Beginners Guide to Long Range Shooting PART 1: Caliber selection 

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My guide to LR shooting for beginners: start with a .22, and shoot a lot. You'll understand quickly enough whether this game is for you or not.

Thanks for this video series!! I just graduated from an AR-10/AR-308 to a Bergara HMR Pro in 6.5. I'm aiming to be able to shoot to 800-1,000yds, and this channel has helped me in that goal.

I really liked this guide vs alot of others. I think it is definitely valuable for new shooters and has some good considerations that a lot of other people don't talk about it! Keep it up

It doesn't matter what gun you use if you don't practice proper technique it won't matter. Breathing and trigger squeeze is the most important. I have taught a lot of kids how to shot. The best thing is to start with a kid that has never shot at all. If they only no good habits they will never have bad habits. Start with a .22 LR for a while. Ear protection is a must. Always be patient with them and make it fun.

Shot my first F-Class 600 yard match last Sunday. Had a blast with my 6.5 Creedmoor Ruger PR.

The first and most economical item you can find is a mentor that can show you, not only what you need but what you DON'T need. Starting with a 22Lr will show you much.

Just getting into this long range game. Nice to see a channel from Canada, so I know you're under the same constraints that I am! Subbed a couple of videos ago (yes, I am a binge watcher when I find a channel I enjoy). Thanks for the videos and cheers from southern Alberta.

I went from a pellet gun to a 22lr to a 243 win to a 308 to a 6.5 creedmoor to a 338 win to a 338 lapua to a 30.378 weatherby. Each has its capabilities and downfalls. I would have to say I enjoyed the 6.5 creedmoor the best

hi, we loved your video , thanks for sharing

223/556 4-600mt. 308/7.62 6-800+mt The challenge for both these round is to consistently hit their mark at their maximum effective ranges! The 308, if you do your part, is quite capable of reaching out to 1000mt and beyond (if not already acquainted have a look at “Mark and Sam after work” ) probably the best channel for all things ELR, imho of course😂 Many thanks for the start of this new series, will be following you every step of the way. Big thumbs up from across the pond in deepest Dorset 👍

My biggest pro for .223/5.56 is how quiet they are compared to other cartridges like .308 or 6.5 Creedmore.

This is excellent advice. Once you have rinsed a day of 300win mag home loads and still can't afford the gas to drive home, hear the car start or lift your arms to drive, you will appreciate getting more time, skill development and ultimate satisfaction from a good 22lr.

What a great series.

The .223 is ideal for Long-Range Shooting Training, for a multitude or reasons, but especially as shot from a match conditioned iron sight AR-15 A4, because that platform/cartridge demands extraordinary Marksmanship development to get good results at Long-Range and when such marksmanship development comes to fruition the shooter will do better than others shooting from any Long-Range platform/cartridge. Yet, no matter the action type, or caliber, here's what's important about any rifle taken to the 800-to-1000-yard Long-Range Firing Line: The barrel must have sufficient length and have a fast enough rifling twist to produce the sort of velocity/spin needed to get the bullet to 1000 yards nose-on. To support a definitive and uniform trajectory, the barrel must be properly bored, chambered, and rifled, as well as be stiff enough to remain straight when made hot from multiple firings. 2. Trigger mechanics and stock’s pistol grip ergonomics should support smooth trigger control. 3. Stock should be unitized to rifle’s action to support shooter’s control of rifle. 4. The stock must fit shooter in prone position for proper sight alignment, as well as permit recognition of a muscularly relaxed natural point of aim. 5. Sights need elevation adjustment range to permit zeroing to 1000 yards and be scaled to ¼ MOA or finer to permit precise zeroing. For competitions which allow a scope, magnification from about 10 to 20 power will satisfy all aiming needs. 6. A match conditioned equivalent of the as issued iron sight M16-A2 or A4 rifle satisfies all long range rifle requirements, promoting marksmanship better than alternative platforms, since good results from it requires greater awareness for everything important to good shooting than other platforms. Now, aspiring long range shooters who are just getting into it may have a perception that good results are all about a high-power rifle with a high magnification scope and match grade ammunition. This mindset is understandable yet unrealistic since the match conditioning of equipment is only a small portion of what’s important to good shooting; and, when such equipment is used by an untrained shooter, the match conditioning serves only as a substitute for marksmanship when shooting at short range, where comprehensive marksmanship skills are not required for good results. This reality is proven In Long Range Service Rifle Competition where each shooter totes equipment to the firing line as similar to others as peas in a pod; yet, while some shooters on the firing line will post Master Class scores, others will shoot poorly. To do better than poorly, shooters should first recognize the fact that, unless the rifle is broken, the bullet will ALWAYS go in the direction the barrel is pointed. This means that when the bullet does not go where aimed it’s not about the gun being suspect; but instead, it’s likely the shooter’s aim was disturbed, the sights were not properly aligned, or the sights were not correctly adjusted for distance, wind, and weather conditions. Since this sort of shot misplacement is caused by shooter error, rather than an inadequate gun, sights, or ammunition, the shooter should reorient the mindset from emphasis on equipment to focus on the principles of marksmanship and the skills which support properly pointing the rifle. A novice can get off to a good start with it all by simply getting some basic rifle marksmanship training from a qualified instructor, perhaps, through participation in a CMP authorized M1 Garand Clinic hosted by a local shooting club affiliated with the Civilian Marksmanship Program. The United States Army Marksmanship Unit also hosts a marksmanship training exercise for U.S. Citizens at Camp Perry, Ohio called Small Arms Firing School. At this annual 3-day July event students get training from champion shooters on everything there is to know about good shooting. Creds: NRA Long Range High Master, US Distinguished Rifleman, CMP-USAMU certified Military Rifle Instructor.

