Big Caliber Rifles for target shooting?

Status
Not open for further replies.
B

bullethole1

Moderator
I still cant figure out why some folks want a .300 or bigger rifle to go shoot at targets? Is it just a hobby or obsession to see how close you can get your MOA or whatever you call it? Sorry Im not a "Professional Gun Fanatic" but what do you do once you got the closest groups say 1/2" at 600 yards or however much distance? Im guessing its for fun and a hobby because I dont think you need to dial your scope in that much to kill a deer,hog,elk etc. I dont think I would want to spend over 20 bucks for a 20 pack of centerfire shells to go shoot because I sometimes I will get a 12 pack of beer and go shoot for hours,maybe run through 300 rounds of .22 lr.Thats just me though. Are there tournaments for getting your rifle set up to do wonders at such a long distance where you can win big money say $50k+ or is that just a dream because then I want in? :D
 
"...get a 12 pack of beer and go shoot..." Booze and firearms don't mix. Ever.
"...just a hobby or obsession..." Hobby for some. Obsession for others. Most who shoot competitively are not buying factory ammo.
 
I shoot my 45/70s at targets all the time. Its not that expensive because I reload. The 45/70 govt has a major rainbow (lots of drop) so it is a gun that I need to practice a lot with in order to stay good at shooting it. I don't think most people could just pick up a 45/70 for the first time and hit a deer at 300+ yards. It is a large slow round that requires at least a fair amount of practice compared to some thing like a 22 or even a 30-06.

Sure its still costs more than reloading for my 357 magnum lever action but its still not that expensive. I like shooting reloads because at least in my experience I am much more accurate with (good) reloads than I am with factory ammo.

all in my opinion of course.
 
Last edited:
Well good Im going to go buy me a .50 caliber Barrett rifle tommorow and go have fun shooting at some shoot n c self adhesives
 
Well good Im going to go buy me a .50 caliber Barrett rifle tommorow and go have fun shooting at some shoot n c self adhesives
Click to expand...

I have a friend that shoots a 50 BMG (serbu brand) and he starts his targets at 1/3 of a mile. While he (or I) are not good enough to shoot a target reliably at 1 mile there are people that can do it in the right conditions.
 
It really depends on the caliber and type of shooting, but from what I've gathered from long range shooters is just that - the really long distances and the added challenge. Small calibers just can't handle it.

Now if you're talking about short distance large caliber target shooting, then you and me are in the same boat.
 
This is a one mile shot at the Marine High Angle Range in Hawthorn. 10 shots fired, all hit the 24"x36" target with a 20" mean spread. Shooter is the developer of the Windrunner series of rifles. His doping computer is on the ground to his right.

Wilson1600.jpg
 
Same reason some folks like to chase a little white ball all over some fields trying to put it into 18 little holes in the ground. Or drive 500 miles in circles. It forces you to hone your skills far beyond what you need for plinking with a 22. When you get into the extreme long range shooting it forces you to invest in specialized equipment to get the job done.

Anybody can throw together a junker to race at the local dirt track on Saturday night. Others want to be able to compete at Daytona on Sunday. If you are happy with your plinking then that is great. Go have fun, but leave the beer for later please.
 
as a dirt track racer i say not just any one can doit some of them junkers have 100k or more in them.
Click to expand...

Depends on which class you are racing in. You CAN start pretty cheap. Of course if you want to WIN, then the expense can add up quickly
 
Guys that are lucky enough to have a place to shoot long range need larger calibers to make the shots.

In very generalized terms, bigger bullets have better BC's and fly flatter.

And just about every shooter that's serious about target shooting- long range or not- handloads, and it doesn't cost a buck a round.
 
Cause it's fun!!!

My favorite fun gun is my .45-120 Sharps. It shoots a .459-.460 500 grain bullet. Yep, it's slow, it's big, it makes noise, it kicks like a mule--but it's just plain fun!!!!

So far, I'm still trying to hit things consistently with it--I'm not the best with a BPCR. But when I miss, it's an excuse to go cast up some more bullets, measure some 1Fg or 1.5Fg Swiss, make grease cookies and produce copious amounts of smoke!!

(If you haven't figured it out yet, I like to shoot--well, just to shoot! :D)
 
you dont need big cals. to shoot long range some of the best are based on the 6mm and 6.5mm and they are on the midrange of cals.
 
Can't just anyone pickup a belted mag and shoot out to 1000yds. without pratice.I dont know about shootin & C targets but 30gal drum of water or a sewer cap at a 1000 is fun & good pratice. I'D rather hear a bong than ping.:D
 
Id rather not spend a bong of amount of money on firearm + equipment to hear some bong! Thats just me though. I will continue to wonder :confused:
 
each person has their own game. i havent been to the gun range in a long time (got my own place now) but when i did go i worried about my own game.

the only time i was curious is when someone whips out a rifle i want in my collection... particularly the M1A!!!!!
 
Just keep buying your six packs and do that, leave the serious shooting to shooters. Do not do your drinking on my range or there will be words said.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top