AR-15 Cartridge line-up image from 80% Arms, used with permission. This selection omits our favorite alternative — the 20 Practical (.223 Rem necked down to .204 Caliber).
Instead of using the standard .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO round, you have many options for an AR-15, as shown above. This photo is from Complete Guide to Alternative AR-15 Rounds in the 80% Arms Blog. Some of the most notable alternative chamberings for AR-15s are:
20 Practical — Simply the .223 Rem necked down to .204 caliber. Requires new barrel. Same bolt, same magazines. Best Bang for the Buck. 6mm ARC — The 6mm ARC (from Hornady), is a SAAMI cartridge optimized for AR-platform rifles. The 6mm ARC is basically a 6.5 Grendel necked down to 6mm, with the shoulder moved back around .030″. 6.5 Grendel — Moderately expensive, 6.5 Grendel requires a new barrel, bolt, and magazines. Most use the 6.5 Grendel for competitive shooting and/or hunting. .300 Blackout — Moderately expensive, the .300 Blackout requires a barrel change. This is used for home defense, and hunting. WARNING — with some bullets this round can be chambered in a .223 Rem barrel, with disastrous consequences. .50 Beowulf — The most expensive alternative AR-15 cartridge, this requires new barrel and bolt. The .50 Beowulf was created for game hunting, but most hunters use something more practical.
Of these five options, our top choice is the 20 Practical, followed by the 6.5 Grendel. Check out our featured 20 Practical AR Rifle Report. This 20 Practical cartridge is highly effective on small varmints, and has shown outstanding accuracy in AR-platform rifles crafted by Robert Whitley.
20 Practical — High-Velocity, Affordable Alternative
The 20 Practical is simply a .223 Remington necked down to .204 caliber. This efficient little cartridge can launch 32-grainers at over 4200 fps, with impressive results on P-Dogs. This makes the 20 Practical a great choice for an AR-based varmint rifle.
20 Practical Ultimate Varminter
Many years back, as a “proof-of-concept”, AccurateShooter.com created a 20 Practical AR15 Ultimate Varminter with a custom 20-caliber upper from Robert Whitley of AR-X Enterprises, LLC. That project rifle was ultra-accurate — every 5-shot group out of the gun was less than the size of a dime. The 20 Practical cartridge is simply the .223 Rem necked down to 20 caliber — you can use standard .223 brass and load with standard .223 Rem dies. Just swap in a smaller expander and use smaller neck bushings.
20 Practical in AR15 Demonstration Video
6mm ARC — Popular New SAAMI Cartridge Promoted by Hornady
The 6mm ARC is basically a 6.5 Grendel necked down to 6mm, with the shoulder moved back around .030″. That pushed-back shoulder does reduce case capacity (and velocity), but we assume Hornady did that to create a shorter, proprietary chamber so people could not simply neck-down Lapua 6.5 Grendel brass, as has been done for years with Robert Whitley’s outstanding 6mm AR wildcat.
What Is the 6mm ARC Cartridge? The 6mm ARC cartridge is a modern SAAMI-spec cartridge based on the 6.5 Grendel case necked down for 6mm bullets, with the shoulder moved back 0.030. Yes it is designed to run in AR15-platform rifles. You’ll need a new barrel, bolt, and mags. If you already have an AR chambered in 6.5 Grendel, the ONLY thing you need to change is the barrel. Everything else — bolt, magazines, gas system – is compatible with 6mm ARC.
▶ Official SAAMI Cartridge (not wildcat)
▶ Fits standard AR15-platform rifles
▶ Fits Short/Mini action bolt rifles
▶ Efficient short, fat case design
▶ 30-degree case shoulder
What Do I Need To Shoot the 6mm ARC?
Faxon and Ballistic Advantage are already producing barrels, with more manufacturers sure to follow. All the other required components are already on the market for 6.5 Grendel rifles. Aero Precision already offers complete 6mm ARC uppers.
If you’re converting a standard 5.56×45 mm (.223 Rem) AR15 upper to shoot 6mm ARC, you’ll need a 6mm barrel, a Type II 6.5 Grendel bolt carrier group, and new magazines. Some folks have suggested standard AR mags will work, but trust us, you want magazines designed for 6.5 Grendel.
While 6-6.5 Grendel shooters are known to run stout pressures, the 6mm ARC cartridge has a relatively moderate Maximum Average Pressure (MAP) rating of 52,000 psi according to the official SAAMI specifications. For a variety of reasons, is wise to keep pressures in a semi-auto rifle moderate. Don’t chase the velocities you might get in a bolt-action gun.
The 6.5 Grendel — Accurate, Plus Good for Hunters
The 6.5 Grendel round is one of the most accurate cartridges for the AR-15 platform. The 6.5 Grendel round offers a larger-diameter, .264-caliber (6.5mm) bullet running at good velocities. This provides ample energy for smaller game and deer. The 6.5 Grendel is often used for hunting deer up to 300 yards.
History of the 6.5 Grendel Cartridge
The 6.5 Grendel originated as a 6mm PPC necked up to 6.5 mm. After Alexander Arms relinquished the “6.5 Grendel” Trademark, the 6.5 Grendel was standardized as an official SAAMI cartridge. It has become popular with target shooters and hunters alike because it is accurate, efficient, and offers modest recoil. Good for small to medium game, the 6.5 Grendel is becoming a popular chambering in lightweight hunting rifles, such as the Howa 1500 Youth Model.
