SPLIT THE BALL TARGET QUESTION

[simonbeans]

I have shot these many times over the years but have never set up the target. I am hosting a fall shoot and would like to do this target again. My question is what is a good distance for the two breakable (clay birds) to be from the base of the ax head? (See illustration)

Thanks.

 

[hawkeye2]

1", 2" max to the edge of the bird. Most of the birds will be broken by splatter from balls that aren't cut or not cut cleanly.

 

[simonbeans]

Great. Thanks.

 

[ord sgt]

The distance between the shooter and the ax blade needs to be planned. Maximum caliber to be used and maximum powder charge to avoid too much damage to the ax blade.

 

[Rifleman1776]

much damage to the ax blade.

Our club had a split the ball match. The axe was brought by a member. It was his granddaddys and a family treasure. First shot took out a huge chunk from the blade. Color that member super angry.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

Our club had a split the ball match. The axe was brought by a member. It was his granddaddys and a family treasure. First shot took out a huge chunk from the blade. Color that member super angry.

Moral of the story: Never shoot at anything you don't want to hurt, kill, or damage!
Larry

 

[simonbeans]

No concern on blade as it had a broken handle and I do have a few others for their intended use.

 

[flntlokr]

Great. Thanks.

We have a wire clip on the back of the axe head that holds a 3x5" index card. Even if the tiniest shaving is cut off the ball, it will show on the card, but might miss or not break, a clay.

 

[hawkeye2]

The ax head should be considered a consumable item but with sharpening it can last for years too. We had a split-the-ball event as part of the rifleman's walk for years and one head lasted for most of them. The competitor shot whatever caliber, projectile and charge he normally did, no restrictions there nor were they needed. The distance was maybe 25' if I remember, close anyway. I welded a piece of flat bar slightly wider than the head to the back projecting above and below the head and with holes for spikes. I think we used 2 spikes per hole bending them over. The following year I welded angle iron pieces about an inch long to the top and bottom in front of the eye and with the sharp edge toward the shooter as the balls that missed were damaging the mounting ears.

 

[Barry Strickland]

When I was running matches years ago I used a cut section of log. I used a double bit axe slammed into the middle of it. Then I used two ten penny nails driven into the log a few inches either side of the axe. The clay pigeon was then rested on the nail and against the axe bit. Simple.

 

[smo]

Our club had a split the ball match. The axe was brought by a member. It was his granddaddys and a family treasure. First shot took out a huge chunk from the blade. Color that member super angry.

76’,

That sounds like a Guy I shoot with…

He has a “ Family Treasure “ of his own..
It’s a hatchet that’s been handed down over the years..
He says the handle has been replaced several times and the head was replaced at least a couple times…. But it’s an original!lol

 

[MLZ]

I used a cut section of log. I used a double bit axe slammed into the middle of it. Then I used two ten penny nails driven into the log a few inches either side of the axe. The clay pigeon was then rested on the nail and against the axe bit.

This is how we always did it, as well. Always worked great for us.

 

[OhioHawkeye]

...My question is what is a good distance for the two breakable (clay birds) to be from the base of the ax head? ...

about two finger widths... 1 1/2" or so. Use the full size trapshooting birds for your targets.

The distance between the shooter and the ax blade needs to be planned. Maximum caliber to be used and maximum powder charge to avoid too much damage to the ax blade.

BS Never shoot at something you don't want to be shot and or destroyed. If nothing is available, go buy a new double headed axe it is worth the expense.
Distance is usually about 10 yards, but depends on the club and shooter. I think the max I've shot it is 25 yards.

 

[simonbeans]

Here’s the plan:

 

[necchi]

Very nice! How did you imbed the blade?

 

[Eterry]

Our club had a split the ball match. The axe was brought by a member. It was his granddaddys and a family treasure. First shot took out a huge chunk from the blade. Color that member super angry.

Being an amatuer blacksmith I'd say the Axe steel was WAY too hard, maybe had been in a camp fire to burn out the handle. That's how my Granddad removed broken handles. We know better now.

 

[Eterry]

Very nice! How did you imbed the blade?

Must have swung REALLY HARD!! I'm curious as well.

 

[Eutycus]

How was that member made made to volunteer his treasured axe?

 

[simonbeans]

Very nice! How did you imbed the blade?

I threaded bolts into the head and then drove the extended ends into the log.

 

[necchi]

Interesting,, I ask because the most common problem with this kind of event is the blade falling out after a few hits.
It's always a dickens to get it back, deep enough and in the same position to stay put.
If you have time, considering you've already tapped holes in the head,, pull it, drill a hole through the block, then add a bolt w/washer to fasten the blade from the back side of the block..