This comes up often, and we all have our opinions. I'll share mine, and see where this leads.
In my mind, there is no hard distance answer to the question.
Long range shooting begins at the distance where long range shooting PRINCIPLES and TECHNIQUES are applied. Basically anything past max PBR.
What are long range principles?
- Range determination (LRF, reticle subtension, mildot master, SWAG)
- Correction for drop (Science. El turret, reticle holdoff)
- Wind call ( this is the art of LR)
- Correction for wind (Windage turret, holdoff)
- Correction for slope (determining horizontal distance to target)
I quickly spun these principles/techniques out of my head, might have overlooked something else obvious.
With my 308 and 30-06s, long range begins at about 250 yards, with an initial elevation setting of 200 yards applied to the elevation turret.
I mostly use a LRF, and sometimes a Mildot Master for range determination, elevation turret for drop correction, usually a reticle holdoff for wind correction.
Slope correction is not something I have to concern myself with too often. There is a spot I shoot where I'm about 500 ft above my target, at a lased range to target of 1050 yards. My 1000 yard dope puts me on target. I understand the concept of horizontal distance to target being the relevant information for an accurate drop correction.
Open for your methods, opinions, comments, disagreement, or what have you.
