Seeing/hearing targets at 200 yards.

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flashcows

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Hi all,

I was shooting my Tikka T1x 17hmr at 200 yards, and found it difficult to know if I hit my target or not. I shot at AR500 steel, and with electronic ear muffs I wasn't really able to hear if I made impact. The metal barely moves with the 17hmr so I find it hard to confirm visually as well. I also shot paper targets at this distance, and using my cheap knock-off spotting scope (25-75 x 70) I wasn't able to determine impact, even with reactive splatter paper targets.

I am looking for people's experience with this, what is the best way to determine impact? This is at a range so I cannot bring my own steel or use other reactive targets. If you guys have better luck with good quality spotting scopes please let me know, I will shell out for a nice spotter if it makes a difference.

Thanks all.
 
You're rite the HMR is hard to spot after 150 mtrs .

I shoot 1717 D H with a Bushnell DMR 3.5-21 X 50 &
Cooper Varminter 57m. with a Delta Javelin 4.5-30x56

The Delta is the best scope that I've ever had/used and
can spot my shots on target @ 150 mtrs./

We hang cast iron frying pans for interactive at our range
and they move well but for paper @ 200 mtrs. I got a Bullseye Camera.
Haven't used it to the full advantage yet but works
okay at 120 mtrs.
 
We regularly shoot our 22’s out to 400yards and hits start getting a little hard to hear at around 350ish. We are using an electric target indicator now at 400. Our plates are 3/16” out to 200 and 1/8” from there on out. Depending on how the wind is blowing, some hits at 400 yards are still hearable but it doesn’t take much to change that.
 
Get proper rimfire steel targets. You only need 1/4" mild steel, it will be louder and lighter then centerfire AR500 targets.

Also, how do you hang them? A single point attachment is best, allows the steel to twist and swing more.
 
Alpheus said:
Get proper rimfire steel targets. You only need 1/4" mild steel, it will be louder and lighter then centerfire AR500 targets.

Also, how do you hang them? A single point attachment is best, allows the steel to twist and swing more.
Click to expand...

Alpheus has hit the nail on the head! Insite arms has the loudest targest that I know about. Theyre bullet proof but Titanium i believe and have a very loud sound compared to regular AR targets of the same thickness. Hit indicators work but are problematic with falling off or being hit by errant rounds. A quality scope or spotter will easily pick up hits at the 200 mark, Fresh paint dont lie about impacts. Good luck
 
You needs more cow bell.

Goto Sport Check or other sporting good store, and get those annoying celebration cow bells,. You know the ones you hear at sports events. Mount it on back of your gong.

What I did, I wasn't getting audible ring with my gong. Even going down to 1/4".. So I mounted a cow bell behind.
 
I see you can't use reactive targets...less fun.
FYI for those that can, ShootersTarget7 USA has 3/16" AR400 for rimfire. I have their 8" and 10" gong, at 200yd it has a decent ring. They have a good 6 pc package deal if you search rimfire.
It would be interesting to see how load the Insite 1/4" Titanim is compared to the 3/16" AR400.
 
Last edited:
OkayShooter said:
You needs more cow bell.

Goto Sport Check or other sporting good store, and get those annoying celebration cow bells,. You know the ones you hear at sports events. Mount it on back of your gong.

What I did, I wasn't getting audible ring with my gong. Even going down to 1/4".. So I mounted a cow bell behind.
Click to expand...

How far out can you be to hear the cowbell? How are you mounting the target (chain? rubber belt? or?...and bell mounting?). Any details appreciated.
 
What kind of hearing protection do you use OP?
Electronic muffs make a big difference as they let you turn up the volume to hear distant impacts after the shot has turned the earmuffs off briefly.
 
Steiner said:
How far out can you be to hear the cowbell? How are you mounting the target (chain? rubber belt? or?...and bell mounting?). Any details appreciated.
Click to expand...

I only got a 100m range and can hear. I'm using fire hose and single bolt to secure the gong. The bell is mounted on the cut end of the folded in half hose, via a small bolt, after I cut off the handle.

So either swings with the gong as it gets hit, or the gong hits the bell. Very annoying setting it up because you hear the clanging as you are walking.

I also thought of a hit light indicator. Walmart had these cheap LED marker lights, it comes with a 12v battery and small try me switch. Mounted the switch on a bar I mounted on the flap, battery etc and wire the light.. so when hit the gong would hit the switch and light will flash.

Could think of something like that.
 
This is my cow bell setup.. *note that is on the backside *

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call2arms said:
With Bright orange or chartreuse poster board I can see 223 holes at 200 with spotting scope
Click to expand...

Same here, but I just get the White - only 50c each at Dollar Store. My scope is just a Celestron 'Cavalry' 20-75x60 I got at C-T a few years ago, was only $75 I think. My range is only 180 yds so this suits fine. I draw whatever I want for an aimpoint, usually1-2" circles - not dots - just 2-3" apart. I put a " + " with 2" bars at the centre for my SKS w/iron sights and can usually hit that (total 6" wide/high) half of the time. ;-P
And for 50 or 100 yds I put a bunch of 3/4" dots (2-300/$1.00 -Dollar store again) - much cheaper than 'real' targets. I also print some targets at home for the shorter range.
 
Good idea with the cowbell!

I use "LightReact" flashers out to a mile for centerfire....not sure how far they would work on rimfire....will depend on the target steel I am sure.
 
A good coat of paint will show you your hits on the steel.
But as said previously. Rimfire don’t ring heavy plates that great.

I have 1/2” AR500 plates on my home range. And the 22 at 150 it’s pretty quiet.
On 1/4” plate they ring great.

17hmr you are still hearing gun blast at impact inside 200yrds I believe.

Calm day I can easily hear my 22lr hits out to 400yrds.
 
I would suggest that you hang the steel target from a strip of rubber.

That way the plate will move and the direction it reacts will provide visual feedback as to where the impact was.
 
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