Stalking and a bit of competition - advice?

[GBR66]

I have a .30-06 and would like to try a bit of competition shooting at longer range - perhaps PRS. No illusions about how humbling it might be be and not aiming to win, but put more rounds down the range, have fun, learn and improve, if I catch the bug I might invest, also see I qualify for the “old feckers” class! I think my options are:

1. Get a 6.5x55 barrel (only that, .270 and .308 available in usable calibres) for my rifle, to go with the .30-06, use rifle more and get a scope I use for stalking and target for both barrels.

or

2. Keep stalking rifle with .30-06 and my 7x50 scope and buy an entry level PRS like a Berghara B14 HMR in a fashionable (6 or 6.5) calibre and a cheaper scope with ballistic turrets, within budget for “Production” and not waste my time and money with second barrel in 6.5x55.

or

any other suggestions?

Just looking at options with no experience of PRS so all advice and opinions gratefully received!

Thanks.

 

[disco_ike]

For PRS you are likely to want something with less recoil than that and I don’t think you can shoot HME for PRS. My suggestions would be buy a second rifle that’s dedicated to PRS as you want something that’s a bit heavier so it muzzle flips less and you can see your splash by the target. Most PRS rifles are fairly heavy, with long target style barrels and accessories rails.

I shoot it with a 6.5creed (30inch heavy stainless barrel) because of the slightly flatter shooting it gives. My PRS scope (vortex Venom) would not be my choice for stalking due to being very cluttered with the additional hold over info etc on the reticle.

if you are around next weekend there is a PRA match at Bisley on the Sunday. You don’t have to be a member to come and watch it and see what people are using etc. it can be a great way of working out what kit you may need etc.


My rig

 

[GBR66]

For PRS you are likely to want something with less recoil than that and I don’t think you can shoot HME for PRS. My suggestions would be buy a second rifle that’s dedicated to PRS as you want something that’s a bit heavier so it muzzle flips less and you can see your splash by the target. Most PRS rifles are fairly heavy, with long target style barrels and accessories rails.

I shoot it with a 6.5creed (30inch heavy stainless barrel) because of the slightly flatter shooting it gives. My PRS scope (vortex Venom) would not be my choice for stalking due to being very cluttered with the additional hold over info etc on the reticle.

if you are around next weekend there is a PRA match at Bisley on the Sunday. You don’t have to be a member to come and watch it and see what people are using etc. it can be a great way of working out what kit you may need etc.


My rig
View attachment 352995

Thank you, very helpful and makes sense. I think I should be able to get to Bisley on Sunday. Like the rig!

 

[Ronin]

Don’t buy or change anything

Go along to a match - watch and pay close attention to what’s being said and used

You may simply just walk away

You may get the “bug”

To be competitive - you simply “must” have a heavy, balanced chassis derived rifle that’s custom made by named hipster smith and high up on the hipster level scale of a 6mm low recoiling cartridge

This allows you to balance the weapon on nice heavy bag on a contrived barricade, line up with the steel plate and squeez the trigger - repeat process

There is an arms race that almost everyone involved in this style of shooting gets drawn into and then having taken the red pill falls down the rabbit hole

Avoid this please with all your will power

There are some very gifted shots who use a traditional style of stock from fine place across the Irish Sea and perform at the highest level without such aids (as mentioned above)

You can participate and have fun with any magazine fed rifle in any cartridge

All you need is to know your drop and be a decent shot being able to control recoil and perform the basic principles of marksmanship

The steel plate circuit is largely based in south wales and some matches now being run at Bisley

Steel plate matches or competitions usually end a season with a finale (why people can’t use the Kings English and use the word Final, is beyond me )

matches are sponsored or run by people who wish to sell you something And have become far removed from the original ethos of the sport they are now like playing space invaders with a firearm

There are other steel plate events open to anyone, held in the north if you can travel - which are of a more relaxed nature with less emphasis on shiny kit and names and more focus of helping people develop skill sets, enjoyment of the sport and zero pressure to perform on you tube or ****ter or any other social media platform that appears to be the “thing” to do these days

The UK Rifleseries held at Eskdalemuir May be of interest if this style appeals to you

Whatever you do eventually do, go in with open mind.

