scoring targets

[bones]

Hello. here is a target i shot this morning before work. As you can see there are 3 holes but i shot 4 times. so my question is would you shoot a 5th time (against the rules, as this was last of the targets on the papper and my 20th shot) or just take the lowest score from the 3 holes in the target? it will most likely never happen to me again, but was just wondering.

[Brushy Bill]

Any one of those three holes could be two shots.
Probably the one at 6:30-7:00, or the hole
catching the X dot, that one looks as if you can see
a lead mark on the lower right side of the hole
that hole looks a little large.
If you can, try and sit a pellet nose first if it is a
wad cutter, where it catches that mark and look
at how much hole is left. You can try the same
on the hole at 6:30.

Are you shooting a scope?
If so, is it possible you put an extra round in
another bull?
Crossfires are not uncommon in competitions.
They are a little less common when using apertures
but they still do happen.
There is an old saying "When it comes to crossfires,
there are two kinds of people, those who have, and
those who will."

I changed scopes on my 2250XT this week. I caught myself
preparing to shoot a wrong bull after getting out of position
to answer the phone.

Of course none of this means you did the same thing.

It is tough to score multiple shot targets.
When I shoot these targets, I count out four pellets
so that it is easier to know just how many I have shot
at a particular bull. I shoot the bulls on the target in
the same order every time. I shoot the three on the left
first then the remaining two on the right, always top
to bottom.

In cases like this, when you are sure you have four shots
on a particular bull, you just have to make a call.
It is tough sometimes, scoring plugs are really not any use
on multiple shot holes. This type of scoring gage however
does make it a little easier. The Eagle Eye scoring gage
http://www.championshooters.com/store/product.php?productid=541

It is the same cost as two plug type gages and scores
both .177 and .22 and since it does not deform the holes in
any way, it is a better option.
Here is a photo of it scoring a .22 hole you can see the .177 etching
at the lower left. This was shot using a diablo type pellet the hole
always closes up after it passes through. But by using this on
questionable holes such as your target, it is easier to compare hole sizes.


This is what I used in Air pistol matches since we always
shot the four bull targets. I kept pellets in the center
and would place 5 in each of the other pockets.
One pocket for each bull.


Keep shootin brother, your scoring will get a lot tougher as
you groups get tighter, and they will get tighter.

[bones]

Yes I have a scope. I checked the other bulls, didn't hit them. To make it harder on me I had just replaced the cardboard backer and the 3 holes all looked perfectly round on that. No big deal it is just practice paper, I have 100lb paper that I will use for match scoring... will use for practice too after I shoot up the last few sheet of the 20lb. Think ill have to order one of the scoring tools you suggested. Thank you for your time in answering my questions.

[bones]

Thanks Bill. I ordered the scoring gage  and some R-10 pellets to try while i was at it. they have to be better then the walmart one I'm shooting now. have plenty of pellets at home that my gun loves...just didn't bring enough with me

[Brushy Bill]

Your welcome Bones.
I think you will like the gage.
I have had one for about 12-13 years
now, gave all my plug gages away.

Most of the matches I have shot, the
competitors scored targets. (usually
just passed the targets to the right)
I have never had a score over turned
using this gage. Match officials usually
like it too because if there is a challenge,
the official is the first to use a plug gage
in the hole. (when single holes are in
question)

Anything I have tried the R10 pellets in
has liked them, think you will too.

Good luck brother, hope you enjoy your shooting.

[Daysailer]

On Brushy Bill's recommendation I ordered an
Eagle Eye, and recieved it yesterday.  Its  cool.

No more givin' points away on the close ones.... Now I will know for sure.

Bill, Tks for the advice and link .....ds

[Brushy Bill]

Cool, glad you liked it, they are kinda
pricey, but with a little care they
will be around for a long time.