Learning the Basics of Long-Range Shooting for Hunting - Inside MDT

Posted by Ryan Holm on 2024 Oct 10th

Learning the Basics of Long-Range Shooting for Hunting - Inside MDT

Editor's note: This is the second article in a multi-part series from guest author Ryan Holm. The first article, Learning to Build a Custom Rifle, can be found here. Photos courtesy of Mark Twight. Shooting instruction was provided by Jared Miller.

You'll never guess. Learning the basics isn't basic—It's a beautiful void to fall into with a friend who can help you navigate the extensive library of knowledge—you can also watch all the reels on MDT's YouTube channel. I've built my MDT ACC Elite and am progressing forward with the first day at the range with my friend Jared Miller—you can review "How to Build a Custom Rifle"  to start at the beginning of this series.

We are in the Spring in Montana (when the content was captured), so the snow is still present, but the sun is bursting at the seams, trying to find glimpses of the summer heat—It's essential to reference the weather in your notes, as your data will shift with seasonal weather shifts. But more on that later.

LONG-RANGE SHOOTING BASICS

So, why is it important to learn the basics of long-range shooting for hunting? This question can be taken mistakenly as not applicable to hunting big game animals. I'll be honest: I was skeptical when individuals started talking about this concept. Shooting beyond a particular longer yardage had minimal appeal since bowhunting taught me that getting in close is easier than you might think—and the variables of shooting at long distances are many. After practicing long-range shooting, it might not be about shooting long ranges; it's about mastering the basics of being a good shooter (many steps) and being more proficient with your rifle under stress—especially at short distances (however you define it for yourself).

Also, it is imperative to unlearn before you dive into new shooting lessons. We've all developed good or bad habits that can help or hinder our improvement. So, I started with the standard prone position for zeroing in my rifle (100 yards) and to acquaint myself with the new equipment. I added a few new tools into the equation, like the Garmin Xero chronograph and the Kestrel to Leica app connection, to input all the D.O.P.E to improve my accuracy steadily.

I'll review a list of things to check that don't necessarily happen in an order. It's assumed that you've set up your rifle before heading to the range, so these steps are for putting a few rounds downrange and learning how to dial in your rifle.

  • Length of pull: everything from your shoulder to your trigger finger. Anchor Points: shoulder/collarbone region, palm, thumb, finger, and breath. The longer your apex index, the more pull you'll require, and vice versa for shorter. MDT accommodates with a quick and easy adjustable butt stock pad with the tool provided under the cheekpiece. The shorter the length of the pull, the better the stability. Jared would say, "It's also important to note that the hand supports the rifle, and the bag supports the hand." This means you always want to maintain a connection with your rifle through your body, and everything else is there to support you, the shooter, not the other way around. The trigger is the last part of the pull with the breath, and learning to sync both in unison is a crucial skill to master.
  • Sight Picture: once you've completed the setup for the length of pull, adjusting the cheek riser is simple: Use an Allen wrench below the riser, sliding in back or forward and up and down to assist with finding your sight picture. My tip is to try shooting from multiple positions; it'll help you figure out if this setting works for most scenarios. Also, note the downward pressure of your cheek; if you must push it down with added force to find that picture, lower it slightly for a natural position. It'll affect your natural point of aim and impact. Side note: make enough room for the bolt action to slide back without restriction.
  • The MDT bipod works with the Arca Rail system in a single, double, or triple pull. It is easy to use in multiple positions and jettison quickly. It is incredibly durable and lets you use the Arca with the attached bipod while simultaneously running a tripod and switching between positions.
  • As you start testing a few different positions and shooting via a tripod (Leofoto in the image), you'll determine how much support the rifle requires to maintain a steady shot. Also, try a few different ball heads and combinations with bags to figure out which type works for you—a fixed to the Arca Rail doesn't have any forgiveness, so you might want to run a sandbag as a base for complete in-line recoil and for you to be more connected to the rifle than the tripod.
  • You can most likely get all your ballistic data from factory ammo and your gun manufacturer. Then, you can check and confirm with the help of a chronograph tool called the Garmin Xero. It's handy for getting the last little bit of adjustment.
  • The Send It Level is imperative for ensuring an accurate impact—you can dial everything else. Still, you'll miss the target if you don't shoot on a linear trajectory, especially at longer distances. The mandatory attachment is a Picatinny rail, so consider Elite Scope Rings attachments instead of one piece to leave room for these additional accessories.
  • The optional Baker Wings are mandatory for stabilizing your position—almost like an extension of your body and a place to engage the front of the stock. They have a few grooves that allow you to make another anchor point as you begin to squeeze the trigger on the final increments of your hold. If you have an MDT chassis, these can be easily attached via M-LOK.

