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F T/R Competition First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

M

meyersa88

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 30, 2012
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35
Houston, TX
Well this is going to be my first match(Camp Grayling, Michigan September 8th-9th) and I was wondering if there is going to be anyone else here going to this particular event that might be willing to sort of take me and my friends under their wing so to speak. Also I've been looking around at other similar topics to this just trying to get a feel for what to expect. I'd like to say that we're mostly going for the fun of it and for the most part are expecting to get our butts handed to us.

Also, I have already emailed the match director notifying him that we will be there and also asking for advice from him as well.

Any help here would be very much appreciated.

Thank you.
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

First off, welcome to the 'Hide!!!!

What kind of equipment do you have? What is your experience in Long Range Shooting?

Pardini is a sling shooter, we try not to hold that against him...
grin.gif
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

I'm running a Remington 700 Sendero SF II in 300 WM, with a AICS 1.5 stock, weaver 20 MOA scope base, caldwell 6-9" bi-pod, and a Millett LRS 6-25x56 scope. I'm loaded up with Hornady 208 a-max's. My experience long range shooting prior to this is next to nothing.
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

You have a 100 yard zero along with a computer generated drop chart confirmed out to XXX yard range?
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

I have a ballistic app on my phone and I've messed around with JBM Ballistics for hours. I have a pretty good idea of what the drop is going to be like, also plugged in various wind velocities to see how the wind will affect my shot. I have to chrono my latest load that I worked up and see what the max velocity range is and the SD and all that fun stuff as well.
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

One thing you can do, show up Friday evening (if possible) to help Bob set the range up. Once that's completed they run a practice session where you can get a firm 1000 yard zero.

The firing points at Camp Grayling are sandy. Some of us bring along a few tarps to lay down under our shooting mat and in front of our muzzles. Keeps some of the sand from getting kicked up into our equipment.

Make sure you tell Dick to put you on the entry list so you can drive through the base to Range 10.

If you plan on staying in the barracks overnight you'll need to make arrangements with someone to secure your rifle off base.

Grayling is hot, bring plenty of fluids and food.
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

I've got a place to stay about an hour away from Grayling so I don't have to worry about staying at the barracks there. If my friends and I can we will most definitely be attending the practice session on Friday. Thanks for all your help. I'm sure my friends and I will have a really good time.
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

Keep your equipment list minimal first time out; complexity leads to confusion, and that's not going to aid the learning process. Learn how to do without, then make additions to your equipment list based on shortcomings you have personally experienced. Work toward simplicity and serenity.

You're primary goal should be to learn the process of how the match is run, and how you can conform your actions to get with and stay with the program.

The actual shooting is really going to turn out to be secondary to all that at first. You may end up with saved rounds, don't be disturbed by this or things like it first few times along the course.

Observe those around you. They have mastered the tasks you'll need to be accomplishing. Compare in your mind how different folks address the same challenges. Learn from their techniques, and learn from their mistakes. Take some care not to help them make those mistakes.

Everybody's at some stage in the learning process; if you/they aren't learning, at least some of the time is being wasted.

Expect to make mistakes, and be prepared to deal with them without letting it get you flustered.

It will probably be several outings before you get enough of it all worked into a routine that you can gainfiully concentrate on excellence.

Don't let any of that get under your skin. Expect progress, not perfection. It all works out over time.

Greg
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

I'll definitely do my best to learn how everything works and try to "get with the program" ASAP.
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

Take your time. It's better to get it right than to get it quick.
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

Just remember that with that 300WM, you will be shooting in F-Open class.
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

Camp Grayling doesn't have impact berms...

That's the old scoring system.
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

Many new shooters do not understand the importance of fast pit service, I mean you are allowed a minute per shot that may seem like a long time so why are they screaming for fast service. Experienced shooters like fast pit service so they can decide when to make their shots. Here are some reasons that fast pit service is helpful.

1) Wind conditions change rapidly and it is nice to be able to gauge your next shot based off the last shot, but only possible if the target comes up before the next wind change comes through.
2) If the conditions are calm some shooters like to fire as fast as possible to get all shots downrange before the wind picks up. Slow pit service can really impact this.
3) Some shooters may wait until the conditions are right for them and this may have shooting close to the end of the time period. Slow pit service in this case may push them over the time limit.
4) Other reasons.

Giving good pit service is a skill much like anything else and it takes some time to build a rhythm that works for you. I disagree with the guy in the posted video when he say 10 seconds is good and 12 seconds is ok, 12 seconds every shot is a long time to wait. Most of the experienced shooters will get the target fully services and back up within 7 seconds of the shot impacting the target.

On your first match you will need to watch how the other shooters are servicing the targets and maybe ask for help if there are some shooters done before yours. I will try to take shooters who have never shot a match to the pits before the shooting starts to try to get them the basics of pit service, but like I said it is a learned skill.

