New Equalizer Scoring Reticle for Score Matches
No doubt you’ve heard the term “reticle” before, but it probably brings to mind the cross-hair you see through a rifle-scope. This term “reticle” can also describe an optical aid used to score targets. This story discusses a new scoring reticle with precisely-defined circles etched on clear plexiglass. This scoring reticle (as attached to a magnifying crystal) is used to determine whether bullet holes fall inside or outside the scoring circles on targets. This unique new scoring reticle allows match scorers to “equalize” the shot placements of all popular calibers from .204 up to .308. This way, there’s a “level playing field” for all calibers, and any caliber rifle can compete on an equal basis with the 30s.
New ‘Equalizer’ VFS Scoring Reticle
by Ron Goodger
The ubiquitous controversy over the advantage of larger caliber bullets in VFS (Varmint for Score) matches still rages, but there is a simple solution that is being embraced by all to whom I have shown it. The concept is simple, and it accomplishes the same thing the UBR (Ultimate Benchrest) targets do with the advantage that it can be used on any target a club happens to have on hand.
I had heard shooters complain about the advantage that larger calibers have many times and wish there was a fair way to score targets that would level the playing field for all calibers. The UBR concept came along and I read up on it. When a match was held close enough that I could enter, I did so and observed first hand what it was all about. The UBR targets essentially make the distance from the bullet hole center to the scoring ring edge the same for each caliber by using different-sized rings on the caliber-specific targets. After seeing the accompanying disadvantages of using this method (the chief one being the large number of targets required by UBR rules and the resulting increased time required to hold a match), I began searching for a simpler way to accomplish the same thing. I was aware of a number of mid-West clubs wanting to make scoring fair but unwilling to use the UBR method because of the disadvantages.
I came up with an idea late in 2015 and designed a scoring reticle that would do the job. The following diagrams graphically explain how UBR and my scoring reticle accomplish the same thing. The illustration above shows how different caliber bullets hitting the same center point of impact will each just score the 10 ring edge on the different-sized, caliber-specific UBR 10 Rings . It is clear that it is the distance from the center of the bullet to the scoring ring that is made uniform by the different 10 Ring sizes.
The illustration below shows how my VFS scoring reticle accomplishes the same thing by scoring every shot with an .308-equivalent ring that circumscribes the inner caliber-specific ring. The dotted line shows that the center of each bullet hits the same distance from the edge of the scoring ring. It is clear that, using current VFS scoring techniques, the .224, .243, and .257 bullets would score misses. However, scoring each bullet with the .308 ring around the hole illustrates that all calibers would be scored the same.
Scoring Reticle Converts Any Caliber Shot to a .308-Equivalent Hole
The above photo of an IBS 100-yard target has a 6mm hole that is clearly a nine (9), using current scoring methods. But consider that, if a .308 bullet from a 30 BR hit in the very same location, that .30-caliber shot would score in the Ten Ring. Why should the 6mm bullet, whose center was just as close to the middle of the target, be penalized because of the bullet diameter? The image on the right shows the scoring reticle with the 6mm scoring ring centered on this hole. With this scoring reticle, the .308 ring around the 6mm hole clearly scores the 10 Ring, just as a 30-caliber bullet centered in the same spot would do. That is as fair as it can get.
The above image (two shots per frame) from a Hillsdale Michigan varmint target has two 6mm holes that scored a 16. Score values are 10 points for a shot in the white, 5 points for a shot in the orange, and 1 point for hitting the center dot. This was a match that had 30BRs shooting in it. The next photo shows how scoring this frame with the VFS reticle would have resulted in a 21 because the left side of the reticle’s .308 circle just extends into the 10-point white bulls-eye region. So, in effect, there were two (2) shots in the white for 2×10 points (based on the .308 equalizer effect of the reticle). This shows how the reticle will level the VFS playing field regardless of what target is being used.
VFS Scoring Reticle Features and Specifications
The 6mm circles have been placed in the center of the reticle because it is expected to be the most commonly-used caliber, and that makes it easier to see in the crystal. Any of the ring sets can be used for a .308. The sizes of the circles are guaranteed accurate to within .001″ on the outside edge of the circle by the reticle’s manufacturer. I have found the best magnifier crystal to use is a genuine Badash crystal that measures 3.25″ in diameter. They are available from several eBay sellers and are easily attached using a piece of packing tape about 3/4-inch wide around the edge of the reticle (visible on the crystal in the lower part of the photo). That makes the Plexiglas reticles easy to replace in the event they become scratched up from frequent use.A number of Midwest rifle clubs have already purchased these scoring reticles. The Plexiglas reticles are available for $15.00 each plus $2.04 shipping from the author (does not include the crystal). Email him at LRGoodger [at] gmail dot com for more information.
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Tags: .308, 30BR, 6mm, Benchrest, Reticle, Ron Goodger, Scoring, Varmint, VFS
It’s a great idea and would have helped keep some 6mm shooters from leaving score bench rest matches. It would also level the playing field in ground hog matches for those guys shooting .223’s and 6mm’s.
HOWEVER…..I would bet that the 30 caliber shooters (who in VFS number probably 95% or better) would fight this tooth and nail. Same goes for the 30 caliber shooters in ground hog matches. They like having an advantage that’s why they left 6mm and went to the more expensive 30 cal. bullets and it’s increased recoil. Just my take on it.
Danny
I never thought I would see affirmative action make it to score shooting.
Bob
I agree Bob if we have to make it even how about added weight for a 30 cal and a set velocity. While we are at it everyone needs a trophy and no keeping score
We used to score 22 holes as 30 cal holes in Highpower by using a special plug gauge which had a clear plastic disk similar to this with a 30 cal ring scribed on it. Its no longer practiced. Why go backwards in another shooting sport. Its run what you brung now. The smaller calibers are considered to have an accuracy advantage over the 30 cal which tend to recoil more. So that evens the playing field so to speak.
Interesting concept, but flawed. I have competed in UBR with .30, 6MM, and .22 been to every National that has been and shot in three different states and have yet to see anyone shooting a .270, .264, .257 clearly all the other useless reticles will only tend to confuse and introduce error. The UBR target leveled the playing field in the caliber game. The extra targets are a non-issue, and doesn’t introduce any more time into the match, and since nearly everyone brings pre-loaded ammo, it wouldn’t Incroach any more than the mandatory reload time between relays.
Then there’s IBS. If you play the game, you shoot .30 If you shoot 6MM which you claim is more accurate, then you wouldn’t have a disadvantage, especially when you consider how much recoil the .30 generates over the 6MM. No one races a Volkswagon on the Nascar circuit, although I suppose someone could if Nascar would make everyone run restrict or plates. You can’t even the field with a reticle, only complicate it.
A poor excuse to try to level the playing field. Instead, go shoot UBR, or get yourself a .30 and Shoot IBS, or if bullet center is such an issue, then shoot group. But by all means, GO SHOOT!
The concept is good but it’s the same as UBR’s. After shooting, scoring and running UBR matches since their inception, I can say, the targets are not an issue.
It’s easy as can be to prepare and place the appropriate targets and they are very inexpensive. After a few matches, you get a good idea of how many of each you’re going to use but UBR member clubs have the luxury of simply asking other directors for help whenever and wherever needed.
Clearly, some people like the innovative approach that UBR has taken. Trust me, there’s no reason to be afraid. Lol! Come shoot with us!