Ohh man this is bad guys, we’re talking serious equipment malfunction here…I had a flip-flop blowout while mowing the lawn this morning, and they were ‘I’ve already buried them’ my competition flip-flops… Before I could tear down the house looking for my back-ups, the wife ran out to Walgreen’s and pick-up some more $0.99 ea…Man I do not like changing equipment in the middle of a match :rolleyes: …

Mommicked- welcome to the mad house…if you have questions on flip-flop use or etiquette please direct them to “KenK” as he is our resident flip-flop expert :D …tia

You had your competition flip flops out in this heat mowing?? Shame on you! :D
I'm begining to worry about your priorities! ;)

You had your competition flip flops out in this heat mowing?? Shame on you! :D
I'm begining to worry about your priorities! ;)

It was ‘suggested’ to me this morning that the grass ‘will be cut today’, before any there was to be any shooting tomorrow :rolleyes: …Now all that’s left to do, is to pick which of the three new sets of flip-flops are going to be my ‘go to pair’…The blue ones, black ones, or my favorite so far the pink ones that go so well with the camo shooting shorts :D …

It was ‘suggested’ to me this morning that the grass ‘will be cut today’, before any there was to be any shooting tomorrow :rolleyes: …Now all that’s left to do, is to pick which of the three new sets of flip-flops are going to be my ‘go to pair’…The blue ones, black ones, or my favorite so far the pink ones that go so well with the camo shooting shorts :D …
I can't wait to see the pictures!

Mommicked- welcome to the mad house…if you have questions on flip-flop use or etiquette please direct them to “KenK” as he is our resident flip-flop expert :D …tia

Now I feel better! I live near the beach, and thought I was th' only one wearing flip flops to shoot! I like the cheap ones that look 'spensive, mine cost about $9 and look like the ones yuppies wear that cost $30-40.

They're great till a moccasin or rattler shows up!

Last chance chance I got to shoot was Independance Day; no snakes but we had to pause shooting because we had a black bear about 300-400 yds straight behind the target walking around. What nerve! Didn't anybody teach him manners, like not interupting a string of "far"? :D

Mommicked- $9.00 flip-flops :eek: ?? Things must cost more in NC…I have always enjoyed the black bear, I like being close to them, 25-50yds, watching them move thru the woods, the way they can move almost effortlessly over deadfall and such, so quiet and still one moment, and then a burst of energy and they’ll cover 50yds in a flash … I’ll move them around, to keep them at a close distance, always looking and knowing that I may have to make a shot in split-second…

Mike B. your PM box is full (or it was when I tried the other night) I won't have much time to do much shooting this week, even if I did have powder. The dog goes to the vet tomorrow night (again) and the trap is finally fixed back at the gun club so I would like to get a couple of rounds in, tuesday night I have a softball game and so goes the rest of the week. I might as well break the news here, my free time schedule has been permantely altered, I am now having to hit yard sales with my wife on saturday mornings and my honey-do list has expanded several fold, I am told this is what happens when one is going to be a father for the first time. Delivery is expected sometime in late Jan or early Feb, which happens to fall right in the middle of Running Deer Shoot season (she is actually due the day before the Super Bowl :eek: )

Mike B. your PM box is full (or it was when I tried the other night) I won't have much time to do much shooting this week, even if I did have powder. The dog goes to the vet tomorrow night (again) and the trap is finally fixed back at the gun club so I would like to get a couple of rounds in, tuesday night I have a softball game and so goes the rest of the week. I might as well break the news here, my free time schedule has been permantely altered, I am now having to hit yard sales with my wife on saturday mornings and my honey-do list has expanded several fold, I am told this is what happens when one is going to be a father for the first time. Delivery is expected sometime in late Jan or early Feb, which happens to fall right in the middle of Running Deer Shoot season (she is actually due the day before the Super Bowl :eek:)
Congratulations! Life will be changing dramatically but enjoy it, don't miss a minute it goes too fast!

Congratulations JB!

MikeG will be here in two more days to help with the recovery of my hard drive. Everything is intact, I just can't get to it and he has the additional hardware that it takes to move it to another drive.

Congratulations JB!

MikeG will be here in two more days to help with the recovery of my hard drive. Everything is intact, I just can't get to it and he has the additional hardware that it takes to move it to another drive.


Man I'm glad you guys know computers....I have no clue, and it sure doesn't sound like any fun to me.

Jb,
Tell your wife that she NEEDS to go the pawn shops and gun shops to a gun for this baby, it is a rule that the kid will need a gun before it is born ;)

Had the range to myself and worked on dialing in a couple of rifles. I put a new Lyman #2 tang sight on my old Win 1894 38-55. I got it sighted in and shot two great 4 out of 5 targets again!!! Put it down and got the savage 99 in 303 savage out. I finally got a tang sight for it too and I got it sighted in and shot a real tear jerker, 4 shots on top of each other and one 1" away! That was it for me I couldn't take it anymore and packed up and moved to the pistol range and shot 150 rounds at the steel plates. It was a fun evening but frustrating as far as getting a competitive target for the PM. :(

I finally got a couple of rounds of trap in tonight, and I got the new scope on my 243 shot in, so even though I didn't get any PM shooting done, It was still a productive evening

Mike B. your PM box is full (or it was when I tried the other night) I won't have much time to do much shooting this week, even if I did have powder. The dog goes to the vet tomorrow night (again) and the trap is finally fixed back at the gun club so I would like to get a couple of rounds in, tuesday night I have a softball game and so goes the rest of the week. I might as well break the news here, my free time schedule has been permantely altered, I am now having to hit yard sales with my wife on saturday mornings and my honey-do list has expanded several fold, I am told this is what happens when one is going to be a father for the first time. Delivery is expected sometime in late Jan or early Feb, which happens to fall right in the middle of Running Deer Shoot season (she is actually due the day before the Super Bowl :eek:)

jb,

We'll look for your rifles and reloading gear in the For Sale section. :D :D :D

Dan

I told her I need a dillon before the baby is born and then we will need guns for the baby, so I see this as a positive, plus, the way I figure, I will have some help in the reloading room in a few years

A little 6-string on the way, congratulations JB :D . IMHO and this was years ago when our boys were born, but setting in the hospital delivery waiting room drinking beer and smoking cigs was more enjoyable than watching the actual delivery of the second one :cool: …

I have another entry in the best 4 out-of 5 group, man it’s frustrating… I picked up my BR bag an hurled it downrange, didn’t help much after it split open, now I get to buy a new one…Must be time to leave the bench and stand-up and shoot like a man. I shot 4 off-hand targets, man off-hand shooting is like real hard :) …

If you can pee standing up you ought to be able to shoot standing up. ;)

Mike B. your PM box is full (or it was when I tried the other night) I won't have much time to do much shooting this week, even if I did have powder. The dog goes to the vet tomorrow night (again) and the trap is finally fixed back at the gun club so I would like to get a couple of rounds in, tuesday night I have a softball game and so goes the rest of the week. I might as well break the news here, my free time schedule has been permantely altered, I am now having to hit yard sales with my wife on saturday mornings and my honey-do list has expanded several fold, I am told this is what happens when one is going to be a father for the first time. Delivery is expected sometime in late Jan or early Feb, which happens to fall right in the middle of Running Deer Shoot season (she is actually due the day before the Super Bowl :eek: )


Congrats to you JB...

my wife and I are expecting our first born around Jan 24th...
New ultrasound found out already were having a boy!!
Prayers to you and your family for a happy and healthy baby.
Best wishes,
John

congrats, whizzum!!

I'm sorry I haven't been around guys. Busy time at the ranch and with work/business. MikeG was able to get all my important stuff off my harddrive but ended up sending my laptop back to the manufacturer. I have the recovered files on my wife's laptop (carbon copy of my machine) and will hijack it as I travel this weekend and work on going back through the Match files.

I'm working on setting up a "storage system" on my wireless network so that my wife, parents, or I can backup or store important stuff pronto.

I did manage to pickup a 308MX for under $500 but it doesn't look like I will be shooting it anytime soon as I can not find ammo within 100 miles of here.

My office is close to my house and I have a Cat 5 cable b/t the two for sharing internet access, so I set up a Netgear Network accesable storage unit up in the house so I can back up my data remotely. It might be worth looking into

My office is close to my house and I have a Cat 5 cable b/t the two for sharing internet access, so I set up a Netgear Network accesable storage unit up in the house so I can back up my data remotely. It might be worth looking into

Now that really is trash talk! You're making me feel so far out it, you might as well be speaking another language!! :D :D :D

what's not to understand?? :D

It is another language. If I did not have a youngster to keep up my stuff I would be dead in the water all the time.

Storage is still an issue.