Photos courtesy of Mark Twight

BREATHING AND LONG-RANGE SHOOTING

A strong foundation should be your top priority for every long-range shooter. You can buy all the tools to try and buy your way to being a better shooter, but I've learned over the years with several different outdoor activities that breathing is one of the most important, if not more important, than shooting. Under stress, even in everyday life, we tend to hold our breath or breathe through our mouths (you don't want to be called a mouth breather). You can try breathing only through your nose, in and out, with longer inhales and exhales to help settle your sympathetic nervous system and not minimize seeing your pulse in your hold. Learning how to breathe in and then out and gently squeeze the trigger to remove any side-to-side yanking you off target is imperative.

DRY FIRE AND LONG-RANGE SHOOTING

Before you start sending a few rounds at your target, dry fire to practice the things discussed above and then adjust your setup. Then, you'll find that finding your zero represents how you'll shoot instead of setting the zero and fixing your form once the zero is set. Even the best shooters will do a ton of dry firing at home before heading out to the range. It'll allow you to see how to Break once you pull the trigger and if you're moving off target during the process—if you're starting to notice all the nuances of what is causing this issue, keep the awareness about what is happening, and slowly make the corrections with each dry firing round.

Tripods are a great tool for hunting and competition. Photos courtesy of Mark Twight

Basic shooting techniques are essential, and a solid position in prone, kneeling, or standing is imperative. As new shooters or even seasoned veterans in the hunting space, we might have never learned these basics—me being one of them. We primarily focus on putting up the target, walking back to the truck or range station, having the rifle on a base or fixed position, confirming zero with a few rounds, picking everything up, and driving back home. If this explains you, you aren't alone. I'd say once you confirm your zero, this is where the fun begins.

BALLISTICS, RANGE ESTIMATION AND SHOOTING POSITIONS

You might try shooting off a barcade, off an extended bipod where you are kneeling, off the hood of your truck or ladder system (if the range approves) or finding a barcade that puts you into a standing position or using a tripod. As a hunter, you'll find using your backpack as a resourceful tool, so you could try shooting off the frame or lying down prone with the chassis (or stock) on the bag. There are plenty of ways to test yourself with a single target in multiple configurations and try to engage the target 2 or 2 times in a row to practice follow-up shots.

Ballistic data is crucial for long range success. Photos courtesy of Mark Twight.

Range estimation and ballistics Introduce critical elements for long-range accuracy. The best way to get started is to have a laser range finder as a single handheld or a binocular with a rangefinder inside the binocular. My choice is a Leica Geovid 10 x 42 AB+ as it has the rangefinder built inside with the Applied Ballistics on board, so you might even operate without needing Kestrel (Wind estimation is built-in to the readouts). Either way, a rangefinder is critical to knowing the range of your target, and having a rangefinder that understands angle compensation in the final output is required. The topic around ballistics data is extensive, so I'll touch on it briefly and walk you through my system. I use the Leica Ballistics App, which allows you to set up a gun with the provided database and then input all the remaining values: correction value, muzzle velocity, twist rate, sight height, and several other options. It will enable you to expedite the process, use your binoculars to range the target, and get the correct value for adjusting your turret and shooting center. The AB+ also has a shot probability function (like WEZ), which goes into greater detail for managing and tracking your ability under certain conditions.

Big thanks to my mentor Jared Miller. Photos courtesy of Mark Twight

All in all, it's crucial to work with a mentor—I've learned that it's the best way to have someone

watch you and suggest changes in your approach or different types of tools to assist you in getting there faster. Also, this is your reminder to get out a few more times this Fall before rifle season arrives in your state and try a few new things and see how you might improve with the equipment that you already have in your gun safe or garage—the simple things go a long way.

HUMAN PERFORMANCE FROM MDT

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryan Holm is a dedicated marketing director with a solid 20-year career in media development within the hunting and outdoor markets. His journey is characterized by a strategic approach and a steadfast commitment to fostering brand growth and engagement, demonstrating his dedication and reliability. Known for his innovative thinking, Ryan has a talent for creating campaigns that genuinely connect with audiences. His profound understanding of consumer behavior is a key skill he translates into effective marketing strategies that integrate both traditional and digital channels. His dedication to his interests is as strong as his commitment to his professional life. His passions for hunting, climbing, and photojournalism fuel his creativity and provide him with unique insights and experiences that enrich his professional work.

×
×

Recently viewed

Top
↑