I look forward to hearing how you guys do that have said you will try this, This challenge has proved to me that its not easy to make first round hits, and that I still have alot to learn and master
I conducted similar training last year with a M12 Savage 308 with ranges from 600 to 985 yards. The target was set up for the longer range shots during more consistent wind days. All of the days displayed different degrees of varrying winds from 3 to 20 MPH. A 14" circle on a large target board was the goal for the first round cold bore hit. A single shot was taken after setup as if hunting. The total time took about two hours in practice to include the drive for only a few and at times one shot during each practice session. This was conducted a dozen times throughout the year before hunting season. Practice of this type prepares me the most for hunting LR.
The results:
1. 3/4's of the rounds impacted inside the 14" circle.
2. Of those rounds impacting inside the circle, 2/3s of the rounds impacted between the 10" and 14" circles.
3. Approximately 3/4 of the POI errors were due to windage and 1/4 due to elevation.
I recently shot my first FT/R match
F/TR is a great opportunity to test wind skills and enjoy shooting with company all during the same time.
Here are the cold bore first round sighter results from the various LR-F/TR matches I shot last year. 10, 9, 10, 9, 9, 9, 8. I was using drop chart and "best guess" corrections for wind and air density for the first sighter shoot with no aide from a weather station.
My takeaway. The 308 is a great long range practice cartridge. The results above are not impressive in any fashion but illustrate just how difficult long range shooting can be. Realizing how few of the 308 cold bore shots at long range actually "hit" inside a 10" circle is one factor as to why I have elected to use a 338 class cartridge for LR and ELR hunting.
Thank you both for the great thread and comments. The confidence with the first round cold bore shoot can be the difference between a successful hunt and misery.