Well guys,
I just got some 180 gr bullets from Marshall for the 35 Rem. Gonna try to get some down range this weekend.

Hello Michael,

I just put three more targets in an envelope, two with cast bullets and the third with my 336A 30-30 with Speer 170's, all open sight efforts. Incidentally, I shot a 31X40 with the 336A in a match over the weekend.

Man, I wish I had a 25-20 to compete in the 22 category. Maybe someday one will turn up at the right time for me. I might have to look into the gun safe to see if anything wants to be traded over the winter since some of these rifles have a free agent clause with me. Trouble is, I'm running out of bolt guns & Contenders to trade since I got hooked on these leverguns!

Steelbanger, you are obviously at the top of your class. Please enlighten me on what a 31x40 is if you don't mind. Also, what size was your group sent to JB's in the 45-70. I need to know if I should even try to compete. :) :) :p Michael, I sent some as well, and thought they might be there in your mail today. I think the pony's take a couple of days from here.

Alright, i will get my calipers and check the target. I do know, though the group is tight, it is beatable

i forgot the digital calipers are on loan to a freind that is waiting for a new knee. but i put the verneir caliper on it and it measures about

Added targets from Big Medicine, JOHN H, and SMK, Great shooting guys. SMK did move Big Medicine out of 3rd place in the 30 Cal., Open Sights, Reloaded Ammo Match :eek:

Big Medicine did submit a most impressive target in the 40 Cal., Scope, Reload Match. Great Shooting Big Medicine!

Michael

Grrr.... :D :D Maybe I should offer to have my 4 year old help you out! He seems to be a little better with numbers than you are. I hate to be a fatalist, but shooting a .7 inch group in 108 degree weather may not be possible for me to do. I really want to do it, I guess I am just curious.

Dr. A,

The 31X40 is a silhouette score. What it means is that I knocked down 31 targets out of 40 fired at. Most fun in the shooting world, watching the rams at 200 slowly falling over!!

Feel free to ask any questions. I don't have all the answers but someone on the forum will.

Dr A...

Just went up to the Post Office as I forgot to do that today. MikeG and I were trying to kill some hogs and it slipped my mind. My dog and I aren't very sharp after the late night and early get up. Mike and I didn't do any good but he helped me get some things done. I will get the targets up in a few minutes....

Michael

Looks like I need to get back out there this weekend ;) Just what I need.....another excuse to go shooting :D

Thanks Michael, I thought they should have made it there by now. I would have kept hunting! It sure looks like I need a 20cal. of some sort for competition there. Saw a new Savage 99 NIB 243 yesterday with a funky monte carlo stock. Gun has never sold, and I believe it was made back in the late 80's or early 90's. Looked like birch, but I bet that gun can really shoot! Might have to consider it for next year! I think the BLR's barrels are too short in that caliber. Good shooting!

I received targets from LuisYamaha... Luis, I never posted your Open Sight entries... Everything is caught up and all 25 Targets are accounted for. Great shooting!

Michael

Boy, there is some fierce competition going on in the 30 open catagory. Certainly not for the faint of heart. My only open lever, a 357 is not even able to get close. Got some of Marshall's bullets on the way. Has anybody ever gotten a sub 1 inch group with a 357? Are the 30-30's just inherently more accurate, or are they just that much more prevalent?

I don't think that Cuero is on the post office's "high traffic" route, to say the least. Some parts of south Texas still get mail via goat train, I believe :D

Yeah, as long as we have wireless internet service I'm happy. Think about it Mike... we where hunting feral hogs about 1 mile, as the crow flies, from the Post Office. Can't do that in many places! My dog was still out of it this morning.

Michael

I have one coming I shot this AM. I don't think it is better than what I have in already but when I get an envelope and stamp it will be on the way. I used a different load and it will be my deer hunting round this year so I was getting it dialed in. I think I am there.

Dr. A... Kind of seems that the 30-30 rules the roost with the 30 calibers.

Chief... I'll tell the dog a target is on the way.

Michael

RD,
I may be able to sneak my grandfathers opensighted W94 in .32 win special out of the gun cabinet and get you a target or two. After he heard about my match he thought it was a neat idea, so i may be able to snag a loaner rifle :)

Sounds great JB... My AR-15 wants to shoot so I will check out your match!

Michael

actually, if i wanted to be real sneaky, i could just get it out of his cabinet while he is AZ for 2 weeks, but it wouldn;t feel right, and if something were to happen to the gun, i would have to take the rest of his guns before he got them and used them on me

I have been trying to drum up some more shooters over on the Marlin Owners board, hope a few of the folks over there get some targets shot.

Dr A,
You NEED to get your self a 25-20 ;) You still have a month!

Hey, Big Medicine, I got a NIB Savage 99 in 243. Not my choice of caliber, but watch out, factory is pretty tough, and I am making some reloads tonight. The 25-20's are so close to my hornet, I am a little hesitant to get another small case like that. Oh well, thats probably 2 months down the line now. I always like to see what I buy before I buy it...

Targetsposted for Steelbanger and Turpin... Great shooting guys. I have added standings for matches with 10 or more shooters.

Dr A is kicking butt in the 30 caliber, scopes!

Dr. A,

Nice shooting!

Taking over the top three spots in 30 cal scopes is really a great accomplishment. I'm really impressed with the cast bullet group from the 30-30 Cowboy.

Good luck with whatever you enter next.

Thanks Steelbanger, but the gun gets the thanks on this. Im thinking I need the same gun in the 38-55. Nothing like an accurate plinker! It shoots good no matter what is going through it. Wished I could say the same as far as my 357. I have gotten my groups down, but need a little more time..

Good choice with the 243, Dr. A. You will like it once you try it.

steelbanger,

So, you edged me out in 40 open reload. Nice group. Is that the best you got? My grandmother can shoot better. It's time to open a can..... Are you feelin' me? ;)

Big Redhead,

Oh, I'm feelin' ya! Please don't make me go to the range again. It took me all spring & summer to get that target so now with only a month remaining it seems impossible to get a tighter group.

I don't know whether any women have entered the competition but I bet Ranch Dog would welcome your grandmothers targets. I won't be embarassed if she beats me. I've been beaten by men, women, boys & girls in the silhouette game for many years. So, as you can see I'm used to the agony of defeat. I wonder if my grandmother can beat me?

I didn't look at the standings this morning but as I recall the difference between us was only a few thousands, wasn't it? This is just like playing horseshoes . . closest counts.

Whew, I'm feeling you two! Why don't you two go over to Marlin Owners and get some of those long-winded chair zombies to compete? Several of us have tried, but they would rather compare the size of their guns and what they would shoot at if given the chance! ;) Teasing aside, I'm thinking I better not send in my 4 year olds large bore cork targets, cause he will surely blow the socks off both of ya. Have a good weekend! :D

Dr. A,

Four year old!!!??? My grandkids are older than that.

Just so you know where your competition is coming from, some of us are older and can barely see!

I posted on Big Medicine's thread trying to get participants but seems it isn't working.

Enjoy your weekend. Mine never stops.

Steelbanger...

I like the "Ram"... good work! Grandma's targets are welcome!

Michael

All my parents and grandparents have long since gone to their reward. You must deal with me now [maniacal laugh here with flashlight shone upward toward face]. ;)

Hey RD,
Got 3 targets in the mail from the 32 win special. coulda done a fourth but was shooting with a friend and gave him 5 shells and a target and he only managed to get 2 on paper. I guess i will have to buy a set of dies for the gun if i am going to shoot it too much more. $17 is a little much for a box of shells.

