Long range proficiency IN THE FIELD

[steve white]

Not trying to stir interest in ridiculously long range sniping/potential wounding, but who are the consistent best longer range shots under general field conditions? Are there places where such proficiency is just a necessary part of getting the game? Certain species come to mind. Certain locales come to mind. Who or where are those who regularly have to stretch the shots out further. What do they shoot? What could they teach us?
I remember Carmicheal writing once of a long shot in New Zealand. The PH said, "Nice shot--for a Yank!" Are them fightin' words? What is your experience?

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

Western hunters would definitely have an edge over us on the east coast. I would think those who hunt elk/mule deer/pronghorn in open country would have the necessary to need to lean those skills. Sheep hunters are probably towards the top of the list physically demanding country with the potential for long shots over multiple air conditions in situations where there is probably only time for one shot and or you need to anchor the animal so you can retrieve it.

 

[Elkeater]

I’m the US I’d say certain western locals mostly. I know folks in Pennsylvania make some long shots as well as Carolina beanfield hunters. Where I live in coues deer country shots tend to be over 300 yards very consistently. As an example in my friend group last year, of 4 coues deer tags my shot was the shortest at about 395 yards. I think there are definitely some locals and species that lend themselves to long shots in the open areas of the world.

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

I would think Americans as a whole make up the highest percentage of people who have atleast rudimentary instruction in long range shooting. It’s my understanding the u.s. army trains to 300yards and the marines train to 500yards. Given the size of the United States military and the amount of turn over one could safely assume that 7-10% of the population has had basic training. I’m sure @Red Leg could word it better.

 

[mdwest]

300 meters is a fairly common qualification standard I believe among NATO countries…

I know I’ve talked to British Royal Marine Commandos and French Foreign Legion soldiers that have both told me their qualification courses include 300m targets…

 

[BourbonTrail]

Western US and Canada probably take the cake on this one. A fair number of Kiwis can probably hold their own (hunting Tahr, etc.).

Most Arizonans I knew didn’t consider it “long range” until at least 600 yards, but here in Kentucky there’s not a public range longer than 300-400yards . Closest 1000yd range is 8hrs drive.

There are some Wyoming boys, and others from the mountain West, that consider 1000yd a pot shot. Hell, in the US we are trying indirect fire with shoulder fired weapons:

New World Record Set for Farthest Long-Range Rifle Shot: 4.4 Miles

A team of shooters hit a steel target at 7,744 yards in the Wyoming desert, besting the previous world record shot by several hundred yards.

www.outdoorlife.com

 

[JimP]

I learned to hunt in the West where I live. The vast majority of rifle shots are going to be 150 yards+ and depending on where you are hunting a 400 yard shot won't be uncommon.

The furthest that I have taken a game animal was a hair over 700 yards, people ask me why I didn't get closer and I just tell them that I haven't perfected walking on air yet. My first shot at a coues deer was at 520 yard and my second shot at one was 420 yards.

There is something about hunting wide open country where you need to know your rifle and ammo along with knowing what your capabilities are.

On the other side I have taken deer, and elk at under 20 yards with a pistol and archery tackle.

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

300 meters is a fairly common qualification standard I believe among NATO countries…

I know I’ve talked to British Royal Marine Commandos and French Foreign Legion soldiers that have both told me their qualification courses include 300m targets…

Can’t really count the ffL as it’s made up of citizens from everywhere. Regardless the point I was trying to make wasn’t on the ability of any one country’s armed forces it’s on the percentage of the population with military experience.

 

[WAB]

I shot with some SAS counter terrorist lads a number of years ago. We had to fire test targets to go on the hill. Those fellows could shoot. What was incredible was the speed at which they could get multiple accurate shots off at range. Way beyond sniper qual.

For methodical precision placement, in my experience, the guy that burns 10,000 or so rounds a summer on prairie dogs is probably as good as anyone out there. Range is easy, wind is a bitch. Prairie dogs teach you wind.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I would think Americans as a whole make up the highest percentage of people who have atleast rudimentary instruction in long range shooting. It’s my understanding the u.s. army trains to 300yards and the marines train to 500yards. Given the size of the United States military and the amount of turn over one could safely assume that 7-10% of the population has had basic training. I’m sure @Red Leg could word it better.

