By Skipper Strong

February 10, 2020

For a variety of reasons at age 77, I have given up sporting clays, waterfowl and upland bird hunting. Sold several guns to enter the Precision Long Range Shooting sport and purchased a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor (following 2 years of reading and research); a Bushnelll Tactical Scope 3.5 - 21 x 50mm with the Horus 59 reticle plus some other vital support equipment. Although I have shot another brand of bullet while becoming familiar with the rifle, the scope and the precision shooting process, my go-to bullet is now the Hornady ELD Match in 140 grain.

The attached picture is from the very first outing. Three shots nearly off of the target paper to then bringing it in to the bullseye. I have switched to target paper with concentric circles and a 2 inch white bullseye.

Current ultimate goal is to qualify for a Long Range Shooters Card at American Shooting Center, enabling me to shoot on the 600 yard range. Five shots in the bullseye at 300 yards is the requirement. Now working on my shooting technique to get five holes inside the bullseye at 100 yards, then 200 yards (mostly to prove holdover) and finally the 300 yard range. In my most recent shooting session, I found that the gun, scope and bullets are working very well, meaning it is zeroed at 100 yards.

I, on the other hand, continue to be suspect. After placing the first 4 shots squarely in the bullseye, the 5th was just outside. Break in concentration, failure to stay focused on the reticle, pulling the trigger instead of easing right through, ending with the shot at 10 o'clock just outside the ring. More practice!