Sniper’s Hide Cup SHC Ruminations #1

[Lowlight]

Thinking out loud,

How I see the future matches moving, the direction, back towards the fighting rifleman.

Understanding, I have weighed typical tactical rifles such as the various versions of the Accuracy International to provide a base line. Regardless of what you think, if you have not looked these rifles are generally heavier than you realize out of the box. We are a tactical crowd not a hunting one. Currently issued sniper rifles such as the AI, the MRAD, and the M2010 style rifles are not as light as one might suspect.

In terms of divisions, I think simple is the best approach. In reviewing the past complaints from other series, the random nature of the divisions needs to be cleaned up. As I have noted several times, I am focusing on two divisions to balance the equipment race.

Ammo is a factor, regardless of personal opinions, hand loading vs Factory, a properly hand loaded round should perform better out of the same rifle under the same conditions. Maybe not the first round, but subsequent shots. Therefore, hand loading is a factor in my decisions. Those who want to handload should understand that the open division is available. We have two divisions, Open and Limited. Like anything most of the matches today work under the open umbrella. So it's really no change other than including a maximum weight limit for the Open division. Weight is stability and stability is predictability.

Hoping to create a productive conversation around these various topics, if something simple, like factory ammunition in the limited division says to you personally, Hard Pass, then please refrain from commenting. We get it, you don't agree, but this part of the conversation is not negotiable. We can talking about things, but I am also well aware how easy a single post can derail the conversation. Don't like it, either explain why I detail or move on down the road. I like Hand Loading is not a valid excuse to argue. Neither is the money aspect, the availability one, etc. It can certainly matter in a match, and has to be looked at.

2022 is the proposed time frame to start putting these changes into action. Prior to that we will be doing some experimental events to adjust and fine tune the ideas.

It's clear to me, the current match style is too cookie cutter. When you boil the feedback down, its variety people are after. With that variety I want to include reasons "why" we are doing things the way we are. What the WHY in this equation. Why are we competing, what are we looking to accomplish on a personal level. That varies from shooter to shooter, what I see is improvement as the goal. So why not design things to help improve your abilities.

I want to look at variety in the target package while keeping a standard people can replicate easily. Variety in the props. In my mind, the current line up of props are too accommodating to the shooter. We need to force you to think, to react, not just run on autopilot. Simple elements like not squaring off the shooter and target as if they are fighting old west style, angles, obstacles, decision making has to be put into the equation. I have 3 position and 3 targets, not every target should give the shooter the same view. Nobody is gonna stand face to face and draw down, it's shoot, move, communicate. And by communicate, how about calling those shots, telling the RO which target vs just shooting in order.

Many of these elements are included in one form or another. You might see a piece at a CD match, another piece at a different match. It's about taking the best practices, working around those, vs what is easy. 20 stages with the same or similar format and solution was never the goal. You can still innovate, and solve problems, but within a set of guidelines that touch more people vs the chosen few.

I am looking at some basic skill stages too. Universal truths that do no cater to the physical differences between shooter. If the format is not equal it's not a skill stage, it's an adaption stage. How we can adapt to the question is no problem, but skills should translate on the basics.

3 x 3 Skill Stage

600 yards, Progressive target rack, 2 MOA, 1 MOA, 1/2 MOA, 1 shot each

800 yards, repeat

1000 yards repeat

Shooter starts 5 yards behind line, moves forward to the prone, engages targets near to far, big to small. Time limit is X,

With 9 shots you can use the same numbers to help with classifications, which more and more I believe they are the right way of doing business.

Also, include the flexibility so the targets can be at any range really, don't make it 6, 8, 10, you can make it 3, 6, 8 or 545, 953, 1127 doesn't matter.

Classifications

Alpha: 85% or Greater
Bravo: 55% up to Alpha limit
Charlie: 25% up to Bravo
UNC : below 25%

This works on several levels. Prizes, training and moving forward.

Another skill stage might be a the Kraft Drill shot from a Tripod at 600 yards. Standing, Kneeling, Sitting, 3 shots each position on a 45% ipsc. The tripod means it's even for everyone. You build your best position vs working according to someone's else's rules here. It's even for everyone, and something to practice.

To me this is a living set of conditions. It's the Sniper's Hide Cup, it's moving to a standalone event, so I can make the rules how I see fit. The key is, make the process transparent, so you know the why, you understand the reasoning, then put it out up front.

