Seattle Load Development Location

[mallard]

Looking for a place to do load development, preferably on the south end. Willing to drive farther and make a day out of it if the location is right. Hopefully can find something out to 600 yards.

From an online search it looks like there's three local range options:
Renton F&G Club - up to 200 yard range
Cascade Shooting Facilities - up to 200 yard range (600 yard member only)
Black Diamond Gun Club - up to 100 yard range

Does anyone have experience with these and their openess to a reloader with equipment?

Also, any input on a location with a longer distance? Feel free to PM info if you prefer.

[Magnum_Willys]

Look for state or usfs land ? - should be able to find a 200 - 300 yard spot if such land available.  Problem with established facilities is you have to shoot in the wind which complicates load development.  Best time to shoot is first 2-3 hours of light when wind is minimal. 

[Crunchy]

Upper Nisqually Range is pretty darn good.  Range out to 550 I believe.  Located in Eatonville

[ghosthunter]

Any site other than a range will be no good with the state fire restrictions on shooting.

Except hunting.

[Jpmiller]

I never did anything other than set up and shoot there but when I lived closer I loved rentons range. The guys who run it are pretty decent but they are real no nonsense about guys who don't practice safe handling techniques. Saw more than a few guys invited to leave and not come back. I appreciate that.

[mallard]

I just looked at the Nisqually range. It is 550 yards, but it looks like guests have to be accompanied by a member. So that's probably out. Thanks for the tip.

Ban aside, I'd still like to hear about any public land. The ban won't last forever. I did a little searching for public land East of Seattle, but I didn't find anything suitable.

[Knocker of rocks]

Any site other than a range will be no good with the state fire restrictions on shooting.

I think Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests are still open.  WDFW and waDNR lands are closed for target shooting.   But it seems like things could change daily.

[mallard]

Thanks for the feedback. Still on the hunt for some public land. Keeping the range as an option.

[hogslayer]

I have searched quite a few different places to try and shoot and do load development like your wanting.  You'll spend more time trying to find a spot then you will shooting.  When your doing load development at 600 you need to be able to retrieve your target fairly easily.  Chances are if you find a dirt road to shoot across some other person will come driving down that road fairly quick.  Long flat clear cuts aren't around headed east.  I would go shoot some of the 600 yard benchrest matches either at Tacoma or Eatonville. 

[mallard]

Thanks. That saves me some time. I was starting to wonder if I was on a wild goose chase. I'll check out the matches.

[huntnphool]

 Tacoma Rifle and Revolver has a 600 yard setup. You'd need to check with them as to specifics. http://tacomarifle.org

[Kauaiian]

Tacoma Sportsman Club has a monthly 600 yds competition open to the public.