2021 Targets
2021 Targets
This year I focused on smokeless powder rifle loads out to 225 yards. Using a scope on the 73' and figuring out the POA for multiple ranges...so I came up with a new plan.
I discovered a third range that offered 200 yards and 225 yards to the berm. It was an all members only range and did cut down on a lot of unwanted nonsense. However, it only offered two good tables for the 200 yard range and were almost always taken. The other three were better suited for the closer targets. Although a quieter range, it was just too far to drive.
Unfortunately after all this work, I had to remove the scope to fix a loose screw on the very last day of shooting. Thus I will have to start all over again for the summer of 2022. I did manage to get the scope sighted in for 75 yards to deer hunt at the end of 2021.
Bullet Trajectory Chart shows the difference between the 1,430 fps 26gr of Reloder 7 powder charge (80-85 degrees F) with the 215gr 43-214A lead bullet and Winchester's advertised 1,190fps 200gr Super-X hunting loads.
Keep in mind that any change in velocity and bullet weight, changes the whole chart!!
A little more range time and I should be able to fill in the blanks!! I only have access to three ranges, one 265 yards and two 200 yard and a 250 yards. Over the next few months I will be working out to 225 yards.
9-6-2021
Tweaking POA at 25, 50, 70, 150 and 200 yards
The Berm is 225 yards, where I will set up the small "swing" gong in the future.
25 Yards
50 Yards
75 Yards
100 Yards, 3.452" Group, 3.297 MOA
100 Yards, 1.630" Group, 1.557 MOA
150 Yards
200 Yards
8-11-2021
Chasing the 44 40, #7 Chronographing @ 265 yards, 951fps
I decided to add this short video which shows the chronograph set up at 265 yards. The range calls it 300 yards, but I measured 265. Call it what you will!!
These were the 1,250fps Reloder 7 loads shot out of the Winchester 73' with a scope. Impact velocity was an average of 950fps and the later (8-25-2021) trajectory angle at impact shows 12 degrees w/ a 58 degree slope.
8-25-2021
A little bit more of the same, gradually tweaking the PAO marks on the target board.
The 25 Yard POA needs to be moved up about 1 1'2". Had hoped for a 1/2" Group
The 50 Yard POA is close enough but the 3" spread was a bit more than I had hoped.
The 25 yard POA will get moved, the 50 will remain the same and the 175 has been removed for now.
I decided to check the angle of impact at 265 yards. Placing another target board in front of this one, I was able to use the poor mans method of measuring and came up with only 12 degrees. This includes a 58' slope down to the target.
Even with the spotting scope, I was unable to see the points of impact. I did change the POA once but all but one shot still remained inside 11" at 265 yards.
7-7-2021
Combined targets 7-7-2021-1&2, -1 from 200 yards and -2 from 150 yards.
Trying one more time to confirm the 200 yard POA before moving on, this 200 yard target with an 8mph wind pushed the hits further right...as expected. Now, the range walls kept out most of the wind but it was estimated that the wind twirling around inside was from the left at about 2-3 mph.
Now that I have this new target made, hopefully I can start shooting at closer distances and make adjustments for future visits to the range. I designed it to simply hang on the range targets already set up.
You can judge for yourself the aim points for an average sized man if standing downrange, say a U.S. Cavalryman at the battle of the Little Bighorn!
The small offset aim point is the POA for center grouping the shots on target. I have it set so that 99% of all shots are at or above the center of POA.
Here is a field that would require at least six different points of aim for the 44-40 and even a 45-70 with a scope.
Only ONE point of aim would be needed for a 30-06 or a 270.
