What is Big Bore Shoots all about?

BASA’s regular practical shoots are inspiring events;

·         Men, women, veterans and juniors compete shoulder to shoulder, (in appropriate categories), in our stress fire events that are specifically designed to test the firearm, the ammunition, the shooter, and interaction between the three in a challenging, but fun-filled and exciting format.

·         Our events include pitting the shooter against moving dangerous game targets in field conditions that simulate a variety of big game scenarios. The goal: Honing shooter and rifle to perfection for the rigours of dealing with African big and dangerous game.

·         It is not always possible to acquire off-hand shooting skills at shoot days. Most shoots are mainly focused on shooting from a bench rest  At any BASA shoot, you will learn to handle your rifle in the off-hand position; you will learn to load your rifle under stress; you will learn to shoot at moving targets; you will learn the anatomy of the animal you are hunting.

·         The Big Bore Events are considered one of the best aspects of the Association by many, and our practical shoots are unmatched in fun, fellowship, and friendliness. A fun and exciting experience that tests the limits of their ability.

·         You don’t need a Big Bore Rifle, or to be a pro to take part either. Everybody is welcome at any level of skill, for one of the best and most practical Big Bore learning experiences ever.

Our Shoots Caters For These Calibre Categories:

·         Ultra Bore – .468? +

·         Large Bore – .400? – .458?

·         Transition Bore – .366? – .375? (+ larger calibre lever actions)

·         Sub-Calibre – sub .366? (non scoring)

DO NOTE:

·         You do not need a Big Bore rifle to participate. Guests and Juniors are welcome to participate with any calibre rifle, from .22 up to .700 Nitro Express.  However, you need to be a registered BASA member and shoot with a minimum caliber of 9,3 mm x 62 (.366) to be in contention for the official scoring.

·         Muzzle breakers are allowed but has a penalty of 10% of time added to score. No silencers are allowed for official scoring

·         Tips?

Scoring

Because participants use different calibre rifles, a way had to be found to ensure an equal playing field, so to speak.  BASA have developed a unique scoring method over the years. It has been tried and tested and is deemed fair to all.

The scoring is calculated with a formula that takes into account the calibre, the bullet speed, and then tallies most hits in the “killing zone” of the target, divided by the time to complete the range.

BASA takes great care that neither the scoring method, nor the design of the range, gives an unfair advantage to any one calibre, or double rifles.

Put Simply our scores are calculated as: Score = Total hits X Energy Factor / Total time

In Detail:

The Calculation Scores on the Day

1. To calculate Energy factor = (([Bullet Weight]/Constant1 x  Velocity² )  /Constant2)

Bullet Weight in GN divided by Constant1 multiplied with speed in FPS squared 

The result of above is divided by Constant2 *

*The constants are part of the balance BASA has brought to the sport in rewarding  full power loads while keeping a close eye on safety by regularly checking that the speed and weight do not constitute an unsafe load.

1. The Energy factor is too big a number to use practically so it is divided by 10000 and then converted to a percentage by adding 1 to a factor of 4400 becomes 1.44

1. The Energy factor is then applied to the total amounts of hits for the day – Only hits are rewarded so no intrinsic benefit for bigger gun if you cannot hit with it.
2. The Score is then calculated as Total hits X Energy Factor / Total time
3. We then multiply the result with a 3^rd constant to get a score out of 100

Accumulative Scores (Yearly total)

We take the best Hits and Time on each shoot and set that as the 100% score (calculated best possible performance) to get a true reflection of the toughness of the course and competition on the day.We then compare the scores achieved by members and give them a % based on how close they got to the 100% 

The best 4 Shoots out of the 6 per member count towards the yearly awards (Participation in at least 4 shoots is necessary to qualify)

Notes on other scoring methods

All systems have their advantages and disadvantages

Scoring at another popular Big bore event:

“The handicap system has been designed to allow for the “playing field” to be levelled between the various calibres considering the recoil and the recovery time of the various classes of calibres. The system also allows a competitor with more than one big bore rifle to use the correct rifle for the correct scenario.The scoring is based on three factors namely: score, time and power factor(calibre). The score is worked out as the score divided by the time. The handicap system is based on calibre only and the adjustment is only made to the score and not the time. Should a shooter with a large calibre not be able to hit the scoring area they will still receive a 0 score regardless of the size of their calibre.

The classes are as follows: From 0.366 to 0.375 From 0.376 to 0.435 From 0.436 to 0.458 From 0.459 to 0.499 From 0.500 to 0.700”

Advantages:  The Scoring is fast as no Speed measurement is required and the bullet weight dos not need to be captured

Disadvantages: The System is open to abuse or inadvertent penalties

It is not advisable that a 458 Winmag downloaded to 1800fps with a 300gn bullet gets and equal handicap as factory loaded 2100fps 500gn from the same gun.

Similarly, a 45-70 at 1900fps with 300gn bullet should not equal a 458 Lott just on calibre size.

or that that same 45-70 get a bigger handicap than a 416 Rigby that is arguably more of a true dangerous game rifle

Prize Categories:

• On the day: (members and guests qualify)
  • Top Gun of the Day Trophy
  • Top 3 shots
  • Winners of each range shot on day
  • Top Double
  • Top Veteran (65 and over)
  • Top Female
  • Top Junior (up to 21 years of age, male and female)
  • Medals for ALL Juniors that shoot the day
• Annual Prizes and Awards (members only, must compete in at least 4 shoots during the year)
  • Top Gun of the year
  • Top 10 of the year
  • Top Veteran (65 and over)
  • Top Female
  • Top Junior Boy (up to 21 years)
  • Top Junior Girl (up to 21 years)
  • Most improved shot over the year
  • Top .375 shot of the year
  • Scribe of the year award