My office is close to my house and I have a Cat 5 cable b/t the two for sharing internet access, so I set up a Netgear Network accesable storage unit up in the house so I can back up my data remotely. It might be worth looking into

Thats what I setup JB.

I'm still gonna stick to casting bullets and let my computer whiz handle the computer problems. It's more fun that way! :D

I'm still gonna stick to casting bullets and let my computer whiz handle the computer problems. It's more fun that way! :D

You keep casting Mike, I'll keep shooting :p Got some targets in the mail today, these new pink KenK's are starting to show some promise afterall... :D

You keep casting Mike, I'll keep shooting :p Got some targets in the mail today, these new pink KenK's are starting to show some promise afterall... :D

I'm going to the beach for four or five days with the family but when I get back I'm going to start shooting some of those bullets I've been casting,. They are made with only the choicest ingredients special for the PM. My goal is to get an open sight target on the 1" page! :D

Maybe I can find some pink KenK's at the boardwalk!

well I should have my new eyeglass RX tonight!! Hope i can see the dang target better now. Then it is time to get back out and do some shooting. Have been pretty busy with other things. I have 2 308 Marlin Express rifles begging to be shot. One for each match :D

Did my beach time and got most of the sand back where it belongs! Time now to settle in and really work on PM targets! I fiquire if I get between 100 and 150 targets shot I probably could move up in the rankings! :D :D

Got my Marlin model 62 in 256 Win mag back from the gunsmith and took it to the range. I was pleasantly surprized. It didn't take too much to get on the paper and and I actually shot two targets that are respectable enough to send in. It looks like I mispoke. I'd have to have time to shoot hundreds of targets at the rate I'm going to get so some really good ones! :mad: But I'm going to keep on trying and have fun doing it! :D

I am at piece with the world. I wonder who is going to win second place? :D

Ok, I give up! I bought the dies and cases and I'm picking up the Marlin .444 this week. I need help.(in more ways than you can imagine :D ) What is a good cast bullet for the 444? I've got the LBT 433-280-WFN which seems like it would be good and I've loaded it with some wimpy loads with Unique. Any advice? I want to stay with cast bullets.
Thanks

Mike,

I prefer the RanchDog boolit but if you do not cast I suggest the BTB 290 gr LFN GC. It is an awsome boolit and you need to stoke it up and not wimpy either. You should have no problem attaining some great accuracy from your .444.

Dave :cool:

Mike,

I prefer the RanchDog boolit but if you do not cast I suggest the BTB 290 gr LFN GC. It is an awsome boolit and you need to stoke it up and not wimpy either. You should have no problem attaining some great accuracy from your .444.

Dave :cool:
I've got ranchdogs 265 gr and 300 gr ordered. Which do you prefer?

I've got ranchdogs 265 gr and 300 gr ordered. Which do you prefer?

I haven't used the 300 and have the 265 Mike.

Ok, I give up! I bought the dies and cases and I'm picking up the Marlin .444 this week. I need help.(in more ways than you can imagine :D ) What is a good cast bullet for the 444? I've got the LBT 433-280-WFN which seems like it would be good and I've loaded it with some wimpy loads with Unique. Any advice? I want to stay with cast bullets.
Thanks

Oh man now we are all doomed, Mike’s getting a 444… :D :D
I was going to wait on posting this, until I have more data, but since you asked, here it is. The low- velocity powder of choice for me is IMR Trail Boss. Big medicine got me hooked on it use in the 45/70, so I have adapted its use in the 444. Its clean burning and very accurate, but unfortunately there isn’t any documented load- data for its use in the 444.

A note of WARNING :eek: : I do not have access to pressure trace equipment, use at your own risk!!! That being said the recoil and report are very light, like the Unique loads are when compared to a full power hunting load using bullets weighting 240gr. - 290gr...

My first loads were with the 290gr. BTB. 11 – 12 and 13gr. of Trail Boss, Velocities were 1025, 1052, 1085, 10 shot averages in my 444 XLR with 24” barrel…The next bullet I tried was the 240gr.SWC PB Laser Cast with the same charge, again very accurate. There are a few more bullets I want to try later; the 280gr.WFN PB and the 335gr.LFN PB BTB’s...
;)

Rowdy,

Do you use a filler with such light loads of pistol powder?

Tnx,

Dave :cool:

Rowdy,

Do you use a filler with such light loads of pistol powder?

Tnx,

Dave :cool:

Dave,
With the Trail Boss you don't need any fillers, just load and shoot. I have had very good accuracy with the 45-70 and 38/55.

Rowdy,

Do you use a filler with such light loads of pistol powder?

Tnx,

Dave :cool:

VTDW-Like big medicine said; no fillers are needed with Trail Boss :D …It is a very bulky powder not like Unique or other pistol powders… I can only get about 23gr.in a sized 444 case by volume and my current load is 12.0gr so that’s about a 52% load density…

I have shot a lot of Unique and similar powders trying to get a light target load that is extremely accurate and Trail Boss is the best by far. :D

Trail boss is sold 9oz in a 1lb container :D

Trail boss is sold 9oz in a 1lb container :D

That’s true JB, my last 9oz. container was $9.95 and at 12-13grs. per load, well you do the math. Workin with numbers and this fuzzy math sort of makes my head hurt… :D :D

Oh man now we are all doomed, Mike’s getting a 444… :D :D
I was going to wait on posting this, until I have more data, but since you asked, here it is. The low- velocity powder of choice for me is IMR Trail Boss. Big medicine got me hooked on it use in the 45/70, so I have adapted its use in the 444. Its clean burning and very accurate, but unfortunately there isn’t any documented load- data for its use in the 444.

A note of WARNING :eek: : I do not have access to pressure trace equipment, use at your own risk!!! That being said the recoil and report are very light, like the Unique loads are when compared to a full power hunting load using bullets weighting 240gr. - 290gr...

My first loads were with the 290gr. BTB. 11 – 12 and 13gr. of Trail Boss, Velocities were 1025, 1052, 1085, 10 shot averages in my 444 XLR with 24” barrel…The next bullet I tried was the 240gr.SWC PB Laser Cast with the same charge, again very accurate. There are a few more bullets I want to try later; the 280gr.WFN PB and the 335gr.LFN PB BTB’s...
;)
Now they sound like nice civilized loads! :) Thank You

Now they sound like nice civilized loads! :) Thank You

da nada :cool: , the load still needs tweaking but with the right bullet it’ll be a goodun…With black bear season opening 8/30, I’m now selecting the right load for ‘Yogi’ using the 444 XLR… I prolly wont get back to any 444/trail boss load work until springtime and the Ranch Dog Postal Match VI…
:D

A model 444SS followed me home. It's got about a 22" barrel
that says it 's the micro groove. Did i make a mistake? It looks like somebody shot 3 shots out it and put it away never to shoot it again and I thought the price was very reasonable so it came home.
will I be able to shoot the cast bullets in this gun very well?
Thanks Mike B.

Mike,
That rifle should shoot cast bullets just fine.

It's too hot and humid here to shoot but I had to try the new 444 marlin. I didn't have the right bullets for it but loaded some 255gr Lyman SWC and some LBT 280gr WFN that won't work through the action but can be loaded singlely. They engraved when you closed the action. I used Rowdy's 12gr load of Trail Boss. Before I went to the range I screwed on a williams reciever sight.
It only took four shots to zero the gun. I then shot a target with sweat running into my eyes and couldn't believe it. the second target was even better until I looked at it through the spotting scope and then promply put the five shot 2" above the cluster! :(
Anyway, I only had 30 rounds loaded and finished them plinking steel plates at 150 & 200 yds. That load and gun are a blast! :) :) :)

Congrats Mike!! Looks like the rest of us are in trouble for sure. ;)

Dave :cool:

Looking good Mike :D :D …So it appears that the Trail Boss load is going to work in the MG barrels also, with the right bullet…This powder has a nasty habit of throwing flyers and in the 45/70 I believe I have solved that by decreasing the neck tension on the bullet. My sizing die is now 4.5 turns off the shellholder and the loaded rounds function flawlessly in the CB. I also tried changing the crimp, but at this time I would say it has no affect on overall group size. :)

Looking good Mike :D :D …So it appears that the Trail Boss load is going to work in the MG barrels also, with the right bullet…This powder has a nasty habit of throwing flyers and in the 45/70 I believe I have solved that by decreasing the neck tension on the bullet. My sizing is now 4.5 turns off the shellholder and the loaded rounds function flawlessly in the CB. I also tried changing the crimp, but at this time I would say it has no affect on overall group size. :)
Ranchdogs mold came today for the 444. Gotta get casting!!
Thanks for the trade secrets!! :D

Congrats Mike!! Looks like the rest of us are in trouble for sure. ;)

Dave :cool:

You'll only be in trouble if I ever fiquire out how get that one contary bullet in everyone one of my groups to stay with the rest of the group! :)

If I could just have you guys strays I think I could better my score.

