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Target material

My go to target material for the last few yrs has been a pile of manila file folders I got for free. I'm almost out of the files, and want to find another cheap, but better alternative. The files were prone to tear/fold a bit, and made measuring challenging sometimes. I'd like something white , cheap, and something that nets me cleaner bullet holes. I'm looking at 90lb and 110 lb index card stock on Ebay, and was wondering if anyone has shot this kind of paper, or has an opinion on what would work best on the cheap. Here's the ebay stuff I was looking at...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Neenah-Pap...104422&hash=item469818a011:g:zO8AAOSwYeZdD3cN
 
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I just go to Staples and buy packs of 90 lb.. I have to nurse it thru my copier but it goes. For my play and load work targets, I just use regular copy paper.
I think the 110 jammed in my copier and I had to draw the targets by hand. Been a while. Amazon might get it to you quicker.
 
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I use index cards regularly and they work well for my application. The target backer has to be ridged and in good shape, and the target has to be taut to the backer, though. I've read that chloroplast works well and punches cleanly, but I personally haven't tried it before.
 
I use typing paper. Cheap. While you at Staples or wherever, get some of those small stick on dots. They come in an assortment of colors. Also Cheap. The 3/4 inch ones work great out to 300 yards.
 
I use 110lb cardstock. I have a Brother inkjet printer/copier/fax and it handles it well. I have used 90lb and it is much better than plain paper but I prefer a little heavier. The 110lb can have holes punched for storing in a 3-ring binder and the holes are more tear resistant than the 90lb IME (but, if your printer only handles 90 you can put adhesive reinforcers around the hole if stored in a binder).

Robin
 
Look into 67# Vellum Bristol - it will mic the same thickness as 110# index (about 0.010"), and is much less brittle: better bullet-holes, and much less likely to tear.:eek: There is also 57# Vellum Bristol, which is lighter and thinner that the 67#, the latter being notably better. You may have to go to one of your local commercial print shops to get some . . . but, with all the internet dealers in everything, you can probably score some on e-bay, or, amazon. When you buy paper, regardless of grade, you're buying it by the pound - just like beef!:eek:;)RG
 
I just go to Staples and buy packs of 90 lb.. I have to nurse it thru my copier but it goes. For my play and load work targets, I just use regular copy paper.
I think the 110 jammed in my copier and I had to draw the targets by hand. Been a while. Amazon might get it to you quicker.

I too use heavy white paper then apply adhesive back dots for aiming points...
 
I like Georgia-Pacific 110# card stock 92 brightness .Nice clean holes and gives great contrast when I use my printer set at "high Quality"...I finally bought a quality printer that runs on toner instead of ink,made a huge difference.
 
I had a stack 14 inches tall of 25 yard pistol targets given by an old LEO instructor 20 years ago. Got 3 targets left. I'll either buy some or staple some paper plates to my cardboard.
 
I make my own rifle targets - simple - cheap - but most importantly tailored to my shooting needs.

My practice (ranges) targets, being primarily a varmint / predator hunter, consists of 5 x 8 cards - you can get them cheap at Walmart in 100 packs. I use Microsoft Power Point and inscribe 2" - 3" - 4" - 5" circles on the card with a back drop of 1" grid lines. I shoot these targets mounted on a brown cardboard backer at the range off my shooting sticks at various ranges as permitted by the club's range rules. I get a real good idea of my capability or lack thereof. 4 x 6 cards can work too. You can place an orange dot in the center or not. The former give you a precise aiming point - the latter simulates field shooting conditions better.

My sight in target (for initial scope sight in or load development) consist of 8 1/2 x 11 - 24 weight - 96 brightness typing paper inscribed with a 1" grid lines and an orange dot placed in the center. These also are mounted on brown cardboard - a effective sight in target.

For field practice when a field goes cold or just for having some fun in the field I use a 3 x 5 card mounted on an 8 x 10 brown cardboard backer supported with a binder clip holder attached to a 6" piece of 3/8" diameter all thread. Easy to carry in the field - lots of fun shooting under field conditions at various ranges. If I can hit the 3 x 5 card I have a very good chance of taking the ghogs or predator. You can orient the card vertically or horizontially to simulate a standing or crawler ghog / frontal or broadside predator.
 
Practice and load testing .
Old cardboard boxing picked up at Costco !
Orange Dots from Staples .
This works for me out to 300 yards .
 
Dusty’s suggestion is the best in my book cause I think the same way. Practice on the paper and target you use in competition. You can usually buy some of those targets from the range or from the target printers.
 

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