2026 NRL Hunter Thread

[EcoastDG]

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!!

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Nice Rig. I shot the Va one last year and it was awesome. I'll be at the Pa and Va matches this year. Make sure you sign up quickly cuz they sell out fast.
Good luck this year

 

[SkeeterMcgiblet]

Laramie match last year was an ass kicker for me as a noob but a ton of fun, great venue. Fort Collins match I had my shit a little more together, also a very cool venue. Planning to shoot the Laramie 1 & 2 days, Fort Collins & Larkspur. Very lucky Northern CO has so many shoots nearby. I'd highly recommend a 1 day shoot to ease into these matches if you can, honestly I preferred it since the 2 days become more of a 2.5-3 day commitment with the check in

I'll be starting to "train" for the upcoming season here shortly, shooting near Estes or Laramie for any locals around

 

[FrankieP1988]

They opened more individual spots for the Rifle match

 

[686]

I’m shooting the Freestone match in 18 days. I had some setbacks getting a new load worked up for my Tikka 6.5CM. I wanted to try the 153.5 grain Berger hybrid targets, but I was getting ~1-2” groups with them with different powders. I thought maybe I forgot how to shoot or something, went back to factory Precision Hunter 143ELDX and was sub MOA on a 10 shot group no problem. Went through the data in Applied Ballistics and it says the 153.5 Berger is only marginally stable for me. So, changed back to 143 ELDX and got a hand load worked up that meets power factor and shoots sub MOA 10 shot groups. 143 ELDX from here on out for me I think with this gun.

 

[Okie_Poke]

I’m planning to shoot both Oklahoma matches this year. Shot my first match last year. Will shoot Skills at Bartlesville but I went ahead and registered for real for Foundation. Hopefully I can make both.

 

[Jdeck09]

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!!

View attachment 1011192

The VA shoot is a ton of fun.