Took my .30-30 to the NRA High Power Silhouette Champ.

w30wcf · Post by **w30wcf** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 11:27 am

July 10, 11, 12 Ridgway Rifle Club, Ridgway, PA

I have decided to compete with a real hunting rifle, my circa 1977 .30-30 Marlin 336A (24") along with some prime cast bulleted ammunition and a 10X Lyman scope.

This competition is awash with bolt action rifles and high powered scopes (24X+). Since it is fired from the offhand position at steel targets at 200 meters (chickens), 300 meters (javelina), 385 meters (turkeys) & 500 meters (rams) it is more the test of the shooter than the equipment. That is the tough part. Those targets move around too much when I shoot from the standing position!

Certainly, the equipment also must also be up to the task. In Hunter Rifle class, all cartridges have to be fed into the chamber from the magazine. For the 200 & 300 meter targets I'll be using the 150 Gr. RCBS; 385 meter-160 gr. LBT; 500 meter - 198 gr. Old West (205 grs. in heat treated w.w). H322 will push the 150 and 160 gr. cast bullets toward the distant targets and H414 the 205 gr.

I would bet that my 336A will be the only levergun there so I may be getting a few strange looks

but I'm going to have fuunnn!

If anyone lives within driving distance to Ridgway, PA and would be interested in seeing what NRA High Power Silhouette shooting is all about, spectators are welcome!

w30wcf

PaperPatch · Post by **PaperPatch** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 11:44 am

Good luck to you in Pa!!! You have excellent taste in equipment...and the right attitude as well.

A full reporting afterwards is expected! Pictures would be nice too!!

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 12:00 pm

w30wcf,

Is that the view you get from the firing line? If so, no wonder you need a cheater on your rifle. I can't tell which is what even from the picture. Has anybody ever done this match with iron sights?

Does your Marlin shoot those loads to the same point, or do you have to adjust your scope for each round and range?

And least but not last, good luck and show them bolt gunners how it's done.

Joe

O.S.O.K. · Post by **O.S.O.K.** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 12:03 pm

So, you are using a different load and bullet for each distance and mixing jacketed and cast bullets - are you cleaning between sets?

And you just adjust the scope for each range/bullet/load.

Seems to me that you're making this rather complicated. Wouldn't it be better to use one bullet/load and just change the elevation of the scope as you go out?

Good luck!

runfiverun · Post by **runfiverun** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 1:02 pm

those are all cast bullets...
and the only looks he would get round here is at his score card.

good shootin out there, hold steady and read the wind.

Ben_Rumson · Post by **Ben_Rumson** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 1:26 pm

If that's the view from the firing line level then I'm envious!..Our range had the turkeys & rams uphill by about 10 degrees..Good luck John..should be much fun!

Joe..Lots of people shoot those targets with Irons..We had a class for Military rifles..Seen a Lady clean the Rams with a Garand!...Her Hubby wasn't far behind with a Fin M39..Big fun..I used my Swede M96 or a M1917 Enfield

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 1:44 pm

Knockem over John. Be anxiuos to hear how you came out again this year.

I was messing with some of the 180 gr bullets from the modified lyman mold , and was able to swat the swinger at 270 fairly regular. So now I've got to decide whether to load a bunch for the Medicine Rocks shoot or just stick with the good ol 405?

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 2:38 pm

I shot silhouette yesterday. I was intending to shoot my 7mm-08 but I picked up the wrong ammo box when I left the house. A friend let me shoot his High Power rifle. I ended up with high score. I had my Winchester 73 in 44 WCF along so I used that on chickens just for grins and since I didn't want to shoot up all my friends ammo. I managed to tip two of those 200 meter chickens over with the 73. There was also a fellow shooting a Marlin 30-30 yesterday.

Inspired by John, I have shot the course with my 30-30 and cast bullets. I think the best I have done is 5 with a tang sight. I need to practice more with the peeps as I shoot better with regular sights.

Good luck John!

O.S.O.K. · Post by **O.S.O.K.** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 2:53 pm

OIC - thought that first one he listed was a speer - not RCBS - so all cast.

If it were me, I'd still pick the most accurate one and go with that - do you need the heavier ones to knock the furthest targets down?

I thought the most popular cartridge for this was the .260 Rem?

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 5:01 pm

I'm gonna take a stab here that the load development is done and from the loads listed, elevation adjustment is minimal, if at all. On the feet at 200, on top at 300 and dead on on the other two.

mav · Post by **mav** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 6:48 pm

Good luck John,
I'd like to see that, but I'm going to be out of town. After the high power nationals, the state cowboy matches should be a piece of cake.

