Author Topic: Getting Started  (Read 958 times)

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Offline Newguy

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Getting Started
« on: May 18, 2003, 01:10:47 PM »
I am interested in getting started in Silhouette shooting.  I currently live in Florida and am looking for a club or range to shoot with.

I have a few questions:

What rifles can I use in the Hunter class?  (I would like to use my MRC 1999)

What calibers can I use? (I would like to use 6.5 Remington Magnum)

Is a 6 power scope a good choice?

I am looking to get started because I want to practice and my wife has shown some interest in the sport.

Offline JimInNJ

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Getting Started
« Reply #1 on: May 19, 2003, 06:48:30 AM »
Checking the TSRA web site http://www.tsra.com/NRA_Sub.htm I see one club in Jacksonville Florida shooting High Power Silhouette on Jun 7, Jul 5, Aug 2, Sep 6, Oct 4, Nov 1, and Dec 6.  The contact listed is M. White, 1238 Le Brun Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32205-4552. (904)786-8115 or mel129byrd@aol.com

A hunter class rifle may not weigh more than 9 lbs including scope, and the trigger can not break lighter than 2 lbs.  The barrel must be tapered (no "bull" barrels), and no muzzle break.  The caliber has to be 6mm or larger, not a magnum, and not a wildcat.

There are also restrictions on dimensions of stock, length of barrel, and height of scope, but as long as it looks like a standard hunting rifle you are probably well within these limits.

Your 6.5 Rem Mag would not be allowed.  But the 6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser and the .260 Rem are both very popular, as is the 7mm-08 and others in that general class.  The idea is to have enough power to knock over the rams, but light enough recoil to still be shooting well at the end of the match.  You do not need a "flat shooter" because all of the targets are at known distances.  If you already have a non-magnum hunting rifle anywhere from a .243 on up to a .30-06 bring it out and give it a try.

A 6 power scope may not be a good choice, but if it is what you have bring it out.  Most (but not all) people use a lot more power.  Target turrets are an advantage because you will want to adjust your elevation for each of the four distances.

- Jim

Offline Newguy

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Getting Started
« Reply #2 on: May 19, 2003, 10:26:11 AM »
Jim,

The 6.5 Remington Magnum is a short magnum, will it be disallowed just because it says “magnum” It shoots about the same as a 6.5-06 or a 256 Newton.  (They booth shoot a 140 grain bullet at 2900 FPS)   I am interested in this for fun and to practice for hunting.  If I can’t use that I have a 30-06 that I will use.  Thanks for the link for the dates I have saved it to my favorites.  I am several hours away from Jacksonville but I will go up to check out one of the matches.

Thanks,

Greg

Offline JimInNJ

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Getting Started
« Reply #3 on: May 19, 2003, 02:32:56 PM »
Greg,

To the best of my knowledge, all magnum calibers including the short ones are considered illegal to prevent target damage.  Additionally, the match director can ban any non-magnum load that is found to be causing damage.

With 6.5mm 140gr bullets you only need about 2600 - 2700 fps to take down the rams.  Lighter loads are commonly used for the closer animals.

Nothing beats going to a match and asking a lot of questions.  Most of the folks you meet will be glad to have the opportunity to recruit another shooter.  Check with the match director first to make sure you know how to find and get into the club, what time the match starts and all that.

- Jim