If you could design a 600 yard benchrest class what would you teach? What experiences would the students have? How long? Etc.
One day classroom one day shooting instruction or mornings classroom afternoon shooting for two days. Day one, Proper bench shooting techniques including equipment setup and layout, trigger control, rifle manipulation, what is meant by “free recoil”, use of sighters, time management, wind evaluation. Day two, Tool selection and use for both home and range reloading. Brass preparation tools and methods, priming, powder measuring methods. Loading techniques including bullet seating. Component selection methods. Ammunition testing including pressure detecting methods. Tuning load to rifle and rifle to load. I am assuming here that rifle selection is covered elsewhere.
It might also be an idea to get a list together of legal equipment to hand out before the class is over. So the guys would have an idea on what parts and tools to be gathering to build a gun and also reload properly.
I think it would need to be short range or long range specific. Bench set up, understanding conditions, trigger controll and loading the rifle. Go over benchrest reloading ie neck tension, neck turning, sizing, annealing etc. then dive into load tuning. A class where you can bring you’re rifle and reloading gear, Load some rounds then shoot then have the instructor’s evaluate youre techniques and help you tune youre load. As a potential student I would be more than happy to attend a two or three day class, I would want it to be a fun and light atmosphere but professional and safe to. E
Terry has already taught me plenty. Would love to be test victim in a class. May not be possible but the smaller the class size, benefits people like "slow learners".
Terry, since you took the class at Williamsport, I would probably follow their format. I believe I would spend a little more time on proper reloading techniques. For the amount of information that is put out, I believe two days is minimum. You are obviously a very good shooter and if you're thinking of teaching a class at your range, I wish you the best of luck with a good turnout. ……….Chuck
I’ve heard lots of good things about the Williamsport class, but you cant bring youre own rifle... right?
When I was there it was optional. I would call them. We shot their gun. It did not detract from the class. Traveling from WI it was easier.
We were able to shoot the gun my friend brought after the last teaching session. Many of us hadn't ever shot 1000 yards prior to this experience. The trainers for each group of two provided their personal firearm for us to use. In our case it was a 6.5/47. Excellent learning experience and a ton of fun. Two in our group were in wheel chairs and the range is essentially handicap accessible. The trainers/teachers bent over backward to make everyone feel comfortable. Well worth the price of admission!
Earl, I think the instructors supply their own rifles and ammo to ease the transition from one student to another. I do believe they allow you to shoot your own rifle if you really want to but I would call to be certain. As Terry pointed out, it does not detract from the class as all of the equipment is top shelf and if you have to travel it would probably make things easier.
Mirage and wind tend to be worse in the afternoon, at least where I shoot. I think a morning session first under optimal conditions of cool calm crisp morning air then a second session the next day in the afternoon to show the difference once the air has heated up and the wind is more present.
Any class clinic basically comes down to: -Basic Equipment overview (and equipment rules) -Reloading techniques -Ballistics (bullet selection and wind) -Gun handling/setup -Practice match and what to expect at a real match in terms of logistics, etc.
