My 1st year at Silhouettes

[Kevin Alexander]

I made up my mind to try my hand at BPCR silhouette shooting this year. I attended 5 matches at the closest range to me. I knew a little about the sport, nothing about the range, and didn't know anyone shooting this sport. I was heading to the range a little "blind". This year was to be a "learning only about the sport" year. Learning the routines to shoot at theses matches. Learning the equipment needed. My goal this year was to not be the best shot I could, but to learn. Just learning the sight settings and how to read the vernier scale was interesting. I'm still learning. I did manage to hit a chicken a time or two. Managed to hit 10 pigs and get a pin. All blind luck more than skill. I have several things to purchase this winter to help me in this sport. A shooting mat, spotting scope and stand, chronograph, a lead melting pot to cast my own bullets and a mould or 2.

Every round I sent down range was never tested on a target until that day of the match. There was no "load development" done for any of these loads.
I used a Browning BPCR in 45-70. Upgraded to Baldwin soule sight. My ammunition consisted of Swiss powder, CCI BR2 primers, Starline brass, Walters wads, and bullets from Sagebrush.
It's an expensive hobby, but most are. Equipment costs a lot.
The cost in each round shot is roughly $1.43. That's all the supplies required to load each round, the cleaning supplies require for firing each round and final cleaning of the rifle and brass at the end of the day. 60 rounds total equals $86. The cost of the brass is not figured in because it can be used for several firings.

Fuel and toll road fees to and from the range is $61.
Match fees as of this year were $25.
The above amounts are for shooting a 1 day, 40 round silhouette match. Total for me to shoot a 1 day, 40 round match is $172.
I don't figure meals into my expenses because I'll be eating a meal no matter where I'm at or what I'm doing.

20 things that I learned this year from shooting in theses silhouette matches:
1.) it can be more fun than I imagined.
2.) it can be more frustrating than I imagined.
3.) the "AAA" and "Master" shooters have it figured out, .............sometimes.
4.) listen to the "veteran" shooters, but keep in mind, what works for them and their load, rifle combination might not work for you.
5.) ANNEAL! ANNEAL! ANNEAL!
6.) read books and read online everything about the sport.
7.) come to the realization that it will take awhile to shoot good, even longer to shoot great, and may never be able to shoot great consistently, it that's even possible.
8.) take notes on everything.
9.) practice shooting a lot, then double that.
10.) get yourself a good reliable spotter and use him/her for every match.
11.) my eyesight at distance is horrible.
12.) scopes should be outlawed. Until I have enough money to get one.
13.) learn to read the wind and mirage.
14.) the wind doesn't push a 535 grain bullet as much as a person thinks it would.
15.) see number 9).
16.) if I'm not comfortable in the sticks or on the mat, I shoot poorly.
17.) wiping between shots is better than blow tubing.........I think.
18.) if your not paying attention, you'll shoot the animal on the first bank of the guy next to you.
19.) what? Theses matches are timed?
20.) twisting the windage knob clockwise moves the staff to the right, which moves the bullet impact to the right, or is it left.

All in all I had a lot of fun and am hooked. I ended up shooting three "B" scores and two "A" scores for the year. I have a lot of things to purchase and have a lot to learn this winter to get ready for next years matches. I'm hoping to attend at least 12 matches.

A terrible day at the range is better than a great day at the office.

[Cody Smith]

Thanks for posting, I found myself chuckling at several of your points. We are glad to have you shooting!
take care, Cody

[Don McDowell]

Excellent post Kevin. This thread will be a sticky for aspiring new shooters to reference

[SgtDog0311]

Kevin, I really enjoyed that. I hope next year brings me a similar experience. Hope I retain my sense of humor so well too. I can whittle your cost figures down being a caster - and better or it'll be a brief venture. Great post!

[Kevin Alexander]

Kevin, I really enjoyed that. I hope next year brings me a similar experience. Hope I retain my sense of humor so well too. I can whittle your cost figures down being a caster - and better or it'll be a brief venture. Great post!

Yes, that can save a little money. My costs also could be trimmed down by finding another powder other than Swiss that shoots and cleans just as good. The CCI BR2 primers also cost me $70 per 1000. So there's room to trim some costs.
In the next week I'll be load testing at 200 yards to see how the loads I shot all year will do on paper from a rest. Then I'm going to make some small changes to that exact load that I think will improve the groups. I'll post the results with photos.

I have a match coming up with some of the "local yocals" in November. For 17 years we have been doing this. We will sit around the primitive camp for 3 days telling stories, playing cards, eating good food and drinking several 12 ounce cans of "group tightener". On the last day we shoot pistols, lever guns and buffler guns all day. Originals and replicas before 1900, lead bullets, black powder. The buffler guns are shot sitting with sticks at a metal buffalo at 400 yards. It's a hoot. It all takes place when our states deer season is going on, and a few of us manage to shoot a deer. Last year I got a nice one with my Uberti 76 in 45-60. The year before I got one with my Browning BPCR in 45-70. I don't know what I'll use this year.

[Kevin Alexander]

I finally got a few hours to load up some new loads and hit the range for some load testing for the first time.
This 4 shot group was with a 538 grain Postell, sized .458 from Sagebrush. 66 grains of Goex cartridge.
Compressed around .215, Annealed fire formed starline brass. Seated with a Vickerman die.

   

[Kevin Alexander]

This 6 shot group was exactly the same but with 63 grains of Goex Cart compressed about .175.

[Kevin Alexander]

This last 5 shot group was with a 554 grain, sized .459 mini groove From Sagebrush. 63 grains of Swiss 1.5. Compressed .175.
Annealed fire formed Starline brass, finger seated.
All loads were with CCI BR 2 primers also.
.30 Walters wads.

   

[Kurt]

Kevin welcome to the Happy Gang of the Busterbrowns LOL. As you progress and think you have it down pat something will show up to add to your experiences.

Kurt

[Kevin Alexander]

All were shot off of these bench sticks at 200 yards.
Wiping between shots with one wet and one dry. Solution was from Arizonia Sharpshooters and Arsenal patches.