My Suhl 150. That is a bi-pod adapter in the hand stop rail. The adapter can be moved forward to allow use of a Harris bi-pod. The gun can be used to practice both F T/R and Open.
Seemed like a great idea at the time. I have learned quite a lot of new knowledge and techniques. I do not think most of what I have learned is transferable to F-Class.
Wind:
Wind reading with a rimfire is an exercise in micro-management. Wind flag on the bench, wind flags every ten yards, and oh yes, new wind flags because my old ones are not sensitive enough. With F-Class, just watch the range flags, read mirage and wait out a bad condition.
Ammunition:
Centerfire load development with Varget is easy enough. Weigh your charges and your loads will probably work across a broad temperature range. Thrown charges are effected by temperature and humidity. Throwers must be adjusted to maintain tune. I am convinced that weight is more of a constant than is volume in maintaining tune. Constant weight seems to produce constant velocity. Just be careful with a load approaching maximum that was developed when it was cold outside. That load might be unsafe when the hot weather rolls around.
Visually checking for signs of pressure is not always a reliable means of seeing rising pressure. AR-15’s for instance mask signs of a load developing excessive pressure. For safety’s sake stay within guidelines for your rifle published by reputable bullet or powder manufactures. Sierra Bullets publishes lower pressure loads just for the AR-15. Exceed those and you risk death or a serious accident.
Rimfire ammo is a crapshoot. Can not do ammo testing when it is cold. Some ammo only shoots well until a certain temperature. Even the darn rifles are temperature sensitive. Some ammo shoots well in the wind some does not. Generally with ammo you get what you pay for. Gets very pricey very fast, even more expensive than .223 centerfires with match bullets.
There are really two names in competitive benchrest quality rimfire ammo, Eley and Lapua. Just spending big bucks does not guarantee that you have a good lot. Each lot has to be tested for consistency. When you find a good lot, most shooters buy a case,,,, that is 5000 rounds. That can cost more than a good rifle. Wolf Match Target and SK Plus are made by Lapua and are suitable for practice or vintage fun matches where the price of ammunition is restricted.
Conclusion: Very fun and challenging not the inexpensive competition most expect going into it. Gives a lot of trigger time. Some negative transfer to F-Class for me personally, trains me to hurry my shots. I might seriously pursue ARA in the future because it is just plain fun.