It almost happened..... Had been shooting my 45LC open sight had one large hole in the white and the last shot was clear down in the black....figures :mad: I aint giving up yet.

I have far too many of those to admit to. I finally sent one 357 in that has some of the holes in the black. I was going to try to avoid that. Not sure if it is possible with that gun and my abilities. It was 104 here. How hot was it in Nebraska? Barrels get hot quck!

It was about 92 at 8:30 AM, they dont cool down very quick. I was sure I had a target that would give ya a run for your money....better luck nevt time ;)

Guess I'll have to drag a few leverguns back to the range to try improving my standings. It's only near 90º here but if I shoot in the morning it should be more pleasant. I'm going to save some 30-30 ammo in the scope category and concede to Dr. A with his excellent 1/2" group with his 336 CB. My 38-55 is the best shooting levergun I have but so far I haven't been able to get 5 shots in a respectable group with it . . embarrasing to say the least.

As for those 4 touching and a fifth shot going off on its own – been there, done that. Many times this match.

Main thing is this - - We're all having fun, aren't we?

Steelbanger, this has been the best summer for shootin I've ever had. My wife thinks I'm posessed! I'm running out of bullets (never thought i would), and its too hot to cast. Maybe I'll try out some of those premium jacketed bullets. 200 or so ought to do for another acceptable target! Actually, I'm not sure when I'll get out again. I need to work up some hunting loads, and i am going to yellowstone here in 3 days. Will be back in a week, but as you know, no good time ever goes unpunished when you are self-employed!

Steelbanger, this has been the best summer for shootin I've ever had. My wife thinks I'm posessed! I'm running out of bullets (never thought i would), and its too hot to cast. Will be back in a week, but as you know, no good time ever goes unpunished when you are self-employed!
Sounds like someone needs to give Marshall a call. :)

Tell me about it, i cut out of work on friday and had a half a million phone calls to make this morning

Sounds like someone needs to give Marshall a call. :)

I've been really running short of time too! Gave Marshall a call today to buy a bunch of stuff!

Michael

Targets posted for Dr. A and VTDW. Received a target from Chief RID but it did not beat a previous target. Great Shooting Guys!

Ranch Dog,
Many thanks to you and others for extending the match deadline 'til the end of August. I've been traveling for my job way too much lately, so this will give me the extra time needed to get to the range.

Question? Maybe this has been answered before, but is the .22 rim fire a legal cartridge?

Dr A.,
Congratulations on some fine shooting with your .30-30 Cowboy! Do you position the powder in the case in any particular way prior to firing?

Steelbanger,
I will look forward to seeing you in Bradford at the NRA Cowboy Silhouette PA state championship in September.

Sincerely,
John

John...

I did not include the 22 rimfires... Good to hear from you.

Michael

John, there was nothing in particular with the powder. I just strive for that approximate 1700fps velocity and all else takes care of itself. Consistancy in putting on my gas checks and in particular sizing the bullet before it has really hardened seems to help. I lube the bullets with the Lee case lube soon after the bullets are cast and size in the little push through thing that Lee has for those of us to cheap to buy the real sizers. My most consistant gun is that 45-70. I just know its got a half inch group in it somewhere! Maybe if it cools off a little... John, if I remember correctly, you had a Lyman scope that worked well for distance shooting with your 30-30. Is this correct or am I dreaming? Also, would the Burris scope with its ballistic plex be a good enough substitute for that scope?

W30WCF,

I sent in my entry fees for three guns at Bradford so I'll see you there. As I recall I promised you some type metal so save some trunk space for about 100 pounds.

Big Medicine & Dr. A,

I just came back from the range, quite hot & humid today. Our club has finally put out a full size ram of 3/4" steel at 200 yds so I shot most of a box of 50 45-70's at it. (Darn, I just loaded those last night and now they're empty again.) Managed to find it with a few bullets, all offhand of course. Legging it out 200 yds to repaint the hits sure is a hot hike. Did it twice. All this walking is on top of a morning walk of about 4 miles with my wife & our beagle. I should be in better shape for fall hunting since I don't have to sit at work all day.

I also fired at some of RD's Postal targets. All dismal failures. I am sending one of the 45-70 targets in, a nice round sub-1" group but sadly two inches low of center. Must be the gun moving groups around. What/who else could it be?

Ranch Dog,

I should have saved all of my targets and shipped them in a refregirator carton. I'd like to get lucky and win of the Beartooth caps so you may be seeing a huge box of laughable targets postmarked Pennsylvania. But, it's all fun.

Best regards,

Steelbanger, you can tell I'm not working very hard today. Heat index is about 114 outside right now. Nobody gets their doggies and kitties out on days like this. My guns shoot the lead better in the heat than the jacketed. Is this something you have noticed? Obviously, some of us shoot the lead for good groups, but I noticed I really struggled with my groups much more with the jacketed last weekend than with the lead. It almost seems as though the copper was sticking. (I only use liquid alox for lube on my lead). Its blistering hot here and I think my group shootin is done for the Summer unless some arctic air comes down.

Ranch Dog,
Thank you for the update and the kind words. And THANK YOU for the great work that you do making this postal match a success. (p.s. If I dissect .22 L.R. cartridges and reload them with black powder would that count? Just kidding, but I do have some loaded that way now for further testing. The few I shot last year showed some promise and were nostalgic as well. Interesting to hear the miniature "boom" from a .22!)

Dr. A,
THank you for the update. As you said, proper cast bullet preparation is the most important accuracy ingredient by far.
I'll p.m. you regarding the riflescope question since that can get into detail. (You weren't dreaming.)

Steelbanger,
I will be sending my reservation in this week. Thank you very kindly for the offer of type metal, but in the past year or so myself and 6 other cast bullet shooters split about 4,000#, so, thankfully, I am well stocked up.

Look forward to seeing you there.

John

Targets posted for Dr. A and VTDW. Received a target from Chief RID but it did not beat a previous target. Great Shooting Guys!

The next one just might. I think the Ashley ghost ring is about set and my hunting load also. I am expecting a better group this weekend but that will end it for me. The next weekend the bow season for deer opens. Sept. 1st the gun season opens and runs through December. I love S.C.

Look for a target next week Mike.

RD, make sure you are sitting on the floor when you open my envelope, i would't want you to hurt yourself when you laugh yourself out of the chair

Steelbanger, Too bad you aren;t closer to me, our range has a lane from the firing line to the targets at 100 and 200 yards. at our club, we have a shoot where you shoot offhand at a moving deer target at 100 yards and also standing deer at 100 yards and an elk at 200 yards, quite a bit bigger than a steel ram, but bigger dosen;t make it easier

Steelbanger,
It is quite the game of frustration! I have 2 groups that I sent in. One with the 30-03 and one with the 38/55. they were nice tight groups.....but too far from center. I'm always hoping for that one hole group dead center in the white, my luck will be that I will drop over dead from excitment and not get to send it in :( The weather has cooled off today, if the boss at home doesnt have plans already, I'm off to sling some lead tonight ;) Still trying to top ID Shooter and DR A in the 30 cal and 40 cal class.

Big Medicine,

Do you realize you need a group in the .4's to top Dr. A in 30 cal? Many bolt shooters would love to have a true MOA rifle and we're doing significantly better with lever guns!
(Notice when I say "we're" that I sort of sneak myself into the group?) How many shooters can get a group of less than 1/2" @ 100 yds? Very, very few. You'll need a really good day with the gods smiling on you to beat the other Dr. They certainly didn't smile on me yesterday.

