Long range shooting requires the best long-range scopes to greatly increase your accuracy. The scopes magnify the image of your target for precise shooting. They also feature reticles that indicate the pinpoint spot to shoot.
However, you’re not going to shoot at pinpoint accuracies at 1000 yards just because you have the best scope. You must know how to correctly use your scope for long-range shooting. When hunting in the fields, being able to mount your scope dial and zero the turrets at crosshairs is everything. It is what determines whether you will have a kill or not.
You must practice the basics of long-raging shooting before you become a pro. In this post, we help you learn how to use a scope for long-range shooting. If you’re on the market and looking for the best rated long range scope, you can check out this post from IOutdoorPursuit: https://ioutdoorpursuit.com/long-range-rifle-scope/
Mounting and understanding your scope
The first step towards accurate long range shooting is to understand your scope and mounting. First, you must have the ideal scope for long-range shooting. This is shooting at 1000 yards or more. Make sure you get the right riflescope with all necessary mounting hardware.
When mounting the scope, make sure it aligns with your rifle. The scope reticle must align with the plus sign. Next, you need to adjust the lens distance for excellent eye relief. Always mount the scope an inch forward than you think is safe. Once the scope is mounted, go ahead and familiarize yourself with the different parts of the scope. You can then access your magnification before starting to zero in on your target.
Zeroing and making adjustments
Zeroing on your target is the most crucial part of using a scope for long range shooting. Most people use to try and error to learn how to zero their scopes and shoot at range. However, that doesn’t have to be the case as most scopes give you all the information to zero on your target. Get your scope at a safe eye relief distance before any zeroing.
The next step is establishing a good sight picture. You can use a bipod or tripod stand to achieve stability. Start by shooting at 25 yards and steadily increase the range as learn how to make turret adjustments.
Turret marking and adjustments
Most scopes feature turrets marked 1/4MOA or 1 click = ¼-inch. This simply means each click will move the bullet impact ¼-inch left or right at 100 yards. The Minute of Angle scope adjustment is proportional when shooting at different ranges. This simply means a single click at 50 yards will move the bullet 1/8-inch left or right.
You simply need to know your range and the distance of the crosshairs from the dead center. You can then count the number of clicks to make at different ranges. Now that you know how to adjust the scope, get on paper at 25 yards. Take the first shot when you have the target and see if you hit the target. You can then calculate how far off you were from the target. You can then adjust your elevation and turrets left or right until you get a precise shot. Make sure you have three shots hitting at the same place before increasing range.
100-yard confirmation
Now that you can adjust precisely at 25 yards, move to 100 yards range and take another shot. Fine-tune the turrets in the same manner until you have three consecutive shots hitting the same spot. Once you’ve taken the three shots, you can move up to 200 yards, 300, 500 yards and 1000 yards.
Moreover, most long-range scopes feature a windage knob that adjusts left or right. A single left click will move your bullet impact ¼-inch at 100 yards. The Minute of Angle at 1000 yards usually comes to 10 inches.
Point to consider: Small errors at 25 yards, 50 yards, and 100 yards might go unnoticed. However, the same will not happen at 1000 yards. There are several other factors that can affect the exact point of impact of the bullet. These include the bullet speed, shooting angle, wind, etc. Some advanced long-range scopes take into consideration such factors ensuring the bullet trajectory and fall of gravity are accounted for.
A faster bullet will have less effect of gravity than a slow-moving bullet. This is why you also need to pick the right rifle.
Making adjustments as you shoot is a proven way to zero on your target. However, remember this is only possible during practice. Most expert long range shooters are experts at what they do because of practice. There is no short cut to long range shooting but continuous practicing.
Storing and maintaining your scope
Lastly, you need to learn how to maintain and store your turrets. Make sure the lenses are covered when not in use. Get a lens brush to clean any dirt on your scopes. You can also get sleeves to protect the entire scope.
This article has been contributed by Donald from IOutdoorPursuit.com