Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate?

The NRLH UK is designed so that everyone who can legally use a rifle can participate, we even offer a women's and young guns division.

Do you have to have a custom rifle?

No, in fact we have a Factory rifle division that is designed so that certain off the shelf rifles can be used without breaking the bank. Our Skills division allows rifles to be shot with no limits aside of the maximum caliber/velocity rule. If you want to shoot a 25lb benchrest gun you most certainly can.

How do you figure out “Power Factor”?

Bullet weight times velocity (B x V = Power Factor) example 140 gr bullet traveling at 2800 fps = 392,000 would be above the minimum power factor of 380,000.

What if I do not have an FAC?

Our events are open to FAC holders but as we work wiith Home Office Approved Clubs (HOAC) in running events, members or guests of the HOAC which is hosting the event who do not have their own FAC *may be able to take part in line with HO guidance and local Police policy. This is at the discretion of the HOAC and is not open to the general public as a rule. In this instance please contact us on info@nrlhunter.co.uk for guidance before contacting the Range Operator/HOAC.

If a HOAC club you are a member of is hosting an NRLH UK event please contact them directly.

Is NRL Hunter UK a Home Office Approved Club?

No, NRL Hunter UK is not a HOAC but we work with HOAC's for all of our events whilst ensuring all legal and financial liabilities and requirements are met.

What conditions do I need on my FAC to take part?

All NRL Hunter UK matches and training events take place on ranges, as such will typically be shot with a 'target condition'. For those who do not possess a 'target condition' on their FAC but have the 'any/all lawful quarry, zero and practice' (even the wording of this varies by Force) condition, they must consult their local Police Force as to what they consider 'practice' as the interpretation of this condition varies significantly.

** Your local Police Force's decision is final and the onus remains with the member to ensure their FAC allows them to take part in any NRL Hunter events. **

If you have any questions in relation to this element please contact us on info@nrlhunter.co.uk.

"The whole purpose of NRL Hunter UK events are to improve the confidence, competence and safety of all hunters through organised practice. "

What is the weight limit included?

The weight limit for each division includes everything mounted to your rifle except for your magazine and ammunition. This includes scope, bipod, or any other attachment that you wish to use on your rifle during the match.

Do I have to use 'factory' ammunition or can I use ammunition I have loaded myself?

There is no requirement that you must use factory/sealed ammunition however, any ammunition you bring to our events must be safe and well made. 'How is this checked' you ask? We follow the guidance provided by the NRA and MOD and suggest that any persons wishing to use 'Home Loaded Ammunition' (HLE) in line with NRA definitions use it in conjunction with a current NRA Shooters Certification Card. Anyone using HLE must be mindful that the Range Operator, Match Director or Police may ask the user to demonstrate their competence in production of ammunition and that the ammunition is safe and performs consistently. This is purely a safety consideration.

** Please be prepared to demonstrate the above should you be using HLE at our events. In order to do this YOU must be in possession of a working chronograph to demonstrate acceptable Standard Deviation (SD) of your ammunition. **

What if my rifle and ammunition don't make Power Factor (PF)?

You can shoot in our Skills Division.

What is the recommended gear needed?

The purpose of these matches is to provide you with an opportunity to test out the gear that you would take on a hunt. So a basic list of gear would include a backpack, shooting bag, binoculars and/or spotting scope, range finder, sling, and the proper attire for the location that you will be competing. We will also be allowing the use of tripods and shooting sticks.

What is the stage format?

All stages are blind, meaning that you will not be able to see the targets until you get to the stage. The Range Officer will provide a brief description of the stage and an approximation of where the targets will be (left & right lateral limits). You will have a set time to deploy all of your gear, find, range, and engage your target(s).

How will I know what targets to look for?

When you go up to your stage holding area, you will see a brief description of the stage.

What is the average distance of the targets?

The average distance for centre fire targets will be about 450 yards, however targets can be as close as 100 yards and as far as 1000 yards. Rimfire will between 25 and 300 yards.

What is the round count?

Maximum 8 per stage, presuming the Hunter requires a second hit on all targets, minimum 4 per stage for first hits on all targets. Multiply this by the amount of stages (can vary by match) and allow for rounds for zero each day and for velocity check (Power Factor). If in doubt contact the match organiser directly.

What is the average target size?

The average target sizes will be 12×12 or 12×18 inches representing the vital zone of most typical large game animals in North America.

I want to compete with my son or daughter?

We completely understand and if your child is a Young Gun (under 18) then you may compete with them, however the parent must go through the stage first and then the child may take their turn. The parent may assist the child with wind calls and adjusting gear, however the child must control and pull the trigger on their own. Non-shooting parents of Young Guns must speak with the Match Director in advance of booking their child on as it may not be possible for them to be on the range.

I am physically disabled, can I still compete?

Yes, absolutely! We encourage disabled persons to come out and compete, we will help provide any reasonable adjustment or accommodations that we can to ensure your safety and a good time. Please speak to the match organiser or range operator at the earliest opportunity so that adjustments can be made where possible.

Can I come and watch a match as a spectator?

Unfortunately not, for a number of reasons. From an insurance point of view the only people who should be on the range are employees of NRL Hunter UK and the companies we work with to facilitate a match and the shooters. Aside of the insurance rationale the logistics of supervising an additional person or persons across a course of fire which involves moving around a sizeable area would not be practical. We would need to 1 to 1 each spectator and the staff required to do so would be impractical. We provide a high level of media coverage to ensure we produce sufficient media at each event.