What Paper?

[.22 Varmint]

   I use normal 8.5X11 printer paper to print out my targets. Unfortunately every shot I take results in a big long tear in the paper, making it difficult to score targets. What kind of paper do you guys use that is more resistant to tearing, that I can fit in my printer. Thanks in advance for any pointers.

Andrew     

[gamo2hammerli]

I just use the regular printing paper and tack it onto a cardboard.  That works fine with wadcutters, the domes will put a nice hole or a * shaped hole depending on the pellet.  Rarely if any tears doing it like that.

[.22 Varmint]

Thanks, I will do that this coming match. This will help me score those "close ones" more accurately. 

Andrew 

[ac12]

Another option is 60 pound card stock.
But FIRST make sure that your printer can take the heavier paper, some won't.

And if you shoot tight groups, reduce the number of shots per target until you can easily score the target.

[timegoat]

I use card stock too, but also tape the targets to corrugated cardboard. Makes nice hole with domes.

- Mark

[WhitleyStu]

I use regular printer paper, but Scotch makes double sided tape (just like regular Scotch tape only both sides sticky).  I put a piece in the back-middle of the paper target to hold it to the card board backing.  Keeping all the paper target's surface against the card board backer helps to get a clearer hole.

[coopieclan]

My best looking targets were when I used glue stick and glued the target directly to the card board.
I did this when I was going to a range that would/could not put out fresh cardboard.
A fresh piece of cardboard behind the target makes for better holes.

[Rico14]

I use inkjet photo paper to print my targests. One side is shiny. The pellets cut clean holes. I got the paper at Costco

[DawnZero]

Cardstock is a tad more pricy but works awesome.

[Random Plinker]

I have not had as good a luck with card stock.  Particularly lower velocity pistols (<500 fps).  I get just as many tears with card stock as standard 20 pound printer paper.  I can usually see the "ghost" of the wad cutter circle on the paper to help score even when it tears, but it does take some squinting.

Photo paper is more expensive than card stock, but I second the suggestion for photo paper.  I get cleaner holes with matte photo paper (38 pound paper) than card stock across the board, and the difference is more noticeable as velocity goes down.

[ac12]

The first variable is the pellet.  Wadcutters have a sharp shoulder that is meant to "punch" a hole in the paper, rather than push and tear a hole.  Use a round nose, and the pellet will push thru the paper, creating an indistinct hole.

But the target paper has to be supported stiff enough so the pellet can cut thru.  Just like it is easier to cut meat on a cutting board vs cutting meat hanging from your hand.  So either stiff paper or a good backing is needed.  I personally use cheap copy paper targets taped to cardboard.  The cardboard provides the "cutting board."  But I have to keep an eye on the target and the backer.  If I shoot tight groups, or shoot a lot in the same place, the backer will be shot away.  At that point the target will start to tear rather than be punched thru.  So I tape the target slightly differently each time, so the holes in the backer are not in the same place.  And I replace the backer often...cardboard is free.

[JTank70]

I have kids and we go through quite a bit of cereal.
I have cut up the cereal boxes and used the cardboard as a backer with copy paper targets.
Lately, I have just been using plain printer paper with no backer but it is time to start using the cereal boxes again.
Works well.

[SciGuy]

Sticking regular paper targets to Priority Mail and FedEx envelopes works real well.  I scavenge all the used envelopes at work.  A little 3M Spray Adhesive or some glue stick and all is good.

[PaperPunch1]

Spray adhesive the target paper onto the cardboard....that will clean up the tears.
PaperPunch1

[aack73]

lately i have been using blue Styrofoam insulation. had a couple of pieces laying around. works a lot like card board.