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February 23rd, 2026

New Int’l Team Events at CMP Camp Perry Summer Program

CMP national matches mid-range long range f-Class palma rifle team competition

CMP Introduces International Team Event for 2026
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has added a new International Team Match during the 2026 National Mid/Long Range events at Camp Perry in Port Clinton, Ohio. The International 12-Person Team Match will be held Sunday, August 9, featuring a Palma team course of fire with record shots at 800, 900, and 1000 yards. The event is set to include competitors from the United States, Great Britain, and Canada. After the Camp Perry events conclude, the teams will travel to Ontario, Canada for the Canadian Fullbore Championships.

The National Mid/Long Range rifle events run August 3-9, 2026, as part of the CMP’s annual National Matches. Open to competitors of any experience level, these events feature individual and team competitions on Camp Perry’s Viale Range, fired completely on outdoor eTargets from 600 to 1000 yards. The National Long Range series will also include a 4-person Palma team match.

REGISTRATION Opens March 1, 2026
Registration for the 2026 National Matches opens March 1st, a week from now. Go to TheCMP.org/cmp-matches/national-long-range-matches to get complete information on the CMP’s National Long Range Matches, including programs, target info, and match schedules. On that page, you will find a registration link that activates 3/1/2026.

CMP national matches mid-range long range f-Class palma rifle team competition

“We’re excited to host teams from Canada and Great Britain for the first time at a CMP Long Range event,” said Sara Rozanski, CMP Highpower Rifle Coordinator. “It offers us an opportunity to showcase our targets and facilities to top international competitors while making our own mark in the global Long Range community.”

CMP national matches mid-range long range f-Class palma rifle team competition

CMP National Mid/Long Range Matches — Events and Course of Fire:
Matches include Match Rifle, Service Rifle, Palma, F-Open, F-TR, F-Practical, and/or AR Tactical.

Mid-Range 3×600 – three 20-shot strings slow prone at 600 yards in 22-minute time blocks
600-Yard Two-Person Team Match – 20 shots per team member at 600 yards
Camp Perry Palma Match – 15 record shots at 800, 900, and 1000 yards, at each firing line in 22-minute time blocks
Viale, Critchfield, Henry, Kerr, McMaken & Speaks, Baesel Memorial individual matches – 20 record slow prone shots in 30 minutes at 1000 yards
Bataan Memorial 4-Man Team Match – 20 shots slow prone by each member at 1000 yards
Winder Memorial Iron 4 Man Team Match – 20 record shots per team member in 47 minutes at 1000 yards
Willis Lee, Jr. Memorial Two-Person Team Match – 20 record shots per team member in 47 minutes at 1000 yards
Gen. Edward S. Bryant Memorial Two-Person Team Match – 20 record shots per team member in 47 minutes from 1,000 yards

About the Camp Perry National Matches:
Held at the Camp Perry National Guard Training Facility in Ohio since 1907, the Annual National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches represent some of the biggest and most popular shooting competitions in the Western Hemisphere. The 2026 National Matches schedule includes CMP National Air Gun Matches, National Rifle Matches, National Pistol Matches, National Smallbore Matches, and the National Mid/Long Range Matches. The CMP will also run popular Small Arms Firing Schools covering on safety and fundamentals for Pistol, Rifle and Smallbore Rifle disciplines.

The National Matches are conducted by a partnership between the CMP and Ohio National Guard. Learn more by visiting the CMP website at TheCMP.org/cmp-national-matches.

Permalink Competition, News, Shooting Skills No Comments »
June 26th, 2025

G1 vs. G7 Ballistic Coefficient Types — What You Need to Know

G1 G7 BC drag models

Over the past 12 months, this article was one of the TOP 20 most-read Daily Bulletin features. We’re reprising it today for those who may have missed it the first time. The above diagram comes from a TiborasurasRex YouTube Video comparing G1 and G7 BC models. CLICK HERE to watch the video.

The better, up-to-date ballistics programs let you select either G1 or G7 Ballistic Coefficient (BC) values when calculating a trajectory. The ballistic coefficient (BC) of a body is a measure of its ability to overcome air resistance in flight. You’ve probably seen that G7 values are numerically lower than G1 values for the same bullet (typically). But that doesn’t mean you should select a G1 value simply because it is higher.

