EP 142: Instructors Corner | Practice Makes You A Little Better

Published on April 10, 2024
Duration: 42:07

This episode of Gunwerks' Instructor's Corner focuses on improving long-range shooting skills through deliberate practice and equipment management. Instructors emphasize the importance of structured range days, practicing shooting from various positions like tripods, and understanding cold bore shot dynamics. They also delve into practical techniques for wind calling, using ballistic calculators, and developing instinctive aiming for hunting scenarios, advocating for consistent, high-volume practice with an emphasis on fundamentals.

Quick Summary

Improve long-range shooting accuracy through structured practice, focusing on marksmanship fundamentals and ballistic data. Practice from stable positions like tripods, confirm cold bore shots, and master wind calling with ballistic calculators and wind meters. Consistent, deliberate practice, including using a .22LR trainer, is crucial for developing proficiency.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Practice Makes You Better
  2. 00:35Range Day Planning: Marksmanship vs. Ballistics
  3. 02:05Structured Range Practice: Go with a Plan
  4. 02:26Cold Bore Confirmation Zero
  5. 03:03Tripod Shooting Drills
  6. 04:03Knowing Your Equipment: Tripod Setup
  7. 04:42Addressing Cold Bore Issues
  8. 05:30Cold Bore Testing Approaches
  9. 08:15Causes of Cold Bore Shift: Bore Condition & Mechanical
  10. 08:35Sealing the Barrel: Muzzle and Chamber
  11. 11:41Mechanical Cold Bore Issues
  12. 13:43Fixing Cold Bore Issues Without Bedding
  13. 14:49Handling Your Rifle in the Field
  14. 15:08Rifle Bedding for Consistency
  15. 17:45Practice Drills and Scenarios
  16. 18:34Using Stopwatches and Video Analysis
  17. 19:15The .22LR Trainer Rifle Advantage
  18. 20:34Volume Practice and Recoil Management
  19. 21:52Dry Firing and Fundamentals
  20. 22:04Olympic Shooter Philosophy on Live Rounds
  21. 23:01Target Selection for Practice
  22. 23:34Practicing with Vital Stencils
  23. 24:24Transitioning to Hunting Targets
  24. 24:44Dry Fire Practice for Hunting
  25. 25:43Shooter-Spotter Walk-On Practice
  26. 27:30Techniques for Walking Someone On
  27. 29:09Improving Wind Calling Skills
  28. 29:36Shooting in Windy Conditions
  29. 30:58Using a Wind Meter and Ballistic Calculator
  30. 33:10Air Density and Ballistics
  31. 34:04Trusting Ballistic Data Over Rules of Thumb
  32. 35:30Practicing with Ballistic Devices
  33. 37:06Avoiding Training Scars
  34. 37:39Two-Shot Drills and Follow-Up Practice
  35. 38:33Volume Practice with .22LR
  36. 39:45Video Recording for Self-Analysis
  37. 40:12Value of Formal Training
  38. 41:19Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I improve my long-range shooting accuracy?

Improve long-range accuracy by having a structured range day plan focusing on marksmanship fundamentals and ballistic data. Practice shooting from stable positions like tripods, confirm your cold bore shot, and work on wind calling with a ballistic calculator and wind meter. Consistent, deliberate practice is key.

What is the best way to practice cold bore shots?

To practice cold bore shots, start each training session with a cold bore confirmation zero from the most stable position possible. This tests your equipment's baseline accuracy. Also, ensure proper bore condition by sealing both ends of the barrel when storing your rifle to minimize shot-to-shot deviation.

How do I get better at calling wind for long-range shooting?

Get better at wind calling by practicing in windy conditions and using a wind meter to gauge speed and direction. Input this data into a ballistic calculator for precise holdovers. Trust the technology and practice using your ballistic devices under time pressure to build field proficiency.

What are effective training drills for long-range shooters?

Effective drills include practicing tripod shooting with two-shot sequences, timed position setups to simulate pressure, and using a .22LR trainer rifle for high-volume practice. Also, practice shooter-spotter communication and aiming at vital stencils or 3D animal targets for hunting scenarios.

Why is a .22LR trainer rifle recommended for long-range practice?

A .22LR trainer rifle with a scope and turrets is recommended because it allows for high-volume practice at reduced cost and recoil. It effectively simulates long-range shooting dynamics up to 300 yards, helping to hone fundamentals and ballistic dialing without the flinching associated with heavy recoil firearms.

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