Rifle Shooting Tips to Improve Your Accuracy

It's important to be confident and accurate in the moment of truth. In this video, Brady goes over some rifle shooting tips to do at the range to help improve accuracy in the field when hunting.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment below and one of our gear experts will get back to you!
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[@stevensullivan1805]

Helpful video. I've been out of hunting for 25 years raising kids. Went to the range with a new 22-250 my vision isn't as good as it was. Having hard time grooping constantly. It will help me gain repeatable constantly.

[@davemiller4852]

Great video. Your definition and use of parallax helped me tremendously, as well as mounting and using a bubble.

[@GOHUNT]

Great to hear!

[@lassemadsen3803]

Good video. For me correct breathcontrol is extremly important as well

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Consistent cheek weld and eye relief is also the key to accurate and repeatable shot groups . Great video 👊🏻

[@GOHUNT]

Couldn't agree more! They are must for consistent accurate shots.

[@tim7052]

At benchrest comps I always try to maintain both my stock to cheek and shoulder to butt welds, and trigger-hand elbow position while cycling the bolt with my trigger hand. Maintaining all 3 points of contact greatly increases my scores. 👍

[@ericwiitala5407]

So now I'm questioning everything I did. Would love to shoot more, problem is I can't shoot all my ammunition.

[@dentistmomchef]

For me, in learning, it's the why's and the how's to understand the core principles of what you're learning. Thanks dude!

[@frankcesaro6778]

Great video! I've been hunting and shooting bolt guns for years, but only in the Northeast. Shots are almost always inside of 150 yds. I want to to start hunting out west so i need to start preparing and practicing for it. Thanks for the great tips and video.

[@tomroberts6315]

I love the background music! Thanks for the informative video.

[@lancev7186]

For the bipod, I have always found a longer bipod allows more set up options. I started with a 6-9” but now run a longer with a lot of success. Most cross canyon shots that I’ve taken, the slope in front of you is going downhill, so the bipod needs more length to make up for this. If you are taking a cross canyon shot at an animal that’s above you a small bipod will quickly run out of travel. I also always seem to be able to find small dips in the ground to set the bipod into to lower the effective height, but rarely find the other way around. Agree on wanting a steady bipod, but if you don’t have the height it really doesn’t help. That’s just what I’ve found.

[@GOHUNT]

Very well said, Lance! This is Brady responding back to you. Longer bipods definitely have great use cases. Those situations you are describing are tough to shoot in for sure and sometimes more is needed. I found myself in that situation a few years ago spring bear hunting and I had to dig out and create a flat spot when waiting for a bear to show up. Otherwise in that situation I will try to use my backpack on the ground, and if I can make the pack stabile enough I will place my bipod on my pack. Love the discussion and hearing your thoughts!

[@aandscrawfoski]

Thanks mate. Nice job. Thankyou

[@matthewlester6054]

Awesome content Brady. You may not want to share, but what are running for your hand loads in that x bolt 300 win mag? I just purchased a new x bolt long range with McMillan stock, and see you’ve already went through the learning process.

[@butchshootingidiot8721]

A great refresher courses.

[@Jakefrc]

When shooting prone I find it can be helpful to make a fist with your off hand and place that under the stock in the upright position. As you tense your hand you can adjust the aim of the rifle. It’s not ideal, but it works in a pinch.

[@GOHUNT]

Great feedback! Thanks for watching.

[@davemiller4852]

Great tutorial Very helpful.

[@briannotafan3368]

when dry firing as a teen dad taught me to have a spent shell in the receiver to stop the the firing pin from over extending it's travel causing damage to the pin & breakage

[@aaronpage1822]

It’s a myth

[@fjb4932]

Brian notafan, Your Father's advice is spot-on, for a .22 Long Rifle chambered rifle. The firing pin hits the rim of the cartridge. On center fire rifles it is totally safe to dry fire without damaging the firing pin. . . .

[@user-me3er7lm1o]

A spent shell in the chamber is a great idea for the protection of the firing pin spring.

[@JoseRamirez-530]

Great video! Thanks for the tips.

[@GOHUNT]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jamesd5014]

Great tips! Thanks!!

[@Bigshow857]

Love your videos

[@FirearmsofAmerica]

Thank you Sir, this was very helpful!

[@GOHUNT]

You are very welcome!

[@juantovar4861]

Thanks for your video.

[@superscout8039]

Good info. thanks Go Hunter.

[@GOHUNT]

No problem 👍

[@agonzalez8924]

Lot's of solid tips. Thank you.

[@GOHUNT]

Glad it was help!