If I could just have you guys strays I think I could better my score.

:D :D :D :D :D

Well this is it guys.... the final countdown! One month left and it is over for another year. I'm still working on the targets but will get there soon. I really got behind with because of this computer crash.

It's going to be a while shooters. I got all the data recovered and rescored and something still didn't look right. The scores are too good! It seems my HP scanner is stuck on about a 75% resolution despite the control panel being selected to 100% (both on the machine and on the software). In other words, the targets (and groups) are being reduced to about 75% of their original size. It went to the garbage can and a late night run to Wal-Mart has another sitting on the table and it is scanning the targets correctly.

Out of the 200 targets I've recorded, 78 are entries and will have to be rescanned. There is another 100 I've received since I started having problems. I will get to it, please be patient and continue to send in your targets. I will get it right in time for the close of the match.

Hey, 6 down... 72 to go!

You da Man! Hang in there Michael. Thanks.

60 to go and then I can start on the other pile!

Michael,
For what it is worth...THANK YOU! I appreciate every thing you do to keep this match going! Next to hunting, I look forward to this match every year.

Alan

You might want to use that 75% scan on my targets

Well, I'm in for the first time. I just mailed off my targets this morning.

I would have entered sooner, but had to travel about 800 miles to shoot in the thing.
Uh, lemme splain that-

-We were on "vacation" (visiting the in-laws in GA).
-I read about the match online and it sounded fun.
-Last year I had joined a gun club sorta nearby to have some entertainment when we visited.
-I had two leverguns and some ammunition with me.
-I couldn't cheat on the rests used because I didn't have anything but a sandbag with me (we all carry sandbags around in our cars/trucks, right?).

So I printed some targets off their computer, and drove over to the gun club and shot 'em up in the 104 degree heat.
Naturally, I got some decent groups and I got some groups centered on the target, but I couldn't do both at the same time.

But it was fun, was a nice surprise, and it got me to shoot in the heat when I might not have otherwise (and I learned how some loads did in those temps).
Best of all, it got me out of the in-laws house.

Thanks for doing all of this work, Ranch Dog.

Welcome to the match Barry.

Dave :cool:

Thanks, VTDW.

What are you shooting Barry ?

Ahh shucks,
Just as I’m putting the final tweak on my Trail Boss load, I run out of 444 bullets :eek: …Sure hope Marshall isn’t too back-logged ;) …

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k114/Rowdy_444/000_0285.jpg

danny

What are you shooting Barry ?


Marlin 1895SS with Lyman 66 rear sight. I had some IMR3031/Hornady 300 JHP handloads with me, so that's what I shot.

I shot my new Marlin 1894PG .41 Mag also, but...um...well...I didn't send any of those targets in.

Nice group, by the way.

Marlin 1895SS with Lyman 66 rear sight. I had some IMR3031/Hornady 300 JHP handloads with me, so that's what I shot.

I shot my new Marlin 1894PG .41 Mag also, but...um...well...I didn't send any of those targets in.

Nice group, by the way.

Excellent choice of firearms Sir :D …I’m currently shooting 3 Marlins a 444, 444 XLR and an 1895 CB…

Why am I having so much trouble getting my loads to work through the magazine and to chamber without ingraving the bullet right in front of the case?? The only ones that work well through the magazine and chamber without engraving are the SWC bullets I shoot in the .44 mag. The bullets are sized to .432 and the oal is less than max. Even my new Ranchdog mold TLC432-265-RF sized .432 are hard to chamber and work through the magazine. Could I have a gun with a very short/tight throat???
Thanks Mike B. :( :(

Why am I having so much trouble getting my loads to work through the magazine and to chamber without ingraving the bullet right in front of the case?? The only ones that work well through the magazine and chamber without engraving are the SWC bullets I shoot in the .44 mag. The bullets are sized to .432 and the oal is less than max. Even my new Ranchdog mold TLC432-265-RF sized .432 are hard to chamber and work through the magazine. Could I have a gun with a very short/tight throat???
Thanks Mike B. :( :(

Mike,

I have a .444T with a tight chamber. You just have to keep adjusting the COL until you are happy with the way it chambers.

Dave :cool:

Mike,

What Dave said ;) …

Your max C.O.L. will vary depending on bullet nose profile. In my 444’s the WFN style bullets need to be about 2.50” to function and the LFN style can be 2.60”-2.70”…

Tight chambers, don't they usually come standard on match guns? :D

Thanks Guys, you're exactly right. I kept seating deeper and deeper until I hit the magic spot where they feed easily through the magazine and chambered easily. I was shocked how short it turned out for different bullets. Gotta find time now to shoot some targets with them. :)

I will have to try that Trailboss sometime. I've been going the opposite way with fair results. Shot this target just now with my .44. Saeco bullet, 20 grains H4198 and Federal rifle primer.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/KGKILBY/429.jpg

Now that a good'en!

Keep your powder dry Ranch Dog, the big wet is coming :) … Michael’s so busy updating the scoreboard; prolly not even realize its raining out…

I'm done, saddly, for this year. archery opened here yesterday and I am not near ready for season. It sure was great, as usual.

That air-conditioned deer stand don't seem like such a bad idea now, does it?

I'd settle for an air cond. room to go back to in the evening instead of a 90 degree camp. I could stand about anything while on stand.

Pathetic year for me :( . I just sent a handful of targets that should plant me firmly at the bottom. Oh well, maybe I'll get a nice door prize. Some impressive shooting from some of guys this year.

I don't know how any of us ever harvest any game at all. I do know that Big Med's little boy Tommy is a great shot though. ;) Hmmm

I don't know how any of us ever harvest any game at all.
[stir pot] well for me, its real simple, I use my bolt action [/stir pot]

Bolt gun??? Git a rope boys

[stir pot] well for me, its real simple, I use my bolt action [/stir pot]

What the ...... :confused: Put that 32 special to work, you might just be surprised.

Now with the 308 MX that should pretty much seal the deal and I get to leave the bolt guns at home.

Here was ol dead eye yesterday sharpening his skills to do away with vermin with his trusty Marlin single shot.


http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o239/big_medicine/08_19_07_1001.jpg

I had the stir pot mode on, Big med :D I am not afraid to hunt with the 32, It just doesn't fit with the style of hunting that I usually do, I will probably use it when I hunt around the house, I need the scope when I am upstate, and I don't want to put one on my 32, I struggled with putting a peep on it, My grandfather had one that was his prized rifle, so mine is a tribute to him/his 32

My grandfather had one that was his prized rifle, so mine is a tribute to him/his 32


JB,
That is all the more reason to blast a deer with it ;)

I'm back up, backed up, and running from the June melt down! At that point we had just received our 200th target and that is were I sit now. I've got at least 100 targets to look at and I can tell you that if you are in the top three, look to be displaced as I've seen some awesome shooting pass over my desk in the last 45 days while I couldn't get it recorded.

I will work my way through these targets as quick as I can. You might want to get out and expend some ammo before this finishes as it is going to be close. I'm also looking for a Marlin guy to displace the lead in the Offhand - Scopes match!

I noticed that your PMIV avatars are down. That server is located in Corpus Christi, may be they are doing some storm stuff but they should be back up sooner or later.

Michael,

We ain't in NO hurry bro. Sorry you are having to endure this. BUT deer season is drawing closer for a consolation so think good thoughts. ;)

We haven't heard from Luis in several months. I hope he is doing OK and also hope he sends his great coffee. I want a pound of it!

Dave :cool:

"I will work my way through these targets as quick as I can. You might want to get out and expend some ammo before this finishes as it is going to be close. I'm also looking for a Marlin guy to displace the lead in the Offhand - Scopes match!"



I really resent that remark!!! :D :D :D :D

I know of a couple of Marlin’s that definitely will not lead the Scope- Offhand Match… :rolleyes:

I've been so busy working with the data that I haven't spent any time looking at the latest target arrivals. I found this on the back of one of the targets!

http://gunloads.com/fam/ranchdogmolds/PM/ForMyDad.jpg

Oh man.
That sure grabs you.
That has to get him something.

Dang!! Can we adopt Jesse? We no longer have our mascot with us.

I concur with Barry

You know that anything I am drawn for can go straight to Jesse and his Dad. Semper Fi.

I'll just bet that ol Ranch Dog see's to it that little guy gets a nice prize. That my friends is the whole spirit of the match. I hope that next year Jesse and his dad get to shoot together and send in targets. It would be an honor to shake that little guys hand!!

