Any tips for first time short range benchrest?

[Schippergreg]

Do you have a good system for finding bullet seating depth?

the Boyer method working from touch into the lands is a good way to go about it

I’ve got Boyer’ book, read it a couple of times front to back and still thumb through the chapters. I’ve been working from hard jam back out.

 

[Schippergreg]

I suggest you attend one match without participating. Bring your gun, front rest and rear bag, and ammo, just in case you want to participate, or... you want someone to look at your equipment and make suggestions.
You will find the BR guys are friendly and helpful. The gate is open on match days, so you can come in and watch. I suggest you sign in in the clubhouse to let them know you are there, and to pick up info on the club.

I also suggest that you join the club. I am a member and I live twice as far from the club as you do. If you happen to be retired, you will find that on weekdays you will be sharing the 60 bench range with only about 2 to 6 or 8 other guys, and you will be able to pick the brains of some BR shooters. I bought a used LV gun and learned a lot from the weekday "practice" and the matches.

here is the match schedule
Match Schedule

Sure wish I was retired but too young and poor for that. A good buddy of mine just joined benchrest a few weeks ago, I’m dragging him down the short range wormhole with me. As long as our measly powder supply holds out you guys will have 2 rookies to beat up. Lol.
I’m gonna do my best to make it to the February shoot, even if it’s only as a spectator.

 

[Tim Singleton]

I’ve got Boyer’ book, read it a couple of times front to back and still thumb through the chapters. I’ve been working from hard jam back out.

Make sure you test far enough out so that you get to just touching
Some barrels and bullets really hit at a couple thousands in from touch

 

[rogina]

Above all, remain calm, and expect to get beaten up for a year or two. If you go with the mindset to have fun you will be fine. If you think you are gonna show the established guys something, hold onto your hat, it's gonna be a rough ride. Some people can do this, many cannot. You sound like you will have a great time!

Paul

Don't ever go to a match expecting to get beat. Go, expecting to win.

 

[rogina]

Don't ever go to a match expecting to get beat. Go, expecting to win.

Practice as close to 200 yards as possible. That is where the matches are won. Do your tuning there, also.

 

[Schippergreg]

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond and send me messages offering help and advice. I received way more responses than I hoped for. I’ve definitely got some practice to do. Hope to meet you guys at a match.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Benchrest is not a spectator sport- take your stuff and plan to compete. Meet as many as you can while youre there- if you see my name on a match come find me. Thats my favorite range.

 

[liljoe]

The easiest way to find Dave is just look for the farm animals.

Joe

 

[mharp]

Alright Joe, I wasn't going to go there, but since you did......

Mr Schipper, the easiest way to find Dave Coots is to look for Sasquatch/Bigfoot. Only difference is Dave is a little taller, has more body hair, and will probably have Scotch on his breath. Also if he is using his loading trailer, there will either be a sheep tied up outside or it will be inside the trailer. It will be a little awkward, but just try to ignore the situation and talk normal.

 

[INShooter]

All you old timers need to lighten up a bit. I mean after all, what is a new guy to think when you are exposing the dark side of BR shooters? He probably thinks BR shooters are only interested in shooting small groups and not such things you are posting. He can learn about that part later.

 

[Schippergreg]

All you old timers need to lighten up a bit. I mean after all, what is a new guy to think when you are exposing the dark side of BR shooters? He probably thinks BR shooters are only interested in shooting small groups and not such things you are posting. He can learn about that part later.

Small groups, livestock and alcohol? Count me in.

 

[Downhill]

Find a therapist. After some matches, you'll just need someone to talk to.

 

[uncle wayne]

Hey, I am not a group shooter, so cannot give you tips about that. I learned my measly shooting "skills" in the score discipline.

But, I can tell you, GO HAVE FUN, JUST SHOOT THE GUN! Concentrate on what YOUR gun did in practice and do the same thing.
You will have fun, and a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips waiting to help you with anything. And you will associate with some of the finest men you will ever meet.

Just one more tip: shoot small, sip small, AND STAY AWAY FROM ANY AND ALL LIVESTOCK.

