Groundhog match bullet/barrel recommendations

[expiper]

worst edge??

one reason folks that go to Hickory NC to that groundhog match is they score the "worst"!!! edge....so a 30 cal is a handicap..esp at 100 where the bullseye is lil',,,,the 6mm ctgs are the best compromise for there....I have not been to any others (PA etc.) dont know the rules....there are several around that have...maby they will clarify this for you....and are sighters allowed???,,,like someone said earlier...go to the matches that you will be shooting in and ask and watch and learn.....no matter what ,,,get the best optics and learn the come ups for the various distances....it is a fun yet difficult challenge to shoot this type of event....Roger

 

[fdshuster]

expiper: One of our regular g'hog matches, fired at 1,2 & 300 yds, does have the "worst edge" type scoring ring. Ten ring, inside diameter is 9/16", fired at 1 & 200 yd. To score an "X" the entire shot hole must be inside that dimension. A 30 cal. would score very few X's and these matches are sometimes won (and lost) on X counts, so on this tgt. a 30 cal. would definately be a handicap. That tgt. is doable at 100 yds., but most points seem to be dropped on it at the 200 yd. line. The 300 yd. tgt. has a 1" dia. ten ring, same rules apply about the bullet hole touching the inside of the scoring ring. Keeps things interesting, and can cause a grown man to cry.

 

[Gman]

I can attest to the 30 cal 155 gr pills beatin' up my shoulder. I was shooting the 155 gr Scenars out of a 13 lb, 40XBR chambered in .308 Win. Yes, I could see my hits better at 500 yards, but my 16.5 lb, 6BR, shooting 105 gr Bergers, is not only more accurate, but also very pleasant to shoot. For the time being, I'm VERY happy with my 6BR, (I will always have a 6BR) but I'm thinkin' about building a 17 lb, 6.5 cal "something". Decisions, decisions !!!!

 

[Dennis Keefer]

BJ44BJ

IMHO, You have two very good shooters answering you in Bill and Frank. Both have helped me many times. My two cents in this is a little different. Start with the set-up that you have the most faith in. Go to several matches, shoot and learn. I started with a TC Contender single shot pistol, in .223R. I shot 55gr Vmax's out of a 16" 1:12 twist. 500 yards was pure luck. I know shoot a Savage 12BVSS in .223R with a 1:9 twist with 69SMK's. They are very light and the wind does blow them around at times. A good spotter is a big help, some matches don't alow someone spoting for you. Reading the wind is my personal next quest.

I don't know where you are located. If you are in central Pennsylvania, I suggest Mifflin County Sportsmens, St. Thomas, and Western Pa Long Range Groundhog Shooters. Each club has their own +/-'s and you may find you shoot better at one club. You will quickly want to try other ranges to expand your skills though.

I'm stuck on the 223R, in a factory gun if you can't tell.

Good shooting and good luck!

Dennis Keefer

 

[skeetlee]

Worst edge scoring. That kinda blows!! The varmint hunters association score best edge and thats what i will be participating in. There are only 2 shoots a year so i dont want to be a spectator after a 5hr drive and half a years wait. Im a shooter not a watcher, so i think the best thing to do would be to go through with this 30x47Lapua idea but with a 17 twist barrel. I can shoot BIB 130ish grain of bullets, and i will also have a barrel chambered for a 6BR or a 6 Grendel or similar. thanks all!! Lee