New member from Alabama

[Scott S]

Hello all -

I've been reading a couple of weeks now and have been taking this all in. I'm no long range shooter at this time but I do hope to learn how. As most of you can guess, long range in Alabama is about 200 yds on a powerline somewhere.

I'm going on my first elk hunt - it is my first hunt out west in fact - in October to Colorado. My guide tells me to expect shots out to about 300 yds where we will be hunting so I have a good bit to learn. I've shot out to 200 on a range but 300 & 400 yds is something I've never had the opportunity to try.

I've never owned a custom rifle and I don't know anything about accurizing my factory rifles. I shoot a Winchester Model 70 (post 64) Featherweight in 30-06 and a Interarms Mk X Mannlicher in .308.

I plan to lean on you experts here for advice, assistance, and encouragement. If I post something really stupid please bear with me and remember that you have a true novice on your hands here.

Thanks!

Scott Spencer
Birmingham, AL

[ss7mm]

Welcome to Long Range Hunting Scott:

Not being able to shoot more than 200 yards is hard for me to wrap my mind around.

Sounds like you've got the trip of a lifetime set up for this fall. Enjoy it as it will sure be different from anything you've done in Alabama. Good luck and I hope you get a big 'un.

Just remember, you have to post pics here and tell us all about your trip.

Feel free to ask questions about anything. There's always somebody that will help you out.

[michael A.]

welcome scott

hope we can help
wow nothing over 200 yards
i like to use the glock for that kind of work

[Rupe]

Welcome to the site! I hunt with a revolver so 200 yards is out of my range by 100 yards. LOL

[Scott S]

Thanks, fellas. I know, I know....200 yds to all of you is like 25 yds to me. LOL

I do have a friend that is hooking me up with someone who has a 500 yd range. I plan to start shooting on it next week.

I'm not really a target shooter but I do want to learn to "hunt" ethically out to about 400 - 500 yds. I'm not sure my 30-06 and 308 are the rifles to do it but that just shows my lack of experience and knowledge of ballistics, long range shooting, etc.

What are some basic things I can do to my rifles to make them as accurate as possible? Should I consider rebarreling either one of them? By the way. they are topped with a Leupold VX II 3-9x40 on the .308 and Leupold VX II 3-9x50 on the Winchester.

Scott

[eddybo]

Scott,

I would consider either sending the scope on your 06 back to Leupold and having turrets installed ( I think turrets are available for the VX2s but wouldnt swear to it) or going with a scope already equipped with turrets. Your factory 06 will probably be fine as is out to 500. Put some rounds downrange to make sure that accuracy isnt an issue. You will not have any problems making yourself practice because shooting long range is addictive and a bunch of fun. Good luck.