To "AKA Hunter"

[Charles E]

You may know about it, and it is a fair bit from Atlanta, but Cool Acres in Swainsboro, Georgia holds 1,000 yard matches. Last year they started in January...

http://internationalbenchrest.com/schedule/long_range.php

Which isn't to say they'll get those time frames next year. Here's the URL for the range:

http://www.coolacressportingcamp.com/

And I'm sure Mike Wilson would be happy to answer questions, if the notion appeals. Here's the URL for all IBS ranges -- scroll down to Cool Acres, & Mike's phone number is listed.

http://internationalbenchrest.com/ranges/index.php

If you've got something with a fast-twist barrel, from a 6mm like a .243, a .25 like a .25/06, any fair-sized 6.5, any of the 7mm-30 Magnums -- and if it doesn't weigh more than 17 pounds -- you could shoot *that* factory rifle in the Light Gun class. Very few restrictions in Long Range BR. You won't win, but you'll be shooting with/against some Big Dawgs in the 1K world. Mike is a current record holder for HG score, Scott Fletcher a past HG National Champion, Shannon Lowman is in the race for SOTY this year, etc.

This was the first year for the club in IBS competition; I'd expect there will be more shooters next year. Here's one of their match reports.

http://internationalbenchrest.com/results/long_range/2012/Cool Acres/331/Swainsboro331.php

Entry fees are not modest, but you don't have to be an IBS member to shoot -- just to advance to the shootoff if you win a relay (unlikely you will).

There aren't that many people who've shot at 1,000 yards. A chance to *really* be one of the few...

Again, if it appeals, don't just show up, call Mike. You'll likely need some shims for your scope. Actually, if you give me the MV, bullet used (so I can get the ballistic coefficient), and the height of scope above the bore, I can tell you how high your bullet has to print at 100 yards to be on paper at 1K. Can also help with .257 bullets if you happen to use a .25.... Plenty of 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm, & .30 cal bullets out there for the other calibers.

Now this kind of thing is what us IBS members are good for. If you want to try something, we can usually help your first experience be more successful. After that, you decide. Only "cost" is if you hang around long enough, you'll incur the debt of having to help a newbie yourself.

Charles Ellertson

 

[Hunter]

You may know about it, and it is a fair bit from Atlanta, but Cool Acres in Swainsboro, Georgia holds 1,000 yard matches....

If you've got something with a fast-twist barrel, from a 6mm like a .243, a .25 like a .25/06, any fair-sized 6.5, any of the 7mm-30 Magnums -- and if it doesn't weigh more than 17 pounds -- you could shoot *that* factory rifle in the Light Gun class....

Entry fees are not modest, but you don't have to be an IBS member to shoot -- just to advance to the shootoff if you win a relay (unlikely you will)....

Charles Ellertson

Charles, thanks for taking time to help; I have read about that range, and you're right, it is a "fair bit" from me. Do you mind responding to the following?

1. Do you know what the entry fees are? A
2. Do you know how many record shots are involved in one of their matches?
3. Why would the scores in LG and HG be so much different (per the results sheet linked above)?
4. Why couldn't I shoot one of the above-mentioned calibers in the HG class?

Thanks,
Hunter

 

[Charles E]

I can pretty much tell from your questions that 1K benchrest isn't for you, but since I started it, I'll answer a round of questions:

1. Do you know what the entry fees are? A

In both IBS and NBRSA, entry fees are set by the range (club) putting on the match. NBRSA does set a daily limit that the club can charge.

Typical for IBS 1K matches is $20 per gun, per match, with a discount for shooting both light & heavy -- typically $35 for both, per match. Again, typical is to have 2 matchs in one day. So typically, if you shot both guns, both matches, you'd be in for $70.

2. Do you know how many record shots are involved in one of their matches?

In the IBS, Light gun targets are five shots, heavy gun target are 10 shots. There are several formats. Typically, you shoot a relays against 5-15 other people (everybody on a single relay perforce gets the same conditions to shoot under). The winners of the relays meet in a shootoff.

So yes, that means if you shoot LG only, and one match only, you shoot 5 rounds and go home if you don't win. If you shoot both LG & HG & both matches, you shoot 30 rounds unless you win a relay. Once you start winning realys: maximum possible record rounds with this format would be 60, if you win every relay you're on. (Oddly enough, you could do that and still not win any matches...)

And of course the sighters. For those whose thrill comes from going bang, there is a six-minute sight-in period where you can shoot as many shots as you want. Otherwise, it's sort of like combat, if you don't win, you have to stop shooting (fortunately, for a different reason...).

3. Why would the scores in LG and HG be so much different (per the results sheet linked above)?

Already answered, but... you shoot 10 rounds with a HG, 5 with a LG.

4. Why couldn't I shoot one of the above-mentioned calibers in the HG class?

You could. I guess I was thinking you'd be at a greater disadvantage shooting a factory rifle against the heavies, but no rule against it. In fact, F-class shooters, where the rifle can weigh 22 pounds, would have to shoot in the HG class.

 

[Hunter]

I can pretty much tell from your questions that 1K benchrest isn't for you.

You never know; most folks have to start somewhere.

 

[Charles E]

You never know; most folks have to start somewhere.

True...but your reaction wasn't "You really can shoot 2-inch groups at 1,000 yards," but "how much are match fees", and "how many rounds do I get to shoot." These aren't selling points for 1K benchrest.

You *can* bring your factory gun & shoot against the big boys, but I guess you could do that in the VFS (score) or HV class (group) in short range, too. And Riverbend is probably close by....

 

[Hunter]

True...but your reaction wasn't "You really can shoot 2-inch groups at 1,000 yards," but "how much are match fees", and "how many rounds do I get to shoot." These aren't selling points for 1K benchrest.

If I'm going to be involved I need to know the cost (and cost per "quanity"), regardless of the "WOW" factor.