 

[RCS Deer Management]

Don’t buy or change anything

Go along to a match - watch and pay close attention to what’s being said and used

You may simply just walk away

You may get the “bug”

To be competitive - you simply “must” have a heavy, balanced chassis derived rifle that’s custom made by named hipster smith and high up on the hipster level scale of a 6mm low recoiling cartridge

This allows you to balance the weapon on nice heavy bag on a contrived barricade, line up with the steel plate and squeez the trigger - repeat process

There is an arms race that almost everyone involved in this style of shooting gets drawn into and then having taken the red pill falls down the rabbit hole

Avoid this please with all your will power

There are some very gifted shots who use a traditional style of stock from fine place across the Irish Sea and perform at the highest level without such aids (as mentioned above)

You can participate and have fun with any magazine fed rifle in any cartridge

All you need is to know your drop and be a decent shot being able to control recoil and perform the basic principles of marksmanship

The steel plate circuit is largely based in south wales and some matches now being run at Bisley

Steel plate matches or competitions usually end a season with a finale (why people can’t use the Kings English and use the word Final, is beyond me )

matches are sponsored or run by people who wish to sell you something And have become far removed from the original ethos of the sport they are now like playing space invaders with a firearm

There are other steel plate events open to anyone, held in the north if you can travel - which are of a more relaxed nature with less emphasis on shiny kit and names and more focus of helping people develop skill sets, enjoyment of the sport and zero pressure to perform on you tube or ****ter or any other social media platform that appears to be the “thing” to do these days

The UK Rifleseries held at Eskdalemuir May be of interest if this style appeals to you

Whatever you do eventually do, go in with open mind.

This is good advice ,I entered a prs style competition on Bodmin moor when I was thinking about starting to compete. I shot my culling rifle (6.5x284) in a pse multipurpose as I didn’t want to build a rig before I knew I was committed. At the start of the event several people told me I would struggle as my rifle was too light, too heavy recoiling ect. But despite this I won the two day event. I have no doubt these if I wanted to try again I could be competitive again with this set up if I wished. In the end I decided that it didn’t float my boat like culling deer did so I quit while I was ahead, without having invested thousands in a new rifle.

 

[Ronin]

This is good advice ,I entered a prs style competition on Bodmin moor when I was thinking about starting to compete. I shot my culling rifle (6.5x284) in a pse multipurpose as I didn’t want to build a rig before I knew I was committed. At the start of the event several people told me I would struggle as my rifle was too light, too heavy recoiling ect. But despite this I won the two day event. I have no doubt these if I wanted to try again I could be competitive again with this set up if I wished. In the end I decided that it didn’t float my boat like culling deer did so I quit while I was ahead, without having invested thousands in a new rifle.

Ace

 

[Sash]

This is good advice ,I entered a prs style competition on Bodmin moor when I was thinking about starting to compete. I shot my culling rifle (6.5x284) in a pse multipurpose as I didn’t want to build a rig before I knew I was committed. At the start of the event several people told me I would struggle as my rifle was too light, too heavy recoiling ect. But despite this I won the two day event. I have no doubt these if I wanted to try again I could be competitive again with this set up if I wished. In the end I decided that it didn’t float my boat like culling deer did so I quit while I was ahead, without having invested thousands in a new rifle.

This is incredibly heartening, as well as impressive!

I got the flier from the NRA last week and so, on a whim, have entered for next weekend’s PRS match at Bisley.
I shall be using my normal rifle - its the only one I have - a T3 Hunter in .308, and suspect I shall learn quite a lot about the rifle, the round, and myself. Not necessarily in that order…..

 

[enfieldspares]

Of course if a UK member I'd advise the OP to make sure their FAC is appropriately worded! Zeroing and for stalking deer and AOLQ is definitely not authority allowing use for regular frequent competition shooting.

 

[NullMac]

This is good advice ,I entered a prs style competition on Bodmin moor when I was thinking about starting to compete. I shot my culling rifle (6.5x284) in a pse multipurpose as I didn’t want to build a rig before I knew I was committed. At the start of the event several people told me I would struggle as my rifle was too light, too heavy recoiling ect. But despite this I won the two day event. I have no doubt these if I wanted to try again I could be competitive again with this set up if I wished. In the end I decided that it didn’t float my boat like culling deer did so I quit while I was ahead, without having invested thousands in a new rifle.

