High Power question

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MacPelto

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OK, I've decided to take the plunge into HIgh Power, so i have a question. I've searched through the archives and read all about rifles, jackets, etc, but what I want to know is, when it comes to the rapid fire stages you can either load 2 and 8, or 5 and 5. Is there any advantage to doing it one way over another, and if so, why?

Thanks

Mac
 
Well, if you've got a Garand, 2 and 8 is the only way to go. If you're firing an M1903 of any sort, 5 and 5 it is.

For an M1A or AR-15, I don't think it really matters.
 
everyone i know who shoots AR15s uses 2 and 8. not really sure why
 
I need to buy a copy of the rules.


I know why I load 2 and 8 when shooting my AR - it's because the range master looks around to see if anyone's firing a 1903, and when he doesn't see one he calls out one mag with 2 and one mag with 8 before those stages.
 
Let's see if I can beat 30Cal to the rule citation:

10.1.7 says that service rifles will load 2 rounds at the Load command. Match rifles will load with 5. After firing 2 or 5 rounds, competitors will reload with 8 or 5 rounds as appropriate. Semi-auto match rifles (i.e. AR-based spaceguns) may load 2 or 5 rounds at the Load command at the shooter's discretion.

There might be an advantage if you load 2 and 8 if you're scoping your shots at the reload. Shooting 2, scoping, and making an adjustment for the last 8 can be better than shooting 5 and making an adjustment for the last 5.
 
If you're shooting a service rifle, 2 and 8 is the only way to go. As Langenator sez, this goes back to the M1 and it's en-bloc clips. With the AR15 or M14 service rifle, two and eight are the rules, can't load 'em any other way in rapid fire.

If you're shooting a bolt action match rifle, you load 5 and 5. This naturally goes for '03 Springfield shooters too, and K98 Mausers or whatever else comes out.

If you're shooting a semi automatic match rifle (per 3.3.1), you can load either 2 or 5 at your discretion. Some folks say that 2 and 8 is preferable, since after the reload you put more rounds downrange in one mount (i.e., you don't shoot five, break position, reload, rebuild your position, and shoot five more. Instead, shoot two, break position, reload, rebuild your position, and get to use that position for eight rounds instead of five). I don't really think it matters for a hard holder. Some space gun shooters I know shoot five and five, some go 2 and 8.
 
The latest NRA Highpower Rules I have are dated 2003;

10.1.7 Rapid Fire Loading Procedure-After the command Load, all rifles conforming to Rule 3. 1.1 and 3.1.2 will be loaded with 2 rounds in the
magazine. Rifles conforming to 3.3 will load 5 rounds. Bolts will be left open
with no round in the chamber until the competitor is in the firing position.
( Note: the rifle need not be in the shoulder before the bolt is closed.)
Competitors using rifles conforming to Rule 3.1 will engage the safety and
load two rounds (I in the chamber). The safety will not be disengaged until the
competitor is in the firing position. After firing the 2 or 5 rounds, competitors
will reload 8 or 5 rounds as appropriate. (Semi-auto match rifles conforming
to Rule 3.3 may initially load 2 or 5 rounds at the competitor's option.)

Just in case anyone wants to know what is referred to in 3.3...
_____________________________
3.3 NRA Match Rifle-A center fire rifle with metallic sights and a
magazine capable of holding not less than 5 rounds.

Steve, has there been an change since 2003?...and where the hell are you these days?:confused:
 
I don't know if there has been a change since '03. As you know, you have to learn to read the HP rulebook as interpreting it is not intuitive at times.

For the benefit of others here, the rule Bline Rat quoted tells you that Match rifles must shoot 5 and 5, Service Rifles shoot 2 and 8. IOW, all rifles that are shot in HP conform to 3.3, and Service Rifles conform to additional rules.

Where have I been? Well, I went to Iraq and then moved to NC. I have shot a little, but not a great deal lately. I really oughta.
 
According to the rules a Match Rifle MUST shoot 5 and 5. A Service Rifle MUST shoot 2 and 8.
Click to expand...
For the benefit of others here, the rule Bline Rat quoted tells you that Match rifles must shoot 5 and 5, Service Rifles shoot 2 and 8. IOW, all rifles that are shot in HP conform to 3.3, and Service Rifles conform to additional rules.
Click to expand...
Then I'm confused as far as the rule book is concerned (using the April '03 revision).

3.3.1 outlines the "Semi Automatic Match Rifle," but the option to "initially load 2 or 5 rounds at the competitor's option" goes to 3.3 which simply states "A center fire rifle with metallic sights and a magazine capable of holding not less than 5 rounds."

But given that there's a specific rule for semi auto match rifles, why does 10.1.7 refer to 3.3 which is a generic description of a match rifle regardless of action? :confused: I know I've seen space gun shooters load two and eight before with no protest from anyone.

Maybe I need to buy a new rulebook.
 
When addressing a rules question, it's important to read through the rule book and not assume that you know the answer. Case in point;

To address the initial question, I just "KNEW" it had to be 5 and 5 for "Match Rifle" and 2 and 8 for "Service Rifle"...Right?

Wrong!...as 10.1.7 shows. It's still possible that it's not the case since it seems we all only have rulebooks current to 2003! For shame!!!:banghead:

Steve I read through the book every which way for context and looking for conflicts or loopholes. I couldn't find any. What I read is what I read....and I'm a rules kind of guy.
 
I am also a rules guy...and Quentin caught it (because I was too lazy to walk downstairs to my shooting cart). The semi-auto Match Rifle may load 2 and 8. I remember this being a topic on the Florida site about 3 years ago.

I don't believe there are many (if any) loopholes in the book. You just have to read it with the other rules in mind. A flowchart view of the rulebook could be helpful.
 
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