Thanks for all the information everyone.  The only caution I would mention is that shooting at a bullet trap in the basement requires paying attention to the range limitations of the trap.  Shorts can bounce.

marlinguy wrote on Dec 8^th, 2016 at 12:22pm:


Well, in that case, maybe I don't need a 300 yd range; instant gratification (if I hit!) is what I seek.

I can hear very distinctly hits at 150 yds on the steel I shoot, using SV LR; can even distinguish between hits at top or bottom of target.  But another 150 yds might make it impossible to hear.

waterman wrote on Dec 8^th, 2016 at 5:57pm:


Which I like; with HV that lag almost disappears at 150, making the shot & the hit almost simultaneous.

Reminds me of a spotter shooting silhouettes.  Every shot he'd say didn't see it. I hit one after he reported didn't see it    They say you can fix ignorance, but...........

Schuetzenmiester wrote on Dec 8^th, 2016 at 11:28pm:


A great spotter is a huge asset. A bad spotter might as well leave and let you figure it out on your own.
When the shooter and spotter work well together, it's like a well oiled machine. Especially so if they take turns spotting each other and build a confidence in each other's ability to spot. I enjoy watching two guys who have such a great relationship that their conversations during a match almost sound like a code they alone know.

Few years ago, a friend invited me for some long range shooting using .22 rimfires.  I brought along some 12" stainless plates 1/8" thick.  Stuff was so tough I ruined a couple of 3/16" drills drilling hanging holes in them.  Iron sights on all rifles...Winchester High-Wall #4 brl. .22 long-rifle Mike Stevens Soule tang, & globe front., Custom BSA Cadet with Rem. Matchmaster brl...peep sight rear, blade front, Whitney sporting rifle..tang rear, Beaches front., Winchester (new) low-wall..tang & blade.  Also brought along a S&W K17 8 3/8".  Targets were set up across power line right of way..300yds. using rangefinder.  Winds were light and variable.  All ammo was std. velocity..I myself used CCI Green Tag & Eley Club.  Once range was found hits were fairly consistant..providing a gust of wind didn't blow you off.  Even the S&W was hitting pretty regular.  You could easily hear the "tink" of the bullets impact.  Those rear apatures were pretty well up on the staffs..but in no way were they near running out of elevation adjustment.  The real surprise came when we retrieved the targets at end of day...that tough stainless had deep bulges on backside..those little std. velocity pills pack plenty of punch even at this range.  I think that was one of the most enjoyable shooting times I have ever had.