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General discussion => Black Powder Shooting => Topic started by: D. Taylor Sapergia on January 02, 2024, 10:46:44 PM

Title: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: D. Taylor Sapergia on January 02, 2024, 10:46:44 PM
Thanks Mike, for hosting the December match, and to everyone for your kind words.
At the risk of appearing unimaginative, I would like to use the same target and format we used in December.  My reasoning:  it was well received and attended and is a challenging yet doable target.
So to reiterate:
25 yards - five targets (only) with one shot on each.
May be shot offhand, sitting or prone from an elbow rest.  May be shot from sitting at a table with elbow rest - no support other than hands, no sand bags, muzzle rest, shooting sticks etc.
Score:  centre dot scored as "X", half ball inside first ring scores 10, Second ring, 5.  Scores half ball to the centre of the scoring band to the higher score.

I would like to award a prize to the winner, ie:  a flint knapping tool/turn screw, or a leather capping disc.  I'll post pictures when I have them made to hopefully generate participation and competition.
Good luck - shoot centre.
Questions?
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: MuskratMike on January 03, 2024, 03:17:03 AM
HOORAY!
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Daryl on January 03, 2024, 03:54:32 AM
Sounds good. Need to cast some proper sized balls for my match rifle. ;)
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Justin Urbantas on January 03, 2024, 06:03:08 AM
Well good. I'd like to give it another go.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: bob in the woods on January 03, 2024, 04:19:35 PM
Wonderful .  I printed some targets last month, but "life" got in the way  :)
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Dphariss on January 09, 2024, 09:51:14 PM
I shoulda gone to the range yesterday. Wind blew the side out of reefer trailer loaded with potatoes on I90. Gusts well over 100 are not unknown here. Since it got a fuel tank there was a 1/4 mile long fuel spill too and to windy to put anything down to soak it up. Then the tree into the powerline etc. Fun fun fun

Now what is YOUR excuse??🤪🤪
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Dphariss on January 09, 2024, 09:55:32 PM
I shoulda gone to the range yesterday. Wind blew the side out of reefer trailer loaded with potatoes on I90. Gusts well over 100 are not unknown here. Since it got a fuel tank there was a 1/4 mile long fuel spill too and to windy to put anything down to soak it up. Then the tree into the powerline etc. Fun fun fun

Now what is YOUR excuse??🤪🤪
(https://i.ibb.co/9GYKYqY/IMG-7496.png) (https://ibb.co/PtCXC5C)
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Daryl on January 10, 2024, 01:33:45 AM
100MPH winds - LOL - even 37 to 62 MPH winds, no thanks.
The temp isn't too bad, though.
I think it's supposed to warm up here a bit in another week or so of cold. Just got almost a foot of snow today. That's welcome.
(especially for wife who skis)
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Dphariss on January 10, 2024, 02:22:40 AM
100MPH winds - LOL - even 37 to 62 MPH winds, no thanks.
The temp isn't too bad, though.
I think it's supposed to warm up here a bit in another week or so of cold. Just got almost a foot of snow today. That's welcome.
(especially for wife who skis)


About 1 mile NW  from the house and up hill there is a DOT wind meter/weather station thing, temp/wind etc on I-90. No camera. A few years back 7-8 maybe. It recorded a gust of 150 IIRC then the next gust broke it. Had 2 semi-blow overs about where the one broke. DOT is inspecting the truck looks like it may not have been truly road worthy. Yeah we got a cold snap moving in but its been really nice ground is not frozen and the mountains are too bare of snow, this is bad.
I should be able to shoot next week.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Justin Urbantas on January 10, 2024, 05:22:38 AM
It's supposed to be -39 on Friday, and not much warmer on the weekend. Might not get out for a few weeks.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: alacran on January 10, 2024, 05:27:07 PM
Weather seems to be a problem just about everywhere right now. I have to cast balls anyway. So I'm going to be ready if we get a decent break.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Daryl on January 10, 2024, 09:38:42 PM
Got targets, got balls in 3 sizes, .350", .495" and .682".
Now, all I need is warmer weather to make it happen. Got almost a foot of snow yesterday, but -22 right now.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: MuskratMike on January 11, 2024, 02:26:33 AM
While we're not as frigid as you all, here in the pacific NW it's cold (by our standards), rain and wind with some snow mixed in. Will try and get out as soon as we get a break in the weather.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Pukka Bundook on January 11, 2024, 05:52:50 AM
Expecting more than 40 below for a day or two here.
Not enjoying the thought.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: taterbug on January 11, 2024, 08:48:53 PM
No shooting here for a bit either.  We're a couple days behind you 'northerners' here, and a bit moderated too.  Looking at all of +2 'foreignheat' for a high next Monday.  After the Friday 'snowstorm' of course.  Anything more than 2" is a snowstorm for us wimps! ;D  My plow is ready! 

