Like the title says, I'm wanting to get into long range hunting, but I don't have a ton of cash to drop into a new hobby. What I do have is a Japanese made Weatherby Mark V lazermark chameberd in 7mm Weatherby Magnum. It is completely stock, outfitted with a Zeiss Conquest HD5 3-15x42 scope with the z800 ballistic reticle. I also have a place on my land that I can stretch out and shoot out to 2000 yards.
What I really want is a gun that is capable of taking elk out 1000 yards, but also capable of hitting steel out to 2000. Is my weatherby going to get me there? If so, what work will need to be done with it? If not, point me in the right direction. I've been researching different rifles and calibers for days, and that's just left my head spinning.
Currently, I don't reload but I'm in the process of buying the equipment I need to get started doing that. Oh, one other thing, if my current setup won't help me reach my goals, and I do need to go in a different direction, I'm kind of old school. I don't like the tactical looking guns or the composite stocks. I like the wood stocks and traditional looking guns. With all that being said, what is y'alls advice?
Your shortest route to success would be to save up and attend one of the long range shooting schools you see discussed and advertised here.
With the equipment you have already if you can shoot sub MOA groups (3 shots) consistently you have more than enough to get the job done.
You do however need to upgrade to a scope where you can dope and dial or have Zeiss install tall turrets so that you can.
If your gun hasn't been accurized it needs to be, that means completely free floated and epoxy bedding, along with installing either aluminum or steel pillars.
If it has a factory tupperware stock the first thing I'd do is upgrade to a good laminate or composite.
Floating, bedding, pillars and replacement of the stock can all be done for as little as 300.00 and will pay you huge dividends down the road.
To become proficient and precise you will also need to either load your own or get with a friend who can. The benefit of the latter is you can learn from them as they do it for you.
There are also some outfits around who will work up loads specific to your rifle and load custom ammo for you but that gets very expensive.
Last but not least you need to buy another rifle. Something that won't break the bank in a caliber like the 6.5CM, 6.5 lapua, or .260 Remington that you can shoot sub MOA.
Use that for the rifle you learn on and save your boomer for hunting.
There are no shortcuts, you need to put thousands of rounds downrange before you will become truly proficient and precise at Long Range and we owe it to the game we seek to ensure they can whenever possible, at any range we choose to shoot them be brought down with a single, well placed shot.
Also, be sure and visit the beginner's subforum, and reloading subforum as well, there's a wealth of information there already at the tips of your fingers and most of us will be happy to answer questions.
Welcome to the addiction.