Some readers are not quite sure about the difference between G1 and G7 models. One forum member wrote us: “I went on the JBM Ballistics website to use the web-based Trajectory Calculator and when I got to the part that gives you a choice to choose between G1 and G7 BC, I was stumped. What determines how, or which one to use?”

The simple answer is the G1 value normally works better for shorter flat-based bullets, while the G7 value should work better for longer, boat-tailed bullets.

G1 vs. G7 Ballistic Coefficients — Which Is Right for You?
G1 and G7 refer both refer to aerodynamic drag models based on particular “standard projectile” shapes. The G1 shape looks like a flat-based bullet. The G7 shape is quite different, and better approximates the geometry of a modern long-range bullet. So, when choosing your drag model, G1 is preferable for flat-based bullets, while G7 is ordinarily a “better fit” for longer, boat-tailed bullets.

G1 G7 Ballistic coefficients

Drag Models — G7 is better than G1 for Long-Range Bullets
Many ballistics programs still offer only the default G1 drag model. Bryan Litz, author of Applied Ballistics for Long Range Shooting, believes the G7 standard is preferrable for long-range, low-drag bullets: “Part of the reason there is so much ‘slop’ in advertised BCs is because they’re referenced to the G1 standard which is very speed sensitive. The G7 standard is more appropriate for long range bullets. Here’s the results of my testing on two low-drag, long-range boat-tail bullets, so you can see how the G1 and G7 Ballistic coefficients compare:

G1 BCs, averaged between 1500 fps and 3000 fps:
Berger 180 VLD: 0.659 lb/in²
JLK 180: 0.645 lb/in²

The reason the BC for the JLK is less is mostly because the meplat was significantly larger on the particular lot that I tested (0.075″ vs 0.059″; see attached drawings).

For bullets like these, it’s much better to use the G7 standard. The following BCs are referenced to the G7 standard, and are constant for all speeds.

G7 BCs:
Berger 180 VLD: 0.337 lb/in²
JLK 180: 0.330 lb/in²

Many modern ballistics programs, including the free online JBM Ballistics Program, are able to use BCs referenced to G7 standards. When available, these BCs are more appropriate for long range bullets, according to Bryan.

[Editor’s NOTE: BCs are normally reported simply as an 0.XXX number. The lb/in² tag applies to all BCs, but is commonly left off for simplicity.]
This article is copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. No 3rd Party republication of this article is allowed without advance approval and payment of licensing fees.

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Reloading, Tech Tip No Comments »
June 19th, 2025

CMP National Matches at Camp Perry in July and August 2025

Cmp camp perry kongsberg electronic e-targets

The CMP National matches at Camp Perry, Ohio kick off on July 6, 2025 and run through August 9, 2025. The National Matches are open to the public and have offered a wide range of events and matches since 1907. Held annually at Camp Perry, the National Matches include a wide range of events for rimfire rifles, centerfire rifles, and pistols. Listed below are event by category. Click on each discipline below for registration information, detailed match program, and schedule.

These matches are conducted by a partnership of the CMP and Ohio National Guard. Since their inception, the National Matches have become a huge national shooting sports festival with over 4,500 annual participants including many of the world’s best marksmen.

Nat’l 3P Smallbore and Air Rifle

Smallbore Prone Matches

Air Pistol Nationals

NM Air Gun Events

National Trophy Pistol Matches

GSSF CMP National Challenge

Rimfire Sporter Match

National Matches Clinics and Schools

National Trophy Rifle Matches and Highpower Rifle Championship

National Match Games Matches

National Mid- and Long Range Matches

Simulator Match Steel Challenge

Cmp camp perry kongsberg electronic e-targets

2025 CMP National Matches Program and Calendar

The full National Match Program and National Match Calendar are available online.

Cmp camp perry kongsberg electronic e-targets

camp perry long range wind flags

E-Targets at 2025 National Matches — Rimfire and Centerfire

Cmp camp perry kongsberg electronic e-targets

After years of testing, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) will make full use of eTargets at the 2025 National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry, which run July 20 through August 9, 2025. The advanced Kongsberg eTargets will be used at all Highpower rifle matches, National Trophy Rifle competitions, and Rifle Games events. In addition the eTargets will be used for the Rimfire Sporter Match on July 20 and the National Mid/Long Range Matches in August. The use of eTargets eliminates the need for pit duty, drastically cutting down the duration of each match. “Shooting on eTargets is just a better experience for all competitors” notes Brian Williams, CMP Highpower manager. CLICK HERE to learn more about Camp Perry eTargets.

