Factory loaded .308 match ammo for long range

[hamiltonkiler]

PS
Not to much dialing anymore. They are shooting off dots in a Christmas tree reticle.


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[charlie b]

I just don't try to over think the problem, something that I tend to do as an engineer.

For shooting I make up a dope card, which is modified if I run into new conditions. I note wind and corrections each time I shoot and add the information to the card. That way I am close on the first shot. But, it is rarely exact. Second shot will usually be where I want it (if I or spotter saw the impact point).

Ballistic computers can be used to shorten the learning curve on dope card development. A good thing for you is using factory ammo. You only have one load to mess with. Basically you can make up a dope card ahead of time and then just make adjustments as you go. All you really need to add in is temperature compensation of muzzle velocity.

Eventually you get to where the only unknown you have is the wind. And it is the biggest one since it changes from shot to shot, especially at long ranges.

Field shooting the added problem is accurate range determination.

[jkv45]

Thanks guys. I do appreciate the info and tips.

I did make detailed notes of the conditions and results from the day.

I honestly don't expect to be shooting 1000 yards regularly, but I thought the class would be a good chance to give it a try. The club where the class was held is a bit too expensive for me to join right now, but they are not taking new members right now anyway.

My equipment was adequate for the class, but not a 1000 yard set-up for sure. I do feel that the rifle and factory Lapua ammo did very well considering, better than I expected. 1000 yards is asking a lot from a .308. I'm the weakest link in the accuracy chain - but I knew that would be the case.

Had fun. Learned a lot. Left with some questions. Got some answers.

[yobuck]

I just don't try to over think the problem, something that I tend to do as an engineer.

For shooting I make up a dope card, which is modified if I run into new conditions. I note wind and corrections each time I shoot and add the information to the card. That way I am close on the first shot. But, it is rarely exact. Second shot will usually be where I want it (if I or spotter saw the impact point).

Ballistic computers can be used to shorten the learning curve on dope card development. A good thing for you is using factory ammo. You only have one load to mess with. Basically you can make up a dope card ahead of time and then just make adjustments as you go. All you really need to add in is temperature compensation of muzzle velocity.

Eventually you get to where the only unknown you have is the wind. And it is the biggest one since it changes from shot to shot, especially at long ranges.

Field shooting the added problem is accurate range determination.

The very first sentence here says all that needs to be said on the subject Charlie.
You were dead on with what you said.
Fact is there are people out there who for whatever reason need to make things appear more difficult than what they actually are.
Conditions will always control the outcome regardless of the shooters ability.
And to prove that all one needs to do is look at the records of the 1000 yd benchrest matches.
In 1986 a new record for 10 shots in the heavy gun class was set by a man i knew well.
It was as i recall roughly 3 3/4”, todays record is now about 10 years old and is roughly 1” smaller than the one shot about 35 years ago.
So during that period of time the best shooters have managed to move the ball 1” after firing thousands of rounds from very good rifles.
Yet on another site recently the current record holder said that if you cant shoot 4” today theres no use even showing up anymore.
Thats simply BS, and i left him know it and he never answered.
No doubt there are far more people and guns capable of that today, but actually doing it is yet another subject.
By the way, without looking it up does anybody even know the name of the current record holder?
As for reticle choices, there are other options that will work without the need to dial the scope.
BUT, and its a big BUT, the shooter must see the hit of the last shot in order for them to work.
Its no different than just using a holdover for a follow up shot.
As a rule a chart made up by entering all the required data on the gun on any of the numerous sites available today will give good basic information.
A few years ago Kestrals were simply a gadget new shooters bought thinking it would solve all the wind reading issues.
But they had to regroup in order to stay in business, so today they can even tell you what your bank balance is.
AND, if you can convince that big buck over there to not move till you get all the data you need dialed into your scope, they might actually work well.
But of coarse if he dosent, or for some reason he runs off a ways, then he needs to stay put again till you reenter all the new data.
Or you could simply use the chart you made up 5 years ago for a different gun when you lived in a different state and just send a sighter shot over there.
And you know what? you will be much closer than you might think.
And you know what else? That deer most likely wont even move, and if the hit is real close, he might even sniff where the bullet hit.
And you know what else? theres no excuse for missing him with the second shot. lol
As for scope type, it matters not one bit which one you pick or prefer. What matters is that you know how to use it without thinking about it.
We as a rule use the one shot zero method for follow up shots where the miss was more than we feel comfortable just holding over.
If your not familiar with that method, get familiar with it and practice using it.
Thats the type thing that will put meat on the pole more so than razzel dazzel group shooting.

[jkv45]

The very first sentence here says all that needs to be said on the subject Charlie.
You were dead on with what you said.
Fact is there are people out there who for whatever reason need to make things appear more difficult than what they actually are.
(SNIP)
As a rule a chart made up by entering all the required data on the gun on any of the numerous sites available today will give good basic information.
A few years ago Kestrals were simply a gadget new shooters bought thinking it would solve all the wind reading issues.
But they had to regroup in order to stay in business, so today they can even tell you what your bank balance is.
AND, if you can convince that big buck over there to not move till you get all the data you need dialed into your scope, they might actually work well.
But of coarse if he dosent, or for some reason he runs off a ways, then he needs to stay put again till you reenter all the new data.
Or you could simply use the chart you made up 5 years ago for a different gun when you lived in a different state and just send a sighter shot over there.
And you know what? you will be much closer than you might think.
And you know what else? That deer most likely wont even move, and if the hit is real close, he might even sniff where the bullet hit.
And you know what else? theres no excuse for missing him with the second shot. lol
As for scope type, it matters not one bit which one you pick or prefer. What matters is that you know how to use it without thinking about it.
We as a rule use the one shot zero method for follow up shots where the miss was more than we feel comfortable just holding over.
If your not familiar with that method, get familiar with it and practice using it.
Thats the type thing that will put meat on the pole more so than razzel dazzel group shooting.

Again, I can't tell - is this directed to me?

Just like your other comment I quoted - "Did somebody here just ask about where these sites are going? Well this is where folks." - it always feels like there's more than just information included in your replies.

I did some basic testing of long range loads and made-up a card with my ballistic data - is that over-thinking it?

You've got some good insight from experience, but there's always a little something else...

[yobuck]

Again, I can't tell - is this directed to me?

Just like your other comment I quoted - "Did somebody here just ask about where these sites are going? Well this is where folks." - it always feels like there's more than just information included in your replies.

I did some basic testing of long range loads and made-up a card with my ballistic data - is that over-thinking it?

You've got some good insight from experience, but there's always a little something else...

I guess its directed at anybody who might be interested, and those that arent should just ignore it.
As for overthinking the data, you wont actually know that till you test the data.
And your right, there is always something else, you cant get there without shooting.
Dont forget to check your scope level friend and have a nice day.

[charlie b]

jkv45,

Am glad you had fun. And don't underestimate your rig and ammo. The .308 is still used as a sniper rifle out to 1000yd and a bit more. It might not give you sub MOA at range, but, it will be close. Several of us in this area still use .308's at the 1000yd range.

From what I understand (someone can correct me if the rules have changed) the Palma competition still requires .308 or .223 and open sights for shooting up to 1000m. In the US bullets can be any weight. International rules require a bullet less than 156gn. If you want to feel humbled go to a Palma match. They use those same targets (44" black) with open sights, prone, unsupported. :)

PS my personal goal with the .308 is to manage first round hits on a milk jug at 1000yd. My best so far is with 5 rounds (with the 155gn Bergers). I still kinda jump with joy when I see the jug split. :)