Where my head is at today:

2022 SHC

Divisions

Open : 24lLBS weight limit*, calibers from .22 to .33, speeds 3200fps max
Weight is as shot, rifle, scope, bipod, any weights, 3rd party attachments used during a stage.

Limited: 19LBS weight limit* factory ammunition, 26" barrel length

Classifications

Alpha : 85%
Bravo: 55%
Charlie: 25%
UNC: >25%

Equipment restrictions

1 - Rear Bag Style
1 - Pillow Style
1- Rifle Rest Style

Tripods, extension, etc, allowed but must be carried. Tripods will be deployed on the clock.

All equipment will be carried from 1st stage to last stage. Equipment will move 100% with the shooter, bags maybe grounded forward of the starting point, but must travel with the shooter.

Time Per Stage

5 Minute Par Time

Stage times may vary, however each competitor will have 5 minutes to complete the stage. Any shooting beyond the Par Time will be a 1 point deduction, and times that beat Par will be +1 point.

Time will be scored, by adding 1 point or subtracting 1 point.

All stages will begin with 1 arm free....

Meaning, you start the stage with all equipment attached the shooter. The shooter must keep one arm free at the beginning of the stage clock.

Stages will require at least 1 magazine change,

Points

3, 2, 1 ...

3 points for each first round hit on a new target,
2 points for a second
1 point for all subsequent targets as well as handgun rounds.

so as noted, right now here is where my head is at...

 

[_Windrider_]

Just to clarify one thing while I mill this over on the way to PHX, is ammo part of the weight limit? Meaning one fully load magazine must be in rifle when it’s weighed?

 

[Lowlight]

No it's not

Basically an empty rifle as shot, super easy, safe weapon, drop it on a scale, done.

I believe we need an Official who's job it is to basically, certify each shooter. I was rewatching Ford vs Ferrari this Am, and we need Bob, to enforce Section 4 paragraph 2b... have a shooter list, and check them off, confirm division specs, rifle weight, and ammo.

To me this was the missing part of the recent drama, taking wins away. If you enforce the rules at the beginning you won't look silly 3 days later moving the rankings around because of issues that everyone knows about, but nobody mentions until after.

You can do it at sign in, T Shirt handout, etc make cute little stickers, I am Open to Anything, I am Limited in my capacity shit like that ...

 

[_Windrider_]

No it's not

Basically an empty rifle as shot, super easy, safe weapon, drop it on a scale, done.

I believe we need an Official who's job it is to basically, certify each shooter. I was rewatching Ford vs Ferrari this Am, and we need Bob, to enforce Section 4 paragraph 2b... have a shooter list, and check them off, confirm division specs, rifle weight, and ammo.

To me this was the missing part of the recent drama, taking wins away. If you enforce the rules at the beginning you won't look silly 3 days later moving the rankings around because of issues that everyone knows about, but nobody mentions until after.

You can do it at sign in, T Shirt handout, etc make cute little stickers, I am Open to Anything, I am Limited in my capacity shit like that ...

I agree. That just seems like common.........I mean um yeah.

 

[Lowlight]

Right,

Totally yet, 2 matches in a row, sorry we made a mistake

I am looking at target stuff too, how to mix the presentation up, just small notes

 

[W54/XM-388]

You specifically mentioned the AI rifles and similar factory platforms.
From the last time I weighed my gear, running an AW or AXMC with say for example a S&B scope, bipod and a Spuhr mount will put you over the 19 pound limit. Would it be possible to change the weight classes to for example 23 pounds and 30 pounds?

Also some of the factory AXMC barrels are 27" long so would it be possible to change the limit to that instead of 26"?

 

[Lowlight]

30LBS seems excessive,

i weighed the rifles the AXMC wont work in limited but that is a choice too

the really heavy military sniper rifles are really expensive too, so the limits at the edge should not be used to set the middle

the 20 is LA the 18 is Short Action

 

[Lowlight]

Basically a heavy duty switch caliber long action is an open rifle

the AX SA and AT will work in limited

I don’t want the exceptions or the overly expensive to set the standard

 

[Lowlight]

Here I had my AT with a Straight Jacket Armory Straight Taper barrel on it,

It's got the Big Insite Tuner on it, the only thing small is the scope, a 4-20x but it's set up like a game gun and goes past the limited specs as it should.

If I want to shoot Limited with my AT, I need to change the barrel.

This is so easy to move the field around based on stuff that actually matters.

