Include these 12 items in your range kit

The shooting season has begun. You’ll want to prepare for your trip to the range. This means bringing all the gear that you will need to the range. We’ve created a checklist to help you remember the little, essential items you need to pack. Here are 12 essentials that you should pack in your range bag, along with the rifle, rests and ammo.
* Shell-Holder – If you do not have calipers you can use a case-holder to check if hot loads are causing excessive expansion of the cases. If the fired case does not slip into the shell holder easily, then your load is TOO HOT.
* Extra Earplugs – Always wear ear protection while shooting. We provide a 35mm canister of extra foam earplugs.
* Hex Wrench for action screws – Action screws can become loose over time. Bring the appropriate hex screwdriver or hex wrench with you to the range.
* Small Wrench For Scope Rings – Check the tension before you leave. Bring a small Torx tool for the ring screws.
* Standard and Undersized Jags – It is wise to use undersized jags of one caliber when applying solvents with cotton patches. You should have several sizes in your range kit.
* Extra Batteries – Bring extra batteries for your electronic gear, such as chronometer, windmeter, digital cameras, GPS, etc.
* Small Notebook with Pen or Pencil – Use the notebook to log chron data, group sizes, and take notes about wind and weather conditions.
* Adhesive dots – Bring a few sheets (available at office supply shops). Use small black or white dots as target pasteers. Use larger red or yellow dots as aiming centers (target centers).
* Folding Chair/Camp Stool – This is useful if you are spotting another shooter or reloading away from the firing range.
* Water Bottle – You can’t be a good shooter if you are dehydrated. Bring two quarts or more of water and keep one bottle on the bench.
* Wood Stakes and Surveyor’s Tape — You can make inexpensive winds indicators by attaching surveyor’s tape to the top of wooden stakes.
Use this small plastic ruler to measure the size of your groups. Transparent (see-through), transparent rulers are best. Rulers can also be used to draw lines on targets.
This list is not meant to be exhaustive. You may want to bring other items. Bring safety glasses and Sharpie-type markers to mark your targets. We invite our readers add to this list. Plan ahead and pack your essentials before you drive to the range.