Everyone has their own method and cherished weapons of getting through the Mojave. I really enjoy having a great melee session with any person or creature that tries to sneak up on me. However as many know there is a strong emphasis on long distance snipping. Generally I approach most situations with some recon strategies. I prefer to move into an area as quietly as possible and from various vantage points.
There is always one more “Death Claw” that evaded you from your initial attack. In hardcoe mode it is essential for survival. Use your binoculars in-conjunction with your .308 or .50. Also each rifle you “Mod” or use in its original configuration has a unique perspective when looking through the reticle.
For example if you have a sniper rifle from one of the NCR crows nest, you will find it wit some type of desert camouflage plus suppressor. This appears to be made of light weigh parts and is easier to carry than the Anti-Material Rifle. The .308 has more of a vertical figure eight pattern, learn to work with float pattern and some of the perks that stabilize shooting. The Anti-Material Rifle has a similar floating pattern. This is a more horizontal figure eight shooting and moves slightly less than the .308.
This really comes down to is having a good distance between you and your enemies on the field and working on your sneak attacks. The quieter you are and the less footprint is left behind the better off you are in managing your ammo and concentrated attacks. Have fun but also challenge yourself to be a better marksman.
Best to who walk the wasteland.