Bearwalk
Active Member
I have been learning so much here, I wanted to contribute something back to the site.
Lately, I have been experimenting with DIY long range targets. I can't shoot steel at one of my ranges and I don't always have a partner, so here's what I came up with:
I take an Elmers 20"x30" foam board. 3/16" thickness works great. I can get them for $1.50 on sale. Next, use some masking tape or electrical tape to mask the target profile you want. I just use a simple cross with "half lines" at six inches off-center for grouping estimation.
Next, I use Rustoleum marking paint to spray the target. I use fluorescent orange and it works great. One coat works best. One "extended" can will do three targets.
Next color in your profile with black marker, if you like, or just leave it white. Note, it is very difficult to draw on the marking paint after the fact. It is very grainy and ruins the marker. I can usually draw an 8" circle if I'm careful, but that's about it. Careful not to chip the paint.
That's it! The rounds flake the paint almost like "shoot n sees". I can see .308 hits at 600 yds w/ my spotting scope. 300 yds with no scope is visible. I also use orange 3/4" and 1 1/2" round labels, that I purchase at Staples, to cover up my hits and extend the life of the target.
I figure I have $2.50 into each target.
I hope this is useful to some of you. Enjoy!
Lately, I have been experimenting with DIY long range targets. I can't shoot steel at one of my ranges and I don't always have a partner, so here's what I came up with:
I take an Elmers 20"x30" foam board. 3/16" thickness works great. I can get them for $1.50 on sale. Next, use some masking tape or electrical tape to mask the target profile you want. I just use a simple cross with "half lines" at six inches off-center for grouping estimation.
Next, I use Rustoleum marking paint to spray the target. I use fluorescent orange and it works great. One coat works best. One "extended" can will do three targets.
Next color in your profile with black marker, if you like, or just leave it white. Note, it is very difficult to draw on the marking paint after the fact. It is very grainy and ruins the marker. I can usually draw an 8" circle if I'm careful, but that's about it. Careful not to chip the paint.
That's it! The rounds flake the paint almost like "shoot n sees". I can see .308 hits at 600 yds w/ my spotting scope. 300 yds with no scope is visible. I also use orange 3/4" and 1 1/2" round labels, that I purchase at Staples, to cover up my hits and extend the life of the target.
I figure I have $2.50 into each target.
I hope this is useful to some of you. Enjoy!
