From an e-mail I sent out earlier to a closed group today:
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Yesterday, 26 January 2019, I participated in one of the most challenging matches yet in my personal rifleman's journey. It is called Varmint Bench Rest and is hosted by Heart of Texas Shiloutte Assn. in Coolidge, Texas. Descriptions of the match details can be found on the HOTSA website at: http://www.hotsa.org/vbr-varmint-bench-rest.php Shooting USA did a TV episode on it which can be viewed on YouTube here:
The match is run by David Brady, who wanted to bring in more shooters form other disciplines, and so developed this match circa 2015. It is challenging, as the shooters there will attest, should you ever have the occasion to compete in it.
1. The course of fire. The course of fire consists of shooting a total of 60 rounds for record, hit or miss on a gradual yet variable incline pasture. Targets are arrayed with sighter shot plates and 10 shilouttes . The targets are blackened steel shilouttes cut out to resemble Texas specific varmints and retain a 1 minute of angle ratio throughout the course of fire. The targets at each range can also be found on the HOTSA website and are as follows:
200m (218.7 yds) - Prairie Dog
300m (328.1 yds) - Armadillo
385m (421 yds) - Coyote
500m (546 yds) - Hog
640 yds - standard shiloutte Chicken... *This target is listed at 600, but LRF provided at 642-645 yd
750 yds - standard Shiloutte Pig
Each relay has 10 minutes to shoot their sighters and 10 rounds for score/record fire.
Yesterday's weather conditions provided optimal shooting weather. Many of the shooters commented how that the wind conditions were the best they had ever experienced there. The winds were vitrually still with occasional light 3-5 mph gusts. Wind conditions grew so what throughout the day as it warmed. The incline pasture bordered by mesquite creates swirling winds that one is challenged in reading with near flags providing different values and directions than the far flags. It was cold, 44-50 degrees, and damp after an unexpected morning rain, which mitigated mirage obscuration during the match. Shooters there commented that the winds are very strong in the warmer months with gusts in the mid 20 mph range or more there at HOTSA.
2. The equipment. Benchrest types of rifles, ammuntion, and optics along with tables and stools were the choice equipment for the match. All the rifles could find a home on an F Class midrange firing line. The rifles varied from custom builds that could grace the finest photo pages of accurate shooter.com. There were others who shot custom rebarrels from gunsmiths all over Texas. A few others shot stock rifles such as the Ruger Precision Rifle in 6mm Creedmoor. Most shot some variant of 6 or 6.5mm cartridges with 6mm BRX seeming to be a popular choice, with an occasional .30. I think I had the only .260 Remington making mine one of the larger cartridge choices on the firing line, although a couple shot some derivative of a .284 Win case. Obviously, no magnums and no calibers over .30 were permitted. As far as optics go the standard choices to be found on an F Class line were also there. There was the old but steady Leupold VX-III 8-25x50 duplex. At least 2 March 5-50x scopes graced the line, as well as several Sightrons, and a Nightforce Benchrest or two. One of the more prevalent optics choices (at least 3) was the Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60x. My optic was Nightforce NXS 8-32 x56, I found it to be very appropriate in terms of magnification over the entire course of fire and I often used the zoom feature to confirm my target bank, even backing the magnification back to 28x for one of the target series. I did have the opportunity to look through the March, Sightron, and Vortex Golden Eagle there on the range. I percieved the Sightron to be an excellent optic, perhaps even on par with the March from my viewing. I was however, quite amazed at the Vortex Golden Eagle. It's reticle was crisp and the optical and light gathering clarity by far the best I've ever seen in a match optic. The Golden Eagle seems to be of about the same dimensions as the Viper PST Gen II. It would definitely be my optic choice for any future F Class/Benchrest type build.
3. Observations. The match director stated upon providing winner results, that the favorable weather conditions generated some of the highest scores seen at this match. The match winner has 54 hits total. The runner up had 52 hits. Again, this is a hit or miss match. For my part, I scored an overall 48 hits scoring towards the top third of the pack. The scoring doesn't necessarily tell the story of my experience or lessons learned which were significant!
a. Spotter. Having a good team mate or spotter is critical in this match. This is especially true if you are unable to follow the trace or observe impact due to recoil. I had the advantage of having an excellent spotter assist me. My friend, who also happens to be a law enforcement sniper came down from the Dallas area to be a dedicated spotter for me. He made my experience better an memorable. it is critical that shooter and spotter speak the same language. As a high power & F Class shooter operating a MOA based second focal plane reticle, I think and speak in terms of MOA. My friend, being a LE sniper operates with MIL based optics in first focal plane. We discussed this before the match as to what the differences in these methods. His range officer and training background enabled clarity of communication describing the target and pint of impact, as well as adjustment necessary.
