Getting Started In NRL22

Why a Ballistics Solver Is Important in NRL22

In NRL22, stages can present multiple targets at varying with wind and terrain playing critical roles. Because the .22 LR cartridge has a pronounced trajectory compared to centerfire rounds, understanding exactly how your ammunition will behave as it travels downrange is essential. A ballistics solver—whether a handheld device or a smartphone app—helps you quantify that behavior and make accurate corrections on the fly.

What a Ballistics Solver Does

A ballistics solver calculates the expected point of impact for your specific rifle, ammunition, and environmental conditions. It uses inputs like:

• Muzzle velocity

• Ballistic coefficient of your bullet

• Distance to target

• Wind speed and direction

• Altitude, temperature, humidity

• Atmospheric pressure and density

With that data, a solver outputs precise values for:

• Elevation (drop) holds or turret clicks

• Wind holds (for hold-offs or reticle marks)

• Trajectory in inches, MOA, or mils

By giving you these values, a ballistics solver allows you to make informed decisions quickly—whether you’re dialing your turret, holding off in your reticle, or adjusting for wind.

How Solvers Are Used in NRL22

In competition, you typically use a solver in two main ways:

1. Pre-Stage Planning

Before a stage begins, you:

• Verify distances to known targets (or estimate if unknown)

• Input environmental conditions

• Generate a ballistic table or reference card

• Decide on holds/dials for each target

This preparation lets you move fluidly through the course of fire without guessing.

2. Live Adjustments

During a stage, conditions can change:

• Wind direction and speed fluctuate

• Temperature and sunlight alter mirage

• You may encounter unexpected props or angles

Updating your solver with real-time data improves accuracy for second and third shots, especially when wind significantly affects .22 LR performance.

The Kestrel 5700: A Gold Standard

The Kestrel 5700 series with a ballistics solver module is widely regarded as one of the most capable dedicated handheld solutions for precision shooters.

Key advantages:

• Integrated anemometer for real atmospheric wind measurement

• Built-in sensors for temperature, humidity, and pressure

• Ability to store multiple gun/ammo profiles

• Outputs holdover and windage corrections in mils/MOA

• Rugged, reliable, and designed for field use

A Kestrel eliminates guesswork—because it measures actual conditions rather than relying on estimates—and calculates real-world solutions instantly. For NRL22, where wind and weather often matter more than in centerfire disciplines, this real-time data is invaluable.

Recommended Ballistics Solver Tools

Here are some solid options, both free and paid, to fit different budgets and workflows:

Free Options

1. JBM Ballistics Calculator

• Web-based solver with detailed outputs

• Good for generating ballistic tables before match day

• Not as convenient for real-time use

2. Strelok Free

• Mobile app version of a popular solver family

• Supports multiple units and output types

• Basic but solid for entry-level use

3. Applied Ballistics (Basic)

• Free solver with essential capabilities

• Less robust than paid versions but still useful

Free solvers are great for planning and education—but they rely entirely on user-input conditions, so real-world wind and atmospheric effects are not measured.

Paid Options

1. Applied Ballistics Mobile (iOS/Android)

• One of the most respected solvers in the precision shooting community

• Includes a comprehensive database of bullets

• Allows storage of multiple rifles/ammo sets

• Offers detailed graphs, tables, and reticle reference points

2. Strelok Pro

• Paid version with more features than the free app

• Custom ballistic coefficients and advanced environmental modeling

• Suitable for both rimfire and centerfire

3. Kestrel Ballistics Weather Meters (e.g., 5700 Elite)

• Combines measurement hardware and solver in one

• Best real-time wind and environmental data integration

• Premium experience for serious competitors

4. Hornady Ballistic Calculator (App)

• Simple and intuitive

• Less robust than Applied Ballistics but still useful for quick planning

Summary

A ballistics solver turns range data and environmental conditions into actionable aiming solutions. In NRL22:

• Trajectory matters — .22 LR drops quickly, especially past 100 yards

• Wind matters — occasional light breezes can cause large lateral shifts

• Accuracy matters — hits and misses are often decided by fractions of mils

Using a solver—especially one tied to real-world measurements like the Kestrel 5700—gives you that edge. Pairing a solver with good lot-tested ammunition and solid range data elevates your match performance from guesswork to confidence.

Support Bags for NRL22 Competition

In NRL22, support bags are one of the most important pieces of gear you’ll use. Because stages are heavily positional—barricades, tank traps, tires, rooftops, ladders, and other improvised props—a quality support bag can dramatically improve stability, recoil control, and overall stage efficiency.

Choosing the right bag isn’t just about brand—it’s about size, fill type, and weight.

We strongly recommend attending a match before purchasing support bags. Watching what experienced shooters are using—and asking to try their bags during practice during or after a stage—can give you valuable hands-on insight into what works best for your shooting style.