An ATX is 13LBS out of the box, you can tune and balance it to work within the Limited or go straight to Open.

I think 19 keeps things manageable to where someone who doesn't look at this stuff hard, would not be taken back to learn where these things fall.

If you think about it, the PRS has no limits, go to town, the Hunter Series has big limits. very light rifles, this falls in the middle

 

[Lowlight]

Lastly on why an AXMC should not be a limited gun and move the specs to accommodate it

Then it allows someone to build a really Gucci Game gun up to the AXMC specs, then you have super trick rifle in Limited that everyone will chase.

While it's not as practical today, consider if you get 3000 rounds of the same lot then cut the chamber to it, some of these guys have access to shops others don't. Then you spin your 27" barrel up on your 23LBS rifle and bang, Open gun in Limited, why have a limited division cause I can make an open gun work within the rules.

We recognized the edges exist, we have to work around the middle, the edges and exceptions just have to move up to Open where they belong.

If you wanted to use an AXMC, strip it down, change the barrel to work, and you might be able to squeeze it in, but you'll be compromising and spending money.

This was the problem with the PRS divisions and rules, they kept accommodating and changing the rules to help sponsors and certain shooters, and now you have a complete mess.

Make the rules and stick to it, if you can afford the exception, you can afford the compromises that come with it

 

[Lowlight]

Cause I can, and the rifle was right by the door,

AXSA, with Suppressor, and Bartlein CF Barrel = 17.2LBS

you just have to decide where you want to put your focus, how you want to set up the rifle, what elements are important to you.

One is clearly more field orientated, the other is more competition, the weights bare that out in where the individual would be ranked and scored.

It's not super hard to match intent, you just have to know what to look for

 

[W54/XM-388]

I guess pretty much if you want to run a long action, you'd need a proof carbon barrel to get it in the weight class

 

[W54/XM-388]

AXMC however is probably going to be too hard to get down unless you have a short, short action caliber barrel.

 

[Lowlight]

Exactly

The thing with theses types of rifles is, they are modular to some extent. So you can "help" them make weight but you would be compromising and spending money.

The reason to use a Magnum in this type of event is to gain an advantage, so that means Open

 

[Lowlight]

Don't forget you have to carry it, why would you want to use that rifle in the first place, and think you would be competitive? Using a rifle like that is more, because I want to fight with my stuff, so trying to leverage competitiveness is strange.

Switching that Bipod would be enough, the Elite Iron is heavy

If you showed up at 23.1 nobody is gonna say anything, even 23.25, in that configuration, however if you built the rifle that way, no...

we don't need to include mags either, nor the sling

 

[Lowlight]

I do think originally I had it 23.5LBS too I think we switched it to like 19LBS and 23.5LBS if I was not mistaken, after seeing a bunch of rifles just crest 23 I thought we nudged it a tick

 

[W54/XM-388]

It's out for the recall right now so I can't weigh it, but if you wanted factory and light, you could go with the Sig Cross in like 6.5 and even with a replacement longer barrel you'd be easily well under the light weight limit.

That thing is way easier to sling and carry around than the big AI rifles.

If I was shooting a match where I had to move around a lot, I'd seriously consider using that one with a custom barrel and nice bipod.
(I'm assuming the 18" factory barrel would struggle getting to the 1k range).

 

[_Windrider_]

Lowlight just flexed all over this thread with like 4 different AI rifles.

 

[Lowlight]

The thing is, I see you are trying to leverage competitiveness with the rifles ...

Again, this chasing the edges, which then become the standard. The edges are where the points are scored. The better barrel, better balance, better reloads, better scope, better training.

We are going more of a balance vs letting the inmates dictate how the asylum will be run. We know the edges exist, we know certain people buy that one big, oversized rifle they think will do it all. However the idea is to get people to think, you showed 3 rifles, of those three, I would want to balance, weight, caliber, (lighter has proven easier to shoot, even farther) and experience with each. We want people to have a goal, and for others who don't realize there should be one, give them better practices that are bit more universal in nature.

If you were going to Scott's ELR Event, you want the AXMC, you are going to an ASC UKD type match you look at the magnums for drop and wind to cheat unknown conditions. you are going to a competition that has movement and alternate positions you might want to consider a bit lighter rifle with a faster caliber to balance the conditions you will probably see in a match.

