by SigSauer gender » 24 May 2018, 3:54 am
Hi everyone, I'm new.
Didn't know if this post should go in Target shooting (as it relates specifically to Gun ranges) or in the legal department.
I was at my preferred SSAA range on the weekend and noticed a sign that stated:
"Any firearm that is capable of using ammunition that can exceed a MUZZLE Velocity of 4100 foot per second (1250meters / second) and Muzzle Energy of 4182 foot pounds (5675 joules) even if the ammunition is downloaded is not permitted to be used on this range. That includes the Lapua .338 and the Barret .416 and the STYR .460"
Then it goes on to mention the Weapons Act of 1990 and say that it is the owner of said firearm to make sure they are not using a firearm on the range that is exceeding these limits...
So at first I thought because it says 4100fps and 4182ft-lbs, that it would mean that the restrictions were on firearms that exceed both of these limitations simultaneously. But after some googeling I found out that of the 3 examples given not one of them come close to exceeding the maximum muzzle velocity, they only exceed the max energy. So I can only assume that the restriction applies to any firearm that could fire ammunition that exceeds either the energy or velocity.
Which is a worry as now I'm in a pickle, I own a 22-250 and I shoot 50gr pills at around 3700fps which is irreverent because in theory my rifle could be loaded with 40gr @ 4220fps. And I have witnessed many other people using on this range .22-250, .17 remington and .220 swift, all capable of exceeding the velocity limits of the range. I have also witnessed people shooting .300 wby mag, and .460 wby mag which are capable of exceeding the max energy for the range.
I also found information on a QRA website stating that .22-250 is not permitted on there ranges as it exceeds max velocity, (but you can shoot .308 all day long)
Please enlighten me, have I gone wrong somewhere or are people breaking the law every day at your typical rifle range.
It seems ridiculous to me that these small varmint rounds are not permitted, but you can shoot a .270win or a .300 win mag, or any other rifle that is 1000m capable and can drop large game. Seems like all should fear the mighty .17rem and its 4400 fps!
If this is the case, its very frustrating as I probably would not have purchased a .22-250. Also if this is the case there needs to be more awareness as I have never heard of this absurdity before and I'm sure many others haven't either.