But on the bright side, I'll be able to go ice fishing by next weekend!  Maybe thats not a good thing?  Haven't been able to go for a few years so I may have forgotten how... or how dang cold I'll get.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: PK on January 11, 2024, 10:43:02 PM
I did a little rhino hunting today with my smoothbore. 25 yds, offhand from a standing position.
.62 cal Fusil De Chasse
.600 RB
.024 patch cut at the muzzle/ ballistol-water lube
70 gr Goex OE 2F, 2F in the pan

(https://i.ibb.co/2FrFwZN/5-F3-C287-C-16-F5-4950-BDAF-401510452-A72.jpg) (https://ibb.co/D1F1Nrp)
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Daryl on January 12, 2024, 02:09:38 AM
WOW nice shooting.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: PK on January 12, 2024, 03:48:00 AM
Thanks Daryl, I started a little different today and did some 75 and 50 yd shooting before dropping back to 25 yds and shooting these targets. I really think it helped me maintain my focus and sight picture.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: alacran on January 12, 2024, 04:54:06 PM
Good shooting PK. If I was actually hunting Rhinos, there would be only one position I would use, and that would be standing. I would use the biggest gun that I own.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Jakob on January 13, 2024, 06:26:52 AM
Wow, I'd struggle to beat that with a rifle.

Currently -41C here and it'll be at least 10 days before we see above -15C...it'll be awhile before I get to the range again.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Daryl on January 13, 2024, 07:37:31 AM
We're sitting solid at -35(-31F). Was -38C (-36.4F) temp and -52.6F this morning, wind chill.
Bit too cold for us to shoot.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Pukka Bundook on January 13, 2024, 06:46:11 PM
Minus 44 here this morning Daryl.

Need to keep your lock well up under your arm this weather!

Or enjoy it through the window, LOl!
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: smylee grouch on January 13, 2024, 06:54:05 PM
We had a balmy -17f yesterday. I heard its supposed to cool off this weekend.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: MuskratMike on January 13, 2024, 08:24:38 PM
Here in the "Banana Belt" it is 18 degrees above zero (coldest its been in the last 10 years or so) sleeting right now turning to snow later in the morning. Everything icing over and soon to be covered in a blanket of snow. 4 day event the thaw is coming tomorrow. Hope to get out Friday and shoot.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Daryl on January 14, 2024, 08:55:16 PM
-29C here this morning = -20 Foreign heat.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: D. Taylor Sapergia on January 14, 2024, 11:00:29 PM
PK:  that is indeed excellent shooting, especially since it was with a smoothbore and offhand to boot!!  I score your targets 50 1X (almost 2X!). Congratulations on a fine target.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: PK on January 15, 2024, 12:42:59 AM
Thank you sir. It was one of those days when everything came together. I went out the next day and shot just fair at 25 and 50 yds so it certainly doesn’t happen all the time. Fun target to shoot at.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: MuskratMike on January 24, 2024, 12:44:49 AM
Well the ice and snow have all gone away. Replaced by mid-50's weather and rain every day. Today we got a 1 day reprieve so I went out and shot the match. I used my 40 caliber SMR that Jim Kibler made for me several years ago. I shot from a bench with no support other than shoulder, hands and elbows. This is the only rifle I own that I have developed two loads for 45 grains of 3F for close in targets and 60 grains of 3F for hunting and longer shooting. I used a .395 ball with a .015 ticking patch with spit for lube and the 45 grain load. This by far the most accurate rifle I own.
I score it as a 50 2X the same as the 1 other target posted. I will let this months moderator decide whose ball holes are the winning ones. Here's to hoping winter has passed us by for the rest of the year.
(https://i.ibb.co/xYTbKBt/Jan-Rhino-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3vZb5j9)

(https://i.ibb.co/JxDZwrS/Jan-Rhino-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gvkYLtc)