[@deannalemburg10]

Looking forward to more thank you

[@GOHUNT]

Thanks for watching!

[@Jimmymag909]

Brady made great points for a target rifle...although somewhat irrelevant on what an accurate hunter/rifle should be...a hunting rifle should be something you pull up to your shoulder and execute your game without looking at a shooting chart... if you can't be fully confident in your shot... take a breather and get closer, has always worked for me and my old man

[@GOHUNT]

Hey Jimmymag909. This is Brady responding to you. I will 100% agree with you on that! The rifle in the video is my hunting rifle and while I have done what you are describing in the past, this system works very well for me. I will always take a rangefinder out and the time it takes to range and set my turret isn't that long with good practice. I will also add that this is another beauty of rifle hunting, you can use whatever rifle gear you have available and techniques will point you to success with practice. Best of luck this year and thanks for checking out the video. Brady Miller goHUNT Digital Content Manager

[@TAWier]

Breathing control... find a good respiratory pause as you are exhaling or inhaling ensuring that you are rock steady during your trigger pull and follow through. Taking a deep breath before you pull the trigger and breathing out slowly until you have that perfect sight picture and then pause your breathing right before you break the trigger.

[@sjjkeil8441]

If shooting from a bipod, make sure the bipod is NOT completely locked tight and that you can completely push forward on the bipod with the rifle. This will make tracking the round much easier as the recoil will transmit through the bipod (moving backwards) and into your body and helps prevent the gun from jumping.

[@GOHUNT]

Thanks for the tip, Steven!

[@henryvandervort9891]

Good advice thanks

[@GOHUNT]

Thanks for watching!

[@armandomada633]

Thank for the tips

[@GOHUNT]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@MrGuitars8]

Great Video , thank you .

[@GOHUNT]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nathancoombs7189]

I definitely want front stud locked down on bipod for rear buck up for shooting over there backs at long range , I'll second definitely drink options on the bench for muzzle blast spill over and definitely buddies definitely behind for ego strokes..

[@slateroutdoors8701]

good stuff!!!!!

[@alexstarlow582]

I am curious what the max range you will attempt to make an elk kill with whatever your typical rifle/scope setup is. Thank you

[@aqua.scape69]

Do you have any tips for shooting in the sitting or standing positions? You may not always be able to shoot an animal in the prone position. Thanks for sharing.

[@PPSChadwick]

Looks like Desert Sportsman’s Rifle Pistol Club range 5 outside of Las Vegas.

[@dannyechegoyen5061]

question; when setting up to shoot a shot do you pull the rifle towards you or do you let it rest on your pocket shoulder? And if you do how much torque do you pull the rifle towards you before taking the shot? Thank you.

[@Tbowie13]

that rugged ridge support is cool looking, but I'd think it'd make it very difficult to change elevation. I like a bad that I can squeeze to raise and lower...its much more fluid!

[@MrFeeblweebl]

great vid

[@claytonsievers8687]

Great video! What rear bag is that?

[@KT-wr4fr]

"Plethora" ... Damn dude! Love the video and the big words. Lol - thanks for putting all this stuff out there.

[@GOHUNT]

It's that time of year, rifle season! Hope a couple of the tips could help you out, and thanks for watching!

[@DEX-un7tx]

He watched Three Amigos the night before making this video.

[@mikemiller5226]

I used to have a short bipod, but antelope hunting in stubble fields require a long enough bipod for me to sit behind, rather than shooting prone. Like you said in the video, there is not a one size fits all for bipod length. Just know how to use whichever you have...

[@randomtiger8406]

A .22lr is a good learning tool for marksmanship. Even at 25 yards, you can learn good fundamentals.

[@billysilva6388]

On your browning did you do anything to the triggers or keeper them stock?

[@mr.nobody68]

I need the link to buy that rear toe support thing that looks kinda like pliers

[@billyaitken1713]

😎👏👏👏, just like the golf driving range, set up your phone on record video behind you then review your technique afterwards😊👍

[@gregr3283]

Dry fire practice is all about the sight, same as a pistol. You have to pull the trigger without the sight moving.

[@rodneystock8595]

What kind of bipod is on your rifle? That’s a cool locking mechanism.

[@GOHUNT]

Brady is a big fan of a large locking level. You can really grab it quickly and tighten it down so it will not move if you need to. The bipod Brady uses is a Rugged Ridge Outdoor Gear Extreme bipod in the 7-10" version.

[@joecunha4897]

When you are getting ready to shoot, do you lean into your bipods? Like load your bipods, so there is less recoil.

