F T/R Competition New Shooter, where do I fit, looking for guidance RCRTR

[RCRTR814]

Looking for some guidance as to where I fit in competitive shooting.

As to my application I am not a hunter, a paper puncher and will shoot anything out to 1,000 yards or at least that is my goal. I have not participated in any formal shoots so I "don't know where I fit". The gun I will have built will have a Hart barrel, A stiller left hand action and a tactical Bell and Carlson stock.

I was looking for a new LH Remington 700 donor gun, but by the time my gunsmith got done fooling around with the autopsy and the cost of the original gun, I "think" I would have as much in it as the Stiller. The gun will be most likely a 7MM-08. I've read alot about the caliber and at one time it was the caliber of choice. I can't say that I am interested in a 6MM. I have read that caliber is very hard on barrels with excessive throat wear.

I am lucky as to availability of ranges, my practice range is 25 minutes away and is 500 yards. There are a number of 1000 yard ranges within a couple of hours.

What type of competitive shooting is applicable to me? Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

 

[40xs]

If you are talking about sanctioned matches, some are caliber specific, ie; f/class, FTR. Do a little checking around before you decide on any particular discipline. Tactical matches, not so much caliber specific. I would suggest you attend a couple shoots as a spectator and maybe sign up for a clinic somewhere close by to help you decide what it is you want to engage in before you drop a lot of money.

 

[gstaylorg]

As mentioned, F-Class and/or tactical matches would certainly be options. A 7mm-08 would put you in the Open subdivision of F-Class. Probably the best advice I can give you is to check the ranges within reasonable driving distance first, simply to see what types of competitions they might offer. Then, you could attend a match as a spectator as 40xs mentioned to get a "feel" for what the matches are like, and possibly pick up some helpful tips on getting started. Below are links to possible places to shoot that may be in your vicinity, and the F-Class rules, which may give you a better idea of equipment/courses of fire/etc. for F-Class.

F-Class: Where to shoot spreadsheet. (Rev 15 - 10/18/2013)

competitions.nra.org/documents/pdf/compete/RuleBooks/HPR/hpr-book.pdf

 

[LRRifleman]

I am rather new to F class, but experienced in NRA High power (25+ years). I am adapting my match rifles, so I am using both the 223 and 308 which allows me to compete in F T/R matches. I have proven to myself that I can safely utilize the 223 at 1000 yards prior to moving to F class, but I also learned that my rifle doesn't like ammo loaded long with the 80 gr bullets necessary to keep the bullet supersonic at 1000 yards; therefore, the switch to the 308.

First and foremost, whether you choose to shoot F T/R or Open, I would emphatically suggest that you start at the 300, 500, and 600 yard lines before you venture to the 1000 yard line. You need the practical experience and initial success of short range before you confront the challenges and frustrations of the 1000 yard line.

Concerning your cartridge of choice, you need to identify a bullet that can not only be kept supersonic at 1000 yards, but also is known to be able to buck the wind. The 308 Sierra 175 Match King has that ability.

As an aside, I am now physically challenged and keep an eye towards keeping my shooting gear at a minimum. With a backpack, I can carry my F T/R rifle, mat, and shooting kit to the firing line relatively easy and in 1 trip. With an Open rifle, that is a near impossibility. The fewer trips I have to make, the less pain I have to endure in my legs. You can actually start economically with a Remington 700 ADL Varmint in 308, restock it, install your scope and bipod, and you have a competitive rifle that is more than adequate from the 300 yard line to the 1000 yard line. If you are frugal and plan this out in advance, you can be competitive for under$1000.

Good luck!