Wind reading. How many of you get out and challenge yourselves?

[gitrdun]

There was a time, a few years ago when I was just a grass hopper to this target shooting game that I only shot my rifles on target when there was NO wind. I've now come to appreciate the wind which is pretty well a given here in God's country. The challenge of steering your bullets into the POI with winds that not only change velocity and direction makes this shooting sport addictive, more so than some drugs, I suppose. Putting a round into the ring with a 25 kph wind and holding over to correct, sure makes one feel "sniper like". Obviously, my load development targets are shot without wind conditions. But once a stellar load is found, it's time to get out and challenge the reading skills. I truly enjoy that because I have the facilities to do so. Wind shooting has truly become one of my favorite activities in the shooting sports.

Now, "wind shooting" may be considered to be somewhat related to those that only shoot paper or steel targets. Nothing could be further from the truth. Hunters, would greatly benefit from this practice to make long and ethical shots. Your feedback and opinions are welcome, and let's not talk about those Huskemama optics please. :sHa_shakeshout:

[elkhunter11]

A few of us used to shoot clays off of the 500m berm Sunday mornings before skeet, and it sure helped us with our wind estimations. These days , I enjoy shooting ground squirrels at 200 yards plus, where a slight windage error usually results in a miss.

[tikka250]

i seems im always shooting in the wind. the nose hills gun club has some "fun" variables to play with. with the wind blowing through valleys and down hills its not un common to see multiple wind flags doing different things at each distance. i always love pushing guns and calibers more than what they are intended for just to see if i can learn the drop and drift. 357mag at 300? sure why not! 30-30 at 500? lets give it a go!:sHa_shakeshout:

[gitrdun]

Here's what I've learned. Please feel free to correct me.

The wind will gust and change velocity, no matter where you're at. So , read the flag and adjust your hold over according to velocity. Send it downrange at matching wind conditions.

The wind will change direction, no matter where you're at. Read the flag. Do you have full value or half value?

The wind will swirl. Meaning that it may be from a different direction from your shooting position than that of your target. However, that is a component of the lay of the land. Read the wind where your bullet has slowed down and is most affected by strong wind conditions where the bullet has slowed down.

I have found through practice that a head on wind in your face (zero value) will actually drive your bullet slightly upward.

[tchardy1972]

I shoot in the wind all the time. Because it seems I have no other choice, the wind never quits. There are still lots of days though when I can't figure out what is going on. There is usually a condition that will sneak up and throw a bullet way out of the group and sometime completely off the target. I do like the feeling i get when i catch a condition change and still manage to land the next shot where its supposed to go.

[gitrdun]

I shoot in the wind all the time. Because it seems I have no other choice, the wind never quits. There are still lots of days though when I can't figure out what is going on. There is usually a condition that will sneak up and throw a bullet way out of the group and sometime completely off the target. I do like the feeling i get when i catch a condition change and still manage to land the next shot where its supposed to go.

Shut the hell up. I don't wan't to talk to you. Pizz me off anyways. :sHa_shakeshout:

[Deer Hunter]

Now, "wind shooting" may be considered to be somewhat related to those that only shoot paper or steel targets. Nothing could be further from the truth. Hunters, would greatly benefit from this practice to make long and ethical shots.

As a hunter, I find that these types of wind-reading turret-twisting flag-following posts have very little to do with hunting.
To me, a strong wind means a hunter can usually get closer.
I like your passion for accurate long range shooting. But pretending your "sniper like" shooting skills make you a better hunter is blowing wind alright.
:bad_boys_20:

[obsessed1]

Love shooting in wind. It by far the most difficult part of hitting at long range for me but the more I do it the better I get. I managed a one shot kill on a coyote this past winter at 730 yds with a 10 o'clock 25 mph breeze with the 243. No way I'd even try something like that without training. As a hunter I train hard at all distances and in all conditions so I can make ethical shots. Knowing where your particular ethical line is is important. But if a bull elk pops out on a cut line 6-700 yd's out I want the ability to take the shot. Same with a hung up coyote

[tchardy1972]

Shut the hell up. I don't wan't to talk to you. Pizz me off anyways. :sHa_shakeshout:

I did nothing to you. You asked and I answered.:argue2:

[gitrdun]

