Target Sizes at PRS or other precision matches

[howe0001]

I notice as I read AAR's from matches or watch videos of matches, the description of the particular target on that particular stage will be IPSC or IPSC 66% etc.... I know that at some stages at some matches you may have to range your targets with your reticle. Obviously you need to know the size of the target to do this. Does this mean I need to know all the standard sizes for targets prior to going to the matches or do they normally tell you the size of the targets if that is required for some portion of the stage as in ranging your targets?

This brings up other things also:

What things need to be committed to memory prior to going to a PRS style match:
These are my questions:
1) Target Sizes: IPSC, IDPA, etc. (full size, reduced sizes, etc)
2) Holdovers (MILS for different ranges)
3) Memorize one or more columns from the mildot reference chart, say the 30" and/or 18" column for ranging

or am I over thinking/preparing ?

If there are things that need to be committed to memory that I did not list, what other items should I consider memorizing?

Thanks

 

[echo6tango]

From one beginner to another, I think you're over thinking it a little bit. Most PRS matches will give you the distance to the target, but it behooves you to have someone in your squad confirm with a laser rangefinder. If you don't, whoever shoots first will quickly tell you if the distance is off.

If you're using a solid ballistics app, there's no need to memorize holds for distance or wind as the app will give it to you. You'll have SOOOO much going on in your brain, you won't remember it all anyway, so don't even bother.

Hope this helps!

 

[howe0001]

echo6tango, i've been evaluating quite a few apps over the years, strelok pro, shooter, trasol, ballistic arc, (there a few more) and all give me my holds/wind just fine, which one works best for you at the matches you attend? as far as useability : Do you set up targets ahead of time in the app (such as you can do with BA and Strelok) or do you just use your app to figure out holds/wind and right it on a range card or arm bar? Do you find you have time to use the angle/azimuth features in strelok, shooter, ba, trasol or do you just enter that in and write down the info ahead of time.

 

[echo6tango]

I use the app to get drops and wind holds and write them on an arm bar. I haven't had to shoot from any high-angle positions, but I'm confident you'd have more than enough time to get a decent reading of angle and azimuth if you choose to.

I have played around with Ballistic AE and iStrelok before but settled on ABMobile. It's accurate and pretty easy to navigate quickly.

Be up front with your squad mates about being a beginner, and they will help you out with a lot of this stuff. You will likely NOT shoot first for at least the first couple stages, so you'll have time to mess around with whatever app you're using.

I am one who tends to over complicate and over think things, and I can tell you that one of the biggest lessons I learned at my last match was to simplify, especially at first.

 

[howe0001]

I use the app to get drops and wind holds and write them on an arm bar. I haven't had to shoot from any high-angle positions, but I'm confident you'd have more than enough time to get a decent reading of angle and azimuth if you choose to.

I have played around with Ballistic AE and iStrelok before but settled on ABMobile. It's accurate and pretty easy to navigate quickly.

Be up front with your squad mates about being a beginner, and they will help you out with a lot of this stuff. You will likely NOT shoot first for at least the first couple stages, so you'll have time to mess around with whatever app you're using.

I am one who tends to over complicate and over think things, and I can tell you that one of the biggest lessons I learned at my last match was to simplify, especially at first.

I really appreciate your feedback. Thanks for the thoughtful responses. This sort of information really helps.

 

[LH_Gina]

@howe0001 if there is an unknown distance stage at a PRS/NRL match, the target dimensions will be given to you ahead of time. It's rare to have a UKD stage these days though because it's too hard to keep the distance unknown. @echo6tango is 100% on simplifying. When you're new you tend to overanalyze everything even when you don't need to. I haven't used Strelok in years, but I use BA all the time. The comp function helps if you're the kind who likes to be prepared ahead of time with having a good idea on what you're DOPE will be. You'll still need to update atmospherics, shot angle, etc. when you get to the range/stage. Most of the targets are known sizes though and usually listed in the match book so you'll have an idea how big they are relative to the distance.

 

[howe0001]

LH_Gina, thanks for the feedback.