Long Range Shooting in New Zealand

Gunslinger PLRS Data Book Pages From Impact Data Books – Statistics for Improving Shooting Performance	www.gunslinger.net.nz © 2010, Shane Cossar, New Zealand. All rights reserved. Contact: shane_cossar@hotmail.com
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This Data Book page, available from Impact Data Books, is designed specifically for the unknown distance stages of the Gunslinger Rifle Challenge, and Gunslinger Extreme Long Range Rifle Challenge.
Introduction This article provides an example of how to complete the Data Book page for a Gunslinger Match. There are also several examples below of other pages from Impact Data Books, who provide a wide variety of page templates for different target types, including layouts for specific military targets and non-military shooting disciplines eg F-Class. Many shooters realise the value of recording their shooting data, and while most simply use a notebook, there is a more structured method that allows a very detailed level of shooting data to be collected – what is generally known as a Sniper Data Book. Sniper Data Books obviously have a use in the military, and while also being used by law enforcement, they do have a valuable role with civilian shooters. By keeping a record of actual results and the conditions they were achieved in not only provides a basis for objectively evaluating performance (of both ammunition and shooting techniques) and thereby leading to improvement, but also provides a ready reference of previous results at particular locations.
Impact Data Books Impact Data Books commenced business in 2009 and their data books are available in various configurations of; bound, binder, page combinations, page sizes and many also available on Rite in the Rain ‘paper’. Impact data Books also provide downloadable paper targets that correspond to their book pages (eg target shapes); and also downloads explaining the best-practice methods to fill out data cards and range cards. For example one of the downloads explains the difference between what a Call is and how it should be displayed, compared to what a Plot is and how it should be displayed. The examples of the Impact Data Book shown here are all of the standard size.	Purchase Data Books and pages from Impact Data Books at: www.impactdatabooks.com/
Filling Out The Gunslinger Match Databook Page C-GSM To compete in a Gunslinger event you aren't required to use any type of data book, or even keep any sort of record of shot history. Some people simply use a ballistic calculator, and others use ballistic data cards and a note book. The Gunslinger Match Data Book page is available from Impact Data Books and usually provided to Gunslinger competitors, and provides a valuable record of shots for analysis, particularly on the re-shoot day. The Gunslinger Match page is based on the Unknown Distance page, but includes target illustrations and Course of Fire Information specific to the unknown distance stages of the Gunslinger Rifle Challenge and Gunslinger Extreme Long Range Rifle Challenge.
On the first row record data about when, what ammunition was used, and where the shooting is located.
On the second row record the data necessary for the method of ballistic calculation you are using: Temperature, Barometric (Station) Pressure, and Relative Humidity apply for a ballistic calculator Temperature and Altitude apply for a ballistic data card Some Gunslinger stages may involve high angle shooting, so record the angle or cosine to target - although not usually significant when less than 5 degrees For the Gunslinger Extreme Long Range Rifle Challenge stages with ranges past 1200m, you'll need to allow for Coriolis, so record the Latitude and Direction of Fire
There's a section to reccord notes, and your score.
All Gunslinger events have a round count of up to five rounds per stage. For each shot record: The mil size of the target, if you're using mil-dot type range estimation Estimated target range in metres or yards The elevation and wind adjustemt used, in mils, moa, or whatever standard your scope uses In this example shot 2 was a miss, and shot 3 on the same target shows another (corrected) elevation. Having hit the target from the third FP on shot 4, it ended The Eiger Sanction stage for this shooter, so there was no fifth shot.
At the bottom of the page there is information about the various unknown distance stages. Record shot impact (or miss) on the Target Plot. The target Size/s are listed in inches, to assist in any mil-dot range estimates (the targets are cut in inches so inches will provide the most accurate estimation) The size of the deer and coyote aren't shown The Course of Fire for each stage is also listed in an abbreviated form
Other Pages from Impact Data Books Impact Data Books have dozens of pages that provide valuable information, or provide a template for recording data. Listed below are several that are particularly useful for Practical Long Range Shooting.
Impact Data Books page, Chronograph Velocity Sheets LD-CV. Accurate data for Muzzle Velocity is one of the biggest determinants for long range shooting, so keeping records of ammunition or loads chronographed at different temperatures is vital.
Impact Data Books page, Unkown Distance B-UKD. The Unknown Distance (UKD) card is one of the most useful pages for Practical Long Range Shooting.
Impact Data Books page, NRA Long Range F Class SSS-LR-FC.. For civilian shooters, Impact Data Books also provide a number of data cards for specific shooting disciplines. This is for a medium range NRA target, and there is also a corresponding score sheet available as well. Numerous variations of this layout exist for different target shapes eg round, square, IPSC, and animal.
Impact Data Books page, Sniper Sniper Range Card SRC. A Range Card can be considered as a simplified map, showing Target Reference Points with accurate range and angle information from a specific Firing Point.
Impact Data Books page, Sniper Field Sketch SFS 12. A panoramic sketch can provide a perspective and a level of detail not available from a map. In steep terrain a panoramic sketch is often of more use than a range card as it provides more details about TRPs in close proximity but at very different elevations.
Disclaimer: Shooting is potentially dangerous and damaged equipment can be expensive to fix. You should confirm all changes to be made to your rifle system and shooting practices with your local gunsmith or gunshop owner.