AIMING POINT - Where do you aim

[TnTom]

I've seen targets that I think are used in BR matchs that consists of circle and a square.
what is the purpose and which do you aim at and which one is the bullet suppose to hit?
why?
I know in MR 600 prone using peeps I held at 6:00 but that was because it was too hard to see the center accurately.
In scoped competition with the circle and square how does it work. In scoped competition F-Class is the point of aim the x ring?

 

[fdshuster]

TnTom: At close range ( 100 & 200 yd) benchrest matches for group, most competitors rifles are capable of putting them all in one hole. If the point of impact was also the aiming point, you would lose your precise aiming point as the cluster became larger, even just a little. For that reason, the scope is adjusted to hit an inch or so above the aiming point. In score matches there is no choice but to hold in the center of the 10/X ring,unless compensating for wind/mirage. Same would apply for F-Class matches at the various longer distances.

 

[TnTom]

Frank,
Well that explains it but it leads to another question about the BR target and point of aim (shooting for group).
The square is about 1.00" I think and about 1.5" or so above the bulls eye with a bold boarder.

What is the typical recticle (cross hair) used and is the point of aim an estimated center of the square or an edge like the 6:00 hold on a circle?

I'm sure my assumption is not right but wouldn't you stand a better chance of not increasing the hole size by aiming at it rather than at a point above it? The square is huge compared to a 6mm hole (or .223) so if you shot at the hole wouldn't it tend to be more precise?

I've never looked into BR that much until I saw the groups sizes and it's quite impressive to say the least.

Thanks for the input, I'll have to try it.
Tom

 

[tightneck]

No one holds on the square. Some competitors hold dead on, while others use a standard hold off point. Most of the time it is somewhere on the outer ring of the mothball, or ten ring. Some hold at 6 o'clock, some at 3 or 9, or even 12. Most try to avoid shooting out their aiming point. All this said however, you hold where the conditions are gonna put each shot in the smallest hole possible. Rarely do I hold on the same spot for all five shots, unless conditions are very good

 

[TnTom]

one last question. Whats the purpose of the square? This has to be far more involved than meets the eye. Changing your hold within the 5 shots I won't even go there.
What is the most common recticle used?
Thanks for some great insight.

 

[expiper]

wayyyy bak!!

that aiming square was used to aid when if you had a 16 x scope you was braggin about it....today we have no problem seeing the circular grid and the mothball ....the aiming square is to be avoided with bullet strikes with vigor because if a bullet does hit in the black ....you cant see it!!!!!....and what a pickle...as said earlier....you arent looking for a aiming point of micrscopic size...most seasoned competitors fade and hold for every puff of wind and rarely hold at the corner of a square or point on the target for EVERY shot--if you can keep the bullets from drifting .030-.040" thou. that is the diff. between collecting fake wood at the end of the day and just firein up the grill for supper....,,,,sometimes the magic works and sometimes it doesnt ("chief Dan George--in Lil' Big Man")....Roger

 

[TnTom]

Well that was all very insightful (no pun intended). Adjusting for .030" -.040" is a little hard to imagine. I'll have to look into BR.
Thanks for the eye opener.
Tom

 

[tightneck]

Well that was all very insightful (no pun intended). Adjusting for .030" -.040" is a little hard to imagine. I'll have to look into BR.
Thanks for the eye opener.
Tom

It's hard to imagine for anyone who's never shot a rifle capable of shooting .1XX groups consistently. Where are you located? Chances are that someone close by would be willing to try and set the hook...

As to reticles, I would guess the most competitors today favor an eighth minute dot, but the fine crosshair still has a following.

 

[TnTom]

I just finished reading an article on the SBRSA (swedish Bench Rest Shooters Asso) about target managment. It cleared the whole thing up. Including how the hold changes with conditions.

I live in Middle Tn. about 50 miles south of Nashville. There's gotta be some BR folks in the area. I go to Oak Ridge for MR 600 events (150 miles) and Tullahoma at AEDC (much closer) for the same. AEDC is usually sponsored by a local club. I need to find out who's is doing what and where in BR .

Shooting a .1xx gun would be a thrill.

 

[LHSmith]

TnTom...there's an IBS affilliated club in Gallitin. Go to International Benchrest Shooters' website for their schedule. I believe there may be several others close to you.

 

[mwood]

Yes....Gallatin has some very good shooters, that also shoot at Sommerset KY (like a sister club).
One of the shooters comes up from Shelbyville (if that is close to you)
Like he said you can get their web site address
at the IBS web site, schedule, and contact info.
They shoot score, however, so you won't see any of those funny squares on the targets

 

[GSPV]

Good point about shooting out your aiming point.

I shot my score rifle in a group fun shoot at Bluegrass Sportsman's League (aka "Wilmore") this past weekend. I forgot to move my POI off of the POI. I messed up the hold point some. At the very least, it's distracting.

I'll see you guys at score matches at Buck Creek, hopefully at Gallatin (near my home town, but a big drive from here) and at Wilmore.

 

[TnTom]

Thanks a lot.

I'm looking into the Gallatin group its about 25miles from me and I fish in that neighborhood (around the steam plant). Shelbyville is the other direction but not far. Sommerset same thing not far at all.

I think I'd be really disappointed without that funny square I printed out some 100 and 200 practice targets today that I found on the SBRSA website WITH the funny little square so look out.

 

[Longtrain]

As far as F Class goes, once I get to a yard line, I dial in my elevation and windage as needed in a no wind situation. I hold off for variations in the wind, using the scoring rings to judge the amount of MOA's needed to adjust. However, if I run into a consistent condition that would have me hold, say, half way in the 8 ring at 9 o'clock, I'll dial that adjustment in and make a note in my score book. I never make a change without writing it down and having the ability to get back to a no wind setting.

Tony

 

[TnTom]

I found that there is BR opportunities right here in my neighborhood searching the IBS site. Gallatin is about 25 miles from home. Next event is April 3 so looks like I can get my feet wet right away.
Looking over the IBS rule book now. I appreciate all the clearification ya'll provided. I'll be interested to see who travels to Gallatin from Shelbyville. Might already know someone.
Thanks

 

[laveritt]

PM sent.

 

[LHSmith]

While your checking out the IBS website....go to match results for Gallatin and you can see who has been competing ......you probably already know someone.