Evaluating the Amount of Rounds Fired at the Shooting Range

Shooting range usage and ammo consumption can vary widely based on a variety of factors such as the type of firearm, the purpose of the visit, and the overall experience of the shooter. This article delves into the factors affecting the amount of rounds fired and provides insights from personal experiences and professional insights.

Factors Affecting Round Usage

The number of rounds fired during a typical session at a shooting range can differ significantly. For a handgun and a range visit, the usage can range from a single box of 50 rounds to hundreds. This variability is influenced by the immediate shooting scenario and the shooter's goals. A serious range day can see a significant amount, whereas other visits might be much less.

Personal Experiences Through the Decades

1980s Alaska: In my father's era, the focus was on quality over quantity. When we went out for range time, about 100 rounds of rimfire ammunition were typically aimed and worthwhile for a full day. Hunting might see even fewer opportunities to use the gun, as game like rabbits and ptarmigan taught these shots to aim as carefully as possible.

Late 1990s: In my youth and singlehood, the cost of ammunition was significantly lower. A thousand rounds a week could easily be spent, half of them in rimfire. The drills involved both familiarity with different types of actions (traditional and modern) and the development of muscle memory. Standards for performance included cutting pencils at 20 meters with a pistol and 50 meters with a rifle. Sometimes, five to ten rounds of shotgun shells were tested on point and thrown targets, with matches and throws called out in random order.

Marine Training: In military training, regular and intensive practice is crucial. Marines often spent several hours every couple of weeks on personal time, engaging in pistol drills with short magazines to reinforce reloads and good double-taps, as well as engaging steel targets at varied ranges. Long-range work could involve as few as ten deliberate rounds beyond 500 meters to maintain handling and acquisition skills. Competition periods provided extended opportunities to practice, with ten hours of range time each day for a whole month. Qualification day was the most minimal practice for the year.

Current Practice: My current practice has shifted significantly. In a three-session period, I may not fire an entire box of pistol rounds. Habitual dry-fire on an empty gun is often followed by a few rounds on paper or steel, with magazines loaded at two to five rounds. For rifles, five to ten rounds are sufficient to verify wind calls and range adjustment skills, while ensuring that reloads and handling skills remain sharp. Even these practices are targeted towards maintaining and improving overall proficiency.

Conclusion and Best Practices

While live rounds are irreplaceable for developing the right habits, it’s equally important to avoid wasting ammo on poor practice. Regular practice, even if it’s just dry-fire and a few live rounds, is crucial for maintaining the skills necessary for effective firearm use. Proper training and consistent practice can go a long way in ensuring that when live rounds are fired, every shot counts.