HBSA 1910 Open 200 Yards Meeting, Bisley

[Brian the Brit]

.......that I was watching one guy shooting a .577/450 Martini-Henry in the "Rapid" stage of his competition (Shot prone at a sort of man-shaped target with 2 deliberate non-convertible sighters and then 10 rounds in 60 seconds - starting loaded).





I think he got off seven rounds but when the target was patched and turned for inspection, I saw that he had grouped all his shots into the centre of the target. It really was very impressive as I've always been led to believe that the service Martini-Henry was never an accurate rifle.





When I spoke to him later he told me that the last time he shot the competition he had managed to get 10 rounds off but that his accuracy and hence score were poor so this time he'd deliberately shot slower and more carefully. It certainly seemed to have paid off.





Opinions were divided about the use of paper-patched or greased, cannelured bullets. Another guy (who won a national competition with his MH last year) said that he loads 60 grains of powder into the case then tops it to the brim with semolina (COW to the Americans)which he then compresses down to the neck of the case before adding card wad, lube, card and paper-patched bullet. Fascinating stuff.





I also saw quite a few Schmidt-Rubins, some Mausers (in particular a very accurate 11mm 71/84 plus later models), a Ross and some P14s.





Brian

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[bradtx]

Niner, It's a shame that here in the US we don't have the same type of competitions we read about from the Commonwealth Nations. Then, when I practice rapid fire (no threat to anybody's record) or charger loading (again, I suck) I get the oddest stares from other shooters.





Fortunately these competitiors have answered my "What is that?" competition questions in the past with detail...they know we're event challenged. ;





The neatest competition I read about came from Australia...three shooters in a team shooting prone, kneeling and standing with the prone shooter shooting 600 yds. (IIRC) and the standing shooter engaged in a 'mad minute'. I don't remember what the kneeling shooter's goal was.





Take Care, Brad







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[martinibelgian]

Depends - both PP and GG will shoot well, but for rapid-fire sequences I definitely would prefer Greased bullets though. I personally don't use any filler at all, just 86grs of Swiss FG with an appropriate wad column (card wad, lubed felt wad, another card wad). Maybe I am too cautious, but I believe shooting filler is a potential liability.


And if you have a good M-H, then you will see it can be quite accurate - even in 577-450. It just takes quite a bit of work (and a good shoulder, otherwise recoil will get to you...) to get there. I have 2 ZAR's in 577-450 that are 'not so hot', a ZAR carbine that shoots quite well, and a LSA MKII which also shows quite a bit of potential.

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[ajcarey]

Excellent post, Brian. It was probably best that you did not dwell on the performance of the Schmidt-Rubins and, heaven forbid, the Swedish Mausers. No sense in incurring the wrath of the Old Mauserphobe, Adam. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)">;





Also, thanks for answering Niner's questions and thanks to Niner for asking them. Saved me the trouble.





aj

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[dromia]

Thanks for the post Brian its a cracker.





Yes these old courses of fire are fun and challenging and were designed in an era when a practical shot was some one who could hit anything at reasonable range from any position without the benefit of preparation, range flags, distance markers, rests or even time to get into a sling.





At the ramge on Saturday we discussed holding an open Classic SMLE competition as we have all the targets landscapes etc.





I hope that some of you southerners will make the effort and come and join us, I'm sure that hospitalty will be provided to help you overcome the shock of travelling north of Watford. ;





Will keep you posted as to dates if we mange to pull it off. ;





AJ my old comode tester, my old geegaw molester, my old privet plucker!





I'm no mouserphobe I just have a realistic appreciation of where the old mouser stagnates in the evolutionary gene pool and hierarchy of battle rifles.

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Adam.





Why don't you visit .

[joseyclosey]

Good report and pics Brian, and a very interesting thread too.


I am hoping this Classic SMLE comp that Adam has mentioned comes off. It will be fun.


Joe

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[PeterN2]

Adam and Joe, I was given an entry form at the range yesterday to a Historic Breech Loading Rifle competion that is being held at Battle Hill range on 21st August. This is being organised by the Consett Sports Centre Gun Club. I am not sure I will be able to make it as I am just coming back off holiday then. Is this something you will be going to?


Regards


Peter.

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[dromia]

Hi Peter,





no I will not be attending this shoot, personally I have some safety issues with the Consett club.





Let me know if you are going though and perhaps we could meet up or if you wanted an overnight you are welcome to stay with us.

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Adam.





Why don't you visit .

[joseyclosey]

Not sure yet Peter, August is pretty busy for me.


joe

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