That’s one brave little dude, way to go Jesse. :D :D

Huum...could be that I shot an even better 32 mag target this morning :D

I'm around Dave. Just not posting much lately and shooting even less. But you can count on the coffee. I'll go right now and check when the deadline is and make sure the coffee and the 6 targets I shot get there. I'm still working 8 to 6 most days which gets me home in the mood for dinner and a couple hours of TV and not much else. I scan the posts but seldom have anything to contribute anymore (man do I sound like a drag!).
Anyhow, I'm still around and OK and look forward to having more leisure time soon to shoot and ride and write some more.
You all take care and have fun.

Luis

Whew! Good thing Dave's post got me looking. Deadline is Sept 10. I'll buy the coffee and ship it out next week-end. It will be there before the 10th.

Luis,

Good to hear from you bro. The main thing is that you are OK and just a bit overworked rather than something else. I figured you got lost at the beach. ;)

Dave :cool:

Luis,

Good to hear from you bro. The main thing is that you are OK and just a bit overworked rather than something else. I figured you got lost at the beach. ;)

Dave :cool:


I figured he got lost with one of those babes from the beach :D ;)

Whew! Good thing Dave's post got me looking. Deadline is Sept 10. I'll buy the coffee and ship it out next week-end. It will be there before the 10th.

Stick a target in that shipment also!

I DID get lost with one of those babes at the beach...but that was 28 years ago and I married her. Still around too. I've no idea why she puts up with me.
Michael, if you get the coffee before the targets, it means the targets are WITH the coffee, careful cutting the box open! but I'll try to ship them separately.

Ship them with the targets if you want!

Targets through 251 are now posted, got another 100 to go now to be caught up. With the end of the match coming, I expect that is about how its going to be through the closing.

100 entries to go plus new targets arriving...I have my 15 minutes of fame at least for a bit. :D I retired my .444S winner this year in lieu of the .444T for a couple of weeks but have concentrated load development on the .308MX. It might be a fruitless endeavor as the factory stuff is awesome.

Dave :cool:

14 days left, man time is running out…I’d like nothing more than to knock that ‘sweet little Georgia :D peach :D ’ off the top, but it hasn’t happened yet…

Both my 444’s are in hunting form and ready for our upcoming black bear season that opens 8/30. I’ve found 3 bear this last week but none have really taken my eye so I’m still looking…

I might not beat ‘sweetpeas’ target, but that’s not going to keep me from trying, I got 14 days left…And that my friends is what this is about… “Competition” :cool:

danny

I finally shot a half decent target, although the top half of the class has nothing to worry about.

Bye
Jack

I might not beat ‘sweetpeas’ target, but that’s not going to keep me from trying, I got 14 days left…And that my friends is what this is about… “Competition” :cool:

danny

Not really Danny ;) ;) ;) !!! There isn't any. :D :D :D :D :D

Yea right Dave :D . BTW- that was some nice shooting at the 100; the 308MX of yours is a real tack-driver :eek: :D …

Thanks Rowdy! I was a bit worried that some might take my comment wrong but this is Postal Match V Trash Talk so I thought I could get away with it. :D I can't wait for RD to finish his pressure trace and load development on the Marlin Express. I also can't wait to take a hawg with it to see how the factory stuff performs on game. I did manage to take out a couple of big, black curdogs about a month ago. They were living in my friend's old diary barn and when I got out to unlock the gate to go to the range I heard something growling at me. I turned around and saw them at the diary barn door at about 40 yd. I took one out with the .308ME and the other one sorta trotted off. We drove about 100 yd down the hill to the range and the other one followed us thru the brush and poked his head out while I was putting up targets. He was about 100 yd away and was in a fast lope when the .308MX took him. I found out last saturday that my friend had lost 2 calves so he was happy to find out why there were a couple of dead dogs out there. When they growl, aren't afraid and wild they are fair game out in the country.

Dave :cool:

Ohh cool :D ya already got it all bloody...

Talking trash here, :D

JB- could you wake-up Mike Buchanan please, “maybe he’s fallen and can’t get it up”...tia :D

I'll see what I can do ;)

I'm awake and worried! I'm getting thumped everytime a new batch of targets comes up! I've got some in the mail but it looks like I've got to get on the ball and quickly! :D I've been running back and forth between my home and my daughters's (2 1/2 hr. away) and helping them fix up their house. I'v been playing plumber, sparktrician and wood pecker on the weekends. It looks like I got to get out and shoot some targets times running out!
I've got some ranch dog bullets for the .444 Marlin curing on wax paper. I'll have to get some loaded up and see what that .444 can do!
Don't worry, I'm going to do my best to stir up the Marlins with some Savages and Winchesters! :D :D :D

MikeB,

Go back to sleep being assured that we just had a nice cold front blow in overnite. Cooler weather = more targets...but then again, college football is starting. :D

Dave :cool:

We Are...... ........Penn State
We Are...... ........Penn State

You know what we have not seen????? Targets from JB :eek:

They're coming, don't worry, I ain't threatening

They're coming, don't worry, I ain't threatening


The suspense is killing me....I've been waiting for 3 years to see targets JB ;)

I got one in 2 years ago

MikeB,

Go back to sleep being assured that we just had a nice cold front blow in overnite. Cooler weather = more targets...but then again, college football is starting. :D

Dave :cool:
Your cold front didn't hit us yet! It was hazy hot & humid here today but feeling the pressure :D I went shooting anyway after work. Had fun and shot 8 targets, 4 bench open sights and 4 offhand open sights half with the old Model 99 in 303 savage and half with the new .444. I shot about like I felt! Crappy! The offhand targets weren't that great but they would almost beat my bench targets today :mad: I won't be sending any of those in. I guess I'll just have to dig out the 250 Savage and the 25-35 Win and put them to work!!

I got one in 2 years ago


I must have missed that one ;)

Leverguns are just too challenging for most folks Big Dawg. :D :D Just kidding JB....well....sorta ;)

Dave :cool:

Leverguns are just too challenging for most folks Big Dawg. :D :D Just kidding JB....well....sorta ;)

Dave :cool:


Isn't trash talkin fun :D :cool:

Absolutely and this particular group handles it in a great way. I would love to meet every one of the folks here. Now do I get suck-up points and shave .004 off my groups? :D

Dave :cool:

Any of you girls been practicing your off hand shooting? I'm still waiting on somebody to edge me off the bottom of the list.

This is probably the only instance in life where it is cool for guys to brag about how small it is :confused: :confused: :eek:

Well I guess I'm history. I sent in my last targets today. I finally got a break and it cooled off out of the 100s. I got the 444 out and shot some 100 yard off hand. I was going to put a scope on it but never got around to it. I hope it is OK to enter with open sights. I haven't been around much. The cabin has been keeping me busy, finishing it up. I got a new 44 pistol and have been playing with it instead of shooting the rifle. I got a RD 265 mold a while back and will cast some this winter, and see how they do with the pistol and 444. I also have a 210 mold on order. I wonder how it will do??? Anyone shot any lite weight bullets in there 444 or 44 mags? Dove season opens tomorrow. I'll use my flintlock. Everybody gets a kick of of it. I love shooting doves with it but it is bad to shoot and have 10 fly buy while I reload, then they quit flying for a while.

Any of you girls been practicing your off hand shooting? I'm still waiting on somebody to edge me off the bottom of the list.

I’ve been trying Ken, but my skirt keeps billowing-up and covering my scope :o . Next time I wearing pedal-pushers and maybe I can get 5 for 5 on the target :D

Everybody have a great Labor Day Weekend! Have fun and be safe!
Mike B.

OK Ken you are no longer the holder of the largest offhand scope target award. That honor now goes to me with a whopping 6.50” :D …5 for 5 no wind and clear…My target can be beaten, but it’ll take some skill and luck to shoot a larger group or pattern…Had to measure it with a tape, my calipers won’t go that big. :eek:

Well, went today and shipped the coffee. Put in all the targets I managed to shoot a couple months ago in the same package.

Now, I just KNOW I'll have some time to shoot come November, whiich doesn't help me any for this match! :(
Maybe we should have the match from January to March, that way I might end up in the top third of the bunch. :D

Meantime, I'll go to the beach. :cool:

Ranch Dog, you have a PM.

Luis

…5 for 5

Good going Rowdy!

Good going Rowdy!

:D :D I also shot a group, well under 1" CtoC with my Trail Boss load and the 44 cal. BTB's that i got Friday. Going to see how they print on an official PM target tomorrrow. :cool:

Well, went today and shipped the coffee. Put in all the targets I managed to shoot a couple months ago in the same package.

Now, I just KNOW I'll have some time to shoot come November, whiich doesn't help me any for this match! :(
Maybe we should have the match from January to March, that way I might end up in the top third of the bunch. :D

Meantime, I'll go to the beach. :cool:

Ranch Dog, you have a PM.

Luis

THANKS LUIS!!!!

