Definition of a "Magnum"?

C

cdn shooter

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 98.5%
65   1   1
I've tried various searches and can't seem to find the answer to this. I'm sure someone here will know, what is the definition of a "magnum" as it applies to F-O here in Canada. The reason I'm asking is I'm planning a build for this and don't want to show up with something that has to stay in the truck.
 
A long time ago DCRA rules for F-Class said "no magnums" (which IMO was a poorly thought out choice of wording), however that has not been a rule for well over ten years. It could be that some provincial rifle associations still use that wording - the solution would be to advise the PRAs to modernize the wording and get rid of this.

A "magnum" isn't very well defined, it's basically anything that a marketer wants to call a magnum.

Until 4-5 years ago, the 6.5-.284 was the go-to chambering choice for F-Open. Since then there has been a move to 7mms, typically firing a Berger 180 or that kind of bullet. .284 Winchesters or some of the slightly-larger magnum cases are typically what's used.

As well as complying with the rules for F-Open (it's basically "8mm and under"), you need to comply with any local restrictions at the range(s) that you shoot at. So start by asking what (if any) additional limitations you need to consider. If you ever shoot at Connaught ranges in Ottawa, there are some (modest) restrictions there; might be a good idea to choose something compliant with Connaught (which will still be a topnotch fully-competitive F-Open rifle. There was a recent thread actually related to that:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?931103-Range-Template-at-Connaught
 
So would it be safe to assume that chart would be accepted anywhere? I'll be more specific, at ranges such as Kamloops in BC, the rules state no "magnums". If that chart is the guidline that's great as I think all but the ultra-super-giganto magnums fall somewhere at or below that line.
 
cdn shooter said:
So would it be safe to assume that chart would be accepted anywhere?
Click to expand...

No, not at all. It is a chart made up specifically for the size of the danger area of Connaught range, and the usage patterns of DCRA F-Class shooters on Connaught range. While other ranges might think it's some sort of definitive "safety" or "fair/acceptable performance" specification that they should/could adopt, it's no such thing.

cdn shooter said:
I'll be more specific, at ranges such as Kamloops in BC, the rules state no "magnums". If that chart is the guidline that's great as I think all but the ultra-super-giganto magnums fall somewhere at or below that line.
Click to expand...

The best thing to do there would be to gently approach the Kamloops club and have them re-examine the rationale behind this rule (don't cause a stink or ruffle feathers, but do get it done). If they have to comply with some sort of local danger area restrictions, this needs a more rational solution than "no magnums" (e.g. a .22-250 target rifle shooting 80 grain match bullets can send bullets much farther than a .300 WIn Mag shooting 150 grain hunting bullets). If the rule is there so as to be consistent with national shooting rules for F-Class, then it should be update to the current national shooting rules for F-Class ("any caliber 8mm and smaller" - the only problem with this is that it disallows .338s, and it would be quite reasonable to make a local exception and allow for .338s to be fired in F-Class matches, if the local club wished to). If they don't want super-noisy rifles distracting other shooters the rule needs to be improved (a .223 or a .308 with a muzzle brake can be much more unpleasant than a .300 Win Mag - and please don't take this as a suggestion that muzzle brakes ought to be outlawed)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom