Posted on 09/17/2008 3:57:51 AM PDT by sig226
It’s been my experience that the most controversial subject in long range shooting is that of the right cartridge. The real answer is there’s not one perfect caliber or load. There are both good prospects that deliver and dismal failures that succeed in advertising only. The good news is that folks pursuing the elusive “One Mile Shot” have several choices. It’s likely that more options will emerge as time and technology progress. When I got involved in this endeavor several years ago, I had only the .338 Lapua Magnum (LM), .408 CheyTac® and the already fielded .300 Win Mag (WM) and .50 BMG sniper systems to work with. Of those, .338 LM and .408 advertised the most promise but offered the fewest options at that time.
Tried and True
While not likely to win the long-range crown, .300 WM is worth discussing as a natural starting point. It’s a favorite among snipers blessed with access to it, and for good reason. The traditional tactical load allows match grade 190 gr. Sierra MK projectiles with BCs in the .588 range to reach muzzle velocities (MV) around 3000 fps. The result is flatter trajectory, shorter flight time and decreased wind effects when compared to the conventional .308 Win. At standard atmospherics (59 deg F, 78% humidity, 29.53 in Hg) with a MV of 2950 fps, these projectiles decelerate to the speed of sound (1117 fps at this temp) around 1375m. This load is phenomenally accurate out to 1000m with operational evidence of it far exceeding that range in the right hands and platform. Despite many years of experience shooting issued .300 WM rifles, I wasn’t savvy enough to put more R&D effort into giving this cartridge longer legs. Fortunately there are professionals currently doing good work in this arena with heavier projectiles and different barrel configurations. The US Army would do well converting the soon-to-be mothballed M24A1 into Remington Arms’ .300 WM, M24E (Enhanced) configuration. Not only would this re-chambering extend the Army sniper’s effective range to 1000+ meters, Remington’s external box magazine conversion would be a welcome addition to the system. Though there’s a practical limit to this cartridge’s effective distance, overall it’s solid for sniping and further development may bring renewed interest in employing it “out yonder”.
I heard about Storm Mountain’s sniper courses a couple of years ago. What is the cost running now? I’d imagine they are still every dime.
Precision shooting is probably one of the most addictive things someone can do without being arrested for it. Reloading your own match grade ammo is another time teaser. LOL
If I’m not there, look in three local gunsmiths backrooms, a neighbors garage (ex sniper)where we do our reloading, the ranch where we shoot, the patio, my garage, then of course the corner light, where I beg for quarters.
For many years I was a shotgunner:
Trap out to the 27 yard line, Skeet, Sporting clays,
a game called Riverside skeet on a very different field
and lots of BirdsThis and tactical handguns.
I have just found the thrill of long range precision shooting.
Out here in the west, we like varmint guns.
I now shoot a Savage BVSS in 22-250
with a 8-24x44 mil-dot scope.
We use "tack-driver" sandbagsEvery Sunday, we shoot pop cans at 300 yards and pop bottles at 600 yards.
I hope to get more accurate by loading my own very soon.
Once a month, a good ol boy brings out his Barrett .50
and we shoot a 36" gong at 1000 yds.
The most annoying thing is trying to find a >300m (preferably 1000m) range after taking such a delightful course. One good substitute is to go to a 100m range on a regular basis (the harder to get to the better), and fire only one shot and go home; that pounds into your head EVERY SHOT COUNTS.
Wow, small world... if you’ve been to SMTC then we probably know each other.
Long Range Rifle 1 & 2 in September 2000, IIRC?
You need to come out West. Bring some ammo.
The coffee hardly cools and we are at a spot where we have in excess of 4000 feet.
Just LRR I; I haven’t been to LRR II yet, though I’ve got the rifle for it.
Im with you!! Precision is a relative term.
If I can keep a .54cal 450 grain bullet on a paper plate at 100 yds out of my Hawkin Im a happy camper.
Man it is a small world. I’ll second your comments about SMTC. Great school... and I’m not just saying that because I teach there... LOL
I’ve been into precision shooting for a while. Sadly, there is a lot of BS out there on the subject and rarely do people think out of the box. That’s one thing I love about SMTC. No other school in the nation will put you on targets at 1500 with a .308.
Anyway, check your PM.
Mike
I’m well aware of Sinclair, thanks. I was offered a couple of Halls over the past dozen years, but I didn’t have the money for the rest of the rifle. I should have bought them and waited.
That hobby is above my pay grade.
Bummer.
Love the BVSS stock.
Unfortunately, mine(112BVSS) split from recoil.
Free floating a heavy barreled 7mm Rem Mag in a wood stock with steel pillars that are not glued DOES NOT WORK.
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