I’m a complete novice when it comes to long range precision shooting and I need some help with my carbine set up for a DMR class I’m looking into taking later this summer. The class will focus on midrange distances from 100-600 yards.
My Noveske NSR 14.5” mid-length has a Noveske CHF light carbine barrel and is set up with a SWFA SS 1-4x (FFP Mil Dot) and Geissele SSA trigger. With this set up plus match grade 75 gr or 77 gr ammo is shooting accurately/reliably out to 600 yards a reasonable expectation? From my research here, I know that it can be done, but I wonder if a newbe like me can make it happen. Would I be better off with more of a precision set up? Maybe a something like a BCM SS410 16" upper?
My club range is limited to 200 yards and I the carbine classes I’ve taken have been limited to 200 yards as well (hence my desire for the DMR class). If my schedule allows me to attend the class, I want to make sure that I have a some what decent set-up. Any advice or considerations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Your barrel isn’t your limitation. It’s your scope. 4x will get you hits that far, no sweat. But a little more power would be nice. Having the velocity of your ammo so you can work up a trajectory table will save you some pain too.
Gotcha. Would something along the lines of a 3-9x be in order? As part of the class they chronograph your rifle/ammo and teach you how to develop a drop chart.
You’ll also need a bipod and rear bag. I use a Harris 6-9 BRM-S notched leg, KRG pod lock and wilderness tall rear bag. Also download the Shooter app from Sean Kennedy it will provided with a decent ballistic calculator. I’ve used the setup with my Noveske barreled Reece setup and can make hits out to 800 meters with a 4x US Optics scope.
I use a Bushnell Tactical AR/223 Scope with 4.5-18x40mm zoom. The target turrets are very accurate and can be changed up and down and the reticule will return to where ever you want it. You can also see .223 bullet holes in your target out to 100 yds. plus.
I also have Custom Turret Lables for the elevation turret. This way all I have to do is get the distance with my laser rangefinder then turn the turret to the distance and hold for wind and shoot. No more counting clicks for me.
I’m kinda in the same boat as the OP. Have a DMR type class about a week away and have been scrambling to get everything together. Bringing three uppers. Two configured identically, and a new DD Mk12 upper I got a good deal on. Have two of the Vortex 1-6 Gen II Razors on the uppers I’m planning on using. It’ll be interesting to see if I end up wishing I had higher magnification optics with FFP reticles (got a 5-25 PMII on my AIAW) over the SFP relatively low magnification Vortex. One thing I wish I had was a good spotting scope with an FFP mil reticle. In fact, that’s potentially why I’d like to have mil based optics instead of the bdc reticles in the Vortex. Matching the spotting scope and rifle optic reticle formats has been great for shooting long range in the desert, but I’m not sure if it would be the same situation within the range of the 5.56. Curious as to what you end up doing, OP.
As markm mentioned, the limitation is your scope. Once you’ve used a 2.5-10 NF or similar optic for precision, you won’t look back. The SS410 will help, but not as much as a quality optic with more magnification will. I recommend a rear bag that can attached to your stock or rifle. I run a Wiebad with QD attachment, very handy in the field and light.
I only brought up the 3-9x because I happened to be looking at the SWFA 3-9X just just a few seconds before. I’ll definitely look at 2.5x10 optics as well.
I emailed the instructor right after I posted here. I’ll share what he says once I hear back.
If you need or want more power and don’t have it (DUH?). My 4.5-18 power works for me pretty good. I can not tell the difference between 3 power and 4.5 power, but there is a big difference between 9 power and 18 power. Another thing that you may not realize yet that when you crank your power way down with a FFP scope you can hardly see the reticule. I know because I have a Vortex PST FFP MOA 6-24x50mm scope which I use on my 1,000 yard 6mm Norma BR. bolt rifle. All my scopes and laser rangefinder are MOA. Even the hash markes on the reticules are moa. So are my custom turrets all MOA. Once you get one for your elevation turret you will wonder how you ever shot accurately on the first shot before.
Read this about the very first time I shot my new custom turret. I shot 3 shots fast to see if I would even hit the paper. I had the rifle built to hunt antelopes in Wyoming.
The Custom Turret Labels are just as accurate and only cost 25$ which I have on my AR 15. The 5 shot target with the dime was shot at 100 yds. by my AR 15 .223/5.56.
My eyes are a little older now, and I am very pleased with the Leupold MK 6 3-18 X 44 that rides on my 18" preciscion build. I can actually see the targets at 500 yards.
As Jack said, ask the instructor. After you get his answer, take the scope/rifle/ammo combination and shoot it at the longest distance you can to see if you are getting accuracy required for the class. If you are not confident in your shooting ability have somebody else help you. This is important, as you will get frustrated and not learn anything if your weapon system is mechanically incapable of minimum required accuracy.
I’ll to exactly that. I was able to exchange a few emails with the course instructor and he basically echoed some of the inputs here. He said my set up would be acceptable, but 4x might make work at 600 yards challenging. He said a 2.5-10x Mil Dot optic would really be ideal for the class. I have a list of all the other equipment requirements for the class, but I’m going add a few of items like the Weibad bag.
So,now I’m in the market for a new optic and mount. Thanks again for all of the great advice.