(https://i.ibb.co/k47cX0c/Jan-Rhino-3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GW6PRkP)

(https://i.ibb.co/MNt9zjq/Jan-Rhino-4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9Y1GxfR)

(https://i.ibb.co/sqrXYCm/Jan-Rhino-5.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jDFjXz6)
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: D. Taylor Sapergia on January 24, 2024, 02:30:35 AM
Nice shooting Mike!  I confirm your score as 50 2X which is an X more than PK's smoothbore target.  So your target so far is in first place.  Lots of January left though....so everyone who has not participated, pls make every effort to show Mike how it's done.  Our weather here has finally come back up to around freezing mark, so we'll be getting out to the range in the very near future.

Taylor
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Horton on January 24, 2024, 04:35:50 AM
Got to shoot over the weekend, first time getting out for the year here’s the targets.
(https://i.ibb.co/zrXSmzK/IMG-4232.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HVtrKjm)

(https://i.ibb.co/q9WLwMD/IMG-4233.jpg) (https://ibb.co/82dnVDm)

(https://i.ibb.co/kc58bRq/IMG-4234.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NYtjD8W)

(https://i.ibb.co/f0mJn1G/IMG-4235.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XJmH32k)

(https://i.ibb.co/PmSSTBc/IMG-4236.jpg) (https://ibb.co/FxPPsG5)
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: D. Taylor Sapergia on January 25, 2024, 01:45:21 AM
Horton:  45 1X.  Thanks for submitting your targets.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Daryl on January 25, 2024, 05:57:10 AM
I feel shootable weather approaching. I plan on using my .36 on that rouge rhino. He cannot stand up to it's most impressive POWER!(at least the paper one won't)
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Moleman on January 26, 2024, 01:22:03 AM
Printed my targets and tomorrow looks like a dry day to get the smoothie out and try to tame the rhino.
Nice shooting everyone.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Dphariss on January 26, 2024, 06:21:20 AM
Went to the range today. Elbows rested on the bench. 54 Kibler Colonial 66 gr FFF Swiss. I think its shooting a little to the right.
(https://i.ibb.co/9Hg0y7W/IMG-3171.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zVxgPzZ)

(https://i.ibb.co/FxWdC54/IMG-3172.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kHyPv42)

(https://i.ibb.co/ZzCD1tb/IMG-3173.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pjpFrGk)

(https://i.ibb.co/PD1c3x5/IMG-3174.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dmkP1BQ)

(https://i.ibb.co/YB4B1Rn/IMG-3176.jpg) (https://ibb.co/F4k4yxZ)
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: foresterdj on January 26, 2024, 09:08:06 PM
Shot this morning, 27 degrees F, foggy, no wind. Used my .45 with .440 RB, 70 gr FFFg, .018 patch with Hoppes lube. shot standing with front hand resting against post while holding gun. Target at left was shot as a warm up, 7 shots, two tight clusters of 3 and one flier. For the rhinos, I added an arrow to show the hit.
(https://i.ibb.co/tskLczM/rhino-markup.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hWhYHcR)
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: D. Taylor Sapergia on January 26, 2024, 11:30:43 PM
Dan:  I score your set as a 50 2X which ties you with Muskrat MIke.  I'll have to re-examine both sets to determine which is in the lead...nice shooting.
Foresterdj:  I score your set as a 50. 

Daryl and I are going to give it a go tomorrow afternoon.  Thanks to all who have participated.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Moleman on January 27, 2024, 12:43:50 AM
I got out and done my shots today. 1st shot was a hangfire.....but things improved.
.62 cal. English Fowler smoothie 70 grains 2F lightly lubed tow over powder and over .610 ball. Elbow rest.
35 and 0 X's if I'm correct.

(https://i.ibb.co/ZghLwYR/IMG-20240126-161537988-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/c8NgpCK)
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Dphariss on January 27, 2024, 02:26:27 AM
Dan:  I score your set as a 50 2X which ties you with Muskrat MIke.  I'll have to re-examine both sets to determine which is in the lead...nice shooting.
Foresterdj:  I score your set as a 50. 

Daryl and I are going to give it a go tomorrow afternoon.  Thanks to all who have participated.