If you’ve ever been on a military qualification range (ESPECIALLY with non-combat arms units, which make up the largest percentage of our military) you might second guess that opinion …. Hahaha

 

[Inline6]

It is more an individual thing to truly be proficient. It doesn't matter which country. Honestly proficient long range shooting takes dedication, of time, money, components, etc. I have away known mid range to stop about 800 yards. That is usually in a NRA type setting. Field style shooting is harder, if you miss in tall grass you more than likely will not get any feed back.

I think the US probably has the most, factors include places to shoot, 2A, not limited to amount of ammo, and we have a lot of field type match (think the PRS and NRL hunter matches).

I'll say it again, truly proficient true long range shooter are hard to come by. A lot of that will depend on your definition of proficient too.

 

[Tra3]

Hunting in Montana and Idaho we see many shots over 200 yards, I’d say 80% are that distance or greater. Some areas just don’t allow one to get closer.
I’ve passed on some excellent bull elk at 500 and 600 yards. The main reason is not about hitting it, it is about hitting it really well. There are too many variable for my skill set to go that distance. It is common for us to shoot in the 400+ range. It seems like 480 yards and 550 should be close to the same thing, but a guy has to place his limits for good, ethical shots.

I’d love to have the time to train more at 500+, that will come later.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

My experience is on Coues deer here in Arizona. It's been awhile since I drew a tag, so I haven't had much in recent years. My longest shot to date was 420 yards. I was fortunate to draw a late season rifle tag which puts the hunt squarely in the rut. The rut starts in late December and stretches into January typically.

On this buck, I had spotted the deer at some 1100 yards with my 15x binoculars. We watched a group of does for quite a long time expecting a buck to show up. Initially there was a small buck with them which we didn't know was a buck, but he acted like one. He was harassing the does but I just couldn't see antlers at first. Finally the sun glinted off his small rack just right and I realized he was in fact a small buck.

Shortly after that he took off quickly over a ridge. A bigger buck had moved in and I just hadn't spotted him just yet. Finally he showed and it was quite comical to watch that big buck tear up a prickly pear patch and harass the does a bit. Eventually he went over the ridge and chased that smaller buck back onto the side where he was spotted again.

It was getting into late afternoon and I knew we didn't have time to make it there. So using my range finder I ranged the next ridge close at about 700 yards and we made a plan to go to that ridge the next day.

We took our time the next morning and didn't head out until it was light so that we could find our way. Eventually we got setup where I wanted to be. Not too long after that the does we spotted the previous day started to meander in and as expected were about 400 yards away. Shortly after that the bigger buck from the day before showed up tailing a doe. He followed her into some brush and they were out of sight for a bit. Eventually came out of the brush and looking a little worse for wear, quite certain he bread that doe while they had some privacy.

He meandered out into an open spot near the prickly pear patch he tore up the day before. I ranged him at 420 yards. I took my first shot and as far as I know I may have hit Arizona with it or the bullet is still in flight to this day. Settling down, I lined up a second shot. At these distances, the deer don't scatter, they're kind of confused I think by what is happening and while they're clearly nervous, they don't head for the next county.

The second shot hit him square in the neck and he dropped on the spot. No....I was not aiming for the neck, but for the shoulder with a hold at his back line. Dead nonetheless.

The lesson learned is these long range shots are tricky. I had sighted my rifle in so that I knew the drop, but that was at Phoenix elevation of about 1000 feet. Not the 4000 feet or so we were hunting at.

It's a pretty big challenge getting the right setup to practice these shots and I don't think I'd attempt such a long shot again. I really don't care to lose an animal I know I've hit and so beyond 300 yards on these smallish deer is about as far as I want to shoot personally. The reality is no matter how high you may sight in, when the bullet gets that far the bullet drop at those longer distances is on an exponential curve and what would be relatively small errors at shorter distances are now amplified at longer ranges. And of course this raises the chance of a wounded and lost animal.

 

[Rich s]

Check out and search on YouTube precision rifle series. Or prs them folks got that long range shooting off of various objects under time with movement often engaging multiple targets at various distances down.
If you’d like to get practiced up and more proficient in hunting scenarios check out the NRL. National rifle league. More of a hunting based game. With find, range and shoot targets at various distances.
Both will make you a more proficient marksman.

