How far can you reliably shoot?

[BillyGoatCrawler]

It's all relative and the question was vague, so of course people are going to answer it according to optimal conditions and some might not be talking about first round hits under varying conditions. The question was reliably. This means consistently to most. Once you're on target, it's not hard to repeat a shot with technology available these days.

I can reliably hit an 8 inch target at 1000 yards.... That doesn't mean first shot. That also doesn't state that I using a rifle geared to make it easy. That doesn't state that I use a laser range finder to take the skill out of range estimation. That doesn't state that I use a ballistic computer to calculate hold overs. That doesn't account for the days I shoot in 15-20 mph winds that change direction and make a bad wind call.

Who really cares if someone wants to expand on the truth or tailor their answers for an ego stroke on the internet? If you're going to let that under your skin, you're just punishing yourself by visiting a gun forum.

ETA: That wasn't to undermine any of the guys who get it done. That was all in general.

[jeremyro]

[QUOTE=cockedandglocked;19090289]I realize that was meant to be a childish insult, but you're right, I probably couldn't, I've never even tried... for a refreshing bit of honesty in this thread.

From an expert like yourself, I humbly ask if there's any good advice you could give a prospective long-range shooter, something that imparts your advanced knowledge on the subject like:

SO both the statements he made are true. 308 is a better hunting cartridge than 30-30 AND it is an old and tired cartridge in the long range community. Go to a match and see how many 308 shooters vs. 6.5 shooters.

[dwalker]

I can shoot a 10 inch plate at about 1400 no problem. A lot of people make long range shooting really complicated. But it's pretty easy for me. Just put your info in to your ballistic software and go!!

I guess maybe its the conditions I normally shoot in, but for a 1400yd shot a solid mirage read is the hardest part. I am still working on it.

[FourT6and2]

It's all relative and the question was vague, so of course people are going to answer it according to optimal conditions and some might not be talking about first round hits under varying conditions. The question was reliably. This means consistently to most. Once you're on target, it's not hard to repeat a shot with technology available these days.

I can reliably hit an 8 inch target at 1000 yards.... That doesn't mean first shot. That also doesn't state that I using a rifle geared to make it easy. That doesn't state that I use a laser range finder to take the skill out of range estimation. That doesn't state that I use a ballistic computer to calculate hold overs. That doesn't account for the days I shoot in 15-20 mph winds that change direction and make a bad wind call.

Who really cares if someone wants to expand on the truth or tailor their answers for an ego stroke on the internet? If you're going to let that under your skin, you're just punishing yourself by visiting a gun forum.

ETA: That wasn't to undermine any of the guys who get it done. That was all in general.

I'd say you are moving the goal posts. But the OP never specified one way or another lol. I don't think using a ballistic app is any more "expanding on the truth" than a simple slide rule card that military peeps used 30 years ago. Why does using a range card somehow make you cooler than using an app on your phone? Why does using a rangefinder make you less of a shooter than using your reticle and estimating the range? Those are rhetorical questions. No need to answer As if someone's world record shot that's confirm d by the NRA in a match is somehow less valid because they used a Kestrel vs sticking a wet finger in the air to gauge the wind haha!

[BillyGoatCrawler]

I'd say you are moving the goal posts. But the OP never specified one way or another lol. I don't think using a ballistic app is any more "expanding on the truth" than a simple slide rule card that military peeps used 30 years ago. Why does using a range card somehow make you cooler than using an app on your phone? Why does using a rangefinder make you less of a shooter than using your reticle and estimating the range? Those are hypothetical questions. No need to answer As if someone's world record shot that's confirm d by the NRA in a match is somehow less valid because they used a Kestrel vs sticking a wet finger in the air to gauge the wind haha!

No need to answer? Cmon man, this is the internet! I have to answer!

That was more in reference to me adding that the question was super vague so it will solicit a range of responses of skill. Also to the guy calling BS on people able to hit targets at 800-1400 yards or whatever. The difference between iron sights and each level of technology added and skill thrown in there was my point. It's all relative and the question was vague. Some people can legitimately hit them first hit at 1400 yards in varying winds(With whatever technology, it's still impressive). Some can also do it after a few rounds to adjust. Some can be handed a rifle and DOPE, told to hold center mass, and execute. The consistency part I meant in reference to the OP and getting varying answers. It's all different definitions to different people on this forum. This isn't an LR specific forum, so people's opinions here vary.

