Going the distance

How do you get started in long-range shooting? That’s a question I often get asked. There seem to be more and more people wanting to experiment with their rifles’ capabilities, but don’t know where to start and what equipment they need.

There are many factors that will influence your shooting, from the calibre you are using and the ground on which you shoot, to the type of ‘long range’ you will be able to achieve. In fact, the term ‘long range’ itself can have many interpretations – for instance, 300 yards may be a very long shot to some people, particularly if they are using a small calibre or rimfire. For someone who regularly shoots out to perhaps 1000 yards, though, a 300-yard shot would probably be well within their comfort zone and not considered ‘long range’ at all.