SHOOT! Magazine's Guide to Getting Started 
in Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Silhouette

By Kenny Durham

As with any new area of competition shooting, be it just for fun or on the serious side, the game of Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Silhouette requires that we acquire the most optimum equipment and knowledge to best enjoy the shooting. The equipment doesn’t need to be fancy or the top-of-the-line, just reliable. Here are a few suggestions to get us started.

Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Silhouette or BPCRS became an official NRA silhouette competition in 1985 when the first BPCRS National Championships were held at the NRA Whittington Center near Raton , New Mexico .  The rifles used in BPCRS are the heavy single shot cartridge rifles of the buffalo hunting and long range target shooting eras of the late 1800s.

The targets are life-size steel cut-outs of a chicken, javalina pig, turkey, and ram and the distances at which the targets are fired are 200 m, 300 m, 385 m, and 500 m respectively. In order count for score, the target must be knocked off their feet. The 200-meter chickens are fired from the standing offhand position thus making them the most difficult to hit. Targets at the other three distances are fired with the rifle barrel resting on crossed sticks from either a sitting or prone position. Most shooters fire from a prone position which is steadier than sitting.

At 300m, the pigs are the easiest targets to hit with the 385-meter turkeys and the 500-meter rams being more difficult. Turkeys are considered to be more difficult to hit than are rams but they both can be hard to hit when conditions are tricky. The shape of the turkey body presents the most circular form of the animal targets but leaves little room for error in any direction. Pig and rams targets don’t allow much room for error in elevation, but have considerable latitude for windage.

As with other silhouette disciplines BPCRS is a timed event. When the shooters and spotters are assembled and ready to start the relay, the range officer issues a 30-second “Ready” command to load their rifles and prepare to shoot. When the  30-second ready period has elapsed, the “ FIRE ” command is given. Shooters have 7 minutes in which to fire sighting shots on stationary targets and 5 record shots for score. Once the shooter fires a shot for record, they cannot return to the sighting target. The record targets are shot left-to-right in sequence, hit or miss. When time has expired, a “CEASE FIRE ” command is given. The line is made safe and the targets reset. The relay is returned to the firing line with another 30-second “READY” period, follow by 5 minutes for 5 record shots. Sighting shots are allowed only on the first bank of targets. Relays may be 10-shot or 15-shot depending on whether the match is a 40 or 60 shot event.

Single Shot Black Powder Cartridge Rifles for Silhouette

Selecting a Rifle Model  

Single shot rifles approved for use in BPCRS are those with an exposed hammer having been manufactured in the United States prior to 1896 and originally chambered for black powder cartridges of the era. Rifles may be originals or reproductions with a maximum weight limit of 12 lb. 2 oz. The rules specify twenty-six (26) designs that were either manufactured in the late 1800’s, or are modern improvements of original designs. Of the original designs, the Model 1874 Sharps, Winchester 1885 “highwall” (or Browning), and the Remington Rolling Block are the most popular. Following these are rifles by Ballard, Sharps 1875 & 1877 models, Remington No. 3 Hepburn, Stevens 44-1/2 and the Springfield Trapdoor.

Choosing our style of rifle is strictly a matter of choice. With the resurgent interest in historical firearms, it is possible to purchase virtually any of the American designs of the late 1800s and a few modern ones whose origins are from the same era. Most of the rifles used are reproductions or custom built on an original action. For example, many of the Remington Rolling Block rifles used are built on military frames that have been sporterized to some degree and fitted with a new barrel and stocks. Many times, original rifles are not well suited for use in competition because of wear that has degraded accuracy over time or that the rate of twist of the rifling is too slow to stabilize long heavy bullets.

Among shooters, there are eternal arguments about which rifle is the best. One will hear, “Oh the Winchester , Ballard, or Stevens are much better due to the fast “lock” time. Those old “side-hammer” Sharps and Remington and rolling blocks with there big heavy hammers are too slow. In actuality, it really makes little difference. The difference lies within the shooter and their abilities to make a clean shot with the proper follow through. The proof of such can be seen in the National Records and State Championships wherein ALL of the models listed have been winners.

So, it comes down to whether we want a Ballard, Remington,  Sharps, Stevens, or Winchester model much the same as choosing a Ford, Chevy, or Dodge pickup truck. And, similarly, we can get foreign imports too!  How we might go about choosing the rifle, for example, could be to select a historically correct rifle of the 1870s. In that case, we would be limited to a  Ballard, Sharps, or Remington. If we wanted a rifle from the 1880s or later, then we can add in the 1885 Winchester , and the No. 3 Remington or Hepburn. If  we don’t care about being historically true to the era but just want a competitive rifle, then the CPA Stevens and reintroduced Browning-Winchester 1885 models will serve one well. So, get the one you like the best! 

