December 2021 postal match

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Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And there's simply no place to go
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Welcome back everyone, winter is here for most of us and snow is in the air, and on the target for this month's shootin match!

Download and print your target attached below. Write your forum screen name on the front of your target as soon as you print it!

This is a Seven shot target. Fire 1 shot at each bull! Misses count! Scores are as indicated.

The shooting distance for this contest is 25 yards.

No do-over’s. Print and shoot one target only. One rifle and one pistol is acceptable.
Only registered forum members may participate.

If you would like please take a picture of your target and post it on the forum under this months (December) shoot to share with other members.

Only traditional, open iron sighted muzzle loading firearms; peeps are allowed under the condition you mark your target so I know you used a peep. (Tracking it) NO Cannons. Percussion, flintlock or matchlock ignition only. Pistol will be in their own class. Cap and Ball revolvers are OK.

Single patched round ball only. No restrictions on caliber. (a patchless ball may be used if so desired)

Shots shall be taken off-hand at the stated distance. Standing or seated is allowed, elbows unsupported by anything other than the shooters torso. In the event that a member is not physically able to hold his rifle up unsupported, a "prop-rod" that is supported only by the shooters torso, no part of which prop-rod may touch the ground, may be used to hold up the fore-end of the rifle.

Old Eyes - Small Targets, What To Do?
Considering the nature of the event being, a print and mail target and there being no prize other than bragging rights, the object is to encourage shooters to shoot and share their results, whatever they may be, in hopes we can all learn a bit. In September 2020 shoot participants overwhelmingly voted to adjust the rules to allow adding color to the target(s) to add contrast to better see the intended point of impact. This can be done at the individual shooters desire, this is optional.
Note: This may not be necessary with all targets but it has been adopted as a standing rule.

Pistol Class:
For those who would like, you can shoot one target with long gun and one with pistol. Please mark your target accordingly.

How close is close enough? Over half the ball must penetrate inside the scoring ring to be counted at the highest value. In other words, the ring in which the majority of the ball hits the target will be the score value. The center of the shot placement on the target will be determined by the judge. Judges decisions are final.

Fire 7 shots only, misses count! Mutilated targets or targets with more than 7 holes will be disqualified. If you have any questions, suggestions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact me.

I am going to continue to allow targets to be submitted via the postal service or electronically via email for this month's shoot. We gained a few extra entries through email last month so as long as the Target images / scans are clear I will continue to allow it.

Option 1 (preferred):
Mail your target, postmarked no later than December 31st to:

Chris Duncan
1260 N Osage rd
Mulvane, KS 67110
Attn: December Target

Option 2 (experimental):
Scan or photograph your target and email it no later than 11:59pm December 31st to:

[email protected]

Subject: December Target

As long as I can CLEARLY make the target out I'll accept it. ** Not having the original in hand, If I cannot easily determine which ring the majority of the hole lies within the lower number will be scored**

(I recommend using a dark backing paper when you scan / photograph it if possible so that the holes show clearly)

If you don’t mind sharing I would also like to know what you’re shooting. Include type of firearm, caliber, ball diameter, patch thickness, lube, powder type and grains used, barrel length and twist rate. This isn’t required I’m just the curious sort.

Thanks for shooting, now lets get out there and make smoke!
 

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Just a thought.
Maybe in the future we could amend the rules to allow shooting from multiple positions, with only the body supporting the weapon. Like sitting or kneeling as long as the weapon is only supported by hands, knees. Prone with the arms and body in contact with the ground.
On my clubs rifle range I very seldom see anyone shooting from an off hand position. Or from sitting but not having the weapons supported by bags, or some other artificial means of support.
We might increase participation of this monthly contest with more positions.
Your thoughts?
 
Jake, color all you want! No rule against it, it's even recommended! My thinking was just aim for center and the ends of the black lines. Being that I like to shoot in the contest as well as host, I don't print a test target beforehand so I get the same experience you guys do, for better or worse.

11th Corps, it's an offhand contest for no other reason than fun, camaraderie and skill building. Sitting is allowed as long as the rifle is only supported by your hand. No elbow resting on your knee, bench, ground, etc..... Shooting from "rested" or "braced" positions kind of defeats the purpose I think.

Chris
 
The weather was nice so I shot my target today. I had to use a black sharpie on the bulls to be able to see them. I started at the 12 o'clock bull and went clock wise and finished on the center. Was pretty happy with the first 2 shots but it kinda went down hill from there;).
iy03Vnq.jpg

Used my Kibler 45 SMR again. 40 grains of Goex 3F, 440 rb and spit patch.
I very seldom shoot offhand anymore so these postal matches are good for me.
Thanks for another good one
 
Shot today during our club monthly shoot. It was a blustery 20 degrees and a nice chilling wind out of the North with a bit of snow. That’s why I love Wyoming!!

TC .50 Renegade cap lock. 45 gr OE 3f, .015 patch w/moose milk. .490 self cast ball because the .495’s were too hard to start due to weather conditions… freezing patches. Love it!!!
 

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Shot mine today and mailed it a little while ago. I went to the range earlier than usual since the low sun is a big problem for me. (We shoot to the southeast, which only compounds the glare issue.) A hint for those who haven't shot theirs yet: You know those shoot & see targets (~8" bull) that come with red and black target pasters? I find the black ones, although small, are contrasty enough to see @ 25 yd. even with the thick front sight of my Lyman GPR. They also save on the red 1" target spots, which are hard to find around here. Try 'em, you'll like 'em!
 
Myself, GaryPL and some friends (at least one of whom will register here soon) gathered up at our club to shoot this match. We all had to color the dots to see them at 25 yards. I took a photo of GaryPL just after he fired one of his rounds off from his flintlock. My target unfortunately is not one of my best. I was consistently shooting right. No matter. it was still a good afternoon shooting our rifles. We all agreed we will make this a monthly outing if at all possible.

I used my Crockett .32 caliber again. I am really starting to like that little rifle.
Hornady .310 roundball
.013 pillow ticking lubed with Ballistol
20 grains of Goex FFFG
Remington #11 caps.
 

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