HCAP Range test

Kran

Just wondering how long of a day to expect at the range for this. It’s starting at 10 and roughly what time should it be all finished by? Any other tips appreciated too

Damoeire33

Country sports equivlant course is the full day.

Best advice I can give is zero your gun before you go. The day I was there it was unbelieveable the amount of people that turned up with a gun that wasn't zeroed.

After that just relax and take your time.

Cass

Depends on turn out. 20 mins per detail with 20 lads per detail

Kran

Cass wrote: »

Depends on turn out. 20 mins per detail with 20 lads per detail

Not too bad so, should be out of there early enough. It’s a nice spin up for me.

cookimonster

As above, absolutely check your zero before you go and obviously use the same ammo on the day. Sounds OTT but the amount of guys who turn up with different ammo is staggering. I had to lend a chap my rifle to complete the detail. This is not unusual, euipment failure, poor zeroing, or wrong ammo are just some of the on the day issues.

Make sure your POI will fall within the zero target, I zero 1.5 inches high and on the day with my point of aim on the bullseye I printed a lovely half inch group 12 o'clock right ontop of the outer ring which equalled a big fat fail. Result -resit the zeroing practice regardless of group size and its placement.

Bring a butt sock for the prone, a suitable set of sticks for the kneeling/sitting and a suitable set for standing.

Bring extra ammo, just in case

Chiparus

cookimonster wrote: »

As above, absolutely check your zero before you go and obviously use the same ammo on the day. Sounds OTT but the amount of guys who turn up with different ammo is staggering. I had to lend a chap my rifle to complete the detail. This is not unusual, euipment failure, poor zeroing, or wrong ammo are just some of the on the day issues.

Make sure your POI will fall within the zero target, I zero 1.5 inches high and on the day with my point of aim on the bullseye I printed a lovely half inch group 12 o'clock right ontop of the outer ring which equalled a big fat fail. Result -resit the zeroing practice regardless of group size and its placement.

Bring a butt sock for the prone, a suitable set of sticks for the kneeling/sitting and a suitable set for standing.

Bring extra ammo, just in case

I would add a matt of some sort for prone shooting, also make sure you are aiming at the correct target, The guy beside me put a couple of rounds into my target !

Kran

cookimonster wrote: »

As above, absolutely check your zero before you go and obviously use the same ammo on the day. Sounds OTT but the amount of guys who turn up with different ammo is staggering. I had to lend a chap my rifle to complete the detail. This is not unusual, euipment failure, poor zeroing, or wrong ammo are just some of the on the day issues.

Make sure your POI will fall within the zero target, I zero 1.5 inches high and on the day with my point of aim on the bullseye I printed a lovely half inch group 12 o'clock right ontop of the outer ring which equalled a big fat fail. Result -resit the zeroing practice regardless of group size and its placement.

Bring a butt sock for the prone, a suitable set of sticks for the kneeling/sitting and a suitable set for standing.

Bring extra ammo, just in case

A Butt sock? I’m actually hiring a rifle from the range as I currently don’t have a deer legal caliber. I’m arriving early to get a bit of practice in with the rifle. I’ll probably shoot off my backpack from prone as I have a little bag rest attached to it. I’ve a primos trigger stick for the kneeling and standing.

BryanL

What are the distances and target area sizes to hit prone, standing and kneeling?
Do many people shoot freehand?

Good Luck Kran.

cookimonster

http://deeralliance.ie/blog/procedures-at-hcap-range-tests-4/

Thats the link to the HCAP range test. Note they allow 45 min per detail, also not the starting time / form up time.

Range Test

The Range Test requires the candidate to group three shots within a four-inch bull target from the prone position at 100 metres. If successful at the grouping stage, candidates proceed to fire nine shots on a deer-shaped target - three rounds in the prone position at 100 metres, three rounds sitting or kneeling at 60 metres and three rounds standing at 40 metres. All shots on the deer target must impact within the heart/lung area of the deer.

If you want to zero your gun *see other thread:), for the application practice use a A4 sheet of paper bisected with a cross, fold paper in half both width and lenght ways. Draw a oval shape to fill the page with the wide end to the left hand upper and the narrow end to the right lower corner. Thats the approximate target area of the HCAP deer vitals. On the deer target go up the fore leg 1/3 up from the brisket. Don't change your point of aim for all three positions.

Cass

cookimonster wrote: »

Note they allow 45 min per detail,

I was going to say it never goes that long but it has, however not often.

The longest part of the range test is the grouping shots.

Three shots into a 6 inch disc (2" black disc in 6" white disc) in the top right hand corner. When everyone has fired their three shots everyone has to clear their gun, go up with the ROs and people running the test and check each target.

Those that fail get another try after which it up to check again.

If you fail the second time to sit out the deer target part of the test and resit the test on the next detail

The deer part of the test is quick. Two shots at each distance. An average of about 3 to 4 mins and then you move from 100 to 60, shoot, then onto 40, shoot and you're done.

Don't worry about the test. However many times you fail you can pay and repeat until you pass.

Kran

Hopefully it won’t come to a repeat. I’m a bit nervous to be using a rented range gun but I should get a box of cartridges through it as practice prior to the test. How early is the place open?

Cass

The range "opens" at about 8:30, but firing isn't allowed until 9.30. The test normally starts around 10am so you'll get time to put up a target, get set up at 100 yards and once the range goes live you've 30 minutes to fire a few shots and then get yourself down to the Creedmoor range for the induction and test.

Here is a post i used to put up for each test.

