your edge I would imagine that you will be shooting further so the weather meter will be a lot more important.

Minimum equipment,
Binoculars
Rangefinder Swarovski, Zeiss, Leica (probably in that order)
Wind meter
Angle meter (I just use a protractor with a piece of wire that hangs down)
Drop chart

extras
Spotting scope
PDA running Exbal or something similar
Weather station as mentioned above
Lots of spare batteries!!

Stu.

[britz]

the best thing you can do for your long range shooting is practice. All the best equipment in the world will be wasted if you don't simply practice. Focus on that for a while before you spend mucho bucks. That is unless you already practice lots ;)

[prtaylor]

I agree with the practice. You can make your drop charts from your practice sessions and find your true capability.

[royinidaho]

Originally Posted by kiwi3006

Minimum equipment,
Binoculars 10X50 Decent quality ($400 ballpark
Rangefinder Swarovski, Zeiss, Leica (probably in that order) Zeiss will get you to 1200 and at times a little farther but not on a regular basis.
Wind meter I use a $70 Cabelas (Brunton) and it seems just fine.
Angle meter (I just use a protractor with a piece of wire that hangs down) I use something similar but with a plastic tip bullet soldered to the 'wire'. I's much more nifty than just a piece of wire.
Drop chart This goes without saying.

extras I don't consider the following as extras. They are a must.
Spotting scope I have a Nikon XL-II and would consider it minimum. The game has to be spoted, then ranged the met. data entered to make the shot.
PDA running Exbal or something similar Yep.
Weather station as mentioned above Yep
Lots of spare batteries!! No kiddin' Don't use rechargable during cold weather.

Stu.

Hope this helps.

You edge should be good to beyond 1200 yards which may influence the range finder needed.

[505Gibbs]

Trueblue, why do you say to buy the 50mm rather than the 56mm?

I totally believe in lots of practice, and I will be once I get my rifle done. Is there better models of wind meters than others? And certain PDAs better then others? thanks guys.