Long-range precision shooting and hunting have gained popularity over the past decade thanks to technological advancements in centerfire rifles, optics, and match ammunition. In recent years, many shooters have found that training with a .22 LR rifle offers a cost-effective and accessible entry point to long-range training. With its low recoil, readily available ammunition, and growing competitive scene (think NRL22), shooting rimfire allows you to hone your skills without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step approach to long-range training with a .22 LR rifle, including the essential gear you’ll need to get started.

Long-Range Training With .22 LR

Step 1: Choosing the Right Rifle

Choosing the right rimfire rifle is the first step in building your long-range training setup. Several .22 LR rifles are well-suited for this discipline, each with unique advantages. The CZ 457 stands out for its exceptional accuracy and build quality and offers numerous stock and chassis options. The Tikka T1x combines Tikka’s excellent out-of-the-box accuracy and compatibility with most Tikka T3x accessories. There are also full-size rimfire trainers such as the Bergara B-14R and the Vudoo V-22, designed to match the size and feel of centerfire rifles. Before purchasing a trainer, consider your budget, intended use, and personal preferences regarding ergonomics and features. Keep in mind that some rimfire rifles may require upgrades or modifications to match up with your long-range centerfire rifle.

Step 2: Dialing in the Right Scope

Once you’ve selected your rifle, the next critical component is choosing the right optic. Look for a scope with high magnification, typically ranging from at least 6x to 24x, to ensure you can accurately engage small targets up close and at extended ranges. Exposed turrets are essential for precise windage and elevation adjustments, while clear, high-quality glass ensures optimal light transmission for a crisp, clear, sight picture. Also, make sure the parallax adjustment goes down to 10 or 20 yards to allow you to focus on small targets at close range. 

Popular budget scopes for rimfire training include Bushnell’s Match Pro 6-24x50mm, Athlon’s Argos BTR GEN2 6-24x50mm, and Arken’s SH4 Gen2 6-24x50mm. Popular high-end scope options include Athlon’s Cronos BTR GEN2 UHD 4.5-29×56mm, Tract’s Toric 4-25x50mm, and the Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56mm. When selecting a scope, consider your budget, goals, and your centerfire optic to make an informed decision. This includes choosing a MIL or MOA scope based on your preferences. Also, remember not to skimp on scope mounts. Invest in high-quality, one-piece mounts that securely hold your scope in place.

Step 3: Selecting the Best Ammunition

The choice of rimfire ammunition is another crucial factor in your shooting performance. Consistency is key in long-range training, making high-quality, match-grade rimfire ammunition essential. Look for ammunition known for its consistency, accuracy, and reliability across different environmental conditions. Brands like Eley, Lapua, and SK offer excellent match-grade .22 LR ammunition trusted by precision shooters worldwide. You’ll want to test several types of match ammo to find out what your rifle likes best. Shoot groups at 50 and 100 yards, because 100 yards is often where you’ll see more variation in velocity and accuracy. After selecting your ammo, it’s often wise to order a case at a time to have the consistency of the same lot. Investing in quality match ammunition ensures tighter groups and more consistent performance, ultimately improving your overall shooting experience.

Step 4: Supporting the Rifle

Supporting your rifle properly is essential for achieving stability and maximizing accuracy, especially when shooting long-range. A versatile bipod and support bag can significantly enhance your ability to get in a solid shooting position. When choosing a bipod, opt for models with adjustable height and leveling to accommodate various shooting positions and terrains. Support bags filled with materials like sand or polymer beads conform to your rifle, providing stable support and improving your shooting consistency. Reputable brands such as MDT, Atlas, WieBad, and Armageddon Gear offer high-quality bipods and support bags designed specifically for competition and precision shooting.

Step 5: Accurate Ranging

Accurate range estimation is crucial for dialing in your scope and making precise shots at long distances. Rangefinding binoculars combine the functionality of binoculars with laser rangefinders, allowing you to identify targets, measure distances, and calculate ballistics quickly and accurately. SIG Sauer’s Canyon combines high-quality optics with a laser rangefinder in a single, versatile unit at a competitive price. Advanced models like the SIG Sauer KILO6K-HD Compact, Swarovski EL Range, and Vortex Fury HD offer ballistic solutions based on range and environmental conditions, further enhancing your speed and shooting precision. 

Step 6: Training and Practice

Consistent training and practice are the keys to mastering long-range precision shooting. Focus on perfecting your shooting fundamentals, including your position, grip, and trigger control to build a solid foundation for marksmanship. Establishing a comprehensive logbook with range data, ballistics, and shooting conditions helps you track your progress and make data-driven adjustments to your shooting setup. Practicing various shooting positions, wind calls, and target engagements simulates real-world conditions and challenges, preparing you for diverse shooting situations. Consider joining a local shooting club or attending precision shooting courses to learn from experienced instructors and gain valuable insights from fellow shooters.

Step 7: Building Ballistic Knowledge

Long-range shooting with .22 LR requires a strong understanding of external factors that influence bullet trajectory. First, learn the basics of bullet drop, wind drift, and how they affect your point of aim. Ballistic apps can help you adjust for bullet trajectories at different distances. Next, you need to understand how wind speed and direction, temperature, and humidity impact bullet flight. Practice reading wind flags, vegetation movement and mirage (heat shimmer) to make accurate wind calls. Finally, familiarize yourself with your scope’s elevation and windage turrets. Learn how to use them to adjust your point of aim based on ballistic calculations and wind reading.

Step 8: Taking Aim at Distance

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals and honed your ballistic knowledge, it’s time to hit the range. Here’s how to approach your long-range rimfire practice. Start short by zeroing your rifle at a shorter distance (25 or 50 yards) before progressively extending your range. This establishes a baseline for your ballistic calculations. Continue to keep a detailed logbook to track your shooting data including ammunition type, weather conditions, target distance, and scope adjustments. This data will be invaluable for future reference and refining your ballistic profile. Next, focus on achieving consistent shot placement rather than chasing extreme long-range hits. Aim for repeatable groups at progressively longer distances. Last, don’t limit yourself to static targets. Introduce variability by practicing shooting from different positions, in varying wind conditions, and even on moving targets (within safe and legal boundaries).

Step 5: Joining the Community

Long-range rimfire shooting is a rapidly growing discipline. Consider joining online forums and competitions such as NRL22. As long-range centerfire competitions have grown, many shooters are learning that competing with rimfire rifles can be just as much fun as the big-bore guns. Many match directors and competitors have a few “Base Class” setups and bags available to try out and find what will work best for you from experience in a competition setting. Contact your local director before a match to make sure. Regardless of your skill level, competing in NRL22 will make you a better shot. You’ll also meet a community of great people and have a ton of fun in the process.

Wrap Up

Training for long-range precision shooting with a .22 LR rifle offers a cost-effective and rewarding path to developing essential marksmanship skills. Whether you’re shooting centerfire at 600 yards or rimfire at 100 yards, it’s all the same basic math skills for elevation and wind adjustments. By following this step-by-step guide and investing in the right gear, you’ll be well on your way toward becoming a proficient long-range shooter. Remember that consistency, patience, and dedicated practice are the keys to success in this challenging and fun discipline.