FREE! everybody likes something free. Then there is the TANSTAAFL crowd (There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch), and they are partly correct in this case because for this FREE target, "you" have to print it. But it's worth every penny you pay for it :)

I have developed this target over the years, starting a base layout and a tweak here and tweak there over time. It meets most of the needs for load development. It is designed and scaled to print full-page on standard 8.5"x11" office paper. It has fields with blanks to remind you the things you may want to keep a record of. Most people always remember the primary items like which bullet was used, which powder and how much, and a length measurement of some type (see below). But some other items are not so obvious or sometimes not as critical like the temperature, case manufacturer, which primer, caliber, which gun (model number or maybe serial number if you have more than 1 in the same model).

If you have a chronograph there is a place to record the speed (fps). I also have a place holder so you can record the target distance, this target works great at 100 yards if you’re using an optic. 100 yards is a fairly common range for load development work, I’ve also used it at 200 yards. The “sheet” field is used to mark a target sheet number, if space is available and it commonly is at the range I use. I will staple up multiple target sheets when I go to the target board and number them. Then after each shot from the bench I record hit location and speed on a separate piece of paper at the bench. Hanging multiple sheets allows me a longer shooting session while reducing my time walking down and back to the target board, besides the target is free right?

OK, back to the length measurement - Reloaders use different methods to measure the seating depth of the bullets. One of the more common methods is to measure the total cartridge length from the tip of the bullet to the base of the case. This is often called “OAL” short for Over All Length also sometimes called “C.O.A.L.” short for Cartridge Over All Length. Another method that I have started using is measuring from the Base To Ogive (BTO). So which ever method you use, you can indicate that on the target along with the measurement.

Since these are printed on 8.5x11 office paper, these target are easy to organize and keep. I typically use a 3 hole punch and place them in a 3 ring binder. And as the world and offices continue to go more digital these 3 ring binders are easy to pick up cheap. At the same time if you would rather just take a picture with your phone to record the information, that will work too.

Just click on the link below to view and either download or save the target. 

Link to Free Target