Experiment with a variety of bag sizes, shapes, and fill types whenever possible. What feels stable and efficient for one shooter may not work the same for another. Taking the time to test different options will help you make an informed decision and avoid investing in gear that ultimately doesn’t fit your needs.

Heavy Fill vs. Light Fill

The fill material inside your bag significantly affects how it performs on props.

Heavy Fill Bags

Heavy bags are typically filled with materials like:

• Sand

• Heavy glass media

• Dense polymer fill

Advantages:

• Extremely stable on barricades

• Conforms well to props

• Excellent for “dead weight” support

• Reduces rifle movement and bounce

Heavy bags shine on flat or semi-flat surfaces where maximum stability is the priority. Many shooters prefer a heavier bag for rooftop stages or wide barricades where the bag can settle and lock in.

Tradeoff:
They add weight to your overall match setup and can be slower to reposition quickly.

Light Fill Bags

Light bags are often filled with:

• Lightweight polymer beads

• Spex•Lite (ultra-light synthetic fill)

• Air-soft style fill

Advantages:

• Much lighter to carry through the match

• Easier to manipulate quickly

• Faster transitions between positions

• Great for stages requiring movement

Light fill bags are ideal when speed matters and when you’re building support dynamically rather than relying on pure mass.

Tradeoff:
They may not “lock in” as solidly on some props compared to heavy-fill options.

Non-Absorbent Fill (Glass Media & Spex•Lite)

Moisture is a real consideration in NRL22. Morning dew, rain, snow, and mud can quickly ruin traditional sand-filled bags.

That’s why many competitors prefer non-absorbent fill materials, such as:

Glass Media

• Consistent density

• Does not absorb water

• Maintains weight even in wet conditions

• Durable and long-lasting

Spex•Lite (Lightweight Synthetic Fill)

• Extremely lightweight

• Does not absorb moisture

• Very consistent shape and density

• Ideal for reducing overall match weight

Non-absorbent fills maintain consistent performance regardless of weather conditions. This is especially important for competitors shooting monthly matches year-round.

Choosing the Right Bag Setup

Most competitive NRL22 shooters run:

• One primary barricade-style bag (medium to large)

• Often with a heavy or medium-heavy fill

• Sometimes paired with a lightweight secondary bag for specialty positions

The best bag for you depends on:

• Your stage strategy (dial vs. hold heavy)

• Your tolerance for match weight

• The types of props commonly used at your club

• Personal preference in stability vs. speed

Key Characteristics to Look For

• Durable outer material (Waxed Canvas or Cordura).

• Waxed canvas material conforms much better to barricades and is more malleable than Cordura fabric.

• Grippy surface for barricades

• Structured design that holds shape

• Fill that matches your balance of stability and weight

• Non-absorbent material for all-weather performance

Final Thoughts

In NRL22, support bags are not optional—they are a core piece of equipment. The right combination of bag design and fill material can reduce wobble, improve hit percentage, and save valuable seconds on stage.

Whether you prefer the rock-solid stability of heavy glass media or the maneuverability of Spex•Lite-filled bags, the key is choosing a setup that supports your shooting style and remains consistent in all conditions.

Recommended Support Bags

• Armageddon Gear Game Changer (Shmedium & Plus One)

• WieBad (Tator Tot & Mini-Fortune Cookie)

• The Freedom Shack (Sandcastle & The Fatty)

The Importance of a Quality Bipod in NRL22

In NRL22, a bipod is one of the foundational pieces of equipment on your rifle. While many stages are heavily positional and rely on support bags, there are still numerous scenarios—prone stages, modified prone, 55-gal barrels —where a bipod provides the primary front support for your rifle.

A solid bipod is not just an accessory. It directly impacts stability, recoil management, and your ability to spot impacts.

Why a Bipod Matters

Stability

NRL22 targets are small, and the .22 LR cartridge is highly sensitive to wind and minor aiming errors. A rigid, stable bipod minimizes vertical and horizontal movement, helping you break cleaner shots.

Recoil Management & Impact Spotting

Although .22 LR has minimal recoil, a poorly built bipod can “bounce” or shift under recoil. A stable bipod allows you to:

• Maintain sight picture through the shot

• Spot impacts or misses

• Make quick follow-up corrections

Being able to self-spot is a major advantage in competition.

Consistency

A quality bipod returns to the same position shot after shot. Cheap or flexible bipods may shift under load, creating inconsistent point of impact.

