Damn Wind

[Pyscodog]

I took the 40X out today knowing it probably wasn't going to be the best conditions to shoot a rimfire. Shooting at 50yds, I got a real good lesson in showing me I don't know squat about reading wind. Although I shot several good groups, I got a LOT to learn about 22's in the wind. Everyone that shoots at my club complains saying we built the range going the wrong direction. We almost always have a crosswind or like today with the wind coming over my left shoulder blowing to the right. I did enjoy the day and the rifle but found out I have a lot to learn.

 

[VLNBYR]

Wind in and of itself has little effect on accuracy. It's the variable part of the wind that gets you.

 

[drover]

When I was shooting competitievly my motto was - "The Wind Is My Friend" The reason being is that most folks let the wind psych them out instead I learned to shoot in it and between learning to shoot in it and most folks psyching themselves out it made enjoyable matches for me. Practice in it and learn to use it to your advantage.

drover

 

[XTR]

I have never really tried to shoot a rimfire for groups regularly but if I did I think I’d be investing in some of those cool bench rest wind indicators.

 

[LHSmith]

I believe most ranges have the firing line facing north due to the effects of the sun on optics and sights. You don't need the most accurate rifle at the club if you learn how to shoot in conditions better than the others. IMHO without wind- shooting would be boring.

 

[Pyscodog]

Our range faces the west. Terrible in the evening.

 

[LHSmith]

Our range faces the west. Terrible in the evening.

Then the guy's are correct in saying the range was built in the wrong direction, in which case you would be getting head and tail winds predominately. Oops.

 

[JPTX]

It's been my experience that shooting in conditions I'm not comfortable with is what I need to be doing. The weather is always changing and if you have a new condition which you haven't practiced and gained some experience, and hopefully learned something, you'll be learning it during a match eventually. And, that is the worst time to be trying something new. IMO Shooting little groups with almost no wind is fun. But, for some reason match day usually doesn't cooperate.

 

[1813benny]

Find a smallbore prone match that has Master class shooters, take a spotting scope, chair and sit behind the firing line, preferably on the metallic sight day.

For conventional prone, you are allowed a personal wind indicator at the firing line. The sponsoring club may or may not put flags out down range - it’s not required. If they do, it’s usually every 4 firing points at 15 yards, 35 yards and about 80 yards.

Watch the masters sight in and then work the dominant wind conditions -waiting or shooting on the condition they are sighted in for. Watch the grass. Watch the mirage by the target. Watch the bullet impact vs what was happening when the shot was taken.

This will be a good starting point if combined with a basic understanding of the impact pattern for each wind direction.

Learn to read wind with minimal flags, the mirage (direction /angle) and other indicators like grass, weeds, etc.

Watching on metallic sight day gives a truer experience as most hold center vs shading like is very common on anysight days.

Attending a BR match can assist also, but there is always a sea of flags with most shooters holding off. Good info can be found, but most BR matches are not for shooting groups.

 

[dhagerty40]

Shooting .22 BR matches have taught me so much on how to read wind. I have started using a wind rose chart which has helped me a lot. One other thing I am working on is that one time I tilt the gun 1or 2 degrees and ruins the group.

The range I shoot at can have up to a 10 MPH change in the wind while shooting the match.

 

[okie]

chicken house---thats what the arkies shoot in. no bright sun. rain...

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Two things...First, as mentioned earlier..."The wind is your friend." Nobody really likes wind...Some just manage to get along with it better than others. This is KEY to WINNING matches...lot of matches.
Second is, avoid switchy, angling head and tail winds whenever possible. They will eventually eat your lunch. A caveat to this rule is, I shoot a range occasionally where this is common. I avoid that condition often, while others are beating me in it. ...because..well, I'm hard headed.

No range always faces the right way but I prefer a north facing range, most often, in this part of the country.