Covid Fun League 12 September at Wattlespring

 So, we finally got to shoot some competition at last, although it was only a fun day. All the usual 'official' classes was shot on the day and during both the RFLV and the 1st ARLV you had a covid target to shoot in the same 20 minutes as your actual competition target - this was great fun! I managed a 2nd place in the RF and 1st in the AR Covid Shoot.

We were instructed not to shoot the bottom 3 diagrams as it was too low on the target frame and the organisers did not trust us enough after such a long layoff (lol).

The conditions during the day was not too difficult but you had to take care as to when to shoot as the wind was swirling throughout the day. One thing I realised again - you need to practise a bit more as my concentration level was not close to where it should be. I missed a couple of flag direction changes that cost me crucial points. Now that we have dusted off the equipment I know what I need to focus on to do better next time!

We started off with RF I-Sporter. I used Eley 10-X batch# 1019-06115 to test for this match. Not sure about the ammo as this was the first time of propper shooting since early March. The wind switches caught me a couple of times, had a bit of up and down but not too much. Diagrams 11, 12, 13 and 2 was unexpected and then also 3 and 4 where after the first miss I should have gone back to sighter and yet I did not hence the next horrible shot. The card was scored a 231 9X. The X count gives me hope and indicates that I need more practise, well thats my opinion it matters.

 

With the RFLV I am not to worried about but I am sitting with a problematic decision. I received me new tuner and tube, so should I fit it or is the current setup good and I just need to shoot better?

 

I lost 7 points on 2 diagrams, yep, you should have heard me! What I can confirm is that both those shots I shot without looking at the flags, on both occasions when I looked up after the shot the flags was in the direct opposite position. The up down not too much of an issue as it breaks the 10-ring in most cases instead of merely touching requiring a plug to verify. The card was scored a 242 11X, again a good X count(for me that is). Ammo used was Eley Match batch# 1019-04072

 The RFHV was no different, had a good start and then I just missed changes and then 2 went out high and instead of checking it on a sighter I shot the second one high in almost the same spot (first dia. 12 then 11). I then noticed the flag change and kept it relative ok, almost missing diagram 8 out low. The card was scored a 245 10X. I also used Eley Match batch# 1019-04072 for the HV card.

Not to much I can say about the air rifles classes that is different from the RF cards. I did not pay enough attention to the flags and was caught wanting on several occasions. The first ARLV card was scored 239 7X and the second 242 5X. I made a lot of wrong decisions in both ARLV and HV, shooting when I should have waited, taking unnecessary chances. Shot both targets with JSB 8.44 batch# 13070019.

 

 The ARHV was no different - I did not pay enough/any attention to the flags and I missed the 10 multiple times because of it. What I can conform is that I test a new batch of monsters (JSB #36364220) I received recently. I did not have time to weigh and sort so I just shot it from the tin. I am more sure that I missed the conditions that the monsters not working well in my gun. I will go I weigh and sort a tin and then go and do some proper testing. The HV cards scored 245 5X and 237 6X. Not too much I will say about the last HV card.

While checking the video (mostly for bad language comments) I noticed that my flag setup was not done as I do it usually. For a start I forgot 1 set of flag poles at home, secondly the spacing was not correct for I am used to and the third problem was - my front bobber was hiding behind the flag- both should have been placed to right of the target.

RF Shooting

This past weekend I finally got a chance to do some rimfire shooting - I almost forgot the basics😋. As I did not have much time I only took one rifle to the range with the plan to re-tune the barrel tuner after I had made some adjustments during the lockdown period. I took the Red Devil - Anschutz '54 with Krieger barrel.

I have had some trouble with this gun as it shoots on the spot and then suddenly the shot drops 4 rings. The same setup is used for the HV and Sporter guns so I don't think it is a setup problem.

The changes to the Krokodilspruit range did not have much effect on the shooting, but I think it was mainly because I was at the range early and got my shooting done before the usual winds got going.

I setup to the right of the range (bench 23) and mostly shot the green-(ish) condition. The wind was not that strong blowing the light tails between 7 and 8 o'clock. As per usual I start at diagram 25 and work it back.

I started off with Lapua Centre-X ammo. I noticed that the slower batches started shooting better, I started with batch number that started with 295, 275 and then 265, for some reason I did not pack the 255 batch.

The way I test - I shoot 5 shot groups at a diagram without compensating for wind conditions. I shoot different batches and manufacturers before adjusting the barrel tuner - don't judge, I have not shot rimfire in a long while and getting my seating correct takes some time. See the table below for info what diagram was shot with which ammo. Note - diagram 5 I did not notice my 1st flag picking up the tail from 6 to 8 o'clock.