Thanks great topic I'm trying to get into shooting farther this year. Especially now that I started reloading last year

I liked your video and thank you for publishing. For newbies, language accuracy is important. 6.5 Creedmoor is not a caliber. You change back and forth from “caliber” to “cartridge”. Cartridge is the best descriptor for 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .223, etc. Caliber is the size of the bullet. So you could say (and be accurate) by saying a .308 Winchester, a .300 Winchester magnum and a 300 Blackout are all the same caliber but are different cartridges. .264 and 6.5 are also the same caliber…etc

Love your videos!

I've always heard the best cartridge to learn long range shooting with is the 308 Winchester. Probably because it's been around forever, the ballistics are well documented, and there is a plethora or instructors with knowledge on it. If you want to make it easier on you get a "wind cheater" like the 6.5 CM. I have both and honestly I like my 308 more.

May I also suggest a heavy rifle? Not heavy as in large caliber, but heavy in weight. The weight helps null out the shakes, especially for open sights. (Which I also recommend to first timers; learn the hard stuff first and you will be a better marksman later.)

I am certainly no expert, but I do shoot lrp matches i.e. camp perry & 1000 yrd club. That said your first installment in this series is spot on, well done and looking forward to the next👍👏💥

You like those mdt chassis and stocks. I have a tikka t3 300wsm that kicked like a mule. I thought I was going to have to get rid of it. I dropped it into a lss xl and hot damn no flinching or anticipating kick. I thought I would have to put a brake on it but now it's not needed. I purchased an ess with the 12" forend. Now I'm waiting for a tikka t3 ss in 308 to go on sale at cabelas. They go on sale frequently. The 308 is about the only ammunition you can find. Thanks God I purchased a couple hundred 300wsm over a decade ago.... great video.

I prefer my 7mm/mag. and my 30/06 I also reload which helps which helps keep the cost down. I'd like to get a .270 and a .257 Robert's if I can find a good used one.

Very nice and good information thanks

I've been out to 1100 yd with A Remington model 700 308. I've also been out to 800 yd with Remington in 223. And I've been out to 1100 yd with a Remington in 243. My 243 is A Remington 783 with a 26" heavy barrel. I love a good challenge. I've been using monstrum scopes For the money they're pretty good scopes I have two 6x24-50s FFP So far no problems with the monstrum brand. I gave a round $300 for each scope.

