Setting Expectations

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silverhair

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Apr 7, 2019
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Midwest USA
Greetings,

As a newby to this forum... A newby to long range shooting... A relative newby to shooting sports, I would like to set some performance expectations for me and my equipment.

I have never shot a high-power rifle before my new rifle, just some indoor 25 yd plinking with ar AR-15 in .223 / 5.56. That was a couple of years ago.

I have recently acquired a Howa Gameking (1500) package in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 22" #2 profile barrel. I have added a couple of accessories, namely a Harris bipod and a Promag Archangel stock (the built-in bipod already fell off). I am planning to install a much better Vortex scope than the Nikko that came as part of the package. I now have a total of ~ 100 rds through the gun and can consistently hit inside a 1/2" diameter circle at 100 yds, the longest available range at the local facilities. That's with Hornady American Gunner 140gr ammo.

As I progress, what is a reasonable expectation for long range performance for both me and my equipment given that I do not expect to hand load?
 
Being able to shoot a 1/2" group at 100 yes consistently is good. Is the location of your group also consistent? Is this while shooting off a bench or some other position?

How about group size and location from other positions?
 
Sounds like you have a fine little shooter there. This sport is like golf, you can't buy your way in with expensive equipment and think you are going to shoot par. Practice, practice, practice. Use your funds on buying ammo and learning to reload. If your rifle is shooting groups of that size now you have a great little starter. Welcome, it is addicting.
 
Most of the guys on here probably started out shooting 22's at a very early age. Sounds like you did not have the opportunity to do that. I would say if you are shooting like you say, you at least have good techniques for a starter. First thing you need to do is find a range where you can stretch yourself out. Good optics help everyone. Improve your technique by learning with more trigger time. Breathing, trigger pull, cheek weld, grip hold, to name just a few. I'm just saying don't go out and buy a several thousand dollar rig and think you are going to start winning 1000 matches.
 
ShtrRdy said:
Being able to shoot a 1/2" group at 100 yes consistently is good. Is the location of your group also consistent? Is this while shooting off a bench or some other position?

How about group size and location from other positions?
Click to expand...

Yes, I have managed to adjust the original Nikko scope so I'm consistently touching the center spot, about 3/4" diameter. Sometimes dead center (probably luck). Off the bench. I have only ever shot a pistol from standing, never fired anything prone, kneeling or cross-legged.

And yes, the sport is VERY addicting. At this point, I am researching technique, working with my coach and carefully considering rational investments to help me improve. I'm looking for ranges that go out past 100 yards. Not too many in the St. Louis area.
 
You have a coach, but look into some of the long range shooting schools if there isn't local opportunity to extend the range.
 
Use the search bar at top of the page "long range schools". I don't know back east, but a couple of threads there. Out west 406 Precision in Montana, but does travel some. Non Typical Outfitters, Extreme Outer Limits, Defensive Edge, Jeff Brozovich at Long Range Only does an occasional class. There are others.
 
silverhair said:
Greetings,

As a newby to this forum... A newby to long range shooting... A relative newby to shooting sports, I would like to set some performance expectations for me and my equipment.

I have never shot a high-power rifle before my new rifle, just some indoor 25 yd plinking with ar AR-15 in .223 / 5.56. That was a couple of years ago.

I have recently acquired a Howa Gameking (1500) package in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 22" #2 profile barrel. I have added a couple of accessories, namely a Harris bipod and a Promag Archangel stock (the built-in bipod already fell off). I am planning to install a much better Vortex scope than the Nikko that came as part of the package. I now have a total of ~ 100 rds through the gun and can consistently hit inside a 1/2" diameter circle at 100 yds, the longest available range at the local facilities. That's with Hornady American Gunner 140gr ammo.

As I progress, what is a reasonable expectation for long range performance for both me and my equipment given that I do not expect to hand load?
Click to expand...
Two aspects of shooting performance are Precision and Accuracy. Precision is the spread of the shot group regardless of location with respect to the target point.......consistency of round placement. Accuracy is the proximity of the shot group to the target point......getting the rounds on target.
 
Big piney is one I know of in Missouri. I think you can get out to 800 yds. I think there used to be one in wright city but I can't remember the name.
 
There's a private range about 15 miles west of Osage Beach, Missouri where you can pay to shoot. I think the range goes out to 1100 yards right now. There's usually some good guys out there on weekends who are always willing to help someone out. PM me if you are interested and I can give you names and directions.
 
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