b. Ammuntion. Here I can only discuss my ammuntion. I handloaded a proven sub .5 MOA performer in my rifle, the 123 gr Lapua Scenar bullet, Lapua brass, Federal 210M primer, over 43.4 gr of H414 powder. It has a 2,940 fps m.v. with a G1 B.C. Of .527. The Lapua Scenar bullet has more of a tangent profile along the lines of the Sierra Matchking and in its class of lighter weight 6.5mm bullets posses the highest ballistic coefficient. This cartridge proved to be absolutely outstanding in what I will call the "short course" scoring 9 hits at 200m, 10 hits at 300m, and 8 hits against the difficult, triangle shaped coyote at 385m. On the "far course" it showed its shortcomings as the wind shifted, as I only tallied 6 hits at 500m and 640 yds. I did have the presence of mind to bring along another handload that I had built for a 1000 yard course just in case I encountered this same challenge. Very much like how service rifle shooters have been using 69gr ammunition for the 200/300 yd stages and running 75, 77, and 80 gr bullets for the 600 yd slow fire, I envisioned using a 6.5 'heavy' on the farthest targets. This particular load is a Beger 140 gr VLD Target over 43.4 gr of H4350 with a .311 G7 b.c. and m.v. of 2787 fps from my 26" bbl rifle. As stated it is a higher velocity accuracy node cartridge still, sub-MOA design for 1000 yd plates. With this, I scored 9 of 10 on the 750 yd pig.
Of significant note: the Strelok Pro ballistic application proved to be absolutely spot on for elevation adjustments at each range, across the entire course of fire. If you don't have Strelok Pro it is a worthwhile investment for your iPhone or Android.
c. Rifle and other equipment. As usual, my Rivers Bend Gun Company built M40A5 style rifle performed with aplomb. I bought a new Cladwell Bench Rest forward rest just for this match which also proved to be a game change with great elevation and windage adjustments. It will definitely be part of my kit for all future F Open and VBR matches. I learned the value of the muzzle brake as my neighbor ran one, which after he let me shoot his rifle, I saw how that a shooter can see an sense their own shots with such a combination. This is a piece of kit not permitted in F class competition. I also saw the advantage of the flat beaver tail style Benchrest stocks as compared to the McMillan A5 style stock on my rifle.
4. Comparisons to other competitions. I go back to the challenge of this course and why I have begun to pursue it. This Varmint Benchrest match offers the excitement of hitting steel plates (that dynamically pop up in the air when hit!) like the PRS matches while allowing the shooter to concentrate on conditions and their gun, and not extraneous athletics. It offers a challenge of shooting at mid range and to an extent what come close to a far range (750 yds) but at 6 distinctly different ranges. It's challenge goes far beyond F Class because the shooter is trying to hit 10 different targets of varied shapes and sizes at each distance in a slightly shorter time frame. Unlike high power, there is no white Spotting displace on the target or a bull, or target rings to gauge your adjustment for the next shot. VBR seems to have more direct application to varminting, predator hunting, and hunting in general than shooting at standard high power SR/MR or military known distance targets. Compared to ELR courses which emphasize heavier rifles at extreme ranges, this match covers ranges that are within the effective range of most pratical and ethical hunting applications. This comparison is not to speak down about PRS, ELR, or F Class in any way, but to express the additive experience that one can gain by participating in a VBR type competition. I would also note that the terrain of the range was a vertical and horizontal challenge in its target array requiring try shooter to adjust for each shot and for each target bank, shooting uphill and then downhill an then back uphill with each relay. This is often not the case in most "bowling alley" known distance and high power rifle ranges.
5. Assessment. I think, in addition to tweeking my ammunition choices for the long and short courses; adding a muzzle brake, and a match trigger on my rifle build are necessary to achieve higher marks in this competion with my existing rifle. If I were building a new rifle for it, I would stick with .260 Remington chamber due to my collective experience with this cartridge, but would, likely use a 28" Bartlein medium or heavy Palma profile barrel with an integral muzzle brake. As motioned before, I would grace this purpose built rifle with a Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60x.
