How Accurate is Accurate Enough? For Field Target

[MOSOSODBOB]

Newbie questions so I can anticipate some performance requirements to prepare for a match. I know different shooting disciplines will have different metrics for determining accuracy.

What are the typical “hit” size for the targets I can expect to find on a typical match. Are all targets have same sized “hit” area and the challenge is the distance from the shooter?

I finally got my HW35 (7.5 joules) scoped and been shooting it in my backyard. I noticed it can shoots almost one hole groups at 10m and opens to around ½ inch at 15 yards. But when I shoot at 20 yards, the group opens to 1.5 to sometimes 2 inches with flyers. Is this accurate enough for FT? I am using vintage target diabo type pellets. I have a new sample pack, but haven’t try them yet. Going to use up my 35-40 year old stash first.

 

[Sqwirl57]

1" or better at 50yds from a bench would be a good standard. My .177 35E can absolutely do that but its closer to 12fpe, not 7.5J

 

[MOSOSODBOB]

1" or better at 50yds from a bench would be a good standard. My .177 35E can absolutely do that but its closer to 12fpe, not 7.5J

what would you recommend for pellets… for FT… I am currently using E German made pellets and old RWS R10 in a weight no longer available… gun and pellets were in storage 35+ years… and I have the lower power version gun

 

[Sqwirl57]

what would you recommend for pellets… for FT… I am currently using E German made pellets and old RWS R10 in a weight no longer available… gun and pellets were in storage 35+ years… and I have the lower power version gun

I'd get the gun retuned for 10-12ftlbs and try the JSB 8.44s or the Field Target Trophy 8.64s. My 35 sits at 10.5ftlbs and is just super pleasant to shoot.

 

[MOSOSODBOB]

I'd get the gun retuned for 10-12ftlbs and try the JSB 8.44s or the Field Target Trophy 8.64s. My 35 sits at 10.5ftlbs and is just super pleasant to shoot.

Vortek got an “export” version spring kit… should get it to around 12fpe depending on pellet… any info on that… and can someone semi skilled with gun tools do the swap…

 

[Sqwirl57]

Vortek got an “export” version spring kit… should get it to around 12fpe depending on pellet… any info on that… and can someone semi skilled with gun tools do the swap…

I'd use this kit:
https://www.airrifleheadquarters.com/catalog/item/251488/571324.htm

As far as installing it goes you just need basic tools like punches, mar free hammer (or careful with a metal hammer), and an adjustable wrench. Making a spring compressor is recommended but not required if you know what you're doing. There's plenty of info out there for making one.

Lastly, I would use the Vortek 30mm HW piston seal to replace the factory seal while in there. You'll also need a tube of Moly paste. The Air Venturi stuff works well. ARH may sell another brand as well. Just make sure you get all the old crap out of the tube. A paper towel rubber banded to a rod and brake cleaner do the trick nicely.

I think I covered most of it. If I missed something, let me know.

 

[Sqwirl57]

Here is a good video on the teardown procedure:

 

[Sqwirl57]

I forgot to comment on KZ sizes. They're pretty small. They typically run anywhere from 1/2" to 1.5" depending on the range (10-55yds). I have run into some KZs that are like 3/8". Those will make your day if you manage to hit them. I haven't run into those often though.

 

[shootermeb]

You don't want to use wadcutter pellets for anything beyond 10 meters, they do not maintain accuracy beyond that distance. Look for a pellet with a domed head, like the H&N Field Target Trophy, or similar style by a different maker.

 

[iAMzehTOASTY1]

.177?anything 10.5g(diabolo shaped/longer pellets seem to fly best) and under is what I've been using for 75 and under.
Did manage minute of soda can at 100 with benjamin hollowpoint 10.5s

 

[c_m_shooter]

1/4" at 10 yards, 1/2" at 25, and better than 1.5" at 50. With springers, you are going to miss long ones anyway do to hold sensitivity and wind, so you don't don't want to give up the "easy" close ones. 17 to 35 yards should be gimmies with your setup. 9, 10, and 11 yards with tiny kill zones will get you if you don't have half yard ranging in that zone.

