I want to give HP a shot.... what equipment do I need

[Spot Shooter]

OK fella's,

    I don't know if anyone can answer this easy or not but I'm looking for some guidance.

     I have been planning to buy myself a A3 type AR for a long while and it looks like I'll be able to do that later this year.  I would like to give HP shooting a try but don't have anything for it, and have only read a few books on the subject.

     I'm thinking of getting myself a Kowa 601, or 660 and then the AR.  I figure after that the rest of the stuff is fairly cheap.  

Anyone have any recommendations of things to do / NOT to do while I'm accumulating stuff.

Thanks,
Spot

[GTKF]

If you plan to shoot service rifle class you'll need the A2 (must have outside appearance of M16). A3 can be used for sport class

Other euipment

Sling (Get 1907 type from Turner not a cheap one or a cotton, not nylon web)
At least 2 magazines (mil surplus 20 round not after market)
Scope and  single pole sope stand (must go down to a few inches off ground and be close to head)
Mat (can get by with sleeping bag pad or rug but a shooting mat is nice)

Helpfull items
Shooting Stool (carries gear and a place to sit while scoring)
Score book and holder
Shooting Mit (can use heavy glove)
Shooting Coat

[Jose Grande]

Good info there,thanks. On your rifle,get  a 1-8 or 1-9 twist barrel to stabilize heavy bullets at 600 yds. or more. I prefer the 1-8 myself. Hope you really enjoy Hi-Power,I know I do.

[Green3845]

SS-

There are two classes in HP, Service Rifle or match Rifle. A Garand, M1A, or an AR15(A1, A2, and as of January1, 2005-A3) are legal in Service Rifle. In Match Rifle, anything .30 cal or below is legal.

I would suggest the rifle and scope are your two big ticket items. Get the rifle first if you have to, you can make do with binoculars  for a while. To effectivelly use the fine scopes you mentioned, you need a scope stand--take a look here for one of the best scope stands available---www.giraudtool.com.

Here is a short "How To Get Started" article I wrote several years ago---

http://www.floridahighpower.com/ClintsHP.htm

[Bad Bob]

Good info there,thanks. On your rifle,get  a 1-8 or 1-9 twist barrel to stabilize heavy bullets at 600 yds. or more. I prefer the 1-8 myself. Hope you really enjoy Hi-Power,I know I do.

What load would you use for 600yd out of a newly acquired wilson 24" heavy bbl .  Any postition can be used and I have never shot any highpower at all. Have a bad back so I want to try this event and use my lightweight sporter carbine for regular club  highpower matches. Wilson is a one in 8 and sporter is one in 7.  Thinking about the hornady 75gr and 748 powder but any personal experiences would be appreciated.  Thanks. Bob

[Jose Grande]

90 gr. Sierra on top of 23gr. of IMR 4895. The bullet is loaded way out . It will not feed through the mag. But it's real accurate.
Since you single load at 600,you don't need to worry about mag feeding anyway. A buddy of mine shot a 197-12X with that load in his AR-15
23gr. also works well with 69 gr. bullets

[Bad Bob]

90 gr. Sierra on top of 23gr. of IMR 4895. The bullet is loaded way out . It will not feed through the mag. But it's real accurate.
Since you single load at 600,you don't need to worry about mag feeding anyway. A buddy of mine shot a 197-12X with that load in his AR-15
23gr. also works well with 69 gr. bullets

I have heard of 77gr and 80gr sierra and the 80 had to be single loaded but wasn't aware of the 90.  I have the 75 gr hornady for now.  Ill keep you posted.  Thanks.  Bob

[rich56]

Good info given so far. I started, With a cloth shooting jacket and a M1. You need a good ground pad. I would start with a RockRiver service rifle with the free floated barrel. you will go a long way using the Hornady bullets. My RockRiver gets 1/2'' groups with them