Caliber choices for Competitions...

[amedeo1227]

I have to admit, I didn't google much on this topic, but I figured I might get a more thorough answer here:

My local range puts on competitions, "F Class"? I know they have others, and I know it's a top notch place where serious shooters in my area go.

I was curious what different Competitions are out there, as far as, what people on here might go across country to compete in?

Also, are there any restrictions? You can only shoot calibers X, Y, and Z in this competition! Or, you can not use range finders in this competition, ect...

Answers to these questions could have an impact on a future build. I would hate to build a nice rifle, only to find out; I can't use it in 50% of matches that I might want to try one day.

As you can tell, I have no knowledge of any kind of competitions, whether it be shoot prone all day or running and gunning with a rifle and maybe a pistol too. (I am familiar with 3 gun, and that's not really what I'm asking about.)

I hope I don't sound like a dumbass, I know how saying a clip instead of magazine sounds, hope I'm not doing that with competition and match.

If someone could tell me different types of matches or competitions, I will google them.

Thanks

 

[amedeo1227]

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Roddd]

You'll find a lot of practical/tactical type matches discussed here. Usually they're shot from various positions (prone, kneeling, barricade, etc) at known and unknown distances. Some allow a range finder, some require you to use your scope to range targets. They're quite different from F class matches. I guess it depends on what you want to shoot. Some caliber restrictions limit the velocity of your round (typically around 3,100 fps) and some won't let you go above a 300 win mag or 338. Check out the tactical match and F Class part of the forum and you can learn a lot and see what you'd like to try your hand at.

 

[amedeo1227]

Thanks, guess I didn't see that part of the forum

 

[Gnzrme]

Most top level match shooters are shooting some form of 6mm bullet.. be it 243 or 6 Creedmoor or any other variation. Look in your local area, there should be some tactical/precision rifle matches. Hook up with them and learn as much as you can...

P.s. where are you located?

 

[Diablo]

Isn't F class limited to like, shooters that are over 60?

 

[HodgdonExtreme]

Isn't F class limited to like, shooters that are over 60?

No, 50.

Bench rest is for the 60+ guys.

Cast bullet bench rest is for the 70+ guys.
[MENTION=68468]amedeo1227[/MENTION]

In a nutshell, F class is divided into 2 divisions; F class TR and F class open. TR is for 308s and 223s only, bipod and rear bag. Open is for any other cartridges so long as they're under 35 caliber. Both are shot prone. There are lots of rules regarding types of rests, and particularly, weight. F class is usually fired at 600 yards (midrange) or 1000 yards (long range) though different rifle ranges may use alternative yardages, and adjust target sizes appropriately. There is essentially no time pressure at these matches, you get ~25 minutes to get your shit togetherand setup, and fire 20 rounds. A guy downrange will be pulling your target down and marking your last impact so you can see exactly where it went.

Once you get away from sanctioned NRA matches, its all up to the match director. Match directors design the courses of fire to thoroughly test and challenge your level of mastery of using a rifle to connect with targets. You'll be tested:

To the utmost level of precision your system is capable of
On how quickly you can engage multiple targets at various known distances
Same as above but unknown distance
Difficult positions that offer varying levels of stability and support
On strategy of best use of time
Shooting with your non dominant side

And a lot more.

In general, you'll be limited to a 300WM maximum, .223 minimum, and a max muzzle velocity of 3150fps, though this varies a bit from match to match. As mentioned, most top competitors are using a short action 6mm cartridge running the 105gr bullets at about 3150fps. They'll have a detachable box magazine, oftentimes a muzzle brake, a moderately heavy barrel (Remington varmint) contour, and a quality variable power optic that goes up to at least 15x.

 

[sib1948]

Go out and shoot a prone match and you will learn more about your local match restrictions and what people use, than reading the blogs here. Matches are low key at my range and we have about 40 competitors at our monthly 500 yard prone matche. All levels of experience and always tons of fun! JUST DO IT!!!!

 

[amedeo1227]

I'm in New Orleans

 

[amedeo1227]

I'm not shy by any means, and I find that MOST of the shooting community is very helpful and laid back.

I just don't want to be a burden to those with a lot of experience and slow them down.

 

[dimar1492]

Are you talking about Palo alto's matches?

