Sometimes simpler is better when it comes to targets for fun shooting and load testing. While we normally use test targets from our Downloadable Target Page, it’s sometimes easier to just use high-visibility adhesive target dots.
You can order 1″ target dots in bulk from data-labels.com. Many colors are available including fluorescent Red, Green, Orange, and Yellow. These are bright and easy to see even in fading afternoon light. A pack of twenty (20) sheets costs just $4.95. For the 1″-diameter stick-on dots you get 63 dots per sheet. Larger, 1.66″ diam. fluorescent dots are also available in 20-sheet packs for $4.95, with 24 large dots per sheet.
If you prefer smaller, 3/4″-diameter circles, Staples.com sells packs with 1008 adhesive dots for $4.98 per pack. Colors include Neon Red (item 538041), Neon Yellow (item 538090), and Neon Green (item 538066), as well as dark blue, light blue, yellow, and dark green. We recommend the Neon Red for most uses, or the Neon Yellow for use on a black background.
For close-range work, you may prefer 1/2″-diameter dots. Forum member Steve has found these at Uline.com. The 1/2″ dots are available in a wide variety of colors including fluorescent Red, Yellow, and Green. Price is $12 for a roll of 1000 dots (item S-2063).
I prefer 1/2″ circles, like these from Uline ( http://www.uline.com/Browse_Listing_1215.asp?desc=Inventory+Labels+%2D+Blank+Circles ) which cost more, but are smaller.
A 1/2″ circle at 300 yards (longest range available near me) is not quite entirely covered by nightforce crosshairs at 42-power (I’d say 70% coverage). I.e., it seems easier to line up repeatedly than with the bigger (3/4″) circles, which I used to use. Note that, for me, neon green and neon orange work best on brown cardboard targets. Neon orange works well on white paper.
This data-labels route is a good find for cheap dots!
Comment by Steve — June 4, 2008 @ 4 pm
I use 1″X3″ labels and cut them into thirds. This gives me 1″ squares. When shooting I place the crosshairs on one of the corners, less guessing.
Comment by Lee Gabriel — June 5, 2008 @ 1 pm