Field Practice to Make Better Hunting Shots

[Golovkin]

I've recently learned that my rifle (338 RUM) shoots dramatically different from the bench vs. tripod. vs bag due to the fact it recoils differently based on my shooting position and hold. Its a major difference, as in 12" at 200yds between tripod and shooting off my pack.

Realizing this, I've decided to focus my efforts on shooting from field positions such as offhand, sitting, kneeling off a tree limb, prone off a back back etc. on various terrain in various conditions.

The whole point being to get away from shooting groups off a bench and instead focus on taking one shot from random distances in various positions so that I really know my limitations.

My plan is to pack a 10" AR500 Gong up into the mountains and set it up so that I can hike away and take a shot from various distances. I was thinking of making it a bit of a game so that its a 1 miss elimination, meaning game over, pack it up if I miss. The goal wouldn't be to get "lucky" on some long range shots, but to KNOW EXACTLY what is a sure shot given the wind, tough shooting position, slope etc.

I would be practicing off-hand out to the point I wasn't sure of a hit, then going to kneeling or sitting beyond that, then prone over my pack out to farther ranges.

Anyone have any other tips, tricks or strategy that you've used to improve skills and learn your limitations?

 

[Overkill338]

If I had to take an offhand shot, I would have to pass it up. I sway more than the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

Your game sounds fun. Take a couple of friends, and set time limits for moving spots. Make it hard, get the adrenaline going.

 

[YZ-80]

This is a noble pursuit. If you're anything like me prepare to be humbled. I've gotten so spoiled over the years shooting at game prone w/ bi-pod or off a rail/rest that one day I got my .243 out at the range and decided to practice off-hand. I barely kept things in an 8" circle at 100 yards. Interestingly, I gave it a try with my M1 and did much better. God bless the sights on an M1! Anyway, it would appear that you have tailored your test well to your real world hunting application, so it certainly can't hurt. I'd cut yourself some slack on the single elimination rule, however.

 

[Canhunter35]

I use old satellite dishes with rebar welded to them to make legs, very light and easy to set up for shot.
Another method is small steel plates welded to a heavy piece of flatiron so they stand up. Drop them where you want, when u hit them they knock over.
Taking one shot then packing it in is great practice if u make shot. If you miss I would suggest correcting until you make your shot then recording your info in a log book and learning where you went wrong in making a first round hit.
After time you will learn which kinds of wind are predictable and what conditions you r capable in.
My suggestion is use a gun you're capable of sub Moa from various positions. It'll make you more consistent and able to trust that your misses were miscalculations and not the inability to achieve precise poi

 

[FIGJAM]

PRS? I haven't jumped into that stuff yet, but I think it would be great practice for long range hunting. I have a 260 rem I put together to do it, but I am having a hard time committing...lol.

 

[Canhunter35]

PRS? I haven't jumped into that stuff yet, but I think it would be great practice for long range hunting. I have a 260 rem I put together to do it, but I am having a hard time committing...lol.

All shooting helps but practicing for matches is more beneficial than even participating imo

 

[sea2summit]

Natural point of aim is natural point of aim. When on tripod you aim, close your eyes, breath, open. Where are the crosshairs? Is the rifle balanced on the tripod? Is the height correct? I would say you may see some drop from reduced velocity prone vs. tripod but not worth 12" at 200.

One round elimination sounds manly, but do you get a chance to develop a fix and muscle memory if you're constantly changing the position, conditions, range, fatigue of your shots? I'd recommend getting consistency THEN play the game because it will reenforce the lessons under pressure. YMMV.

 

[Overkill338]

Natural point of aim is natural point of aim. When on tripod you aim, close your eyes, breath, open. Where are the crosshairs? Is the rifle balanced on the tripod? Is the height correct? I would say you may see some drop from reduced velocity prone vs. tripod but not worth 12" at 200.

One round elimination sounds manly, but do you get a chance to develop a fix and muscle memory if you're constantly changing the position, conditions, range, fatigue of your shots? I'd recommend getting consistency THEN ply the game because it will reenforce the lessons under pressure. YMMV.

