Maybe try picking up a .22 rifle to practice with. It will show you exaggerated drops and wind issues that you must deal with to make distant hits and it's much cheaper to shoot while you're honing your shooting skills.
Only have about 80 rounds down the tube at this point. I have some Hammer hunters I want to try. Looking for insight/experiences. The rifle is a model 307 243win 7.5tw 22"bbl