Accuracy at a distance is both simpler and more complex than you think.
Is the ability to accurately shoot at 500, 600, 700 yards and further an innate ability, or a skill that anyone can learn if they apply themselves? We as a society thrill to the stories of long-range snipers like Carlos Hathcock, Lyudmila Pavlichenko, and Chris Kyle—consistent accuracy at great distances is incredibly impressive. But although the vast majority of us won’t go down in the annals of history for our distance-shooting exploits, it’s definitely a skillset that even an average Joe or Jane can add to their toolkit with the right equipment, training, and patience.
1-Equipment:
There’s a saying among the old guard: Most rifles will consistently outshoot the shooter. And it’s true that the accuracy you can expect out of even a budget rifle, mounted on a rest in controlled conditions, is going to be better than what the average shooter can do in field conditions. That said, if you’re looking for extreme long-distance accuracy as a Western game hunter or an F-Class competitor, it’s definitely worth splashing out for a rifle purpose-built for it. (How will you be able to tell? The short answer is that it’s like figuring out who in a group does Crossfit—they’ll tell you, early and often.)
Of equal importance is a top-quality optic adorned with the right reticle. Good glass can absolutely make all the difference when you start talking about reaching out to targets at distances beyond what most people can see with their naked eyes.
2-Training
In an encouraging trend, more and more manufacturers of optics and guns purpose-built for distance shooting are now offering training classes that are taught by experts but designed for the average shooter. One such is Steyr Arms Training Academy, which now offers courses taught by Steyr’s Training Academy director Eduardo Abril de Fontcuberta at beginning and advanced levels. Their SPR1 (Steyr Precision Rifle, natch) course teaches the fundamentals of zeroing your rifle, wind estimation, ballistics know-how, software options and more. Steyr isn’t alone in this effort, of course—but it’s very exciting to see the increasing dedication from them and other precision-shooting gear manufacturers to helping the customer get the most out of their equipment.
3-Patience
“But Trace,” you may protest, “patience is an innate ability, not a learned skill!” Well, yes and no…and this is where the question of whether long-range shooting ability is the product of talent or skill gets thorny. To be certain, when it comes to the absolute top levels of distance shooting—those folks shooting at targets a kilometer away or more—there does seem to be a certain je ne sais quoi that either you have or you don’t. But up until that lofty, rarified level what really seems to make the difference is patience and perseverance. The patience to take each missed shot as a learning opportunity, not a failure; the patience to wait until the conditions are just right before squeezing the trigger; the patience to continue practicing and learning even when the weather stinks and your neck is cramping. And that’s definitely a skill you can learn by doing.
Trace, a proud Special Farces who goes commando, is dedicated to pubic service. Although he’s a legend among YouTube commenters, he actually began life as a humble dingleberry farmer. Now, no subject is too moist or sensitive for his incisive odor and scintillating lymph nodes.
Boz says
Every different ammo is going to impact differently. Make sure you are using high quality ammo if you want consistent results (like Hornady 200 gr ELD-X® Precision Hunter, or 180 gr SST® Superformance, or 178 gr ELD® Match). Unless you can enter the EXACT specific round/load into the scope parameters, you will have to manually figure a holdover on the scope reticle at 450yds and go with that for future shooting at that distance rather than the scopes calculation (if it just isn’t working).
Stephen C Weltz says
Great article. I have been trying to get my Rem 700 in 300 Win. Mag. sighted in at 450 yards with little luck. I am using a Burris Eliminator 111 6 x 14 x 44 mm scope. I am dead on at 100 yards, but cannot hit an 8″ diameter target when I back out to the 450 yards. My son has not done much better shooting this gun. I had the barrel floated and that helped a little; now hitting a 15 in. radius instead of 20 in. radius. I sent the scope in to Burris and they tell me it is alright. I talked to Rem. and they said I could send in rifle and they could check rifleings. . I bought gun new several years ago and am just now wanting to use it. I have tried 5 different brands of bullets and 180 gr. to 200 gr. with no real difference. When I shoot my 7 mm with only a cheaper 4 x 12 x 30 scope I can hit a 6 in. pattern at 450 yards. Any suggestions? Thank you.
Dee says
How are your groups as you move rout from 100 yards? Do they fall apart earlier or just at 450? Once you can pinpoint WHERE the problem is or starts, you can work to solve the WHY. Have you tried with different Rem 330WM and/or scope see if one or the other is contributing to the problem?
What ammo are you shooting? My riffle tends to “like” some ammo over others. Is it match grade – that makes a difference.
Finally , how effective are YOU as the shooter? Trigger control breathe control, stability, age can all be factors.
Finally – yes, patience , and only one change at a time.
Good luck!