Black Powder Cartridge Long Range

What is Black Powder Long Range?

Black Powder Target Rifle can also be called Black Powder Long Range. It has also been called “Creedmoor” and, not too long ago, some called it Black Powder Palma.

At Deep Creek, we call it Black Powder Long Range. Our matches are currently not sanctioned by the NRA, but we closely adhere to the NRA rules.

Equipment needed to compete in Black Powder Long Range is similar to what is needed in Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Silhouette, but with a few extra considerations.

Ammunition

Any original black powder caliber is allowed. However, a caliber that is entirely suitable for silhouette shooting may run out of steam at long range. Without some advanced loading techniques, a 45-70 will have a difficult time. When it comes to 45 caliber, a 45-90 (45-2.4) would be a better choice. Many shoot a 45-2.6 and some even shoot a 45-2 7/8. Almost no one shoots a 45-3 1/4. Most have found that the extra recoil and cost of powder is not worth any perceived gains that caliber might offer. A few shoot a 50-90 and some like 40-82 Winchester chambered rifles. There have even been a few serious shooters that have worked up loads for a 38-72 Winchester chambered rifle. On a calm day, the 40s have done well. 38s have yet to garner widespread interest. The most common caliber one will see on the line is either 45-90 or 45-2.6.

Rifle

Rules for Long Range Rifles are bit more generous than they are in Silhouette.

Any safe, non bolt action, original or modern production or custom variety, breech loading rifle designed as a single shot is allowed so long as it does not exceed 15 pounds. As in silhouette, appropriate targets sights are a must. In this case, the rear sight must have a longer staff than a mid-range silhouette sight so that enough elevation can be dialed in. Most shoot with a long range rear sight for both silhouette and long range. Some like to have additional windage adjustment on their front sight for long range shooting. There are two reasons for this is. The first reason is the spinning bullet will cause a noticeable drift at 1000 yards. Adjusting for this on the front sight allows one to have a true “no wind zero” on the rear sight. The second reason is that on a very windy day, one might run out of windage adjustment on the rear sight. This is normally a non issue at Deep Creek, but it has been known to happen at ranges out on wide open land. Original or replica period rifle scopes are also allowed so long has the turrets are not click adjustable.

Additional Equipment

As in silhouette, a shooting mat, spotting scope, blow tube, eye & ear protection, etc., are things the shooter will need for long range shooting. A notebook to record sight settings is also a must. A walkie talkie set is also a plus so the target pullers (more on that later) in the pit and shooter & spotter/coach can communicate.

Targets

At Deep Creek, the target distances normally shot in matches are 900 and 1000 yards, but on occasion the 800 yard line is used. The dimensions on the paper targets used are:

X ring – 10 inches (black)

10 ring – 20 inches (black)

9 ring – 30 inches (black)

8 ring – 44 inches (black)

7 ring – 60 inches (white)

Any hit outside the scoring rings but on the white 72” x 72” square target paper is 6 points. The X ring and the 10 ring are each worth 10 points. The X ring is used to break ties.

Course of Fire

While a shooter and his spotter/coach are on the firing line, a corresponding shooter and coach are in the target pit. This is a safe area from which targets can be lowered and raised with out the risk of being struck by a bullet. Once it is confirmed that no one is exposed down range and that the pits are “sealed”, the range officer will call “RIFLES TO THE LINE”. There is a brief prep period at this time. When the prep time is over, the range officer with call out “READY ON THE RIGHT? READY ON THE LEFT? WHEN YOUR TARGETS APPEAR YOU MANY COMMENCE FIRING.” At that time the pullers in the pit will raise the targets. A generous amount of time is allowed so that two shooters can complete their courses of fire.

Once a shot is fired, the target pullers pull the target frame down and mark the hole in the target with a dowel and large pasteboard disc. A large red plate is hung at one of five locations on the edge of the target frame denoting the score, and then the target is raised. The spotter (as well as the shooter, if he is using a “down scope”) can see the location of the shot that is covered by the pasteboard disc, as well as the score by the location of the red plate. A bullet hole that cuts even part of a line that separates two rings awards the shooter the higher score. Holes are “pasted” with black or white tape each time the target is lowered. 15 shots are normally fired at each distance with unlimited sighters at the start of relay. However, as in silhouette, once the shooter announces he is going for score, all following shots will be for record.

Once the first shooter completes his course of fire and his score is confirmed with his target pullers in the pit by walkie talkie, he and the spotter switch places and begin anew. Once all of the second shooters have finished (or time has expired) a “CEASE FIRE” will be called and rifles will be removed from the line. When the line is safe, the pits can be unsealed. The people shooting will trade places with the target pullers in the pit, and the process begins again.

After every one has shot at one distance, the firing line moves back to the next distance, usually from 900 to 1000 yards, but sometimes from 800 to 1000 yards.

Set up/Take down

The shooters gather before the match (usually at about 8am) next to the target shed. Everyone pitches in to remove targets/frames from the shed and mount them on the target carriers in the pit. Wind flags also need to be put up along the shooting alley. A safety meeting is held where certain rules are reviewed, sign ups are completed, and squadding is organized.

After the match, the shooters again meet down range to put the targets and wind flags away, secure the sheds, and conduct any necessary housekeeping in the pits. Everyone then gathers at the pavilion behind the 1000 yard line to have awards presented.

The group of people who shoot long range are also from the great group of people that shoot silhouette, but there are fewer that shoot long range. Some may think it is more difficult to have similar success in long range as in silhouette, and there may be some truth to that. But with the right caliber, load and a sight that will reach out that far, almost everyone finds that they can shoot long range and have a great time, too.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email the Black Powder Director
See contact information on the right