Went to a silhouette match, had a good time, now have a question?

[Norrick]

Never really cared for the smallbore metallic. I understand that it is scaled down and is proportional, but theres something about the high powered silhouette match that is just more fun. Maybe its watching the bullet trails through a spotting scope, or just seeing the sheer distance involved (this was my first time to a range that went farther than 200 yards), but I like it.

My buddy was using a .223 because its the only centerfire he has. He was hitting them but not knocking them over (maybe 25% of his hits fell over). I was there as an observer, helping him spot, and getting some footage with a new camera of mine. They were also nice enough to let me shoot my 45 colt Super Blackhawk Hunter out to 200 yards which was pretty cool. This really seems like a good sport that I'd like to get into, but at the moment I have no centerfire rifle.

So question: what would you say the minimum caliber is for reliably knocking over the targets, given a good hit? (the Rams are @ 550 yards)

Will 7.62x39 work? I'm guessing no, since its not much more powerful than a .223 (if at all). I only ask because on a side note, I've been eyeballing a CZ 527.

I handload, but I'm not looking for anything exotic. I'd like to get by in a common factory chambering with no major modifications to the rifle.

 

[joed]

You don't here about silhouette matches any more, first one I've heard of in years. The minimum caliber that will reliably knock over the targets is a .25. A 6mm will work but not reliably.

Back when silhouette matches were popular Remington chambered the .25-06, 7mm-08 and .308 in their varmint special so they had offerings to compete in the game.

 

[Offfhand]

Probably the currently most popular-and successful-caliber for Silhouett is .260 Rem.

 

[BrocLuno]

.308 varmint rifle will do and it's useful for other stuff too

 

[db_tanker]

i know in pistol silhouett the 35 Remington, 357 Max, 6, 6.5 and 7mm TCU were all popular. You can find 'em in a Contender or in a Remington XP100. Weatherby also made a turn bolt pistol called a Mk V Compact Firing Platform.

30-30 and 7mm International or 7-30 Waters would do fine as well.


Bolt rifles however I would go with 260, 7mm-08 or 308 and handload.

Most of those folks that do the competitions would also be more than willing to help out a new or interested shooter get started with a bit of advice.