As a hunter, I find that these types of wind-reading turret-twisting flag-following posts have very little to do with hunting.
To me, a strong wind means a hunter can usually get closer.
I like your passion for accurate long range shooting. But pretending your "sniper like" shooting skills make you a better hunter is blowing wind alright.
:bad_boys_20:

And I too understand your statement Deer Hunter. As a long range target shooter, I apply my knowledge to my hunting skills. Of course, as I hunt I do not have flags and all of the tools available to me when I hunt. However, those have enabled me to feel what a breeze on my face, or a skirmish of the grass or tree leaves relate to wind velocity. As such, I use those clues to direct my hold over. And, as you've stated, I do try to get much closer to my quarry. However, I do have physical disabilities, but in spite of that, I remain an ethical hunter however do rely on longer shooting abilities. Just so you know, I've had 2 hip replacements, 1 knee replacement. My body joints have failed me for the past 15 years. And yet, I walk with a cane to a hunting spot, a gun shouldered on my right side and a cane on my left. And yet other younger men and fully capable are driving past me with their pick up trucks.

[gitrdun]

I did nothing to you. You asked and I answered.:argue2:

Dude, it was a joke. I was highlighting your shooting skills. T'was like the kind of talk we'd have around a campfire. Relax. :)

[Jack fish hunter]

It's not always calm when hunting. Let er buck lol

[Pathfinder76]

Gophers and the 22lr are great teachers. And thinking about it, I don't think I can think of a time when I felt I missed or wounded a big game animal because of the wind. I get close enough that I won't miss. :-)

[gitrdun]

It's not always calm when hunting. Let er buck lol

Hey. Shut the hell up 28 post man. You don't know me nor do you know Travis OK?. Sometimes, we say things amongst ourselves that you guys don't understand. And sometimes, guys like me just say comments like we were around a campfire or in person. That's just the way I roll. My friends understand it, and roll with it. So shut the hell up with your comments, you know nothing of Travis nor myself. Travis and I are on first name basis and are shooting buddies. So go away. :)

[catnthehat]

As a hunter, I find that these types of wind-reading turret-twisting flag-following posts have very little to do with hunting.
To me, a strong wind means a hunter can usually get closer.
I like your passion for accurate long range shooting. But pretending your "sniper like" shooting skills make you a better hunter is blowing wind alright.
:bad_boys_20:

I once watched a guy with a 300 Wetherby gut shoot a buck at 200 yards because when I mentioned holding off for the wind he said " no need to with these 180 bullets and 300 mag":thinking-006:
Yeah the wind makes a difference - maybe not at 50 yards but ona stiff wind at 100 it. An make aDifference between a clean kill and a not so clean kill with many rifles .
Cat

[gitrdun]

Gophers and the 22lr are great teachers. And thinking about it, I don't think I can think of a time when I felt I missed or wounded a big game animal because of the wind. I get close enough that I won't miss. :-)

You are my hero. I love that you exemplifies the ultimate hunter in your mind. However, not many of us can match your incredible skills. One day, you too will get older and have to deal with what age and the restrictions that it brings upon you.

[Pathfinder76]

You are my hero. I love that you exemplifies the ultimate hunter in your mind. However, not many of us can match your incredible skills. One day, you too will get older and have to deal with what age and the restrictions that it brings upon you.

I'm not sure what the problem is, but you need to relax. A big game animal is a big target. Holding into the wind is not impossible to do and practice helps, as I eluded to. Most big game animals are shot in the early morning or late evening when the wind is quite often its quietest and if the wind is a bit much get closer.

[gitrdun]

[QUOTE=chuck;3562995]I'm not sure what the problem is, but you need to relax. A big game animal is a big target. Holding into the wind is not impossible to do and practice helps, as I eluded to. Most big game animals are shot in the early morning or late evening when the wind is quite often its quietest and if the wind is a bit much get closer.[/QUOTE
There is no problem whatsoever chuck, and I am very relaxed. You and I are extremely off topic. Should you feel accomplished with accuracy details, that is fine. Judging by your posts of harvested game, you have done very well, and I commend you for that. :)

[Slicktricker]

I don't have any issues in wind with the 7mm usually off maybe couple inches but shooting the 06 out to 400 in way out to lunch in high winds

[buck66]

just started shooting out to 700 yards mainly with my 7mm mag man past 500 it gets tricky

[Robmcleod82]

I once watched a guy with a 300 Wetherby gut shoot a buck at 200 yards because when I mentioned holding off for the wind he said " no need to with these 180 bullets and 300 mag":thinking-006:
Yeah the wind makes a difference - maybe not at 50 yards but ona stiff wind at 100 it. An make aDifference between a clean kill and a not so clean kill with many rifles .
Cat

Must have been some kind of wind!! my calculator puts a full value wind between 60-80MPH to take a 180 out of a 300bee from a deers heart to the guts..........

