How to Shoot a Rifle at Long Distance Targets
Shooting a rifle at long-distance targets might be the most difficult of shooting skills. Becoming a good, long-distance shooter requires regular target practice and knowledge of your weapon and ammo. You also need to consider such things as the elevation of the shot and wind conditions. Whether shooting with a scoped rifle or open sights, you will need to begin by zeroing in at a closer distance.
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Instructions
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Place targets at the distances you want to shoot. Set targets at 100, 200 and 300 yards, then at 50-yard increments out to the longest distance you want to shoot.
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Load your weapon, ensuring that the safety is on and that you will be shooting into a safe area. Be sure to wear eye and ear protection.
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Use a shooting bench or gun rest to help stabilize the rifle when shooting. Aim at the 100-yard target and release the safety. Take three or four shots, centering your scope or the open sights on the target.
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Review your accuracy. With open sights, you should not experience much drop from a rifle bullet at 100 yards. A scope is recommended for long-distance shooting, however, since magnification will probably be needed.
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Adjust the scope based on the outcome of your shots. Only make adjustments when you are grouping shots well. If your group is not reasonably tight, it is because you are not shooting consistently and dialing in the scope will be futile.
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Move to the 200-yard target once you have sighted in and are pleased with your accuracy at the 100-yard distance. Aim for the center of the target and review the shot outcome. Depending on the power of the rifle, you should find that you are low of the spot at which you are aiming. Evaluating the drop will allow you to compensate by aiming higher at longer-distance targets.
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Repeat the steps for each successive distance. You will find that beyond 300 yards you will have a more noticeable drop rate on your bullets as the projectile loses energy.
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Tips & Warnings
You can zero in at a greater distance if you are reasonably sure that you will be regulary shooting at the distance. This is done by adjusting the scope to that particular distance. You will have to compensate for closer shots by aiming low of your target.
In the field, it is a good idea to use a range finder so that you know the exact distance of your intended target. A miscalculation of 25 to 50 yards can result in shooting over or under your target.
Wind and elevation changes will affect your bullet. It is best to practice in various conditions to account for the different situations you might encounter.