Keep in mind two things in addition to the safety rules:
1) Give the same pit service you would like to get.
2) Enjoy yourself have a good time!

wade
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. My friends and I that are going will definitely do our best to learn the right way the first time around and provide the same service to others that will be given to us. The closer the date gets the more excited I am to be attending this match.
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: phillietimothy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Meyersa88,

Here is a link to a video series called Road to Precision on Youtube. It chronicles a new F-Class shooters experiences. It is very well done, I hope it helps.

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCD31A83F7643E23C&feature=plcp

Tim </div></div>

Thanks Tim, it was a good look.
Greg
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> it is nice to be able to gauge your next shot based off the last shot</div></div>

Your last shot is HISTORY, forget it, you DO NOT want to get in the habit of chasing spotters.
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

Like Al said, if you and your buddies can, come and help us set up on Friday at about noon and then shoot a practice session.
Sept. tournament is all at 1000 yds so it will be an "easy" match as far as what to do when is concerned. No moving between the 800,900 and 1000 yd lines.

Let us know you are new and we will be glad to help you out.

Bob L.
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

Well, the good news is that I'm stilling going to get into some shooting matches, the bad news is that I will instead be going to the Cadillac 600 yd match on Sep. 16th instead of Camp Grayling on the 8th/9th. After reading around the forums, I've decided that I neither have enough nor accurate enough loads for it to be worthwhile or even possibly even fun for me. Plus I'm the only one with a rifle that could even effectively shoot to 1k so my friends would probably back out on me. I will definitely be at one in the spring for sure though once I work up a new load though. Thank you all for your help and advice.
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

Don't give up so easy. There is a lot of B.S. on the internet! Saturday Aug. 18 at 1pm weather permitting we do a 600 yd practice at Cadillac. Come up get some hands on instruction. You can also shoot the MTC "Poker Challenge" match on the 25th Aug. That one is mostly short range but there maybe some time to shoot out to 1000 yds. In any case you get more trigger time. Heck if you do not mind driving a bit there is a 60 shot plus unlimited sighers 600 yd match at the Iosco Sportsman's Club on Aug 12th. If all you have is a 100 yd. zero come up about 14 minutes in elevation and you will be on paper at 600 yds. then do your final adjustments.

Not enough ammo? 200 rounds for Grayling is more than enough for both days and Friday practice. Not accurate enough? What size group at what distance are you shooting right now? What ctg. and bullet? I am assuming a .308W with at least a 175 gr bullet. or Maybe a 155 gr Palma bullet moving at about 2950 fps.

Come by yourself if your buddies do not want to go to Grayling. We are generally pretty friendly guys. The worst that can happen is you miss the target.

If you want more information on Cadillac send me an e-mail.
bob2484 (the at sign)acegroup.cc

bob L. Match director at Cadillac
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

I'll try to make the practice for the 600 yd on the 18th, but I'll have to see, because I'm currently on internship in Maryland until the 11th. I also have to move a lot of my stuff back up to school. I actually only have about 120 rds of 300 win mag. As of right now, I can hold about a .75"-1.25" group at 100 yards. I already emailed you the other day actually, it was on Aug. 3rd I believe. I definitely would like more information about matches that you are offering this fall though.
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Boblor</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Don't give up so easy. There is a lot of B.S. on the internet!
</div></div>

Boblor- Very true!
Unfortunately new shooters are stuck having to sort it out and usually end up getting frustrated.

meyersa88- my advice, show with what you have. I'm sure there'll be plenty of folks there to talk with and offer advice. Even if you don't get to shoot or shoot a complete match, at least you'll be getting firsthand information.

Rick
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

I'm not discouraged at all, I'm more or less starting slower now that I've gained more information. I'll see if I can make it out to some other matches even if I'm not shooting.
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

Ok, yep I sent a reply the same day. Let me know if you received the information. Should have been an attachment of a Match Schdule and course of fire.

300 Win mag. one of our Cadillac shooters uses 300 Win mag and shot the last Grayling match and did well. Get a bit more brass and you should be good to go. Groups should keep you on the target.
Keep in contact about the 18th so I can open the gate for you.
The Sept. match will be the last Cadillac match of the Season. Midland usually runs some fall and winter matches. I will go back to my e-mail and send you a link to the MRPA LR results from last week, and some other stuff.

Bob L
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

I got all your emails. Thank you for those. What is your opinion of the marksmanship training center? I've been keeping my eye on it for a while but wasn't sure if they actually got off the ground or not and could never find an address for them.
 
Re: First F-class match, looking for help/advice.

Yea, they are in business. They are about 10 miles north of Lake City on M-66. I shot one of their fun competitions, the golf classic. They ran a good match and I will shoot their "poker match". I have spent time there shooting the steel silhouettes from 300 to 1025 yards.
It is still a range in progress so it may look a bit rough but it is usable and getting better. They have built a classroom, the known distance 1000 yd pits are in and the target carriers are being built. The pits are big enough to handle 20 target carriers. A few carriers are ready to be installed. The silhouettes are out for the club members to use. The pistol range is there and has target frames ready to hang your targets.

So I have a pretty good opinion of the Marksmanship Training Center. Since my main interest is in Known distance bullseye shooting when the target carriers are in operationg then I plan to really put that 1000 yd range to use.

Bob L
 
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