[gitrdun]

I don't have any issues in wind with the 7mm usually off maybe couple inches but shooting the 06 out to 400 in way out to lunch in high winds

I want to learn from you.

[Slicktricker]

Why? Nothing special about being inches off to 400 yards lol guys shoot tighter groups at twice that distance

[catnthehat]

Must have been some kind of wind!! my calculator puts a full value wind between 60-80MPH to take a 180 out of a 300bee from a deers heart to the guts..........

Enough that I wouldn't take the shot with my 6.5WSM on a slope that I had shot at often and wanted to try and get closer.
The buck died on the way down the hill but it was not a good shoot in my opinion
Cat

[6MT]

I shot the wind on Saturday. At Edson, there was a 15 to 20 km/hr swirling wind for most of the day. The hits were difficult past a kilometre. Even the .338LM was struggling in the gusts with 300gr SMK's. The .308 and .223 were pretty much restricted to less than 700m.

Fun though.

[catnthehat]

Must have been some kind of wind!! my calculator puts a full value wind between 60-80MPH to take a 180 out of a 300bee from a deers heart to the guts..........
Interesting!:)
I just opened up my program to check it and it reads a 25 MPH wind is enough too take it out of the lung area at 200!:confused:
I never put a wind flag up on that slope but the grass and tree branches were moving pretty hard.
Cat

[Robmcleod82]

Interesting!:)
I just opened up my program to check it and it reads a 25 MPH wind is enough too take it out of the lung area at 200!:confused:
I never put a wind flag up on that slope but the grass and tree branches were moving pretty hard.
Cat
Usually most guys I hunt with dont try to shoot deer in the back of the lungs.... kind of nice if you can hit the heart as well.... Maybe it was a small deer????

[catnthehat]

Usually most guys I hunt with dont try to shoot deer in the back of the lungs.... kind of nice if you can hit the heart as well.... Maybe it was a small deer????

wasn't overly large but it was large enough.
I don't aim for thee back of the lungs either .
Cat

[Smokinyotes]

Shooting long range in the wind is what makes it fun and challenging. If there is no wind it gets boring real quick. On our 1100 yard range we only have 1 flag. Usually we just watch the wind direction and mirage. The 30-338 improved pushing a 230 otm at 3300 sure handles the wind better than my 6.5-284 with 140's.

[Don_Parsons]

Yuppers, put some heavy lead in front of the old 303 British and let'er buck. Ha.

Now exactly wheres that dam target at again.

[catnthehat]

Yuppers, put some heavy lead in front of the old 303 British and let'er buck. Ha.

Now exactly wheres that dam target at again.

174 Match Kings work in the Enfields!:)
Cat

[Bustercluck]

What kind of range do you hunt at and what round are you shooting to worry about wind? My idea is to kill the animal as quickly as possible and cause as little suffering as possible. I respect animals and the sport too much to take lousie shots. It's alright to practice on paper, but I'd rather buy meat from the store than wing an animal to suffer for days just because I want to play sniper.

[catnthehat]

What kind of range do you hunt at and what round are you shooting to worry about wind? My idea is to kill the animal as quickly as possible and cause as little suffering as possible. I respect animals and the sport too much to take lousie shots. It's alright to practice on paper, but I'd rather buy meat from the store than wing an animal to suffer for days just because I want to play sniper.

I have never met a person who wanted to wound an animal rather than kill it.
Cat

[Bustercluck]

I have never met a person who wanted to wound an animal rather than kill it.
Cat

Agreed. But unethical shots or shooting beyond your skill level or the limitations of your gear leads to all kinds of bad shots. And then there's good old buck fever which we can't do anything about.

I don't think I've wounded an animal to date. I've had to put things out of their misery when I got to them, but haven't had to track anything through the bush or have it get away. I've helped other people, but it hasn't happened to me. If I have to start guessing at things it's time to let the animal go.

[Dick284]

Agreed. But unethical shots or shooting beyond your skill level or the limitations of your gear leads to all kinds of bad shots. And then there's good old buck fever which we can't do anything about.