And finally, a good silhouette rifle does not need to be an expensive rifle costing several thousands of dollars. Many of the imported Sharps, Remington, and Winchester pattern rifles are used very successfully in competition. Often, used rifles in excellent condition can be found for less than $1000 and many of the new ones are priced between $1000 and $1500. As long as the rifle has a good bore and good chamber, the rifle should be accurate enough for BPCRS competition.

Selecting the Black Powder Rifle Features

Our silhouette rifle should have certain features regardless of whether it is an original or reproduction of a Sharps, Remington, Ballard, Stevens or Winchester . Here’s why.

The attributes that made for a good hunting rifle or military rifle in the 1880’s do not make for the best silhouette rifle. A rifle having a short, light-weight barrel may be great to carry while on a hunting trip where only a few shots are fired.  But try shooting some 60 plus shots of stout recoiling ammunition while lying prone on the ground, especially with a crescent buttplate and you’ll feel pretty beat up by the end of the day. Also, a short, light barrel will be much harder to shoot accurately than a long heavy one. The rifles used by the buffalo hunters in the 1870s are the closest to what we want. So, here is my list of features that make the best silhouette rifle. Let’s start from the business end. 

1. The barrel should be heavy and 30 inches long. Round, octagon, or half & half.

2. The action should be equipped with “set” triggers.

3. The buttstock should have a straight comb or minimal drop and a pistol grip.

4. The buttplate should be a straight, “shotgun” style rather than a crescent.

5. The weight of the rifle should be from 10 ½ lb. to 12 lb. (max wt. 12 lb 2 oz.)

6. The caliber should be .45-70 Govt. or .40-65 Winchester .

To give an example, I have a Shiloh No.1 Sporter with a standard barrel that is 32 inches long and chambered for the .45 x 2.4” Sharps cartridge (.45-90). The rifle is extremely accurate but due to the light-weight barrel is a bit unforgiving if I make a sloppy shot. Additionally, the total weight of the rifle is less than 11 lb. so the recoil can add to fatigue during a multi-day match. A heavy 30-inch barrel would have been a better choice for silhouette shooting. However, I have also shot some of my best scores, including hitting 9 out of 10 chickens, with this rifle. The exception to this rule can be for ladies, youngsters, or those who don’t have the strength to master a heavy rifle from the offhand position. Then, we need to sacrifice some weight and barrel length.

Double or single set triggers allow the trigger to be placed in a “spring loaded” setting that makes for a “hair” trigger of a few ounces to fire the rifle. Most BPCRS shooters use rifle equipped with set triggers but such is not absolutely necessary. A standard trigger that has no creep and a pull weight of 2.5 to 3.0 pounds is perfectly acceptable. Actually, acquiring the discipline to use a standard trigger will make us a better shot, including making us a better shot with set triggers too.

As for the buttstock, the comb or top of the stock should be straight or with a slight drop. A straight combed stock allows the rifle to recoil in a straight line with less muzzle jump. Also, the recoil is not felt as much especially if the buttplate is straight like those found on shotguns. The stock may also have a cheek piece as long as it is not a roll-over style. A pistol grip shape allows for the trigger hand wrist to be in a more natural position thereby aiding shot-to-shot consistency.

There are limitations on the dimensions of the stocks set forth in the NRA Rule book that limit the height of the comb, length of the buttplate (heel to toe), and the depth or curvature of a crescent buttplate. The purpose of these rules is to keep the rifles similar to the big rifles used in the 1800s.

Although the list above gives the best configuration for a silhouette rifle, it does not mean we are limited by it. Steve Morris of Glenoma , WA is one of the top shooters and uses a Shiloh Sharps that has a straight military buttstock. It works for him! Another example, is when my wife decided that she wanted a Shiloh Sharps 1874. Sherri chose the “Saddle Rifle” model which has a straight grip but added to it a traditional ebony pistol grip that attaches to the lower tang (trigger bar). The ebony pistol grip is much better suited for those with smaller hands than is the standard Sharps pistol grip stock. She also chose the barrel to be a 30-inch heavy half octagon/half round barrel in .40-65 Winchester caliber. Finally, the length of pull (length of the buttstock) was custom fitted for her. The result is beautiful Shiloh 1874 Sharps that is a perfect silhouette rifle just for her.

