COAL rescrition on FT/R?

[tiny68]

I am working towards finally making it out to some F/Class matches in Spring. Sporting my plain jane M700 VS 308 with a 16x fixed Mil-Dot to see if I like this sport. I have been shooting the 168/175 VLDs and SMKs with ok success (0.5-0.6 MOA up to 300 yards - my range limit). I seat them very long (+3.01") to try to get within 0.010" of the lands on the factory Remmy barrel. I thought I remembered reading the chamber and ammo had to be SAAMI spec. Does this include the COAL or just chamber decisions? I don't want to show up with illegal ammo. I am sure the wind and distance combo is going to make enough of a fool out of me...

I also need to know where to pick up an empty chamber indicator or does the range typically have those for purchase?

Thanks,

Tim

 

[FatBoy]

There was no OAL restriction when we wrote the rules. Just unmodified 308win or 223rem. You'll be fine, especially with a factory chambered barrel. Most matches have them for sale when you squad but you can etc them at Champions choice, creedmore, etc.

 

[chkunz]

The rules do not specify COLA. In a very rare occasion you may get the safety command, "cease fire, unload, insert empty chamber indicator". if you have a round with a OAL that leaves the bullet stuck in the rifling you need a plan to deal with that (like do not let it happen). The rules require that you have a empty chamber indicator in place any time your are not in the prep period or firing so you need one. Most matches will have them if you need them or a friendly competitor will loan you one. If not, improvise and stick something visible in the chamber like a soda straw. No big deal just let the match director know that you are new to the game and they will be very helpful and squad you with an experienced shooter and you will have fun and learn a lot.

 

[Berger.Fan222]

I am working towards finally making it out to some F/Class matches in Spring. Sporting my plain jane M700 VS 308 with a 16x fixed Mil-Dot to see if I like this sport. I have been shooting the 168/175 VLDs and SMKs with ok success (0.5-0.6 MOA up to 300 yards - my range limit). I seat them very long (+3.01") to try to get within 0.010" of the lands on the factory Remmy barrel. I thought I remembered reading the chamber and ammo had to be SAAMI spec. Does this include the COAL or just chamber decisions? I don't want to show up with illegal ammo. I am sure the wind and distance combo is going to make enough of a fool out of me...

I also need to know where to pick up an empty chamber indicator or does the range typically have those for purchase?

Thanks,

Tim

It is somewhat common for F-TR shooters to load their own ammo longer than SAAMI spec. Most .223 Rem ammo with 80-90 grain bullets is loaded close to 2.5" or more. There is more variation with .308 Win ammo, depending on where the lands are in a given rifle, but most are longer than 2.800" and at or longer than 3.000" is common.

Lots of matches have empty chamber indicators, but pick one up before you go if you can, because some don't.

 

[johara1]

Why don't they let you shoot them in the dirt or let open the bolt and raise the gun up enough to the powder from getting in the action and remove the bolt then deal with the bullet after that. ……. jim

 

[FatBoy]

Why don't they let you shoot them in the dirt or let open the bolt and raise the gun up enough to the powder from getting in the action and remove the bolt then deal with the bullet after that. ……. jim

If a cease fire is called, it is for safety generally. Shooting into the dirt is not an option. If time expires, I don't know anyone who won't let you take the shot unless it's a big match.

I accidentally loaded some 6BR .1" too long and we dumped it in my daughter's action her first time out with it in a sling. It's a pain in the *** for sure, but it doesn't end your day.

 

[tiny68]

Well I will tell on myself - an one of my BR matches I was rushed to get my loads made between rounds due to a die adjustment. I was running very light neck tension and a hard jam on my 30 BR. Pull the trigger and got a click. Cycled the bolt and tried againClick. Pulled the case which spilled powder everywhere. No primer... Don't get distracted while reloading!!! I was trying figure out how to clean all of the powder out of the lugs with very puzzled look on my face. One of the old timers came over to help and said "do you trust me"? Never meet him but with nothing to lose I said yes. He came back with some lighter fluid and a lighter. Squirted fuild in the lug area and set it a blaze. He smiled and said "clean it good when you get home but that will let you finish the match". Worked like a charm. Little scary lighting you pet rifle a fire. Pushed the bullet out with a cleaning rod and was good to go.

I don't have to worry about jamming with this factory Remmy barrel. I am pushing it to the limits trying to get a 0.010" jump and the bullet not failing out of the neck.

Thanks Merry Christmas to all, Tim

 

[johara1]

I carry caned air for that, mine was in a shoot off………… lol. It will never happen again.. jim