30-Yard Challenge
- Thread starter tcarlson777
- Start date
9/23/25
Taipan Vet 2 .22 caliber 700mm Long
Ammo: AEA 25.39g and 21.9g
Scope. DNT Optics 7 X 35 X 56mm
Randolph Front rest
Rear Protektor Bag
Shot 40Y Challenge Cards today. Wind was 3-5 mph. Head winds, tail winds, cross winds. One flag. I mostly shot on head and tail winds.
195-8X
194-10X
189-11X
188-7X
187-9X
183-11X
I tried the 25.39g and it did not do as well as the 21.9g as evidenced by the scores.
Taipan Vet 2 .22 caliber 700mm Long
Ammo: AEA 25.39g and 21.9g
Scope. DNT Optics 7 X 35 X 56mm
Randolph Front rest
Rear Protektor Bag
Shot 40Y Challenge Cards today. Wind was 3-5 mph. Head winds, tail winds, cross winds. One flag. I mostly shot on head and tail winds.
195-8X
194-10X
189-11X
188-7X
187-9X
183-11X
I tried the 25.39g and it did not do as well as the 21.9g as evidenced by the scores.
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If allowable, I’d like to use a target I created over the last two days. I verified the PDF with ImageJ, and it works well with my catch boxes. I have both a small and a large box filled with rubber mulch. A half sheet of the target fits the small box, while a full sheet provides two targets for the large trap. And it saves me paper.
I will still use the original target, but for rifles like my S200—where I know I can shoot decent scores—I prefer the smaller version. I have noticed consistent scores so far with implementing the smaller version.
My mouse ain't the greatest, but you can see the diameters are consistent.
I have tried a lot of software's (expensive to free), OpenOffice Draw has been my favorite for making targets.
When printing PDF's always remember to select "Actual size" in the print prompt screen. And I encountered an issue with work related stuff, some printers automatically set a margin that alters the document. That takes more to figure out. I usually do a test print with my settings and verify before I do a batch.
View attachment 30YC new paper-saver.pdf
I will still use the original target, but for rifles like my S200—where I know I can shoot decent scores—I prefer the smaller version. I have noticed consistent scores so far with implementing the smaller version.
My mouse ain't the greatest, but you can see the diameters are consistent.
I have tried a lot of software's (expensive to free), OpenOffice Draw has been my favorite for making targets.
When printing PDF's always remember to select "Actual size" in the print prompt screen. And I encountered an issue with work related stuff, some printers automatically set a margin that alters the document. That takes more to figure out. I usually do a test print with my settings and verify before I do a batch.
View attachment 30YC new paper-saver.pdf
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New high score for this rifle, 198 11x. This morning I got out for some practice, and I took off the Eaglevision harmonic tuner and mod 30 moderator. I put on a 3D printer moderator I bought from @qball , who i bought the rifle from. This morning I saw some good results. My kid woke up early so i didn’t have time for a scored card.
Fast forward through me thinking ALL DAY how the rifle will do with the moderator change. Around noon time it started thunderstorming. And continued… I was very downtrodden that i wouldn’t be able to shoot, that’s how good I felt. My son goes down to sleep, still raining. I watch a 20 min farming YouTube video and go back outside. Only a slight drizzle! I go for it!
And here it is.
Air Arm S200 177
Sightron 36x
FX 10.3 gr straght from tin
735 fps
Off bags.
And for my pen folk, i have a new scoring pen. Kaweco Classic Sport Medium, filled with my favorite ink, Noodlers Baystate Blue.
Fast forward through me thinking ALL DAY how the rifle will do with the moderator change. Around noon time it started thunderstorming. And continued… I was very downtrodden that i wouldn’t be able to shoot, that’s how good I felt. My son goes down to sleep, still raining. I watch a 20 min farming YouTube video and go back outside. Only a slight drizzle! I go for it!
And here it is.
Air Arm S200 177
Sightron 36x
FX 10.3 gr straght from tin
735 fps
Off bags.