Diagram	Sighter Left	21	22	23	24	25
Ammo	Eley Match	Eley Match	CentreX	CentreX	CentreX	CentreX
Batch	04072	04072	265	265	275	295
Tuner	+ 1/8	0	0	0	0	0
Diagram	Sighter Left	16	17	18	19	20
Ammo	CentreX	CentreX	CentreX	CentreX	CentreX	CentreX
Batch	295	275	265	265	275	295
Tuner	+ 1/8	+ 1/8	+ 1/8	- 1/8	- 1/8	- 1/8
Diagram	Sighter Left	11	12	13	14	15
Ammo			Eley Match	Eley Match	Eley Match	Eley Match
Batch			04072	04072	04072	04072
Tuner			- 1/4	- 1/4	- 1/8	- 1/8
Diagram	Sighter Left	6	7	8	9	10
Ammo		Eley Match	Eley Match	Eley Match	Eley Match	Eley Match
Batch		04072	04072	04072	04072	04072
Tuner		- 1/4	- 1/4	- 1/4	- 1/4	- 1/4
Diagram	Sighter Left	1	2	3	4	5
Ammo		Eley 10X	Eley 10X	Eley 10X	Eley 10X	Eley 10X
Batch		06115	06115	06115	06115	06115
Tuner		- 1/4	- 1/4	- 1/4	- 1/4	- 1/4

I have ordered a new barrel tuner for this gun as I have fiddled with the tuner on the lathe some time ago, will need to follow up in the coming week when I can expect delivery.

I will need to take out this gun for another test session to see if this tune will stick and if not I will replace the tuner and start again. Another change I will consider is to fit it to on of my backup Renier Mostert Rimfire Stocks, and see if that makes a difference.

Some shooting at last!!!

So,I finally got to shoot a bit the past weekend. What an experience! Firstly I had to figure out how to assemble the flags and set up the bench, this took a while. Then I had to figure out where the front of the rifle was (lol). I can tell you this, after that shooting session I had quite a few aches and pains from all the assembly and break up of flags and all of the bench stuff.

We only got to shoot some air rifle as the range is not accredited for rimfire after the extension. I started with the LV gun and I am still quite impressed. I can't remember the batch number as I was so keen to shoot that I forgot to make notes of any of the batches shot - not bright is all I am going to say about that.

Conditions was not to tricky but you have to watch the flags, I had some shots print on the target and then some seconds later you only notice the flag moved the minimum - and that was the difference.

 

The LV went quite well after such a long lay-off and figure it would have been somewhere between 244 to 246 on both targets. See below.

The HV gun worked like a charm once again. It is just amazing how comfortable I feel behind it. The conditions on the range is not the same after the extension, maybe I could have taken more care on the LV targets. The HV I target should be about an 248 or so. Overall not to bad, but as I said the range has changed and one should take note of the flag position wind strength and where the shot prints during practice.

So the day was also about testing my air rifle barrel tuner 'contraption'. The problem here was that I have a scope on the rifle that does not work for benchrest shooting, as the crosshairs cover the diagram - not ideal. The setup used:

Rifle	Air Arms S400 Classic
Scope	Nikko Sterling 4-16x
Pellet weight	8.44gr
Velocity	785 ft/s
Stock	Renier Moster S400
Filling Pressure	180bar (all I have left)

With the difficulty in aiming properly with this scope I decided not to fiddle with any setting on the contraption itself, I just shot some groups to zero the scope to complete the target. Overall I was impressed, but will leave the proper testing for the next time. What I can place on record is that this rifle never shot this consistent, yet I don't have any proof. Check out the 5-shot group below  9 o'clock on the 6 ring at diagram 22. The rest of the target I dropped about 11 points but keep in mind that the scope crosshair covers the diagram which makes aiming off for conditions a bit difficult especially if you are pirating on wind flags.

In the end it was good to be out on the range although it took time to figure out the setup and where everything is packed. At some point during setup I was looking for parts while standing with it in my hand -felt kind of stupid but luckily no one noticed(lol).

Cheers until next time!

Some other stuff

Since the last post nothing shooting wise has happened. I was mostly busy with work and getting things ready to resume to regular business at work.

I have actually had to build a website with an online shop, so I decided it is a good time to start working on my own website and online shop, www.air-it.co.za.

The only shooting related thing I got to do was making my own cleaning solvent that is for sale on my website. Hopefully we will be allowed to start shooting very soon.....

Lazy, busy week

So this was a lazy feeling week but it was busy, mostly work related. This lockdown is really doing a number on businesses. During all the craziness I have actually managed to get some shooting stuff done. I weighed a tin of pellets for the LV gun - JSB 8,44 batch# 50542518. They weighed in from 8,12gn - 8,66gn with bulk of the tin from 8,3gn - 8,5gn. Will test that once the shooting range opens again.

