From NJ and interested in long range, but no ranges in NJ that reach out beyond 200 yards – nothing public at least. So, I bought a budget rifle and scope (less than $1,000 combined - maybe $800 total) and attended a beginner course with Ed at Sheepdog this past weekend. Prefer to spend $ on lessons to learn and see if I enjoy it vs. equipment.
My experience was identical to Randall3rd. Ed spent about 30 minutes reviewing MOA, DOPE, reticle, bullet drift, and making sure that my rifle was properly set up for me. He made some adjustments to the scope, then we began zeroing the rifle at 100 yards. After which, we set the zero stop. All of this took perhaps 30-40 minutes. Time went quickly and then we began targeting 200 yards, 300, and so on.
Unfortunately, I had some pretty inexpensive ammo. Federal 120 grain for 6.5 Creed. Only ammo available near me. However, they are accustomed to shooting 147 grain at the range. So, we had to revise the DOPE for the smaller grain. Would recommend anyone visiting Sheepdog to bring 140-147 grain. He recommended either 143 or 147 ELD-X.
It was a bit overcast with a light wind. So, worked out to be a great day. Plenty of targets every 50-100 yards – from silhouettes to plates of all sizes. And paper at 100 yards for zeroing. BTW – I’m a casual shooter who visits a range 6-8 times a year with handguns and .22 lever action. No experience hunting or long range. Didn’t expect it to be possible, but was easily hitting each target 3-5 times before extending out another 100 yards.
Took a mid-morning break, but 3 hours after beginning the session, I was hitting a 1,000 yard target no problem – guessing the white square at 1,000 yards was around 4’x4’ or larger. Truly amazed at how easy it seemed, even with a budget rifle and budget 4-16x FFP optic. Ed was a great instructor and everyone at the range, both staff and members, were very accommodating. I planned to use a bag. So, didn’t even have a bi-pod on my rifle. Again, on a budget. So, Ed actually drove to his house to grab one for me to use during the session. Thanks again Ed!!!
I also don’t have a muzzle brake. Again, budget set up. But still hit 1,000 yards easily. Just couldn’t see exactly where I hit at 800-1000 yards. Thankfully, Ed was behind me with his spotter’s scope.
First time doing long-range, but thoroughly enjoyed the experience and highly recommend visiting Sheepdog. I’ll be sure to visit again. Probably soon since 200 yards doesn’t seem at all challenging now. Just wish the Savage Axis II had a threaded barrel for a muzzle brake and a smoother action. Also wish I bought the Arken 6-24 instead of the 4-16 (BTW- don’t understand issue with the name. Makes sense to me. Sheepdog protects the vulnerable/defenseless and Ed is retired SWAT. )