And for my pen folk, i have a new scoring pen. Kaweco Classic Sport Medium, filled with my favorite ink, Noodlers Baystate Blue.
Attachments
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Leaderboard submission:
Date: 9/23/25
Target: 30-Masters
Score: 198 13X
Rifle: Reximex Daystar .177 (unregulated - 2.68" hammer spring - same action as Akela/Cayden/Kratos)
Pellet: AEA 8.72g (885-900fps - starting fill pressure = 1950 psi)
Scope: Athlon Argos Gen 2 10-40 at 40X
Conditions: mild wind conditions - very dim light
I had not shot the Daystar since March. It's tuned to shoot 10.3g at 835-850fps. It has an extreme spread of about 16fps across 60+ shots.
I tried the AEA 8.72g in it yesterday. It shot a couple of 192 Masters cards - lots of Xs but a few fliers. It was shooting the AEAs at about 900fps. I expected it to do better because the Daystar is really accurate and these AEA 8.72g are really good pellets in most everything.
On a hunch I cleaned the barrel. It was filthy. I went out and quickly shot this card - in about 5 minutes as the light was fading fast. No more flyers!! (8s). It easily could have been a 200 Masters. I pulled one of the 9s. The other 9 I forgot to hold off to the right - I was in such a rush that I aimed at the wrong place, lol.
Lesson learned: I'm not someone who constantly cleans barrels (I use a Patchworm pull through) - but if a rifle is throwing flyers, try cleaning the barrel. FX barrels have pressed in rifling that is very smooth - they don't seem to need cleaning often. Cut rifling barrels like LW or this Reximex barrel seem to need occasional cleaning to perform at their best.
She's a pretty rifle.
-Ed
Date: 9/23/25
Target: 30-Masters
Score: 198 13X
Rifle: Reximex Daystar .177 (unregulated - 2.68" hammer spring - same action as Akela/Cayden/Kratos)
Pellet: AEA 8.72g (885-900fps - starting fill pressure = 1950 psi)
Scope: Athlon Argos Gen 2 10-40 at 40X
Conditions: mild wind conditions - very dim light
I had not shot the Daystar since March. It's tuned to shoot 10.3g at 835-850fps. It has an extreme spread of about 16fps across 60+ shots.
I tried the AEA 8.72g in it yesterday. It shot a couple of 192 Masters cards - lots of Xs but a few fliers. It was shooting the AEAs at about 900fps. I expected it to do better because the Daystar is really accurate and these AEA 8.72g are really good pellets in most everything.
On a hunch I cleaned the barrel. It was filthy. I went out and quickly shot this card - in about 5 minutes as the light was fading fast. No more flyers!! (8s). It easily could have been a 200 Masters. I pulled one of the 9s. The other 9 I forgot to hold off to the right - I was in such a rush that I aimed at the wrong place, lol.
Lesson learned: I'm not someone who constantly cleans barrels (I use a Patchworm pull through) - but if a rifle is throwing flyers, try cleaning the barrel. FX barrels have pressed in rifling that is very smooth - they don't seem to need cleaning often. Cut rifling barrels like LW or this Reximex barrel seem to need occasional cleaning to perform at their best.
She's a pretty rifle.
-Ed
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Good to know about the cut rifling barrels and cleaning frequency. Is that a 2- stage trigger? What is capacity of the air cylinder? Nice card!
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9/24/25
RAW HM1000X .22 HP
Athlon Heras 15-60X 56mm 2FP
AEA 25.38g & JTS 22.07g
1 Flag
Wind: 1-3mph
Shot six 40y cards:
40 Yard Masters
185-7X
188-9X
189-9X
40Y Challenge
188-6X
194-10X
196-11X **Tied 4/28 196-11X**
Ok, there is a learning here for me. I shot both the Taipan Vet 2 and the RAW .22 today; and I am noticing some random fliers with the AEA 25.39g. ES Values are good, scores are ok, not great.
However, both days when I stepped down to the 21.9g and 22.07g; I had better scores at 40Y.
