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This is the page that this site is really all for. If you have familiarized yourself with all the former pages, you should now understand the basics of good, accurate shooting. Longer ranges present the next level of challenge. As you increase the range, you will increase the level of difficulty.
Longer ranges also present new safety considerations.
As always, keep in mind what may lie beyond the target area. Also consider what might come along between you and your target. Never shoot across trails or roads.
This picture is exaggerated, of course, but you still get the impression that longer ranges require more "lob."
More advanced shooters will adjust their sights to accomodate the range they are shooting at. This is not always possible though, or convenient. Especially with hunting, there will be times that you will have to "hold over," or apply "kentucky windage."
The most advanced shooters will determine range with a range finder, then use a bullet drop compensating scope, or adjust their scope for the range then make their shot.
Still, there can be no denying that, once a person becomes skillfull, estimating range, and applying kentucky windage can be similarly effective.
Principles
keep in mind your four principles of firing an accurate shot.
With increased range, each becomes more critical. POSITION is your stable platform - think about it - if I had to explain, you might not understand. SIGHT ALIGNMENT the slightest misalignment at the sights is exaggerated exponentially at longer ranges - center the front sight, make sure they are level. TRIGGER SQUEEZE can make your platform wobble, even jerk. Snipers pride themself on the capabilities of the first joint of their finger. FOLLOW THROUGH - if you can get right back on a target at 500 yds, you're getting there.