Precision Shooting Australia - Long Range Shooting, July 2022

[@MelvinHunt-iu8tv]

I'm in a Caribbean called st Martin I have this same identical gun in 243 with a cheek adjustment riser Very accurate and good gun

[@blackstumpballistics5361]

Thanks mate - it's interesting to hear about where these rifles are being used. They're a fantastic bit of gear, and I'm glad you like yours as much as I like mine! I would have gotten the cheek riser if it was available in Australia, and sometimes wonder if I should get my stock-smith to make me one. He would probably refuse as a matter of principle however as he doesn't like way they look :P

[@jimwest1967]

Wouldnt it be better to use a heavier bullet. Higher bc and less wind deflection. I run 100 grain in my 243

[@blackstumpballistics5361]

Probably, if BC was the only factor in play here. My rifle's got a 1:10" twist, and I doubt it would stabilise a 100gr. 105gr Noslers have been some of the best performing 6mm projectiles we've seen on this course and I've seen Trent hit that 1km target with his first shot for the day using his 6mm with 105gr RDFs, but they really need a 1:8" or faster barrel. That all being said, economics and convenience is the main reason I shoot that factory ammo. It's affordable, available off the shelf (or was at the time), shoots well, and does everything I expect it to do "well enough". Same with the rifle - it's just an entry-level, budget-friendly hunting rifle that does "well enough" for target shooting. If you want to build a 6mm target rifle for this kind of shooting, 100+gr projectiles are the competitive standard, but the uncomfortable truth here is that I just can't afford to spend that much on that kind of rifle at the moment.

[@azzajohnson2123]

Given the precision bench rest nature of this course, I would have thought that they would not be using pop-top camping tables but something made out of hard wood anchored into concrete? Does that matter?

[@blackstumpballistics5361]

Naturally, a solid shooting base like that is likely to give the shooter a small advantage when shooting like this, and I personally find these tables a bit uncomfortable to work from, but this course is more intended to teach shooters the skills needed for this kind of shooting rather than put them into a competitive shooting environment. Things like the table you're shooting at would come under the "self calibration" section of the course right at the start, and there are a couple of other heavier tables, standing rests and shooting mats available for those who need them, but these are the tables we use the most as they are easier to transport and move, and often just adding more shooting bags to your position can make a big difference to most shooters. Ultimately I think their goal is to have fixed shooting locations set up with really solid tables and multiple permanent shelters to work from, but for now they have to make compromises while they set up the other facilities. When I first started shooting at Billy Farm 4 years ago it was just 2 sea containers and a porta-loo (and these tables), with no shelter at all, so they've definitely come a long way. Some people bring their own tables or tripods (I did, and used them for my other shooting that weekend), but ultimately it is factors such as your marksmanship skills, equipment calibration and environmental observations that will have the greater impact on your success at shooting long range. And, as many of the course attendees shoot in environments where more stable rests aren't available (like hunting or PRS competition), this is a good chance to check that your technique is effective. We all hit our targets, so the tables can't be that bad ;) Thanks for the question!

[@Horrible_Deplorable]

So, Australians still have firearms?

[@blackstumpballistics5361]

For now, at least. We'll see how my next application goes though.

[@Horrible_Deplorable]

@@blackstumpballistics5361 Well, I'm glad to hear it. Hopefully y'all can keep them. We're having that fight here in the U.S now.

[@cssbarry]

Trouble calling shots i think is from your movements pre/post shot by the looks of it. You're anticipating the shot, you flinch your eyes and pull your hand off the trigger quickly after the shot. Try having a friend load the mag and put a spent/dummy round or two in and fire them - you'll see if you have a habit of anticipating the shot or not! Good rule is to continue squeezing the trigger and holding the same hold and head position for 3 seconds after the shot. Much like people who pull off the rifle to look over the scope after a shot - these little things make quiet a difference!

[@sniffer5098]

Can you attend this course with a 223?

[@blackstumpballistics5361]

Absolutely! You might struggle to reach 1km (some .223 combinations can, and you'd be more than welcome to try), but this course is more intended to help you reach into the transonic zone with your rifle than to hit a certain distance. Times when we've had multiple shooters with .223 rifles the boys have set out more targets in the 400-800m range. If you're interested, definitely talk to Zaine about the specifics of your rifle setup and he can put together a course of fire that will suit your equipment. I'm personally working on a .223 target rifle build at the moment (cha-ching tax return), and will hopefully be putting it through this course sometime later this year.