I’m not sold on the 25.39g AEA pellets, but I need to try some different velocities also. I’m guessing at 30Y my scores will be much better, but the jury is out right now.
RAW HM1000X .22 HP
Athlon Heras 15-60X 56mm 2FP
AEA 25.38g & JTS 22.07g
1 Flag
Wind: 1-3mph
Shot six 40y cards:
40 Yard Masters
185-7X
188-9X
189-9X
40Y Challenge
188-6X
194-10X
196-11X **Tied 4/28 196-11X**
Ok, there is a learning here for me. I shot both the Taipan Vet 2 and the RAW .22 today; and I am noticing some random fliers with the AEA 25.39g. ES Values are good, scores are ok, not great.
However, both days when I stepped down to the 21.9g and 22.07g; I had better scores at 40Y.
I’m not sold on the 25.39g AEA pellets, but I need to try some different velocities also. I’m guessing at 30Y my scores will be much better, but the jury is out right now.
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Anyone forget a bull? I didn’t realize until I put the rifle away and all my accessories. If i was shooting during the day it wouldn’t be such a process. So if I drop #8 and #9 it’s another 197. It can’t be a 200, so is alright to finish in the morning. What crazy is I shot a bunch after on another target. Lesson learned, I will scan back over from here on out.
I try and be a goldfish through a whole card, so I’m blaming that.
I try and be a goldfish through a whole card, so I’m blaming that.
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If anyone wants to keep track digitally to the excess, I had chatgpt make a spreadsheet.
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I finished last nights target, 198 11X, as you can see i used it as a demo working out the spreadsheet with chatgpt.
Today I was not on my A-game. Two 195's. Target #2 (Right white) 7B through 11A the rifle decided to kick everything right. It was strange, there was no wind. 3A was the only shot I felt I messed up from my input.
Today I was not on my A-game. Two 195's. Target #2 (Right white) 7B through 11A the rifle decided to kick everything right. It was strange, there was no wind. 3A was the only shot I felt I messed up from my input.
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Hi Christian,
I'm about to post the Leaderboard Updates.
I added your 198 12X to the leaderboard - as it tops your 198 11X that you previously posted with the S200.
-Ed
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Leaderboard Update: Submissions through Sept 24, 2025
Challenge Shooters, this is our 5th leaderboard update of 2025...
Apologies for almost 8 weeks since last update, I ‘m enjoying the great weather, shooting and just having a lot of fun in my 1st year of retirement.
Welcome & Welcome Back:
Welcome to some of our newer Challenge shooters with submissions during the past two months: @S_Gru with his Crown and Impact, @DaleR with his BRK Sahara, @h20kenny with his KalibrGun and its great to see @Florida_Man finding time to shoot again (sometimes even at night) with his Daystate and Air Arms rifles.
Notable Submissions...
30-Challenge:
We have 17 (!) new and or improved 30-Challenge submissions since our last leader board update. Shout out to new 200s shot: @tommyb twice with his .22 RAW HM (20X & 15X – I believe his 3rd 200 with this rifle this year), Marvin (@mreynolds) with his Thomas (20X) S_Gru with his .22 FX Crown (16X), Jimmy (@JimD) with both his SnowPeak P35 (17X) and his Stoeger Bullshark (16X), Florida_Man with his .177 Revere (15X) and finally EPG with his Taipan Vet 2 (16X).
We also have many shooters gradually improving their scores with each rifle as 2025 rolls along – JimD is probably our best example of this.
I’d also like to point out that we had a large number of submissions from shooters using AEA and JTS pellets. I’m very impressed with the quality of these pellets – JSB (which includes FX and AA) isn’t the only game in town anymore. If you have not tried AEA pellets yet, do yourself a favor and pick up a tin and try them. I find that not only do AEA pellets shoot very well score-wise, I’m also getting some very tight extreme spreads when I chrono them – so the pellets seem very consistent.
