Author Topic: October Postal Shooting Match (Read 4923 times)

D. Taylor Sapergia · « **on:** October 01, 2021, 08:04:20 PM »

I have opened this thread to record the results of this match, but the instructions for October are in the September match thread

Daryl · « **Reply #1 on:** October 01, 2021, 08:20:00 PM »

I moved the October Match rules to here:

"I think we'll use this same target for October's match, and the same bench rest format, to see what kind of groups folks can wring out of their favourite rifles. And like the Sept event, it'll be for fame, glory, and edification, rather than a material prize.

Submit up to 4 targets...measure centre to centre for group size...five shots on a target...50 yards, rest. Now some prefer X sticks or elbow rest on a table, but a bench with double support is allowed as well.
What we're looking for is the best five shot group, anywhere on the paper, that you and your rifle can provide.
Post your loads, rifle, etc. so that comparison can be made, and learning the goal.
My advice: shoot slowly, allow your barrel to cool, avoid sight mirage issues which increase as the barrel heats. (I will try to follow my own advice). Try cleaning between shots and shooting out of a clean barrel for each shot. Also try shooting a fouling shot and then follow up with five shots for score through a fouled barrel. This is an opportunity to discover (again) what works best for you and for your rifle. Have fun!!"
D. Taylor Sapergia
www.sapergia.blogspot.com

D. Taylor Sapergia · « **Reply #2 on:** October 01, 2021, 08:27:52 PM »

Thanks Daryl!

Daryl · « **Reply #3 on:** October 02, 2021, 02:58:26 AM »

I just found 2 more pounds of 2F. Let me know when!
Thought I was going to have to use some inferior Old Enysford 3F.

Maven · « **Reply #4 on:** October 03, 2021, 07:11:22 PM »

All, There's a potential problem with downloading and printing last month SB target (or it could be my printer settings). To wit, Targetz.com #10098 is indeed an 8" target, which is OK, but a lot larger than the one we used in the September SB match. However, target #10098 is 4" in diameter and likely visible to most @ 50 yd.: http://www.targetz.com/targetzlib/10098.pdf Is this the target we want, or will we be shooting for group at the 8" one #10094)?

Daryl · « **Reply #5 on:** October 03, 2021, 07:44:18 PM »

That one has always printed 4" for me. From a bench, I find the 4" target to be quite a good one, until
the barrel heat takes over.

D. Taylor Sapergia · « **Reply #6 on:** October 03, 2021, 11:54:02 PM »

Print your target so that the bull is 4" on a letter sized piece of paper.

Maven · « **Reply #7 on:** October 04, 2021, 01:08:57 AM »

Done!

smokinbuck · « **Reply #8 on:** October 04, 2021, 07:39:17 PM »

Reading the rules you refer to a "rifle". Is this match for rifles or smoothbores?

D. Taylor Sapergia · « **Reply #9 on:** October 04, 2021, 08:18:46 PM »

My intent was for this to be a rifle match, but I have no issues with targets submitted that have been shot with smoothbores and pistols.

Rick Kleinschmidt · « **Reply #10 on:** October 04, 2021, 10:56:14 PM »

Thought I’d give this a try today, rifle is my gpr .54 lefty.
There is always one that gets away and went low.

Daryl · « **Reply #11 on:** October 06, 2021, 11:49:14 PM »

Taylor and I got out before lunch today.
Haven't shot this rifle for 5 or 6 months.
Like Taylor said, we aren't 60 any more.
These were the second and third groups shot.
The second target here measures 1.648"

D. Taylor Sapergia · « **Reply #12 on:** October 07, 2021, 02:20:05 AM »

Well, Daryl outshot me easily today. Someone last month was bemoaning that flyer that always seems to ruin an otherwise great group...I should li9ke to quote him this month.
I used my Chambers' Mark Silver Virginia rifle with it's new .60 cal barrel, 85 gr. FFg GOEX, pre-cut 10 oz denim patch lubed with water soluble oil and water 1:10 approx. I shot slowly to avoid the heat mirage I often have to deal with. The temperature was a few degrees above freezing, and a misty rain/snow was falling. More than anything, I wanted to be sure of my sight picture and load since I am travelling south to Cache Creek this weekend for their annual Thanksgiving Frolic. I adjusted my rear sight to shoot centre after the first group, and now I'm confident I will be able to compete on a level field.
So, here's two targets I shot today:

Maven · « **Reply #13 on:** October 08, 2021, 01:24:01 AM »

Looks like some stiff competition this month...and a dose of sibling rivalry (LOL)! With any luck, I'll get out to shoot tomorrow.