Key Characteristics of a Good NRL22 Bipod

Adjustable Leg Height

• Allows adaptation to uneven terrain

• Essential for rooftop or angled props

• Quick-adjust legs save time under pressure

Cant Adjustment

• Lets you level your rifle on uneven ground

• Critical for maintaining true vertical alignment

• Helps avoid cant-induced misses at distance

Pan Feature (Optional)

Some shooters prefer a panning feature for target transitions. Others prefer a locked-out pan for maximum stability. Personal preference plays a role here.

Wide Stance

A wider footprint increases lateral stability and reduces wobble, especially in prone or semi-supported positions.

Solid Lockup

• Minimal flex under forward load

• Strong leg retention system

• Durable mounting interface (Picatinny or ARCA preferred)

A bipod should allow you to “load” into it—applying forward pressure to create a stable shooting platform without slipping or collapsing.

Mounting Considerations

Many competitive shooters use:

• ARCA rail-mounted bipods for fast position changes (most widely used)

• Picatinny-mounted bipods for more traditional setups

ARCA systems provide greater adjustability and allow quick repositioning along the forend, which can be beneficial in certain stages.

Why a Solid Bipod Is Worth the Investment

In NRL22, misses are often measured in tenths of a mil. Equipment inconsistency adds unnecessary variables. A rigid, well-built bipod:

• Reduces movement

• Improves positional confidence

• Enhances follow-through

• Increases hit probability

While bags dominate many barricade stages, a dependable bipod is still a core component of a competitive rifle setup. Cutting corners here can cost points over the course of a match.

Final Thoughts

A bipod in NRL22 is more than a support device—it’s part of your rifle’s foundation. Choose one that is durable, adjustable, and capable of handling forward pressure without flex. When paired with proper bag support and solid fundamentals, a quality bipod helps create a stable shooting system that performs consistently under match conditions.

Recommended Bipods

• Accu-Tac (BR-4 & FD-4)
• Warne (Skyline & 4902M)
• Thunder Beast Arms Corp
• Harris (SBRM 6-9)
• MDT (Grnd Pod, Ckye-Pod)

The Value of the Official NRL22 COF Walkthrough Video

One of the most useful resources for new and experienced NRL22 competitors alike is the Official NRL22 Course of Fire (COF) Walkthrough Video provided by the National Rifle League. This video is not just a rulebook supplement—it’s a practical demonstration of how courses are laid out, how stages flow, and how top competitors think through shooting positions and transitions.

Make sure to watch all the latest COF walkthrough videos on our YouTube Channel. Don’t forget to Like the videos, Follow our channel and socials, and Subscribe to our channel. Click here to go to our YouTube Channel. 

Here’s why watching and studying the official COF walkthrough is highly beneficial:

Understand Stage Flow Before You Step Foot on the Line

The walkthrough video visually walks you through:

• Target placement and distances

• Prop variety (barricades, tires, ladders, rooftops, etc.)

• Direction of fire and positional requirements

• Boundaries and no-shoot zones

This helps you internalize what a typical NRL22 stage looks like so you’re not seeing it for the first time under match pressure.

Learn How to Read a COF Diagram

COF diagrams on paper can be hard to interpret if you haven’t seen one in action. The video bridges that gap by showing how the diagram:

• Translates into real props on the range

• Defines shooter movement and engagement order

• Illustrates where you’re allowed to rest your rifle

• Highlights tricky or unconventional stages

This visual learning accelerates your ability to “read” a stage quickly and effectively.

Improve Strategy and Positional Thinking

Watching the walkthrough allows you to:

• Plan where to use supports or bags

• Decide when to dial vs. hold

• Anticipate transition points

• Think through wind and hold logic

This mental rehearsal is the exact preparation many top shooters use before a match.

See What Judges Are Looking For

NRL22 has specific rules on:

• Where the rifle may or may not contact props

• Shooter position requirements

• Time limits

• Engagement order

The walkthrough shows how these rules apply during execution so you’re less likely to pick up penalties from misunderstandings.

Great for First-Time Shooters and Seasoned Competitors

Whether you’re:

• Competing in your very first match

• Moving up from club shoots

• Trying to improve staging efficiency

• Preparing for a regionals or nationals

…the COF walkthrough is a common reference point that brings clarity to how NRL22 works in practice.

How to Use the Video Effectively

Before Match Day

• Watch the walkthrough to get a high-level view of the stage.

• Visualize your plan: where you will set up, how you will transition, and where you will place bags.

At the Line

• Refer back to the COF diagram with the walkthrough in mind.

• Confirm your strategy with what you saw visually in the video.

Final Thoughts

The Official NRL22 COF Walkthrough Video isn’t just a resource—it’s pre-match ammunition for the mind. It reduces guesswork, builds confidence, and helps you execute with clarity on match day. Whether you’re a new shooter trying to understand how NRL22 stages work or a seasoned competitor looking to sharpen your approach, the walkthrough video is one of the most impactful tools you can use in your preparation.