New "New Englander"

[DeepBlueSea]

Hi Guys,
I've come across this site before when doing research searches and finally decided to join so I can post and ask questions. I live in new england and have been into shooting since I was introduced at 10. I have enjoyed target shooting off the bench and shooting steel at my club for a long time but my interest in firearms has led me to some rifles that I now need to learn how to shoot to their potential. I built a m14 DMR clone off a Springfield standard loaded M1A, Sadlak national match parts and scope mount, nikon monarch X 2.5-10x44 and a j-allen stock. I really enjoy the spec out and building part of my rifles, but you can only do that for so long before you end up with a safe full of guns that you don't shoot.

I'm looking to connect with long distance shooters in new england that I can spend time with to learn from and also get to shoot at longer ranges as I'm limited to 100 yards right now. (I'm just wasting ammo to shoot my big stuff at this range any more). I want to get proficient with the scientific side of external ballistics (ballistic cards, programs, range estimation by mils, come ups for range). I also want to gain more knowledge so I can tackle the finer points of hand loading. One of the biggest things I read about when someone says they have a good load is how far off the lands is it. I'm looking to learn how you measure it, how you adjust it and what effects it has? I also want to learn how to properly keep a rifle book, what goes into it, how to record the results of each shot and how you apply these observations with each subsequent shot.

I also have a savage 110 BA that I'm still working out. It's got a $100 scope on it and I put 60 rounds down it at 100 yards to break in the barrel. I'm in a position where I can put some good glass on it (thinking a leupold mk4 LR/T 8.5-25x50) and have a ken farrell 40 moa base on the way to get rid of the stock darth vader rail. Same thing with this one, I want every shot to count since its so expensive every time you pull the trigger. I have some good recipes to hand load from and I'm going to be putting some rounds together that I know have shot well for other people in the same platform.

Sig Sauer academy is close to me and they have a one day class that works out to 1000 yards from 300, and at $300 I would gladly sign up just to get the classroom instruction but want to be able to keep shooting at long range one the class is over.

 

[super_poot]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Sniper Uncle]

Welcome to the Hide from a NH Native. I will send a PM tomorrow with some info on reloading, addressing some of your interests...

 

[ragsflh]

welcome aboard

 

[pmclaine]

Look into Reading Rifle for a 600 yard range or Harvard Sportsman Club for 300. Both a re near to you.

I shoot at Harvard often and it is a great club that really leaves you a lot of room to practice whatever shooting you like.

 

[sib1948]

Welcome. You'll have fun shooting at distance and it can be very challenging. Takes some time and local connections to find all the long range opportunities in your area. If you're in CT, you might want to consider relocating before their draconian gun laws have you throwing rocks at your targets.

 

[DeepBlueSea]

Thankfully I only work in CT, I live near Boston and shoot in nh or vt. I've looked into reading, but its like trying to break through the iron curtain to get any info about it, and membership is by sponsor only.

 

[pmclaine]

On Tuesday mornings Reading was holding 600 yard practice open to all. Thing is the guys that do it show up with 10-20 rounds of special ammo they want to test out and me the guy with the 200 round spam can to blast was unfulfilled.

I joined the Devens Rifle Club. They shoot 600 yard practice 2nd Tuesday every month. $40 joining fee. Only issue with that my work schedule has yet to allow me the time but I've seen the range and it is first class.

Happy to help if I can.

 

[pmclaine]

On Tuesday mornings Reading was holding 600 yard practice open to all. Thing is the guys that do it show up with 10-20 rounds of special ammo they want to test out and me the guy with the 200 round spam can to blast was unfulfilled.

I joined the Devens Rifle Club. They shoot 600 yard practice 2nd Tuesday every month. $40 joining fee. Only issue with that my work schedule has yet to allow me the time but I've seen the range and it is first class.

Happy to help if I can.

 

[DeepBlueSea]

I did get a response from the organizer of the Reading practices. He said that normally everyone shoots 20 rounds in 2 squads, then heads to dunks for round 2 of talking shop and bs. I don't think I'd be a 200 round blaster but might want to shoot more than 20. The M1A I want to work up to a 300 yard zero then work on come ups/downs and hold over from there. The Savage 110 I want to work up to a 600 yard zero, then practice breathing, wind reading ect for the longer shots. The 110 may get be unwelcome because of the huge brake on it and the line at reading being tight. That one might have to wait for the end of the session when people are wrapping up.

Is there anymore information about devin? I couldn't find a website for them. I would like to find a place on public land in nh or vt where I can shoot at 1000, but that may be a stretch here in the east.

 

[pmclaine]

I did get a response from the organizer of the Reading practices. He said that normally everyone shoots 20 rounds in 2 squads, then heads to dunks for round 2 of talking shop and bs. I don't think I'd be a 200 round blaster but might want to shoot more than 20. The M1A I want to work up to a 300 yard zero then work on come ups/downs and hold over from there. The Savage 110 I want to work up to a 600 yard zero, then practice breathing, wind reading ect for the longer shots. The 110 may get be unwelcome because of the huge brake on it and the line at reading being tight. That one might have to wait for the end of the session when people are wrapping up.

Is there anymore information about devin? I couldn't find a website for them. I would like to find a place on public land in nh or vt where I can shoot at 1000, but that may be a stretch here in the east.

When I shot at Reading I was on the line with one other shooter and there were three guys in the pits. When we swapped the party I was shooting with pulled two targets. I dont think you will have any issues with your brake. You will be able to create some space. The Reading guys are some serious shooters. I think bench rest is their discipline. If you make contact with a Randy Enger he is a CMP match instructor and I think he shoots AR 15 and 30 caliber at Reading as well as other venues. Ive been to a few of his classes at Woburn Sportsman club and he teaches M1 Garand, 1903 and AR15 service rifle. I heard a rumor Randy Enger was looking into possibly building a 1000 yard range in the Lincoln, NH area.

Send me an email and I will forward you the contact info/schedule for Devens. They are a high power rifle club and their practices are geared toward positional KD matches. They shoot a good number of across the course type matches at a number of clubs in MA.

I joined the club but havent been able to shoot yet. Either weather or work have prevented me from going. Tomorrow is a practice day but I will be on "The Headhunter" fishing for striper in the rips off Monomy Island, Chatham.

The Devens facilities are first class because you will be shooting the 600 yard KD range on the South Post of the base. I have seen the ranges and salivated. The Marines qual there and the State Police use it for training. I've told the club people my interests are to use my LMT MWS with scope and they said sure have at it. I also plan on shooting a Garand and 03 at some point so your M1A will be in good company. I get the feeling the median age of the group may be up there and they are happy to have new members in hopes that the more people to shoot there will hopefully be an equal number to pull targets and the sport will continue.

Send an email address via PM and I will go back in my email files to send you an email/attachments so you can see what the club has to offer.