Odd bullet holes on paper

[Wolfdog91]

So here's the deal. Noticed I get some odd bullet holes semi regular like . And been having folks comment on it on my videos .Can't really figure it out because the holes on the paper will seem more ripped then punched but the holes on the cardboard box or whatever backer I put it on will be perfectly round . Only thing I can think is maybe the high humidity we had down here might be messing with the paper ? If the bullets where tumbling then the holes on the backer would be weird too and not perfect right ? so... any ideas ?

 

[jonbearman]

I find if the actual target is loose against the backer this is the result. If stapled tight with no slack I would bet the holes wouldnt be ripped.

 

[M-61]

Only thing I can think is maybe the high humidity

Nope. It’s the paper. Too thin, loosely stapled, no backer, etc. Your choice.

 

[shoot4fun]

While the target itself is probable cause I seem to remember the 8MM Mauser bullet diameter has two different sizes. Since we have no info on the rifle, barrel's land and groove specs, twist rate and if the bullets you are using match up to the barrel I don't think anyone here could add much more than the stated issues with your target's quality and how well it is stapled to the backer.
EDIT:
I am really no expert on the subject of "Mauser" cartridges.

 

[PhilC]

Flatten the "threads" from the back and you'll find nice round holes. I get them all the time when using targets I've printed at home and even when shooting the heavy stock targets for CBA matches. Range we shoot at uses corrugated plastic backers which many times are more holes than backer.

 

[Thauglor]

While the target itself is probable cause I seem to remember the 8MM Mauser bullet diameter has two different sizes. Since we have no info on the rifle, barrel's land and groove specs, twist rate and if the bullets you are using match up to the barrel I don't think anyone here could add much more than the stated issues with your target's quality and how well it is stapled to the backer.
EDIT:
I am really no expert on the subject of "Mauser" cartridges.

You will not see a difference on paper going from a .318 bullet to a .323 bullet.

With that out of the way, the cause is your paper that you are using. The paper has long strands in it that pull when being hit by a bullet. The cardboard is usually made of shorter fibers that were cut and processed more so they cut cleaner when hit by a bullet. The tightness of the paper also changes the shape, and since the cardboard doesn't move much, it also helps provide a nice clean hole.

There is a reason why targets used in official matches usually have a specification for the paper. This is most evident in Olympic air before going to the digital targets they use now, they needed a nice clean hole in the target when the x ring is only a 0.5 mm (no typo there) dot at 10 meters

 

[CJ6]

Spray HiTak on the target paper and attach to backing,
Use card stock for target paper.
2 options that'll both work well.

 

[Wolfdog91]

Ah ok thanks guys. Yeah usually I just take a cardboard box and tape my target to it

 

[SSL]

I'm with the majority of posters here...paper too thin. I buy boxes of card stock (minimum of 90 pound thickness - typing paper is only 20 pound thickness on the average) that I use for my targets. Most printers cannot handle that thickness well, so I just use stickers on the paper for actual sighting points.

 

[Bill Norris]

I'm with the majority of posters here...paper too thin. I buy boxes of card stock (minimum of 90 pound thickness - typing paper is only 20 pound thickness on the average) that I use for my targets. Most printers cannot handle that thickness well, so I just use stickers on the paper for actual sighting points.

Card stock is definitely a dog concerning printer feed but it sure does make a much better target than the regular printer paper. Sometimes I just print one page at a time and forget about feeding.

 

[Wolfdog91]

While the target itself is probable cause I seem to remember the 8MM Mauser bullet diameter has two different sizes. Since we have no info on the rifle, barrel's land and groove specs, twist rate and if the bullets you are using match up to the barrel I don't think anyone here could add much more than the stated issues with your target's quality and how well it is stapled to the backer.
EDIT:
I am really no expert on the subject of "Mauser" cartridges.

Slugged at .321 sized my bullets to .323

 

[Thauglor]

Slugged at .321 sized my bullets to .323
View attachment 1610682View attachment 1610683View attachment 1610684

Irrelevant to the paper.

This is why bullseye shooters used wad cutters and 10m air and pistol shooters use wad cutters, cleaner hole in the paper if that is your end goal

 

[6.5 forever]

Nope. It’s the paper. Too thin, loosely stapled, no backer, etc. Your choice.

This is the answer!!!

 

[DGP4]

It's the paper, but you can always print on paper and glue it to cardboard to get cleaner holes.

 

[joshb]

I’ll buy the expensive 90 pound paper when I really need fine definition of my holes. Bill is right. It won’t feed thru a copier. I then get cheap and mark an X with a sharpie marker. Someday I’ll get a target stamp for Christmas!

 

[itchyTF]

My cheap HP printer will feed card stock.

 

[Bill Norris]

My cheap HP printer will feed card stock.

My Epson (Wal-mart Special) will not feed reliably.

 

[joshb]

My Epson (Wal-mart Special) will not feed reliably.

Maybe that’s why my my old HP printer died. Don’t tell my wife it was because I printed too many targets!

 

[Bill Norris]

Maybe that’s why my my old HP printer died. Don’t tell my wife it was because I printed too many targets!

LOL Yea mine did O K when it was new but something went hay wire with it and quit feeding.

 

[Murray Brook]

One inch thick blue styrofoam is a good backer. Keeps clean round holes in the paper.