 

[Inline6]

The lesson learned is these long range shots are tricky. I had sighted my rifle in so that I knew the drop, but that was at Phoenix elevation of about 1000 feet. Not the 4000 feet or so we were hunting at.

It's a pretty big challenge getting the right setup to practice these shots and I don't think I'd attempt such a long shot again. I really don't care to lose an animal I know I've hit and so beyond 300 yards on these smallish deer is about as far as I want to shoot personally. The reality is no matter how high you may sight in, when the bullet gets that far the bullet drop at those longer distances is on an exponential curve and what would be relatively small errors at shorter distances are now amplified at longer ranges. And of course this raises the chance of a wounded and lost animal.

With the use of a AB Kestral, that problem would have been more of a none issue. It is a game changer in the fact it takes all environmentals into consideration and adjusts for them. Have shot matches all over the country and it works. From sea level to 10k above sea level.

How accurate is it you might it be asking yourself, have made hits (1st round) at 1200+ yards on 1/2 MOA in size with center fire rifles. Have made 1st round hits with 22lr out to 650 yards the target was much bigger 5MOA (a 22lr at that range is tricky).

 

[Berettaco]

Grew up in Colorado and still go back every year to hunt. Small group of friends and family there are outfitters/guides. Within this group a common shot distance is usually 300-400 yards but they will take shots out to 700/800 if the wind is agreeable. When they are guiding clients they usually see most of the western state hunters are proficient out past 400 yards given the wind is calm. Most of the eastern state hunters are accustomed to the 100-200 yard shots and many are not comfortable with much over 300.
I’ve lived all over the US and the majority of eastern state rifle ranges stop at 200, if you’re lucky maybe 300. Yes there are times in the eastern states where you could get a long range shot - over a crop field, down a power line swath etc… but if you’re doing a spot and stalk it will be under 100 most of the time.
Spot and stalk in westerns states sometimes gets you under 200 yards but in my experience you should be proficient with your rifle out to 500 if you are hunting late season. As others have mentioned - practice at long range - reading windage is the most difficult variable.

 

[WAB]

With the use of a AB Kestral, that problem would have been more of a none issue. It is a game changer in the fact it takes all environmentals into consideration and adjusts for them. Have shot matches all over the country and it works. From sea level to 10k above sea level.

How accurate is it you might it be asking yourself, have made hits (1st round) at 1200+ yards on 1/2 MOA in size with center fire rifles. Have made 1st round hits with 22lr out to 650 yards the target was much bigger 5MOA (a 22lr at that range is tricky).

I went with the SIG Kilo 5k, which gives me everything except for wind. I feel like manual wind input is a better way to go in hunting situations as the wind at the point of shot is often much different than the wind downrange.

 

[Inline6]

I went with the SIG Kilo 5k, which gives me everything except for wind. I feel like manual wind input is a better way to go in hunting situations as the wind at the point of shot is often much different than the wind downrange.

They are solid units for sure. My Kestral is linked to my 3200.com. when I range with them, it displays the solution in the glass. I'm still waiting on Trijicon... when the Ventus makes it to market. It is going to be an interesting turn of events for long range shooting. It will measure wind up to 500 yards infront of you. Unfortunately it is taking a while to hit market.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

With the use of a AB Kestral, that problem would have been more of a none issue. It is a game changer in the fact it takes all environmentals into consideration and adjusts for them. Have shot matches all over the country and it works. From sea level to 10k above sea level.

How accurate is it you might it be asking yourself, have made hits (1st round) at 1200+ yards on 1/2 MOA in size with center fire rifles. Have made 1st round hits with 22lr out to 650 yards the target was much bigger 5MOA (a 22lr at that range is tricky).

The Kestrel Elite AB is a complete game changer for most, provided they can call wind at distance since the Kestrel is only accounting for wind at the gun. Even for those with no wind reading skill it makes 500-600yds pretty simple regardless of where they are in the world.

 

[Shootist43]

I live and hunt in Michigan. For me a LO...ONG shot is 200 yards. I agree that the guys that live and hunt out west are better long-range shots. But the U.S. isn't the only place where long shots are required. There is a KIWI (a New Zealand resident) named Nathan Foster that is a long distance shooter. In fact, he has written a number of books on the subject. Anyone interested in long distance shooting should check out his website https://www.ballisticstudies.com/