PRS Talk Production division

[infidel325]

I’m just getting into prs shooting currently shoot USPSA. I have a rifle a Savage 10 HS .308 with a 24 inch barrel, Vortex 6-24 optic, Harris bipod, and tacops cheek pad. The gun has not been modified. Is this considered a “Production” division rifle?
I read the rules and it states they “will not have a list of rifles or optics”. ?

The range I will be shooting at the longest distance is 630 yards. I shot it before and was hitting a man size plate in the neck pretty consistently with ease. Then went for the 5 inch plate and it took 3 shots. It’s the farthest I ever shot and now I’m hooked. I needed help with getting the range dialed in cause they told me it was 600 yards but when I got there I dialed for 600 and was missing the man sized plate and I was getting frustrated. Then I asked the range officer and he told me it was 630. Then he helped me dial it in and it was good. Never shooting that far I didn’t realize how much 30 yards can make a difference. The wind was a big factor also. Never had to deal with it.

i Don’t have a rangefinder and I’m looking at some and they are expensive! I only need one for max range of like 800 yards.
Any recommendations on one?
I have a small rear squeeze bag and that’s about it.

What do I really need for my first PRS match?
I’m on a budget
Thanks

 

[Crabcore]

Yes, you should be perfectly fine shooting in the production division. With the 308 you could also consider shooting in the tactical division, depending on what is more popular locally. Check to see if your local club has a facebook page. That may let you get in touch with your match director for any other specific questions.

I would skip the rangefinder and save yourself a bunch of money. Any PRS or PRS style match you go to will give you a booklet or sheet of paper with all the stage descriptions and target ranges on it. Unless you have a bunch of private land (or super cool private club that lets yous set up random steel) to set up your own targets and practice on, you will never use a rangefinder at a match.

Technically, you have everything you "need" to shoot a match, but you will be frustrated. I don't know what you have done to prep so here is a list of things which will help.

1) good ammo (obviously)
2) accurate muzzle velocity (preferably from a Magnetospeed or Labradar)
3) 10 round magazines (add a 12 rounder if you want to splash some cash)
4) ballistic app, and a good zero (there is a whole section on apps here on the hide; precision rifle blog also has an article about apps)
5) Armageddon Gear gamechanger bag or similar
6) something to write your dope down on for stages. arm card, sidewinder, or just write on your arm (yes i have seen guys do it)


the gamechanger bag comes in a variety of sizes and textures. if you can borrow one for the first match or two that will let you find which style you like best before buying one. Most guys use that bag for almost every stage. it is cliche, but it really did change the game.

 

[infidel325]

Thanks for the info.
As far as ammo goes I use federal premium gold 168 grain factory ammo. I have a LOT of reloading supplies I got from my dad, that he got from my uncle that used to reload. I haven’t done anything with it all yet I have no idea what to do. That will be another thread in the future.
I haven’t tried any other ammo yet.
I have a ballistic app ballistic ae
I have one 5 round mag and one 10 round mag
I will have to go to the range and see if someone will let me shoot through there chrono.

My main concern is dialing in the scope for the range. At 100 yards I can due under 1 moa no problem. At 300 I can hit 5 inch plate easily. But that 5 inch plate at 630 it’s a whole new challenge.

If I were to go out to the 630 yard range to practice. What would you recommend me to work on?
My main goal is to work on range and adjusting the scope for range/wind. And reading wind.
Is there dry fire drill for this type of training?

 

[Crabcore]

Most shots in a match are going to be on plates which are round 2 MOA or larger. At 630 you would likely be shooting at an 8 or 10 inch plate. a 5" plate at 630 yards is sub MOA, so don't beat yourself up.
Once you have accurate muzzle velocity, and get your data entered into Ballistic AE, getting the drop at any range should be as simple s looking it up in the table it generates. remember you need to know the basic atmospheric conditions when you zero, and also at the match. I am lazy and use density altitude instead of temperature, humidity, elevation. You can use weather station data if you don't know someone with a weather meter.
Wind is a tough skill to learn, all i can say is it is a process and most of us are still learning it, lol.
I will also say a lot of guys only dial for elevation, and then hold for wind. it simplifies things quite a bit.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Use my rangefinder at every match on every stage on every target.

You’d be surprised how many aren’t what the paper or book says.

 

[Nicholi2789]

That set up will do just fine.
My advice is, bring yourself, bring your rifle with bipod, your ammo, something to write dope on and whatever bags you already have.
Alot of guys dive into buying gear before they shoot their first match and end up needing to replace things.
Coming to your first match it will seem a bit intimidating, all these guys with their nice rifles and gear but you will find them all very friendly and welcoming.
There will be someone in your squad more than happy to let you use their bags, that's pretty much a guarantee at every match. Nationwide.
Get a good 100 yard zero and chrono if you can. Most matches have a zero board so you can zero and chrono before the match starts. You may find a guy willing to let you shoot over his magnetospeed or Labradar.
If not, advertised velocity for that load is 2650. Out of a 24" barrel I'd plug 2600 fps into my calculator and start there. Should get you close. That's a well known load with lots of verified data around the internet.

Shoot, use the guys gear in your squad, see what works for you, then make a decision on what bags you need.
Like the gentlemen said above, the Gamechanger is pretty much a must have item. I prefer the mini gamechanger to the full size as alot of guys do. But try both before you spend the money especially if you're on a budget.

The important thing is, go to your first match ready and willing to learn and you will have a great time, learn a ton, and make some new friends.

As far as dry fire goes there is a ton of drills you can work on to build your fundamentals.
I practice with a small target dot 20 feet down the hall on the wall.
I practice getting into position quickly, firing a couple shots, then changing positions again. Using a timer.
Focus on building your positions, breathing, trigger press and follow through.
I use the back or a chair for a standing position and the seat or kneeling.
Once you shoot a match you'll have a much better idea of what you need to work on.
Get out there and and shoot a match! You won't regret it.

 

[_Raining]

Use my rangefinder at every match on every stage on every target.

You’d be surprised how many aren’t what the paper or book says.

Isn't it also partially that you have been using your rangefinder for all of your shooting, including when you trued your ballistic calculator and thus any difference between what your device gives you vs what the match director's device gives them is going to induce some error. Although I assume that is fairly small compared to say them ranging the tree behind the target instead of the actual target etc.