PRS Tactical Division questions and is 556 a poor long term investment?

[utopify]

As mentioned in my other post, I'm moving from years of SUT to long range to possibly compete in the tactical division of the PRS.

Apologies for the dumb questions.

Rulebook states "2.2.3 Tactical Division shooters will shoot the exact same COF as Open Division shooters." I'm not familiar with the COF's the open class shoots, but I'm guessing if a target is 1200yds, I'm expected to hit that too, with 556? Bit of a reach with capping me at 77gr no? I see in other threads folks hand loading the 82 berger or 80 smk on the hot side. Just curious on what others do.

Being military - and like every other Joe that has spent the last 20 years on the 556 platform. ALL of my gear is 556. So, did I make a mistake thinking I could be competitive with 556 in the PRS tactical division by buying a RPR? I mean I can iron sight 300y with a run of the mill M4 the arms room handed me with the 62gr nato green tip - but I'm NOT skilled or have DOPE at anything beyond that.

Why even show the Tactical Division with 556 in it? Basic ballistics would lead me to believe the division is dominated by 762/308. I could be wrong.

Any advocates here for the 556 platform in that division? Or, thoughts on giving the 308's a run for their money? I guess that is a driving factor for me too - the fact that the underdog round that runs out of gas at 800ish is giving the 308's a scare. That would make it even more fun/greater challenge.

Thank's for allowing me to rant.

 

[STROP]

You might start here for a general overview:
http://precisionrifleblog.com/category/what-the-pros-use/

The 5.56 RPR can be an excellent training tool, especially if you have an RPR in a match-competitive caliber. But most time- and budget-limited guys are dry firing their match rifle.

 

[utopify]

What do you mean dry firing their match rifle?

 

[utopify]

this made me smile:
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...gr-eld-match-better-than-175-smk-308.6420929/

 

[STROP]

What do you mean dry firing their match rifle?

Dry firing is purposeful shooting practice without live ammunition.

Dry firing without having had solid instruction in the fundamentals will just solidify poor technique that you'll have to reprogram later. Not recommended.

If quality instruction is not possible in the near future check out Accuracy 1st and Rifles Only DVDs.

Also the online training here at the 'hide - It's been a while since I looked at them, I dont remember what's available. Frank Galli (instructor and also owner of this site) does those SnipersHide vids and has written a good number of articles on subjects relevant to your questions.

 

[STROP]

this made me smile:
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...gr-eld-match-better-than-175-smk-308.6420929/

Now compare those ballistics with the 6mm and 6.5mm chamberings you will usually find in PRS.

Nothing wrong with shooting with a different caliber if that's your own goal for your own reasons. But if competition against others is important you won't be competitive... not to mention issues with you spotting misses and others spotting hits.

 

[utopify]

I still think its a bit insane that the tactical division expects 556 folks to hit that far out. Then again, I don't know anything.

 

[Sheldon N]

If you can shoot well you can place half decent in a PRS match when using 223. One of my friends took 15th place at a 2 day PRS match shooting 223 when his gun went down and he had to borrow a trainer from another shooter (I think it was an ackley though) . Overall I think most everyone in the tactical division uses 308 because it's ballistically superior and has more energy on target.

Yes there are 1000 yard plus shots, but matches are usually won and lost inside of 600 yards. Average target distance is maybe 400-500 yards depending on where you are. No reason not to go shoot with what you have. I'm shooting my 223 trainer in a smaller club match this weekend.