I wasn't going to shoot Custer's (2nd) Annual New Year's match because I was sick. When I decided to anyway, my dad was really surprised. It was an XTC match. I wanted to shoot my .308 bolt gun, but that would be a little hard to shoot for the rapid fire strings =). There were eight juniors and four adults at that match. My dad shot this match with me. We had a really good time. Now he realises how I busy I am at matches, you don't have a lot of free time. I placed 2nd, behind Luke Rettmer. He shot really good, I'm sure he's happy with his new service rifle that he bought!
   My dad put my Benchmark barrel back on my .308, and I did some load testing. I shot some pretty good groups. I went out and tested two of the loads again, so I could make a choice of which load I'm going to use.
   The next match I'm going to is on the 28th at Plantation. It's been quite a while since I've shot there, and I'm looking forward to it. I really like shooting there.
   My dad has done more sanding and finishing on my stock (no, it wasn't all the way finished for Australia). It is really shiny, and very pretty! I am so happy with how it looks. It has to sit and dry until I shoot at Plantation. After the match, my dad will probably do more wet sanding and finishing, because I won't have another match for a couple weeks, and thats how long it has to dry. I don't shoot quite as much in the winter, as I do in the spring-fall. It's the only time that my stock has time to dry!