Using Magazines in Long-Range Competitions

[CrimsonApostle]

I'm a newbie here ... got decent gear (including Savage Long-Range Precision 12 in 6.5 Creedmoor) but learning a lot...

I did my first two 1000-yard competitions last year, at Deep Creek Range near Missoula.

A few of the experts there (and they have a number of world records!) seemed to discourage the notion of using a magazine. The thought there (at least from my few very quick discussions) was that jamming the round up into the chamber like that was a bit violent and may ding the cartridge. They suggested that I get a plastic block thingie (forget the name..) to insert where the magazine would go.

But I am wondering if this is really an issue... OK, I know that if I use a magazine, I had better shoot the round within a second or two of chambering it, or else it could get hot. But, still, a lot of 1000 yard competitors (at least ones I've managed targets for) try to get off their 10 shots in 3-4 seconds each. Methinks that is pretty hard without a magazine, but I could be wrong.

 

[Hombre0321]

With the exception of Tactical matches most 1,000 yard match's you will have to single load all rounds. F-Class, Benchrest both require single loading. You can use a rifle that has a Magazine if you want, but you will still have to load only one round at a time.

RS

 

[CJ6]

Well for one thing magazines are NOT allowed in ALL formats (read the regs for your chosen format) 2) long hvy bullets seated to magazine length will take-up powder space 3) speed ? I watched a young lady run 10 rds in less than 20 seconds at the IBS Nats in Min a few years back and that was single feed.

 

[stool]

how much does your rifle weigh ??
that is the second time you have mentioned 10 shot groups and heavy guns( i think)...

 

[dkhunt14]

Stool we shoot 10 rounds in light gun same as Montana. Pa. Rules and the rules say single shot, no magazine without single shot adapter. Matt

 

[Erik Cortina]

Based on his first post he is unwilling to listen to the experts, as they already told him to single load it. What chance do we have to convince him otherwise? He is mainly looking for someone to tell him that it's ok to use a magazine and then he will run with it.

Guys shoot incredibly fast without a magazine all the time, but they use custom actions with dual ports and Jewell triggers.

If your goal is to shoot fast, get an AR. If your goal is to shoot small groups, learn to read the wind.

 

[Warren Dean]

Guys shoot incredibly fast without a magazine all the time, but they use custom actions with dual ports and Jewell triggers.

But Savages shoot faster.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Guys shoot incredibly fast without a magazine all the time, but they use custom actions with dual ports and Jewell triggers.

But Savages shoot faster.

You made me LOL

 

[Warren Dean]

Mission accomplished.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Even if you could use the mag, you would have to reload twice to get 10 off, right? So you'll be messing around doing that and missing the conditions. See you next month.
Alex

 

[Jay Christopherson]

If you are limiting yourself to magazine length ammo, you are likely limiting your accuracy potential or at least, the potential life of your accuracy node since you won't be following the throat as it erodes.

 

[Joe Salt]

Like dkHunt14 Says the rule is single shot only, If you have a magazine and use it your DQ'ed Read the rules! The boys in Montana should know that.

Joe Salt

 

[Erik Cortina]

A few of the experts there (and they have a number of world records!) seemed to discourage the notion of using a magazine.

Apparently they told him, but they were trying to be nice to the new guy.

 

[jamesh]

With the exception of Tactical matches most 1,000 yard match's you will have to single load all rounds. F-Class, Benchrest both require single loading. You can use a rifle that has a Magazine if you want, but you will still have to load only one round at a time.

RS

The above is incorrect information!

There is no rule against feeding from the magazine in IBS long range competition. There may be local range rules that do not allow use of magazines but as far as the IBS sanctioning body goes you are good to go using the magazine.
That doesn't mean you should though.

James

 

[Jay Christopherson]

A few of the experts there (and they have a number of world records!) seemed to discourage the notion of using a magazine.

Apparently they told him, but they were trying to be nice to the new guy.

There Erik, I emphasized it for you since the OP seems to have glossed right over this seemingly important statement.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Tough crowd.

 

[dkhunt14]

With the exception of Tactical matches most 1,000 yard match's you will have to single load all rounds. F-Class, Benchrest both require single loading. You can use a rifle that has a Magazine if you want, but you will still have to load only one round at a time.

RS
[/quote]

The above is incorrect information!

There is no rule against feeding from the magazine in IBS long range competition. There may be local range rules that do not allow use of magazines but as far as the IBS sanctioning body goes you are good to go using the magazine.
That doesn't mean you should though.

James
[/quote]I just talked to Jeff Walker and Stan Taylor on this and the IBS is single shot only. Somehow it got omitted in the rules but is still in force. You must feed shells one at a time. Matt

 

[Hoier]

It's a pretty grey area about single shot or not. But I read it as you can use a magazine but not a semi auto from a magazine. But Jeff Walker is the guy to listen to.

 

[stool]

typical of ibs to enforce a rule that does not exist.

 

[dragman]

typical of ibs to enforce a rule that does not exist.

Gotta love shooting sports the only place that the rules are printed in black and white then everyone follows the gray unwritten ones! lol