Long-Range Shooting Tips from a Custom Rifle Builder
Introduction
Long-range shooting is a craft that goes far beyond pulling a trigger. It requires precision, practice, and a deep understanding of how your rifle, ammo, and environment interact. Whether you’re preparing for a backcountry elk hunt or pushing steel at 1,000 yards, mastering the fundamentals is key.
At Haught Rifle Development, we not only build precision rifles — we train shooters to use them effectively. Here are our top tips to help you improve your long-range accuracy and confidence behind the rifle.
1. Know Your Rifle Inside and Out
Before you attempt to stretch distance, you need total confidence in your rifle. Every shooter should understand their rifle’s:
Chambered caliber and twist rate
Zero distance and confirmed point of impact
Ballistic profile of their preferred load
Proper torque settings on scope mounts and action screws
A well-built custom rifle offers consistency — but you still need to know how it behaves under real-world conditions.
2. Invest in Quality Optics and Learn to Use Them
Your scope is your window to precision. A high-quality optic with repeatable turrets and a reliable reticle is non-negotiable for long-range shooting. Look for:
First focal plane (FFP) reticles
Exposed elevation and windage turrets with zero-stop
Parallax adjustment for clarity at distance
Dialable elevation with known clicks per revolution
Don’t just mount it and shoot — learn your reticle subtensions, how to dial accurately, and how to return to zero under stress.
3. Understand Wind and Environment
At long range, wind is your biggest variable. Even a light breeze can push your bullet inches or feet off course. Train your eyes to read environmental cues like:
Grass movement
Mirage
Dust, smoke, or tree branches
Consistency between shooting lanes
Start by bracketing wind values (e.g., 5–10 mph) and applying estimated wind holds. Over time, your reads will become more accurate with practice.
4. Master Your Body Position and Recoil Management
Your shooting position affects consistency. Here’s what we teach in training:
Align your body directly behind the rifle
Load the bipod (or support) for stability
Keep elbows symmetrical and relaxed
Maintain light but consistent cheek weld
Track your shot through the scope without flinching
Good recoil management ensures you stay on target for follow-up shots and learn from your hits or misses.
5. Use Data, Not Guesswork
Whether you're using a Kestrel, ballistic app, or handwritten DOPE card, long-range shooting depends on accurate data.
Record your rifle’s:
Muzzle velocity
Bullet ballistic coefficient (BC)
Drop and wind drift at key distances
Corrections needed for elevation, temperature, and pressure
We recommend validating your drops in real conditions — don’t rely solely on app-generated estimates.
6. Practice with Purpose
Shooting groups at 100 yards is great, but it won’t prepare you for the realities of long-range engagements. Instead:
Practice from varied positions (prone, kneeling, supported)
Train in wind and weather
Use steel targets for audible feedback
Push past your comfort zone — go from 300 to 800+ yards
Time yourself — stress adds realism
Every range session should build confidence, not just comfort.
Final Thoughts
Long-range shooting is a journey of discipline, skill, and continual learning. The more you know your rifle, ammo, and environment, the more consistent and lethal you become — whether you're hunting in rugged terrain or ringing steel at distance.
At Haught Rifle Development, we don’t just build rifles. We build capable shooters.