I don't think I've wounded an animal to date. I've had to put things out of their misery when I got to them, but haven't had to track anything through the bush or have it get away. I've helped other people, but it hasn't happened to me. If I have to start guessing at things it's time to let the animal go.

You are totally off the track here.
Gitrdun is evolving his skill set through practice and more practice. He is developing a skill set through this practice that allows him to grow as a hunter.

Just because your skill set may lag his and others, doesn't mean it can't be done.

Now I'm going to temper this with a great big BUT.

This type of shooting is not for everybody, nor should it be.
This type of shooting takes years of practice, and thousands of rounds put down range, and a lot of paper and steel get shot, before a single hair is touched on a living being.

[obsessed1]

Agreed. But unethical shots or shooting beyond your skill level or the limitations of your gear leads to all kinds of bad shots. And then there's good old buck fever which we can't do anything about.

I don't think I've wounded an animal to date. I've had to put things out of their misery when I got to them, but haven't had to track anything through the bush or have it get away. I've helped other people, but it hasn't happened to me. If I have to start guessing at things it's time to let the animal go.

That's why we train. Your comfort level for shooting distance depends on your training level. There's no question that I will always TRY to get closer but if it's not possible I train hard so I can make an ethical shot at longer distance. Practice at ranges also gives you a real view of what you can do in the wind so it's easier to make an ethical call on whether to shoot or not.
FYI I have never lost an animal before either but the ones that I had the most difficulty finding where ones that were shot inside of 100 yds. 1 a head shot on a wt doe that took the whole left side of her head ( tracked for about 300yds before she went down) and a bull elk shot at 30 ft in the shoulder bullet just splashed on the bone and the critter got quite a ways before we could put it down for good

[catnthehat]

Because someone practise at long range also does not automatically mean theyshoot animals at ranges further than others
Anytime someone starts stating about ethics long range versus short range shooting in a thread things go sideways fast so let's stop that right away .because some think 200 yards is long and others don't
Cat

[tchardy1972]

The more I shoot long range and the more I see what effects the environment can have the closer my max hunting range gets.

[Beeman3]

I don't shoot nearly as much as I would like to. The property where I shoot allows me to go out to 910 yds. Rifles I use are 6.5X47, 6.5 SHERMAN, 280 AI, 300 WIN Mag, 25-06 AI. As mentioned earlier out to 500 you can get away with a fair bit. At 700 you better be very close to your right wind call. Beyond 700 wind calls must be dead on. Like others I look at grass or branches at the target and compare to what I am seeing with my wind meter from the shooting location. I am still learning but I find reading the mirage to help me the most. Last fall I had a tricky day to shoot. I shoot straight west and the flag on a builing was showing a north wind. Could feel a breeze on the back of my neck out of the east but mirage was moving South to North. With that said and not knowing what to do; I dialed for a 7 mph wind out of the South and made consistent hits at 910 yds. Years ago without looking at the mirage I am sure I would of missed. As far as some of the posters go on this thread. If you don't like long range hunting/shooting why open a thread like this? As long range shooters most of us spend countless hours doing load development and practicing. No one seems to complain about the guys who blow the dust off there rifle once a year and go out hunting. To me that is much more of a problem than a guy who shoots lots and knows his limitations.

[Bustercluck]

That's why I asked what kind of distance he figured was long range. My limits are about 300 yards, maybe a little more if conditions are good. That's with a factory browning medallion and handloads.

I shoot at least two times per month all year. Our range goes out to 565 yards and I'm consistently under 0.5 Moa. Sometimes more, but usually I do pretty good. And that's shooting lapua target bullets, not hunting bullets. My target gun is a lot different than my hunting rig too.

I also asked what calibre he was shooting, because shooting a 55 grain .223 is a lot different than shooting a 300 grain .338 bullet.

Being a responsible hunter, it worries me when I see guys at the range that can ring the 400 m steel (24"x24") with their factory rifle mounted in a lead sled and they figure they're good to hunt at that range. I hear several stories every year where guys guess at a shot and miss. Last year a guy told me how he estimates the distance to a deer to be 400 yards and he went for a head shot, because you either make it or you don't. I think that's pretty poor.

I can tell by some of the comments here that some people are capable of making ethical long shots. I just hope people know their limits. I hate people who wound animals and don't think anything of it.

[catnthehat]

This thread was started by a shooter who shoots long range competitions as well as short range competitions and hunts as well .