I’m running a tikka tac a1. And I love it

Good job. Explained well

Great video as always. Can't wait for the next video, as I'm planing to buy something for mid to long range in the near future :) Would be great if you would let me know your thoughts on Howa's and Remington 700's as I think a Tikka would blow up my budget ;)

Right now waiting for my brand new Tikka T3x CTR sitting in a GGS Reaper Stock, chambered in 6,5 Creedmoor 😯

When we start shooting here in the Netherlands, when you want a rifle you are limited to .22 LR. After a year having your license you can step up to centre fire. Another quit important point is that we have 3 places where you can shoot 300 meters in the whole country. I am a member of a club where we will get next year a 200 m track, I bought myself a Ruger American Rimfire LRT, put a Konus F30 8-32x56 scope on it, a Magpul bipod and just started shooting, took me 10 shots to zero on 50 meters, next 10 shouts were within 1 cm. And this stayed consistent, so the rifle is great, because I know I’m mediocre. Then a few mates tried it out and they were doing the same groups. So now I can say I pulled the right straw and having a Ruger straight out of the box as accurate as hell. Lucky me.

My beginners rifle was a ruger American predator in 6.5cm with a vortex viper 6x24x50 hslr reticle. I am taking baby steps but reload. Components are hard to find at present but I am patient. Subbed out of curiosity.

this series has me excited. i cant wait for the rest of the videos.

I've got a 308 and I shoot 180 grain in it I went to 150 grain and it still takes my shoulder do you recommend any shoulder recoil pads that I can add to the one I have

.223 is best. It forces marksmanship development, since without marksmanship a shooter cannot get good results from .223 at Long-Range. For example as shot in US Service Rifle Long-Range Competition some will post Master Class scores while others with less training will shoot poorly. In other words, when you develop enough skill to shoot .223 to 1000 yards, like inside 2 MOA in changing wind conditions from iron sights, you will get great results from cartridges actually associated with long range shooting instead of mediocre results with such cartridges.

new to the channel but very impressed so far hey can i ask what style of stock do you have on your .308 bad ass

I got me a tikka t3x light 6.5 creed two years ago. Many other options for LR riffles. But I heard nothing but great reviews on tikka riffles and wanted to see it for myself. so I got one. I can't believe how accurate this riffle and the price! Cons: Tikka ruined LR shooting for me. Also, please add 338 lapua in the line-up.

Appreciate the video and your input.What do you think about the 224 vaulkrie caliber for long range shooting?

It's funny I knew you were Canadian far before you said you were Canadian. Following you now and I'm watching the rest of this series! I am in the process of deciding on a calibre/rifle to get into long range shooting.

When it comes to reloading, there is no saving money anymore. Maybe in some handgun and smaller rifle calibers....maybe. but for precision long range, even at intermediate level the proper equipment runs quite a bit very quickly.

Thanks!

Now I know most people will laugh, but… I bought a Ruger American in the Go Wild package in 6.5 Creedmore. Shot it for hunting the last two years and it shot great. It has a Buris 3-9x40 E1 optic on it. I just put the action on a Magpul hunter stock, and will hunt with it this year. Next year I will upgrade my optic, my range only goes to 500 yards and that will most likely be my limit.

Great video! Which province are you at? In BC there aren't much info for beginners as to where we can actually shoot targets! I mean where it is not illegal to discharge a rifle. There are some provincial "no shooting" maps, but they are not very clear. Is there a more comprehensive reference? Thanks.

Just bought my T3x compact tactical in 6.5 creed, which I’ve yet to pick up from Cabela’s and I haven’t done much research on amo cost prior to purchasing and strictly based my decision on recommendation of hunter friends. Now a few weeks later and looking at prices of ammunition online, I am like, holly shit this is going to be an expensive hobby if I can even find 6.5 creedmore in this environment of supply shortages. I guess better learn fast about loading my own and start saving all the brass. What brand would you recommend here in Canada for factory 6.5?

Thanks bro tikka t3x it is I was leaning towards the tikka t3x anyway 👍🏼

Hy Alex what do you think about the 270??

Nice video!

Fun fact, in the Netherlands we have 2 sides where you can shoot up to 300 meters (soon a third), nothing more for civilians. So for us it’s .22 or .223 but of course you got the people who who just want a bigger bang.

Really enjoy your vids. Interested in a air rifle for small game . Would be interested in your thoughts, you sold me on the Savage 110.

I have and love my bolt action 22LR that lets me afford to practice more often. But I'd like an affordable center fire option too. So I'm looking at bolt action in 223. What chassis is your 223 used in this video mounted in? Would there be much difference between the Tikka T3x and the Savage Axix II Precision?

Forget 22LR its too hard to find,......yeah there some expensive stuff now,.....but how many times has it been available since 2008? 223 best choice or 308.

do you hunt with your precision riffle?

