Interested in F T/R. Can my rifle do it?

[clunker]

At 46, I bought my first rifle in March. Now, I have purchased a second rifle and have accepted the fact that I will be a lifelong addict. I have recently become interested in competition shooting, and just discovered something called F-class T/R. Turns out that I have a very accurate factory .223, and I want to learn more.

The first question is where can I study the rules? My Tikka can shoot accurate groups of 3. After that, it starts to spread. Do I understand correctly that the aggregate is based on 5-shot groups? How much time do you have between shots? If I have enough time, the barrel might cool enough to make it work.

Second question: I only have a 1/10" twist. The rifle can stabilize up to 69gr, but that is pushing the limits. Most competitors in .223 are shooting a minimum of 75gr, and I understand the advantage. Is it a lost cause, trying to compete with them?

Keep in mind that this is just for fun. I don't really care if I finish last.

 

[Sniper338]

You can shoot just about anything for fun. Id reccomend going to a match and just jumping in on it and learning as you go. Fastest way to go play is just do it.. after that you can start making more decisions. Find out if you like it first

Strings of 20 plus sighters...

 

[CharlieNC]

Google NRA Fclass rules and a pdf download will tell you all. A series of 20 shot matches may overly tax the ability of your rifle if it opens up after 3 shots. Consider buying a prefit barrel from CBI for about $300 which you can install yourself; it offers a highly competitive value. Yes its addictive.

 

[Brian H]

You can certainly take that rifle out to a midrange match (300-600 yards) and see if you enjoy it. F class is scored on 20 shot strings plus sighters. If, I should say, when, you get addicted to f class, the best bet is to talk to other shooters at the matches and get behind some different rifles and setups and see what you like. Most people in this sport will bend over backwards to help get you on the right path once you start!

 

[BronzeArcher]

You'll learn to read the wind faster with 69 grainers than with 75-90 grainers. Then when you do move to the higher BC bullets, you'll drop fewer points to the subtle shifts. On calmer days, you might have a high end in the 580s (out of 600) with those bullets.

Can you win with it? Probably not often at a club where the winner usually shoots in the 590s. But most shooters new to the discipline are a year or two away from shooting scores in the 590s even with the best equipment and ideal bullets (unless they have done a lot of precision shooting already at those ranges.)

Bring what ya got, shoot it, get better, and after 5-10 outings, you'll be a lot better and have an idea what you might do next. You have a good rig to learn on. Take it for a spin. I've seen newbies shoot F-TR with 12 twist varmint rifles shooting 55 VMAX bullets and old hands take out their 222 Rem for a spin in F-Open. It's a good time, but those light bullets get pushed around by the wind. But put someone reading the wind with those bullets behind a fast twist with 80-90 SMKs or similar, and look out.

 

[Ned Ludd]

Not exactly sure what you mean by "lost cause". If you're asking, "Is it unlikely that my setup gives me the best possible change of winning?", then the odds probably probably won't be in your favor. The shift in POI during 20-shot strings of fire, as well as the effect of wind on the 69 gr pills at 600 yd will most definitely put you at a disadvantage.

However, by participating, you will have the opportunity to meet like-minded people, learn more about F-TR and how you might be able to improve your shooting, and have a lot of fun on top of all that. I would in no way classify that as a "lost cause"; more like a win-win-win in my book. You should definitely show up and get involved with what you have. I can almost guarantee you won't be alone with your current setup. The good news is that regardless of what you shoot, the fun and learning parts will start right away, the winning will come later as you learn more about what it takes to compete at a high level.

Below is a link to the Highpower Rulebook, of which F-Class is part:

http://rulebooks.nra.org/documents/pdf/compete/RuleBooks/HPR/2018-hpr-book.pdf

 

[sdean]

What area of the country do you live?

 

[Mozella]

My first F-TR match was with a 1:9 twist Howa shooting 69gr SMK's. Get a good zero at 100 yards along with your MV and consult a ballistics program to help adjusting your scope to 600 yards, or whatever range you're going to shoot. Being on paper right away is easy if you have a good starting point at 100 yards. Not hitting the target at all your first time at medium/long ranges is frustrating and takes the fun out of what should be an enjoyable experience. So do a little homework and go to your first match prepared.

