My son and I have built 25, 50, and 100 yard ranges in our back yard and could probably add a 200 yard range if we felled a few trees (have to do that anyway just for upkeep and removal of standing dead oaks).
Question is, is the juice worth the squeeze? I think all training is good, but is there anything to really be gained from regular shooting at 200 yards vs 100?
A 200- yd range will allow you to confirm a 50/200 zero if you use that.
*You will probably need a touch longer since a 50 yard zero crosses los again at around 215 - 230 depending on exact ballistics.
For whatever reason, I’ve always preferred doing load development at 200 yards over 100. I also like the increased standoff distance for shooting steel targets.
200 is way better for wringing out rifle loads if you’re into that kind of stuff.
You could just set up smaller targets at 100 yards alternatively.
I’m very much into that sort of thing. Coincidentally I’m finally getting back into reloading for heavy 5.56 and 6.5 Grendel after a 5 year hiatus.
I know everyone tries to do the 25 / 300 zero but rarely do I shoot beyond 100 so it’s simpler for me to zero at 100 and adjust.
I finally joined a range that has a 200 meter target so working backwards it’s a 50 something yard close zero.
I like that one for deer hunting since it is roughly 2-1/2" high or low out to about 250 yards which is around 50 yards further than I can see and shoot the places I hunt.
My preference is the 50/200 IBSZ. I use it for 7.62x39, 5.56, and 7.62x51*. To me it is the most utilitarian zero. I have a 100yd range on my property so that is the max I can shoot at.
If you have a 22LR rifle, setting smaller steel targets up at 25 yard intervals all the way to 200 can create a fun challenge.
For more serious stuff, setting up a KYL target at 200, in addition to the closer targets you already have, can test your skill with the bigger guns at farther distances.
I was referring to yards, so 200 m should get you almost exactly.
I like it for the same reason - you’re within a few inches out to 250 or so.
Go for it. It will be fun and practical with both 5.56 and 6.5 grendel.
If 200yds is available, I would grab it. You can always use less distance on a longer range, but the reverse is not true. And while you can use reduced targets on a shorter range, it’s not the same as actual distance.
Without hesitation. YES, do 200 yards if you can, more if you can. The more, the better.
As said above, you get to confirm a 50 yard zero that way (225 yards = 200 meters roughly). I and many others prefer the 50 yard zero.
Close-in drills are great, but working on the 4 fundamentals as far out as possible has great benefits as well.
As far as training, the longer lane you have the better.
Something we’ve done is simply putting a steel target at 300, and a series of shooting positions/simulated cover at various spots in between, to 25 yards or so.
Then IMT from one position to the next, firing a round or 3 from each. Simple.
I agree with the rest of the responses. More range is always better. Placing targets at intermediate distances as well, not just “50-100-200”. Sure, your basic distances will be used most regularly but throw some random targets in as well. Move them around periodically for variation. Change things up.
Best part of having your own range is being able to shoot whenever you want without driving, waiting, or dealing with idiots.Second best part us being able to set it up however you want to serve your desires and needs.