Shooting again at 1000, 1200, 1300 and 1780

[Korhil78]

I decided to do the same thing as I did last week to see how consistent I could be with my 338 LM. I was very pleased with the results and I even did better at 1780 yds as I got two out of 4 hits at the distance as opposed to no hits last time. Pics and explanation below.



1st clean, cold bore shot is the hit right below the white bullseye. Moved back to 1200 yards and 1st shot hit is the shot below and to the right of bullseye in the 10" orange circle. Moved back to 1300 yards and the 1st round hit is somewhere in that 5 shot cluster off to the right of the orange. After seeing that I hit, I fired 3 more rounds as I did last week. I was pretty excited to see that they were all close together and still within the kill zone of an elk if my point of aim was right behind the shoulder. I wasn't going to go back to 1780 yds like last time as I had missed all 4 shots from there that time. But I got to thinking that I wont ever learn anything if I dont do it. So I moved on back to 1780 yds and took 4 shots. The first shot was high by about 1 MOA but dead on for windage. I moved down from 57.5 to 56 MOA and took another shot. It was just a little low. So I dialed up to 56.5 and HIT! It hit in the 4 shot cluster that I took at 1300 yds. I couldnt really tell but I believe that it is the lighter colored hit in the pic. I took another shot and it hit as well! It is the lowest shot on the target just below the orange. The two shots that hit at 1780 measured 10.1".



I measured the 4 shot group from 1300 yds and I was very excited to see that it was 4.9". My last 4 shot group at 1300 from last week measured 4.8". I am very happy with the consistency and accuracy of this load in my 338 LM.

I am learning a lot about the wind but I am also working on my form when I shoot. Breathing, shooting form, trigger pull and follow through is what I am trying to focus on and it is really helping me.

Critique whatever you see that I could be doing wrong. If you have any questions, I will answer them the best that I can.

 

[MMERSS]

It's rewarding when everything comes together. Few can copy what you have accomplished at those ranges.

 

[Korhil78]

Thank you..it is very rewarding and is building my confidence in theses shots every time I go out. It's also crazy to think about the people who do this without the instruments that I have. The kestrel 4500 has helped me so much that it is unbelievable.

My goal now is to set up my target and just drive and stop at a random spot. Get set up, range it, get the wind reading and put all the info into shooter and take the shot. I want to lower the time that it takes me to get to the point of shooting as much as possible.

 

[Tikkamike]

not bad for a little hillbilly

 

[BigBboy25]

Very impressive! Congratulations! Any large 'ah-ha!' things you've learned through this practice that might help others you care to share?

 

[Korhil78]

There are a few things that have helped me come a long way.

1. Get a good rangefinder, a kestrel and a ballistics app. You don't have to have these things but it sure makes it a whole lot easier and will make you a whole lot more consistent. I now have a new found respect for military types and others who do this without this equipment as it would be a steep learning curve.

2. What I really learned to do is relax when I am shooting. When I first started hunting, I would death grip the gun. Doing this will cause you to actually shake and at long distance, that shaking will have you all over the target. Now I just lock the bipod by pushing my shoulder into the butt of the gun, my trigger hand is just relaxed on the rifle as is the rest of my body. My other hand is used to squeeze my shooting bag.

Make sure you are relaxing your face too. A lot of people tense their facial muscles when they close one eye out of habit because they are trying to concentrate so hard. Learn to relax your face while closing one eye when you are dry firing. I had a problem with this at first.

3. A smooth trigger pull is super important from these distances. If you don't get that nice smooth trigger pull all the way back then you are going to be off target from these distances.

Mainly just get out there and shoot. Pay attention to each shot and note if you were tensed or relaxed, if you had a smooth trigger pull. Take not of every little thing that you did so that you can work on those things.

I am constantly critiquing myself to try and get better.

 

[300 ultra]

There are a few things that have helped me come a long way.

1. Get a good rangefinder, a kestrel and a ballistics app. You don't have to have these things but it sure makes it a whole lot easier and will make you a whole lot more consistent. I now have a new found respect for military types and others who do this without this equipment as it would be a steep learning curve.

2. What I really learned to do is relax when I am shooting. When I first started hunting, I would death grip the gun. Doing this will cause you to actually shake and at long distance, that shaking will have you all over the target. Now I just lock the bipod by pushing my shoulder into the butt of the gun, my trigger hand is just relaxed on the rifle as is the rest of my body. My other hand is used to squeeze my shooting bag.

Make sure you are relaxing your face too. A lot of people tense their facial muscles when they close one eye out of habit because they are trying to concentrate so hard. Learn to relax your face while closing one eye when you are dry firing. I had a problem with this at first.

3. A smooth trigger pull is super important from these distances. If you don't get that nice smooth trigger pull all the way back then you are going to be off target from these distances.

Mainly just get out there and shoot. Pay attention to each shot and note if you were tensed or relaxed, if you had a smooth trigger pull. Take not of every little thing that you did so that you can work on those things.

I am constantly critiquing myself to try and get better.[/QUOTE


That's great info. Please keep us posted on your findings

 

[WyoElk2Hunt]

What kind of range finder are you using? I use the G7 and it works great for me.

 

[Korhil78]

What kind of range finder are you using? I use the G7 and it works great for me.

I am using a Leica 1600. I can range my target out to 1800 yds with it but I have to have it resting on a shooting bag so it doesn't move at all. I like it because its so small and ranges so well.

 

[Broz]

I am using a Leica 1600. I can range my target out to 1800 yds with it but I have to have it resting on a shooting bag so it doesn't move at all. I like it because its so small and ranges so well.

Yup, best bang for the buck and they need to be solid. Plus the small beam of the 1600 will return accurate ranges and that's a must at the distances you are shooting now.

I hate to warn you but....... I think I see a Vectronix in your future though.

Keep up the great shooting.

Jeff

 

[Korhil78]

Yup, best bang for the buck and they need to be solid. Plus the small beam of the 1600 will return accurate ranges and that's a must at the distances you are shooting now.

I hate to warn you but....... I think I see a Vectronix in your future though.

Keep up the great shooting.

Jeff

Haha..I know. I have already started sweet talking the wife!