Recommendations for wind reading instruction/videos

[stubbicatt]

Been a long while since I shot competitively, and am embarking on this challenge again.

Truthfully, I'm not sure where to begin in my quest to learn how to read wind WELL. Last time around I could keep my shots @93-95% at 600, but the wheels came off the wagon at longer ranges. Part of that was the rifle I was shooting, part was inattentiveness in loading my ammunition, part was declining vision, and mostly my failures were due to lack of knowledge.

I bought that Magpul video on long range shooting. There is a lot of value in there, but there is a lot of fluff too. I have attempted to watch this thing a couple times, but in truth I lose interest. As F. Lee Bailey is once quioted to have said, "The average American has the attention span of a four year old." I guess I'm pretty average.

What works, and what doesn't with respect to instruction in wind reading? Do you know of videos that work? Live instruction, and if so, whom? I have that Marine Sergeant's book from the 1990's on reading wind, I don't remember his name. Otis? Owens? It was helpful.

I think I would best benefit from live instruction.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions and guidance.

[Tim K]

Shoot at some local matches and ask for help. Be sure to ask people with a demonstrated ability to do what you want to do. I can distill it down for you though.

1. Become a consistent shooter. If you shoot inconsistently due to poor position, loading or whatever, you will find it extremely difficult to shoot in the wind.

2. Learn from the bullet. If your shooting is consistent, you will learn everything you need to know by observing the impact of the bullet. If you can't see your own impacts, get a spotter, improve your technique, or reduce recoil. Shoot, think, learn. Repeat as necessary.