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NRA-Approved Rifle and Sight Specifications
In their publication entitled �NRA Black Powder Target Rifle Rules� which is available at (http://materials.nrahq.org/go/products.aspx?cat=Rulebooks),
the NRA describes the following characteristics as being part of a legal BPC
rifle:
Rifle
�Any safe, original or modern reproduction or custom variety, breech-loading
rifle designed as a single shot. Bolt action rifles are specifically not
allowed.�
�Breechloading rifles must be chambered for authentic, original black powder
cartridges and calibers, taking into account normal variations in types of brass
and primers as well as bore sizes, rifling styles and twist and chamber
dimensions.�
�The rifle, including all attachments such as, but not limited to slings and
sights, shall not weigh more than 15 pounds unloaded.�
�Wiping the bore between shots is permitted.�
�Use of an offset blow tube is permitted between shots from the breech or
muzzle.�
Sights
�Metallic � Any period metallic sights are allowed. No optics other than sight
correcting shooting glasses are permitted.�
The Reason for Minimum Caliber and Velocity Requirements
The NRA does not specifically list approved calibers, bullet weights, or
velocity requirements for Long Range BPCR shooting in their rule book. Actually,
if it weren�t for safety considerations to protect the people who are in the
pits pulling and marking targets, one would get the impression that virtually any rifle caliber capable of
throwing a bullet 1,000 yards could be used for a Long Range match.
However, the NRA/Whittington Center Rules Committee has established an absolute minimum "Power Factor" that must
be met by any ammunition used in Long Range matches shot at the Whittington
Center in Raton, New Mexico. The formula that is used to determine if a particular
caliber / bullet / powder combination is eligible is as follows:
Bullet Weight x Velocity / 1,000 = 510 or greater
However, some organizers will set the acceptable "Power Factor" limit even higher than 510
as a precaution against having marginally performing loads in a match.
Approved Caliber / Ammunition / Velocity Requirements for the Long Range
Match at Lodi, Wisconsin
Listed below are the approved calibers, bullet weights, and velocity
requirements that are published for the twice yearly Long Range BPCR match
sponsored by Badger Barrels at the Winnequah Gun Club in Lodi, Wisconsin. These
should give you a good idea of where you need to be for a typical Long Range BPCR match.
As you might expect, most of the rifles seen at these matches are some form of
.45 caliber, whether it be .45-70, .45-90, .45-100, 110, or 120. Fifty-caliber
rifles are rare because they generate a lot of recoil and can be rather
punishing to shoot in a match requiring from 60 to 75 rounds per day. If it�s a
two-day match, like the one hosted by Badger Barrels, then you can double those
numbers.
On the other end of the scale, some shooters do use one form or another of the
.40 caliber rifle, but they are rather rare. The reason why is because the
typical .40 caliber bullet lacks
stability beyond 900 yards. To properly stabilize the bullet at 1,000
yards, a relatively heavy bullet should be
fired in a fast twist barrel using a large capacity cartridge case and powder
charge in order to attain the rotational and muzzle velocities necessary. In addition to a high ballistic
coefficient bullet, a barrel twist faster than 1-16" would be required.
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.40-70 Caliber: |
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400 grain bullet
/ minimum velocity 1280 fps at the muzzle; |
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.44 Caliber: |
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430 grain bullet
/ minimum velocity of 1240 fps at the muzzle; |
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.45 Caliber: |
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450 grain bullet
/ minimum velocity of 1220 fps at the muzzle; |
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.50 Caliber: |
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500 grain bullet
/ minimum velocity of 1210 fps at the muzzle; |
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.40-65 Caliber: |
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Duplex
load that meets the minimum specs for the .40-70 listed above. |
If you should decide to enter a Long Range BPCR match, be sure to check with the
match organizers to find out the caliber and ammunition restrictions for their
particular match. Typically, they will either be the same or very similar to
those listed above.
By Darryl Hedges
Copyright� 2010 All Rights Reserved.
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