Cmp camp perry kongsberg electronic e-targets

These matches are conducted by a partnership of the CMP and Ohio National Guard. Since their inception, the National Matches have become a huge, national shooting sports festival with well over 4,500 annual participants. School students and competitors range from beginners to many of the world’s best.

Feel free to contact the CMP Competitions Department at competitions@thecmp.org or (419) 635-2141, ext. 724 or 714 for additional questions.

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July 19th, 2024

Electronic Targets for Mid-Range and Long-Range at Camp Perry

camp perry cmp 2024 national matches long range mid-range KTS electronic targets

Good news for shooters — electronic targets will be used at the CMP National Matches at Camp Perry this year. The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has announced that, for the first time, ALL the National Mid-Range and Long Range events will be fired on outdoor electronic targets! The Mid-Range and Long Range matches, scheduled for August 5-10, 2024, are part of the annual National Matches at Camp Perry, situated near Port Clinton, Ohio.

camp perry cmp 2024 national matches long range mid-range KTS electronic targets

The electronic target system provides monitors at each firing point that instantly display accurate shot scores — this helps competitors quickly assess their shot placement and wind corrections. The use of the targets also eliminates the need for pit duty. That significantly lessens the duration of each match, so shooters can spend less time in the hot summer sun.


In this video, CMP Highpower Manager, Brian Williams demonstrates the accuracy of the KTS electronic targets and explains how the system works.

The Long Range series features 10 individual and team events on Camp Perry’s 1,000-yard Viale Range as well as a Mid-Range Match, fired at 600 yards. Only 50 targets will be assembled, meaning the Mid-Range Match will likely sell out — so competitors should sign up as soon as possible. CMP’s National Long Range matches include Match Rifle, Service Rifle, Palma, F-Open, F T/R or AR Tactical categories. The events are open to adult and junior competitors, regardless of experience level. CLICK HERE to learn more the National Mid-Range and Long Range Matches.

long range mid-range electronic targets camp perry summer 2024 national matches

After successfully field testing the electronic target line for Long Range matches at two spring events, the CMP made the decision to utilize the technology at this year’s Nationals. Sara Rozanski, CMP’s Highpower Rifle Coordinator, reports: “Using the targets for Long Range at our Eastern Games in North Carolina in May and again at Camp Perry for a test match in June really encouraged us to make them available for competitors at the National Matches. We received a lot of positive feedback, and we hope bringing the technology to Camp Perry will … enhance the experience of the National Matches for those who attend our Long Range events.”

long range mid-range electronic targets camp perry summer 2024 national matches

The CMP 2024 National Matches (for all divisions — pistol, rimfire, centerfire) run July 11 through August 10, 2024. Find registration links and other info on the CMP website at Thecmp.org/cmp-national-matches.

camp perry cmp 2024 national matches long range mid-range KTS electronic targets

Permalink Competition, News, Shooting Skills No Comments »
June 26th, 2024

Color Bullet Tips to Help Define Long-Range Groups on Paper

sharpie felt marker bullet color tip painting group paper target

When shooting groups at long range on paper it can be difficult to distinguish which bullet holes belong to a particular sequence of shots. If, for example, you shot three 5-shot groups at 600+ yards on a paper target, you would have 15 bullet holes on the target (assuming no misses). But at that distance it would be difficult to see the holes on target (even with a spotting scope). Accordingly, when you inspected the target up close, it would be hard to tell which shots belonged to which group. You might have a vague idea, but couldn’t be sure, without a target camera recording the shot sequence.

Here is a method to separate multiple shots into specific groups so you can better evaluate your load and shooting skills. The trick is pretty simple — mark your bullets with a color from a Sharpie or other felt marking pen. If you are shooting three 5-shot groups, mark five with red, five with green, and five with blue (or purple). Then, when you inspect the target, you can identify the group placements by the colors that appear on the paper.

sharpie felt marker bullet color tip painting group paper target

Round Robin: Using colors you can shoot “Round-Robin” to evaluate seating depths, neck tension, or other variables without having the shot order (and barrel heating) affect group sizes unequally. For example you might have three different neck tensions, each marked with a different color on the bullets. Then shoot Red, Blue, Green in that sequence for five total shots per color.