Good man. Shooting skills win comps. Same as always.

 

[scotch_egg]

You don’t mention what the current rifle is. How much will a new barrel cost. Is it a user swappable barrel?

The reality is a stalking rifle with light weight barrel really isn’t suitable for the shot strings associated with PRS.

I have absolutely no experience with Bergara rifles. I’ve heard they do what the advertising says it should do, but can be prone to corrosion.

My recommendation would be a varmint type barrel in 6.5 creedmoor. No need to call this a fashionable cartridge. It just works plain and simple. The online hate for it is getting a bit old now. It’s here to stay. It’s efficient and low recoiling and fits a short action with a high BC 140gr bullet that can be seated out of the powder column. It’s the most efficient of all the short action 6.5’s with components and factory ammunition in both hunting and target guise available at every good gun shop in the country.

You will need a scope you can dial elevation pretty much as a minimum. If not you will struggle to engage the targets and have a rather lack lustre day to Mbe honest. PSE Rifle Stocks - The Next Level

You can get away with cheaper optics but make sure they have turrets you can dial by

I shot a few events but haven’t for for a couple years due to injuries.

@Ronin has made some very valid observations. The PRS events will be topped by sponsored shooter who are putting 10k rounds down range a year and getting through 3 barrels.

I shot the early steel plate comps to become a better shooter when out after deer. I have found that doing that under the clock and firing off 10 rounds in 90 seconds does not give you the opportunity to assess what you are doing wrong.

You need deeper pockets than pheasant shooting to actually “compete” it is an arms race that looks like fun from the outside. The .22lr or air rifle series would be a better bet for the humble man and far more accessible with ranges around the country.

 

[Ronin]

I have absolutely no experience with Bergara rifles. I’ve heard they do what the advertising says it should do, but can be prone to corrosion.

And a whole s h x t load of other issues


260 Rem, 6.5/55 etc etc - Creedmoor was and still is a successful marketing operation

Now superceded by the 6mm hipsters (where does that leave those that were advised to choose creedmoor …..


Cheap optics rarely have good tracking and repeatability , also cheaper glass is always a compromise

Buy higher end used if necessary rather than brand new sub 1800 rubbish

@Ronin has made some very valid observations. The PRS events will be topped by sponsored shooter who are putting 10k rounds down range a year and getting through 3 barrels.

I shot the early steel plate comps to become a better shooter when out after deer. I have found that doing that under the clock and firing off 10 rounds in 90 seconds does not give you the opportunity to assess what you are doing wrong.

You need deeper pockets than pheasant shooting to actually “compete” it is an arms race that looks like fun from the outside. The .22lr or air rifle series would be a better bet for the humble man and far more accessible with ranges around the country.

Very valid points

 

[jcampbellsmith]

........ The .22lr or air rifle series would be a better bet for the humble man and far more accessible with ranges around the country.

I agree. I have tried PRS and it is too expensive for me, but .22 PRS is much more doable and more fun.
Regards
JCS

 

[GBR66]

This is incredibly heartening, as well as impressive!

I got the flier from the NRA last week and so, on a whim, have entered for next weekend’s PRS match at Bisley.
I shall be using my normal rifle - its the only one I have - a T3 Hunter in .308, and suspect I shall learn quite a lot about the rifle, the round, and myself. Not necessarily in that order…..

If I can make the timings work I am going to try and go along as a spectator next weekend.

 

[GBR66]

Don’t buy or change anything

Go along to a match - watch and pay close attention to what’s being said and used

You may simply just walk away

You may get the “bug”

To be competitive - you simply “must” have a heavy, balanced chassis derived rifle that’s custom made by named hipster smith and high up on the hipster level scale of a 6mm low recoiling cartridge

This allows you to balance the weapon on nice heavy bag on a contrived barricade, line up with the steel plate and squeez the trigger - repeat process

There is an arms race that almost everyone involved in this style of shooting gets drawn into and then having taken the red pill falls down the rabbit hole

Avoid this please with all your will power

There are some very gifted shots who use a traditional style of stock from fine place across the Irish Sea and perform at the highest level without such aids (as mentioned above)

You can participate and have fun with any magazine fed rifle in any cartridge

All you need is to know your drop and be a decent shot being able to control recoil and perform the basic principles of marksmanship