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 6:55 pm

Good luck! Will be waiting for the report.

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:05 am

O.S.O.K. wrote:I thought the most popular cartridge for this was the .260 Rem?

Over the years I have talked with quite a few folks that shot the highpower silhouette rifle game . And from what I gathered the 243 , 260 and 7-08 have a following .

Noah Zark · Post by **Noah Zark** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 5:49 am

w30wcf wrote: July 10, 11, 12 Ridgway Rifle Club, Ridgway, PA

If anyone lives within driving distance to Ridgway, PA and would be interested in seeing what NRA High Power Silhouette shooting is all about, spectators are welcome!

w30wcf

As it happens, I live about four miles from the Ridgway Rifle Club and I'm a member. Things get a little crowded around the range and the clubhouse during the Nationals, and I don't shoot silhouette so I typically stay away.

Have fun, and best of luck,

Noah

cslcal · Post by **cslcal** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:03 pm

John, It would be really neat if you shot your black powder loads. Al Foust

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:20 pm

Noah Zark wrote:
w30wcf wrote: July 10, 11, 12 Ridgway Rifle Club, Ridgway, PA

If anyone lives within driving distance to Ridgway, PA and would be interested in seeing what NRA High Power Silhouette shooting is all about, spectators are welcome!

w30wcf
As it happens, I live about four miles from the Ridgway Rifle Club and I'm a member. Things get a little crowded around the range and the clubhouse during the Nationals, and I don't shoot silhouette so I typically stay away.

Have fun, and best of luck,

Noah

I was there about 4 years ago for John's "Lever Rifle Jubilee" and had a blast ! Thats the only place I've ever shot at targets past 350 yards ! Was kinda neat when I knocked a 500 meter ram down with my old 35 shooting cast loads with a peep sight !

w30wcf · Post by **w30wcf** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 9:04 am

Thank you for the encouragement fellow levergunners

.

Almost everyone that shoots NRA High Power Rifle Silhouette uses a silhouette type scope with extended knobs and adjusts their scope for each distance. I will be doing the same.

Regarding the loads, the 150 RCBS shoots just fine but on the Turkeys a bullet with a higher ballistic coefficient is adventagous since the target narrower. That's why I chose the 160 LBT.
The rams @ 55# in weight need a heavier cast bullet for reliable knock down, that's why the 205 gr. was chosen.

The match is held over 3 days @ 40 shots/day (10 at each distance) for a total of 120 shots per rifle category. The rifle categories are: Silhouette and Hunter. Time limit is 2 1/2 minutes to fire 5 shots on a bank of 5 animals, left to right. Hit or miss, the competitor moves to the next target.

Regarding the target sizes, if one were to shoot at 100 yards, these would be the sizes:
chickens: 2 3/4" diameter
pigs: 3"x 5"
turkeys: 2 1/2" diameter
rams: 2 1/2" x 5"

Not easy, but the really good shots will hit 80% or better. On a really, really good day, I may hit 50% with a bolt action rifle. THere are different classes so that competitors are matched against shooters of their capability.

Competitors come from a number of different states and other countries. At the 2006 Nationals there were competitors from as far away as Ireland, Germany and Australia(!). Also some from Canada. NEAT! The fellowship is great. I'm looking forward to it!

I will give a report when I return next week.

w30wcf

Post by **Old Savage** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 9:47 am

Wish you the best. I have never seen or shot this what are the positions.

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 2:58 pm

The match is fired off hand with no shooting aids. No slings, gloves, straight jackets or other paraphernalia. Chickens are at 200 meters, pigs at 300, turkeys at 385 and rams at 500 meters.

It would be a lot easier if they would nail the targets down. It is amazing and frustrating to see how those steel targets can jump around!

dr walker · Post by **dr walker** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 3:49 pm

good luck, sounds like a great time

Post by **Hobie** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 4:41 pm

Best of luck John. You do need to post a photo of you at the match.

You know, the photo with the trophy!

centershot · Post by **centershot** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 6:32 pm

Hi John! Best of luck to you at the Nationals! We missed you at the Eastern Zone Regional at McKean last week, but I can see you were probably busy! The missus says "Hi!" and we hope to catch up with you at the Levergun Jubilee at Ridgway in the fall! Shoot straight!

centershot

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 6:44 pm

Have fun John!!

