Shooting extremely long distances is not easy. There is a lot you have to do right and it takes a crew to set up targets, film, and make the shot. World Champion Paul Phillips, founder of the Global Precision Group, explains that though this process is more like a production, it is incredibly rewarding to be able to predict something miles away and see the result in real time. (Thanks to Longshot!)
Disclaimer
Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading data, technical articles, gunsmithing and other information) is for demonstration purposes only. Do not attempt any of the processes or procedures shown or described on this website. All gunsmithing procedures should be carried out by a qualified and licensed gunsmith at their own risk. Do not attempt to repair or modify any firearms based on information on this website. Ultimate Reloader, LLC and Making With Metal can not be held liable for property or personal damage due to viewers/readers of this website performing activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website. By accepting these terms, you agree that you alone are solely responsible for your own safety and property as it pertains to activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website.
About the Global Precision Group
Paul started Global Precision Group (GPG) to promote ELR shooting and training. Paul served as the adjutant of the U.S. FTR Rifle Team and is a 3-time World Champion with Team USA.
He is a 10-time National Champion who I first saw interviewed on Erik Cortina’s podcast, Believe the Target. Paul explained that much of what he’s done in ELR comes from things he’s learned as part of the U.S. National Rifle Team.
He started GPG after retiring from the federal government where he trained military and law enforcement officers in sniping. GPG was a natural progression for Paul. He wanted to continue to instruct, give back to the community, and fast track people interested in long range to meet their goals.
While Paul never intended to start a business, many of the companies he had worked with followed him, requesting research and evaluation as well as seminars, leading to the founding of GPG. (See a list of GPG’s partners here.)
From Global Precision Group:
Global Precision Group is a leading training, consulting, research, and development organization dedicated to Extreme Long Range (ELR) shooting. King of 2 Miles Champion Paul Phillips established GPG with a vision to revolutionize the development of rifles and ballistics and to push the boundaries of ELR shooting. Our goal is to elevate the level of precision in both competitive ELR matches and practical military, law enforcement, and hunting applications.
As an industry leader, GPG is committed to advancing the growth of ELR shooting by providing top-notch training and education and actively promoting ELR events and competitions. Our expertise and passion for ELR have made us a trusted partner for those looking to excel in this exciting and challenging discipline.
2-Mile Shoot
When I built my .375 CheyTac for for shooting two miles, I did so with input from Paul Phillips. Paul and King of One Mile Clay Rhoden of Longshot Target Cameras helped bring my dream to reality.
They guided me through the entire process and celebrated our success. He had me on target at two miles within an afternoon! Much of this is due to the pre-planning we had done ahead of time.
Paul had me construct my rifle to be able to make use of a load that has performed well for him for a number of years, earning multiple King of Two Mile championships. I utilized Peterson Brass, .375 400 Grain LAZER bullets from Cutting Edge, Federal large rifle magnum primers, and 142.0 grains of Hodgdon H50BMG. (Always reference manufacturer published data before loading.)
My .375 CheyTac ELR rifle is an evolution of my .50 BMG Incredible Hulk featuring a Bartlein Barrel blank made to Paul Phillips’ exact specifications and a different bolt assembly. I even chambered the barrel on my Precision Matthews TL-1660 using a Manson Precision reamer made to Paul Phillip’s specifications. At the center of this build is BAT Machine’s EX action set in an Accurate Rifle Systems ELR chassis with an Accu-Tac bipod. This massive action measures 12 inches in length and weighs approximately eight pounds. I had finished off the build by Cerakoting the chassis and adding laser imaging for a patriotic aesthetic.
I added a Charlie TARAC from TACOM HQ to the forward bridge to add elevation and paired the prism with a Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 scope.
The GPG Process
It is GPG’s process that contributes to shooter success at any distance. Paul has mentored several shooters to competitive excellence. One of his most recent clients hadn’t shot past 100 yards. 18 months later he is consistently placing in the top seven in international events drawing over 100 competitors from 20 different countries.
With the goal of making a first round impact at a mile, we started with a 100 yard zero. We verified the velocity with three different chronographs and input the data into the Kestrel along with the bullet we were using: the .375 400 Grain LAZER from Cutting Edge.