 

[michaelb]

You live within an hour of one of the finest Ranges in the United States. Take advantage of this and attend all of their Matches Short Range BR, Hunter BR, Highpower, F Class, all of them. You will pick up loads of great advice, establish new friends and contacts, and gain a comprehensive view of different disciplines. All of this will provide a greater understanding and accelerate your rate of learning.

There are many Competitors out there willing to teach and get a new Shooter interested in shooting sports.

 

[Jack Neary]

Seriously looking at shooting a couple short range matches this year. I have never shot any competitions other then sporting clays, nor have I watched a sr br match. I’m fortunate enough to live less than 40 minutes from St. Louis benchrest club so I shouldn’t have to travel far.
I have a panda 6ppc that will make 10.5lbs with a t36, bald eagle base with a shadetree top and don’t shoot without flags, although my wind reading abilities are rookie at best.
I’m lucky that I have a 100yd and a 160yd bench in my back yard so I have the ability to shoot whenever I can. I know the 2 areas I need to work on are wind reading and tuning the load.
Any pointers for a guy trying to get into short range?

Hello Schippergreg!
As other have noted, the Benchrest Rifle Club of St. Louis is an awesome BR range/facility. There is certainly no shortage of great shooters who will be more than glad to assist you to help you get safely started in Benchrest.
The NBRSA has recently kicked-off an exciting new Regional Mentorship program to assist both new and current shooters gain some great new BR skills!
Dennis Boyet, from the BRRC of St. Louis, has volunteered to support local St. Louis shooters as part of this new program! You'll love Dennis! He is a super, great guy! (You may contact Dennis via clicking on the link below
Mentor Volunteers – NBRSA
Additionally, I be more than glad to help you in any way I can. I am planning to attend the annual East-West Show Me Shoot-out BR match at the BRRC of St. Louis on June 26th - 27th. I will be conducting a BR reloading/rifle tuning seminar on Friday evening June 25th in the Clubhouse.

Please feel free to call me with any questions you may have!
Jack Neary
NBRSA, President
Cell: 440-590-5299

 

[Schippergreg]

Hello Schippergreg!
As other have noted, the Benchrest Rifle Club of St. Louis is an awesome BR range/facility. There is certainly no shortage of great shooters who will be more than glad to assist you to help you get safely started in Benchrest.
The NBRSA has recently kicked-off an exciting new Regional Mentorship program to assist both new and current shooters gain some great new BR skills!
Dennis Boyet, from the BRRC of St. Louis, has volunteered to support local St. Louis shooters as part of this new program! You'll love Dennis! He is a super, great guy! (You may contact Dennis via clicking on the link below
Mentor Volunteers – NBRSA
Additionally, I be more than glad to help you in any way I can. I am planning to attend the annual East-West Show Me Shoot-out BR match at the BRRC of St. Louis on June 26th - 27th. I will be conducting a BR reloading/rifle tuning seminar on Friday evening June 25th in the Clubhouse.

Please feel free to call me with any questions you may have!
Jack Neary
NBRSA, President
Cell: 440-590-5299

Jack, thanks for the information. Looks like I will be contacting Dennis and if at all possible I’ll see you June 25th.
The support from the benchrest community has been almost overwhelming. Thanks to everyone that has reached out to me with advice. Hope to give each and everyone of you the chance to beat me in the near future. I truly look forward to it.

 

[geralton4]

It should be noted, too, that benchrest rifles generally are in light recoiling calibers- and the rifles weigh at least 10 pounds. A benchrest technique that produces great groups with a bench rest rifle may very well beat you silly with a light hunting rifle.

 

[JMayo]

Have your chit together on setting up when it's your relay time.
This is a big one that can start you off on a good shoot or totally mess you up.

 

[caihlen]

Have your chit together on setting up when it's your relay time.
This is a big one that can start you off on a good shoot or totally mess you up.

What does that mean exactly?

 

[JMayo]

What does that mean exactly?

Be able to put your rest, bags, fans, stool, ammo, ears, bolt ..... What ever you need to shoot, set up quickly and efficiently
Fumbling around then feeling rushed and unset.

Also when leaving the bench. The next guys time to set up is affected by the guy coming down talking his sweet time.