Long Range for begginers

GobbleDropper99

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Apr 10, 2012
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Hey, I recently started to get interested in long-range shooting, I haven't been much of a rifle shooter/hunter (the occasional coyote hunt or deer hunt) and have really always been a shotgun guy from growing up to now. I would really appreciate if you guys could give me a kind of a list for it. I am planning on buying a FNH/Uniqe Alpine Ballista Bolt-action in 338. lapua. I have read all about range cards and hand held computers and ballistics software but I have decided to take a more budgeted approach. I own an Iphone and found a "app" That is called "Bullet Flight" and purchased it. The version I purchased is the "Millitary Grade" version and works in the same manner a range card or expensive ballistics software would. You simpily enter all of your details (Ammo, Range, Weather, etc.) and it gives you a solution on to what adjustments you need to input into your scope adjustments. Anyways I plan on using that and a handheld meteorology station to get by as a beginner, any suggestions from you guys would be appreciated!

gun)
 
Welcome to LRH. You go big or go home don't you!:D Well there are some options. You'll want a laser range finder. Swarovski, Zeiss, and Lecia are the best for budget buys... Zeiss leading in the price catagory and the Lecia 1600 is really right up there with the Swaro now. The new kid on the block is the G7 LRF, but it is $12-1500 making it the most expesive. The nice thing about that one is that it will calculate your distance on an incline. You can also put in your load data and will adjust the drops accordingly. It also reads baro, temp, and I believe humidity, but don't hold me to that. If you have the money for the G7 start there, but for the best bang for the buck, right now it would have to be the Lecia 1600 (they have a 1600B that adjust for angle now for the same price, so you may want to look for one of those). Get a good base and rings. You will also want a high power variable scope for the Lapua. It can shoot a longs ways accurately. I would suggest no less than 15-20 power scope. Vortex, Sightron SIII, Leupold VXIII, Night Force are all the good ones. There are a few others that are slipping my mind at the moment. For a hand held weather station, I want the Kestrel 3500 or 4500. They are pricey, but worth it in my opinion. It's an unwritten rule here, make sure you post a pic of the finished project. Some budget scopes would be the SWFA SS scope, Nikon Buckmaster, and Millet LRS. Weaver also makes some very nice scopes too, especially the tactical models.

Good Shoot'in,
Tank
 
One other thing, you'll want to invest in some reloading equipment. 338 Lapua ammo can be rather spendy if you have to buy factory fodder. Hand loads are the way to go.
 
Amen on that Tank. Reload as much as you can. Not only will you have the satisfaction of a job well done, you can design a load specifically to your rifle, and save some cash at the same time.

With a large rifle cart like the Lapua, make sure you get a press that can handle it. RCBS is one I have used for years and love. I have used a classic Lee before and ended up breaking the handle off. The reason it broke was because I was trying to reload too big of brass in that particular model, not because the press malfunctioned.

However, for 100 brass for the 338 Lapua you looking at $250. That is why I stuck with the RUM. A little easier on the pocket book and I can shoot them as much as I want without feeling the pinch.
 
Hey, I recently started to get interested in long-range shooting, I haven't been much of a rifle shooter/hunter (the occasional coyote hunt or deer hunt) and have really always been a shotgun guy from growing up to now. I would really appreciate if you guys could give me a kind of a list for it. I am planning on buying a FNH/Uniqe Alpine Ballista Bolt-action in 338. lapua. I have read all about range cards and hand held computers and ballistics software but I have decided to take a more budgeted approach. I own an Iphone and found a "app" That is called "Bullet Flight" and purchased it. The version I purchased is the "Millitary Grade" version and works in the same manner a range card or expensive ballistics software would. You simpily enter all of your details (Ammo, Range, Weather, etc.) and it gives you a solution on to what adjustments you need to input into your scope adjustments. Anyways I plan on using that and a handheld meteorology station to get by as a beginner, any suggestions from you guys would be appreciated!

gun)

You're worried about the cost of ballistics software. Yet, your sights are set on a cartridge that will blow gapping holes in your bank account?

The 338's don't really shine until you get way out there.. 1200, 1500+ yds. ...or, bigger game at long distances.

So unless you really need the 338LM, go for something cost effective, fun, and accurate in the 6, 6.5, or 7mm families.

6br is fun, accurate, and economical.

260 Rem is versatile for targets, deer, etc.

If you don't handload, then 308 Win is hard to beat for match grade factory ammo.

There are lots of great choices.