 

[amedeo1227]

Yes

 

[fx77]

Lot of information here...
Best Rifle Caliber ? What the Pros Use | PrecisionRifleBlog.com

 

[steve123]

You'll probably have a good idea what type of match you prefer after you've tried a few different types.

I discovered that I don't particularly care for paper punching. Steel is preferred or at least a mix of steel and paper is what I enjoy most.

Tactical style matches are often very dynamic and often require problem solving skills somewhat similar to 3 gun but not enough the same to really compare to 3 gun style and often have a wide variety of positional shooting but mostly prone off the bipod. 6mm's and 6.5's are the winning cartridges in this game.

F-class has been explained. Paper punching and plan on spending half the day in the pits pulling targets. Good score feedback of how you are shooting in the wind as they use large spotting plugs easily seen through your riflescope after every shot.

Field course style matches are my favorite. All steel, a little bit of hiking sometimes and the shooting distances vary quite a bit. Usually 250Y to 1200Y. Shot mostly off the bipod off the ground or off of rocks and such. 6mm's and 6.5's are the favored calibers as well.

It costs a little more but it's not a bad idea to have a couple different cartridges/barrels made up so you can choose what you want to shoot at each kind of match. For instance having a 243 and a 308 barrel made up. Or you can buy different bolts or bolt heads and shoot 223 or 243 or 6.5 Saum. The thing I like about doing this is only having to buy one scope and being able to use the same gun, trigger, etc that I'm familiar with.

 

[amedeo1227]

I know the new AI does this (barrel swaps) but what else beside the MRAD does that?

Not a big savage fan either, so not really going that route

 

[steve123]

I know the new AI does this (barrel swaps) but what else beside the MRAD does that?

Not a big savage fan either, so not really going that route

All that is needed is a barrel vice, action wrench and a torque wrench to do your own swaps. For years I was a bit intimidated trying this but swapping barrels is as easy as unscrewing and screwing in a bolt.

I'm not a fan of Savages myself. I run M700's and clones. You can have a recoil lug pinned to a 700 or buy a custom action with a integral recoil lug.

I run a MAK tube gun kit and M700. The action is trued, glued and screwed into a aluminum sleeve and I don't need a recoil lug anymore. I have 3 barrels made up for it at the moment. Each one for a specific purpose.

 

[supratt96]

I know the new AI does this (barrel swaps) but what else beside the MRAD does that?

Not a big savage fan either, so not really going that route

Take a look at Desert Tactical Arms.

 

[amedeo1227]

All that is needed is a barrel vice, action wrench and a torque wrench to do your own swaps. For years I was a bit intimidated trying this but swapping barrels is as easy as unscrewing and screwing in a bolt.

I'm not a fan of Savages myself. I run M700's and clones. You can have a recoil lug pinned to a 700 or buy a custom action with a integral recoil lug.

I run a MAK tube gun kit and M700. The action is trued, glued and screwed into a aluminum sleeve and I don't need a recoil lug anymore. I have 3 barrels made up for it at the moment. Each one for a specific purpose.

Is this common on here, i thought people have multiple rifles?

 

[steve123]

There are plenty of people that have multiple rifles. Whichever shooting discipline you like best will determine which style of rifle is best suited for that type of competition. The different shooting disciplines could include weight limits, cartridge restrictions, velocity restrictions and the list goes on.

Everybody has their own wants and financial situation. Heck, I have a friend that has so may guns he can't get his homeowners insurance to insure them all, LOL. He might have to call Loyd's of London or some other specialty insurance Co. Ha, to each his own, that's a horrible problem to have, something I need not worry about though.

I've gotten to the point now that I know exactly what I prefer in a rifle and in a scope, nothing else will satisfy me anymore. I can't afford a half dozen duplicates of both so I switch barrels and scopes as needed.

I'll tell you one thing for sure!!! I'd rather have the few kick ass customs with kick ass scopes I own than 3 safes full of regular guns and scopes that I'm unsatisfied with.

Probably my biggest pet peeves are inaccurate rifles, heavy gritty triggers and rifles that don't fit me perfectly. Which encompasses about 95% of the rifles out there.

What's your budget for rifle and scope?

 

[6Dasher]

In a nutshell, F class is divided into 2 divisions; F class TR and F class open. TR is for 308s and 223s only, bipod and rear bag. Open is for any other cartridges so long as they're under 35 caliber.

Not to nitpick, but Open is limited to 8mm / .32, not .35 A .338LM is a no-go.