We are getting ready for our first match of the season on Saturday, April 28th. Sign-ups will be at 900AM (the usual time), shooters meeting at 930, and four stages after that. We'll use two stages as a test run for the annual match next month.
There is something of a stir lately about light loads. People are talking about velocity, power factors and the possibility of rules changes. Powder Wash Kid suggested that, as a means of gathering information, we should set up a chronograph and give everyone a chance to find out what their loads actually are doing. He said probably most of the Rangers are not anywhere near minimum levels but it will be interesting to have some hard facts. So – Burns will set up his chronograph after the April match and anyone who cares to can find out what velocity their loads are. With velocity and bullet weight known, it is easy to figure out power factor: velocity (in fps) x bullet weight (in grains) divided by 1000. For instance a 250 grain bullet at 850 fps is a power factor of 212.5. A 158 grain bullet at 850 fps (suggested level for calibration of knock down targets) is a power factor of 134.3. It seems there are some folks shooting loads with power factors in the 60 to 70 range. If this comes up for consideration by the TGs in the future, we'll know where we stand.
Preparations are continuing for our annual Where the Old West Stayed Young match over Memorial Day week-end. Trophies have been completed and shipped and door prizes are accumulating. Sign-ups have been slow this spring. Please get your match entries sent in so we can get our planning taken care of. I'll include a match entry and information with this newsletter in case you've lost yours.
Regular monthly matches will continue on the fourth Saturday of the month, April through September. We plan on trying out some fun variations this season: in July one stage will be a two person scenario; in August one stage will be entirely knock-down targets; for April and May we'll have a Texas star as a shotgun target. Also in April: one of the stages will use a derringer and black powder blanks to “kill” a balloon. We look forward to the fun and the challenges.
As always, we'd like to hear from you if you have thoughts or ideas to help us do a better job. The Rangers no longer have our own separate web site, but everything you may need (including a downloadable entry form for the annual) can be found in the Bears Ears Sportsman Club (BESC) web site at: www.bearsears.org.