I sent some 336SC 219 Zipper targets in (bench, open sights). They won't score high in the rankings, but I thought that we needed some Zipper representation on the board. Also, since this is trash talk, I thought that I would submit some Zipper targets, just to rub it in to those that wish to have a zipper but can't find one to buy! HA!

Dan

I sent some 336SC 219 Zipper targets in (bench, open sights). They won't score high in the rankings, but I thought that we needed some Zipper representation on the board. Also, since this is trash talk, I thought that I would submit some Zipper targets, just to rub it in to those that wish to have a zipper but can't find one to buy! HA!

Dan

Good to have the 219 in the scores. When was this caliber chambered by Marlin?

Good to have the 219 in the scores. When was this caliber chambered by Marlin?

Marlin produced these 1955-1961. Mine is a 1955.

Dan

Offhand scope and theyre all in the white!!....of course it took about 5lbs of powder, at least 12 boxes of bullets in 8 different rifles before I could beat my last score :p

I kinda of feel like I cheated though cause I had to break out the BLR-7mm-08. just couldn't get myself to shoot the Marlins and Winnies consistently this year.

Definetly humbled myself this year in the open sight categories....It stinks getting old!!(eyes) Too embarrassed to even mail those in!!

Good shootin'
johnny

Ok JB, the clock is ticking and the days are running out. You have until Monday the 10th to get at least one target in the mail. Now even my 7 year old shot a target for the match, and the little fart didn't do to dang bad!! He has been bugging me to try it and I let him have a whack at it this weekend. He tried with the target peep insert in and couldn't see very well, so I took out the insert and his very first shot was at 10 in the bull, 2nd and 3rd shots at 5 and then the 4th clear out at 3 and the 5th low at 6, but he got all 5 on paper, didn't think it was too bad for a first timer....Don't let the little guy show you up, he's calling you out :eek: ;) He used the 32 mag, i don't want him getting too comfortable with that rifle and thinking it is his ;)

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o239/big_medicine/DSCF0073tommyspmtarget.jpg

Woo-Hoo Tommy nice shootin :D :D :D
Now all you need to do is have Dad order a cheap butt-stock from Marlin for the 32. That way he can cut the stock to fit you. :cool:

These will go in the mail today
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t169/jb12string/Img_0781R.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t169/jb12string/Img_0783R-1.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t169/jb12string/Img_0782R.jpg

Update: They are in the mailbox, patiently waiting for the mail lady to whisk them away

Hot Dang...a Little Medicine. :D I knew you could do it Tommy after killing that rabbit in the garden!!! Yahoooooo

Dave :cool:

p.s. Don't ever stand under those ducks on the wall dude. :D

Greetings dudes! All the targets received to date have been scored and the data recorded and web site updated.

There was no new shuffle for the Open Sights - Bench or Scopes. The top three places in the Open Sights - Offhand have been displaced. Best news of the event, in the Scopes - Offhand match Mike Buchanan has regained his respect of all us Marlin lovers by displacing his entry shot with a SAVAGE! Way to go Mike, put'n things in the proper order!

Hey! I made the upper box!
Barely, but still in there.

One thing, though...You have my Marlin 1895 down as a .41 Magnum.
But I know what it is.

Ok JB, the clock is ticking and the days are running out. You have until Monday the 10th to get at least one target in the mail. Now even my 7 year old shot a target for the match, and the little fart didn't do to dang bad!! He has been bugging me to try it and I let him have a whack at it this weekend. He tried with the target peep insert in and couldn't see very well, so I took out the insert and his very first shot was at 10 in the bull, 2nd and 3rd shots at 5 and then the 4th clear out at 3 and the 5th low at 6, but he got all 5 on paper, didn't think it was too bad for a first timer....Don't let the little guy show you up, he's calling you out :eek: ;) He used the 32 mag, i don't want him getting too comfortable with that rifle and thinking it is his ;)

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o239/big_medicine/DSCF0073tommyspmtarget.jpg


This is a great pic and a great post. Thanks for putting it up.

Hey! I made the upper box!
Barely, but still in there.

One thing, though...You have my Marlin 1895 down as a .41 Magnum.
But I know what it is.

Corrected, slip of the mouse! The web page won't show the corrected data until I update the image.

Ranch Dog, I really wish it was true :( but the .256 Win Mag targets I sent in are in the wrong class. I either marked them wrong or you hit the wrong button. They were bench scope targets at 100yds. I wish I could stand there on my two hind legs and shoot like that but the only way I'd get 100yd offhand targets that good would be if all the stars were lined up just right and I shot another 50 targets maybe I'd get one that small. :D
Thanks for all your hard work!
Mike B.

No one tell big medicine or KenK, :p but I have the next 3 days off and plan on doing some shooting…Finally got the handle on the Trail Boss powder, it will be an interesting finish to the match :D

No one tell big medicine or KenK, :p but I have the next 3 days off and plan on doing some shooting…Finally got the handle on the Trail Boss powder, it will be an interesting finish to the match :D

Now don't be giving someone else a heart attack! :D :D :D

Ranch Dog, I really wish it was true :( but the .256 Win Mag targets I sent in are in the wrong class. I either marked them wrong or you hit the wrong button. They were bench scope targets at 100yds. I wish I could stand there on my two hind legs and shoot like that but the only way I'd get 100yd offhand targets that good would be if all the stars were lined up just right and I shot another 50 targets maybe I'd get one that small. :D
Thanks for all your hard work!
Mike B.

I will check it out and change it!

Now don't be giving someone else a heart attack! :D :D :D

Mike :D :D :D Had a good day at the range, one more target a 50yd bench for RD.Best one yet!

It seems as though Dan 444 has gotten his Zipper firmly stuck at the top :eek: He needs to call-up big medicine an have him come over and jiggle it some. ;)

Best one yet!

Dang it Rowdy! I spent most of the day counting my chickens and getting the press release ready for the local paper.

Michael,
Do you have a total number shooters and targets to date?

Dang it Rowdy! I spent most of the day counting my chickens and getting the press release ready for the local paper.

Ya'll need to lighten up before Big Dawg has a stroke!!! :D

Ya'll need to lighten up before Big Dawg has a stroke!!! :D

:D :eek: :D

Ken, I’d hold off on canceling the press conference just yet.

I loaded up a box of "match" ammo for my .44 this morning. I'm going to take one last run at the 1/2" barrier this afternoon.

VTDW, I did not know that Okies used "ya'll", learn something new every day. :D

I have not had time to shoot any match targets, been too busy killing deer, and getting ready for elk hunting. I did get a load for my back up rifle. I have a 180 gr TSX shooting under .5 inches at 3058 FPS for the 325 WSM. :D The match is only a game for me, it is fun and a good excuse to shoot, I ain't sweating the scores. Heck I already blasted one deer at 365 yards with the 308MX, and that my friends is what this the Postal Match is all about ;)

I loaded up a box of "match" ammo for my .44 this morning. I'm going to take one last run at the 1/2" barrier this afternoon.

VTDW, I did not know that Okies used "ya'll", learn something new every day. :D

I was attempting to be regionally correct. We actually say yawl, drink our iced tea sweet and try really hard not to have more than six pickups parked in the front yard, running or not.

Dave :cool:

A friend of mine used to have a yawl we sailed on!

I'm done, got one last target to mail in the morning.

I checked my target supply. I shot about 350 targets this summer. If it hadn't been so miserably hot the past month the whole 500 might have been used.

It's been a lot of fun. I hope Ranch Dog will put it on again next year.

I'm done, got one last target to mail in the morning.

I checked my target supply. I shot about 350 targets this summer. If it hadn't been so miserably hot the past month the whole 500 might have been used.

It's been a lot of fun. I hope Ranch Dog will put it on again next year.

A big Ditto to all of the above!! It was a lot of fun again and I know I shot a lot more rifle than I would have without the PM and I know I'll shoot better in the woods this fall.
Mike B.

Evening dudes, I've got the scores posted from the targets I received through Friday. You will notice that the "Scopes - Bench" is now split like the "Open Sight's - Bench". The actual reason for the split is because I capture an image from the database's report and that image is limited to 34 lines.

I'm really disappointed in my participation this year. I even keep thinking that I might get in there yet but we will see what tomorrow brings.

Mike B., you had marked your Marlin 92 target correcting, I made the mistake reading it. If any of you notice any thing out of place, please bring it to my attention.

OK, a little late and only two misreable targets but I finally got myself into the postal match after all these years of lurking. My front sight on my Marlin 336 .35 Rem turned out to have gotten knocked to one side so there's a better vertical string than horizontal, but I was only able to be just that accurate using only Federal Power shock ammo. Both Buffalo Bore and the Leverevolution ammo shoots so much higher at 50 yards than the factory loads that it would have been another day of shooting to get zeroed in for using just those two exclusively. I burned more than a few LE rounds at the 200 yard range and they are incredible! Only after about the 150 yard mark does the 220 BB bullet start to drop noticably alongside the LE performance, but I would still not hesitate using either on big deer, hogs or even elk at twice the range I had reserved myself to previously.

