Thunder Hole Long Range Basics
Everything you need to know to get started
Single Shot Category
Single shot rifles are typically Sharps (most commonly the 1874 model), Winchester Highwall or Remington Rolling Block. Other types are certainly available (Stevens 44-1/2, Borchardt, etc.) but far less common.
Sights may be any type of open sight, or period correct telescopic sights such as the Malcolm telescopic sight. Whatever the sight type, it must be period correct.
Cartridges must be a minimum of .32 caliber up to .50 caliber. The most common are the .38-55, .40-65, and .45-70. These provide sufficient power without punishing recoil. However, if you want to drag out your .50-140 elephant howitzer — have at it!
The single shot match uses targets at 100, 200, 250, 300, 400, 465, 500 and 600 yards. The match totals 26 rounds of ammunition, plus what you use for sight-in.
Lever Rifle Category
The lever rifle category uses the same targets as the single shot, but only goes out to 300 yards — again totaling 22 rounds. You'll shoot the 100, 150, 200, 250, 300.
Rifles commonly used are the Marlin 336, Marlin 1895, Winchester 1876 and Winchester 1894. Minimum caliber is .30. The most common cartridges are the .30-30, .38-55 and the .45-70. There are many other suitable cartridges if you happen to have a rifle chambered for them (.40-60, .45-75, .50-90, etc.).
Match Information
| Schedule | Sunday after 1st Saturday |
| Range opens | 8:30 am |
| Sight-in | 9:00 am |
| Match starts | ~10:00 am |
| Typical end | ~1:00 pm |
Ammunition: Lead bullets only — no jacketed bullets. Smokeless or black powder, period-correct cartridges.
RV Camping: Dry camping opens Friday at noon before the match.
What to Bring
Long range shooting needs a few extra items beyond the basics:
- Rifle & ammunition — at least 30 rounds for the match plus sight-in
- Front rest — Cross sticks or a simple cloth bag filled with sand or rice works great
- Spotting scope or binoculars — helps to see where your shots land at 600 yards, others will spot for you who aren't shooting your relay
- Camp chair — there's plenty of downtime between relays
- Water & snacks — no concession stand, and the Texas sun is no joke
How a Relay Match Works
Thunder Hole shoots in a relay format. Up to 10 shooters are assigned to a relay. Each shooter fires in sequence — Shooter #1 fires a round, then Shooter #2, Shooter #3, and so on. By the time it's your turn again, everyone else on your relay has fired, adjust your sights, and get ready for the next one. There are always shooters from other relays helping to spot your hits or misses.
Targets are steel gongs at known distances. You get one shot per target, and it's scored as a hit or miss. There's no time pressure — take your time and make each shot count. Targets are repainted inbetween each relay.
New shooters are always welcome. If you've never shot past 100 yards before, this is a great place to learn. The relaxed pace and friendly folks make it easy to get started.