For those who say, I want to use the match to learn to fight with my rifle, you run what you have but you recognize any talk of competitiveness should be last, therefore a pleasant surprise if you exceed expectations

Decision making is gonna be part of this... several have agreed, shooting the wrong target, and taking a chance when a chance might have consequences -----> should, negative points, etc will come into play.

We want to mix things up, like multiple positions with multiple targets, don't dictate which target will be shot in what order, let the target and terrain dictate that. If you know there are six targets out there and your first position only gives you clean views of 2, why try to hit the other 4, MOVE, then take the target that gives you cleanest opportunity

If I put 3 targets out with limited views, left, right and below, you use the opposite position to take the shot, so you have to think. too much is handed to people and presented as a gift

 

[Jrb572]

Frank. What length barrel does that AXMC have?

Maybe my scale is off.

my scale says 18.5 lbs
mine is 22” .308 Factory contour barrel
Sphur mount
Vortex 4.5x27
atlas bipod.

 

[jsimonh]

I love the simplicity of the divisions, but I have an honest question. With all your experience and shooters you see, what guesstimate do you have on how many competitors use factory ammo? Since it's a vital part of limited, I'm assuming a lot. Just curious. Thanks!

 

[Lowlight]

Quite a bit actually

Depends on the event, I see a nice majority of shooters with factory, I have only shot reloads in a match 3x in 18 years, I always shoot factory myself, you never see me with reloads.

Think about bringing new shooters in to the fold, the curious, not overly experienced. The number of people out there who actually reload is relatively small. We are skewed because most of us have access to some of the best shooters in the world. So we see a lot of things the average Joe does not.

Most of us here talking this stuff are experienced, there is a fuck ton more inexperienced out there

Factory ammo is there for several reasons, including forward growth.

 

[Kamerad]

Quite a bit actually

Depends on the event, I see a nice majority of shooters with factory, I have only shot reloads in a match 3x in 18 years, I always shoot factory myself, you never see me with reloads.

Think about bringing new shooters in to the fold, the curious, not overly experienced. The number of people out there who actually reload is relatively small. We are skewed because most of us have access to some of the best shooters in the world. So we see a lot of things the average Joe does not.

Most of us here talking this stuff are experienced, there is a fuck ton more inexperienced out there

Factory ammo is there for several reasons, including forward growth.

I am among the group you describe. 2022 is my time frame for this type of competition shooting. 2021 is focused on developing fundamentals and getting out to local level comps.

I appreciate you offering up an explanation of the rules and their intent, it helps me not get lost in the weeds of upgrades instead of developing fundamentals.

Time for me to re-up subscription to the training videos!

 

[_Windrider_]

Do we include silencers in the weight? I would want to encourage more people to use them so maybe excluding that is a good idea.

 

[Tree]

Just out of curiosity (may seem like a stupid question). How do you define factory ammo? Lapua makes 6.5x47, 6mmBR, Prime was making 6GT if I remember correctly and Clay Cartridge makes many 6 variants. Also do you see a real differential between factory and hand loaded with what some have reported regarding barrel tuners and effect on factory ammo?

 

[W54/XM-388]

I would guess Factory Ammo could be easily defined by something that is made commercially for sale to the general public and is not subject to being "specially produced" for the individual shooter (there are a couple ammo companies (such as copper creek cartridge company) that specifically do small batch custom load ammo tuned to your gun specifically).

It would be pretty easy to call out the difference, there wasn't a caliber limit discussed so any standard commercial manufacturer of them would be pretty straight forward. Lots of factory ammunition companies make several different options for the same caliber much like the FGMM has a couple different .308 options etc.

Generally any factory ammo someone shows up with would be easy enough to at a glance or at most, at a quick check on the internet on a cell phone, verify it's standard factory ammo that is generally available all the same to anyone ordering, and not specifically loaded to someone's rifle.

 

[Lowlight]

No semi custom, big box only

Prime works because it’s made by the big box

the tuners aren’t a magic bullet either don’t care if you run a tuner, like I said you all are playing at the edges. I‘m not the PRs I am not letting the inmates or the edges dictate the center

I don’t care you get Clay’s he is a niche shop and not factory ammo

how about this factory ammo has to come from a Factory not a house or garage

 

[Lowlight]

I am gonna actually have an official who will say NO up front if you try pushing

Ford vs Ferrari - we will have BOB

 

[Lowlight]

If people want to test, we have a list

 

[Lowlight]

I tried a tuner on a brand new barrel, it was better with out the tuner and 68 rounds less because I didn’t have to tune it.

they can get bumped and nudged too if you aren’t careful and throw things wild from a minor adjustment

the tuners help factory barrels that shoot around an inch, but that won’t help the shooter in a match

 

[KZP]

The negative points element, it would give the last or slower shooters an advantage because they know exactly what score they need reach based on results from those ahead of them, which incentivizes avoiding the choice that stage(s) was presenting. What are your thoughts on the gaming of shooting order or playing sloth when matches introduce negative scoring.