Several members have also posted in that shoot long range competitions and short range comps as well, and ALL of these people also hunt.
it does not mean that they shoot animals as long as the distances they compete in.
These are also not the type of people to guess the distance of longer ranges nor do they shoot only occasionally.
I know of four shooters in the Canadian shooting Sports Hall of Fame that were all international long range champions and not one of them ever shot an animal past 300 yards , but you can bet they took every precaution and read the wind when they did hunt.

Cat

[Bustercluck]

The fact that nothing was said about mirage kind of hints that maybe a person doesn't shoot that far or often? Just a guess.

[tchardy1972]

This thread was started by a shooter who shoots long range competitions as well as short range competitions and hunts as well .

Several members have also posted in that shoot long range competitions and short range comps as well, and ALL of these people also hunt.
it does not mean that they shoot animals as long as the distances they compete in.
These are also not the type of people to guess the distance of longer ranges nor do they shoot only occasionally.
I know of four shooters in the Canadian shooting Sports Hall of Fame that were all international long range champions and not one of them ever shot an animal past 300 yards , but you can bet they took every precaution and read the wind when they did hunt.

Cat
Guys that are at the top of their game that you mention most likely check the wind before pulling the trigger on a power tool.

[Dick284]

The fact that nothing was said about mirage kind of hints that maybe a person doesn't shoot that far or often? Just a guess.

Have you ever used mirage to read the wind?
You know when there appears to be no wind but the mirage is moving laterally or at an angle.......

You're trying to throw a wet blanket on a good thread. Add some positives, or maybe just take a bit of a break.

[wolf308]

I used to be pretty good at calling the wind ..... Gopher practise and then got further and further out with targets at the farm.

Sadly not to many gophers left ( gee I wonder why , lol ) and now I don't shoot much with all my kids / lost interest kinda big time. I bet I'm pretty lousy at her now.

At my uncles place now where we got 800 yards. Atm wind seems pretty breezy. After I finish some projects / trail clean up I'm gonna try and get out there today and send some at his 66% man steel target. With my m40 / 308. I'll be definatley putting up a wind flag.

This particular rifle dials out at 600 yards so I'll need to hold over 5 ' approx. for 800. Gonna read thread more later and get back to ya


As for hunting. Mainly varmints ..... Coyotes 2-300 yards with wind common place. Wind adjustment so critical. Usually just aim on one edge of the animal.

And used to hammer the gophers with my 204. Sure it shoots like a laser but 32 grain pills weak against the wind. Taught me a lot picking them off 100-300 yards

[catnthehat]

Guys that are at the top of their game that you mention most likely check the wind before pulling the trigger on a power tool.
At least when they use a saw so the sawdust doesn't get into their eyes!:sHa_sarcasticlol:
Cat

[catnthehat]

The fact that nothing was said about mirage kind of hints that maybe a person doesn't shoot that far or often? Just a guess.

Mirage is an integral part of long range conditions reading and anybody that shoots at distance takes that as second nature.
In fact, anybody that COMPETES takes that as second nature, be it with 3P match rifles at 100 yards or SBR.
Cat

[Don_Parsons]

Funny how folks read into stuff.

So and so's "Long Range Shooting & Hunting"gets folks thinking that the statement means that people are shooting critters at long range because they presume that this is what they just read into.

The key note they missed out on is the word "and."

Long Range Shooting is that of its self,,, hunting is the second part.
This is not saying that folks don't Long Range Shoot too harvest,,, "as there is no and in that statement."

I long range shoot at paper, iron, dirt piles and when I miss I claim to fame the bardwire fence lines at our farm. LOL.

All of my harvests have been with in 40 to 147 yards over the many years,,, and I have no need too push much past this limit as Im not a steady enough fellow.

General plinking is enjoyible for others and my self,,, it keeps us in the loop of building up our skills, refreshing them, and hoping for improvements along the way.

As I'm guessing only that this is what Getterdun's thread is about.

I read into the thread this way, but I could be most likely wrong.

Each too their own as they read into or out-of what their take on the thread is.

Don

[gitrdun]

Funny how folks read into stuff.

So and so's "Long Range Shooting & Hunting"gets folks thinking that the statement means that people are shooting critters at long range because they presume that this is what they just read into.

The key note they missed out on is the word "and."

