The Basics of Long Range Shooting - Episode 85

Published on January 20, 2021
Duration: 32:12

This episode delves into the critical aspects of reloading ammunition for ultra-long-range (ULR) and extreme long-range (ELR) shooting. Achieving extreme precision requires meticulous attention to detail, including tight control over powder charge velocity standard deviations (ideally under 10 fps), precise bullet weight sorting, and exact bullet seating depth to manage internal case volume and pressure. Factors like bullet jump to the lands and cartridge runout are also crucial for consistent aerodynamics and accuracy at extended distances.

Quick Summary

Achieving precision in long-range reloading requires meticulous attention to detail, including maintaining a muzzle velocity standard deviation of 10 feet per second or less. This involves precise powder charges, weighing individual bullets for consistency, and carefully controlling bullet seating depth to manage internal case volume and pressure.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Podcast Format Change
  2. 02:04Sponsor: Practical Defense Systems
  3. 03:33Topic: Long Distance Shooting Discussion Begins
  4. 04:38The Experience of Long Range Shooting
  5. 05:23Ammunition Shortages & Reloading Necessity
  6. 06:04Differences in Reloading for Precision
  7. 09:07Factors in ULR/ELR Reloading
  8. 10:06Velocity Consistency Targets (SD < 10 fps)
  9. 11:04Bullet Weight Sorting
  10. 11:50Consistent Powder Charges
  11. 12:59Bullet Seating Depth & Pressure
  12. 13:33Bullet Jump to Lands
  13. 14:14Measuring Bullet Jump
  14. 15:10Impact of Barrel Misalignment
  15. 15:37Ammunition's Role in Precision Shooting
  16. 16:00Brass Thickness & Internal Volume
  17. 17:05Case Sizing: Full Length vs. Neck
  18. 18:01Bullet Alignment & Runout
  19. 19:16Defining Ballistics: Internal, External, Terminal
  20. 20:04Importance of Terminal Ballistics in Hunting
  21. 21:08External Ballistics Factors
  22. 21:27Internal Ballistics Details
  23. 22:07Harmonics & Barrel Flex
  24. 23:08Rifle as a Tuning Fork
  25. 24:01Chassis Rigidity & Anchoring
  26. 24:40Perception of Ultra Long Range Shooting
  27. 25:34Environmental Factors: Wind, Temp, Humidity
  28. 25:55Ammunition Temperature Effects
  29. 26:27Measuring Ammo Temperature
  30. 27:07Velocity Differences Due to Temp
  31. 27:25Gathering Cold Weather Data
  32. 28:32Relevance for New Shooters/Hunters
  33. 29:09Beauty of 100-Yard Zero
  34. 29:56Hunting Rifle Zeroing (200 Yards)
  35. 31:17Conclusion & Patreon Content

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the target velocity standard deviation for long-range reloading?

For ultra-long-range shooting, the goal is a standard deviation of 10 feet per second or less in muzzle velocity. Elite shooters strive for even tighter consistency, aiming for 5 feet per second or less, which is critical for accuracy at extreme distances.

How does bullet weight variation affect long-range accuracy?

Even slight variations in bullet weight, such as a few tenths of a grain, can significantly impact accuracy at long ranges. Precision reloaders weigh individual bullets and group them by weight to ensure uniformity, minimizing aerodynamic inconsistencies downrange.

Why is bullet seating depth so important in precision reloading?

Bullet seating depth controls the internal volume of the cartridge case. This directly influences the pressure spike generated when the powder ignites. Precise seating ensures consistent pressure and optimal bullet jump to the rifling for improved accuracy.

How does ammunition temperature affect long-range shooting?

Ammunition temperature significantly impacts powder burn rate and muzzle velocity. Colder temperatures lead to slower burn rates and lower velocities, while warmer temperatures accelerate the burn. This difference can cause substantial point-of-impact shifts at long ranges.

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