I am preparing for an elk hunt next year and one of things I need to do is I need to be comfortable with shots 300 - 400 yards. Before I can get one my local ranges Long Range course I have to shoot a 5 shot group at 200 yards and the entire group has to be within 1 MOA.

Here is my question: When I do this, how fast should I try and do this? Would you let the barrel completely cool?

What rifle is it and what barrel contour? Under general range shooting conditions, 2" group at 200 yards could be a tall order for 5 shots with a light weight hunting rifle.

But being comfortable at the range and being able to shoot in the field out to 300-400 yards is totally different. I've worked with several shooters for longer range shots, and it's never off the bench. It's in the seated or kneeling position or leaning off a tree and being able to execute THAT shot to simulate field shooting positions.

wow. Thats a tall order. First of all understand that 1 MOA at 200 yards is 2" and not 1". A lot of every day folks that dont get into shooting that much(like me) are used to associating everything about MOA at 100 yards cause its so common to shoot at that distance. 5 shots inside 2" at 200 yards is difficult for most guns to do without even factoring in the shooter. I guess you are saying its some type of policy at that range...? Im curious if others know if this is a common policy.
To answer your question, I would definitely take a lot of time between shots if they allow it. You dont want the barrel to heat up. You arent trying to simulate field situations, you are just trying to get approval for moving up.

Hmmmmm......5 shot group, 200 yards, 1 MOA????? Good luck with most really accurate lightweight hunting rifles.
Adios,
Gary

Take boxes of ammo and have several targets at the ready

I claim that my deer rifle shoots 1" groups at 100 but admittedly thats on a good day(with ME as shooter). At 200 im pretty sure I would need lots of ammo to get 5 in 2" at 200.

If you can meet the criteria d\to take the course, you don't need it. Maybe just a few afternoons on their range. This isn't Fossil Pointe, in Wise County is it?

onlysmith&wes - Yes it is Fossil Point.

I'm with Chad. 2" groups at 200 yards is doable with a typical hunting rifle off a shooting bench, but it's a whole lot different in the field, standing, sitting, or kneeling.

I too am getting ready for an elk hunt and have been told to be comfortable with taking a 300 yard shot. That won't be a problem as long as my guide is carrying along a concrete shooting bench for me to use.

Y’all need to call Jason Garvey (FiremanJG) on this forum and setup a day with him. I promise you’ll be a lot closer to ready to go after a day with him than you would be a year on your own. Pay him to shorten the learning curve...he knows his stuff and is a great teacher. I’ve never heard of anyone not being satisfied with a day on the range with Garvey.

Regardless, good luck on your hunts and I hope you have a great time.

X3 - I highly suggest taking his course. You will leave a better shooter! And he’s a darn good guy to spend an afternoon with. 👍

As I recall, it was three shots, and I did it with a Tikka CTR. That was not to take the course, but just to get to use their long range. Are you wanting to take some lessons there, or just use their long range?

you will likely be shooting off shooting sticks/tripod

practice with those

Sight your rifle in for a 200 yd zero and just practice shooting from prone position and with a bipod. I would put a bipod on my rifle if it's an open country hunt, actually I have a bipod that never leaves my rifle while hunting.
You just need to learn how to use the reticle in your scope to hit your targets at 300-400 yds. A steady rest is most important. With enough magnification it is not hard, variable scope helps.
Elk are a big target, learn the drop and you'll be good.
Chances are you will not have the time to dope the wind and mess around before a shot. I think you need to practice getting ready for a shot quickly and settled in for the shot.
Elk aren't going to stand around waiting for you to get settled, well maybe if the stalk is a good one.
Keep your scope dialed down for general hunting and then crank it up for the shot, you will need a big field of view to locate the game before the shot.

Good, practical advice from an obviously experienced hunter. I have bipods on most of my rifles and use them on whitetails, hogs, coyotes, etc. Hitting targets at known ranges is great for making sure your equipment and your skills are solid. After that, go to the long range at Fossil Pointe, and have a spotter tell you which steel target to hit, 3, 4 or 500 yards. Hit what they call in short amount of time. You'll know when you're ready.

What is your level of proficiency now? What kind of groups are you currently shooting at 200?

I would assume you are shooting a fairly light contour barrel for carrying in the mountains. If that is the case let it cool between shots when shooting for groups.

We have a great friend that came up to hunt, he is very accomplished lang range shooter. He carried a heavy, 308 rifle that he shot lights out at very long range. After a day if him not being able to get a good sight picture the spouse told him dial that dang scope down, no need for 20x for deer or elk.
His biggest issue was getting set up and ready for a solid shot. You just need to get settled fast and get your breathing under control.
My 300wsm is zeroed at 200 yds and with the B&C reticle I know exactly where it hits at out to 500 yds.
I prefer a bipod, less to carry in your hands compared to shooting sticks. Your guide may offer to carry something for you but you should be ready to tote your own stuff. A bipod is less to worry about because it is always there and ready to deploy.

You may also find your point of impact is different at altitude, and in the extreme cold. Check your rifle when you get to the outfitters place.
The first shot is the one that counts the most , imo.

If you drive up stop at a local gun range and check your shooting, our public range has a long range area, no qualifying needed to shoot it.
Curious as to the caliber you will be using ?

Thanks everyone for the advise and input. I have a lot to do, glad I have a year to prepare. I don't have a set of bipods. I would like any thoughts on what I should consider.

Sounds like getting with FiremanJG is a great idea.

pm sent

"His biggest issue was getting set up and ready for a solid shot. You just need to get settled fast and get your breathing under control." Climbing the ridges in West Texas a couple of weekends ago, the biggest issue were the danged ear plugs I have started using. Had to wait for the sound of my heart pumping in my ear to stop.

I zero my rifles at 300 and only practice from that range outward. You need to do a LOT of shooting with a good rifle, with a great trigger and a scope designed for long range shooting.
I have a close friend that shoots in the field out to 1000 yards regularly. He says one of his goals to to eliminate as many things that can cause regular misses and a heavy or creepy trigger is at the top of the page. He has customized a couple of rifles for me, not custom build just tweak, and the triggers are perfect crisp at 2 lbs.

He told you the best way to achieve what you asked..

This guy... Not so much...

Specifically, what piece of advice from Wytex or myself is, "Not so much"?