Long Range Shooting is that of its self,,, hunting is the second part.
This is not saying that folks don't Long Range Shoot too harvest,,, "as there is no and in that statement."

I long range shoot at paper, iron, dirt piles and when I miss I claim to fame the bardwire fence lines at our farm. LOL.

All of my harvests have been with in 40 to 147 yards over the many years,,, and I have no need too push much past this limit as Im not a steady enough fellow.

General plinking is enjoyible for others and my self,,, it keeps us in the loop of building up our skills, refreshing them, and hoping for improvements along the way.

As I'm guessing only that this is what Getterdun's thread is about.

I read into the thread this way, but I could be most likely wrong.

Each too their own as they read into or out-of what their take on the thread is.

Don

You are correct in reading the thread as I intended Don.

Shooting long range and especially bucking the wind has become my favourite past time. I enjoy running my load data through ballistic programs. Taking the notes to my range and pulling the trigger to "steer" the projectile to paper. As a means of entertainment, I prefer shooting with wind for a challenge. I use a variety of tools to learn the wind effect. I use an anemometer to measure velocity and compare the reading to how various vegetation reacts, grass, tree branches, leaves and flags that I've put up. I also attempt to make a correlation between those signals and the mirage. When shooting far out there, the mirage most often blurs my small diameter bullet impacts on paper so that I cannot see them through even the best spotting scope. For this reason, I use a Bullseye Camera system. This adds up to a past time and a skill set that hopefully put me contention when entering a match. Do I use the skills that I've learned to "place" my shot when hunting. Of course I do. But, do I stretch it to idiotic ranges, of course not. In fact, the majority of my hunting is done not far from home on a heavily wooded patch where even a 200 yard shot is not likely to happen, where I hunt with my .444 Marlin.

[gitrdun]

The fact that nothing was said about mirage kind of hints that maybe a person doesn't shoot that far or often? Just a guess.

You've guessed wrong. :)

[6.5x47 lapua]

QUOTE=tchardy1972;3564921]Guys that are at the top of their game that you mention most likely check the wind before pulling the trigger on a power tool.[/QUOTE]
:)

[Don_Parsons]

Good too hear.

All kinds of Long range shooting is fun.

Whether it be PBR, F-Class, Full-Bore, Iron Silhouette ether in match or personal practic, a past time that hopefully benefits us with in.

Just like every other hobby on the planet where some folks push their limits, others up their game plan,,, and some just get by as they enjoy the personal challange and chatting with other,,, purhaps I fit this category.

The above categories are growing fast, and different kinds of challenging courses are all ready underway in the USA and Canada.

The PBR if thats the right name has about 7 different categories,,, the new-est one is a mental challenging course.

You start off with shooting a 2 shot group at 400 yards at a 12" target... Then get too the next stage too rap off a few pron rounds at a 1" golf ball at 165 yards.

Then too the 6" disk at 200 yards that needs 4 hits in less than 12 seconds.
Followed by a 1200 yard 48" target by shooting off a stack of hay bails.

Your just getting started as its off too the 4" and 10" targets at 350 yards and 600...

Now it's time too get the 3 on 3 going.
3 pron at 6" target at 700 yards.
3 sitting at 8" target at 450 yards.
3 standing at 12" target at 250 or 275 yards.

Now your at the half way point.

Theres a time limit,,, so you better get at it as things get tuffer from there on in.

There are 3 group categories with in this shot, and the folks at the top category are pretty skilled as they have years of training in real life and non-life situations.

They take this too hart and make it look simple.

Those in the second group just get by on the seat of their pants.

The 3rd group misses 80 too 87% of the intended targets.
It takes many years too get too the second level as fitness is a major factor.

Too get too the top level 1 takes many many years.

Hitting a 1" golf ball on a string at 165 yards standing takes alot of skill.

So many challenges at shooting,,, getting the wind reading is part of it, getting the rifle and optics is another,,, then tackling the inner human element with in us is a whole new ball game.

I only share this as there are 100's of shoots out there that each person can choose from.

I don't see any golf balls in my life time as I'm at level none. My attempt at Stock F-Class will decide where I find my self.

Its about personal challange for me so far,,, it will prove to me if I can improve beyond that. Hopefully that is.

Don

[Don_Parsons]

My bad,,, it's the PRS Extrem Series.

This is too not take away from this thread as its wize too add value of what humans can achieve if they drive them selves too the Extrem quests of being the best they can be.