In playing around with the targets last night I measured the bullet holes and even thought fired against a new hard backer they except #1 measure 1/2” to the leaded edge. #1 is a little over but not near .032”.  Given they were .535s I found this interesting. One would think that striking a 1/2 chip board, dunno its true name, that the balls would cut a bigger hole in the paper. I have my sky screen chrono and will chrono this thing the next time out with the 66 grain load which seems to be surprisingly “snappy”. Maybe the paper “gives” a little and springs back???  The has nothing like a sharp shoulder on some elongated things do.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Daryl on January 27, 2024, 05:37:17 AM
Same thing with jacketed bullets, leaving a smaller hole than the bullet's diameter. This seems to happen, no matter the backer or no backer.
Thus, when measuring a group that is a single hole with the outside to outside measurement, then subtracting to get the centre to centre measurement, I usually
subtract the actual diameter my ball/bullet makes in that same paper, same backer, that same day - just to be accurate. 8) This is sometimes as much as .010" under
the ball or bullet's actual size.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Daryl on January 28, 2024, 02:31:09 AM
WE got out after lunch today. Deep snow, but the Ford 4 x 4's prevailed.
.36
.350 ball
10 ounce denim patch
spit lube
40gr. 3F Old Enysford
elbow rest
25 yards.

(https://i.ibb.co/xmm9dm7/IMG-3435.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rbb8Nbw)
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: D. Taylor Sapergia on January 28, 2024, 10:16:09 PM
Daryl:  50 2X - tied for score with Muskrat and Dan...will have to compare targets to find a tie breaker.  Nice shooting.

I shot mine with my Joseph Lang 16 bore:  86 gr. FFg GOEX, .650"pure lead ball from Tanner mould, .021" denim pre-cut patches and Ballistol/water lube @ 1:10.  I used a budd again as my rifle shoots about four inches high at 25 yards, elbow rest on table, seated.  But the budd was a little smaller than the one I used last month, and was consequently a little more difficult to see sharply...next time!


(https://i.ibb.co/vQYPd2g/0-4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fnvpNmB)

I score my targets 50 1X though I am not contending in this match since I am sponsoring and judging.  I'm out of contention anyway.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: D. Taylor Sapergia on January 28, 2024, 10:26:40 PM
After studying all of the targets submitted by Muskrat Mike, Dan and Daryl, who tied for score, I declare that Mike is leading with two X's completely inside the dot while Daryl had only one inside and Dan had none inside.
So, so far, Mike leads the match...but I haven't heard the FL sing yet!
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: okawbow on February 01, 2024, 01:05:14 AM
Got my York long barreled .54 flintlock out and my first shot was the deer load I left in it since deer season. Went off fine, and I hit near the dot. From then on, however, I got a flash in the pan or two before every shot. I had to pick the vent every time and sometimes even that didn’t work. This rifle has always been my dependable, go-to deer rifle and never failed to go off before. When it finally did fire, it hang fired every time. I think it may have had crud built up in the breech. Any way; I was barely able to keep my shots in the ring.


(https://i.ibb.co/XjW09xK/FE3-F6-D8-A-45-A5-42-A0-BCF1-9-EB69-F02881-A.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LY0jMdc)
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: bob in the woods on February 01, 2024, 02:26:09 AM
Last day so I bit the bullet and snow shoed out back. The snow has been deep and wet, so not exactly a stroll in the woods.  Caught my breath and fired 5 shots with the Kibler W.R. .54   25 yards, off hand but body braced against a tree.
80 gr FFg, .535 ball .018 patch lubed with bear oil.  Looks like 10's with some X's to me but one shot went wild !   It seems I'm blowing patches, so I'm going to have some work to do
(https://i.ibb.co/R4yXVSZ/P1010008.jpg) (https://ibb.co/84cySBT)

(https://i.ibb.co/pywtKx5/P1010009.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0t2g9cv)
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: Daryl on February 01, 2024, 09:18:37 PM
Good shooting Bob. Too bad about the leg (5) hit. I've seen patches like that on the rifle trails at Hefley Rendezvous.
Title: Re: January 2024 Postal Match
Post by: D. Taylor Sapergia on February 01, 2024, 10:11:13 PM
Bob:  I score your targets 45 3X...too bad about the flyer.  Just for the record, no where did I say that you could only shoot five targets, only submit five for score.
So January's winner is Muskrat Mike McGuire!  Congratulations Mike.  Your turn again, for February.

Taylor