I like it.

I think people will like your personality than your guns 🤭👍 you did great job and continue your RU-vid video, thank you for sharing 👍👍💪

Since this for beginner shooting don't worry about load development yet,concentrate more on budget based rifles,scopes & factory match ammo. If you enjoy it then you can get into custom builds,twist rates & a few grand on dies & scales & such for reloading

I wish i could afford to shot the 6.5 creed seems pefect!

The title says this is a video for beginners… Stay away from 6.5 prc and 300 prc guns. Those bullets are expensive, and sometimes impossible to buy… And surprisingly the 6.5 prc is about the same ballisticly as the old favorite 270 Winchester…- just look them up in a ballistics table… Accurate shooting primarily isn’t about the bullet, or the gun , but more about the ability and training of the shooter. I suggest beginners to Buy a reasonable gun, smaller calibre , then a reasonable scope. practise a lot, save your paper targets so you get feedback and measure / document your improved performance over time. Lastly shooting is like any other skill, practise and train, and for sure you will improve…👍👍 Ps dry fire , a lot!

Just watching this video now. Do you have any thoughts on the .224 Valkyrie? I am looking into a precision build and have heard mixed things about the round.

I have a 7 Rem Mag, but I have been looking at the 280 AI lately.

Amazing how the .243 is always overlooked in these videos. It's one of the flattest bullets known.

What stock is on the tikka 223?

It might be worth it to get surplus rifle, something along the lines of Spanish Mauser with 7mm cartridge.

Do you find the Tikka T3s tend to shoot a bit slower than other rifles with the same barrel length, in the same caliber?

I started with the Ruger 10/22. I got a bolt-action 270 when I was 7 years old as a Christmas gift. Thankfully we went to my grandfather's literally every weekend and he has or had rather a giant farm in New Hampshire with Fields after field after field. Hundreds and hundreds of yards of wide-open shooting range. And I got pretty damn good with that 270. Ammo was a lot cheaper back then. (End of 80s).. I have been practicing long range shooting when I say long-range I mean up around a thousand yards but no more than twelve hundred yards... Exclusively with a Savage model 111. Now this thing's been around for a while. Right around 25 years give or take. It's got the four round metal detachable box magazine with the push button magazine release on the right side of the rifle. It's the one that you never see anymore and you can't really buy any parts for. It's not the only rifle that I have that I do long range shooting with but it's the one that I use for that purpose easily 90% of the time. I don't get out nearly as much as I would like to give him the cost of ammo these days and I'm a bit of a prepper so I like to keep a stockpile of every caliber that I have. And I've collected quite a few Firearms over the years as have my daughters. I have five girls. Currently between the ages of eight and 21 years old. They all shoot. I taught them everything that I know and my oldest three outshoot me when it comes to tactical maneuvering these days. Those girls are damn good. Lately we've been working on the long-range like 500 yd + with a gong that is 12 in in diameter. I've never been one to be able to calculate all the math and all that shit. I think I've just got that hillbilly ability to do it.😂 This was a very well-presented video. I sent it to my daughters and a couple of friends of mine. You got my subscription with this video. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

I would like to know what the definition of " flat" is in means of trajectory in long range shooting, i haven't done any long range shooting over about 250yrds hunting whitetail deer, and 2" high at 100yrds kills with my .270 win, thanks for the info

Well I'll see what I can do with my 243 I figure if I can hit a clay pigeon at 210 with a 22 I ought to be able to do alright with a fast accurate round like 243.

Looking forward to my first long range rifle. Currently only have ar for long ranges. There r not many long range shooting range in my country, but 223 and 308 ammo (local match ammo) is "dirt cheap" We cant legally reload here, but match 223 ammo goes for US $ 0.24 and 308 goes for $0.30 per round

Hey Alex. I've been watching your channel for a couple years and became a patron. I was wondering if you plan to have any free give aways for your supporters like many other channels? Thanks and keep up the good work!

I’m currently looking at getting into bolt firearms, and I got a range no longer than 300m and was initially going ti get a rimfire, but I’ll probably only have one bolt action rifle, so I was really drooling over the tikka t3x tac a1. Everything about that rifle is amazing but overkill?

thanks man! good work not being a bread head. nice equipment!