Another person wrote this article as I copied and pasted it here too explain the above post.

These folks do this in all kinds of weather, might be good to have your ducks sorted as this is like going to the Olympic games of pro shooters from all around the Americas.

The All in package of shooter mind set, rifle, ammo, optics have too work together in this class...
I would rank a big fat zero since I know nothing on how this is even done.

Enjoy the read all as its in its beginning stages, I hope too see this up here in the next few years.

Don

Meet The Pros
You know NASCAR? Yes, I’m talking about the racing-cars-in-a-circle NASCAR. Before NASCAR, there were just a bunch of unaffiliated, regional car races. NASCAR brought structure by unifying those races, and created the idea of a season … and an overall champion. NASCAR identified the top races across the country (that were similar in nature), then combined results and ranked competitors. The Precision Rifle Series (PRS) is like NASCAR, but for rifle matches.

The PRS is a championship style point series race based on the best precision rifle matches nationwide. PRS matches are recognized as the major league of sniper-style rifle matches. These matches aren’t shot from a bench or even on a square range. They feature practical, real-world field conditions, and even some improvised barricades and obstacles to increase the difficulty from hard to you-have-to-be-kidding-me. You won’t be able to take all shots from a prone position, and time stressors keep you from getting to comfortable. Typical target ranges are from 300 to 1200 yards, but each PRS match has a unique personality with creative stages that challenge different aspects of precision shooting. You might start off the day with a single cold bore shot on a small target at 400 yards, then at the next stage make a 1400 yard shot through 3 distinct winds across a canyon, then try to hit a golf ball on a string at 164 yards with no backstop to help you spot misses (can’t make that up), then see how many times you can ring a small 6” target at 1000 yards in 30 seconds, next shoot off a roof top at 10”, 8”, and 6” targets at 600 yards, followed by a speed drill on 1” targets at 200 yards and repeated at 7 yards … plus 10 other stages, and then come back tomorrow and do some more! Many stages involve some type of gaming strategy, and physical fitness can also come into play. For a shooter to place well in multiple matches, they must be an extremely well-rounded shooter who is capable of getting rounds on target in virtually any circumstance.

There are about 15 national-level PRS matches each year. At the end of the year the match scores are evaluated and the top ranked shooters are invited to compete head-to-head in the PRS Championship Match. We surveyed the shooters who qualified for the championship, asking all kinds of questions about the equipment they ran that season. This is a great set of data, because 100 shooters is a significant sample size, and this particular group are experts among experts. It includes guys like George Gardner (President/Senior Rifle Builder of GA Precision), Wade Stuteville of Stuteville Precision, Jim See of Center Shot Rifles, Matt Parry of Parry Custom Gun, Aaron Roberts of Roberts Precision Rifles, shooters from the US Army Marksmanship Unit, and many other world-class shooters.

Think of the best shooter you know … it’s actually very unlikely that person is good enough to break into the top 100. I know I’m not! I competed against a few of these guys for the first time earlier this year, and I was humbled. It’s incredible what these guys can do with a rifle. For example, the match in Oklahoma I was in had a station that required you to engage 4 steel targets scattered at random distances from 300 to 800 yards, and you only had 15 seconds! I think I hit 2, and rushed my 3rd shot. I didn’t even get the 4th shot off! But, one of these guys cleaned that stage with 4 seconds to spare! Yep, he got 4 rounds on target at distance in 11 seconds. That’s the caliber of shooter we’re talking about. It’s very different from benchrest or F-class competitions, but make no mistake … these guys are serious marksmen.

Thanks to Rich Emmons for allowing me to share this info. To find out more about the PRS, check out What Is The Precision Rifle Series? or watch this video to see it in action.

[Pathfinder76]

The more I shoot long range and the more I see what effects the environment can have the closer my max hunting range gets.

Well said.

[bb356]

At least when they use a saw so the sawdust doesn't get into their eyes!:sHa_sarcasticlol:
Cat

:)

[J0HN_R1]

I was out shooting in the wind today, just at the base of the Rockies where the wind is gusty & unpredictable.

I think they were about 20-25km gusts, with an average of about 10-15km/hr winds. Sometimes it would drop-off dead flat, no wind, but would only last 30-60 seconds before it kicked back up again.

It was challenging, and to my surprise (because of a long break in the wind) I hit the gong more @ 500 meters with my .223 than I did my .243.

