What would be the minimum amount of equipment needed to get your feet wet in benchrest shooting ( 1000yds at Missoula MT)?Any Caliber more forgiving than others? Don't want to dump huge amounts of $$ to try it out. I need someting that can shoot 8 to 10 sighters and then 10 shots for record. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also wondering if it would work to use the same rifle for long range hunting. Not trying to win any matches, just finish mid pack.

Thanks
Neal

Generally speaking, when being forced to fire 10 shots for record, the small case capacities will be more forgiving. Less heat and less recoil will be an advantage. Unfortunately, the smaller calibers will not be the ideal thing when hunting big game at long range. Having said that, a 7mm WSM or 7mm SAUM shooting a 162 Amax may do a decent job at both tasks if set up correctly, and help keep the costs down on dies and bullets.

What weight requirements will the rules at your association place on the system?

I think a number of things I have built could finish mid pack shooting off a bipod at most 1000 yard matches....

One class is 11.5 # and the other is 16.5#. I was also wondering what magnification is optimum for 1000 yd shooting?

thanks for all your input.

Neal

I take it that if you have an 11.5 lb. gun, that you may shoot it in the 16.5 class as well?


1,000 yard competitions can be very useful experience when building the wind reading skills needed to kill at ultra long range.


Since you are looking to gain experience and not trying to win, you may want to compromise on the optimum scope power which most consider to be 32 to 42 power. I have both witnessed and shot many groups under 1/2 MOA at 1,000 yards or longer with a 22 power NXS. You will give up some aiming precision to a 42 power scope, but probably less than a 10th of a MOA.

If you want to build for the lighter class, a carbon fiber stock will save you at least a pound, and there are actions like a Panda or a Rem. Titanium that will save you weight that can be better utilized on the barrel and still meet your weight restrictions.

Another reasonable option is to buy a used gun with an established performance record at 1,000.