Best of luck!
-- richard
 
I'm also new to long range shooting, and I already own a Savage Arms 110ba (.338 Lapua)! :) I wasn't sure what scope to buy, and I was on a budget, so I settled for a Leupold Mark IV 6.5x20x50. I love the gun, and the Leupold has a great field of view with a very clear picture... but I thought I would ask some experts what they think?
 
I'm also new to long range shooting, and I already own a Savage Arms 110ba (.338 Lapua)! :) I wasn't sure what scope to buy, and I was on a budget, so I settled for a Leupold Mark IV 6.5x20x50. I love the gun, and the Leupold has a great field of view with a very clear picture... but I thought I would ask some experts what they think?

What they think about what exactly?
 
one thing i would think about investing in is a good chronograph.ballistic software and weather stations are nice but they are useless if you don't have an accurate muzle velocity to input into the calculator.but one thing you need to do is back up your ballistic data with actual feild data.in other words if the calculator says your load will have a 24 moa drop at 1000 yards you need to actually shoot it at that distance with 24 moa come up.then you can adjust from there.most ballistic calculator if given accurate data will get you close but you need to check and adjust to actual feild info.the g7 ballistic calculator availible on this site actually has a trajectory validation program just for that.also,keep good records.a data book will help.lastly,it dosn't matter what caliber you decide to shoot as long as your shootinggun)
 
First off welcome to LHR, you will find every thing you need right here.

Let me ask some questions:

First off where do you call home?

Do you have enough room to really shoot that 338 Lm to its capable ranges?

Are you after game or targets?

As already stated, consider getting a smaller caliber to practice with, say a 223 or 243. They are MUCH cheeper to shoot and are still capable to make those long shots. It will also help keep your fundimentals sharp. You cant be fliching on a target at 1200 yds and expect to hit it.
Then when the moment counts you have the 338 LM to make the shot with.

Not to metion a 243 does alot less fur damage then the 338 LM on coyotes.

As for equipment a kestral 3500 it is very easy to read and use.

I have the Ballistic fte, ballistic computer for my Ipod give it a look if you are not happy with yours. From what I have heard Both are very accurate.

Also as bogger01 stated a chrono is a must.

A rifle data log book is another thing, to keep track of shooting conditions bullet loads and speeds and, ranges and MOA adjustments. It will help you fine tune your ballistic calculator.

Good luck and keep us posted to your progress.
 
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There's nothing wrong with choosing a big gun if energy or ELR is your objective. But, don't let it hinder your practice. Likewise, you will start accumulating gadgets once you get hooked. Many of us here have multipe rifles for that reason. Even a 22LR can be excellent for honing skills. ...and, economical to shoot.

Whatever you decide, have fun and be safe.
Richard
 
Hey guys... thanks for all of the feedback and questions to help better focus my questions to get the help I'm needing.

I call NW Indiana my home for the last 10yrs... I am originally from Chicago. I served 8yrs in the US Marine Corps and that is where I received my firearms training. Now I am not a Marine Sniper, but I am familiar with and own a variety of rifles and handguns.

Recently I got a hair to try long range shooting and have been buying gear ever since. I bought, with long range in mind, a DPMS Panther .308/7.62 NATO mounted with a TRijicon AccuPoint 5-20x50 with mil-dot recticle, and the Savage Arms 110ba in .338 Lapua mounted with a Leupold Tactical 6.5-20x50 with a mil-dot recticle.

My questions are:

1) Will the scopes I invested in provide adequate range out to 1000 yards? Is there another recommendation that will do better?

2) I am interested in reloading... but there is so much information out there I am not sure what is best or adequate for me, a beginner, to invest in. Any suggestions on reloading equipment? Best place to purchase the equipment and what equipment would be needed?

I'm sure I'll have more questions as time goes on... I appreciate any feedback and suggestions.

I almost forgot... the longest range I have found near me is 220 yards... not near enough to stretch the legs of either of my rifles. Anyone out there have any suggestions where I might look to find a place to extend my range?

Thanks... :D
 

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Well now that is a horse of a different color!

It looks like you should be ok as for optics. As you start to extend your range you might need some thing with more adjustment.

You still will what to invest in a chrono.

As for reloading just do a forum search on the topic you would like information on.

Good luck and again welcome.
 
Thats a mean looking rifle. You mentioned something about a budget but, your gonna dive off into the hobby off long range shooting by way of a 338 Lapua. You got a big budget and some big marbles or have just completely did yourself an injustice starting out. I like guts! Good luck and don't put to much torque on that rifle when you start airing them out.
 
What do you mean by a Chrono? I have a range finder good out to 100 yards.

And thanks for the feedback...gun)
 
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