Smart Tip to Show Colors More Vividly

If the bullet inks are not showing up on your target paper clearly, here is a simple trick that can make the colors “bleed” to be more visible. In your range kit, bring some alcohol solution along with some Q-tips. Then dab the shots on the paper target lightly with wet Q-Tips. Here is the front of a target before and after application of alcohol:

sharpie felt marker bullet color tip painting group paper target

Forum Member NewbieShooter explains: “Dabbing a bit of alcohol on the bullet holes with Q-Tips makes the color pop a bit… especially on the back side.” See below:

sharpie felt marker bullet color tip painting group paper target

In short order you will see the colors spread into the paper, clearly marking the shot holes by distinguishing colors. If you were shooting a dark bullseye, view the the BACK side of the target to see the colors on a light background.

Credits: Bullet Tips photo by Forum Member Dave Way; Target photos by Forum Member NewbieShooter; Story tip from Boyd Allen.

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Reloading, Tech Tip No Comments »
June 18th, 2024

G1 vs. G7 Ballistic Coefficients — What You Need to Know

G1 G7 BC drag models

Over the past 12 months, this article was one of the TOP 20 most-read Daily Bulletin features. We’re reprising it today for those who may have missed it the first time. The above diagram comes from a TiborasurasRex YouTube Video comparing G1 and G7 BC models. CLICK HERE to watch the video.

The better, up-to-date ballistics programs let you select either G1 or G7 Ballistic Coefficient (BC) values when calculating a trajectory. The ballistic coefficient (BC) of a body is a measure of its ability to overcome air resistance in flight. You’ve probably seen that G7 values are numerically lower than G1 values for the same bullet (typically). But that doesn’t mean you should select a G1 value simply because it is higher.

Some readers are not quite sure about the difference between G1 and G7 models. One forum member wrote us: “I went on the JBM Ballistics website to use the web-based Trajectory Calculator and when I got to the part that gives you a choice to choose between G1 and G7 BC, I was stumped. What determines how, or which one to use?”

The simple answer is the G1 value normally works better for shorter flat-based bullets, while the G7 value should work better for longer, boat-tailed bullets.

G1 vs. G7 Ballistic Coefficients — Which Is Right for You?
G1 and G7 refer both refer to aerodynamic drag models based on particular “standard projectile” shapes. The G1 shape looks like a flat-based bullet. The G7 shape is quite different, and better approximates the geometry of a modern long-range bullet. So, when choosing your drag model, G1 is preferable for flat-based bullets, while G7 is ordinarily a “better fit” for longer, boat-tailed bullets.

G1 G7 Ballistic coefficients

Drag Models — G7 is better than G1 for Long-Range Bullets
Many ballistics programs still offer only the default G1 drag model. Bryan Litz, author of Applied Ballistics for Long Range Shooting, believes the G7 standard is preferrable for long-range, low-drag bullets: “Part of the reason there is so much ‘slop’ in advertised BCs is because they’re referenced to the G1 standard which is very speed sensitive. The G7 standard is more appropriate for long range bullets. Here’s the results of my testing on two low-drag, long-range boat-tail bullets, so you can see how the G1 and G7 Ballistic coefficients compare:

G1 BCs, averaged between 1500 fps and 3000 fps:
Berger 180 VLD: 0.659 lb/in²
JLK 180: 0.645 lb/in²

The reason the BC for the JLK is less is mostly because the meplat was significantly larger on the particular lot that I tested (0.075″ vs 0.059″; see attached drawings).

For bullets like these, it’s much better to use the G7 standard. The following BCs are referenced to the G7 standard, and are constant for all speeds.

G7 BCs:
Berger 180 VLD: 0.337 lb/in²
JLK 180: 0.330 lb/in²

Many modern ballistics programs, including the free online JBM Ballistics Program, are able to use BCs referenced to G7 standards. When available, these BCs are more appropriate for long range bullets, according to Bryan.

[Editor’s NOTE: BCs are normally reported simply as an 0.XXX number. The lb/in² tag applies to all BCs, but is commonly left off for simplicity.]
This article is copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. No 3rd Party republication of this article is allowed without advance approval and payment of licensing fees.

Permalink - Articles, Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Tech Tip No Comments »
July 13th, 2023

G1 vs. G7 Ballistic Coefficient Models — What You Need to Know

G1 G7 BC drag models

Over the past 12 months, this article was one of the TOP TEN most-read Daily Bulletin features. We’re reprising it today for those who may have missed it the first time. The above diagram comes from a TiborasurasRex YouTube Video comparing G1 and G7 BC models. CLICK HERE to watch the video.