If you don't have a bipod, I would recommend at least a Sinclair base model, about $160. Not many folks shoot F class with really cheap bipods and spending 80 bucks on a cheaper one is false economy. If money is really tight, then buy a $20 bipod and upgrade later. Some guys like fancy bipods and the really fancy ones can be quite expensive. But plenty of guys shoot very well with moderate priced ones.

A moving pad will do in place of a genuine shooting pad plus it will give you a chance to see what other guys are using. No really hurry to upgrade your pad.

Before long you'll want a new barrel. A good combination which will serve you well would be a good 1:7 twist barrel with Berger 80gr VLD's. True, some guys shoot the 90g VLD's, but others (like me) have spent a LOT of time trying to make them work without finding a reliable recipe. The person who regularly beats me shoots 80's. Of course, there are other ways to skin a cat and you'll get plenty of opinions once you get involved in the sport.

Depending on how good your eyes are, you may get by with a 30 power scope even though lots of guys use more magnification. Some people spend a LOT of money on scopes, but before you do ask a few guys on the firing line to let you look through theirs. Chances are you can spend between $1000 to $1500 retail on a new scope and be happy until you starting thinking about becoming a national champion or you win the lottery. Used scopes are a viable option too. I have a couple of F-class scopes which retail for $1500 that I got used for around $750 or $800.

F-Class is really a great sport. Expect have a lot of fun and meet some nice guys/gals.

 

[Brian H]

Chances are you can spend between $1000 to $1500 retail on a new scope and be happy until you starting thinking about becoming a national champion

The last two FTR national championships have been won with a Golden Eagle, which you can buy for under 1500 new.

 

[Barlow]

Absolutely do it. Barlow

 

[kzin]

Most replies are focusing on the bullets.

I don't think you're going to be able to keep that barrel as cool as it wants to be.
20 minutes for 20 shots and you'd really like to shoot at least twice that fast to leave time for wind reading, waiting out gusts and general safety margin.

 

[Mulligan]

The service rifle shooters shoot 20 rounds in 2 minutes rapid fire prone and sitting with a .223 and 69 or 77 gr bullets.
I wouldnt worry about the barrel so much, go have fun.
I started shooting F-open a few years ago and can honestly say, It’s a hoot.
CW

 

[XTR]

Do it. Shooting a 223 isn't hard on barrel heat. If you really like it (you will) you will want to get a heavier barrel. (or hit the easy button and grab a used rig from the classifieds here)

 

[dcali]

It's not competitive, but it will work. It might be bad enough that you won't get as good a feel for the discipline, though. The fun in F class is really about trying to read the wind very precisely. With that rifle, you won't get the feedback you need to do that reliably. That said, you will be able to shoot a match, and it's a lot of fun.

 

[kzin]

If you thought f-class was group shooting you don't understand the options within rifle shooting at all well yet.

F-TR is a great choice and very popular on this forum but is it what YOU really want most to do?

group vs score?
bench vs prone(rest vs bipod)?
midrange vs long vs ultra long?
223/308 required vs open cartridge choice?
maybe even sling or 3 position?

Not least, what is available reasonably nearby.

 

[clunker]

A lot has been posted since I started the thread, so Hopefully I can respond to most of everyone's input. To answer sdean, I'm in Eastern Washington State.

If I am understanding the rules correctly, I would need to shoot 20 consecutive shots. How much time do I have to complete that? Some have mentioned getting a new barrel, but I thought that one of the TR requirements was that the rifle be unmodified. The minimum distance for TR is 300 yds., and I feel I can be accurate with that rifle in the wind at that distance.

If you thought f-class was group shooting you don't understand the options within rifle shooting at all well yet.

F-TR is a great choice and very popular on this forum but is it what YOU really want most to do?

group vs score?
bench vs prone(rest vs bipod)?
midrange vs long vs ultra long?
223/308 required vs open cartridge choice?
maybe even sling or 3 position?

Not least, what is available reasonably nearby.

