2026 NRL Hunter Thread

[Bobrobheimer]

There was a pretty lively thread for 2025 NRL hunter that I enjoyed and thought there should be one for this year as well.

I just shot the first of the season for me - the 1 day Cameo match. That facility is amazing and I wish I had something like it near to home!

Take aways for me:

1) I still suck.
2) Go faster! The spotting conditions. at least to start, were really tough due to fresh snow and I think that lulled me into a fatalistic attitude about getting shots off from all positions, either way I was going too slow. At first I was struggling to find targets but hitting everything I shot at. Then I started finding targets quick and missing everything I was shooting at!
3) I need to do a better job of mentally land marking the terrain so I can get the target in the scope more quickly.

All the stages at this match were really close together - that was convenient I guess - but I prefer when they are more spread out and the new stages reveal more new terrain. Overall I felt the match ran smoothly. Though it was a bummer stage 7 got dropped as I didn’t get to shoot that one. So total of only 7 stages for the day.

 

[TJE0705]

I’ll jump in on this. Shot my first NRL hunter last year at the Gunwerks one in Cody and it was amazing. Shot the team division with a buddy of mine. Trying to shoot at least 2 this year, the one in Blackstone VA and the one at Coleman’s creek in NC.

I need to work on finding targets. I will be shooting solo in the open heavy division this year and dont really know how to work on this so any tips are appreciated.

Im shooting my 308 again this year since it’s already setup and will make the weight requirements (obligatory rifle picture below). I didnt really feel “outgunned” in anything at the gunwerks match, farthest target was 955 which we hit. Im looking into getting a 6.5 barrel spun after this year for a more dedicated NRL hunter rig. Still haven’t decided on barrel length. I want to go short like 16.5 or 18 inch and suppress it but know I will be leaving some performance on the table. If your shooting 6.5 with a shorter barrel I’d love to know what speeds you are getting with factory ammo.

Thanks guys and look forward to following this thread this year!!

 

[LongWayAround]

@TJE0705

What's your tripod and head setup there?

 

[alexnelon]

There was a pretty lively thread for 2025 NRL hunter that I enjoyed and thought there should be one for this year as well.

I just shot the first of the season for me - the 1 day Cameo match. That facility is amazing and I wish I had something like it near to home!

Take aways for me:

1) I still suck.
2) Go faster! The spotting conditions. at least to start, were really tough due to fresh snow and I think that lulled me into a fatalistic attitude about getting shots off from all positions, either way I was going too slow. At first I was struggling to find targets but hitting everything I shot at. Then I started finding targets quick and missing everything I was shooting at!
3) I need to do a better job of mentally land marking the terrain so I can get the target in the scope more quickly.

1. Dude same
2. Sper timer for $25 is a good investment just to help your mind get past the panic about how much time you’re taking.
3. Draw a picture! Set up your dope card with space to doodle target shape and nearest landmark. You probably won’t even have to look at it but the act of drawing it makes it way easier to remember

 

[686]

[mention]TJE0705 [/mention]

My buddy gets 2518fps from factory Berger 153.5gr from his 18” 6.5 Creedmoor barrel. If you’re shooting factory ammo from the box you don’t have to make power factor for the matches, but this load actually does. 2518 x 153.5 =386,513. Min power factor is 380,000.

 

[Bobrobheimer]

1. Dude same
2. Sper timer for $25 is a good investment just to help your mind get past the panic about how much time you’re taking.
3. Draw a picture! Set up your dope card with space to doodle target shape and nearest landmark. You probably won’t even have to look at it but the act of drawing it makes it way easier to remember

Yeah I wouldn’t mind a talking timer - I usually just ask the ROs to let me know when I hit the 2 and 1 min marks.

 

[TJE0705]

@TJE0705

What's your tripod and head setup there?

@LongWayAround its a leofoto inverted leg tripod. Pictures below with tripod model and ball head model. I relly like it and got a smokin deal last year on it for Black Friday

 

[686]

Good thread, thanks for starting it and it will be fun to follow. I’m planning to shoot two or three matches this year. I shot the Cactus Classic and a one day match last year. Learned a ton and am much better setup this year.

I’ll be shooting factory class with a Tikka Game Ace in 6.5 creed at 12lbs 9.6oz (max is 12lbs 10oz with suppressor). 10oz suppressor allowance for all classes I believe this year which is great. It’s really great to not have to have your ear pro on in the staging areas if everybody is suppressed.

Still doing some hand load work, but hopefully have a load at 2700fps with Berger 153.5’s. Going to try to confirm tomorrow.

 

[alexnelon]

Good thread, thanks for starting it and it will be fun to follow. I’m planning to shoot two or three matches this year. I shot the Cactus Classic and a one day match last year. Learned a ton and am much better setup this year.

I’ll be shooting factory class with a Tikka Game Ace in 6.5 creed at 12lbs 9.6oz (max is 12lbs 10oz with suppressor). 10oz suppressor allowance for all classes I believe this year which is great. It’s really great to not have to have your ear pro on in the staging areas if everybody is suppressed.

Factory weight limit is actually 13 lb 10 oz with a suppressor this season.

Only factory and open light get the suppressor weight allowance.

 

[Pilsner]

6.5 creed with 16.5" barrel
Hornady ELD-M factory 147's
2415 FPS @m 2375' elevation and 50 degrees.