Check out the Oklahoma Precision Practical Shooters facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/318198588213946/
I hope that link works lol
Anyhow, they are a great group of shooters. They shoot in the field tactical style which really approximates well for improvised hunting training.
I shoot a Savage and I thought the guys with high end gear would look down on it, but they have been nothing but helpful and fun to be around.
They are very safety focused and some of the shots require large adjustments to Elevation and Windage, so knowing how to run your turrets or reticle is important.
You do have to shoot some extended shot strings from 5-10+ rounds at times, so having a gun with a magazine is recommended. Savage sells them but you can also get some 10 rounders from dark eagle customs and you will be G2G.
http://www.darkeaglecustom.com/products.shtml
I have a few friends who wan to get into competition but are a little intimidated by the whole big picture and necessary gear, but the guys have said it would be fine for a guy to come spectate and get the lay of the land.
If you want to shoot they require a "train-up day" to ensure everyone follows proper safety and understands the function of their scope and all that - this function really makes it feel safe out there since every shooter has to be approved. There is also a "sponsor" component so you'd have to make contact with one of the full members to get sponsored and signed on fully. It sounds like a process, but it's just a matter of being safe and going through the process for a shoot or two.
Personally, I would have liked to be a spectator the first time as it's a lot to absorb at first.
Any stage anyone feels uncomfortable with can be skipped and watched to learn. With the 223 or 22-250 some of the 800-1200 yd stages may prove difficult/improbable depending on bullet selection due to ballistic factors, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the other stages.
This is a little glamorized video, but these are the types of stages they shoot at times, but a lot of it is prone shooting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCWK4O8orOs
Laser range finders are required for some stages but not that many.
There's about a shoot a month, so as much opportunity to practice as many can afford.
I don't know where you live in OK or what type of shooting you enjoy, but I am more of a paper puncher but have fully enjoyed the challenge and practice time and company.
Most of the matches are held in Western OK but there's a couple that are 30-45 min from OKC.
Since you said you have not really shot much over 250 yds some consideration for practice and perhaps scope capabilities may need to be addressed. I don't mean any rub at all. But if any group of guys could help you get some range time somewhere and help you out, they'd be in this group of guys.
PM me sometime with your Location and I'll tell you whereabouts I live and have ranges. I have access to a 550 yd, 740 yd, and a 2000+ yd range but they are remote for most people's standards. Finding a good 700 yd range for practical practice is hard these days, but like I said finding a shooting buddy or two will get your feet wet for the medium to long range stuff.
Oh yea, there is also a speed limit for their steel @ +/- 3150 fps IIRC, so that might be a consideration for your 22-250.
EDIT: Forgot about the range at Pink. It's 450 yd IIRC and will help you get some good practice. It's the only quality medium distance range I know of open to the public. It's pretty private and not many know about it. The range owner is a great guy and keeps things in function and safe out there. There's like a $10 fee or so, but it is well worth it.
http://oklahomapersonaldefense.com/tbirdrange.html
