Frequently Asked Questions

What rifle should I buy for long range shooting?

Most of the modern rifles that are being built today are very good. Certain brands have quality control issues, but even an ok one is still pretty good. If you want to get into long range shooting, I would look at what you already own. If you are going to buy a new rifle, I highly recommend doing research. The rifles I really like are, Tikka, Ruger RPR, and Remington. 

What caliber rifle should I buy for long range shooting?

This answer will get either a "Hell yeah" or an eyeroll. I recommend the 6.5 Creedmoor. Compared to a .308 Winchester, the 6.5 Creedmoor has less recoil, and it shoots further before reaching the transsonic zone.
The 6.5, .308, and .223 are all good options with multiple bullet choices. 

What scope should I buy?

I get this question a lot. I usually have to ask "what do you plan on shooting"? Because you are reading this, I'll assume long range shooting, and maybe a little hunting, or vice versa. You'll want a scope that has exposed turrets and a reticle that's designed for long range shooting (like Mil dots or similar). You should also make sure that the turrets and reticle match. Don't get a Mildot reticle and MOA turrets. This just makes it harder to learn, and is a sign of a cheap scope.
For a good scope at an awesome price, I like the SWFA fixed power scopes. At the top of the line, my favorite is the Vortex Razor Gen ll 4.5-27x56 EBR 1C.

What bullets should I buy?

If you're buying factory ammo, you'll want to go with some type of match ammo. I look for a bullet with a high B.C. As far as factory ammo goes, in my 6.5 Creedmoor, I use Hornady 147 ELD, and in .308, I like the 175 Sierra Match Kings. As far as reloading goes, I look at bullets that are heavier with high B.C.'s. I'll run different bullets through a ballistic calculator to check what bullet will give me the longest distance with a minimum of 1.5 GSF. Ultimately though, I'm looking for accuracy. 

What distance should I sight my gun to?

I stick to a 100-yard zero on just about everything. This is because all of my scopes are meant to be dialed in at different distances. Also, with a 100-yard zero, I never have to dial down; only up. If something is closer or further than 100 yards, I'll dial up.

What's a good, inexpensive bipod?

For the most part, anything inexpensive isn't good, and anything good isn't inexpensive. I use the Harris type-S bipod on everything from my .22 to 50 BMG. They work every time, and I have yet to have one break. I have broken cheap ones, and I don't want to spend $250 on the super fancy ones. 

Is 6.5 Creedmoor better than .308?

The quick answer is no. However, each one does something better than the other one. For me, better is what reaches the furthest distance at a reasonable price. When it somes to cost, they're about the same. However, in regards to distance, 6.5 wins. It also has less recoil. I have both and love both. 

When adjusting for wind what's more important, the wind closer to you or the target?

Just like with many other things in long range shooting, wind is corrected with an angle measurement. We are, of course, dealing with the trajectory of a bullet. So, if the wind blew at 100 yards and the bullet impacted 1 inch left, that's minimal. But, because we are talking angular, that same wind that moved the bullet one inch at a hundred yards, moved it 10 inches at a thousand yards. With the same scenario, let's move that same wind to 900. From 1 to 899 yards there is zero wind, but at 900 yards there's that same wind. However, this time, because the bullet is at 900 yards, it's moving significantly slower, which means it's exposed to the wind longer. This would move it 4 inches instead of 1 inch. The point is, all of the wind, all the way to the target is important. 

What do I need to get started to shoot long range?

You need a rifle (I like bolt action), a scope, bullets, and a little direction. Hopefully, being here gives you the fourth thing.

What distance is considered long range?

Well, I would say when someone at the gun range says "you can hit that from here? I can't even see it". I'll say "sure, listen". Pffttt...ding. That's at least within the realm of "long range". A more definite answer is 100 - 300 yards is close range, 400 - 600 is mid range, 700 - 1000 is long range, and 1100 or more is extreme long range (ELR).
And at a mile or more, it's so far there's not even a name for it. (I think it's still ELR)

I'm interested in getting into long range shooting but all I have is a .22. What should I do?

Buy ammo and shoot it. Shoot it a lot. Start at 50 yards, and shoot a few groups. Move to 100, then 150, and so on. Keep all your targets and come back to them. Learn and practice the fundamentals. Shoot a new set of groups and compare them to the first. You should see results. Keep shooting and focusing on one thing at a time, until you have it down to the point that when you check yourself, you're doing it correctly. 

When should I clean my rifle?

Consistency is key. You can clean it however often you choose. Just be consistent. I will only clean my barrel when my groups start to open up. Sometimes, I'll run a few patches, just to pull out some dirt followed by a patch with oil to help prevent rust. Other than that, I only clean the chamber. I'll go well over 800 rounds before cleaning. 

When reloading, what powder should I use?

I look for a powder that's temperature insensitive first, and best velocity second. You should check reloading manuals and forums to see what the pros use.
I'm using mainly Varget and H4350.

Are there any tips for being a better shooter?