What size groups at 100 yards is acceptable for an F-class gun? What is great and what isn't going to win you any matches?
F-class gun groups?
- Thread starter Boisblancboy
- Start date
Leaddog
F-Class T/R
Boisblancboy said:
Since F Class is usually shot at 600 and 1000 yards, 100 yard groups don't account for much. If you can shoot consistent 1" 5 shot group vertical at 300 yards, you should be good out to further distances. Horizontal is up to you and your wind/mirage reading abilities. Have fun.
Keith Glasscock
Gold $$ Contributor
Though I rarely disagree with Charlie, I'm going out on a limb this time.
I use 3/4" of vertical at 300 yards as my absolute limit. I do my testing from the bipod prone. The reason I do this is because I've run into the sad occasion to find something that shot well for the bench, but I couldn't duplicate it from the bipod.
My chrono is on the fritz. I'll have new sensors in a few days, and maybe I can get some work done...
As for 100 yards, If I can see paper between the holes, it is all over for that load. I haven't shot one of my F-class match loads at 100 yards since I learned a few things. I might just give the next load I work up a 5 shot group at 100 just to see what I will do.
Also keep in mind that I'm not shooting a custom rifle built on a custom action. I'm shooting my old Savage 111 long action with a good barrel spun on (I'm actually on the second good barrel). If I were shooting a custom, and I hope to be in the next couple of years, I would expect absolutely no less than the accuracy I've become accustomed to from my old Savage.
I use 3/4" of vertical at 300 yards as my absolute limit. I do my testing from the bipod prone. The reason I do this is because I've run into the sad occasion to find something that shot well for the bench, but I couldn't duplicate it from the bipod.
My chrono is on the fritz. I'll have new sensors in a few days, and maybe I can get some work done...
As for 100 yards, If I can see paper between the holes, it is all over for that load. I haven't shot one of my F-class match loads at 100 yards since I learned a few things. I might just give the next load I work up a 5 shot group at 100 just to see what I will do.
Also keep in mind that I'm not shooting a custom rifle built on a custom action. I'm shooting my old Savage 111 long action with a good barrel spun on (I'm actually on the second good barrel). If I were shooting a custom, and I hope to be in the next couple of years, I would expect absolutely no less than the accuracy I've become accustomed to from my old Savage.
Watching for your verticals spread is more important than your horizontal? I just assumed they would be of equal important.
To give you a general answer. I would say you need to consistantly shoot .5 or better at 100. Anything over that you need to work on your gun, load, and shooting.
Then again you could have a gun that shoot's .2's all day long and not be able to read the wind for crap and shoot bad scores.
Personally I test all my loads at 300.
Have you shot a match yet?
KT
Then again you could have a gun that shoot's .2's all day long and not be able to read the wind for crap and shoot bad scores.
Personally I test all my loads at 300.
Have you shot a match yet?
KT
Leaddog
F-Class T/R
Busdriver - I should have added that I was referring to an F/TR .308. If I was shooting an Open 6mm, I agree with you. With a 6, I'd say 1/2" vertical would be my limit at 300. As for 100 yards, good feedback can be obtained initially to sort loads, but I find the 185 LRBT's that I shoot to be more representative of my load at 300 when they have had more time to go to sleep. My competition load of Varget gives me 5/8" of vertical at 300 over a 10 shot group.
Bbb- yes, vertical is more important. Horizontal variance is usually, but not always due to conditions like wind. When working up a load, shoot to the same point of aim with a goal of minimal vertical. Once there, go play in the wind and have fun.
Bbb- yes, vertical is more important. Horizontal variance is usually, but not always due to conditions like wind. When working up a load, shoot to the same point of aim with a goal of minimal vertical. Once there, go play in the wind and have fun.
Let's think about this from a math POV. Go look at some of the scores here for a 600 yard match.
http://www.northstateshootingclub.com/pdfs/Spring%20600%20yd%20weekend_031712.pdf
So, if your going to be competitive in F-Open at 600 you better be able to shoot around a 790 out of 800 possible at 600 yards, with 50% in the X-Ring. Now consider that the X-Ring is .5 MOA. If your gun shoots .5 MOA at 100 yards that leaves you absolutely no room for mistakes in reading the wind or handling the rifle.
I would believe that most of the folks that are winning in F-Open shoot in the .1's to max low .2's at 100 yards.
http://www.northstateshootingclub.com/pdfs/Spring%20600%20yd%20weekend_031712.pdf
So, if your going to be competitive in F-Open at 600 you better be able to shoot around a 790 out of 800 possible at 600 yards, with 50% in the X-Ring. Now consider that the X-Ring is .5 MOA. If your gun shoots .5 MOA at 100 yards that leaves you absolutely no room for mistakes in reading the wind or handling the rifle.
I would believe that most of the folks that are winning in F-Open shoot in the .1's to max low .2's at 100 yards.
My best advice to the original poster would be to give F-class a try with the equipment he has. Try a mid-range match which will give you an opportunity to shoot from 300 to 600 yards. Treat your first few matches as learning experiences, things you can learn:
- what king of equipment folks use
- how accurate your rig is at range
- are there practice leagues in your area or other people you could practice with
- do you like F-class
This last point is important to learn before you invest a lot into equipment.
Just my $0.02,
- what king of equipment folks use
- how accurate your rig is at range
- are there practice leagues in your area or other people you could practice with
- do you like F-class
This last point is important to learn before you invest a lot into equipment.
Just my $0.02,
Keith Glasscock
Gold $$ Contributor
Charlie Watson said:
Same here - I'm talking about a 308 F/TR rifle as well. I also agree that an open rifle needs to be tighter.
Hey guys thanks for the replies so far. I guess I should have said it would be an F TR gun, in .308.
I have been to a match already and am hooked, what a great time it was. So far what I think I have settled on is a Tube gun from Gary Elesio, probably a Pierce Action, Sightron III 10-50x-60 scope, and not sure what barrel yet.
I have been to a match already and am hooked, what a great time it was. So far what I think I have settled on is a Tube gun from Gary Elesio, probably a Pierce Action, Sightron III 10-50x-60 scope, and not sure what barrel yet.
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