The HCAP is done on the MNSCI range. Here are directions and a local map:

Whichever direction you are coming from get onto the N52. If coming from Kilcormac keep going till you reach the Blueball crossroads where there will be a pub (the Blueball) on the left. Take the left at this crossroads. If coming from Tullamore about 50 yards after the petrol station (on your left) take the right turn.



Turn Left/right (depending on direction) at the crossroads onto the R357. There is a sharp left after the first straight stretch, but from there on you travel for about 6-7 kilometres.


The range is on your right. The entrance is marked with a sign post outside, but although the road is straight people have a tendency to try and overtake you as you try to turn. Make sure to giv plenty of notice to any car behind that you are turning into the range. Once in go under the barrier and to your right. There is parking facilities infront of and to the left side of the clubhouse.





There will be RO's (Range Officers) there to inform, and instruct you on what to do. The range has rules, and safety guidelines as outlined below so please take time to read them.

For anyone attending this here are a few simple tips to help you on range etiquette/protocol;

• First and foremost listen to the RO (Range Officer) at all times. Instructions for every step will be given so DO NOT assume anything. If unsure or if you did not hear the instruction stick the paw up and ask. There are numerous RO's on the the day.
• When not being used the rifle should always be cased, and stored in a locked vehicle.
• No firearms, uncased, behind the firing point will be permitted.
• Anyone caught handling or moving an uncased/uncleared firearm behind the firing point will be approached by an RO.
• DO NOT travel with the bolt and mag in the rifle to the range. When you arrive, and are called to the firing point you will be given the instruction from the RO to prepare yourself. It is at this point you may put in the bolt, and the mag.
• DO NOT load the rifle until instructed by the RO.
• Do not close the bolt on an emptry or loaded rifle until told to do so.
• DO NOT load more than the instructed amount of rounds. This prevent someone having a "spare" round in the rifle.
• As said above a breach flag is needed. However for those that do not have one you must remove the bolt, and mag when bringing the rifle to the firing point, and between movements to the next firing point. If you have a floor plate or blind mag take the bolt out/insert the breach flag, and you'll get the OK from an RO before moving.
• NEVER, EVER approach/touch/adjust/handle any firearm on the firing point especially if there is someone down range. This sounds blatantly obvious, but when they are marking the scores you don't want a lad setting up of his own accord on the firing point. There is always a couple of RO's on the firing when scores are being marked, and they will be watching.
• When finished your HCAP an RO will clear your rifle. The bolt, and mag stays in your pocket until you return to the firing point. You case your rifle, and then return it to your car. DO NOT load up your mag or insert the bolt. You can do this later at home.
• DO NOT travel from the range to the range office without prior permission from an RO. There are multiple live ranges, and the RO will clear the other ranges before anyone can travel.

I have seen experienced lads get flustered because they are not used to range protocols. It's easy enough lads, and no one is out to get you. Just listen for instructions, and when in doubt ask. RO's will be clearly marked with Red jumpers/Jackets marked with Range Officer written across the back. They will be happy to help out where they can.


In terms of gear. A lot of lads forget something on the morning. Most times they can be accommodated, but here is a quick checklist;

1. Bring your firearms cert and proof of insurance. You'll be be required to sign in when you arrive at the range and show these.
2. Ammo - Bring more than enough. I've seen lads that only brought 20, and failed the exam, and then ran short of ammo on the re-try.
3. Hearing protection - Ear plugs are not great, but accepted. Ear protectors are much preferred. Bring a set.
4. Shooting sticks - They are needed for the standing shot.
5. Bipod/Sandbag - Needed for the prone. Whichever you use when out in the field bring it.
6. Cleaing gear - The range can get dusty so make sure you have some sort of bore snake or cleaning rod in case the rifle needs a quick pull through. Also some oil, and a few basic tols for adjusting the rifle, stock, scope, etc.

Grizzly 45

TBH.Dont sweat or over think this.If they are anything like the CSI team,they will do everything possible to get you over the line.:)

Seeing that you are doing the shooting bit now,you obviously got thru the HCAP written test?So this is just a leisurely bit of target practise on paper on a Sat afternoon...Think of it like that.

If you can get there early enough,ask to look over what gun you might be using,and if you dont like,sing out and ask if possible to try another,might be a bit of a PITA,and you could be there abit longer,but if you dont feel comfortable using whatever you are issued,you will stress up and be uncomfortable and likely to miss.But that would be me.:)

Kran

Passed it anyway, now for the long drive home but at least the form is good. I was there at 8.20 but didn’t get to see the rental gun till I was lying down behind it. The range was being set up etc so I couldn’t get out that morning. Made me a bit nervous going into it blind and the gun was a light Savage 308 that I was told to hold on tight to as it jumped a bit at the muzzle. It was spot on though and I was grouping well with it and as soon as I got to the final standing shots I could see all the holes were where they were meant to be and it made the last 3 shots easy. It was 3 grouping and 9 total at the heart lung, seems to have increased to 3 shots from each position. My overall impression was that it would be a cake walk for any fella who’s been at it awhile but a bit daunting for a newbie like myself. There was a lot more fellas repeating rounds than I would have expected.
Anyway the start of a new hunting journey for me and glad that bits over and done.

cookimonster

Well done, best of luck in your endevours.

Grizzly 45

You made it...thats the main thing.

Cass

Congrats and well done.

Kran wrote: »

It was 3 grouping and 9 total at the heart lung, seems to have increased to 3 shots from each position.

Must have. It has been 2 shots at each distance in the Heart/Lung area for as long as it was running.

Kran

Yeah even some of the range officers were confused by the change but it made little difference in the end.