Hello from midwest Michigan

[fish42eat]

Hello and thanks for all of the helpful information you all share. I've learned a lot just reading through the posts here.

I've hunted most of my life, but just recently got interested in longer range shooting. I've hunted with semi-autos, pumps and levers, and am considering buying a bolt action for greater accuracy down range. Not a big need for it where I hunt - most shots are in 100-200 yd range, which have been well within my skills and the reach of my old Rem 742 in 30-06. I inherited it from my Granddad and, with help from my former-military uncle, have learned to do pretty well with it over the last few years on Michigan whitetails. Though it's still in great shape, I don't have much faith in finding parts for it if ever needed, and I'd like to have a rifle that I could confidently shoot farther with if I get the chance to hunt where longer distances require one. But for now I'll keep reading while I look for a good buy on a rifle & scope.

 

[westcliffe01]

The only point I would like to make is that in order to have confidence at longer ranges, you need the equipment and you need to practice with it, in the field regularly. First to master each component and then the combination of all. When you can make reliable first shot hits at long range (not dialing in shot after shot until you connect) reliably, then you might be alright.

So find your rifle and scope, but also your rangefinder, wind meter, suitable ammunition (a whole topic of its own), worked up and validated ballistic charts or software application that is proven to represent your loads and the way you shoot.

Yes, it sounds like a lot, but if one starts leaving out steps, pretty soon you find that you are just "winging it" and success will not be sure at all.

I do not have it all mastered and I still have to get my wind meter, but I have worked on many of the other facets which has resulted in some dead end paths, new (better) acquisitions, which then need to be improved once you work out their limitations (typically a good match barrel which can stabilize heavy high BC bullets). Time in the field, shooting the distances you have in mind will quickly reveal how much progress you have made. It also often points in the direction of what needs to be corrected.

Welcome to the challenge.

Hello and thanks for all of the helpful information you all share. I've learned a lot just reading through the posts here.

I've hunted most of my life, but just recently got interested in longer range shooting. I've hunted with semi-autos, pumps and levers, and am considering buying a bolt action for greater accuracy down range. Not a big need for it where I hunt - most shots are in 100-200 yd range, which have been well within my skills and the reach of my old Rem 742 in 30-06. I inherited it from my Granddad and, with help from my former-military uncle, have learned to do pretty well with it over the last few years on Michigan whitetails. Though it's still in great shape, I don't have much faith in finding parts for it if ever needed, and I'd like to have a rifle that I could confidently shoot farther with if I get the chance to hunt where longer distances require one. But for now I'll keep reading while I look for a good buy on a rifle & scope.

 

[fish42eat]

westcliffe01,

Sounds like, once I get my rifle/scope/ammo combo set up , I'll be doing more practicing than anything else. Though I already have a rangefinder, the other items will have to wait for extra-budgetary money to acquire. Fortunately, we already have a couple of ranges set up out to 500 yds, one north-south and the other east-west, to enable shooting under various wind conditions. Educational and good fun too.

I appreciate the technical side of shooting, and hope to get to the point of understanding and practicing it regularly. The importance of one-shot hits is the reason we do all we can in the pursuit of making them happen consistently, and I thank you for the instructional advice.