Having accurate information is critical. Paul scrolled down to make sure the bore height, twist rate, and all other factors were accurately represented.
The next step was to zero out the wind and enter the distance to the target: 1865 yards at 154 degrees with an inclination of +6. This returned a solution of 15.5 MILs. After confirming the elevation, it was time to worry about wind.
Wind data can be gathered using meters, by looking at flags and mirage, and by feeling it on your skin. The hasty version is to grab some grass to determine wind direction at the firing line, hang a streamer, and look at the mirage.
This is only the start. You have to also consider any geographical features or other conditions that may affect the flight of the bullet. Paul verified wind speed with his Kestrel, noting a head wind at approximately 1 o’clock at 4 mph. He entered this data in the Kestrel to return a windage prediction.
At this point, Paul took some time to educate me on the importance of a spotter, particularly at distances of a mile and more. The spotter should set up directly behind the shooter with the spotting scope parallel to the shooter’s barrel.
This makes it easier to pick up trace and determine right versus left. Be sure the spotting scope is on a nice, steady platform. Paul uses a Swarovski BTX 115.
Depending on how long it takes the bullet to reach the target, at two miles this is seven seconds, Paul counts up to ensure he has time to blink before he expects the shot to reach the target. Shooter and spotter communication is also imperative. The shooter should let the spotter know when he/she is about to take a shot so the spotter can be ready.
Spotters can miss things and you can’t always set a camera at the target. That’s where Longshot’s Hawk spotting scope camera comes into play.
When we were doing the two-mile shoot, Longshot’s LR-3 was the only way we could tell which person hit where.
We utilized the blinking feature to find the shots and marked them accordingly within the app. The Hawk has similar features. With the camera and rifle set up, it was time to get behind the gun. Consistency is paramount.
Paul instructed me to focus on my bipod, bubble level, rear bag, and shoulder position. The pressure on your cheek, hands, and shoulder touching the gun should all be consistent.
To get proper elevation on the target, we had to build up a level platform for the bipod. A bipod mat paired with ACCU-TAC’s P-SKIs allowed the rifle to smoothly slide fore and aft with recoil. If you are doing everything right, the rifle should slide straight back, allowing you to see your shot on target.
My first shot was to the right of the target, a small hole in a rock face. This hole measured 0.2 MILs, approximately 14-15” wide. Clay and Paul gave me corrections to come down and left, resulting in an impact three inches low.
Paul and I switched places so that I could watch trace through the scope. Seeing the entirety of the process was amazing. I took what I learned from this range session and documented it to help me get on target faster in the future.
Paul also recommends making a plot card to document the locations of all shots. I finally hit the hole. Clay Rhoden made multiple successive hits. Our ending elevation was 15.3 MIL, 0.3 MIL off from the prediction. This is nothing at a mile shooting in a canyon with considerable wind.
Paul’s Rifle and Equipment
Paul brought his personal rifle to Ultimate Reloader and took the time to walk me through it.
His .375 CheyTac has a T5 terminator brake, Bartlein barrel, and BAT Machine XL action in a Manners LRT 2.0 stock. This stock has an adjustable bag rider and forward rail for a prism.
He uses a Nightforce ATACR 7-35x x 56mm with a Holland bubble level and supports the gun with an ACCU-TAC bipod equipped with P-SKI feet and Edgewood rear bag.
Moving to the accessories and components, Paul uses the new LabRadar LX chronograph, Kestrel, and new Berger .375 Caliber 410 Grain Hybrid Target Bullets over H50BMG in Peterson cases.
Conclusion
Shooting at one-mile utilizing GPG’s process was a perfect follow-up to our two-mile shoot. The backmath revealed that our firing solution was within a ½ minute and also verified that all of our equipment was working properly.
Paul also taught me the importance of a spotter and swift, efficient communication. The longer it takes to make a follow-up shot, the more likely it is that the wind condition has changed.
At long distances, documentation and the ability to replay a shot is invaluable. Longshot offers a variety of solutions to make this possible. Whatever your shooting goals are, it is always helpful to seek quality training. Consider making a call to the Global Precision Group!
Don’t miss out on Ultimate Reloader updates, make sure you’re subscribed!
Thanks,
Gavin Gear