I think this about does it for my match report, I hope you enjoyed reading it and can apply lessons from my experiences to your own rifleman's journey. I also hope that you might be able to participate in a VBR style match in the future.
-Kyle
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Yesterday, 26 January 2019, I participated in one of the most challenging matches yet in my personal rifleman's journey. It is called Varmint Bench Rest and is hosted by Heart of Texas Shiloutte Assn. in Coolidge, Texas. Descriptions of the match details can be found on the HOTSA website at: http://www.hotsa.org/vbr-varmint-bench-rest.php Shooting USA did a TV episode on it which can be viewed on YouTube here:
1. The course of fire. The course of fire consists of shooting a total of 60 rounds for record, hit or miss on a gradual yet variable incline pasture. Targets are arrayed with sighter shot plates and 10 shilouttes . The targets are blackened steel shilouttes cut out to resemble Texas specific varmints and retain a 1 minute of angle ratio throughout the course of fire. The targets at each range can also be found on the HOTSA website and are as follows:
200m (218.7 yds) - Prairie Dog
300m (328.1 yds) - Armadillo
385m (421 yds) - Coyote
500m (546 yds) - Hog
640 yds - standard shiloutte Chicken... *This target is listed at 600, but LRF provided at 642-645 yd
750 yds - standard Shiloutte Pig
Each relay has 10 minutes to shoot their sighters and 10 rounds for score/record fire.
Yesterday's weather conditions provided optimal shooting weather. Many of the shooters commented how that the wind conditions were the best they had ever experienced there. The winds were vitrually still with occasional light 3-5 mph gusts. Wind conditions grew so what throughout the day as it warmed. The incline pasture bordered by mesquite creates swirling winds that one is challenged in reading with near flags providing different values and directions than the far flags. It was cold, 44-50 degrees, and damp after an unexpected morning rain, which mitigated mirage obscuration during the match. Shooters there commented that the winds are very strong in the warmer months with gusts in the mid 20 mph range or more there at HOTSA.
2. The equipment. Benchrest types of rifles, ammuntion, and optics along with tables and stools were the choice equipment for the match. All the rifles could find a home on an F Class midrange firing line. The rifles varied from custom builds that could grace the finest photo pages of accurate shooter.com. There were others who shot custom rebarrels from gunsmiths all over Texas. A few others shot stock rifles such as the Ruger Precision Rifle in 6mm Creedmoor. Most shot some variant of 6 or 6.5mm cartridges with 6mm BRX seeming to be a popular choice, with an occasional .30. I think I had the only .260 Remington making mine one of the larger cartridge choices on the firing line, although a couple shot some derivative of a .284 Win case. Obviously, no magnums and no calibers over .30 were permitted. As far as optics go the standard choices to be found on an F Class line were also there. There was the old but steady Leupold VX-III 8-25x50 duplex. At least 2 March 5-50x scopes graced the line, as well as several Sightrons, and a Nightforce Benchrest or two. One of the more prevalent optics choices (at least 3) was the Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60x. My optic was Nightforce NXS 8-32 x56, I found it to be very appropriate in terms of magnification over the entire course of fire and I often used the zoom feature to confirm my target bank, even backing the magnification back to 28x for one of the target series. I did have the opportunity to look through the March, Sightron, and Vortex Golden Eagle there on the range. I percieved the Sightron to be an excellent optic, perhaps even on par with the March from my viewing. I was however, quite amazed at the Vortex Golden Eagle. It's reticle was crisp and the optical and light gathering clarity by far the best I've ever seen in a match optic. The Golden Eagle seems to be of about the same dimensions as the Viper PST Gen II. It would definitely be my optic choice for any future F Class/Benchrest type build.
3. Observations. The match director stated upon providing winner results, that the favorable weather conditions generated some of the highest scores seen at this match. The match winner has 54 hits total. The runner up had 52 hits. Again, this is a hit or miss match. For my part, I scored an overall 48 hits scoring towards the top third of the pack. The scoring doesn't necessarily tell the story of my experience or lessons learned which were significant!
a. Spotter. Having a good team mate or spotter is critical in this match. This is especially true if you are unable to follow the trace or observe impact due to recoil. I had the advantage of having an excellent spotter assist me. My friend, who also happens to be a law enforcement sniper came down from the Dallas area to be a dedicated spotter for me. He made my experience better an memorable. it is critical that shooter and spotter speak the same language. As a high power & F Class shooter operating a MOA based second focal plane reticle, I think and speak in terms of MOA. My friend, being a LE sniper operates with MIL based optics in first focal plane. We discussed this before the match as to what the differences in these methods. His range officer and training background enabled clarity of communication describing the target and pint of impact, as well as adjustment necessary.