Funny you mention that. We were shooting Tannerite on the 4th. Let our son try, and he missed 4 times at 30-40 yards with a 308, that I had just used to remove the cap from a Coke bottle. He is technically my stepson (I dont see it that way), but I wasnt around him when he was younger to help get him shooting rifles proficiently. I took the rifle and worked the bolt, and handed it back to him. He thought it was loaded. I turned my phone camera on. Didn't take long to find his issue. When he pulled the trigger expecting a bang, he closed both eyes and his whole body jerked. Needless to say, he wont be shooting the 300 WM anytime soon. It's bad enough as is.

 

[Timnterra]

I have had the same plan for a while, but I haven't come up with a way to set up the plate once I get out there. I actually planned on taking some t-posts and driving them in the ground where I often go and just hanging the target each time I go out. I'd like to take several targets and set them up at different distances to get more practice.

 

[FIGJAM]

I've recently learned that my rifle (338 RUM) shoots dramatically different from the bench vs. tripod. vs bag due to the fact it recoils differently based on my shooting position and hold. Its a major difference, as in 12" at 200yds between tripod and shooting off my pack.

Realizing this, I've decided to focus my efforts on shooting from field positions such as offhand, sitting, kneeling off a tree limb, prone off a back back etc. on various terrain in various conditions.

The whole point being to get away from shooting groups off a bench and instead focus on taking one shot from random distances in various positions so that I really know my limitations.

My plan is to pack a 10" AR500 Gong up into the mountains and set it up so that I can hike away and take a shot from various distances. I was thinking of making it a bit of a game so that its a 1 miss elimination, meaning game over, pack it up if I miss. The goal wouldn't be to get "lucky" on some long range shots, but to KNOW EXACTLY what is a sure shot given the wind, tough shooting position, slope etc.

I would be practicing off-hand out to the point I wasn't sure of a hit, then going to kneeling or sitting beyond that, then prone over my pack out to farther ranges.

Anyone have any other tips, tricks or strategy that you've used to improve skills and learn your limitations?

12" at 200 yards seems like more than a recoil issue. Are you shooting it out of a lead-sled at the bench?

Sorry, I know that isn't the intended focus of the thread, but I can't wrap my head around that...

 

[Hand Skills]

It's not a popular answer, but that whole recoil/POI thing is what brought me back to shooting '06 based cartridges nearly 20yrs ago. It's not impossible to shoot a 'big gun' to the same POI from different positions, but it takes a lot of work.

Poor bedding, and/or a flexible stock can exacerbate the problem.

Here is a good read;

https://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/Hold+that+Forend.html

Adding weight to the rifle can also help, but for me that's never seemed like a great option. Dropping the powder charge can help (drop down to the next accuracy load) can help a little.

As for 1 round elimination, a 10" gong sounds like a lot of fun, but a 24"x24" piece of cardboard is a lot easier to pack around. It provides more data on misses too, which can be helpful.

-36" long 1x2 stake
-Hammer tacker to drive stake and staple cardboard

 

[Greyfox]

Just my opinion, but taking to the field, shooting from various positions seems premature, and a very slow process to solve your problem. It sounds like you need to develop fundamental rifle control for a few basic positions. This is basic form(variations in rifle hold), and generally done more effectively in a controlled setting. Once mastered, it is transferable with subtle adjustments for field positions whether for hunting or sports like PRS.

 

[Golovkin]

12" at 200 yards seems like more than a recoil issue. Are you shooting it out of a lead-sled at the bench?

Sorry, I know that isn't the intended focus of the thread, but I can't wrap my head around that...

Off a tripod it shoots 6MOA" higher than if I shoot prone off my backpack. Rifle is glass bedded and floated.

 

[shooter7]

Off a tripod it shoots 6MOA" higher than if I shoot prone off my backpack. Rifle is glass bedded and floated.

Is it clamped into the tripod or is it allowed to recoil straight back into your shoulder?