I gave up on 30 scope, since I've removed the scope from my 336A and mounted a receiver sight for some upcoming silhouette matches. I intend to get more targets fired in 40 cal before our extended deadline.

Good luck shooting.

Big Medicine, you'd better hope I don't take that 336SS out and get another group out of it. :D :D I only shot that one group with it and I knnnooowww it has a .5 incher in it. The 45-70 as well. :D Course I would need a good day and preferrably not 100 degree weather to shoot in. :rolleyes: I really wanted a group out of that 243. Guess I will have to wait and see what weather is like when I come back. In the meantime, I am going to go shoot some prairie dogs. I have 2000 rounds loaded for a 22 Hornet, 223 and a 22-250. Kids will look at old faithful, and I am going to go watch red mist! I'll catch up later and see the good stuff. If I could only find some Vihtavorhe or what ever that stuff is, I think groups would shrink a little more. I'm leaving for a week, and you guys better behave!

Steelbanger,
I wish I had something to compete in the 30 cal scoped class with. I have been working with my 336D 35 Rem but so far, it has yet to print a halfway good group. I have a bunch of rounds loaded to try, and I hope to get out this weekend. I'm in hopes that since Dr A took vacation I can get a group in on him in the 40 cal scope class ;)

I have a bunch of 38/55 cases ready to load and my 336CB is a good shooter. I hope to get a good group in the open sight class. I'm also working up loads for my Dad's 336 30-30 and would like to get a good load for it. I want to shoot a deer with it this year. My dad and I were going to go deer hunting the year I got out of the military. He had a stroke less than a month after I got home. We never got to go, he died 7 years ago. It was always tough going deer hunting leaving Dad at home those years before he died, and I figure it is time his 30-30 took a deer. It has cooled down a little and might be ok in the morning or evenings to shoot. Getting a good load or group is another story :mad:

Big Medicine said "Still trying to top ID Shooter and DR A in the 30 cal and 40 cal class."

I tell you what, looking at Dr. A's groups, I'm glad he's shooting in the scoped class!! ;)

My groups will have to stand as they are - I don't think I'll have a chance to shoot any more.

I think it's great, seeing all the superb shooting that has been done! I've really enjoyed watching the competition get tighter and tighter.

At one point, I wanted to get a Marlin 1894 in 44 mag. I was hoping to see some good groups shot with that gun to bolster my confidence in that slow-twist barrel, but it looks like you need to turn to the 444 for the really good groups. Anybody out there getting really good groups with a Marlin 44 mag? I'd sure like to see them submitted.

Good shooting, folks. Have fun!!

PS / Edit - Steelbanger, I see your 44 Marlin groups pretty tightly. Is it pretty finicky, or was it easy to get to shoot well? I've been following Chief Rid's trials and tribulations with his, and he seems to have more patience than I!

ID shooter
I have a good friend that has a 1894 in 44 Mag and it shoots pretty darn good. think he shoots the IMI 240 gr JHP with AA#9. I would have one but I have a Limited in 45LC with the 16.5 inch barrel. It is not a bad shooter..dang near had one large hole in the white...blew it on the 5th. I'm still trying. :rolleyes: Great reason to get out and shoot.

IDShooter,

When I knew I "had" to get an 1894 in 44 mag, I realized the slow twist would probably like a lighter bullet so I got the Lyman 429215, a 215 gr Keith type with GC. In my alloy it weighs 210 grs and is the only bullet I've tried in it. This rifle just shines with that bullet and IMR 4227. I don't know whether it'll handle the heavyweights but I know my RCBS 250K is too long to work through the action when crimped in it's normal crimp groove.

The groups I've submitted with it this year aren't up to standard but I'm not getting clearer vision as the years slip by. I dread the day when I have to mount scopes on my leverguns since they just look right with a receiver sight.

Unlike you, I will have the chance to shoot more groups before the deadline and may do so this afternoon. Here in PA it was 49º this morning and we finally didn't sweat on our morning walk. Today should be a much better day to shoot than earlier this week with 90º temps and high humidity.

Shot another target today with the 1894 and I think it will best my present one. Anyway it will be on the way to the Ranch Dog on Monday. We had some low 80s weather year this weekend and I think that helped. I hope these 265 gr FPs work on the deer this year. I think I have the thing shooting just about right.

Take the Ranch Dog to the P.O. about Wed. Michael.

Targets posted for Dr. A and VTDW. Received a target from Chief RID but it did not beat a previous target. Great Shooting Guys!


Still waiting to see that 444 target I sent in with my last 30-30 target.

Dave :)

VTDW - What happened to Marlinusers.com Talk forum? All I get is a bunch of heiroglyphics when I try to get it. How about you?

VTDW - What happened to Marlinusers.com Talk forum? All I get is a bunch of heiroglyphics when I try to get it. How about you?

Mainer,

I don't know. I just left the fourms about two minutes ago and all was well.

http://www.marlinowners.com/board/index.php?sid=c504093867aee0b13072f19f0bd38d87

Dave :)

I got out this weekend and got some loads shot for the 30-30 and 336D 35 Rem. I think I finally got a load for the 35 Rem. If I can repete the results I will try to get it shot for the match in the scoped class. I plan on getting the 30-30 fired up for the match in the open sights class.

Posted targets for jb12string and Taylor.

VTDW... I missed posting your new target but it is now up.

Michael

Posted targets for jb12string and Taylor.

VTDW... I missed posting your new target but it is now up.

Michael

Thanks RD!!

Ranchdog
Well I finally got a day off of work so I could go shoot the 45 LC. Target's on the way!

Sounds good Gunnut... I hope to have a day at the range today myself...

I got out last night and got a couple targets shot with the 357 mag and 45LC. Not winners but hopefully better than my last ones. I also started working up some loads for my 204 Ruger. I got the stainless with the 20 in barrel. It looks like it will be a real shooter. Several groups .5 to .75, it looking like it will be a fun gun to knock off varmits with.

I went out today and finished up with the Chrony on the load I've been working up for the 444T. Wanted to shoot some match targets but a dang T-Storm came over head and I gave up for the day.

The load and the "T" should give some of you a run for the money in 40 Cal., Scopes...

Michael

Received targets from Chief RID, IBSLO, GunNut 45/454, and SteelBanger...

SteelBanger now holds the first two places in 40 Cal., Open Sights, Reloads.

Ranch Dog
I just got my 325gr mold this week working up some loads for both the 45 LC and 454 ! Sould be interesting to see how these shoot- big thumper for deer this year!

Posted 20 Caliber targets from gmushial and Dr. A... Great shooting guys!

Hey Ranch Dog, I know you put up my best target, but the lesser of the two was actually without a scope. Does that get posted as well? I know it is not a winner...Thanks David

Thanks for the note Dr. A. I was in a bit of a rush last night and when I return home I will correct the entries. Thanks again.

Michael

Dr. A... I got your targets sorted out. Thanks again for letting me know.

Michael

Michael, my last target had to be better than the one posted. I thought it would move me up but maybe not.

Chief... My dog and I just got back from a ride through Lost Creek Joe's place and I've sent you a PM about the targets. Saw two real nice hogs but both Joe and I where too tired to shoot thinking about what comes after the shot... both looked at each other with a tired look. Kind of made the dog mad... she was riding between us.

