Greetings all,
(I'm not sure if this is the correct place to post this, my apologies in advance.)
I can't tell you how much this forum has helped me. The procedures and recommendations discussed here are invaluable.
OK, enough sucking up. Here's the deal.
I need some help.
My local rifle range/club is going to have a "sharp shooter" match next month. I'd like to participate and, more importantly, not look like a total newb jackass. Which I may or not be; never the less, I don't want to show it off.
The last time I shot for score was for the Marine Corps many years ago.
Here are all of the details I know as reported in the monthly news letter.
<<<"The shoot is open to marksmen using any caliber gun (except .50 cal), with any power scope. Bipods or sandbags are allowed, mechanical rests are prohibited. This is a bench rest match. Three rounds at 100-yards are fired in the competition, 10 rounds per target for score, unlimited number of sighters. One target at 200-yards, 10 rounds for score and unlimited number of sighters. The 200-yard is optional.">>>
When I first read the news letter I thought this would be a cake walk. I go to the range and shoot at least once a week, and have since I bought my bolt rifle early this last spring. I've been able to load up some pretty darn satisfactory rounds. My "standard" load by which I judge all other loads is a 168gr. MK, 42gr. RL-15, Lapua brass, CCI BR-2, .010" jump. This may not be the best but it is always consistent, like clock work. I've played around with the 175 MK and the Berger 155.5 FB too. Both of those do really well for me at the 300 yard line. I prefer the 175 MK because its a softer shooter.
Most of the time during a shooting session I don't pay much attention to what rifles other people are shooting. I'd say the vast majority are of the typical hunting rifle variety. I've see quite a bit of the 45-70 and even some 35 Whelen. I can't remember seeing any serious bench rest guns - until last week.
There was an old guy with a tricked out serious 6BR, shooting inch groups at fifty yards. He said the rifle was new and this was his first time out with it. I didn't ask if he planed on participating in the upcoming match. Yesterday, there was some fellow with a 20 Practical. I didn't speak with him but I did glass his targets. He was doing inch groups at 100 yards and was in the process of working up a load. My point here is that I suspect there are more rifles suited for bench rest shooting at my local range than I had previously thought.
My Rifle is a Savage F/TR, .308. Thats a 1-12 twist in a 30" barrel. As much as I am satisfied with my rifle, I wonder if I'm out gunned!
I usually don't spend a lot of time shooting at the 100 yard line. The farthest targets at my range are only 300 yards and I mainly shoot the 200 and 300 yard targets.
I'm considering bullet selection for the match, specifically, bullet weight/length. I've tried a few of the 110gr. V-Max with 47.5gr. Varget in the past. They did OK, but I haven't shot enough to develop a strong opinion as to there short range performance. Should I concentrate on working up a load with a lighter, shorter bullet like a Sierra 110gr. HP, or Hornady 110 V-Max? I don't really expect any body here to suggest "the" bullet, just a direction to lean in bullet selection, Shorter lighter or longer heaver.
Are there any other loads I should be paying special attention to in prepping for this match?
Thanks
B
(I'm not sure if this is the correct place to post this, my apologies in advance.)
I can't tell you how much this forum has helped me. The procedures and recommendations discussed here are invaluable.
OK, enough sucking up. Here's the deal.
I need some help.
My local rifle range/club is going to have a "sharp shooter" match next month. I'd like to participate and, more importantly, not look like a total newb jackass. Which I may or not be; never the less, I don't want to show it off.
Here are all of the details I know as reported in the monthly news letter.
<<<"The shoot is open to marksmen using any caliber gun (except .50 cal), with any power scope. Bipods or sandbags are allowed, mechanical rests are prohibited. This is a bench rest match. Three rounds at 100-yards are fired in the competition, 10 rounds per target for score, unlimited number of sighters. One target at 200-yards, 10 rounds for score and unlimited number of sighters. The 200-yard is optional.">>>
When I first read the news letter I thought this would be a cake walk. I go to the range and shoot at least once a week, and have since I bought my bolt rifle early this last spring. I've been able to load up some pretty darn satisfactory rounds. My "standard" load by which I judge all other loads is a 168gr. MK, 42gr. RL-15, Lapua brass, CCI BR-2, .010" jump. This may not be the best but it is always consistent, like clock work. I've played around with the 175 MK and the Berger 155.5 FB too. Both of those do really well for me at the 300 yard line. I prefer the 175 MK because its a softer shooter.
Most of the time during a shooting session I don't pay much attention to what rifles other people are shooting. I'd say the vast majority are of the typical hunting rifle variety. I've see quite a bit of the 45-70 and even some 35 Whelen. I can't remember seeing any serious bench rest guns - until last week.
There was an old guy with a tricked out serious 6BR, shooting inch groups at fifty yards. He said the rifle was new and this was his first time out with it. I didn't ask if he planed on participating in the upcoming match. Yesterday, there was some fellow with a 20 Practical. I didn't speak with him but I did glass his targets. He was doing inch groups at 100 yards and was in the process of working up a load. My point here is that I suspect there are more rifles suited for bench rest shooting at my local range than I had previously thought.
My Rifle is a Savage F/TR, .308. Thats a 1-12 twist in a 30" barrel. As much as I am satisfied with my rifle, I wonder if I'm out gunned!
I usually don't spend a lot of time shooting at the 100 yard line. The farthest targets at my range are only 300 yards and I mainly shoot the 200 and 300 yard targets.
I'm considering bullet selection for the match, specifically, bullet weight/length. I've tried a few of the 110gr. V-Max with 47.5gr. Varget in the past. They did OK, but I haven't shot enough to develop a strong opinion as to there short range performance. Should I concentrate on working up a load with a lighter, shorter bullet like a Sierra 110gr. HP, or Hornady 110 V-Max? I don't really expect any body here to suggest "the" bullet, just a direction to lean in bullet selection, Shorter lighter or longer heaver.
Are there any other loads I should be paying special attention to in prepping for this match?
Thanks
B