Choosing a Caliber and Cartridge

There are lots of calibers and cartridges from which to choose. The most used calibers are .40 and .45 caliber. For the beginner there are two calibers and cartridges that make the choice a no-brainer. They are the .45-70 Govt. and the .40-65 Winchester . The .45-70 is a perfect mid-range (600 yard) black powder cartridge. Furthermore, it is the standard to which all others are compared. It is easy to handload and for which components are abundant. Components and dies are stock items at any store selling reloading supplies.  The only drawback to the .45-70 for some shooters is the recoil from the heavy 500 grain bullets (or heavier) used at distances beyond 200 meters.

The other choice, and now the most popular BPCRS cartridge, is the .40-65 Winchester , which is a .45-70 case tapered to .40 caliber. This cartridge originally was chambered for the 1886 Winchester lever action rifle and loaded with a 250 gr. bullet. With the passing of the black powder era, the .40-65 became obsolete and little known among shooters. However, the sport of BPCRS and the desire for a .40 caliber cartridge that provided sufficient “knockdown” energy but having milder recoil than the .45-70 brought the .40-65 back to life. Add to these features that the .40-65 is easily formed from .45-70 brass and we have a cartridge that is ideal for BPCRS. Starline began producing .40-65 brass a few years ago thereby making case forming optional rather than a necessity. In order to make the .40-65 suitable for BPCRS, the twist rate was increased to 1:16 which is required to stabilize heavy bullets weighing from 385 grains up to 430 grains.

There are other good cartridges such as the .45-90, the .40-70 Sharps Straight, or the .38-55 for shooters sensitive to recoil. Also, there are some vintage cartridges in .40 cal and .44 cal that are fun to play with but are not for beginners due to requiring custom made tools or components. Just to show how popular the .40-65 and the .45-70 are, at the National Championships in 2003 (just happened to have that year’s results sitting on my desk) a poll of the shooters lists 147 using the .40-65, 113 shooting the .45-70, 22 shooting the .45-90, 10 shooting the .40-70 SS, 8 shooting the .38-55, and 18 others shooting something else.

The .40-65 and .45-70 win hands down for the experts and the beginners!

Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Silhouette Ammunition

The BPCRS rules require that ammunition must be loaded with black powder or Pyrodex and plain based lead bullets (without metal gas checks). Since there are very few sources for factory loaded black powder ammunition along with the cost being quite high, most ammunition for BPCRS is hand loaded. Cast or swaged lead bullets are available from commercial sources and becoming more so all the time. Most BPCRS shooters prefer to cast their own bullets. But, unless one currently casts their own bullets, I suggest that the beginner purchase bullets from a vendor. Many times, if a new shooter attends a match and lets it be known the they are just getting started, fellow shooters will offer to give or sell the newbie some bullets to try before ordering a quantity of bullets or a new mould.

Ammunition for BPCRS is not merely brass a case loaded with black powder and a bullet seated atop. It needs to be loaded to “match” quality in order to be accurate. All of the silhouette targets have a minimum dimension that encompasses about 2 minutes of angle in either elevation or windage. Therefore, in order for us to consistently hit the targets, our ammunition (and rifle) must be accurate enough to produce 1 ½ minute-of-angle (MOA) 10-shot groups, which is 3” at 200 yards.

For example, the mid-section of the 500-m ram measures a mere 2 MOA from the belly line to the top of the back, leaving little room for error. It is not difficult to load black powder ammunition that is extremely accurate, but it does require some Black Powder and The Old West available from Shoot! Magazine.

A Word About Sights

There are now two classes of sight configurations of rifles; Iron sighted and Scope sighted. The iron or metallic sights allowed in BPCRS are traditional globe front sights and tang-mounted vernier sights of the late 1800s. The sights are not required to be historically accurate of any particular manufacturer, but must be typical of what was available during the era. The same goes for the scopes. They must have external, non-click adjustments, and the mounts must conform to certain vintage styles. Check the NRA’s web site for more specific information.

Vernier tang sights come in a variety of quality and price ranges. Some are authentic reproductions of vintage manufacture others are similar to original designs or that “could have” been available during the era. A good tang sight is the one area where we should not be afraid to spend a little extra. A well made tang sight is a precision instrument and if well cared for may outlast several rifles. When I started shooting silhouettes my first 1874 Sharps rifle was acquired for less than $800. But I received some good advice towards what sights I should get and purchased top-of-the-line sights from Montana Vintage Arms costing in excess of $600. At the time it seemed almost ridiculous that I should spend almost as much on sights as I did for the rifle. But, I’m glad I did!  I no longer have my starter rifle but I still have the set of sights and they have been used on a monthly basis for 10 years now.