Michael

Hey Ranch Dog,

Know what I was doing today? Casting bullets in the heat. Know why? Because I ran out of 45's this summer trying to get 5 in one hole in the center of one of your targets. Next month I'll be shooting a state match and had no 45's left for the 1894 Cowboy 45 Colt. I managed to cast about 400 Lee 250 gr RNFP's, and 100 each of the Lee 38-55 bullet and the Lee 500 gr. semi-spitzer for a 45-70 Ruger No. 1. I hope I don't have to do this again until January.

I see that you cast during the Texas summer but I always assume it's in an air conditioned basement. I have no such luxury and my lead pot is a cast iron skillet on top of a homemade propane burner arrangement which was robbed from an old water heater. That burner puts out the BTU's!! Then, with boots, gloves, goggles, long sleeved shirt and jeans it gets hot in a hurry and stays that way until it is done.

Am I ever glad that the Postal Match II is coming to a close. Next year I will be better prepared.

Best regards,

"I see that you cast during the Texas summer but I always assume it's in an air conditioned basement."

Steelbanger... what the heck is a basement? We don't have those down here!!! No airconditioning... just gear up and get after it while I try not to pass out. If I'm just making bullets the heat off the Lee pot isn't bad at all.

Just back from the range and I need to cast bullets. Still no targets I'm truely happy with. I'll be pretty glad when it's over also. Too many new guns added this year and I'm jumping around on all of them and not doing a good job on any single one. I shot 100 rounds this afternoon, twenty-five each out of the 30-30 IMP, 35 Rem, 375 Win, and 444 Marlin... you know what... my jawbone hurts! Now I've got to go clean them up. Tomorrow, I think I'm just going to work on the 30-30 IMP as I would like to hunt with it this weekend.

I just got done casting quite a bit as well. I get great big fan blowing on me to keep me cool and the odors down as well. Casting temp was only 90 last night. Down from the other day of 98. I gave up this weekend. Too many other irons preparing for hunting season. It was great fun. Thanks a lot Ranch Dog.

I do use a large fan also, mainly because I want the fumes of all that stuff away from me.

I'm think more of the hunting season than the match also... or at least that is what my work on the new additions is for. I think I have a hunter with the Marlin 375... The BTB 250-grain LFNGC and a full case of BL-C(2). 38.5-grains is all it will hold with that long bullet, but the accuracy seems to be outstanding at 100-yards. More testing is still needed.

The 444T is working pretty good with my Lee bullet and H4198. Leading does start effecting accuracy after about 25 shots. This is a red hot chile pepper load, so I expect that but it may not be worth the effort. Backing off with this powder effects accuracy. Next try is H322 but I plan to work through all my favorite Hodgdon powders including H335, H4895, and BL-C(2).

The 30-30 Imp is just getting started... pretty much just fire forming cases. I want about 200 to get started. All three of these are in line for fire lapping.

The 35 Rem is just fine for now with jacketed bullets. I'm really happy with the Speer 180-grain FPs and H4895. After hunting season it can join the cast bullet crowd. The 444P... well it's happy with any lead bullet I stick in it. Basically it's fill the case with 322 and shoot it. Fire lapping sure tamed this beast.

You guys start thinking about next years match, what you liked, what you didn't and what you might want to try different. Open sight guys... if you didn't like the target, tell me what type of target you would like. As long as it can be printed on a 8.5" X 11" I will get it drawn up.

I would like to figure out how to handicap the open sights to the scoped shooters so we could only have 3 matches. Just too many. Same with factory ammo shooters. I think I will just put everyone together as there was just not enough participation from that group of shooters. Won't bother with the Youth group again, only 1 shooter. Think about the Match and in the next week or so I will open a suggestion thread. Let's finish this one for now.

Michael

Just to clarify my casting operation yesterday, it was done outdoors in the shade but without any breeze to cool things off. One of the benefits of my propane casting operation is the fact that I can do it anywhere, but my preferred usage is in the winter, on our enclosed porch with a draw fan directly above the pot and a door cracked open at the other end of the porch to provide fresh, cool air. I prefer to cast when it's 20º or lower.

I have one thought about the open sight target and will wait until suggestions begin for next year.

It sure is fun shooting with/against you shooters from all over the map!

It does me good Steelbanger to see these great groups from our rifles... makes me want to work real hard to achieve what others are doing!

Michael

I have to second what Steelbanger said, it is a lot of fun, wish we could get more folks interested. We have tried.....I still have a few targets to send in for the 357 mag and 45LC. Not winners but better than my other targets.

I have to second what Steelbanger said, it is a lot of fun, wish we could get more folks interested. We have tried.....I still have a few targets to send in for the 357 mag and 45LC. Not winners but better than my other targets.
Well, I have joined up with this outfit, partly so I could shoot in this match. I've only known about you for a week or 2 but you seem like straight shooters.

I have a date with a rifle range tomorrow, and I'll send 'em in. Don't expect any trophies, as I will be shooting factory ammo in a rifle I've only fired about 100x, but it's fun anyway.

Thanks for the invite.

welcome aboard tumbleweeds. The fun is in the shooting, if you get a good target all that much better. ;) Who knows, maby you will out do ID shooter, steelbanger, or Dr A. Sling some lead, have fun and enjoy the match!

Likewise Tumbleweed... welcome and it don't matter if it ain't a heartstopper. Just as long as you get out and shoot before hunt'n season! Everyone stands the same chances of win'n something!

Michael

Ranch Dog
Sorry I missed the Brass- they were PMC's on the 45LC target. Trying to get time to shoot those 325 gr cast- the 45 LC just loves them. The 454 needs some load work- not alot of data on these.

Gunnut...

I will update the info.

Michael

Ranch Dog
Got another 454 target coming to you- 325gr load, I think I found the load for it 28.4 gr W296 seems to shoot very well -I just wish I could get rid of that one flyer dang it!!!! But its comin anyway.

Ranch Dog
I just compared my first target(454) with the one that on it's way- should definately help my score just wish it hadn't been so windy! Oh well guess I need to be able to dope the wind better!

Got 4 more targets in the mail today.

Got 4 more targets in the mail today.
Well, I went to the range and had a good time for a couple of hours. 50 rounds through the .38-40 and who knows how many through the .22LR while the big gun cooled.

My rifle went "bang" 50 consecutive times and put them all on the paper at least. If I can do as well when I'm 105 years old, I'll be a proud old dude.

I have until October 15 to sort it out, believe the deer need to be careful.

Thought I'll give an update to my match buddies as I get pushed further back. LOL Good shooting! Its been quite for the last few days at Balad but my son did have a near miss rocket strike the other day. He's not injuried. Here's a pic of my oldest son and me in Baghdad a few weeks ago.
http://www.gunpix.com/gallery/Rifles/father%20and%20son%20M2.JPG
Found some 30-06 ammo yesterday, now all I have to do is find a old Winchester 1895 in such and get back to mail RD some targets

CD... Great picture and it looks like a nice outfit for some hog hunt'n. Nice little rifle you're cradl'n. I think it would work... You must have missed the fine print in the rules... anybody in the sand box can enter anything less that 20mm!

I actually went out and mowed my range today and did not shoot. I did not even take my 1894. I planted a food plot though. Opening day for bow is Sept. 15th. Got to be ready for season. I have been a little concerned the last few weeks because the usual tracks were not in the salt lic. They were back today. Life is good.

Hey Combat diver,
You should print a couple groups with that Bradly just for the heck of it and send them in ;) Take care, my thoughts are for you and your sons safe return soon. The army needs to know that this deployment cuts into your RD postal match time.

