am i accurate enough to be competitive?

[GSP.JM.280]

Hey all,
I am new to the forum and looking at getting into competitive F class shooting. However I am not new to high power rifle shooting. I consistently am shooting groups at 300yds that measure .55 to .6 inches which is about 0.18 MOA prone off a bipod in the dirt. Would this be considered good enough to keep up with others in competition? Any input is greatly appreciated because like I said I am new to the prospect of competitive shooting and always welcome constructive input whether positive or negative. Thanks again. Great to be part of this forum

 

[Kakumba]

How many shots are you calling a group? But yes, that is definitely competitive, you will only need to worry about the wind at that point

 

[GSP.JM.280]

Last time i went out to check the zero on my rifle I shot 3 groups of 3 shots each that was with about a 7 mph, 3/4 value wind. Groups averaged .566"

 

[Kakumba]

OK. you will probably find you have a bit more when you are firing 20 shot matches, but the best way to get competitive is to get out there and shoot. Go find your local F Class matches, and get amongst it. You ought to find knowledgeable people, and the only way to really learn is to do

 

[dkhunt14]

If that is what your gun shoots, the gun is competitive. The rest is up to you. Matt

 

[M99]

As long as the gun and ammo stay on target, get out there are compete. That's the way you get competitive. You will learn huge amounts getting better as you shoot with some of these experienced competition shooters. Most (not all) are happy to share info and help new competitors along. As an aside, I'd suggest 5 shot groups when testing your final loads for MOA averages. 3 Shot groups are fine for preliminary testing and ladder testing.

 

[GSP.JM.280]

I appreciate all the advice. As soon as it gets above freezing temperatures here I'll be out shooting some 5 and 10 shot groups....I'll be sure and take some pictures this time to show off. Good to be part of the forum

 

[Dusty Stevens]

You gotta go to get better! See how the dice fall

 

[Marksman63]

I think you are on the right way, but being competitive at 300 yds doesn't necessary mean being at 1000yds.
1st, has your bullet enough speed to keep Mach 1.2 at 1000 yds?
2nd, has your bullet a fair BC in order to better forgive your wind misreadings?
3rd, are you and your load enough consistent for a 15/20 shots string?

 

[GSP.JM.280]

As for the load I'm shooting a 180 gr .284 cal sierra matchking at 2950 with a BC of .66 stays above mach to 2000 yrds depending on weather and altitude. So the bullet can do it. Just gotta find out if the guy pulling the trigger can do it

 

[Marksman63]

Great! A good start is half the battle!

 

[Keith Glasscock]

That will do. Go shoot some matches!

 

[6BRinNZ]

Just get out and compete. There is heaps to learn about the rifle and your setup that will only show up once you compete. Things like cleaning regimes, ability to hold vertical over one or more days shooting, your own ability to manage fatigue if competing in lengthier matches...and then there is your ability to manage the wind and use various strategies.
I'm off the opinion that the sooner anyone starts competing the quicker they will learn what it takes to be competitive and to what level.

Above all have fun!

 

[riflewoman]

Your gun is competitive. You probably aren't. The only way to get competitive is to compete. The science of rifle shooting is to get the gun competitive. That's the easy part. The art is learning to read wind, learning to "feel" the position, taking the shot accurately WHEN it needs to be shot, and a host of others. The ONLY way to do that is to compete.

I've seen people with more accurate equipment lose to people with "lesser" equipment who were better at the art.

Go, compete and enjoy.

 

[rayjay]

Here is my advice to anyone wanting to start competing. "Expect to finish last in your first match. This way you will NOT be disappointed where ever you finish."

You have a lot to learn and the other competitors have an experience advantage. The nice thing is, almost without fail they will be willing to share their experience with you. The only cost is your entry fee.

 

[Ringostar]

This past October I was shooting a long range match in a neighboring state. It was a range that I hadn't been to before. I did quite well. And helped out other shooters when I could. I was scoring a newer shooter. When he finished his string I pointed out a problem with his rear bag position. He commented that he practices a lot, but doesn't seem to be getting better. I told him that if he just goes to the range and practices mistakes, its hard to improve. He might learn more by shooting matches and talking with competitors. More are willing to help you, than lie to you!

 

[GSP.JM.280]

Just loaded up a bunch of rounds and got the ok from the doc to walk on my leg, I broke it pretty bad back in November. Its supposed to get above 40 degrees this week so I should have some target pics to post of 10-15 round groups....any suggestions on cleaning regiments? I usually shoot 5 rounds then clean....but that's still in the break in process only have 115 rounds through the barrel.

 

[Catfur]

Go.
Shoot.
Have fun.
Learn.
Get better.

 

[savagedasher]

If you and your gun shots that good you're ready . Larry

 

[Erud]

I don't know that we really need to see any target pics, score is what counts in F-class. You'll have to shoot 20 shots per target, and you'll be somewhat at the mercy of the guy pulling your target, among other things. Just go to a match and shoot it. You'll find out quickly if you shoot well enough to be competitive. If you aren't, figure out what you need to do to be competitive.