24/03/2024
Electronic Targets - it's a dirty phrase for some lips to utter but when you start to unpack the info they provide you, in my opinion, it is by far the best way to determine how your rifle system and ammunition is behaving. Various chrono's are available for getting the speeds at the muzzle, but some electronic target systems can give you projectile speeds and grouping size at the other end of the ballistic arc which can help the shooter to understand firstly if their reloading procedure is sound or needs attention, and also whether the selected round is suitable for the task you are giving it. Target and Precision shooters are searching for the best BC provided by different projectile weights and manufacturers, while hunters need the precision, but also finding the right amount of kinetic energy downrange (1/2 projectile weight X Velocity Squared = ) to be able to effectively and humanely "down" the intended target.
This is the Silver Mountain Target system. The column on the right of each target pic gives me this velocity info - the speed of each shot taken, the overall average speed for the string and the total SD (Standard Deviation) for the entire string of shots as well as getting the visual grouping size along with the measured spread on a X & Y axis basis.
These are my four targets from yesterday's morning PSR Shoot through to the afternoon match @ 300m with Perth Fremantle Rifle Club.
Rifle: T3X Varmint - 223Rem
Scope: Vortex DiamondBack Tactical 6-24x50 EBRC-2 FFP MRAD
Load: 69gr SMK / 24.8Gr 2208 / Fed 205 / ADI Brass
Shots Taken: 44
Total V Bulls: 20
Total 5 Scores: 36
Average Speed: 1860.3 fps
Average SD: 15.4 - (Min 7.3 // Max 22.9)
The swirly winds of Pinjar were tricky again and I was caught out in the lulls and the 4 scores fell into the softer breeze and by the last target of the afternoon the wind was suddenly turning into my face and then just as fast turn and blow from over my shoulder, so my vertical dispersion took a hit. If we look at the first 3 targets (32 shots), my vert was maxed at only 40.6mm at 300m so I know my ammo is good, maybe it could get better, but for a basic Lee single stage press and dies, I'm happy with that.
Wind reading - different story..... I watch the mirage to read the wind and I did not see the change before pulling the trigger, so receiving the 4's is lucky as pinjar can throw you into a 3 ring very quickly. So I know I got work to do there.
Anyway - Good times with great people...
Thanks to
Barry & Son
Beretta Australia
Extravision Australia