It is a crazy coincidence how well F-TR matches my interests. I was planning to buy a .22 plinker for my first rifle, but they had a Tikka T3 in .223 on clearance for $278 (guess what I came home with). My first shots without any support were pretty bad, so I got myself a decent bipod and learned how to use it. The single-seat bench at my local gun club is awkward, and there aren't any accessories like front/rear bags, so I have been shooting prone on the bare ground. The odds that I would have the right equipment, caliber, and skills for a very specific competition are uncanny. It may not end up being my favorite competition, but it sure lines up nicely with what I have to offer.

All-in, I have less than $600 invested in rifle, scope, bipod, and case (all brand new). I have spent far more on ammo, cleaning equipment, and gas for the 30-minute trip to the range. I realize the Tikka is not going to win competitions, but you might be surprised how well it does on such a low budget. With the right factory ammo, it will shoot under MOA at 100 yds., in 10-15 MPH variable winds without any windage adjustment. Imagine what it might be able to do with custom loads and a bit of skill in reading winds. My biggest concern is barrel heat.

 

[Mulligan]

A lot has been posted since I started the thread, so Hopefully I can respond to most of everyone's input. To answer sdean, I'm in Eastern Washington State.

If I am understanding the rules correctly, I would need to shoot 20 consecutive shots. How much time do I have to complete that? Some have mentioned getting a new barrel, but I thought that one of the TR requirements was that the rifle be unmodified. The minimum distance for TR is 300 yds., and I feel I can be accurate with that rifle in the wind at that distance.



It is a crazy coincidence how well F-TR matches my interests. I was planning to buy a .22 plinker for my first rifle, but they had a Tikka T3 in .223 on clearance for $278 (guess what I came home with). My first shots without any support were pretty bad, so I got myself a decent bipod and learned how to use it. The single-seat bench at my local gun club is awkward, and there aren't any accessories like front/rear bags, so I have been shooting prone on the bare ground. The odds that I would have the right equipment, caliber, and skills for a very specific competition are uncanny. It may not end up being my favorite competition, but it sure lines up nicely with what I have to offer.

All-in, I have less than $600 invested in rifle, scope, bipod, and case (all brand new). I have spent far more on ammo, cleaning equipment, and gas for the 30-minute trip to the range. I realize the Tikka is not going to win competitions, but you might be surprised how well it does on such a low budget. With the right factory ammo, it will shoot under MOA at 100 yds., in 10-15 MPH variable winds without any windage adjustment. Imagine what it might be able to do with custom loads and a bit of skill in reading winds. My biggest concern is barrel heat.

The Rifle range in Spokane shoots 300 and 600 yards. It is a great range with really good folks.
There are several TR shooters there that know what they are doing. Give them a call.
CW

https://spokanerifle.com/division-page/

 

[kzin]

A lot has been posted since I started the thread, so Hopefully I can respond to most of everyone's input. To answer sdean, I'm in Eastern Washington State.

If I am understanding the rules correctly, I would need to shoot 20 consecutive shots. How much time do I have to complete that? Some have mentioned getting a new barrel, but I thought that one of the TR requirements was that the rifle be unmodified. The minimum distance for TR is 300 yds., and I feel I can be accurate with that rifle in the wind at that distance.

Typically 1 minute per shot but in a total block. 20 minutes for 20 shots.

FTR rifles can definitely be modified heavily. It's not just legal to change barrels, it's an expected part of the sport for those who shoot often.

300 yards is the minimum distance for NRA FTR but that doesn't mean you'll necessarily get to choose to shoot 300.(ETA-based on previous post, maybe you will) The only shoots near you could be shooting 600 only. I did my first 2 shoots at 600 with off the shelf 77gr 223 and it wasn't bad at all . 3rd time I finally got a difficult wind day. Oops Still fun but several 'how did that get over there?' shots.

 

[mattt]

I shot my first f/tr match at Sac Valley with a mini 14 and 69 grain sierras. It was at 600 yards and I had a 12 twist barrel. Just go out and shoot a match you will get hooked!

 

[JFrank]

The Rifle range in Spokane shoots 300 and 600 yards. It is a great range with really good folks.
There are several TR shooters there that know what they are doing. Give them a call.
CW

https://spokanerifle.com/division-page/

^^^+1