Maven · « **Reply #14 on:** October 08, 2021, 08:22:59 PM »

It was a perfect day today (no wind, comfortable temps., no mosquitos) for trying my hand at the 50 yd. bench rest "Octoberfest". My first two targets weren't impressive as flyers ruined otherwise acceptable groups. However, targets 3 and 4 (below), and especially #4, saved the day for me. As you can tell from #4, I readjusted my rear sight a bit too much, but I'm ecstatic about the group.

Particulars: Target 3 is 2.8125" center-to-center, while target 4 is 1.8125" center-to-center. The flyer at 11 o'clock on #3 opened the group significantly. My rifle was a Mowrey .50cal.caplock using a home cast (and weighed) Lee 495" RB (.497" in fact). Patches were .018" pillow ticking lubed with 1 Ballistol : 6 water. Caps were Remington #11.

Edit: I forgot to mention the powder charge: 70gr. GOEX (Graf's).

Observation: Although Taylor suggested we clean between shots, I found I got better accuracy if I didn't and only dry swabbed the bbl. on occasion. Fortunately, I had 4 targets to experiment with and come to that realization.

Daryl · « **Reply #15 on:** October 08, 2021, 08:58:30 PM »

Still time (& 2 targets) to have another "go" at it, Paul. Well done.
For me too, most often seem to get one (or 2lol) out that enlarges an otherwise good group.

Maven · « **Reply #16 on:** October 08, 2021, 09:06:10 PM »

Thanks, Daryl! My Isaac Haines FL may need an outing soon.

Daryl · « **Reply #17 on:** October 08, 2021, 09:11:33 PM »

I'm thinking of the .36 mountain rifle next time out
but, maybe the Beck .50?

alacran · « **Reply #18 on:** October 09, 2021, 02:24:16 AM »

Today was the first day that it hasn't rained in a week.
Decided to shoot my Bucks County .54.
Though I built it over five years ago, and killed 3 elk cows with it, I have never shot it off a rest.
I don't have any of my bench shooting gear here in the Midwest Rainforest.
So I shot it from cross sticks.
This is a hunting weight rifle with a Rayl barrel and L&R classic lock.
It has a single trigger pinned to the wood.
It was mostly sunny with variable winds with some 12 mph gusts.
My first target I used 60gr. of Goex 2f with a .530 ball, with JoAnn's pocket drill, lubed with bear oil.
2nd target same load except I used a canvas twill that measures .21 compressed.
Third target same as first load, but used 70 grains of powder.

3.75 inches.

3.13 inches

2.92 inches.
Thought I would shoot my chunk gun, but I know what it is capable of. .
By the way my target printed out to 3.75 inches.

Daryl · « **Reply #19 on:** October 09, 2021, 07:27:29 PM »

Interesting. My printer/computer makes them 3.915".

alacran · « **Reply #20 on:** October 09, 2021, 10:07:03 PM »

It really makes no difference, how big the black is. We are shooting for group.
Frankly I don't see this as a competition, but an opportu,ity to do some experimenting.
I believe Taylor alluded to that, when he described the match.
1/4 inch one way or the other, doesn't amount to squat.

Daryl · « **Reply #21 on:** October 09, 2021, 11:57:35 PM »

Spot-on about sizing. It is interesting how our different machines change the sizing of the targets.
It's C to C that matters in this "contest". I thought I'd like to try the .50 Beck and .36 Mtn. rifles as well
this month - we''ll see.

StevenV · « **Reply #22 on:** October 11, 2021, 03:40:25 AM »

Shot today, not sure I followed all the "bench" rules so let me know. I am posting this to show what most barrels can do, if the proper powder charge is found and used at all distances. You can not reduce powder at 25 and 50 yards and expect "one hole " groups. It may shoot "good " but not one hole good.Shoot the powder charge for that barrel and adjust your sight picture for different distances. I shot 2 targets on one. The first was Target #2 ( only 4 shots) I stopped cause too wide a group, something not right. Stringing shots up and down usually calls for more powder to bring group together. Shots east and west means reduce powder. So I increased powder charge to 65 (up 5 grains). and got much better group. Could've been better had I had more wind (shot #4) , could've had a 3/4" group. As it is target #3 is a 1.1" group. If I have more time next weekend I will try for 1/2" group. I feel as though that is definitely attainable. Steve ( Shot #1 and D ) are in the same hole.

bob in the woods · « **Reply #23 on:** October 11, 2021, 06:22:22 AM »

Good shooting Steven. That is the result that I was expecting at 50 yards from the announcement of the match. We have had a few off hand " 50"'s at our club and even more when sticks or AMP [ any military position] is allowed. The rifles are certainly capable . I look forward to seeing a lot more targets. I'm on the mend at the moment, but expect to shoot this match later in the month

alacran · « **Reply #24 on:** October 11, 2021, 02:11:28 PM »

Good shooting Steve. However I have to disagree with you on one point. Vertical strings are typical of sighting errors, or improper bench techniques.

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Author Topic: October Postal Shooting Match (Read 4923 times)