Hi Fellas,
Well, RD's Postal match is over for me, shot my last targets Saturday evening. Its been a lot of fun shooting with you guys, I did not realize that lever guns were capable of such extraordinary accuracy. Some of the groups you guys shot were amazing.
For myself, I'm probably prepared better to hunt this year with a lever gun than I've ever been. Usually spend more time with the bolt guns before hunting season, but because of the Postal Match I'm gonna try for a elk this fall with the Marlin.
Thanks Ranch Dog, Marshall, good luck to all!!! :D

We will be wanting to see pictures of that elk!

As the last day of the postal match is here, I just want to thank all that competed and particularly Ranch Dog for his efforts. I know I speak for us all in thanking him for going above and beyond a normal call of duty. People like him make everything much more worthwhile. The spirit in which it was done was second to none.

Thanks again.

David

You guys have no idea how much work and expense Steelbanger has caused me. I considered his THEFT of first place in 40-open-reload a personal challenge. I spent a great deal of time annealing, cleaning, developing, casting, loading, cussing, shooting, printing and hanging targets, and teaching others to shoot, not to mention buying primers, powder, bullets, cases, boxes, and reloading do-dads. I LOVED IT ALL! Thank you all for the incentive.

I also thank Dr. A and Greg Mushial for teaching me how to make 45-70 loads that are FUN to shoot.

Steelbanger, there's a new batch of targets in the mail. ;)

Live well.

Thanks to RD and the Mods here. My son (youngest) and I had a blast shooting. Thanks to all the shooters.

CD

Thanks for your kind words fellows and I'm glad you enjoyed the match. I will be better prepared to participate more myself next year. I actually did a lot of shooting but 90% of it was for load development and it just didn't come close to what you fellows were accomplishing.

Each and every one of you have those levers ready for the hunting season now... let's bag some bucks and bulls!

I'm out traveling for business and pleasure through the holiday weekend. On Tuesday, I will have the dog pull the last targets from the box and settle the scores. In the interest of fairness, any real close targets will be rescored by myself and another. Then the awards can be posted and the drawings held! Good luck and God bless until then!

Michael

Big Redhead,

Sure, I come back from sighting in two silhouette pistols and find your message telling me you have more targets in the mail. I knew you were going to try because you told me and it's too late for me to run out "one more time", so let the tightest group win. If you beat me, I hope it's with a 45 cal just to put those 44 & 444 guys in their place. Next year, if I can still see the 50 yd targets, I will be back and with a plan. I've enjoyed the correspondence with all the competitors but I wish you had decided to kick Dr. A's butt in 30 cal instead of mine. Then again, you'd still be at the range trying since he looks unbeatable.

Ranch Dog,

I'm sure you realize how much we appreciate your efforts but here's another big thank you. You brought together the group and I feel like all are my friends, even though I wouldn't recognize any of them. Marshall deserves recognition too for hosting the site and providing the forum.

I can't wait to see the final tables. Good luck to all.

How about a match for Red, White & Blue rifles next year?

RD/Michael,

Here is my .02. Last years Postal Match really encouraged me to shoot and learn to know my rifles. I learned how to take them apart, rework the triggers myself, smooth the actions, float the barrels and put them back together. That made them MY rifles. I learned how to shoot from a bench, about breathing, grip, trigger pull, scopes, different kinds of bullets and loads and trajectories.

Last year I did some minor venting telling the folks on MT how hard and exasperating it was to get a good 5 shot group. I remember you posting that it made you laugh to see me write how 'hard' it was to do. Not at me but with me!! :D

I did not get to shoot as much this year as last but it is because of the first Postal Match that I was able to shoot those hogs in March with such confidence and will go into this hunting season with just as much confidence. I will be forever an admirer or yours sir and proud to call you friend.

Dave :)

p.s. I still wear my Marlin cap.

I would also like to thank all the shooters that participated in the postal match and, especially, Ranch Dog for hosting it.

As usual, I'm bringing up the rear. Finally had a chance to shoot some targets within the past week or so and sent them in yesterday and today. Whew! That was a close one!

Steelbanger, thank you for doing us .45 Colt lovers proud!
I was thinking of shooting my .45 Marlin Cowboy this year but my bullet supply was pretty low. I'll have to plug in the pot this winter and get ready for next year.

Dr A,
Congratulations again on some fine shooting with those .30-30's.

John

FINALLY got a target shot.... at about 3:00pm today, nothing like waiting till the last minute!

Learned a few things:

1. Sights are very important! Ashley front made all the difference.

2. Tough to shoot without a rear bag. Gotten used to one with my bolt rifles.

3. Trigger on my 336 ... stinks, to put it mildly. Need to get that fixed!

4. 30?40?50? year old 'mystery' Remington ammo ($2.35 a box!) goes "click-BOOM," and sometimes skips the 'boom' part :) That's not what I shot my target with, though!

5. Hard to see a brass front sight in bright daylight. Point of impact drops a LOT when a cloud comes over.

6. You'd be surprised how much easier a .35 Rem is to shoot even with a very thin recoil pad, as compared to a hard plastic buttplate :)

7. Bring more ammo. Forgot how much you can use when sighting in with open sights; ran dry with the .250 Savage before I could get a target shot :(

At least the Williams peep is sighted in now :) Not a great group, but all in the white. Now if I can just find a black pig with a white spot right in the middle of it's head :D

Well gang,
With the sunset this ends Ranch Dog Postal Match II. It has been a fun time, now I can bail my lawn.........and think about how I can tighten up those groups for next year. Dr A, Steelbanger,ID Shooter, you guys better watch out ;) I'm gonna be working up loads like a mad man this winter, trying to get the load! But seriously it has been a fun time with a great bunch of folks!! And to Ranch Dog, you are the man! I thank you for all your time and effort. I hope if you tackle this next year we can all meet again, same Ranch time, same Ranch channel. My respects to all!!

I would also like to thank Ranch Dog, along with all the fine shooters who have made this a really fun event!

Steelbanger,

I had THE group going - 4 shots well within 1/2 inch of center. Then I threw the 5th in the black. BLAST! I did manage to get a target that I think is under .7. We'll see how it measures. Regardless, thanks for the challenge and the lessons. I've never in my life shot groups that small with open sights. Come to think of it, I've never killed big game with open sights, always scopes. That will change this year, while I can still see the sights.

I have a plan(s) for PM-III.......;)

Live well

Big Redhead,

I regained much respect for open sights in the last few years. I believe we're all spoiled with scopes and forgot just how precise these receiver sights can be.

Last year I killed two deer with open sights, 1 with a 54 flintlock and the other with my 38-55. Since you are capable of sub-.7 groups now, I'm confident you can get a deer with your open sights. Good luck.

MikeG,

Glad to hear that I am not alone in waiting until the 11th hour.

1.) I'll second that. I like a front sight that projects close to the same width as the target with a peep/tang rear sight.

2.) YES! It sure is more challenging to shoot accurately with no rear sandbag. Timing and trigger control are key.

3.) Speaking of trigger control, a heavy trigger sure doesn't help the situation!

4.)Do the boxes indicate Kleanbore priming? If not, they may contain mercuric primers which don't age well. If they are mercuric, discard the empties. They won't be safe to reload.

7.)For sure! How many times have each of us fired a decent group only that it is not near the center of the target!

John

It's Kleen-Bore; thanks for the reminder, though!

Ranchdog
Thanks for putting up with us cussing old farts!! I guess my last target didn't get there in time? Shame it was alot better then the first one!

