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.