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Local club location


Kevgun

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Hi everyone, new member here not sure if I have posted this in the right area so don't be to hard on me.

I live in Basingstoke and I am interested in finding/ joining a local range where I can improve my shooting

 

I have . 22lr .17hmr and a .243 and FAC air

 

Looking to start reloading, but need advise on what I need?

 

Regards

 

Kevgun

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It's not that Lee equipment is 'no good' but it's definitely made to appeal to the shooter on a budget. They do make the odd decent product - the old Lee Auto-prime for example - now defunct. And, the Lee Cast Classic single-stage press is quite good. They also a universal decapping die - which can be useful and those shell-holder sets are great.

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If it's F Class you would like to get into, then get down to Bisley this weekend, it's the last league shoot of the season

Once there you can maybe talk to some of the guys get some advice, if not it won't start up again till spring, and when there you can decide

whether say Ftr may be for you (308 223) or F open, any cal up to 8mm . If your going to start reloading then you may want to get someone to teach you, perhaps

a shooter that you meet or get to a class somewhere and they can direct you in terms of what kit you may need.

Probably you wont go wrong with RCBS type gear where you can buy a whole reloading deal to get you going,

Also have a look here, you may want to join if you are going to shoot this discipline

 

ATB Robert

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Thanks for the replies, I'm not sure what F class is could I shoot it with a .243 sako 85 varmint rifle With a 20inch barrel with a 1:10 twist? I am looking mostly to improve my wind reading skills and distance judging got to start somewhere so here I am.

 

Kevgun

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Kev, check on F class,if no-one describes it,but it's really competition oriented and at 600+ yards.

That would be a reality check for a sporter in 243,but soewhat restricted number of shots,typically

 

You'd generally do better in a club which shot at 100-400 yards,say,and allowed more shots overall,with less specialised gear.You'd get to know your windage at more realistic 243 distances,with less distraction from the specialised F class rigs-lovely though they are...they are not shooting like 243 sporters,lovely though such Sakos are ,too (having both). It's probably more relaxing too ,free of 'competition' adrenaline,and with similar shooters-though Fclass is very friendly and helpful,it is as you'd expect oriented to uograded gear,and fairly technical issues-which won't all be that relevant to 'sporters'.

 

But any experience should be useful-the paper data isn't far off,but experiencing is believing,for your rifle. Distance judging skills are sorted by a laser rangefinder (a basic Kestrel for wind is worthwhile too)-most all clubs shoot at fixed known distances-though eventually 'tactical' shoots might appeal.

Good luck,and enjoy.

 

gbal

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Hi Gbal, thanks for the advise I don't think want to shoot F class at the moment, so I will try and find a club that caters for sporting rifles. I have bought a kestrel 4500 so I'm covered for a wind meter, I also have a magneto speed v3 I'm getting the gear together I just need to get out and use it.

 

Kevgun

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Kevgun,OK...good luck finding a local club;there are plenty,but relatively few will shoot regularly (or ever) at distances beyond 200y (partly lack of ranges,of course-but many shooters don't seem to keen to try.)

Remember that holes on paper are the truth for your rifle/load,no matter what chronos (mag is very good) or ballistics programs say-ball park only (there are just too many smallish variables that can add up,not precisely known in the program data).

Sometimes some travelling is indicated-only you can balance costs etc against range distances and likely shots allowed-generally competitions are quite restricted in the number of rounds-and of course geared to those who have done the groundwork,but a learning opportunity,nonetheless.You might reasonably expect around 1+ moa from a sporter 243 to about 400y,dependent on wind,and you will sometimes get better-consistency is perhaps more informative.Remember even the upmarket Kestrel models can't tell anything about the vagaries of the wind beyond the muzzle....which is why it ain't easy to shoot well beyond 200y! Good luck.

 

gbal

 

ps-I shot a 243 Sako for years,limited to 200y -until I got a club which allowed its potential-and limitations-to be explored way beyond that.I suspect many of us have been there,too.

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Kev,

Given your location, I would suggest joining the NRA, doing their safe shooter course at Bisley, this will give you the basic understanding of how a range works etc

 

The NRA shooting club (which is free to NRA members) then shoot at Bisley at least once a month, sometimes more often, they shoot at a variety of distances and they are relaxed friendly days where you will receive help and coaching as needed.

 

You will find a lot that knock the NRA, but membership gives you public liabilty insurance amongst other benefits and once a full member you can just book a range yourself at Bisley and shoot anywhere between 100-1200 yards to suit yourself.

 

Mike

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