Scope, reticle for Silhouette

[David Lee Valdina]

Hi, I just discovered this site. Have shot rimfire silhouette only once and enjoyed it. Will be in Florida for winter and have learned it is offered in Orlando. I have been reading up on rules etc. I got a chance to try out my idea for rimfire silhouette today. I have a scope reticle with 4 lines crossing below the center cross hairs. Silhouette is shot with no warm ups or practice shots and the targets are at 40, 60, 77 and 100 yards. I had hoped to be able to use the different lines to correspond to the different ranges. I was using Winchester Wildcat high speed as the steel targets need to be knocked over and the extra energy helps. The center cross hairs got adjusted to hit center at 40 yards. I count this center line as number one. Line three could be used for both 60 and 77 yards, at 60 hitting a bit high and at 77 a bit low. If I bracket a 3" target at 100 yards with lines 4 and 5, I am on target. If I switch to Velocitors, a very high speed .22, line 4 allows hits at 100 yards. I will need to write up a reminder note as to what ammo and what lines to use at what ranges, but once I have done so, I should be good to go. The rifle I am using is a Remington 513T with a Pentax 4-12x scope. Rifle and scope weighs just inside 8.5 pounds and the trigger is about 2.5 pounds, all as required by the rules, if I have read them right.

[Bob259]

Welcome, there a a number of shooters on here from Florida that can help you out finding a range. However, first off high velocity ammo is frowned on as it damages the targets. Everyone shooting this sport shoots ammo that is running around 1050 fps. Any scope with with target knobs an is repeatable is preferred over the hold over hold under method.

Most ranges have a practice period before any match and I'm sure there are 'open' days at the range wheere if you join you can go shoot and get your settings before your match.

Welcome aboard

[BlauBear]

Sounds like you're good to go David, though Bob's right about the scope and ammunition.

Your Pentax should work well, but you should change elevation between animals instead of relying on the ranging lines in the scope. Ammunition varies enough that those aren't very useful, and you need to experiment to find out exactly what your gear needs. Typical elevation settings are 0 at Chickens, 3 MOA for pigs, 5 MOA for turkeys, and 9 for rams, but your mileage will vary.

My beef with High Velocity ammunition is the noise. Many of us are sloppy about hearing protection because standard ammunition from 21" (or longer) barrels isn't very loud, but the faster stuff is a different story. We could debate accuracy or damage to the animals, but noise is my complaint.

You'll want more consistent ammunition anyway. There are many good choices out there, from cheap to exorbitant, so find something your rifle likes and that fits your budget. It will take a big variable out of your performance.

Your 541 is a fine rifle, and Pentax makes good glass, so enjoy!

[David Lee Valdina]

Thanks for the info. I guess I had read that the steel targets were commonly shot with high speed ammo to help them fall over. What you are saying is that the standard velocity will work fine. I know the standard velocity ammo drifts less and the good stuff is more accurate. I will go and repeat my testings to find out where to hold with my lines. It pleases me to do so. I also have a 12x mil-dot scope I may play with and see if those dots allow better results. My biggest practice needs will be shooting offhand. I have been doing rimfire benchrest this summer.

[BlauBear]

Practice, practice, practice...

[BlauBear]

Practice, practice, practice...

[Innocent]

David,
First, welcome to the web site. Yes there are several matches in the Central Florida area, CFR&P on second Sat of the month and Chuluota on the 2nd Sunday of the month. We are still working on reopening the Port Malabar range, currently closed for silhouette because of housing contruction concerns.
South Florida also has silhouette matches, I'm sure Ralph will speak up soon.
High velocity and stinger ammo is not allowed at the Central Florida ranges as we are shooting cast targets that do not withstand the higher velocity well. As for practice, we usually have time to sitght in/warm up and generally determine where the scopes are. Feel free to come out any time, generally both clubs get underway around noon as there are other venues usually in the morning.
Feel free to pm or email me, and well talk. Look forward to meeting you and maybe even convincing yu to shoot in the Georgia state championships in early Nov. only a short 3.5/4 hour drive from central FL and great food...not to mention fantastic hosts and a fun match.

Mary Watkins

[Ralph]

Hollywood Rifle and Pistol Club, Hollywood Florida (just south of Fort Lauderdale)

www.hrpclub.com

we have our match on the 3rd Saturday of the month. We set up the targets and shoot practice every Saturday morning (except the 2nd Saturday which is a prone rifle match).

Just like at Malabar, we use cast iron targets so high velocity is not allowed. It cracks the targets. This is a private club, just like Malabar, which is open to the public during matches but if you're going to be in the area and would like to stop by and shoot as a guest or even join the club, post a message on this board and Kevin or I will respond.

[David Lee Valdina]

Hi Mary & Ralph, I will save this info. I am a member at the Malabar club but will look forward to trying silhouette. I have no problem using standard velocity ammo. I have almost no high vel stuff, but lots of match ammo and almost match ammo. And yes, it's lots of practice.

[Jerry G]

Be sure that when you practice, you practice the good stuff and not the bad. Practicing bad habits makes them real strong and hard to get rid of.

Don't be too dissapointed if you shoot less than 15 in your first match. It will get better.