G1 G7 BC drag modelsThe better, up-to-date ballistics programs let you select either G1 or G7 Ballistic Coefficient (BC) values when calculating a trajectory. The ballistic coefficient (BC) of a body is a measure of its ability to overcome air resistance in flight. You’ve probably seen that G7 values are numerically lower than G1 values for the same bullet (typically). But that doesn’t mean you should select a G1 value simply because it is higher.

Some readers are not quite sure about the difference between G1 and G7 models. One forum member wrote us: “I went on the JBM Ballistics website to use the web-based Trajectory Calculator and when I got to the part that gives you a choice to choose between G1 and G7 BC, I was stumped. What determines how, or which one to use?”

The simple answer is the G1 value normally works better for shorter flat-based bullets, while the G7 value should work better for longer, boat-tailed bullets.

G1 vs. G7 Ballistic Coefficients — Which Is Right for You?
G1 and G7 refer both refer to aerodynamic drag models based on particular “standard projectile” shapes. The G1 shape looks like a flat-based bullet. The G7 shape is quite different, and better approximates the geometry of a modern long-range bullet. So, when choosing your drag model, G1 is preferable for flat-based bullets, while G7 is ordinarily a “better fit” for longer, boat-tailed bullets.

G1 G7 Ballistic coefficients

Drag Models — G7 is better than G1 for Long-Range Bullets
Many ballistics programs still offer only the default G1 drag model. Bryan Litz, author of Applied Ballistics for Long Range Shooting, believes the G7 standard is preferable for long-range, low-drag bullets: “Part of the reason there is so much ‘slop’ in advertised BCs is because they’re referenced to the G1 standard which is very speed sensitive. The G7 standard is more appropriate for long range bullets. Here’s the results of my testing on two low-drag, long-range boat-tail bullets, so you can see how the G1 and G7 Ballistic coefficients compare:

G1 BCs, averaged between 1500 fps and 3000 fps:
Berger 180 VLD: 0.659 lb/in²
JLK 180: 0.645 lb/in²

The reason the BC for the JLK is less is mostly because the meplat was significantly larger on the particular lot that I tested (0.075″ vs 0.059″; see attached drawings).

For bullets like these, it’s much better to use the G7 standard. The following BCs are referenced to the G7 standard, and are constant for all speeds.

G7 BCs:
Berger 180 VLD: 0.337 lb/in²
JLK 180: 0.330 lb/in²

Many modern ballistics programs, including the free online JBM Ballistics Program, are able to use BCs referenced to G7 standards. When available, these BCs are more appropriate for long range bullets, according to Bryan.

[Editor’s NOTE: BCs are normally reported simply as an 0.XXX number. The lb/in² tag applies to all BCs, but is commonly left off for simplicity.]

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Competition, Tech Tip No Comments »
March 7th, 2023

Register for 2023 CMP National Matches at Camp Perry

CMP Camp Perry 2023 national match registration

Registration for the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) 2023 National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches at Camp Perry is now open! Held annually at Camp Perry in Ohio, the National Matches include the CMP National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches, the Pistol and Rifle Small Arms Firing Schools, the National Games Rifle Matches, the National Smallbore Matches and the National Mid-Range and Long Range Matches. These matches are conducted by a partnership of the CMP and Ohio National Guard.

CMP Camp Perry 2023 national match registration

Since their inception over a century ago, the National Matches have become a major shooting sports festival with over 4,500 annual participants. Held at the Camp Perry Nat’l Guard Training Base, the National Matches now include both indoor and outdoor events. Adult and junior athletes are welcome.

CLICK HERE for CMP Camp Perry National Matches INFO PAGE »

High Power Rifle Registration Page

Smallbore Prone and 3P Rifle Registration Page
Rimfire Sporter Registration Page

Airgun Registration Page

SEE the full 2023 National Matches schedule and other event info on the CMP website.

Story based on report by Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer
The National Matches is comprised of the CMP National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches, National Games Matches, National Smallbore Matches, National Air Gun Championships and the National Mid-Range and Long Range Matches. The month-long series also includes a variety of educational clinics for marksmen and women at all experience levels. All events are open to the public and spectators are welcome.

Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match
The first event of the 2023 National Matches will be the Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match. One of the most popular annual Camp Perry events, the Rimfire Sporter Rifle match features .22 LR competition in open sights (O-Class), telescopic (T-Class) and tactical/unlimited (TU) classes, fired at 25 and 50 yards. A CMP Rimfire Clinic will be held prior to the match.

Rimfire Sporter Match Camp Perry CMP
Rimfire Sporter Match Camp Perry CMP

High Power, Service Rifle, and Vintage Rifle Competition
The National Trophy Rifle series includes prestigious matches like the President’s Rifle, Hearst Doubles, Rattle Battle, National Trophy Individual, and National Trophy Team events. For juniors, a special paired Junior Team Match is also on the schedule. The CMP’s High Power (HP) Rifle Championship series will include a 4-man team event and three 80-shot matches and will be fired on electronic targets.

CMP Camp Perry 2023 national match registration

The CMP offers many vintage and modern military rifle events during the National Games Matches portion, including the John C. Garand, Springfield, and Vintage Sniper matches.

CMP Camp Perry 2023 national match registration vintage military rifle
CMP Camp Perry 2023 national match registration vintage military rifle

Mid-Range and Long Range Rifle Matches (Multiple Rifle Classes)
A Mid-Range 600-yard event will be held, along with Long Range matches open to Match Rifle, Service Rifle, Palma Rifle, F-Open, F-TR or AR Tactical categories. The Long Range matches will be fired on Camp Perry’s 1000-yard Viale Range.

Smallbore Rifle and Air Rifle Matches
For 2023, the National Smallbore and National Air Gun schedules have been combined to allow competition in both disciplines. Anticipated events for both smallbore and air rifle include a 3-member elimination team event as well as an Aggregate for those firing in air rifle and three-position smallbore matches. NOTE: For the first time, all National Smallbore events will be fired on electronic targets!

CMP Camp Perry 2023 national match registration

For air rifle or air pistol competitors – check out the National Air Gun Matches, held on the electronic target range within the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center. This series features training, followed by two days of 60-shot competitions.

CMP Camp Perry 2023 national match registration air rifle pistol

Pistol Matches — Traditional and Modern Formats
This year’s National Pistol events will again include a mix of traditional matches along with a series of 900 Aggregate matches for .22, .45 and Center Fire Pistol. The 2023 Pistol matches will also see enhancements to the ranges, with target lines set at 25 and 50 yards to eliminate moving between strings.

camp perry 2023 national matches pistol

Small Arms Firing Schools and Junior Camp
Small Arms Firing Schools (SAFS) will be held for HP rifle, smallbore, and pistol. All firearms and ammo are provided for the live-fire portion of the clinic. And a 5-day CMP National Matches Junior Camp will be open for young air rifle and smallbore competitors. Other clinics include the CMP/USMC Junior Rifle Clinic and the CMP Advanced Highpower Clinic.

Housing on Base and at Nearby Hotels
Housing for the National Matches is available on the Camp Perry grounds. On-base accommodations include four-person huts, cottages, barracks, RV spaces, and camp sites. There are also numerous hotels in the nearby Port Clinton, Fremont, and Sandusky areas. CLICK HERE for hotel lodging information.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the CMP at (419) 635-2141 or email competitions@thecmp.org.

Permalink Competition, News, Shooting Skills No Comments »
July 20th, 2022

Color-Coat Bullet Tips to Better Define Long-Range Groups

sharpie felt marker bullet color tip painting group paper target

When shooting groups at long range on paper it can be difficult to distinguish which bullet holes belong to a particular sequence of shots. If, for example, you shot three 5-shot groups at 600+ yards on a paper target, you would have 15 bullet holes on the target (assuming no misses). But at that distance it would be difficult to see the holes on target (even with a spotting scope). Accordingly, when you inspected the target up close, it would be hard to tell which shots belonged to which group. You might have a vague idea, but couldn’t be sure, without a target camera recording the shot sequence.

Here is a method to separate multiple shots into specific groups so you can better evaluate your load and shooting skills. The trick is pretty simple — mark your bullets with a color from a Sharpie or other felt marking pen. If you are shooting three 5-shot groups, mark five with red, five with green, and five with blue (or purple). Then, when you inspect the target, you can identify the group placements by the colors that appear on the paper.

sharpie felt marker bullet color tip painting group paper target

Round Robin: Using colors you can shoot “Round-Robin” to evaluate seating depths, neck tension, or other variables without having the shot order (and barrel heating) affect group sizes unequally. For example you might have three different neck tensions, each marked with a different color on the bullets. Then shoot Red, Blue, Green in that sequence for five total shots per color.