Steelbanger
Congrats on a great target- next year my friend!!!!

Thanks also to Marshal for letting us use his great forum to host this shoot!!!

Now we can turn our talents to filling the freezer!!

Gunnut...

Your target arrived in time... just needed to be postmarked by the deadline. I just haven't been at home to finish things up. I will be posting results on Tuesday along with drawing for the prizes. Stay tuned for details.

Michael

MikeG,

Your comment about finding a black hog with a white spot on his head was a hoot! I think I just woke up my family with my laughter. Oops!

Ranch Dog,

Thanks for everything you do. The PM match is an excellent idea. I hope we can meet one day.

Live well

Got home this Monday evening and the P.O. Box had a total of 38 targets from AB Rifleman, Big Medicine, gmushial, Gunnut 45/454, John Kort, MikeG, and Tumbleweeds.

There are some really nice targets amoung these and they ought to shake up some of the standings. I will get everything measured tomorrow... measure the close ones a couple of times and post the final standings. I will include a little information, comparing this match to last years also.

I want to thank everyone for taking the time to prepare yourselves for the up and coming hunting season. You have done a really great job of shooting these fine rifles! I've enjoyed the notes that you have included with some of the targets and hope to met you fine fellows in the future!

Standby for the results!

87 Shooters and 262 Targets...

The results are posted as the last item of each match. I'm out the door to my gun club's annual meeting but will hold the various drawings later tonight!

Okay fellows the drawings are complete and the prizes have been awarded. My wife, Linda, drew from a bin holding all the targets with the Ranch Dog officiating... The names are listed alphabetically under each prize.

Beartooth Bullets hats courtesy of Marshall Stanton and Beartooth Bullets
Dr. A
Jayhawker
SKPP108

BTB Technical Guides courtesy of Marshall Stanton and Beartooth Bullets
Big Medicine
John Kort
LuisYamaha

$50 Beartooth Bullets Gift Certificates courtesy of Ranch Dog's Hondo Creek Ranch and Forum member/Moderator DOK
Chief RID
Combat Diver
gmushial
ZarkZones

1 lb. bags of Yaucono Coffee from Puerto Rico courtesy of Forum member LuisYamaha
AB Rifleman
Don Mejia
gmark340
Gunnut45/454
IBSLO
LoveMyMarlins
SMK
SteelBanger
Tumbleweed
VTDW

Custom-built expander buttons for Lyman "M" dies courtesy of Forum member/Moderator MikeG
1894CL
Big Redhead
IDShooter
JohnH
Lynn
Taylor

All the targets went back into the bin and the first target shot with cast bullets was the winner of 10 lbs. of Linotype Lead (10 1 lb. ingots) courtesy of the Ranch Dog's Hondo Creek Ranch. It was the first target drawn... lot's of cast bullet shooters in this gang!
SKPP108

That's it guys... I have your mailing address and will get the material shipped out pronto!

For these people:

Custom-built expander buttons for Lyman "M" dies courtesy of Forum member/Moderator MikeG
1894CL
Big Redhead
IDShooter
JohnH
Lynn
Taylor

Please use the 'email' feature of the forum to contact me directly (not PM, as my PM box is nearly full and I haven't had time to clean this out).

I think this link will work:

http://www.shootersforum.com/sendmessage.htm?do=mailmember&u=437

I'll need to discuss with you the specifics of a custom expander button, as I make these from scratch.

Anyway, if you don't use the Lyman "M" dies (for shame, LOL!) the perhaps I can whittle one out for something else.... anyway, see my tech notes on the 'M' die if you have any questions.....

First 'M' die tech note:

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/39

Second 'M' die tech note:

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/46

Curiously as I look through these results, I wonder at the general representation of gun brands present. Is this representative of the population at large, or is the Marlin over represented because of this forum? I have 2 winchesters that are not worth working with. They are from the few bad years that 94's were made at Winchester. Both my Savage and BLR are accurate, but not any more than my Marlins. I much prefer the Marlins. I would have liked to see one of the very experienced shooters, ie. Greg Mushial or John Kort shoot one of the modern Winchesters just to see how they do. I am pretty sure the Winchester John won with is an older gun. Perhaps John and Steelbanger can shed some light as to how the various makes do at other competitions...

Also, I forgot to thank Marshall earlier. This has been the focus for my Summer (kids summer sports excluded). Don't know what I'm supposd to do now... Kind of feel like Christmas is over!!! :confused: :p :p Guess I'll just have to get ready for hunting season!

I would like to thank all that donated prizes, I was lucky enough to win one of the BTB Tech manuals. A big thank you to Marshall for that! I will give it some thought and come up with some thing for next year to donate.

Again it has been a great match, and with out Marshall and Ranch Dog we would all be just starting to think about geting ready for deer season. Thank you one and all for the good time!

Well congratulations to all the contestants. There are some mighty fine shooters here. Ranch Dog is like the good coach that inspires to greatness. Many thanks to Ranch Dog and all who contributed to PM-II. I actually helped a bit too - I worked on the PM-II target file so it would download correctly (toot toot). I hope we are blessed with a PM-III and I hope you all participate.

Live well

Big Redhead,
I plan on shooting a 336 SC in the next match. :D

That's right... Without Big Readhead there might not been any targets to shoot at!!! I hope I have a little different summer next year. I'm way behind in my shooting projects and that isn't any good.

Big Redhead,
I plan on shooting a 336 SC in the next match. :D

Big Medicine -

Which caliber? ...I think there's a 219 zipper 336sc in our RDPM3 future (and/or a 25-35)... time to start developing fine shooting loads.

To all: great shooting!

do shoot straight,
greg

greg,

Somehow I think his SC is a 30-30. Just a guess. :)

By the way, Greg, thank you for sharing your experiences in the Levergun Performance Studies. I tried several reduced recipes on my own without the benefit of other's experiences, but to no avail. Then I found reference to your work on one of the boards. What a joy to shoot 405 grainers at about 1003 fips with 11 gr. of unique. That is the load I used for my best target in PM-II, and I plan to whack a deer or two with it in the woods this fall. They also shoot awesome from my B78. Thanks again.

Live well

I'll second that, Greg. You changed my shooting habits!

Big Redhead, which bullet are you shooting? What other loads did you have to try to get your perfect load?

Congratulations to the winners on your excellent shooting. John Kort, Dr. A and yes, even you Big Redhead, deserve a big round of applause on your marksmanship. John, I saw your open sight target was posted in the wrong place but I knew which it is. Outstanding! Wonder what would have happened if you had time to shoot several groups over the entire match?

I re-registered with a similar name because I totally messed up the log-in process and I can only hope it gets straightened out. Please understand I'm not using an alias to hide my shame.

When I read through your threads I see that you all learned something from this match. Me, all I learned was how to convert 150 pounds of lead into one pound of coffee!

To LuisYamaha,
Thank you for contributing the coffee. My wife & I are looking forward to trying some when we receive it. That was very thoughtful of you.

Steelbangrrr, formerly Steelbanger, NRA Life

Greg,
The SC is a 30-30, cant wait to shoot it!