I also had time to finally change the scopes between to of the RF LV guns, something I have been trying to get done for a while now.

I have also managed to machine some bushings and an extension pipe for the bobber stands to ensure it fits tight and does not swivel the bobber once the wind gets rough and the extension so I can get the bobber high enough on the Wattlespring Range.

I unpacked the bag of goodies and started using it to pack the flag stands and bobber blades to prevent it from scratching, breaking and losing the nuts and bolts.

This is truly a tough time for all and not being able to go shoot and play with shooting gadgets is really insignificant to what most citizens are going through.

Stay safe and healthy, until next time!

Last week of the first 21 day lockdown

So, the past week has been a busy one. Work responsibilities has kept me going for the most part of the week. At least I can still do work from home.

The time I had when not working was spent sorting out the workshop, and I made some interesting discoveries.

The Midas M rimfire ammo I sort of knew I had. I remember that at some provincial competition in the Freestate I used it and one round suffered head seperation, which caused that shot to print 3 rows low on the target. Imagine aiming at diagram 6 and the shot prints between the box line and the diagram at 21(after that diagram was already shot 10-X). The other older Lapua ammo I have no idea where it came from- don't think I will shoot it though - any of this discovery!

My other discovery was parts for a barrel tuner for an air rifle. After speaking to the local air rifle guru and friend, Hein Frommann, I decided to finish and fit it to the originally intended rifle - Air Arms S400 Classic.

Now, it is not the best attempt but It will have to do for testing. At present we are stuck at home and any attempts at testing this gadget will have to wait until the lockdown is over. My lathe is not a professional one but rather more a hobby lathe. To cut thread on my lathe requires a change of gears and then again for returning to normal machining - so opted for another approach. More on this after I have had a chance to test this gadget.

The kids convinced me to a night of camping the past week, and since we have nothing better to do, we set up camp at home.

I decided to weigh a tin of JSB Monsters so I can test the batch once we are allowed out of our cages. Oh boy, what a nightmare this turned out to be. Within that batch I got a variance from 13,08gn - 13,96gn and the lightest and heaviest was weighed after each other. Now, I still want to find out what effect that will have on accuracy. After this weighing nightmare I decided to rather take up reading so I came across a book on Google Books, Train Your Brain & Mental Strength by Jason Scotts. This a very interesting book that I would recommend.

For the next week I have planned to weigh some pellets for the LV gun and fix some of the bobber stands. As for now I am going to enjoy the swimming pool and later a lekker braai, while enjoying a couple of cold ones!

LOCKDOWN EXTENDED!!

Ok, so last night pres. Ramaphosa announced an extended lockdown period. It just might loose my mind! This extension made me start this blog to keep me busy. So for the next 3 weeks I will be weighing, measuring and gauging ammo and pellets like a madman.

I have now already created the info pages, etc to keep you informed of what equipment, rifles and ammo I use as well as how I setup my bench and flags. During this process I have identified where I need to make some changes on the flags to get them working 100%.

So, now that we are caged for another couple of weeks I will do some reading on wind doping while enjoying the view from my patio.

SG 1st League 2020 Wattlespring Shooting Range

21 March 2020, South Gauteng 1st league @ Wattlespring Shooting Range

It was finally time to shoot at the new range! Wind conditions was milder than expected, yet you had to watch the flags very carefully. The slightest pick-up or let-down of the flag tails led to 2-3 rings out - exactly were you aimed :(. There was some rain during the day but overall a good day at the new range. Must say that 2.3m high targets was a unique experience and some plans had to be made for the flags to reach. Will post some range pictures next time - sorry seem to have lost the pics I had.

So, lately I have challenged myself and started shooting air rifle left-handed, mainly because my wife started shooting with me and she is a leftie, so to change up the bench setup is a pain! Some would call it lazy, I call it a challenge :). Rimfire I am still shooting my customary right-handed. For a full list of scores go to, https://www.sapssf.com/?p=Results-Event.

My personal scores for the day:

RF International Sporter - 244 7-X   FM-16   MQS%- 99.60   Eley 10-X 1019-01018

RF Light Varmint - 239 7-X   FM-5   MQS%-97.16   Lapua Centre-X 27552/607793 Gun: LV1

RF Heavy Varmint - 249 16-X   FM-12   MQS%-100   Eley Match 1019-04072

AR Light Varmint T-1 249 8-X   FM-22 T-2 246 12-X FM-1 - MQS%-99.39   JSB 8.44 12062117

AR Heavy Varmint T-1 249 16-X   FM-8 T-2 249 11-X FM-9 - MQS%-99.59 JSB Monster 13450017