2013 AEDC High-Power Competition Master Schedule (Tullahoma, TN)

[Morpheus]

Shooters,

 

Here is the master schedule for Across-the-Course (XTC), Mid Range, and Long Range matches run by MidSouth Marksmen at Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) rifle range in Tullahoma, TN. If you have any specific questions, please be sure to contact the appropriate match director listed at the bottom of the schedule page. I can also put you on our distribution list for further updates for Mid/Long-Range matches so you can keep informed on any future changes or match cancellations (send e-mail with your name to jimsoko3853 [at] gmail [dot] com). i will also send you the official match programs for your further reading enjoyment. Please note that Across-the-Course (XTC) matches are run separately by Mark Long.

 

In an effort to further welcome new shooters who may not have the exact "proper" equipment, we are going to relax one of the NRA rules for the "club" Long/Mid-Range "slow-fire prone" (F-Class and Sling) matches that we conduct at the beginning of the year (1/20, 2/16, 2/17). Since these are intended to be "tune-up" matches and the scores are not sent to the NRA, we will not enforce the rule prohibiting muzzle brakes and/or suppressors for just these matches (1/20, 2/16, 2/17). So as not to "offend" other shooters, we may end up putting those with muzzle brakes at one end of the range and/or shooting at the same time, but hey - at least you will get a chance to try out this type of competition and see if it's something you want to pursue further. I don't make the rules, but as match director, I do need to follow them later in the year.

 

If you are a new shooter, we will pair you up with an experienced competitor to show you the ropes. Even if you show up holding hands with your buddy and need to share equipment, please be forewarned that we will accommodate your equipment needs somehow, but will pair you up with an experienced shooter for the day to ensure the overall safety and efficiency of the match. No big deal - most of the grizzled veterans do not bite. You will learn more this way.

 

For new shooters, make sure:

• You have a solid 200-yard zero (or longer if possible)
• You have a basic idea of your muzzle velocity, and the "come-ups" for 600 and/or 1,000 yards (http://www.jbmballistics.com/cgi-bin/jbmtraj-5.1.cgi)
• Your scope actually adjusts up this much (in elevation) from your 200-yard (or whatever) zero
• Your load or factory ammo results in the bullet still being supersonic at 1,000 yards (approximately 1,080 fps) if you plan to shoot in a 1,000-yard match.
• Please note that Federal Gold Medal Match or Black Hills .308 168 grain Sierra MatchKing factory ammo has a TERRIBLE record at staying supersonic at 1,000 yards. Don't bring this ammo. 175 SMK factory loads are better.
• You have a bipod (for F-T/R with a .308 or .223) or a front rest for other cartridges. Or, if you're really up for a challenge, try prone/sling.
• You have read over the F-Class rules (http://compete.nra.org/documents/pdf/compete/RuleBooks/HPR/hpr-book.pdf). Prone/sling rules are in here too, but recently more of the newbies have been F-Class.
• You have enough ammo (for newbies at least 60 rounds for a 40-shot match), a shooting mat, earplugs, eye protection, empty chamber indicator, etc. All the "normal" shooting equipment, but if you don't have a spotting scope, there are usually enough extra ones around to share.
• You have a method to single-load your rifle (firing from a magazine containing multiple rounds is not allowed). Shooting with an empty magazine in place is OK - just don't load in multiple rounds.
• Most importantly, you need to have a good attitude. Pride is one of the main factors that limits new shooters. Many guys starting out, regardless of experience, feel they are pretty good shots. Guess what - you're not going to win the match your first time out. No one else really cares if you look bad, but we are here to help you if you are willing to put in the time and effort. We all started out at the bottom. Many can't handle the realization that they need to work on developing shooting skills. They drift away and we never see them again. Or maybe they just think this type of shooting is boring. Regardless, we don't belittle anyone who shoots "poorly", and you really do have to work at becoming good. Here is your opportunity.

This is not going to be a new shooters clinic, per say, but we will do our best to accommodate newbies, and are especially appreciative if they pay attention to the suggestions I listed above. Last year we had several new shooters join us at our January match, and they have since become part of the strong core group of regular competitors at our matches.

 

See you out there.

 

Jim Sokolowski

Franklin, TN

[CaleR]

Are minors welcome to come and shoot?  What are the caliber requirements? (.300 Win. Mag possibly?) Would it be ok for someone who has no experience shooting past 200 yards? (I can zero out to 350 before I come)

[Morpheus]

Are minors welcome to come and shoot?  What are the caliber requirements? (.300 Win. Mag possibly?) Would it be ok for someone who has no experience shooting past 200 yards? (I can zero out to 350 before I come)

 

These are all good questions.

 

Minors must be accompanied by an adult guardian since both competitors and spectators must sign a release waiver before the competition begins. F-Class restricts caliber to .34" but AEDC range rules prohibit calibers larger than .308 diameter. You could shoot a .300 Win Mag., but your teeth might start to come loose before the day ends, especially with a lightweight hunting rifle (not sure what you actually have, sorry). It's really up to you.

 

If you have a brake on this rifle, make sure you let us know at check-in so we can make the appropriate squadding decisions. If you have not shot past 200 yards, but you follow my suggestions listed above, you should be OK. Do not take these suggestions lightly, however, if you want the day to be productive and fun. Make absolutely sure your scope actually does dial up that far. Without a 20 or 30 MOA rail installed, many scopes cannot cover the elevation requirements. All that being said, we like to have new shooters join us, especially those that do their homework ahead of time.

 

Another option to consider is to just show up and watch at our first match in January, get all your questions answered, and then show up and shoot at the 600 and then 1,000-yard matches in February. That would be a good way to ease your way into it.

 

Hopefully we will see you out there.

 

Jim

[CaleR]

It's a Browning BBR that is my grandpa's.  I also have a Stevens 200 in .308.  

Edited April 2, 2013 by CaleR

[Morpheus]

Rather than assume, use the ballistic calculator link I posted and check what it says. Some people do shoot .223 (built specifically for this purpose) at 1,000 yards, so it can be done, but use the calculator to check for yourself. I would recommend this to everyone planning to bring a rifle to an LR match the first time.

[Morpheus]

Just a suggestion: Best idea might be for you to watch the first 1,000-yard match, shoot the next match at 600, then the next one at 1,000. Trying out a rifle you aren't confident in at 1,000 yards the first time doesn't always go well, but 600 yards tends to be a lot more forgiving.

[CaleR]

I may just try to come and watch in January.

[Morpheus]

I may just try to come and watch in January.

 

Great idea. I think you would still get a lot out of it even if you just came out to watch for the day. I might even be able to get one of the F-Class shooters to let you try and shoot a few rounds with one of their rifles at the end of the match.

[Tempest455]

Thanks for posting this. My son is very excited to do this. He thought he was ready last year but he decided he wanted to wait another year.

 

We will be zeroed for 400 yards with Black Hills 175 SMK. Pretty sure I know how much MOA we need but would appreciate any help we can get when we get there. My scope does have enough elevation. I would like to come the earlier event but will be out of town. Planning on the Sun the 17th.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Morpheus]

That sounds great. With a 400-yard zero and the right scope elevation estimate, you should be OK as far as sighting in, and we can help you in case you're not. We are always happy to have a new father-son team join us. I look forward to seeing you out there.

[Morpheus]

Bumping this up again before the NRA-Approved part of the season starts up next month.