Dr.A,

My first good target, the one Steelbanger beat, was with the Rem 300 JHP over 45 gr. H4198. Tried 40 gr. first, but settled on 45. Then I bought 1500 of the Hornady 350 RN blem bullets from midsouth. Tried 40 and 45 gr. H4198 with those but started to not enjoy the shooting very much. Then I ran across Greg's LGPS writing. Started with 12 gr. Unique (what I had) over 405 gr. Meister cast (what I had) ignited by Federal GM210M primers (what I had). Better groups were attained with 11 gr. so I stuck with that. What a joy! I can shoot those loads all day, and they should be enough to kill deer cleanly out to 100 yds or so. This load shoots well in all my 45-70s, but it does shoot very high. On the 1895G I used in PM-II I had to push the elevation slide of the Williams WGRS past the low end of the ramp such that the set screw actually tightens on the receiver of the gun instead of the ramp. I also drilled out the aperture to a larger size because...well, because I like it that way. I sometimes shoot with the aperture removed altogether.

There, that's enough. I don't want to tell you all my secrets. ;) Actually, I will answer any question about the gun and load anyone wants to ask. I enjoy sharing experiences.

Steelbangrrr,

I thought it took nuclear fusion to turn lead into coffee. ;) My mistake. You, sir, are a most worthy opponent. Good game.

Live well

I see your on line, Big Redhead. I appreciate the response. I intend on trying out a few of the other pistol powders that Greg suggested. Particularly the Vihta... whatever that powder is from Europe. Guess I'll have to have it shipped in, as no one around here has even heard of it. I am shooting out of a tree with my load. I'll have to see about the killing power past 100 yards. Steelbanger, glad to see you got some coffee. I feel like I must have gone through that much lead myself., infact it was probably more in wheel weights...Live and learn. Thanks to all, and we'll see you down the road!

In the 40-open-reload chart of standings the total number of targets shot is listed as 43. HEE-HEE! That's a good one! I printed probably 500 targets and shot at most of them. Many have just one hole, fewer 2, fewer yet 3, even fewer 4, and dang few 5 holes. My printer ran out of ink, which cost me $40 to replace (I'm open to suggestions about that). My shell casings got so hard from numerous reloadings that I had to anneal them. My earthen backstop is about level. I'm thankful for earmuffs!

Much fun was had by this big redhead.

Live well

Big redhead,
Use the copier at work ;)

Whereas there's a post elsewhere about the deleterious effects of coffee (or caffeine) on the ability to shoot well, whereas how I came in last in both categories entered, whereas I drink some strong coffee every morning, whereas I contributed some Puerto Rican coffee as prizes, whereas Puerto Rican coffee is so good, I hereby expound, that by next years match, all those who beat me will be so addicted to Puerto Rican coffee that I will do better (or they will do worse), but we'll enjoy our coffee!

Maybe I should start shipping out coffee BEFORE the match. LOL.

Its been my pleasure to participate, and you guys make me humble. Great shooting by all!

To Ranch Dog, thanks for running it and Marshall thanks for everything.

Off to the range to give some of my other, neglected rifles, a workout.

Luis

Went to look at the scores of those reloading for the .40 calibers. Very few people shooting the .44 Rem. Magnum. (3).

Is this caliber/rifle combination (1894SS) particularly innaccurate or just not particularly useful for those of you that actually use their rifles for hunting? I bought mine on a whim, and the use of a pistol (revolver) cartridge was one of its main attractions. I also bought, at the same time, a Ruger SS Super Blackhawk with 7.5" barrel. Apparently can't shoot either one too well, although I do better with the rifle. Its fun and an attention getter at the range.

Been looking at a Browning model 1885 (high or low wall, don't remember which) in 45-70. I may be able to get it for $300.00 or so. This is a fairly new rifle (10 years?) not an original antique, and looks in real good shape. The owner said he couldn't find ammo for it. Nobody down here stocks that ammo, but I'm sure I can get some ordered. So, would that be a good buy?

I have as much use for it as for a .44 magnum.

If you an get a Browning for about 300.00 dont even think twice about it. TAKE IT HOME with you!! That is a dang good price.

I'd jump on that if I could find one in Texas for that price!

Wow, I'm sure gonna participate in the next postal match you guys have. I can tell you that the Puerto Rican coffee is the best you can buy anywhere and at any price. It is kind of hard to come by here in Wyoming, or mayber I'm not looking in the right places, but anyway you guys have convinced me to take part in all future postal matches for sure. I gotta go cast up some 44's and go practice with my trapper for next year.

George

Luis...

Thanks again for your contribution of the coffee and for including a # for both Marshall and myself. I must admit that I was glad to get it out of my reloading room, as I can't tell you how often I wanted to bust in to it!

Also, I wouldn't read too much into the match statistics, as there just isn't enough shooters. Last year the 444s where thick, only a few this year.

I've been using a Winchester M94 Trapper in 44 Rem Mag and find it very accurate for the hunting rifle if was designed to be. Light and easy to carry but one day I will own a Marlin in this caliber.

I would also like to congratulate you on your shooting. With those targets you submitted I saw smaller and smaller groups in each new target. These shooters where tough this year and the only way to prep for RD’s PM III is to keep shooting!

I’ve got some ideas for next but want to also hear from the participants and members of this forum. I will start asking for suggestions in a few weeks but I need to bring my shooting up to date before I do more match stuff. I actually reloaded some 45 ACP bullets the other night and it was really nice to have my bench back and not covered in targets that somebody else shot!

Ranch Dog,

My coffee arrived yesterday and I'm sitting here sipping on my first cup of Yaucono. It's really good. Those ponies must have been racing to get it to me in such short time! Again, thanks to Luisyamaha too.

Ivan looks really wicked so I hope your brother made it back ahead of the nastiness. He's been in my thoughts & prayers.

Luisyamaha,

Thank you for the coffee. I am having second cup right now. It is delicious to say the least. Any way I can 'cut' it to make it last longer? :D :D

Michael,

Thanks for the postage!!! I am still saving my 444 brass for ya.

Dave ;)

Luisyamaha, Ranch Dog
Recieved my coffee Sat! Thanks! Looking forward to next years contest.

30 Cal certificate came in the mail today. Thanks, RANCH Dog. Wish I had your abilities with the computer. Still looking forward to your evaluation of this years as compared to last years competition. Guess I don't remember that much from last years.

Michael. I received my certificate today and I will have to make a copy because this is something I have to frame. I will send the original to Marshall when he and I decide what I will be puting the prize toward. This was truly unexpected and appreciated. Thanks to all for making this the most fun on the web.

With a background in printing composition and having spent the last 20 years typesetting and doing computer graphics I have composed a few certificates myself. Most of these were bogus and with the sole purpose of entertaining my friends & myself. One of the first was to a friend who was invited to hunt with us. The guy couldn't sit still for more that 5 minutes. He was awarded the "Ants in the Pants" award, the only one incidentally that wasn't awarded posthumously. One of a kind signs to decorate my friends hunting shack were all made by me. One example, made up for two of our hunters was the "GONE & FORGOTTEN, Roy Weatherby and Arthur Savage" sign. This wasn't a very big hit with the Weatherby owner.

Now, here's my point. A few years ago, I actually set an NRA national record in a silhouette match. The NRA sends a nice certificate printed on heavy parchment stock that is suitable for framing. Guess what. My friends all thought that I was responsible for the printing and probably still don't believe it's authentic! The record incidentally has been beaten so I am no longer in the book.

In conclusion, although it would have been great to win one of Ranch Dogs first place certificates, the only person that would actually believe me would be my wonderful wife.

Hey Steelbanger... Maybe you could be the certificate committee for RD's PM III!

I just received my certificate, and I want to thank you once again, RD, for the effort you put into this match!!

MikeG, I need to measure a couple of cases to get a diameter for the pilot section of the expander, and I'll get that info to you as soon as I can. A great big thanks to you, too!