I sure he's assuming you're moving up from rimfire.I still plink with my favorite.22 but became board hitting baseballs at 400 yards. 👍

I use my tikka t3 varmint 300wsm for long range shooting ... excellent caliber.

You forgot .270 or 7mm. Check out those ballistics.

I was in and was supper excited for a new long range channel, until you said.22lr, .223, .308 , 6.5creedmore! Like get of the ban wagon and pick something more exciting and dare I say something with better speed and ballistics(25-06 for example, 7rem mag etc)

I am in the markit for a rifle scope for a 243 howa 1500.. i do more hunting then target shooting what optics can i look at. I am a big vortex person ... just need some advice pls. my budget it about 700$

hi please have a look at the Discovery 5-30x56 ffp with 34 body . I am considering buying one for my fx sniper when I get it , can’t find a proper review? Cheers

I work at the store in K.C. that has the most ammo of anyone in the metro. .308 has been readily available in lower cost FMJ to high performance hunting/target ammo. I wish I could say this about the 6.5 Creedmore or PRC. I agree with your advice on great cartridges at certain ranges. BUT, if you can't find 6.5 on the shelf or in lower cost per round, you'll do a lot less shooting for your money. I see this trend continuing through all of 2022. So, does it matter that much if it 'runs' better if you can't find the ammo to run it? We have massive amounts of .308 but (like many dealers) see only small and intermittent shipments of 6.5 and other things like Grendel. SO...does firing 3 times as many rounds for the same price increase you skill as a rifleman? I say it does and that offsets the better performance of cartridges that cost you three times as much per shot.

I would just use general purpose AR 556nato for up to 100 yard, instead of precision rifle. An decent AR, maintained by beginner should stay under 3 MOA which will allow the shouter to hit below 3" at 100 yard. And all shot would be on 8" diameter target.

One problem when you start getting higher than 223‘s price who can afford to be shooting at two dollars a shot for a decent Ammo with the 2 to 3 you can get decent ammo for 75 to a dollar

First there was a 270 Win, then 7.62x54R. Now 300 win mag. Ultimately.338 Lapua mag (price of the ammo is so outrageous !) Good video bro !

the 270 is good for long-range as well

What about 243 Winchester?

30-378 Weatherby mag. That’s my round of choice for literally everything

.338lapua magnum holds the world record for longest recorded kill. What are your thoughts on it? Do you have any funs chambered in .338?

Thanks I’m a new shooter I want a tikka or howa but after that howa review I don’t know

284 winchester and wild cats are currently the most winning calibers in 1000 yd matches.

I have a Weatherby 22-250 26" barrel 😁

I like to go long range Howitzering.

Was hoping to hear you speak about 300 Win Mag.

no mention of 338? LOL. Great video though thank you for putting these together.

If I were to advise a newcomer then ammo has to be readily available anywhere, it must also be easy to reload for with ideally plenty of data. Recoil must be controllable and not too heavy. 223 is fine out to 600 yds but that's it's limit for precision. It's cheap to shoot which is a big plus and in tight twists with longer barrels is capable of good results at 600 yds. Its low recoil and muzzle blast are a real plus making it an ideal first budget LR choice. However, why have several rifles when wanting to stretch legs on distance? My advice is therefore to go straight to a 6.5. Any of them. Creedmor is great but in reality no better than 260 Rem nor 6.5 x 55 come to that. Still relatively inexpensive to reload for, gentle recoil and maintenance of sight picture and lots of load data. A 139gr scenar or 142gr SST pushed at between 2700 and 2800 fps gives stunning accuracy in many rifles out to over 1100 yds. Nothing else needed. 308 is ok but really not greatvo past 800 yds unless loaded hot. 190 smks are great even through transonic so good for 1000 yds but more thumpy to shoot.

good

What brand gun is in the thumbnail?

257 Weatherby, 7mm RUM, 300 Weatherby, 338 Winmag.

6.5 creed ammo is like 3x as expensive as 308. I would prefer a 6.5 but I’m certainly more budget than not.

Hi. How can i get hold of you i need some advice pls

6.5 prc is meh past 900 yards..300 prc is king now out to over a mile

SVD DRAGONOV ?

160 gr 338 Winmag muzzle velocity almost 3300 fps mv.

Are you from Saskatchewan? I think I recognize that field.

7mm rem mag? 300 win mag?