How to Shoot a .243 Bolt Action Rifle
The bolt-action rifle chambered for the .243 Winchester Super Short Magnum cartridge is popular for game hunting and for target shooting because of its low recoil and the affordable price of the ammunition. Shooting the bolt-action .243 effectively depends on the ability of the shooter to hold the rifle on target, control his breathing and the trigger, and his quickness in operating the bolt to load the next shot.
Instructions
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Learn to load and unload the rifle. Most bolt action rifles in .243 caliber load from the top through the opening created when the shooter pulls back the bolt. The shooter presses the cartridges down inside the magazine, one after another until the rifle is loaded.
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2
Move the bolt smoothly to put a cartridge into the chamber for firing and eject it after firing. The bolt handle must be lifted away from the stock and rotated, then drawn away from the breech until it is clear of the magazine and the spent cartridge ejects. The direction of travel must be reversed to push the new cartridge into the firing chamber. The shooter rotates the handle down again until it closes and locks the bolt against the firing chamber. This action, with the changes of direction and 90-degree movements, can't be done quickly, but with practice it can be done well enough to achieve an effective rate of fire.
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3
Learn the firing positions and how to be comfortable before shooting. Standing and kneeling are the positions used most often outdoors. Learn the techniques for effective use of these positions in order to make the shots count.
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Control the trigger. It has to be squeezed by the whole hand. You should have the feeling of squeezing the entire hand grip equally. The shot should startle you if you're properly squeezing the trigger.
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Control your breathing. Inhale, exhale half-way and hold your breath just before the shot.
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Follow through after the shot. Just like the last half of a golf swing, your actions after the shot affect accuracy. It's natural to want to lift your head to see the results of the shot. It's also a very bad idea. Keep your head down and try to see where the shot landed through the sights. This is easiest with a telescopic sight. At most ranges, recoil won't begin to lift the rifle until after the shot has landed. You should always keep your cheek against the stock and look through the scope until you see the impact of the shot.
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Tips & Warnings
There are three rules concerning guns. First, all guns must be considered loaded all the time without exception. Second, never point a gun at anything you don't intend to destroy. Third, be aware not only of the target but also of everything behind it.
Wear hearing and sight protection whenever firing a gun.
Take a gun safety course from your state Fish and Game commission.