Smart Tip to Show Colors More Vividly

If the bullet inks are not showing up on your target paper clearly, here is a simple trick that can make the colors “bleed” to be more visible. In your range kit, bring some alcohol solution along with some Q-tips. Then dab the shots on the paper target lightly with wet Q-Tips. Here is the front of a target before and after application of alcohol:

sharpie felt marker bullet color tip painting group paper target

Forum Member NewbieShooter explains: “Dabbing a bit of alcohol on the bullet holes with Q-Tips makes the color pop a bit… especially on the back side.” See below:

sharpie felt marker bullet color tip painting group paper target

In short order you will see the colors spread into the paper, clearly marking the shot holes by distinguishing colors. If you were shooting a dark bullseye, view the the BACK side of the target to see the colors on a light background.

Credits: Bullet Tips photo by Forum Member Dave Way; Target photos by Forum Member NewbieShooter; Story tip from Boyd Allen.

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Shooting Skills, Tech Tip No Comments »
April 20th, 2022

Science of Accuracy Academy — New from Applied Ballistics

Bryan Litz long range Science of Accuracy Applied Ballistics

Applied Ballistics has just launched a great, new online resource for shooters: The Science of Accuracy Academy. This subscription-based website is launching with nearly 30 podcast episodes, with many more planned, as well as video content, Zoom classes, and much more.

The main goal of this new online resource is to adapt and modernize the delivery of content coming from Applied Ballistics LLC. In past years, books, DVDs, and seminars were the primary avenues for delivering information. Modern technology has evolved, and the delivery of information can be done in more efficient ways such as streaming videos, podcast discussions of book and seminar content. In addition to being a more modern delivery platform, The Science of Accuracy Academy allows for more frequent updates than traditional books and DVDs.

Bryan Litz, owner of Applied Ballistics LLC tells us: “I’m very excited about this avenue to share what we’re learning in the Applied Ballistics lab. I think many shooters will benefit from the podcasts, which contain very insightful discussions and can be enjoyed in your car, or as you work. We look forward to publishing more of our research thru the Science of Accuracy Academy”.

Bryan Litz long range Science of Accuracy Applied Ballistics

You can visit The Science of Accuracy Academy website at: thescienceofaccuracy.com. For full access to all Academy content and “members only” online events, a subscription runs $9.95/month.

Bryan Litz long range Science of Accuracy Applied Ballistics

About the Science of Accuracy Academy Content and Programs

Below, Bryan Litz comments about the Academy’s new podcast offerings and other interactive content. Bryan notes: “We’ve benefited a great deal from practicing the scientific method, and we want to share what we’ve learned.”

Book Content via Podcasts — Many of the podcast episodes are specific reviews of Applied Ballistics book chapters. I’ll sit with Mitch or Francis (both experienced, champion shooters) and discuss the chapter, what it was like to do the tests. We will also discuss behind the scenes problems, as well as what we’ve learned since publishing the books. This lets subscribers get knowledge from the books. And, as a podcast, you can listen while driving, working out, or whatever.

The World of Doppler Radar — In recent years we have spent considerable time visiting shooting matches with the AB Mobile Lab and running Doppler radar. Between that and some of the government contracting work, we’ve built up a lot of experiences and it’s been a long time since a book was published. This Academy is a great outlet for us to update the shooting world on what we’ve been doing and learning.

Ballistics Science and Precision Loading — We’ve been doing hardcore ballistic science for the past few years and have a lot to share. We’ve come to see some aspects of handloading and shooting in a fundamentally different way. For example, understanding the statistical nature of precision has caused us to re-shape how we make decisions in the handloading process. As a result, we now better understand cause-effect relationships and can make deliberate, reliable progress as a result.

Bryan Litz Announces the New Science of Accuracy Academy

The Lighter Side — Bryan told AccurateShooter.com: “Some of the podcast episodes are much less serious! We have fun arguing about which shooting disciplines are harder. For example, Mitch Fitzpatrick and I talk with Francis Colon and Chad Heckler about PRS vs. ELR shooting. We discuss what we like and dislike about the different sports, what we would like to see changed, and what competition shooting has meant for us as individuals. This open-ended format explores long range shooting from the technical to the personal and everything in-between.”

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