Question for the PRS series shooters

[Luked]

Have been looking into trying my hand at PRS.
I see there are quite a few matches in my state and somewhat close.

I have been trying to read some as well as some You Tube vids to get ideas on gear etc.

What I am really wondering is on the rifle.
Right now the only rifles I have that would fit the rules are a 300 WSM Model 70. And a old Rem 700 in 243.
With that said I know the 6mm rounds are popular in the PRS shooting.
And I would not want to really shoot the 300 WSM at all in PRS.
So that leaves me at the 243.

Now with that said the old 243 has been a pretty reliable rifle for me. I have just started to do some load dev with it also that I have yet to figure out a few things but working on it.

How well will the 243 do for me to start out with?
I know I'm gonna suck so I'm fine there. And I'm not looking to become a champion as I know I don't have the time for that. I just want to learn longer range shooting better.

The 243 is topped with an older Leupold Mark IV LRT. In a cheaper set of Leupold Mounts. I been needing to change them to Warne Mtn Series.

any other opinions or suggestions would be helpful

 

[FrankieP1988]

I shot a handful of matches for the first time last year. I think you'd be fine using your .243, I mean it is a 6mm after all . I shot my first few matches with a heavy .223. I knew I likely wouldn't be too competitive at the longer range matches, but it did great on the smaller matches that were 600-700 yd max. I had the same mindset that I really just want to learn to be a better shooter.

I have since built a 6 dasher that has been a ton of fun to shoot. I'd say shoot a few matches and make sure you like it. If so, then consider building a custom comp rig. I think another option is some matches will have options to rent custom builds, so you can also try shooting one of their rigs.

Either way, I'd say find a way to shoot in some matches. I found all of the dudes I have shot with have been extremely helpful and very willing to help with suggestions whether it be gear, shooting position during a stage, etc.

 

[SloppyJ]

I broke into some local matches this year and I've had a blast. I watched one match and then came back the next month to shoot it with what I had. Similar to your situation.

I decided to use my 18" 6 Creed that I had just built as a hunting rifle. I found a decent load and took 100 of them to my first match. I got my ass whooped up on. Bad. I learned that an 8lb rifle has no business trying to compete out there. I was good on the prone shots but the positional stuff I fell apart.

I decided it was something I wanted to pursue so I bought a 26" criterion 6 creed MTU barrel and found a used foundation stock online. I outfitted it with as much weight as possible and went back to the next match with a 26lb rifle. Same action, same trigger, same optic. I did MUCH better.

The secret lies in having a good balancing rifle that you can plop down and it points itself. You'll be fine with the .243 but know your dope and true your ballistics. My first match was only the third time I'd shot past 200 so I had a lot to learn but I went in knowing that.

I've come into the season this year with so much more confidence in my abilities and I know that will grow even further as I continue shoot matches this year.

Id say go for it but know that you're going to want to spend some cash on gear to level the playing field. Everyone I've met out there has been awesome and extremely helpful.

The 700 needs to take AICS mags and I'd recommend buying two or three 12rd mags to take with you. No way you have time to reload or push more down a bdl. Know that you'll suck your first match and get it over with. It's a blast.

 

[Firestone]

I'll pm you

 

[ChrisAU]

Its a lot like learning hunting as an adult, the best way to learn is to just jump in. You'll learn more in the first few stages of a match than you will in months of research and planning.

 

[wind gypsy]

The local ranges to me that hold PRS style matches all also have "Intro to Precision Rifle" days where they basically run people through what a match entails, get your gear and dope squared away, and run through some sample stages. That would probably be the best intro, second choice is just signing up for a match.

If your 243 doesn't have detachable mags it's going to be a bit of a struggle. Id assume you could find a rental or borrow someone's backup rifle if you go asking before a match.

 

[Lawnboi]

Where are you located? Go to a one day match.

If your 243 will take a 10 round mag you will be fine shooting that