My strategy in the standard class event was to use moderately powered 357 magnum loads at 100 and 200 yards (8.9 grains of Vihtavuori N350 behind a 158 grain FMJ for 1,263 fps at the muzzle), reserving the hotter rounds for 300 (15.1 grains of Vihtavuori N110 behind the same 158 grain FMJ for 1,544 fps). With the standard 18½” Marlin with a 4-16x scope set on a modest 6 power throughout I am please to report that Keith Cox and I top scored at the 100 yard standing stage with 41 (out of a possible 50); vindicating my strategy.
My 200 yard sitting stage score of 47 (out of 70) was also pleasing but what I perceived to be a creditable 46 (again out of 70) at 300 yards was found wanting. Surprisingly four shooters, out of 9 entries, were tied on 134 (out of 190) within six points of the Phoenix record score. The count back gave Dave Holt first place with and excellent 56 at 300 yards, leaving me a miserable third. Not disheartened by my initial outing at long range it is my intention to invest in slightly better quality bullets and try again next year – a great competition that deserves a better entry levels.
My second long range GR Classic entry fared less well. I detailed in previous issues my research trying to find a “spirit of the original” load available in 1919 that qualified under the GR definition. I ended up with 11.5 grains of Vihtavuori N350, driving a JAKA baseguard (gas check) 217 grain lead bullet at 1449 fps. Again at 100 yards standing I top scored with 39, but thereafter things went astray at 200 yards and at 300 yards the available ballistics were just not up to the job. My score of 93 was 27 short of first placed Kjell Middleton. I cannot blame either the sight picture or the bullets, which shot a one hole group at 50 yards with open sights, I just think that ballistically the short 217 grain bullet will not group at the longer distances. I must ask Kjell for some pointers next time I see him if I am going to be more competitive next time.
Having arrived home with a bucket full of empty cases and the prospect of a lengthy reloading session ahead we can look forward to what’s next.
96 Target Shooter
Forthcoming Events
By the time this article got to press (or whatever the electronic equivalent is) the Derby Open GR Match will be over and I will report on proceeding in the next issue.
Looking forward to date July Frome host their annual 3-gun Practical Match at the Shield Shooting Centre, Dorset. This popular event provides practical stages with CRCF/LBR, GRSB/LBP and Shotgun and I believe this year with stages for combinations of firearms. This is usually a sell out match so get your entry in early.
Also in July, the Imperial Meeting at Bisley has GR competitions in the Historic Arms Meeting over the weekend of 9th
/10th of GR competitions from 13th
July and five days /17th
July. The GR
matches include unlimited entries throughout and squadded events at the weekend. If you want to compete in the GRCF Grand Aggregate (a combination of seven of the unlimited entry matches) you must take those scopes off as only open iron sights are allowed. Many of the squadded weekend events are also shot without scopes but if you cannot bear to shoot without there are many any sights events and also in addition some GRSB, LBP, LBR and black powder pistol matches. The turn up and shoot aspect of this meeting makes for a more relaxed atmosphere than the strictly squadded meetings where you seem to be busy running between scheduled matches, why not give it a try.
As always more details and entry forms available on
www.galleryrifle.com.
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