I'm just trying to understand the reasons for why such things are done. Some things just seem illogical until clarified.
We all have our little quirks and ways of doing things wheter right or wrong. Sometimes your way is better than mine and vice versa. But if I'm going to change something I want to know why I should. This is one of those times.
MrTom pretty much summed it up in post #23.
I just discussed it with another National Champion, who agreed, use a drop tube. Every granule of propellent goes directly to the ignition source. There is no mixed in fouling. When you shoot 500yds and beyond, every single contributing factor matters.
I struggled some today with my heartbeat. I need to readjust my cheek piece and not put so much pressure on it with my cheek. I need to wear a different glove. And .... if .... allowed to use a rear support, use a bag instead of something hard.
I'll point out something else, shooting LONG RANGE is done from the prone position and off cross sticks, not a bipod, no bench, and rear rests are not allowed. Again, every single contributing factor, regardless of how minor someone may think it could be, MUST be addressed when shooting 1K, prone, likely in wet grass, off cross sticks, with a maximum propellant limit, and under a time limit. Unless one actually gets involved, its hard to imagine all the requirements to hit a 10" circle at 1,000yds, with a 120gr VOLUME charge of BH. I'll say it again, EVERY single contributing factor, no matter how small, must be addressed. MrTom did a good job.
If possible, you really should attend a long range match, even if only to observe. However, if you only observe, you'll wish you brought your rifle