I hear what you're saying. That's also why I added the ETA part at the bottom. It really wasn't a dig at anyone in specific. It was generally stating who cares if someone online says they can shoot better than they do or what you consider they do? He's asking the question right back at the same community he is accusing of being "virtual snipers" -- are you going to be surprised when people respond with far ranges and then others question the legitimacy again? LoL. That old quote comes to mine, "Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, and expecting different results."

-- but, on things like the laser range finder vs reticle ranging, that's definitely a different beast when you're not on a known target size range, ie military application. It takes skill to estimate target size and angular measurement accurately at distance. And a sensor that analyzes the density altitude and a ballistic computer that adjusts to those exact conditions is absolutely an advantage for long range shooting compared to a generalized conditions style of range card from 30 years ago that had to be interpolated based of DOPE and current conditions. You have to agree on that. That isn't to take away from shooters. They have just pushed the common ranges even further and do it more reliably. Don't be offended by that. That's a good thing for the hobby and military application. I was stating that as an eye opener that certain aspects might not be as challenging as he thinks. Exactly as you said many times.

I never said anything to take away from good shooters or record holders. You're taking offense there that wasn't intended.

[Brush Guard]

I’ve yet to shoot the new M&P 10 past 325 yards, but was able to hit the gong 9 out of 10 times, easily.


steel11 by Pinchflat, on Flickr

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Why would I joke about that. No need to question my ability. I can regularly hit targets at distances you've probably never dreamed of shooting at. I bet you probably couldn't hit a 10 inch plate at 500 yards with a 50 cal.

There speaks a man who is truly impressed with himself. It just wouldn't be Calguns without at least one "I'm awesome and you suck" post. Perhaps you could teach these dolts how to shoot. Maybe let them each keep an autographed spent casing as a memento of your awesomeness.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

I realize that was meant to be a childish insult, but you're right, I probably couldn't, I've never even tried... for a refreshing bit of honesty in this thread.

You want a refreshing bit of honesty? How about this:

The very first round I ever fired out of my newly scoped Swiss K31, at the impossibly long distance of..... 100 yards.... punched the X out of the 10-ring, and simultaneously opened a nice gash above my eyebrow due to woefully inadequate eye relief. All I had to dress the wound was warm bottled water and a dirty gun rag.

Toss a childish insult at that. I deserve it.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

steel 3s by kevin Spencer, on Flickr

If that is your muzzle blast from the top of the photo, I'd say that is a helluva shot.

[shortkid41]

500 meters right here.

[Rickmcu]

There speaks a man who is truly impressed with himself. It just wouldn't be Calguns without at least one "I'm awesome and you suck" post. Perhaps you could teach these dolts how to shoot. Maybe let them each keep an autographed spent casing as a memento of your awesomeness.

Nah sorry. Lapua brass is to expensive to autograph and give away. Not gonna waste my perfectly prepped brass on some of these dolts. I will however gladly give an autographed 100 yard paper target of mine with all the shots touching to beautifully make a small little cloverleaf pattern measuring in the .1's. That is of course, after the autograph seeker walks down and brings it back for me to sign.

[HardwoodRods]

Far enough to keep you off my block.......

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Nah sorry. Lapua brass is to expensive to autograph and give away. Not gonna waste my perfectly prepped brass on some of these dolts. I will however gladly give an autographed 100 yard paper target of mine with all the shots touching to beautifully make a small little cloverleaf pattern measuring in the .1's. That is of course, after the autograph seeker walks down and brings it back for me to sign.

I didn't mean GIVE them away.... Sell them for a premium as part of "Rick's Long Range Shooting Experience" bundle. Brass, cloverleafed target, glossy 8x10, etc.

In fact, I agree the Lapua brass shouldn't be wasted like that. Just autograph some random tarnished range brass and keep the good stuff. Trust me, these country fried simpletons will never know the difference.

[TurboChrisB]

Hmmm, I don't do any distance shooting.....haven't in forever. But 25 years ago we used to go to the old South Coast Gun Club off Jeffrey Road in Irvine. They had a steel target.....deer or some animal sized as I recall and I remember my buddy and I shooting at it. At the time I seem to recall it was 400 yards. But I have to question that now...maybe it was 300 maybe it was 200.....I'm really not sure. But with my CAR 15 with a small Colt scope I could hit it standing 6 or 7 out of 10 and I distinctly remember by buddy doing even better with his Ranch model Mini 14 with factory peep sights.
Any of the old timers remember how far out that plate was?

[ScottsBad]

Depends on the barrel, the ammunition, and the scope. And of course my skill (mediocre). A good trigger helps too.