[@aaronpage1822]

Yes, it minimizes recoil and really reduces the gun from jumping

[@grimmsshenanigansproductions]

Great tips

[@GOHUNT]

Glad it was helpful!

[@grimmsshenanigansproductions]

Very

[@roberthartley4298]

Nice advice! Do you sight in using the same body position!

[@GOHUNT]

Hey Robert. Thanks for watching! Brady always sights in his rifle in the prone position at 100 yards for all his rifles.

[@ocavant]

Beautiful rifle, but looks like a tank with that big glass. What does it weigh with bipod?

[@mjones6115mj]

Send It !

[@GOHUNT]

Oh buddy!! No better sound.

[@nathanielcharles2175]

I learned something today ⚔

[@GOHUNT]

That's great to hear!

[@rpk5250]

Awesome video. What make and model is that rear scissor looking rest device?

[@GOHUNT]

Are you referring to the bipod? If so, it is the Rugged Ridge Outdoor Gear Extreme Bipod in the 7-10" version. Brady is using the original version in this video. But we sell the updated one here: shop.gohunt.com/products/rugged-ridge-outdoor-gear-extreme-bipod It also comes in a 10-14" model.

[@rpk5250]

@@GOHUNT actually the device that takes the place of the rear bag under the stock

[@rfailing1]

This is fascinating. I've been shooting CMP "High Power" for about 12 years, Iron sights at 200 yards. This match shooting is very interesting and challenging, with the only support being a leather or synthetic heavy sling while in prone position on a mat. Placing your support hand through a loop created by the "keepers" adjusted for your arm length provides a pretty stable prone or sitting platform. Although I am by no means among the very best, I do ok....My best match was a couple of years ago placing 5 rounds in a 1.75" center (X) and 4 others in the 10 ring....one shot in the 9 ring (dang!) in prone position. Kept that target :) - but now my eyes are getting a bit older and I finally succumbed to using a 4x scope. A whole new world. I will take your thoughts to the range next time and make a few adjustments. I like your suggestions....particularly body adjustment behind the rifle and now I should consider a bubble level. thanks for a great video.

[@voin3858]

hey GOHUNT do you address in or at any time how important it is to know which eye to use. In other woulds can you tell if a person is using the wrong eye. Heres why I ask. I am watching a youtuber at an indoor range try to sight in a rifle and he is all over the place as to how he is holding his rifle to cheek placemeet and he took the scope of because he could find the target. ( went to redot ) He says he is left eye dom but he uses his right eye. Would make a video about this topic so I could send it to him. Thks Mike. oh and if anyone else has a video let me know.

[@magwamagwa45110]

I too have a sig kilo 2400ABS where can one find a good tutorial on how to true your date on this range finder it is my first Range finder I am a intermediate shooter I know how to use the range finder except for trueing .. thanks for the great videos

[@GOHUNT]

Thanks for watching!

[@kylehofstetter1678]

Anybody know what bipod that is? Looks nice

[@MatthewsFabrication]

Proper Cheek weld is definitely key. Love all my Kydex Cheek Risers, especially for Hunting & Long Range shooting. They are lightweight & won't soak up any smells or degrade. Great video, very informative & nice looking rifle.

[@nono559]

How tight do you want to pull the rifle in the shoulder pocket?

[@WilhelmNauta]

What rifle are you demonstrating in the video?

[@timmytimmy2211]

I use my other arm as a rear support

[@martinpeters4505]

With all this technology how in the world did hunters shoot anything 60 years ago...

[@ambrosebrower8760]

They got closer and they had more opportunities

[@redneckscientist1324]

are you preloading your bipod?

[@That.America.Dirtbike]

How do you use the rear support while hunting if theres nothing to set it on

[@fjb4932]

Use your shoulder as your rear support . . .

[@raymundogonzalez5751]

What size of vortex scope is it?? Nice setup 🤙🏼

[@GOHUNT]

It is the Vortex Razor HD GEN II 4.5-27x56 Riflescope

[@caesar5555]

whats the bipod?

[@ray.k1187]

May have been mentioned but I didn't hear..which bipod are you running?

[@GOHUNT]

Brady uses a Rugged Ridge Outdoor Gear Extreme bipod in the 7-10" version.

[@Shallowpockets87]

Brady said that he was fire forming brass. Im curious why he was fire forming 300 win mag brass? Never heard of anyone having to fire form brass. If he is shooting brass just to form to that chamber so he doesnt have to full length size I would highly recommend he reconsiders how he sizes brass and only full length size. If not then I am very curious.