Wish I could go, too busy with that work stuff.

I drive through Ridgeway on my way up to my cabin!

jb

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 7:42 pm

Good luck John. Looking forward to the after-action report!

Cimarron Red · Post by **Cimarron Red** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:47 pm

I know you'll shoot well, John.

In many ways I miss the Ridgway Rifle Club!

41 Redhawk · Post by **41 Redhawk** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 12:54 pm

How did it go John?

w30wcf · Post by **w30wcf** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 6:37 pm

Guys,
Thank you for the encouragment!

41 Redhawk,
I will be posting some info/pics by the end of this week.

I will say that the 336A shot true

.....that is, according to my spotter, the bullets impacted where the crosshairs were aligned when the trigger broke. Unfortunately, they weren't on steel over 50% of the time, but I did ok in my class.

When I had my rifle certified, the fellow says
" You're using this in Hunter Class?"
I said, "Yes".
"What caliber?" "
".30-30".
He says ......"hmmmmm, Good luck on the rams."
I said, "no problem, I'm using a 205 gr bullet."
He says, with a puzzled look "A 205 gr. bullet(?), who makes that?"
I said, "I do."

More in a few days.........

w30wcf

JerryB · Post by **JerryB** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 6:45 pm

Good report,glad you shot a real rifle. Ain't it fun to look at their face when you tell that? Looking for more.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 7:28 pm

w30wcf wrote:...When I had my rifle certified, the fellow says
" You're using this in Hunter Class?"
I said, "Yes".
"What caliber?" "
".30-30".
He says ......"hmmmmm, Good luck on the rams."
I said, "no problem, I'm using a 205 gr bullet."
He says, with a puzzled look "A 205 gr. bullet(?), who makes that?"
I said, "I do."

Excellent rispote. I do love good wit!

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:21 pm

More details. Let's hear the details. Ram by ram.

KirkD · Post by **KirkD** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:25 pm

w30wcf wrote: When I had my rifle certified, the fellow says
" You're using this in Hunter Class?"
I said, "Yes".
"What caliber?" "
".30-30".
He says ......"hmmmmm, Good luck on the rams."
I said, "no problem, I'm using a 205 gr bullet."
He says, with a puzzled look "A 205 gr. bullet(?), who makes that?"
I said, "I do."

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:52 pm

Dang guy, just hasn't figured out yet, them 30-30 bullets just simply dissappear at 152.58 yds.

Looking forward to a full report.

41 Redhawk · Post by **41 Redhawk** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 8:53 am

Just for giggles I shot the 1/5 size small bore targets with my small bore cowboy levergun silhouette rifle. That was humbling! Those itty bitty targets disappear when you look at them with open sights.

So you didn't lose any Rams? Back when I shot IHMSA there were occasions when shooters would fail to knock down the Rams with 30/30 pistols at 200 meters.

w30wcf · Post by **w30wcf** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 9:45 am

Well, it's been longer than a few days..........................my apologies.

The 336A w/10X Lyman Silhouette Scope / cast bullets shot better than I did. I adjusted the scope for each target (200, 300, 385, 500M) so that the bullets were impacting where the crosshairs were at each distance. Unfortunately, the crosshairs weren't always on the target at the moment of ignition, but I had loads of fun anyway.

Other shooters were a bit surprised to see a levergun at the Nationals, and did ask some questions regarding accuracy and "will it knock down the rams?. I responded that if I can break the shot on target, that 205 gr. cast bullet will do its part.

The best I was able to do on the 500M target was a 2x5. Shooting offhand, those critters dance around a bit!!

Anyway, I, along with two of my fellow gun club members won a team trophy on one of the 3 days.

I finished somewhere around the middle of my class. The 336A did its part, I just needed to do mine better. As I said those targets do move around a bit!

In addition to shooters from the US, Canada, Mexico, Ireland and Australia also were represented. THe national anthems were played for each nation. The US flag flew on the flagpole. The flags below from left to right are:
Canada, Australia, Ireland, Mexico

Here's my 336A amongst the silhouette rifles

336A / 10X Lyman Silhouette Scope

All in all, I had a great time. Looking forward to 2010 when the NRA High Power Silhouette Nationals will again be at Ridgway, PA.

w30wcf

WCF3030 · Post by **WCF3030** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 10:03 am

Way to go John!!!

JerryB · Post by **JerryB** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 1:23 pm

It sounds to like just being there with a lever gun was enough to make them all set up and take notice. Now they all know you were there and can knock them down. well done.