I went to my first 600 yard F class match yesterday

[horsemen61]

Hello All,

Yesterday was quite an interesting adventure for me! I attended my first ever shooting competition of any kind Everyone was Super Nice and helpful I went as a spectator this time whilst also joining said Range I learned an awful lot I can’t wait to go Back Next time I’m going as a competitor! My favorite part is the benchrest part I’m not a huge fan of going prone I think I’ll shoot F/TR to start I have a savage model 12 vlp dbm that will work for that @Nature Boy any suggestions here I think you’ve done something similar it’s a 223 btw thank you for reading and I can’t wait to learn!

 

[Jim Watson]

FTR you have to shoot prone, at least back when I was active.
With 7 twist .223 you can shoot 80 gr SMK, up to 85 gr Berger. It will hammer at 600 yards but I never got even a 90 gr VLD 6.5 twist to do as well at 1000 as a 175 gr .308 even though the paper ballistics said it should.

Read the rules, in FTR you get a front bipod and a rear sandbag.

 

[Nature Boy]

Congrats on taking the first step.

Your .223 can be competitive at 600 yards against .308s in the F/TR class.

You’ll need some modifications though. Acquire a prefit 1:7 twist .223 barrel with an ISSF chamber so you can load the long Berger 90 VLDs. The 90s have a similar BC to .308s shooting 185 VLDs.

I recommend calling Northland Shooters Supply. They will have what you need.

Criterion Barrels, Shilen Barrels, Bighorn Arms Actions, KRG Chassis, and More Northland Shooters Supply

Northland Shooters Supply (NSS) offers Criterion barrels, Shilen Barrels, Bighorn actions, Zermatt Arms Actions, TriggerTech triggers, APA Muzzle Brakes, KRG Chassis, and many other upgraded tools and parts.

northlandshooterssupply.com

The only other things to have are a good target scope, a wide track bipod and a decent rear bag and you’re all set

 

[horsemen61]

Congrats on taking the first step.

Your .223 can be competitive at 600 yards against .308s in the F/TR class.

You’ll need some modifications though. Acquire a prefit 1:7 twist .223 barrel with an ISSF chamber so you can load the long Berger 90 VLDs. The 90s have a similar BC to .308s shooting 185 VLDs.

I recommend calling Northland Shooters Supply. They will have what you need.

Criterion Barrels, Shilen Barrels, Bighorn Arms Actions, KRG Chassis, and More Northland Shooters Supply

Northland Shooters Supply (NSS) offers Criterion barrels, Shilen Barrels, Bighorn actions, Zermatt Arms Actions, TriggerTech triggers, APA Muzzle Brakes, KRG Chassis, and many other upgraded tools and parts.

northlandshooterssupply.com

The only other things to have are a good target scope, a wide track bipod and a decent rear bag and you’re all set

Thanks for the advice Guys! @Nature Boy can you recommend scope bipod and rear bag also can I shoot off of just bags? I have a Sighttron fixed 36X on it now I have a luepold 6.5-20x50 laying around I can mount on it it’s the Vx 3i target efr scope

 

[Nature Boy]

Consider these options based on your budget and timing. They don’t have to happen all at once

Scope - higher the magnification the better. The Sighttron will work but when mirage is bad you’ll want to dial it back and having a fixed power will make it tough to see the target under those conditions. The Leupold would probably be my choice of the 2.

When you have around $1,200 in your pocket take a look at the Nightforce BR 12-42x50. Best target scope for the money in my opinion.

Bipod- Look at the Phoenix or Duplin. For a cheaper option you could start with a Sinclair. These are wide track bipods designed specifically for F Class. Trying to shoot off a front bag would be a handicap.

Rear Bag- Protektor bags are a good value. I like their DR models. The rear bag matters more than you may think. I wouldn’t consider cheaper options

 

[horsemen61]

Consider these options based on your budget and timing. They don’t have to happen all at once

Scope - higher the magnification the better. The Sighttron will work but when mirage is bad you’ll want to dial it back and having a fixed power will make it tough to see the target under those conditions. The Leupold would probably be my choice of the 2.

When you have around $1,200 in your pocket take a look at the Nightforce BR 12-42x50. Best target scope for the money in my opinion.

Bipod- Look at the Phoenix or Duplin. For a cheaper option you could start with a Sinclair. These are wide track bipods designed specifically for F Class. Trying to shoot off a front bag would be a handicap.

Rear Bag- Protektor bags are a good value. I like their DR models. The rear bag matters more than you may think. I wouldn’t consider cheaper options

Awesome thank you to your points

1. I’ll switch the scope out no problem there
To the luepold ( I looked through the Nightforce you mentioned it’s amazing) the Nightforce is on the list

2. I’ll look into the front rest that was mentioned

3. I use the Protektor bags now I’ll look at what your saying



This is better than drugs thank you for all the help