Re: Finally hit the mile mark!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cali_tz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't think practice/time is that which will get you to consistent hits at ELR distances like the mile.
Based on my experience in this pursuit for last three years (not alot admittedly), I'd say reading the wind is the final variable and ultimate limitation, and that wind conditions can be complex, random and time varying given any 30 minute shooting session.
For example, we burned alot of 338LM last weekend in our favourite central California shooting range, where winds eddy and flow around canyons, combining with thermals, etc... and you shots are pretty steady, about 1-1.5MOA vertically, but horizontall, I can be plus or minus 2 MILS from steel one shot to the next. BUT, the winds and mirage died down for like 5 min on both ends (we have flags at the far end), and I immediately put 3 of 3 hits on the 24x24 steel at 1790 yards. The mirage started wiggling again, and there went the shots left and right.
I'm sort of losing interest in this ELR activity at the mile since it seems one cannot make a reliable tool of it. I am thinking of focusing my practice to 1000-1200 yards instead, where perhaps with 338LM there is less horizontal dispersion from wind. </div></div>
Well, in my mind practice/time means you are getting more chance to hone your mechanics, as well as honing your wind reading skills, which I agree are probably THE largest variable. Wind flags (if you got em), mirage, vegetation movement, etc. all are probably the components that take the most practice/time to truly get a good grip on. I doubt anyone can say they truly have "mastered" that element for ELR practical/tactical shooting, as is substantiated by the fact that most ELR confirmed hits are not on first shots.
I think we basically agree,just vary a bit in our interpretation of what "practice/time" can entail.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cali_tz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't think practice/time is that which will get you to consistent hits at ELR distances like the mile.
Based on my experience in this pursuit for last three years (not alot admittedly), I'd say reading the wind is the final variable and ultimate limitation, and that wind conditions can be complex, random and time varying given any 30 minute shooting session.
For example, we burned alot of 338LM last weekend in our favourite central California shooting range, where winds eddy and flow around canyons, combining with thermals, etc... and you shots are pretty steady, about 1-1.5MOA vertically, but horizontall, I can be plus or minus 2 MILS from steel one shot to the next. BUT, the winds and mirage died down for like 5 min on both ends (we have flags at the far end), and I immediately put 3 of 3 hits on the 24x24 steel at 1790 yards. The mirage started wiggling again, and there went the shots left and right.
I'm sort of losing interest in this ELR activity at the mile since it seems one cannot make a reliable tool of it. I am thinking of focusing my practice to 1000-1200 yards instead, where perhaps with 338LM there is less horizontal dispersion from wind. </div></div>
Well, in my mind practice/time means you are getting more chance to hone your mechanics, as well as honing your wind reading skills, which I agree are probably THE largest variable. Wind flags (if you got em), mirage, vegetation movement, etc. all are probably the components that take the most practice/time to truly get a good grip on. I doubt anyone can say they truly have "mastered" that element for ELR practical/tactical shooting, as is substantiated by the fact that most ELR confirmed hits are not on first shots.
I think we basically agree,just vary a bit in our interpretation of what "practice/time" can entail.