The steel plate circuit is largely based in south wales and some matches now being run at Bisley

Steel plate matches or competitions usually end a season with a finale (why people can’t use the Kings English and use the word Final, is beyond me )

matches are sponsored or run by people who wish to sell you something And have become far removed from the original ethos of the sport they are now like playing space invaders with a firearm

There are other steel plate events open to anyone, held in the north if you can travel - which are of a more relaxed nature with less emphasis on shiny kit and names and more focus of helping people develop skill sets, enjoyment of the sport and zero pressure to perform on you tube or ****ter or any other social media platform that appears to be the “thing” to do these days

The UK Rifleseries held at Eskdalemuir May be of interest if this style appeals to you

Whatever you do eventually do, go in with open mind.

Very helpful, thanks

 

[disco_ike]

This is incredibly heartening, as well as impressive!

I got the flier from the NRA last week and so, on a whim, have entered for next weekend’s PRS match at Bisley.
I shall be using my normal rifle - its the only one I have - a T3 Hunter in .308, and suspect I shall learn quite a lot about the rifle, the round, and myself. Not necessarily in that order…..

Well shot today! Very impressed

 

[GBR66]

Well shot today! Very impressed

This is incredibly heartening, as well as impressive!

I got the flier from the NRA last week and so, on a whim, have entered for next weekend’s PRS match at Bisley.
I shall be using my normal rifle - its the only one I have - a T3 Hunter in .308, and suspect I shall learn quite a lot about the rifle, the round, and myself. Not necessarily in that order…..

Ah you must be the chap wearing the smock - that looked to be the only Standard rifle on the ground! I came along and watched today for a bit - how did you get on?

 

[Lever357]

If you want to have a go, just enter one with your present rifle and see if you enjoy it. My friend has an Accuracy International in 338LM with a 6mm barrel also, and every time he enters a shoot, he comes back and asks me to get prices off my RFD friend for 300 Win mags, 7mm, 6mmPRC etc etc. I think if you concentrated on one calibre, say .308 as everything is relatively cheap and plentiful, then you could enjoy entering. The only time I entered a PRS, I shot my 1974 Enforcer with standard Pecar 4 times scope - and came 13th out of 33. The top ten more or less all had custom-built rifles. My friend and I fancy entering one at Gardners Eskdalemuir range using our straight pull Garands!!

 

[Ronin]

If you want to have a go, just enter one with your present rifle and see if you enjoy it. My friend has an Accuracy International in 338LM with a 6mm barrel also, and every time he enters a shoot, he comes back and asks me to get prices off my RFD friend for 300 Win mags, 7mm, 6mmPRC etc etc. I think if you concentrated on one calibre, say .308 as everything is relatively cheap and plentiful, then you could enjoy entering. The only time I entered a PRS, I shot my 1974 Enforcer with standard Pecar 4 times scope - and came 13th out of 33. The top ten more or less all had custom-built rifles. My friend and I fancy entering one at Gardners Eskdalemuir range using our straight pull Garands!!

Get yourselves there

You’ll be made most welcome

 

[GBR66]

I went along to Bisley today, liked the set-up and a friendly bunch of competitors, was quite jealous not to be shooting! Matt on here was one of the range officers and kindly sent me details and we had a chat. There were a few people shooting .308. Almost all the rifles were heavy barrelled "tactical"| types and most people on some sort of 6mm or 6.5mm. A fun way to practice, I will probably go with my stalking rifle next time but add a scope with ballistic turrets, if I enjoy it I will head down the rabbit hole....but I have told the wife it will only be a "cheap" factory rifle and no home loading!

 

[jcalleja91]

I went along to Bisley today, liked the set-up and a friendly bunch of competitors, was quite jealous not to be shooting! Matt on here was one of the range officers and kindly sent me details and we had a chat. There were a few people shooting .308. Almost all the rifles were heavy barrelled "tactical"| types and most people on some sort of 6mm or 6.5mm. A fun way to practice, I will probably go with my stalking rifle next time but add a scope with ballistic turrets, if I enjoy it I will head down the rabbit hole....but I have told the wife it will only be a "cheap" factory rifle and no home loading!

My Rifle is off having a new barrel so I couldn't shoot today

There's a lot of out the box "custom" type factory options now