Now to add about 1 1/2 inches to the stock length and get a set of Skinner sights and I'm ready for a day at the range and a season of hunting.:D

And the sun sets on Ranch Dog Postal Match V :( Every year I have a little sadness with the close of the match, much like I do when hunting season ends. But I look forward next year. I hope to have some loads worked up for the 308 Marlin Express and a couple of my other rifles that were neglected this year. I will try and spend more time at the loading bench so I can have a stock pile of ammo to shoot next year :D

It is great to see a bunch of new shooters this year, even my son Tommy got in on the fray, so I will bet that he won't stay away next year. He got a taste of the postal match and is already asking about shooting more targets....somethings are genetic.

I hope everyone has a safe and fun hunting season, and maby we can all meet again here next year for another match, if Ranch Dog is willing to deal with it all again. It would be great if everyone that shot, got another person to shoot next year. No excuses from JB about how busy he is with that new baby next year....we will be expecting 4 target from JB next year. I think he should go and buy that kid a new Marlin 336W then he will have an excuse to shoot....."Honey, honest I have to get the baby's rifle sighted in" ;)

It has been good and it has been fun reading the Trash Talk and even participating at times. You folks are a hoot and it would be great fun to at least dream about meeting up one day.

A huge THANKS to Ranch Dog and Big Med (Big Dawg) for all the time and effort they put into this match each year. Luis Yamaha gets a BIG honorable mention as his coffee is what I look forward to each year. Nothing else matters!!! :D

Now please pray ;) for me as my .308MX started shotgunning on me yesterday at the range :mad: :mad: I have the bore soaking as I write this and I sure want to take a big nasty hawg with it. I have a big boar coming to rub on a tree treated with Dave's special mix but ignoring the feeder just 20 yards away...at least when I am there. ;)

Ya'll have a great hunting season, and now that you are more familiar with your rifles and the trajectories thanks to the match, I know you will.

Dave :cool:

Ditto to all.
I'm a late-comer to this, and only went out one day and banged off a few targets, but I had fun in spite of the miserable heat that day.
I had at least as much fun reading this thread for the last couple of months.
Thanks again to Ranch Dog and everyone else involved.

Ohh man what a ball, if this postal match shooting were any more fun it’d have to be illegal.
I have no idea on how many targets or how much ammo I shot this year, but I can say I went thru 3 boxes to staples. Mailed off my last target from Sat.

Thanks Ranch Dog for your time and hard work in putting together another great PM.

I can't believe it's over already, although I bet Ranch Dog is thinking other thoughts! A big thank you to Ranch Dog and all the others who may have helped him! It was great fun! If you have it again next year I'm going to make it my mission to keep the Marlin shooters honest! Several of us tried but I think we need to recruit some more "other brand shooters"and get JB shooting more next year!

JB, keep us up to date with the baby reports and we'll all be glad to help you decide which type and how many guns the new baby will require! :D I've been busy buying guns for my new grandson and it's fun and I'll try to have them tuned in when he's ready for them. :)

I plan on stockpiling reloads this winter so hopefully I will have plenty to shoot next year

Another year has come and gone! I will give it the week for all the mail to come in and will then post the final results. The prize drawings will soon follow!

You guys are a great bunch of fellows! We will start talking PM-VI as soon as I close this years match.

It's over? Ah crud.... gotta get one more set of stocks made!!!!!!

Congratulations to all! Wished I'd spent a bit more time shooting my targets, but time anymore is certainly at a premium. Congrats to the winners and everyone that participated. Once this is done, we can all hopefully consider ourselves warmed up for the real fun!

Now if we could only shoot 50 and 100 yards for hunting revolvers, I'd be in for sure!

Thanks Michael!

David

Hello shooters,

Although I haven’t fired a shot all summer I have been keeping up with the standings in RD’s match. I worked on the winner certificates earlier in the year and all will be ready to mail shortly after RD compiles the final results. I’m proud to be associated with this distinguished group of riflemen.

Being housebound doesn’t keep me out of trouble. I just took delivery of a Winchester 94 in 38-55. Plain Jane Model 94, 95% condition, tang safety, with 20” barrel, all the way from Maine. Doggone internet! Now I will have a token Winchester in my safe. Makes me wonder if the Marlins will shun it.

A Wrenchester??? Steelbanger I will pray for your soul bro. ;)

Don't feel so bad about the Winchester Steelbanger, I plan to get my Winchester 1895 30-03 into the mix. I think I have "The load" for it, I just need to check it again and see. ;)

Hello shooters,

Although I haven’t fired a shot all summer I have been keeping up with the standings in RD’s match. I worked on the winner certificates earlier in the year and all will be ready to mail shortly after RD compiles the final results. I’m proud to be associated with this distinguished group of riflemen.

Being housebound doesn’t keep me out of trouble. I just took delivery of a Winchester 94 in 38-55. Plain Jane Model 94, 95% condition, tang safety, with 20” barrel, all the way from Maine. Doggone internet! Now I will have a token Winchester in my safe. Makes me wonder if the Marlins will shun it.

They are really happier in pairs! You should start looking for a mate right away and keep your eyes out for a pair of Savages too! Just be careful, they tend to breed!! :D :D

PS It's good to hear from you! You and your wife have been in my thoughts and prayers all summer. I hope things are going better for you. Mike B.

What do you guys think about this. Maby next year if Michael is ok with it. Having an unlimited class. It would be shot at 100 yards with any powder scope and front and rear rest. It would be interesting to see just what kind of accuracy we could ring out of these leverguns???

Big Dawg,

Jeeze Louise, we have already proven the accuracy. Just look at this year's scoring at 50 yd & 100 yd. I think your idea has some merit but we should entertain the thought of stretching the distance out to at least 200 yd under your premise.

Good luck ;)

Dave :cool:

I think the problem with 200 yards is that a lot of people don't have a place they can shoot 200 yards. I'm limited for that kind of shooting to 100 yards, I think a lot of fellows are in the same boat. I think it would be fun, just to see :D

I just don't think it would make much difference to the scores.

I've shot my lever rifles at 100 yards using a rear bag and it didn't tighten my groups a measurable amount. Maybe it would help some of the guys with bigger groups???

Scopes are the same, I guess more magnification would tighten some of the better groups a hair but not much.



One thought I have had, given the lack of participation in the offhand matches, is to have some other kind of "field position" match. Sitting or prone?

At any rate, I'll shoot whatever matches there are.

I'd like to be able to shoot off of front and rear bags. That's just what I'm used to.

What do you guys think about this. Maby next year if Michael is ok with it. Having an unlimited class. It would be shot at 100 yards with any powder scope and front and rear rest.

That works for me :D :D

I'm in agreement that lengthening it beyond 100 yards would make it hard for a lot of people due to range access. I could manage it, but I know a lot who couldn't.

I like it FBO- Front Bag Only. It's similar to a field rest of laying over a branch, fence post, etc. I used the match as practice for that by keeping my hand between the bag and rifle, to make it more like a "post rest".

I hate to see participation so low in Offhand. I wanted to shoot it, but only shot for the match one day, and just couldn't do it all.
Next year I'll try to increase the entries.

Anyway-
I guess I like it simple.

Although I quickly pictured in my mind a Savage 99 with a 6mm PPC chambered, 1.25" dia barrel; a 24 or 36X scope; a trigger tuned as low as it could go; and...

I think we need to keep the 100 scoped bench with 4x scope just the way it is. I thinking since the 100 yard off hand has had a low shooter turn out that we could try something a little different with the unlimited class, and for that I think a rear rest should be used I'm just looking for something to try and ring out every thing we can for accuracy, just to see what can be done. I think it would be very interesting.

I think a 25 yd off hand may get me 5 on the paper.

I'm just thinking out loud but what would be wrong with having the scoped offhand at fifty yards also? I've shot 29 or 30 deer in Pennslyvania so my experience is limited to our type of deer hunting but most were offhand running and at an average of 35 yards. I have only shot 3 past fifty yards with the longest being 125yds. For my type of hunting offhand fifty yard practice would be great and most times in the past I was using a scope. It would be more doable for most shooters and wouldn't be so discouraging. I also bet the scoped offhand at fifty wouldn't be that much better than the open sighted targets. Might be interesting??

I'm just thinking out loud but what would be wrong with having the scoped offhand at fifty yards also? I've shot 29 or 30 deer in Pennslyvania so my experience is limited to our type of deer hunting but most were offhand running and at an average of 35 yards. I have only shot 3 past fifty yards with the longest being 125yds. For my type of hunting offhand fifty yard practice would be great and most times in the past I was using a scope. It would be more doable for most shooters and wouldn't be so discouraging. I also bet the scoped offhand at fifty wouldn't be that much better than the open sighted targets. Might be interesting??