b. Ammuntion. Here I can only discuss my ammuntion. I handloaded a proven sub .5 MOA performer in my rifle, the 123 gr Lapua Scenar bullet, Lapua brass, Federal 210M primer, over 43.4 gr of H414 powder. It has a 2,940 fps m.v. with a G1 B.C. Of .527. The Lapua Scenar bullet has more of a tangent profile along the lines of the Sierra Matchking and in its class of lighter weight 6.5mm bullets posses the highest ballistic coefficient. This cartridge proved to be absolutely outstanding in what I will call the "short course" scoring 9 hits at 200m, 10 hits at 300m, and 8 hits against the difficult, triangle shaped coyote at 385m. On the "far course" it showed its shortcomings as the wind shifted, as I only tallied 6 hits at 500m and 640 yds. I did have the presence of mind to bring along another handload that I had built for a 1000 yard course just in case I encountered this same challenge. Very much like how service rifle shooters have been using 69gr ammunition for the 200/300 yd stages and running 75, 77, and 80 gr bullets for the 600 yd slow fire, I envisioned using a 6.5 'heavy' on the farthest targets. This particular load is a Beger 140 gr VLD Target over 43.4 gr of H4350 with a .311 G7 b.c. and m.v. of 2787 fps from my 26" bbl rifle. As stated it is a higher velocity accuracy node cartridge still, sub-MOA design for 1000 yd plates. With this, I scored 9 of 10 on the 750 yd pig.
Of significant note: the Strelok Pro ballistic application proved to be absolutely spot on for elevation adjustments at each range, across the entire course of fire. If you don't have Strelok Pro it is a worthwhile investment for your iPhone or Android.
c. Rifle and other equipment. As usual, my Rivers Bend Gun Company built M40A5 style rifle performed with aplomb. I bought a new Cladwell Bench Rest forward rest just for this match which also proved to be a game change with great elevation and windage adjustments. It will definitely be part of my kit for all future F Open and VBR matches. I learned the value of the muzzle brake as my neighbor ran one, which after he let me shoot his rifle, I saw how that a shooter can see an sense their own shots with such a combination. This is a piece of kit not permitted in F class competition. I also saw the advantage of the flat beaver tail style Benchrest stocks as compared to the McMillan A5 style stock on my rifle.
4. Comparisons to other competitions. I go back to the challenge of this course and why I have begun to pursue it. This Varmint Benchrest match offers the excitement of hitting steel plates (that dynamically pop up in the air when hit!) like the PRS matches while allowing the shooter to concentrate on conditions and their gun, and not extraneous athletics. It offers a challenge of shooting at mid range and to an extent what come close to a far range (750 yds) but at 6 distinctly different ranges. It's challenge goes far beyond F Class because the shooter is trying to hit 10 different targets of varied shapes and sizes at each distance in a slightly shorter time frame. Unlike high power, there is no white Spotting displace on the target or a bull, or target rings to gauge your adjustment for the next shot. VBR seems to have more direct application to varminting, predator hunting, and hunting in general than shooting at standard high power SR/MR or military known distance targets. Compared to ELR courses which emphasize heavier rifles at extreme ranges, this match covers ranges that are within the effective range of most pratical and ethical hunting applications. This comparison is not to speak down about PRS, ELR, or F Class in any way, but to express the additive experience that one can gain by participating in a VBR type competition. I would also note that the terrain of the range was a vertical and horizontal challenge in its target array requiring try shooter to adjust for each shot and for each target bank, shooting uphill and then downhill an then back uphill with each relay. This is often not the case in most "bowling alley" known distance and high power rifle ranges.
5. Assessment. I think, in addition to tweeking my ammunition choices for the long and short courses; adding a muzzle brake, and a match trigger on my rifle build are necessary to achieve higher marks in this competion with my existing rifle. If I were building a new rifle for it, I would stick with .260 Remington chamber due to my collective experience with this cartridge, but would, likely use a 28" Bartlein medium or heavy Palma profile barrel with an integral muzzle brake. As motioned before, I would grace this purpose built rifle with a Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60x.
I think this about does it for my match report, I hope you enjoyed reading it and can apply lessons from my experiences to your own rifleman's journey. I also hope that you might be able to participate in a VBR style match in the future.
-Kyle
