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Identifying which bullet hole on the target was made by which round

I read somewhere where someone color codes their bullets (with different colored felt tip pens, single and multicolors on the bullets) so once shot, they leave a color residue on the edge of the bullet hole on the target paper so the shooter can later identify which of the bullet holes was made from which specific shot. This way from a set of maybe 50 or so numbered rounds (numbers written on the cases with a black marker pen) in a loading block, when tuning, we can know which hole was made by which bullet/round.

I would be nice if someone would develop such a product which automatically color codes the bullets in his manner. For example, just one idea, someone could design a loading block with a top that fits over the bullets and color codes them - the top could have holes to fit over each of the 50 or so bullets and have a felt or something ink pad embedded in each hole to fit over each bullet to color code each of them. Anyway, something like this would help match the bullet holes with the rounds shot so we can better figure out which bullet hole goes with which round and help with tuning. Maybe such a product is already out there and I don't know it. Maybe something for Sinclair to pursue. Maybe you all have a different method of keeping track of recording which round made which POI target hole.
 
You would have to keep the color away from the bearing surface or it would deposit some of the color in the bore and get mixed up with the other colors.
 
Use a data book or draw a target with rings and mark each shot as you shoot them. Just like one might at a match. If you are shooting past 300 yards shoot at a white target background with colored rings. With a good spotter you should be able to see as far as 600 yards if the mirage allows it.
 
I use a scaled down target with clear 3M laminate on it and use a Chinese wax pencil to mark each shot. Easy to erase when done or starting new. It will become difficult to read the actual target after 15 or so shots if your shots are tightly clusterd.
 
I've used a Go Pro camera on video mode to look at the impacts. It does a good job.
 
I color the ogive with sharpie markers, red, blue, green, and yellow are best. I am pretty much color blind and I can manage to decipher it. Works best on the white plastic corrugated target boards. I doubt you could do too many colors and decipher them all.
 
Zfast - how many different colors on different parts of the ogive can you distinguish/read on the target paper if you apply more than one color per bullet/ogive - my guess is a max of 3, maybe 4. Trying to figure out how many color combinations are feasible and readable on the target, i.e., how many different bullets can be identified on one target using these colors.
 
Red, green, blue, orange, purple, plus no color gives me 6 for a ladder test. I use white waxed butcher paper on a plastic backer (the layered/corrugated for sale sign stuff), works fine. I don't color too close to where the ogive meets the rifling but I do get as much as possible on to that point. Sometimes have to push the paper back out to see the color or look on the other side of the paper.
 
Cassidy said:
Zfast - how many different colors on different parts of the ogive can you distinguish/read on the target paper if you apply more than one color per bullet/ogive - my guess is a max of 3, maybe 4. Trying to figure out how many color combinations are feasible and readable on the target, i.e., how many different bullets can be identified on one target using these colors.

I tried doing two colors and had a very hard time. Even had other guys with better eyes try. Stick with one color per bullet. I dont think it matters if you get color on the shank of the bullet as I think the color is transfered from the ogive to the tip area.
 
I color mine from time to time...especially when shooting ladders and groups at my 1000 yard range. I DO NOT color the ojive or any of the bearing serface!!! I was once told that the ink acts kinda like molly, and to NOT get it on the bearing serface. Weather this is true or not doesn't matter since the colors all show up great.

In 1K comps I color as follows and SHOOT IN ORDER...

1 red
2 blue
3 green
4 yellow
5 no color
6 red / green
7 green/ blue
8 blue / red
9 red / yellow
10 yellow/ blue

On the twin colored pills I color a little less than half of the bullet with each color to keep them seperate....ie...I leave a little strip of the bullet with no ink on them between the colors .

If I have a flier I know which shot.

If I have some horizontal I know if there was a push or a let up ..and where it came from.

I just wish I had the brains to do it more often.....I have gotten kind of lazy.

As far as identifying the colors on paper......Q-Tips and rubbing alcohol....just wet the Q-Tip and rub the bullet hole. If it is a two color hole just take your time and work your way around the hole.

Good luck,
Tod
 
The better halves lipstick seem to work perfectly, very convenient, multi colors to choose from, easy to carry and apply. The only problem is when I buy some, I look for the loudest colors I can find, being color blind.

Here is a 6'+ guy wearing camo, buying loud lipstick and the looks I get are priceless. ;D


Tia,
Don
 
I record where the hole is after each shot, sometimes, esp load developement. If I jerk one, I note that.

If I cant see w/ rifle scope I set up my little spotting scope.

Lately Ive started saving the groups w/ load data and other info right on the part of the target saved. I have some like that from 15 yrs ago. I just do more of it now.

I recently found an old 3 ring binder from school days and store the 'targets' in there.
 
langenc said:
I record where the hole is after each shot, sometimes, esp load developement. If I jerk one, I note that.

If I cant see w/ rifle scope I set up my little spotting scope.

Lately Ive started saving the groups w/ load data and other info right on the part of the target saved. I have some like that from 15 yrs ago. I just do more of it now.

I recently found an old 3 ring binder from school days and store the 'targets' in there.

Good luck with that when the distances go past 600 yards. ALL of my load development is either at 750 or 1K....There's no "keeping track".
 
The typical target material does not work well.
I have found something like card stock, or a heavy white paper
does the trick. Picks up the Sharpe colors well.
John H.
 
White poster board and sharpies have worked great for me. As mentioned, red, green, and blue work great. Black and silver also works really well.

Here's a photo I took a few years ago:

ladder2.jpg
 
Jimbo - where do you apply the sharpie color on the surface of the bullet - from the color on the target holes, looks like maybe from the tip all the way to through the ogive?
 
Just the tip. If you look at a poly tip bullet like the vmax or nosler bt.. the color goes a little bit past the poly part.

When I get home with the target, I push in/up from behind each hole.. in essence closing the holes. That makes it very easy to see the color that was transferred to the target. With out "closing" the holes its much harder to see the color.
 

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