Ranch Dog,

Not that we don't appreciate your design work, but if you're overworked, and if I still have the software installed in my machine, I would be happy to design next years awards.

Incidentally, who fired the tightest group this year?

I'm also thinking of changing my user name to Dr. AA. Kind of catchy, eh?

Now that would be kind of hard to live up to for you, don't ya think Steelbanger? :D

Dr. A,

Yep, you got me there. How about Dr. Z, which would naturally seem to fall at the end?

RD and DOK, I would want to thank both of you for the gift certificate. I'll be ordering some heavy .41 when I get home. Talked to the wife today and she said that it came in. Me and my son had a great time participating in the match. Thanks again. Tomorrow I have to instruct some Iraq/Kurd guards that work for us on the fundamentals of shooting the AK-47.

Just got my electricity back last night (Fri.)since Weds. afternoon. Had a small storm (Jeanne)go by the island. Also without water for the same amount of time. No damages to the house or pets.
Everybody OK. Standing down from "Hurricane mode!" Details later.

Luisyamaha,
Hope all is well and remains well for you. Looks like it could be a rough year for storms in your neck of the ocean. Hang in there buddy!

Just read in the Cross-wire forum above that Mike's (RanchDog) wife, Linda, died in an automobile accident last Thursday. Thought I would post it here also.

My condolences to Michael. There REALLY are no words.
Sorry for your loss.

Luis

Just read in the Cross-wire forum above that Mike's (RanchDog) wife, Linda, died in an automobile accident last Thursday. Thought I would post it here also.

My condolences to Michael. There REALLY are no words.
Sorry for your loss.

Luis

Luis, I kinda suspected Jeanne might have caused you to lose power - glad to hear that you didn't suffer any damage.
Thank you for providing that excellent Yaucono as prizes in PMII - I got mine about a week ago and also delivered Don Mejia's to him, and he thanks you also. Not only does the coffee taste great, it also provides me with an alibi for all those flyers on my targets, and I usually have at least one out of five. "Caffeine" - yep, sounds good to me!

Really sad about Linda - know it's been a heavy blow to Michael.

Stan

My standard mix for the coffee is one tablespoon of ground coffee for every 10 oz. of water. That about gives the right flavor in my machine. Then add about two tablespoons of sugar! That will get you going! Also have as fresh as possible. Don't make two quarts for the whole day, as that re-heating burns the flavor right off. Brew only what you're going to drink in the next 15 mins. or so. Forthose of you who drink coffee ICED, I have no idea what to tell you, except, warm it up!

Tropical storm Jeanne came by Puerto Rico Weds. the 15th.
The powers that be decided to cut off the electricity to the whole island at around 10 AM. Apparently they did something wrong and have been having trouble bringing it back on-line. I got mine back Friday night around 11PM, but there are still pockets of darkness not only out in the boonies, but also in metropolitan San Juan, the capital. the water service mostly came and went with the electrical. Cell phones died, but the land lines telephones worked well throughout.

Where I live in San Juan we got only 2.5" of rain on Weds. plus another 1.5" on Thursday, and that was about it. Light drizzle on Friday. The most wind at my house was 55 MPH (I have an anemometer and rain gauge) for a little while, but averaged closer to 40-45 MPH for 4-5 hours. It blew mostly from the East and then SE, so the ocean three blocks away North wasn't too bad. 5-6 foot waves, no big deal.
They talked of gusts to 80-90 MPH on the southern side of the island. Agriculture suffered a lot, but human casualties were minimal.

It is slowly getting back to normal.

Luis,
Just wanted to say thanks for the coffee, received my prize today! Thought you might find it amusing to know that Yaucono coffee will go on a Elk hunt to the Eastern Slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains in November as a special treat for the hunting crew (brother-in-law, father-in-law, and hopefully my son if his job allows.) There's a fall chill in the air, the leaves are changing colors, and the anticipation of hearing elk bugles echoing through the canyons.....ah, I love this time of year!

If I might be allowed an observation, the sad event of this last week has demonstrated that there are some truly good men that frequent this forum... I'm honored to participate.

Thanks again to Luis, Ranch Dog, and Marshall.

Bryan

Tomorrow I have to instruct some Iraq/Kurd guards that work for us on the fundamentals of shooting the AK-47.

Isn't that just hold it about 3 feet over your head and spray it back and forth till it stops shooting?

Thanks again fellows for all your words of comfort and prayers. I'm doing pretty good. In that we did everything together, there is a million small things encountered on a daily basis that causes me to feel her warmth and joy without sadness. The Ranch Dog isn't doing so great, she has really dropped into a state of depression. I even offered to let her chase a couple of small deer at the ranch but she wouldn't take me up on it. I ended up taking her to the vet and they gave her a shot of something to perk her up. The vet and all the workers are ladies and there was quite a few tears in the exam room so I offered to buy us all a shot if they would just stop sobbing! Everyone got a chuckle out of that.

Luis, I wondered how you made out with the wind and weather... glad to hear you are okay. I think the coffee will be in demand for RD's PM III. Linda really enjoyed that coffee so nothing is left for hunting season.

I bought me a 1894CL in 218 Bee for PMIII !!!

Hey,
that's not fair ;) where did you find it? I wanted one, but could never find one. then I got the first 25-20 I found.

I just received a message from Marshall that the BTB Technical Guides have shipped to the winners. The hats should ship latter this week as they where out of stock and had to be reordered.

I will post this on the general discussion as well... A big thank you to Marshall for the hat! It is much appreciated!

Received my hat yesterday and wanted to say thanks. It's much appreciated, especially since I didn't shoot that well. My groups have gotten much better since. Go figure!

Around the first of the year I will get some information together for PMIII. A might busy with the move right now.

My new place will have at least a 250 yard rifle range and I'm thinking of putting together a "opening weekend" to start the match. The Spring is a pretty nice time in Texas and might be a good time for a camp and cook out.

Marshall,
Thank you sir for the tech manual. I have already started reading it....got to get ready for PMIII!!

Ranch Dog,
A weekend in Texas....Might have to take a few days vacation :D

Got my hat!!! Thanks all. Looking forward to the next one.

Just put in an order for lapping supplies and the 265 gr WFNGC bullets for my Marlin 1894 44 mag. That Ranch Dog gift certificate really came in handy. I will be slugging the barrel and sending in for measuring after season is over.

RD: Got my Beartooth Bullets Technical Guide.
Thanks.
Luis

Marshall: most interesting clear, no BS read, your "Beartooth Bullets Technical Guide". Learned quite a bit from it and intend to put it to good use. Unfortunately I don't hand load (re-load) as the laws here make it difficult and tedious. Not worth it unless you're doing it for bussiness or re-load 10,000 or more a year. Even most gun shops got out of the bread-and-butter .38, 9mm, .45 reloads because of the hassle. If and when I move stateside that's one hobby I'll surely pick up!

The parts about rimfire lapping and cylinder throats on revolvers I can use. A couple of my revolvers don't shoot as well as I think I do.

Thank-you.

Luis

I received my package from Beartooth today. That $50 gift certificate paid for supplies to put me well on the way to be shooting a 265 gr beartooth bullet in my 1894 next hunting season. I got the lapping supplies in case the gas check bullet does not do the trick.

Thanks Marshall and Michael.

Luis,

I am now drinking the last drop of the coffee. I have been very judicious with it.

Thanks again and Happy New Year,

Dave

And a happy new year to all.