I think my scope is off on the 243, I'll have to confirm zero @ 100m again... I just reassembled the gun again recently.

Practice makes perfect !

[wolf308]

Yup. Tried about 10 shots at 800 yards. Didn't hit the target. Wind was down to zero then breezy then this way then that way. Aside from one shot low and left i couldn't tell where they were going.

My aunt and uncle too busy on there I pads to come spot for me. Lol. There worse than kids I think.

Yup. Definatley a hard skill to master !

[J0HN_R1]

...

[Belus]

Wind shooting is realistic shooting. That is why I think (you don't have to agree with me) that gopher shooting is an excellent way to sharpen shooting skills. As you all know gophers never pop up in the ideal distance, and not for long. As long as I know where the wind blowing from, I can guesstimate how much to hold into the wind to make the shot. This year I started to shoot on foot and off hand. That is a nice challenge.

Belus

[Don_Parsons]

The winds and mirages were challenging this folks yesterday at the 7, 8, & 900 meter range.
http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u416/FlashGordon63/Quad%202017/DSC_0261_zpsx6czksz8.jpg (http://s1066.photobucket.com/user/FlashGordon63/media/Quad%202017/DSC_0261_zpsx6czksz8.jpg.html)

At first the winds were dead heading the shooters, then they split into different directions at the same time.

These folks a awesome at keeping on target little lone my skills too even hit the edges of the paper.
http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u416/FlashGordon63/Quad%202017/DSC_0229_zpshezwq7vg.jpg (http://s1066.photobucket.com/user/FlashGordon63/media/Quad%202017/DSC_0229_zpshezwq7vg.jpg.html)

Shooting long range with flags is at distance is hard,,, doing off range in field is 2 too 3 X's tuffer.

I took up station off range after the shoot with my M77 too find out that the winds play havoc on me at 300 yards.

Its a full time job staying on top of this, so my next build is a fold away 8' target too push my self limits.
http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u416/FlashGordon63/Quad%202017/DSC_0139_zpsk4aekz1k.jpg (http://s1066.photobucket.com/user/FlashGordon63/media/Quad%202017/DSC_0139_zpsk4aekz1k.jpg.html)

The challange of constancy is slowly sinking in,,, I only hope that I get 30 years more too figer it out. LOL.
http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u416/FlashGordon63/Quad%202017/DSC_0228_zps5rwi8wls.jpg (http://s1066.photobucket.com/user/FlashGordon63/media/Quad%202017/DSC_0228_zps5rwi8wls.jpg.html)

Don

[Beeman3]

Bustercluck if you read my earlier post I clearly spoke about using mirage. Again I'm no expert and still learning but I do find mirage to be very helpful.

[gitrdun]

Bustercluck if you read my earlier post I clearly spoke about using mirage. Again I'm no expert and still learning but I do find mirage to be very helpful.

Mirage is extremely difficult to read. It always looks as vertical lines going across your optics. You have no way to determine as to whether it is full or half value, both look the same. And this is where sitting at the bench and learning with the most basic of tools comes into play. Thus in my long range shooting, sometimes I don't even fire a single shot. I get a reading from my anemometer, I observe the grass or leaves, fell the wind on my face. Then, I send it. Be it where I wanted to land or not, either way I've learned what I needed to know. A 10 MPH cross wind does this, and a 20 MPH crosswind does that.

[tchardy1972]

I use mirage. It is my primary source of information. Without it I have a really hard time.

[Cappy]

Mirage is extremely difficult to read. It always looks as vertical lines going across your optics. You have no way to determine as to whether it is full or half value, both look the same. And this is where sitting at the bench and learning with the most basic of tools comes into play. Thus in my long range shooting, sometimes I don't even fire a single shot. I get a reading from my anemometer, I observe the grass or leaves, fell the wind on my face. Then, I send it. Be it where I wanted to land or not, either way I've learned what I needed to know. A 10 MPH cross wind does this, and a 20 MPH crosswind does that.

Play with the focus on your optics and you will see it. Bring it slightly out of focus and it will be easier to see. If you can read it well it sure helps with lower wind speeds. It will wash out if the wind picks up though.

[Beeman3]

Or sometimes mirage is so bad that I have not been able to shoot. Worst was a spring day shooting over a cultivated black field. Cool outside temps with bright sunshine warming the field. Looked like the gong was dancing all over the place. Most extreme mirage I have seen.