30-Masters:
We have 18 (!) new and or improved 30-Masters submissions since our last leader board update. You shooters are getting so good that you don’t need the “Mulligans” and are shooting more Masters cards !!
We had 4 30-Masters 200 submissions this summer. Those of you shooting Masters cards know how difficult this is. Shout-outs to @mreynolds for his perfect 20X card with his .177 Thomas, @TheAirgunnero (Ricky) for his 16X with his GCMAG in a beautiful benchrest stock (pellets used and rifle made in the Phillipines), Greg (@NAProf) with his .22 Nordic Wolf Crown – 17X (!) and finally old EPG with an 18X with his .22 Taipan Vet 2 – his best 30-Masters ever.
JimmyD and EPG also had some 199s on the Masters cards – sooo close....(keep trying!)
40-Challenge:
We have 5 new and or improved 40-Challenge submissions since our last leader board update – all from EPG and TommyB. EPG had a 17X (!) card with his Dreamline PowerPup (including the 1st 15 straight targets). Tommy shot an awesome 197 with a .177 at 40 yards – reminds me of a guy named Marvin...
40-Masters:
The 40-Masters board continues to be getting a lot more attention from shooters this year …
The best scores submitted this period were from Ed (EPG) and Joe (@nomojo65). EPG shot a 198 with his RTI P1. Joe shot an amazing 16X 197 card with his .177 RAW TM (Ole’ Yellar). Joe also had some great recent cards with his Thomas FT rifle, but they didn't top the awesome 197 14X that he shot in late May.
EPG even managed to get his custom Benji Akela on the 40-Masters board with a 193. Originally a .177 Akela with a 410mm barrel, the rifle is now a .22 caliber sporting a 600mm barrel from a Cayden – which still fits under the stock Akela shroud.
As always, I have just one request from you guys…
... its still “Shootin’ Season”. Fall weather here in New England is the best time of the year to be outdoors...
...so KEEP GETTING THAT LEAD DOWNRANGE !!
-Ed
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Great job Ed! Wow, great scores and from everyone. You are killing it at 40Y with several rifles. Not to o easy to do.
Looking forward to getting my first new rifle in a while. Brocock Sniper XR Magnum Long .22 in October.
Great shooting gang!
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Hi Guys,
Just before the storms rolled in yesterday, we got a really calm period. I decided to try my luck at 40 yds with the DRS.
For the Leaderboard ***** (well the bottom of it anyway)
40 yd Challenge 191-11X
FX DRS Classic 500mm .177 using FX 13.4gr pellets at 819fps
The four 8's make it tough to get any kind of score let alone a wanky 6 out of the blue. At least I broke 190 and now have a target to improve on with this rifle.
Cheers,
Greg
Just before the storms rolled in yesterday, we got a really calm period. I decided to try my luck at 40 yds with the DRS.
For the Leaderboard ***** (well the bottom of it anyway)
40 yd Challenge 191-11X
FX DRS Classic 500mm .177 using FX 13.4gr pellets at 819fps
The four 8's make it tough to get any kind of score let alone a wanky 6 out of the blue. At least I broke 190 and now have a target to improve on with this rifle.
Cheers,
Greg
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9/26/25
Taipan Vet2 .22 700 mm Long
DNT 7X35X56mm 2FP
Randolph Front Rest
Protektor rear bag
AEA 21.9g
30Y Masters
193-12X
199-15X (Leaderboard)
I cleaned the Taipan barrel yesterday. Also, I was really trying to dial in my velocity. If you compare the 2 cards, the 912 FPS was 7 points better than the 902 FPS. Plus 15X’s vs. 12X’s.
I think 910-915 FPS is probably ideal for the 21.9g AEA pellets with the Vet 2. Especially at 30Y.
For 40Y, I will leave it there (912 FPS) for now.
Taipan Vet2 .22 700 mm Long
DNT 7X35X56mm 2FP
Randolph Front Rest
Protektor rear bag
AEA 21.9g
30Y Masters
193-12X
199-15X (Leaderboard)
I cleaned the Taipan barrel yesterday. Also, I was really trying to dial in my velocity. If you compare the 2 cards, the 912 FPS was 7 points better than the 902 FPS. Plus 15X’s vs. 12X’s.