I agree, 50 yard, off hand, any sight, would be a good match.

I would prefer that match and a 100 yard sitting or kneeling match.

Great ideas guys... all. Here are a couple I'm thinking about from the receiving end of the targets sent in...

I would like to end or extend the ending date of the match at least two weeks in either direction. I'm a whitetail farmer, got to keep in up for my tax abatements. In the last two weeks I've spent over 40 hours on my tractor planting winter food plots. All of that centered between September 10 and 20. It is hard for me to even think match at this time of year. I would like to end it at the end of August or the end of September. My preference is the end of August as the end of September seems like the match will have been open too long.

The next thing I am going to need to address are the funds necessary to ship the fantastic amount of door prizes. I suspect that I'm in about $300 this year. That's OK, but I would like this match to support itself in the future. I will not consider any type of entry fee but may be I could accept donations to support the shipping, and that is the only expense, with a final drawing for any funds that exceed those expenses.

Next years match will have a permanent web site address on my server space. We are seeing support from four forums now. It would nice if a participant could promote a "Trash Talk" thread on each of the forums.

As far as Matches... Open Sights - Bench Open Sights - Offhand Scopes - BenchThese matches continue to be shot with the same rules. Scopes - Open Sightsshould probably be shot at 50-yards to increase the participation.

Finally, I'm going to have an entry form that you must send in with your first set of targets. I'm also going to need to standardize the targets. I will have at least two different targets to shoot at and you must use the RD targets. It's mainly about getting the data I need to sort the targets and compare them to previously submitted targets. On my end it will be about batch scanning the targets to make the job quicker.

I had hope to end things tonight but I received more targets with the appropriate postmark today. If nothing comes in tomorrow, I will post the final results on Thursday and hold the drawings over the weekend.

Did my targets show up?

Yes they did.

Michael,
I will get a donation sent off to help with the postage of sending out the prizes.

Thanks for hosting the match again this year. I look forward to the match nearly as much as opening day of the hunting season. Because of the match I have become a much better shooter, knowing the capabilities of my rifles and my own limitations. Without this match, I would shoot much less than I now do, and my "handloading" would be "reloading". I would not be experimenting with loads, looking for the most accurate but least recoiling load I can find. It has been a great diversion from the routine.

THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL SUMMER LONG MATCH !!!!!!!

[QUOTE=Ranch Dog]Great ideas guys... all. Here are a couple I'm thinking about from the receiving end of the targets sent in...

I would like to end or extend the ending date of the match at least two weeks in either direction. I'm a whitetail farmer, got to keep in up for my tax abatements. In the last two weeks I've spent over 40 hours on my tractor planting winter food plots. All of that centered between September 10 and 20. It is hard for me to even think match at this time of year. I would like to end it at the end of August or the end of September. My preference is the end of August as the end of September seems like the match will have been open too long."


Michael, You're the one doing most of the work. By all means do what makes it easier for you! I think most of the participants are just thrilled with the opportunity the PM gives them to go out and have some fun shooting!
My 2 cents. Mike B.

Michael,
I will get a donation sent off to help with the postage of sending out the prizes.


As many target as you shot, you will probably win most of the door prizes. So, just have Michael send them to you COD. :D :D :D

A buck a target. Ranchdog takes out his expenses and a drawing for the rest?

My back blew out today and I had to come home early, I'm sedated now. Don't hold anything I may say against me.

What about donating the excess to the Four-H shooting program. My niece and nephew have been shooting the BB gun program. Future postal match contestants!

As many target as you shot, you will probably win most of the door prizes. So, just have Michael send them to you COD. :D :D :D
Most of what I shoot ends up in the trash can ;)

WOW!!! Looks like the final results are in. 450 targets submitted. What is really great is to see all the different names and a lot of them new to the match. I hope everyone can shoot again next year, and get a friend to shoot also.

Now it is time to think about crisp fall days where all of what we have done will pay off, that one shot for the real deal. Then we can all get to tuning up for next year, trying to wring out as much accuracy as we can in those handloads. I ordered an electric trimmer the other day because I have too much brass that needs to be trimmed, then I can get to loading up a stock pile for the leverguns and hope to shoot a couple more next year.

We can dish out and take some trash talk, We can continue to dog JB, he will be at a disadvantage next year...lack of sleep :p ;) but we won't thake that for an excuse not to shoot!!

This has been a blast, I hope everyone has a good time this year hunting, and be safe!!

I am going to look at the results right now. I sure am sad I did not get to shoot more but thank god there is next year! Way to go guys and gals. Thanks to all that did the work so I could play.

I just had to come back with this one. MB, it cost ya over 100 bucks to shoot over 400 target for that one rifle entry. I did not look to see how many rifles you entered and how many classes. That is awsome. One day I hope to be doing the same. Now, shoot a big whitetail!

I just had to come back with this one. MB, it cost ya over 100 bucks to shoot over 400 target for that one rifle entry. I did not look to see how many rifles you entered and how many classes. That is awsome. One day I hope to be doing the same. Now, shoot a big whitetail!

I didn't submit 400 targets, there were 450 total targets submitted by all the shooters.....Now I know I shot way more than 400 targets all together will the rifles I was shooting, about 99.9% made it to the trash can ;)

I did a quick adding up and I believe Mike Buchanan has the best four match total for the second straight year. There were only three people who had an entry in all four matches, unless I missed someone.

Ranchdog. my 32-20 dies are Lee if you want to add that in. I think it got mixed up somewhere along the line.

So the target # is the number as the targets are submited that is recorded for your best target with that rifle?

I think Michael assigns each target a number as he gets them. The numbers under "entries" are how many targets for that shooter/rifle/match.

If you add all the entries together it should be the same as the highest target number.

Target # 447 is a 100 yard offhand.

Good shooting guys! What a fun year. Thanks to all! I guess I can't blame anything anymore on Rowdy! :mad: Whizzum took over for him! :mad: Good shooting! :D :D
I'm ready for a good fall hunting season now.
I went to the eye doctor last week and I'm getting new glasses so if I'm allowed to start the trash talk already look out for the iron sighted matches next Year! I'm fiquiring on cutting my groups sizes in half! :D :D

I'm fiquiring on cutting my groups sizes in half! :D :D


Now you will be giving me a heart attack ;)

Now you will be giving me a heart attack ;)
Just trying to be fair and give everybody fair warning! :D

Glasses? I've got a pair of these on order. :D
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/KGKILBY/GLASSES.jpg

Which nostril do they go in?

Wow Ken you’ve pretty much pegged- out the Dorkmeter 3000 with those. :rolleyes:

Almost gave myself the heart attack shooting those ‘best 4 out of 5’shot targets. Great shooting Ken, big medicine and all. I’m already looking forward to next year.

Ken-please send the link to those spectacles to Mike Buchanan he needs them. :D

Ken-please send the link to those spectacles to Mike Buchanan he needs them. :D

It's on my "to do" list. I figure if he gets the glasses and I give him a few bullet casting tips, he will do ok.

I’m already looking forward to next year.


I am too. Maybe when Ranchdog retires we can have a year round monthly postal match.

It's on my "to do" list. I figure if he gets the glasses and I give him a few bullet casting tips, he will do ok.

And I can help him with his 444 Max pressure 2500fps target loads. :)

Well, once again I didn't come in last! It may even be the best 1894SS 44 mag with factory loads!
Ha, ha. Great shooting, everybody.

Well, once again I didn't come in last! It may even be the best 1894SS 44 mag with factory loads!
Ha, ha. Great shooting, everybody.

Luis, I've got my fingers crossed hoping for a bag of that coffee.

Now that would be a great prize, hanging with Luis in Tropical Paradise for a week. :D

I’m just a little confused.

Need some help here?

But how does a ‘beancounter’ blow- out his back at work, have to leave early so he can go home and take prescription pharmaceuticals???

Could be the extra large pen-protector he wore to work that day??? or he was using the really big pencil??? or

He stumbled over something in the office while chasing the pretty young secretary around his desk???

You decide!!! :D :D

I guess the abuse doesn't end with the match and start at the begining of the next one? It just keeps on going? I missed out on that last year in the hospital and didn't realze that's the way it works! :D I'm learning everyday! :D

But how does a ‘beancounter’ blow- out his back at work

Them beans get heavy. :D In this case though I hurt it helping my wife plant a rose bush. As someone once said, getting old ain't for sissies.

Congrats to all who participated this year!!

