2025 Cold Bore Challenge Q&A Thread

[Justin Crossley]

Hey everyone! The Cold Bore Challenge is happening again this year!

Post questions and comments in this thread.

The challenge thread is here:

K

Post in thread '2025 Cold Bore Challenge'

Jun 14, 2025

MER 650
Tikka 22creed
88eldms
DIY rokstok
Swfa 3-9
Cgs hyperion k
Shooting prone off a pack using left hand as rear support.

600 yard qualifier shot#1 landed just a smidgen low of center. 55° overcast 7-8 MPH wind left to right. Shot it with @Ethan Jolma

Day#2 qualifier miss just high right caught edge of plate. No wind. That'll be all for me this year it looks like.

• kopmantrey

• 

The challenge will start June 14 and run for 4-5 weeks.

Prizes so far
Shoot2hunt 0-600 Class 2026, one spot with a twist....
Swarovski ATC Orange
Unknown Munitions 100 rounds of load ammo 300 Rum or less
Rokstok
Lilja Barrel
Argali Game Bags
onX Elite subscription (new or existing users)
Outdoorsman's Standard Aluminum Tripod
LS Wild Shooting Bag
LS Wild Suppressor Cover
Salmon River Solutions Muzzle Brake
XLR Industries $750 gift certificate
T&K Hunting Gear

 

[mcr-85]

Looking forward to it. CBC is always a good time

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[Macintosh]

Any curveballs like equipment or having a youtube account folks should be ready for?

 

[silasbowhunter]

I’m stoked! Need to get to shooting my Rokslide special more


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[Bluumoon]

I'm prepared to yet again over estimate my abilities, looking forward to it.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Any curveballs like equipment or having a youtube account folks should be ready for?

No curveballs I'm aware of but we'll likely require videos again this year.

 

[Marty]

I’ve been looking forward to this!

 

[Antares]

Hey @Justin Crossley, is the plan to use the same 400-yard minimum as last year?

Thanks for putting this on again. I'm looking forward to it!

 

[Justin Crossley]

Hey @Justin Crossley, is the plan to use the same 400-yard minimum as last year?

Thanks for putting this on again. I'm looking forward to it!

Yes. It seemed to work out well.

 

[solarshooter]

Any chance we can change target size to a more universally agreed upon "vitals size" so that demonstrated hit rates vs range are directly relatable to hit rates on game? One issue from last year is a lot of people like to hand wave away their misses and claim they would actually make that hit on a real vitals size target on game, and therefore their MER is greater than what was demonstrated in test. Maybe an 8.5x11" sheet of paper in landscape?

 

[Justin Crossley]

Any chance we can change target size to a more universally agreed upon "vitals size" so that demonstrated hit rates vs range are directly relatable to hit rates on game? One issue from last year is a lot of people like to hand wave away their misses and claim they would actually make that hit on a real vitals size target on game, and therefore their MER is greater than what was demonstrated in test. Maybe an 8.5x11" sheet of paper in landscape?

The staff will discuss it but I think it's unlikely.

Vital sizes vary greatly in size and shape depending on the game being hunted, such as antelope, bear, or elk.

 

[solarshooter]

The staff will discuss it but I think it's unlikely.

Vital sizes vary greatly in size and shape depending on the game being hunted, such as antelope, bear, or elk.

That's fair, there would have to be some approximations made. But generally I feel like the sentiment was the target was too small to be representative of vitals. And the consequence is everyone kind of dismisses the ~50% hit rate and assumes they would do better in "real life". I think the real value in this exercise is demonstrating your real effective hit rate on game sized targets.

I do not share your confidence that most people can do that in an objective, accurate, quantified way, to be brutally honest. One common pitfall is people assume error grows linearly with range. They might miss a 10" plate by 1" at 450yds, say "oh well that still would've been a hit on a 12" deer, and for an 18" elk that means I can shoot 1.5x that far, or 675yds." That would be a very incorrect conclusion to draw.

This post from last years Q and A sums up my issue.

 

[Ryan Avery]

That's fair, there would have to be some approximations made. But generally I feel like the sentiment was the target was too small to be representative of vitals. And the consequence is everyone kind of dismisses the ~50% hit rate and assumes they would do better in "real life". I think the real value in this exercise is demonstrating your real effective hit rate on game sized targets.


This post from last years Q and A sums up my issue.

We could allow a 4x8 sheet of plywood and people would still justify their misses.


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[686]

Having the target as a typical round steel gong size (~10”) is a good idea and makes it easier to get a good obvious video of the hit or miss (especially at long range). I used cardboard last year and for long range (500+), it was hard to see the hit on the cardboard. Summer conditions create more mirage that makes the digiscope video lower quality (mirage). With the gong, the hit or miss is obvious, and a close up still of the gong after the shot to confirm placement is great, IMO.

I thoroughly enjoy this challenge and appreciate Rokslide and all the sponsors for putting it on!

 

[Slick8]

Man, I'm stoked. I was able to get one hit in last year but wasn't able to get back out to make a follow up shot.

Again, busy as ever with kids and grands but looking forward to it!

 

[robby denning]

Ryan said I'll have my 6UM so I'm in with that this year.

to the earlier discussions about vital size

"I'm way more accurate on animals" (overheard at every 3d archery shoot everyday lol)

 

[Mad Line]

This looks awesome! I might have to give it a try.

 

[hoodoo406]

Can't wait!

 

[5811]

We need to post videos on Vine or MySpace?

 

[686]

Ryan said I'll have my 6UM so I'm in with that this year.

to the earlier discussions about vital size

"I'm way more accurate on animals" (overheard at every 3d archery shoot everyday lol)

Are you sticking with 500 as your MER, or are you going to let that 6UM stretch its legs a little?