 

[Lowlight]

Doesn’t matter if you can’t go backwards

 

[Lowlight]

Plus you are talking gaming shots that newer shooters can’t do, a better shooter can say go in order BAC but the guy still has to shoot it

 

[KZP]

Plus you are talking gaming shots that newer shooters can’t do, a better shooter can say go in order BAC but the guy still has to shoot it

Oh okay, I thought it was pick the target yourself for N points, taking the risky or safer options.

 

[Lowlight]

this is the part of the MD job that has disappeared, you don’t hear talked about

It’s the MD job to anticipate the shooters, the gamers, how will they try to “game” the stage...

So in stages where information is key, don;t let the shooter return to the staging area. If a guy want to text someone that is gonna happen, but who are they really cheating

You have to expect X amount of games, and even Y amount of missed opportunity to fix it, you don;t just throw your hands up or worse, say they will do it so let them. You plan, you design, you implement things that even with the information you still have to engage it

You all are terrible at this to be honest and now I see why we are the state of affairs we are, too easy to cave and let one dissenting view remove the obstacle that should be in place.

this is why the stages today are 3 steps forward, drop bag on prop, engage target to direct front, rinse and repeat

So of course they let they shooters game every aspect of the match, there is no thinking or imagination

If you note, I said stages will have equipment carried, there is no reason to return someone to a staging area.

Look at CD matches, no ROs, no cheating, no way to game, you move up, they say, 6 targets out there from here, go... you either find them and hit them or not

 

[Lowlight]

This really blends elements of CD with a bit More variety in stages.

The CD stuff is run and works better than most other matches, 5 minute stages, specific start times, most days you are done by 1 PM, no books, no information on a silver plate, just find it, range it, engage it,

The simplicity of certain things just works better

 

[KZP]

The simplicity of certain things just works better

Agreed.

 

[Lowlight]

If you ask me, the current crop of MD, and not all, especially out west, but the current group is just repeating the easiest stages.

same stage repeated with a different piece of lumber or pipe at roughly the same heights

this is really what people are asking, they want variety, they want more a challenge and reason behind the skills being tested, they want they WHY because, saying, because it was done last week should not be an answer

 

[Baron23]

@lowlight

Sounds like great fun, Frank.

I wish I was younger than my 68 years with a balky lumbar. LOL

Question...sort of. I was USAF in a TAC squadron and we definitely did NOT do land navigation, target ranging, etc that many members here learned as professionals during their service (but we did generally get three hots and a cot every day! haha).

And, I note above that you are also interested in attracting new shooters or those who don't have a professional background in this type of shooting.

Kind of makes me think that to attract these less experience type of shooters to this comp, there may well be a need for asscociated training (clinics) for the skills and activity needed for your comp. Just a thought....in my background in skeet, there was nothing like a very good training clinic to attract newer or just recreational shooters and motivate/excite them to try a tournament.

Just a thought.

As an older guy, a former comp skeet shooter but newer to rifles, I feel the same way when reading about PRS....I would like to try the positions and skills need...outside of a comp....to see what I can do (or can't) and learn some skills/techniques. A clinic if you will.

Your thoughts? And if this is a stupid question, just ignore it. I do understand you are trying to keep this thread on a specific track.

Think about bringing new shooters in to the fold, the curious, not overly experienced.

 

[Lowlight]

Never said you had to land nav, in Assassin’s Way you have to but not this

I got it handled in terms of what is going on, I am sure it will take 2 events for people to figure it out

 

[Mojo0254]

I like the idea here especially about not setting classes based on price and having specific skill stages that anyone can do being a real skills test. Some suggestions though on the skill stage of say 2 MOA, 1 MOA, 1/2 MOA at three distances maybe make it you can't advance to the next target until you hit the target you are aiming at. As far as a tripod for a skill stage as a new shooter I don't think that is a good way to go at all. Granted a new shooter is not going to be competitive in these matches where a skill stage is going to make the difference much in placement but not everyone is going to have a tripod to practice with. Therefore immediately someone with a tripod to practice with is going to have an advantage over someone who doesn't. What about instead of a tripod you did a standing off hand, kneeling, sitting, laying down stage. No extra equipment required and I think we can agree those are all positions someone should be able to get in or maybe not sitting.