RD, My target was shot with a Browning BLR....only wish it were a Marlin in 7mm-08 :D

Mike B... had to shoot the BLR because I ran out of alot of components trying to beat your score...wish I could of done it with one of my Marlins...How far are you away from Bangor PA?

Good shootin'
johnny
45-70justbecause on Marlin Owners

Congrats to all who participated this year!!

RD, My target was shot with a Browning BLR....only wish it were a Marlin in 7mm-08 :D

Mike B... had to shoot the BLR because I ran out of alot of components trying to beat your score...wish I could of done it with one of my Marlins...How far are you away from Bangor PA?

Good shootin'
johnny
45-70justbecause on Marlin Owners
If memory serves me Bangor is up near the Poconos and I'm accross the river from Harrisburg, PA so I'd guess 2 to 2 1/2 hours from Bangor and maybe even 3 hours.

RD, My target was shot with a Browning BLR....only wish it were a Marlin in 7mm-08 :D

Johnny,

Yeap, a simple slip of the mouse and a Browning is now a Marlin... I got it corrected.

I'm in Birmingham this morning. Got to go to Las Vegas, Albuquerque, Houston and then home. Deer management stuff tomorrow and then the prize drawings on Tuesday.

Mike,

Yeah, I'm 7 miles from the Delaware Water Gap in NJ; I go to the Harrisburg outdoor show every year though! ;)

good shootin'
johnny

Mike,

Yeah, I'm 7 miles from the Delaware Water Gap in NJ; I go to the Harrisburg outdoor show every year though! ;)

good shootin'
johnny

How's the shad fishing there?

the shad run here is awesome!! :D ...before I moved here I used to camp right on the Delaware River at Worthington State Forest on the Jersey side...free boat launch, and you can tie up your boat right at your campsite. Hot showers too.

good shootin'
johnny

Okay guys, the prize drawings took place today. It is going to take awhile to get this many items boxed up but they will get out. Thanks for your patience.

I did not draw the fishing trip, I've tried to make contact with the donor but he has not responded to my attempts to contact him. He hasn't been on this forum or MarlinOwners since March.

http://gunloads.com/fam/ranchdogmolds/PM/Prizes/Awards.jpg

Good Show, Ranch Dog. :cool:

Bye
Jack

I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU!!! To all who donated prizes. We are lucky to enjoy this kind of support. I would like to ask everyone to write a letter of thanks to the donors. And Ranch Dog...THANK YOU for all that you do to make this happen!!

We truely have a great bunch of folks that get together here and I look forward to this match and the trash talk as much as I do deer hunting and all the bs-ing that goes on there. It would be an honor to meet each and every one of you! I hope we all have a safe year and a fun hunting season. Please try and shoot again next year if Ranch Dog does the match.

Congrats to the winners!

It looks like our 7 year old shooter Jesse won a Marlin cap, that'll help steer him down the straight and narrow in this life. Two thumbs up.....

It looks like I won two goodies. Cool! Thanks!
And congratulations to the "real" winners!

I'm glad Jesse got something. I knew he would, but it's still neat to see.

Thank you again, Ranch Dog, for doing all this work. I'm sure it's fun in a way..but not fun in a way too.

I got a bag of Luis's world famous Yaucona coffee and nothing else matters!! ;)

Wow! I can't wait to see the grips. A big thank you to Ranch Dog and all the other contributors and participants.
Going to take some time and shoot some birds this fall and maybe a deer or two then hopefully right back to plotting how to improve my scores for hopefully next years match. Thanks everbody!

Hot Dog! That's the best prize I think I've ever won. Just goes to prove you don't need a target with a small group to win. :D A big thanks to Ranch Dog and everyone else that had a hand in this event.

Congrats to the winners!

It looks like our 7 year old shooter Jesse won a Marlin cap, that'll help steer him down the straight and narrow in this life. Two thumbs up.....

Way to go!:D

Hot dang! I won exactly what I was looking to buy the other night and just put it back thinking I could get a better set somewhere else; and I did!

One request though; would the winners of the grips please post pics of them on your 1911's when you get a chance? I'm dying to see Mike G's work highlighted.

TedH,

You lucky dawg you. You will have a blast and enjoy some of the best quarters and hospitality you will ever experience.

Dave :cool:

TedH,

I won last years hog hunt and never had a better time on a hunt. My son & I spent pleasant days around the ranch, hunted morning & afternoon, ate great food with the family in RD's dining room, and always felt at home. You're in for a special time, believe me.

VTDW,

I excluded myself from the hunt drawing this year to give others a chance and it was a difficult decision. I won't be that easy next time. And it took me 4 years to win a second pound of coffee but now I can once again enjoy the best. It was good to see that the little guys (Tommy & Jesse) won Marlin caps too.

I'm sure looking forward to the coffee and bullets. Most of all, I'm looking forward to next years match.

GAWL DANG IT, I won the Hornady Bullet Board. I never win anything in life and this is the thing that I REALLY wanted. I had a tough day at work, today, but I'm all smiles now.

However, I must have screwed-up on the information on my target that shows first place in the offhand open sights category. That 219 zipper target was shot bench open sights. So RD, ya' gotta' move me to the bench open sights category and give the rightful owner first place in the offhand category. I wobble too much to shoot a <0.9" 5-shot group...

I can't believe that I won that dang bullet board! I think that I'll hang it up in the master bedroom over the bed headboard so that my wife of 34 years can enjoy it too....yeah, right.

Many thanks to RD and the guys that made this postal match happen!

Best to all,
Dan

Cudos to you Dan444 for stepping up bro.

Hot Dog! That's the best prize I think I've ever won. Just goes to prove you don't need a target with a small group to win. :D A big thanks to Ranch Dog and everyone else that had a hand in this event.

I think you won the best prize of the whole deal.

TedH,

I won last years hog hunt and never had a better time on a hunt. My son & I spent pleasant days around the ranch, hunted morning & afternoon, ate great food with the family in RD's dining room, and always felt at home. You're in for a special time, believe me.

I am really looking forward to it. I never thought I would win the hog hunt. I had very little range time this year and few targets sent in, but as they say, it only takes one. :)

I think you won the best prize of the whole deal.


No doubt about it. :)

...However, I must have screwed-up on the information on my target that shows first place in the offhand open sights category. That 219 zipper target was shot bench open sights. So RD, ya' gotta' move me to the bench open sights category and give the rightful owner first place in the offhand category. I wobble too much to shoot a <0.9" 5-shot group...

I will made the change and got stuff squared away both on the scoreboards and the prize awards. Luis had wanted the winner of each Match to get a pound of coffee so "Open Sights - Offhand" will go to Whip

GAWL DANG IT, I won the Hornady Bullet Board. I never win anything in life and this is the thing that I REALLY wanted. I had a tough day at work, today, but I'm all smiles now.

I can't believe that I won that dang bullet board! I think that I'll hang it up in the master bedroom over the bed headboard so that my wife of 34 years can enjoy it too....yeah, right.

Many thanks to RD and the guys that made this postal match happen!

Best to all,
Dan

It is going to be a heck of a prize Dan and one that my wife said I ought to keep (she really didn't mean it). May be your wife won't mind concerning the location you have given it!

It's going to leave a empty spot on my wall as I've had it hanging in my reloading room to enjoy while I can. Might have to kill a nice critter and have it stuffed to fit the empty spot on the wall!

I am really looking forward to it. I never thought I would win the hog hunt. I had very little range time this year and few targets sent in, but as they say, it only takes one. :)

I am too Ted, it will be nice to get to meet you. What you going to shoot on the hunt and who are you going to bring?

The hunting was very poor for Beartoother because of the drought but a little better for Steelbanger because we got a little rain. It should be a great hunt for you with some really large hogs. The rain and forage is outstanding because of some record rains breaking the drought. The rain also keep the temperatures under control so the critters are in good shape going into the fall. I have never seen the acorn crop as good as it is now. There are some very fat deer and hogs walking around here.

Steelbanger... Tell Michael that a large hog has dug a large hole under the tripod he killed his hogs from. He's laying up there during the day with the pond right behind him and the feeder out in front of him. He's pretty agressive and not happy when I show up to fill the feeder every three weeks. I try to let him think I'm very intimidated by his behavior. I want him ripe for Ted :eek:

Michael,
I will probably bring the 336ER and the 1895G, with the ER being the one I would prolly use. I have asked my brother if he would want to go. Of course he wants to, but we already booked a bear hunt for next fall so he was wondering about getting the time off work. About when were you wanting the hunt to take place? Our only other hog hunt took place in Florida and was a complete disaster. I have no doubt that this one will be something to remember.

Go to the range and take some target practice, pull the targets and send them to Ranch Dog, win :cool: prizes. :D :D

I’m going to enjoy setting by the fire at night, drinking some of Luis’s coffee and reading Marlin’s Firearm History. :D