BeStill Custom Creations shares highlights from Terpstra/Swallow 1,000 Yard Muzzleloader Match
A dose of inconsistent weather and military logistics made the Terpstra/Swallow 1,000 Muzzleloading Blackpowder Match a little interesting this year. Shooters were able to get through the 800 and 900 yard targets on Saturday but had to finish up their 1000 yard targets on Sunday morning, wrapping up shortly before a downpour hit the range.
Typically, this match only allows traditional muzzleloaders and blackpowder cartridge shooters. This year however, event organizers introduced a new class, modern inline muzzleloaders capable of shooting Blackhorn 209. Shooters using Blackhorn 209 had to use the factory measurement, meaning they could not go above a 120gr (by volume) charge of the Hodgdon owned powder.
Jeff Fisk, owner of BeStill Custom Creations and passionate competative shooter had this to say about the match,
“Camp Atterbury shoot was definitely a learning event for us modern inline shooters I believe this is the first ever competition at 800,9 00 and 1000 yds to be held with NMLRA blackhorn loads and cross sticks prone and I believe we made a good showing in this match.
If you want to be humbled lay down in a wet grass field with cross sticks and fire away at 1000 yds - Super cool.
We averaged 4 practice shots to get dialed in and then 10 shots for score.
Special thanks to Ray Hopkins for putting on this event and all the helpers.”
According to participant George Perry, two shooters were using 350gr XLD's, one was shooting 327gr Parkers and another was shooting 300gr Pittman bullets. “With my 100yd zero, I needed 60.5moa for 1,000 yards”, said George. The 350gr XLD’s proved dominant in the race for gold, George took 1st, Bob Wetzler also shot the 350gr XLD’s and took second. Jeff Fisk of BeStill Custom Creations hit a spell of wind at 1000 yards, pushing him to third. Chris Kenney rounded up the roster at 4th but had a great time.
The modern inline class will become a regular part of this match and more shooters are encouraged to participate. For more information, visit NMLRA.org