Thread: Chaz Forsyth memorial

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

Out of interest what are the "rules" (if any) surrounding equipment for a hunter match? ie: weight limit for rifles etc? Not that it probably matters much but I'm kind of interested in getting along and shooting some of these kind of things and woukd feel a bit out of place to show up with a bergara and a box of ammunition and find myself on the line with a heap of 15-20lb PRS style rigs. Not expecting to win any prizes or compete for places etc but just interests me to go shoot with a bunch of people shooting similar equipment

No bigger than 338 and some other rules around things but it doesn't seem to matter. I was using a 6.5 Grendel and got the same middle of the pack score as a guy literally using a 338 Lapua in an AI rig. The second place getter was using a 6mm GT in a normal hunting rig. There were PRS rigs there but that didn't seem to matter much.

I was shooting 223 in a straightpull AR in the match. most of misses (except for 700 meters one) are due to my poor marksmanship rather than the equipment. A half decent rifle should do the job.

The aim of the match is to find your limit, including how heavy you want to carry in a hunting trip.

Hallo Gimp, I managed to win this one and yes it sure was a fun and enjoyable shoot ! That hill climb gave me a bit of a work out. In reply to your question, I was shooting a 6.5 Creedmoor with 140gr ELD Ms. Already looking forward to the next one !

Originally Posted by Springbokkie

Hallo Gimp, I managed to win this one and yes it sure was a fun and enjoyable shoot ! That hill climb gave me a bit of a work out. In reply to your question, I was shooting a 6.5 Creedmoor with 140gr ELD Ms. Already looking forward to the next one !

Well done! See you at the next one...

@Cowboy06 and @blair993, I'm curious about what cartridges you guys were shooting too

pretty sure sam threw together a 6.5 prc for it. i was planning to use my standard t3x 260rem but had to use the 260 in mdt xrs(a little heavier than a standard hunter setup) due to lack of ammo being ready. 140eldm about 2900fps. only decided to shoot on saturday.
My squad was cool nearly all new to any type of match.

2nd was good gimp. Well done.

3200fps limit....interesting. I would have thought 87grn from .243 would be up there but you said mild load... That limit counts out the 22-250 unless down loaded or using above 70 GRN projectiles. I would think a fair few 223 loads would be nudging that limit too. Interesting.

Originally Posted by Wildman

No bigger than 338 and some other rules around things but it doesn't seem to matter. I was using a 6.5 Grendel and got the same middle of the pack score as a guy literally using a 338 Lapua in an AI rig. The second place getter was using a 6mm GT in a normal hunting rig. There were PRS rigs there but that didn't seem to matter much.

There is a specified maximum rifle weight limit for the Hunter Challenge event that typically happens in January (I'm assuming this shoot ran under the same guidelines). The intent of the match and the max weight limit is to test shooter's ability to make first round hits in the vitals from field positions with rifles and gear you would realistically carry hunting. In order to keep the ability to join in high without it turning into yet another high-cost-of-entry game, tripods and shooting specific bags aren't allowed. The match directors are aware that people are increasingly using 'crossover' comp/precision rifles for hunting, but have drawn these lines to keep it about fundamental skills and to encourage anyone to come along and have a go.

Having said that it's also a fun(and difficult!) shoot where everyone can join in, but if you're shooting a heavy competition rifle you won't be eligible for the winners trophy.
@Ryan_Songhurst - definitely turn up with your Bergara and have a crack, it's a great time. If it's well zeroed and your drop info is reliable, it all comes down to your ability to shoot from awkwardish positions and ability to read and allow for the wind. Back in the event at the start of this year I shot my standard hunting weight Howa 6.5 Creedmoor with 147 Eld-M reloads that shoots 30mm for 10+ shot groups at 100m. I made sure it was really well zeroed and used my Twin Needle Mollyme pack to shoot off primarily as it's way better than bipod for consistency when the shooting position isn't dead flat. I carried my sitting height Harris bipod and used it for exactly one shot where it was really useful. I used my emergency thermals in a soft drybag as a rear bag for a few shots too and many other squad members borrowed it to use as well. I've done this loads in actual hunting situations so am totally happy that it fits the spirit of the event. There is (in my squads) great cooperation between shooters to help each other out so we can all have a decent go at scoring, but at the end of the day it's still you executing the shot.

I ended up one point off first place along with three other shooters with this setup, so it's doable with normal hunting rifles and gear.
@Springbokkie - what rifle and scope were you shooting?

@ryansonghurst highly recommend. The forum one was good. I felt fine with a tikka 223 and some rushed handloads. The standing shots were embarrassing for me but sitting unsupported went surprised well even managed to do that section left handed after a few mentioned the setup the year before had forced them to do so. Atleast the forum shoot was very relaxed and use of the long range on the Sunday was pretty mint.

The competition-ish bit is all good, but to me the shoot is really a useful reality & function check on your process and preparation. Am I set up for success and can I do everything right every time?

Steelisreal I am shooting a Tikka CTR topped of with a Element Nexus Gen2. Really accurate rig, love it to bits !!

The head is turned away slightly on the Red stag but yes some ducks head cast one of the antlers a few years ago with his bullet.

So....who bought Chaz's bakail and how much did it sell for???