When I see new shooters eyes start rolling back into their head upon learning how much good sights cost I often make them  aware of the fact that if they are beginning in this sport, they likely have a gun of some sort that they no longer care about or use. My advice is to sell it and get a good set of sights with the proceeds. I have never had anyone come back and say that they wished that had not done so. On the other hand, I have seen new shooters buy economy sights in an effort to save money only to be frustrated later wishing they had bought better quality sights. Some of the moderately priced sights are acceptable with only a minor trade off of price versus quality. However, avoid the very lowest priced imported sights if possible. Buy the best sights you can afford. You won’t be sorry.

Other Equipment to Acquire
1.  Cross sticks
2.  Blow tube
3.  Shooting matt
4.  Spotting Scope
5.  Timer

During the course of fire, all of the targets, except for the 200-meter chickens are fired at from either the sitting position or lying prone with the barrel of the rifle supported by a pair of crossed sticks. Cross-sticks must be made of wood and either tied or bolted together so that they pivot at a single point. They can be made from either round 1-inch diameter (max,) dowels or 1” x 2” wood. The “V” of the cross sticks can be lined or covered with a single layer of fabric or leather to protect the rifle finish. Also, metal spikes (3” max.) are allowed on the ends of the sticks for ease of inserting them into the ground. Instead of lining the ”V” some shooter use a leather strap spanning the upper ends of the cross-sticks, to provide a cradle on which to support the rifle without it actually contacting the sticks.

Blowing down the bore between shots helps to cool the bore slightly and adds moisture from our breath to soften the black powder fouling. Otherwise, the fouling will accumulate and degrade accuracy very quickly. Anywhere from three to ten or more breaths of moist air blown gently through the bore are required depending upon conditions. Most blow tubes are constructed from a cartridge case fitted with copper or plastic tubing. By using a blow tube constructed from a cartridge case, and inserted into the chamber when blowing, we can keep the chamber dry while moistening the bore. Blow tubes can be homemade or purchased from several sources.

A shooting matt can be as simple as a remnant of carpet, a blanket, a piece of foam padding, or a matt design specifically for shooting. Although not an absolute necessity, sitting or lying on concrete, dirt, or gravel gets old quickly. I started with a moving blanket. After attending a few matches, you will get a pretty good idea of what you want.

Another piece of equipment that we eventually will need is a good spotting scope. As a participant, most BPCRS shooters usually spot for another shooter and vise versa. Additionally, some shooters prefer to have their own scope while shooting to observe conditions before and after their shot. An acceptable scope, capable of discerning the mirage at 500 meters will have an objective of a minimum of 50mm and range from 25x to 30x in power. Additional magnification or zoom lenses are of little value.

BPCRS is also unique in that it is a team effort between the shooter and a spotter. The spotter takes on the responsibility of monitoring the shooting conditions, giving sight adjustments to the shooter, and reporting where the bullets strike, be it a hit or a miss. Without a spotter peering through a telescope it is very difficult for the shooter to see where the bullets are striking. Add to this changing light conditions, mirage, and winds that can move a bullet five feet one way or the other and the importance of the spotter becomes readily apparent. Most of the time, shooters switch off spotting for each other and develop a close-knit team that knows that shooting habits and capabilities of each other. Just as the saying goes, “Behind every good man is a good wife,” one can say that, “Behind every good BPCRS shooter is a good spotter.”  In my case it is often one-in-the same because my wife Sherri spots for me much of the time.

Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Silhouette is a shooting game unlike any other. If you enjoy the single shot rifles of the late 1800’s, long range shooting and black powder, you will love this game!

See Ya at the Range,
Kenny Durham

For more information on rules and to get a listing of matches in your area, contact the NRA Silhouette Division, 11250 Waples Mill Road , Fairfax , VA 22030 , www.nra.org

A partial list of U.S. companies building rifle models of the late 1800’s are:

• Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing Co., makers of 1874 Sharps pattern rifles

• Axtell Rifle Company, maker of 1877 Sharps pattern rifles

• Ballard Rifle Company, makers of Ballard and 1885 Winchester pattern rifles.

• CPA Corporation, makers of Stevens 44 ½ rifles.

• C. Sharps Arms Co., makers of 1874 & 1875 Sharps and 1885 Winchester pattern rifles.

• Lone Star Rifle Co., maker of Remington Rolling Block pattern rifles

• D Z Arms, makers of Remington Hepburn pattern rifles.

• Meacham Tool & Hardware Co., makers of 1885 Winchester pattern rifles.

U.S. Companies Importing 1874 Sharp’s, Remington Rolling Block, and Winchester Highwall pattern rifles manufactured by Davide Pedersoli & Co., Aldo Uberti Co, and Armi Sport

• Cimarron Arms

• Stoeger Arms

• Navy Arms Co

• Dixie Gun Works

•  Taylor & Co.

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