I think 910-915 FPS is probably ideal for the 21.9g AEA pellets with the Vet 2. Especially at 30Y.
For 40Y, I will leave it there (912 FPS) for now.
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Greg
I can relate. We all can shooting 40Y with a 13.4g pellet.
Greg, you might replug 12A, looks like it will touch the 9 ring. If so you have an 18, and you can throw away the top left 17.
But, 40Y is really tough with a .177, except for Joe who shot ‘two’ 197 Masters at 40.
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High score alert!
Date: 9/26/25 2115 hrs
Target: 30YC Papersaver
Score: 200 13X
Rifle: Air Arms S200 177 Huma Regulator 90ish bar
Pellet: FX 10.3gr / Tumbled in rag 2min, washed in alcohol, Finishline dry wax
Scope: Sightron SII 36x
Conditions: SE 4 / Night shoot w/ M18 worklight
I've focused on this rifle since the 200 with my Revere on 9/16.
Things I changed along the way
1. Ditched the Eaglevison harmonic tuner and Huma mod 30 --- Replaced with @qball 3D printed mod that attaches to barrel
2. Pellet attention. I weighed pellets. Didn't go crazy. My Hornady only goes to the first decimal of grains. Most were 10.3 or 10.4. After washing I treated the first batch (half) with Finishline dry wax.
3. HUGE! Learned to load without removing my head from weld. I know this seems easy, but pellets really like to drop backwards in my S200 tray. Today I finally felt comfortable feeling the pellet for orientation.
Today I glued several targets to some chipboard. I like how easy they are to score. Nothing but clean holes.
I usually take some practice shots to make sure scope is on. Then I shoot two cards and refill. Take a look at my first card using the weighed 10.4g w/ wax. I switched to the 10.3 for the second card after taking a few test shots between cards. I did have to remove my cheek several times during that card.
Edit. And I will be the first to admit 6A doesn't look like a 10, but the plug does. I'm fine if this gets voted down, 12 is still a 20.
Date: 9/26/25 2115 hrs
Target: 30YC Papersaver
Score: 200 13X
Rifle: Air Arms S200 177 Huma Regulator 90ish bar
Pellet: FX 10.3gr / Tumbled in rag 2min, washed in alcohol, Finishline dry wax
Scope: Sightron SII 36x
Conditions: SE 4 / Night shoot w/ M18 worklight
I've focused on this rifle since the 200 with my Revere on 9/16.
Things I changed along the way
1. Ditched the Eaglevison harmonic tuner and Huma mod 30 --- Replaced with @qball 3D printed mod that attaches to barrel
2. Pellet attention. I weighed pellets. Didn't go crazy. My Hornady only goes to the first decimal of grains. Most were 10.3 or 10.4. After washing I treated the first batch (half) with Finishline dry wax.
3. HUGE! Learned to load without removing my head from weld. I know this seems easy, but pellets really like to drop backwards in my S200 tray. Today I finally felt comfortable feeling the pellet for orientation.
Today I glued several targets to some chipboard. I like how easy they are to score. Nothing but clean holes.
I usually take some practice shots to make sure scope is on. Then I shoot two cards and refill. Take a look at my first card using the weighed 10.4g w/ wax. I switched to the 10.3 for the second card after taking a few test shots between cards. I did have to remove my cheek several times during that card.
Edit. And I will be the first to admit 6A doesn't look like a 10, but the plug does. I'm fine if this gets voted down, 12 is still a 20.
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Awesome shooting Tom. Which card was the 200 out of the 4 that you shot? My buddy is shooting the AEA 22 grain pellets really well out of his HM1000X but the wind moves the POI around more than the heavier 25.4's. His gun prefers a dirty barrel and I wondered if your 200 was the last card after the barrel was fouled?
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