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Sighting with a Muzzleloading
Rifle
Click
here for a printable
version of this page in PDF format.
Muzzleloading
projectiles function at a lower velocity and have a
higher trajectory curve than modern ammunition. To
properly use a muzzleloader, the shooter must
recognize the range and load limitations of the
firearm and compensate for these handicaps by
improving his or her personal skill. If the rifle is
to be used for hunting, a good deal of practice at
various ranges is required.
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The average deer is not
a very large animal. By using the recommended target
size and height you will learn to estimate range and
compensate for bullet drop. (For more information on
deer anatomy and sighting, click
HERE.)
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Follow steps 1, 2 and 3 below. After you have
determined exactly how far your bullet or ball will
drop at these various ranges, make up the practice
target show at left. Use this target for practice
before hunting deer. You should be able to place the
projectile in the cross (or within 3" of it) at all
three ranges before hunting game. Do not attempt shots
that are beyond your practiced and acquired skill.
Skill with a
muzzleloader can only be acquired by constant practice
with a given load and firearm. Vary the range is
indicated on this chart so that you know exactly how
high to hold to compensate for the bullet's drop.
Never attempt to hold at some undefined point above
the back line of the animal (top edge of target). Such
shooting is dependent on luck, not skill.
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Steps to Construct
Your Target
1. Adjust rifle sights to
hit "dead-on" the point of aim at 50 yards.
2. Use the same target
size (and sight setting) and practice at 75 years.
Make a mental note of the "drop". You must hold this
much higher to compensate for the additional range.
3. Use the same target
size (and sight setting) and practice at 100 yards.
Make a mental note of the "drop". You must hold this
much high |
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Follow steps 1, 2 and
3. After you have determined exactly how far your
bullet or ball will drop at these various ranges,
make up the practice target shown at the right
(cross in the heart area, etc.). Use this target for
practice before hunting deer. You should be able to
place the projectile in the cross (or within 3" of
it) at all three ranges before hunting game.
Do not attempt shots that are beyond your
practiced and acquired skill.
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Provided by:
thompson/center
arms
rochester,
new hampshire
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Center for 4-H Youth Development
Room 219 Family Life Center (FLC)
P.O. Box 5016
North Dakota State University
Fargo, ND 58105-5016
Phone: 701-231-7251
Fax: 701-231-8568
Email: Center for 4-H Youth
Development
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