New to longrage/ sawtooth rifles LR hunting course

[GrampasGuns]

Hey folks,

I just ordered a Vortex Viper Gen 2 PST 5-25x 50 FFP. SO STOKED!

I have never owned such a nice scope, nor shot to distance past about 300 yards. I am very blessed, my aunt signed her and myself up for the long range course in August this year being put on by Sawtooth Rifles , I want to be totally prepared to learn when I show up.

 My aunt is really something else, she is 4'10 maybe about 95 lbs and she can shoot past 1,000 yards with insane accuracy. She trains in SC 3-4 days a week with a ex swat sniper dude and is on her way to competition shooting. Her rifle is about the size of her!

What books, websites can I start to check out to learn about MOA and other pertinent shooting info? I am as GREEN as they come in this department.

I am putting this scope on a Ruger American 308, best shooting rifle I have ever owned. Also, I am new to loading 308 ammo at home. Anyone have a good load for shooting distances past 500yrds?

Look forward to the discussion.

Cheers

[TRD1911]

I dont have any advice for you but had to say your Aunt has great taste in shooting schools. Matt builds absolute tack drivers and his classes (with Scott) are world class and full of great, real-world knowledge.

I would send Matt a message and ask him about resources prior to the course. The last thing you want to do is build bad habits with bad advice on the internet (which is about 90% of the pages out there).

Good luck during the course.

[Alan K]

Applied Ballistics for Long Range Shooting is good.  Little dry but it'll help you understand everything.

[aaronoto]

I wouldn't worry about reloading right away.  168g/175g Federal Gold Medal Match is the gold standard when it comes to factory loaded 308 ammo and it's avaiable online for $18-19/box.  Your American has a 10 twist so I'd go for the heavier 175g. 

If you want to reload I'd start with Varget powder.  Tons of bullet choices, some newer bullets have breathed new life into the 308 cartridge.  I've been very happy with the 180g Berger Elite Hunter in my 308. 

[GrampasGuns]

I wouldn't worry about reloading right away.  168g/175g Federal Gold Medal Match is the gold standard when it comes to factory loaded 308 ammo and it's avaiable online for $18-19/box.  Your American has a 10 twist so I'd go for the heavier 175g. 

If you want to reload I'd start with Varget powder.  Tons of bullet choices, some newer bullets have breathed new life into the 308 cartridge.  I've been very happy with the 180g Berger Elite Hunter in my 308.

I have been building pistol cartridges for about 5 years and finally bought some dies for my 308. Gonna start messing around soon!

[h20hunter]

I like varget and load good ol accubonds. If you want a few to test hit me up.

[Mulie87]

👍for Varget. 165grn Hornady SST’s are accurate as heck outta my .308.