[@fjb4932]

Shallow Pockets, .300 WM factory ammo is notorious for having too much headspace. Once fired brass stretches the most. Once fire formed to your chamber, the stretching is minimal . . .

[@That.America.Dirtbike]

Do the bipods that clamp to your barrels work because i don’t have something to attach a normal bipod to.

[@GOHUNT]

Hey Jeff. I've never used a bipod that would attach to a barrel. And I don't like the idea for precision work due to it impacting barrel harmonics. But if that's the only way you have and if you don't have a sling swivel to mount your bipod too, then what I suggest doing is ensuring that the way your mounting the bipod doesn't impact where your bullet is hitting and then verify that at 100, 200, 300 yards. Another option I'd say you could look at is a product we carry called a TriClawps: shop.gohunt.com/products/triclawps-solo-rifle-saddle You can attach this to a tripod head by using whatever brand plate you have for a tripod. And then you place your rifle stock in the saddle and tighten it down. Then you could shoot off a tripod in standing, kneeling or even a prone position. I have shot off them from time to time practicing and I can easily make shots standing out to 600 yards with them. -Brady Miller

[@That.America.Dirtbike]

@@GOHUNT ok thank you

[@WyattLCombs]

What bipod is that?

[@stevethompson8504]

I had one of those fx chronos and couldnt rely on it for consistent readings . But can you not see that all that your really changing by moving your scope is the hight of your pellets above over the radar sensing zone .all that it is demonstrating is the the shift in pellet elevation is giving you false or unreliable readings rather than the true velocity . What you have really proved is that my un reliability claim is total correct .if another shooter happens to shoot a better grouping after shifting thier scope it does not necessarily prove that the scope shift was responsible for that acuracy increase, inconsistent shooters are a dime a dozen with very few actualy pracising correct marksmanship techniques.

[@roddecker1900]

I like classic hunting rifles.never had enough ammo. Believe in belted head spacing. Placing shoulder length still important 4 accuracy and longer case life.u agree? How do you do that?😒🐎

[@macleantobin470]

Where is the cheek riser pad from ?

[@GOHUNT]

We got you. Here is where Brady got it from: wiebadgear.com/product/mini-stock-pad/

[@matthewvaillancourt776]

Watched you nail a huge moose at 600 plus yards through trees

[@magnusheiding9843]

if you shoot under 200yards a bubble level is not necessary (probably not at 300y either), if you are of angel your rifle like 0,5 degree, it wont matter, it´s way better to pratice so you have muscle memory, yes you can hold your rifle at an angel and think your in level, but usally it won´t matter

[@mylesharvey6488]

You just have to calculate the slope in you mind.

[@nj-bz8pv]

How much does your rifle way? Seems like that would be heavy to carry in the hills all day.

[@GOHUNT]

Hey, thanks for reaching out. Please shoot Brady an email at [e-mail] and he would be happy to help you out with this. He is currently out hunting right now, so please be patient with his response! Best of luck this season.

[@m4tthi3u]

For those wondering which hand placement video Brady meant. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHmXhX-si5Z_qaM YW goHUNT

[@mokgable]

New rifle owner here, how does the leaning of the rifle (cant) effect how the bullet travels? Genuine question, that just doesn't make sense to me

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

It doesn’t affect how the bullet travels per se, it just affects the point of impact because your gun isn’t oriented the same way when it was zeroed.

[@mokgable]

@@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595 I see now. This wasn't making sense to me at first but that explains it. Gotta go back to my geometry class for some of this optics stuff lol.

[@fjb4932]

Magnus Von Braun, If the rifle is sighted in with the scope centered Exactly over the rifle bore, that's how it should be fired . . .

[@Hawndz]

that's not the factory barrel on that xbolt right?

[@GOHUNT]

Actually it is a Browning factory barrel. Brady just added an aftermarket muzzle break to it.

[@westleytaylor5622]

What kind of scope is that?

[@GOHUNT]

It is the Vortex Razor HD GEN II 4.5-27x56 Riflescope

[@gdog4323]

What bipod is that mate?

[@GOHUNT]

That is the Gen 1 version of the Rugged Ridge Outdoor Gear Extreme Bipod in the 7-10" height.

[@nozrep]

i wonder how hunters and shooters shot accurately for hundreds of years without a bubble level? I want to be like them! Not that I am against the modern tech. Well ok maybe a little against it😅 But I have never used a bubble level and even though I am certainly not a super skilled shooter I’ve also taken many deer over the years, never using a level.