 

[M8541Reaper]

@lowlight

Sounds like great fun, Frank.

I wish I was younger than my 68 years with a balky lumbar. LOL

Question...sort of. I was USAF in a TAC squadron and we definitely did NOT do land navigation, target ranging, etc that many members here learned as professionals during their service (but we did generally get three hots and a cot every day! haha).

And, I note above that you are also interested in attracting new shooters or those who don't have a professional background in this type of shooting.

Kind of makes me think that to attract these less experience type of shooters to this comp, there may well be a need for asscociated training (clinics) for the skills and activity needed for your comp. Just a thought....in my background in skeet, there was nothing like a very good training clinic to attract newer or just recreational shooters and motivate/excite them to try a tournament.

Just a thought.

As an older guy, a former comp skeet shooter but newer to rifles, I feel the same way when reading about PRS....I would like to try the positions and skills need...outside of a comp....to see what I can do (or can't) and learn some skills/techniques. A clinic if you will.

Your thoughts? And if this is a stupid question, just ignore it. I do understand you are trying to keep this thread on a specific track.

The new shooter aspect can easily be managed with a mentor system. I forget what EDS episode it was, but @lowlight mentioned how the archery scene has a mentor program. That would be a great integration that could easily work to help new shooters that might be intimidated or feel overwhelmed.

 

[Lowlight]

Off hand with our rifles,

not to be negative have you done this ?

Scores tend to be in the 1s and 2s you cant hold a 18lbs rifle up

tripod is the price of doing business get one or stay home its more practical than off hand

 

[Lowlight]

Everyone can buy a set of $100 nylon bags but the tripod, the most universal field tool for any shooter, period, is a bridge too far for a new shooter

Nope, you guys talk like you never shot this stuff, offhand ? Really

 

[ma smith]

That being said, a "standard" tripod (setup)
could keep arms race issues at bay,
so it doesn't become a money pit.

 

[Lowlight]

Tripods are easy there are plenty of solid 1/2 price knock offs

Max is $1500, RRS

you can get $700 variants and knock off that work -

 

[Lowlight]

Look at my gear list

3 bags and a tripod

 

[Baron23]

Never said you had to land nav, in Assassin’s Way you have to but not this

Thank you for the reply, Frank. I must have confused something from another post/thread talking about possible formats of comps.

But I still think clinics (or the mentor program that @M8541Reaper referenced) would be beneficial in trying to grow participation. Perhaps as a prelim day prior to actual comp. Take clinic and participate in comp or just take clinic.

Come on, Frank....don't you want to run an old guy like me around in the summer heat!! haha It should be humorous entertainment for all....even me

It still sounds like fun and I'll bow out of this thread to allow it to stay on topic and let the folks who actually know something about this stuff discuss it.

Cheers

 

[Sparkeytj]

I am new to rifle comps and dont want to muddy the waters with my input, but with all the talk of rifle weight and ammo being the ways to delineate the classes, since they can provide an advantage. It seems to me cartridge selection has the same effect.

Being new I didn't want to commit fully to a custom built rifle which left me to factory offered cartridges ie. 6-6.5 creedmoor or 308 for my barreled action. All the factory offered options seem to put a new shooter at a big disadvantage when compared to all the 6mm variants. It also seems a 6mm br or dasher serve no other purpose than competition

Pistol comps have a power factor for the same reason I have mentioned above.

 

[_Windrider_]

I am new to rifle comps and dont want to muddy the waters with my input, but with all the talk of rifle weight and ammo being the ways to delineate the classes, since they can provide an advantage. It seems to me cartridge selection has the same effect.

Being new I didn't want to commit fully to a custom built rifle which left me to factory offered cartridges ie. 6-6.5 creedmoor or 308 for my barreled action. All the factory offered options seem to put a new shooter at a big disadvantage when compared to all the 6mm variants. It also seems a 6mm br or dasher serve no other purpose than competition

Pistol comps have a power factor for the same reason I have mentioned above.

Yeah but a 30 lb 6 creed is basically cheating. So weight limits are needed.