Where to start and What equipment will I need?

[Groffeaston]

Hello everyone,

I have been interested in long range shooting, up to 600 yards, for several years. But my health, no money and not knowing where to begin has kept from getting involved.

First a little background information about me. I am 41 years of age, unemployed because of my health problems, and have been fortunate enough to be still living with my Parents. My health problems are: Obesity, Bulging disc in my lower back, slippage of the spine; medically known as Spondylolisthesis and had a partially torn Meniscus in my left knee.

In May/June of 2010 I weighed 379 lbs. Then in late July/early August my lower back began hurting. I went to the doctors and was sent to have a MRI done. That was when I found out that it was a bulging disc in my lower back that was causing the pain. I was sent to see a specialist. The Doctor said they did not want to operate until I lost weight. Then December of January 2011 I had another MRI done which showed the Spondylolisthesis had gotten worse. The Doctor still did not want to operate until I lose more weight.

Then in September of 2012 I was having problems with my left knee. The first Doctors I saw thought is was just Sprained, so they sent to rehab. After a month I was still having problems with my knee. I was sent to a Specialist. I found out I have a severely arthritic left hip which will eventually need to be replaced and I had a Partial tear in the Meniscus in the left knee. I had Arthroscopic knee surgery in January 2013.

On Monday September 30, 2013 I had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Weight Loss Surgery performed. Three days before surgery I weighed 315 lbs, on the day of surgery I weighed 301 lbs and as of Tuesday October 22, 2013 I weighed 285.6 lbs!

I should be having back surgery in the next few months to repair the bulging disc and the slippage of the spine.

Now to my main point. I would like to learn how to shot long range distances, mainly out to about 600 yards. As of right now the only rifle that I have that is capable of doing that is my Savage model 110 .270win with a 4-12x40mm scope. It has not had any work done on it. I was in the middle of zeroing in the scope when my back went haywire on me.

I also have a Lee Breech Lock Challenger Reloading kit with a Lee Deluxe Die set in .270 win. But have not yet begun to reload due to my back problems.

I would like to eventually build a rifle.

The questions I have are:

Where in Eastern PA can I go to learn how to shoot long range distances?

What ranges are in Eastern PA that have the Long Range Distances?

Are there any Clubs that shoot long range distances in Eastern PA?

 

[Immike]

You have quite a story, I know life isn't always fair. 600yrds is a good place to start in what is considered midrange still. I think bench shooting with a 6mm is your best bet and learning free recoil. Good luck.

 

[dkhunt14]

Williamsport Pa. the Original Pa. 1000 Benchrest club. Go to website pa1000yard.com and look around. They also put on a benchrest school every year. They teach everything from loading to rifle handling to cleaning the rifle and everything you need. This is precision loading from some of the finest long range shooters in the country. The money the school costs will be saved on things you don't need and what they teach will save you years of learning and lots of wasted componets to learn how.

 

[GSPV]

Here is something that I posted in a different context. It might help get conversation started. Ignore the snark, it was a different context.

Suggest also that you look at available ranges first. You don't want to chase a rainbow, you want to shoot.

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1. Call Jim Briggs at Northland Shooters Supply (763) 682-4296
2. Tell him that you want a starter rifle in no turn 6 BR for the 104-107 bullets.
3. Do what he tells you to do without oscillating all over the scope.
4. Put a Sightron 10-50 on it in Burris Signature Z rings.
5. Get a cheapie press, Redding Type S FL bushing die, a 266 bushing, Imperial sizing die wax, a Forster Micrometer seater die, K&M Expandiron with 6mm mandrel, Lee length trimmer with 6BR holder, a rocket-style chamfer tool, Ohaus 505-type balance, a cheap trickler, K&M priming tool and #2 Lee AutoPrime shell holder and a 6 BR shell holder for the press.
6. Buy Lapua brass, CCI 450 primers, Varget and 107 SMKs.
7. Buy electronic digital calipers. Mitutoyo is good but expensive.
8. Run the brass over the 6mm mandrel and FL size them before you load them the first time.
9. Buy a bipod or front rest and a rear bag that matches up.
10. Prime, flat side out, drop 30 grains of Varget and seat that SMK 12 thou into the lands.
11. Go shoot. Evaluate. Post specific, questions and incrementally apply fixes.
12. Measure your brass and trim to ~1.550. Chamfer inside and out. Go back to 10 and repeat.