[@delmarsmith622]

Rule 1 to shooting ( which i firmly stand by).. 2 drink options on bench at all times

[@GOHUNT]

Haha thirsty guys! Cheers!

[@leonosbo]

Still a great pump gun even though it is mostly plastic, kzbin.infoUgkxh4su9YgU1tWmjikirWcKJbjsFLEU62Bc but with care it will last a long time. It would be neat if Crosman would make a commemorative version of this with real wood stock, but of course it would weigh more and cost more, but hey, it would be cool. The included scope is more of a toy, but it does work for backyard plinking. I prefer to use pellets for greater accuracy, but BBs are just as good for plinking. This is not a Red Ryder folks; fully pumped it is 3 times the power of a Red Ryder and can be dangerous if not handled properly. Be safe out there.

[@Dyna2023]

At what distance does a bubble start to come into play?....200yds? 300yds? 500yds?

[@GOHUNT]

Great question. Brady says it will most likely come into play at 400 plus, but it's still important at closer ranges. Just remember that if your gun isn't level and you're tilted several degrees left or right at 100 yards... that distance you will be off at further ranges increases greatly with distance. Then add wind on top of that... and you'll see that bubble levels are very, very important. Thanks for watching and best of luck this season!

[@richardkramer1094]

A sling @Brady Miller , learn to use a sling. I’m not talking about a cobra sling, those things are worthless. I’m talking about a a leather or nylon competition sling sold by @Brownells. Your not always going to have a chance to “get into position” and learning to carry and shoot your gun with a good sling is a must. Just a suggestion…learn to use a sling.

[@GOHUNT]

Thanks for the feedback Richard. Best of luck this season.

[@richardkramer1094]

@@GOHUNT 14 years of military service, qualifying expert each of those years and teaching thousands of servicemen to shoot is the experience I have. The best sling made is the Brownells Quick Set Latigo sling. Too many folks overlook the importance of a sling to create a rock steady hold in any firing position. Every rifle I have has a sling.

[@ulrikerudel6859]

What that shooting matte? Where can i get one

[@GOHUNT]

Hi, Ulrike! It is a MidwayUSA Pro Series Competition shooting mat.

[@ulrikerudel6859]

@@GOHUNT thank you - actually the best mat I´ve ever seen - that market is flooded by expensive suboptimal sh`t

[@keithbrass8350]

I have to break my neck to properly see through my scope and it's difficult to find the target...when I use other friends weapons their scopes are much easier to use.... ✌️🤘🤘😎

[@johnsanders7337]

No one ever talkn about shooting off hand with this type of rifle... not everything gonna be 500 plus...

[@koenraadderoeck9045]

scope are onnessery cost and schit , onley bisnnes !!! keep and korrel openschicht more you dont need noth and skills

[@timhill8553]

Bubble level???? My cross hairs are level.

[@shauno7582]

Think I nodded off twice 😅😴

[@MaxairEngineering]

First off, get directly square behind your rifle not leaning sideways. Those benches are a poor design.

[@charlesporter1148]

Dont be overly concerned with canting....no ???? Ask marine DI Boyd national service rifle champion m14 rifle who shot with a cant simply because that's how his body conformed in his positioning...you gonna argue with a 2370 out of 2400 out thru 600 yards....youll have more problems from a lousy bipod than you will from a cant...

[@nathanbarga8024]

This is what told me that Brady is someone to listen to when it comes to shooting game: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnXIn5KMZdF1jZY

[@GOHUNT]

Hey Nathan. This is Brady responding back to you on this one. Really appreciate the kind words and also for sharing that video again! I clicked the link and watched that kill shot again. Gets me excited for my upcoming hunt. Seeing it again brings back all the memories of trying to build the perfect shooting position and how much my back hurt being in that angle for that shot. Best of luck to you this fall!

[@nathanbarga8024]

@@GOHUNT You too, Brady! Watching you guys has taught me a lot in the past year. Your insider vlogs and articles have brought this amateur up a notch. Thank you.

[@promotion4909]

These Buffers are the Cats Pajamas !!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rl7MgaWIh66CZ68

[@garyjohns4711]

what the hell you doing hunting or benchrest shooting???🤣

[@GOHUNT]

Practice makes perfect👍👍

[@Tang77so]

Great tips - thanks!!!

[@jaxbeach09]

What bipod is that?

[@GOHUNT]

This is the Rugged Ridge Outdoor Gear Extreme Bipod in the 7-10" version. Brady is using the original version in this video. But we sell the updated one here: shop.gohunt.com/products/rugged-ridge-outdoor-gear-extreme-bipod It also comes in a 10-14" model.