 

[MOSOSODBOB]

thanks to everyone for your generous input… learning lots

I forgot to comment on KZ sizes. They're pretty small. They typically run anywhere from 1/2" to 1.5" depending on the range (10-55yds). I have run into some KZs that are like 3/8". Those will make your day if you manage to hit them. I haven't run into those often though.

I went to the range today and linked up with our club’s FT match director and he showed me the targets for this upcoming match… you are correct, ½ “ to 1.5 inches… 10-55 yards.

 

[JP806TX]

thanks to everyone for your generous input… learning lots

I went to the range today and linked up with our club’s FT match director and he showed me the targets for this upcoming match… you are correct, ½ “ to 1.5 inches… 10-55 yards.

1/2"???
Pssst Bob...he's hiding the 1/4" and 3/8" targets from you.
I know it's been a long time since I shot there and I did threatened a couple of times to bring my 1/2" drill (this was before I got my cordless. never got close to an outlet) ...
But I'm pretty sure they still got those teeny tiny KZ target hidden away for the 10-14yarders (seek and ye shall find).
Maybe they'll show up on match day...LOL

 

[MOSOSODBOB]

1/2"???
Pssst Bob...he's hiding the 1/4" and 3/8" targets from you.
I know it's been a long time since I shot there and I did threatened a couple of times to bring my 1/2" drill (this was before I got my cordless. never got close to an outlet) ...
But I'm pretty sure they still got those teeny tiny KZ target hidden away for the 10-14yarders (seek and ye shall find).
Maybe they'll show up on match day...LOL

You are probably right… I may not have heard or saw everything…

I caught Dave towards the end of his range session… he was packing things up… i went into the range shack for a look see…there were a big pile of various critter targets on a big table…

Looking forward to getting into this game… discovery learning on so many levels

 

[Motorhead]

Us MD's would do no such thing as hide the wee ones ( 3/8" ) from the shooters !!!
We place right up front and even show you where to aim ... Lol

Those 50-55 shots we even make sure you stay focused on the task not shooting the small hole but the large one ... Lol

 

[Pea-shooter O.G.]

1/2"???
Pssst Bob...he's hiding the 1/4" and 3/8" targets from you.
I know it's been a long time since I shot there and I did threatened a couple of times to bring my 1/2" drill (this was before I got my cordless. never got close to an outlet) ...
But I'm pretty sure they still got those teeny tiny KZ target hidden away for the 10-14yarders (seek and ye shall find).
Maybe they'll show up on match day...LOL

Oh , let me confirm, those 3/8" targets were on the course today! And placed at 10 1/2 yards, or 11 1/2 yards. It made for a great challenge.

 

[qball]

Oh , let me confirm, those 3/8" targets were on the course today! And placed at 10 1/2 yards, or 11 1/2 yards. It made for a great challenge.

3/8 KZ is positively generous compared to a 1/4 inch KZ at 10.3 yards!!! Talk about getting your dope correct!!!

 

[Pea-shooter O.G.]

I am thinking back to this Saturdays match( especially about the missed shots!) And I'm pretty sure there was a 1/4" target in the mix. Possibly a rattle snake or wasp nest target. The match was shot on the airgun range from under cover as the Tacoma weather just could make up its mind. This picture is grainy, but gives a general idea of the match layout at TRRC. Hopefully next months match has better weather and gets everybody out on the course in the woods. And maybe Bob(the OP) will be ready to shoot!

 

[JP806TX]

I am thinking back to this Saturdays match( especially about the missed shots!) And I'm pretty sure there was a 1/4" target in the mix. Possibly a rattle snake or wasp nest target. The match was shot on the airgun range from under cover as the Tacoma weather just could make up its mind. This picture is grainy, but gives a general idea of the match layout at TRRC. Hopefully next months match has better weather and gets everybody out on the course in the woods. And maybe Bob(the OP) will be ready to shoot!

View attachment 350901

WOW
Things have changed.

 

[Pea-shooter O.G.]

The fresh fill dirt you see is going to get graded across to level out the range. This is in efforts to bring the bench rest targets up higher as currently you have to shoot at a light downward angle. Last year a new roof went up.