Better scores at 500 yards compared to 300 yards (.308 F-T/R)

[JoeGunner]

Need some tips on where to start. I shoot F-T/R .308:

• Kelbly Panda F-Class
• 1M stock
• Joypod-x
• SEB rear bag
• 185 juggs
• 44.4gr Varget
• Lapua small primer brass
• CCi 450 primers

Collectively, over the span of 18 months, I notice that my (club match) scores are consistently lower at 300 yards then they are at the 500 yard line. Is there anything in particular that I should be looking at?


Thanks in advance

 

[kzin]

Have you verified it's just you?
How are the winning and average scores?

 

[Rocketvapor]

500 uses the 600yd target.

 

[bugman]

A couple of things to check before you start blaming yourself or equipment.......Look at the location and surrounding topography of the 300 and 500 targets. I have shot at a particular range where I find the 300 yard target more challenging than the 500 because of the placement of both. This is BR, not FTR. The 300 is back in a corner and the tree lines and predominant winds always create an eddy.....that swirling condition is difficult to read and even when shooting fast, you often get caught. The 500 target is more straight forward with more consistent and readable conditions.
The other thing to consider is what distance you tuned that rifle at.

 

[Jdne5b]

500 uses the 600yd target.

Not if they are doing it right. They should be using the MR65FC at 500 instead of the MR1FC for 600

 

[Jdne5b]

You need to evaluate where you’re dropping points. Elevation, or Windage? Are conditions more favorable at the 500 vs the 300?

 

[bpd459]

500 uses the 600yd target.

Not since the MR-65 came out 25yrs ago.

 

[JoeGunner]

Thank you to all. I gather from all the helpful posts that I will be evaluating the contributing factors:

• Shooting over a valley where wind does pick up as the day passes - learn wind
• @Ned Ludd brings up a point that I've just learned (noobie), MR-63FC is smaller vs the MR-65FC
• Looking at targets
  • 2 MOA spread in windage
  • Inside 1 MOA elevation across 300, 500 & 600

I think now that I keep in mind target size at range, wind, rifle and body mechanics (among the many others), I can focus on getting better. Posing the questions and realizing the contributors, I can say I have to practice, practice, learn and practice.

It's humbling to make some connection to better scores at the 500 vs 300 to a larger x and 10 ring. =)

 

[JoeGunner]

A couple of things to check before you start blaming yourself or equipment.......Look at the location and surrounding topography of the 300 and 500 targets. I have shot at a particular range where I find the 300 yard target more challenging than the 500 because of the placement of both. This is BR, not FTR. The 300 is back in a corner and the tree lines and predominant winds always create an eddy.....that swirling condition is difficult to read and even when shooting fast, you often get caught. The 500 target is more straight forward with more consistent and readable conditions.
The other thing to consider is what distance you tuned that rifle at.

Good notes Jack. I do all my tuning and load development at 100 where wind conditions are optimal to none. I'll get out to the 300 more often to tune and better learn those conditions.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

My 25 cents: I shoot at several ranges within 100km of home. The 300 at one range is a piece of cake. I can clean it in a hurricane. Another - and my favourite range, has no 300, due to topography - but the 400 - a nightmare, due to the angle of the ground to the target. I just can't get a decent position and end up with my rear bag on a riser and the bipod at max. Go figure. But 500/600 great - good flags.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Mentally, at times I rush "closer,easier" shots. Probably because I think I can cheat the wind at the closer range.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Lots of possibilities but I'd have to say that wind/conditions are by far the most likely cause. Use flags if at ALL possible. If not, use anything available.