The .300 Blackout — Risky Business
The .300 Blackout appeals to folks who want a .30-caliber defense round. This can be loaded at various velocities. Loaded at subsonic speeds and shot with a suppressor, the .300 BLK offers very low sound levels. Unfortunately, that .300 Blackout cartridge can fit in a .223 Rem chamber. Shooting a .308-caliber bullet in .223 bore is a recipe for disaster.
The .300 AAC Blackout aka “300 BLK”, is a compact 30-caliber cartridge designed to work in AR-15 rifles. It has a shorter cartridge case to accommodate the bigger 30-caliber bullet while still fitting in a standard AR-15 magazine. Unfortunately, that’s the danger. A careless shooter can toss a .300 Blackout cartridge in with .223 Rem rounds without noting. And because the case-head size is the same as the .223 Rem (5.56×45) the rifle’s bolt assembly will happily chamber and fire the .300 BLK round. Problem is, that forces a .308 diameter bullet down an undersized .223-caliber bore. Not good!
This images were provided by Tactical Rifle Shooters on Facebook. The message was clear: “Don’t try to run 300 Blackout in your .223/5.56mm. It won’t end well. The problem is identical rifles and identical magazines but different calibers.”
Image from Accurate Shooter Forum. Cutaway shows the jammed .30-Cal bullet:
For those who MUST have a .300 Blackout, here are some things you can do:
1. Use different colored magazines for .300 Blackout vs. .223 Remington.
2. Mark .223 Rem upper handguards with the caliber in bright paint.
2. Fit all your uppers with caliber-labeled ejection port covers.
4. Mark all .300 BLK Rounds with heavy black marker.
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The Legal Brief is a feature of TheGuncollective.com that focuses on firearms rules and regulations. In this Legal Brief video, Attorney Adam Kraut explains key State and Federal regulations governing firearms, and explains how to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
This five-minute video explains barrel length rules for rifles and shotguns, and also explains the best (and most fool-proof) methods to measure your barrel. In addition, the video explains how to measure firearm overall length. A rifle or shotgun which is less than 26 inches overall can also be classified as a “Short-barreled” rifle/shotgun subject to the NFA. NOTE: Under federal law “If the rifle or shotgun has a collapsible stock, the overall length is measured with the stock EXTENDED”.
Highlights of LEGAL BRIEF Discussion of Barrel Length and Firearm Overall Length
The ATF procedure to measure the length of a barrel is to measure from the closed bolt or breech face to the furthest end of the barrel or permanently attached muzzle device. ATF considers a muzzle device that has been permanently attached to be part of the barrel and therefore counts towards the length.
How to Measure Barrel Length: Drop [a] dowel or rod into the barrel until it touches the bolt or breech face, which has to be closed. Mark the outside of the rod at the end of the muzzle crown (if you don’t have a permanently attached muzzle device) or at the end of the muzzle device if it is permanently attached. Remove the rod and measure from the mark to the end of the rod. That is your barrel length[.]
Remember, if the barrel length is less than 16 inches, it is possible that the firearm could be a short barrel rifle (if you are building a rifle or it is already on a rifle) and if the barrel length is less than 18 inches, it is possible the firearm could be a short barrel shotgun (again if you are building a shotgun or it is already a shotgun). Both of these firearms would be subject to the purview of the National Firearms Act and would require the firearm to be registered accordingly.
How to Measure Overall Length:The overall length of your rifle or shotgun may also classify it as a Short Barrel Rifle or Short Barrel Shotgun. The overall length of a firearm is the distance between the muzzle of the barrel and the rearmost portion of the weapon measured on a line parallel to the axis of the bore. … If the rifle has a permanently attached muzzle device, that is part of the overall length. … If the rifle or shotgun has a collapsible stock, the overall length is measured with the stock extended.
Ever wondered how the parts inside an AR15 work together? Just exactly how does the reciprocating bolt carrier feed rounds from the magazine? How do the elements in the trigger group work and reset after each shot? How does the gas system bleed gas from the barrel and operate the bolt carrier? These and other questions are answered in this eye-opening video from 45Snipers. Using “cutaway” 3D computer animation, this 5-minute video shows all features of an AR15 inside and out. This fascinating firearms animation allows the viewer to look inside the upper and lower receivers, into the bolt carrier, chamber, barrel, and magazine.
This video starts off slow and has annoying background music, but it is well worth watching if you own or shoot any AR-platform rifle. It illustrates all the key operations during the charging, loading, firing, and ejection processes. The cutaway animation shows how rounds are stripped from the magazine and then chambered. It then shows how every part of the trigger group works, and how the firing pin strikes the primer. You can even watch the bullet move down the barrel before the empty shell casing is removed from the chamber and tossed out the ejection port. Here are sample frames from the video:
Video find by Grant Ubl. We welcome reader submissions.
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At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. EuroOptic — Sako S20 Hunter or Precision, $1099.99 and up
⏺ Excellent hunting rifle now with $599 price reduction
Need a quality, accurate field rifle with outstanding reliability — plus a great factory trigger and a smooth-running action? Consider the Sako S20 Hunter. The Sako S20 rifle in 6.5 PRC is $1099.99 on sale — a $599.01 discount from the original $1699.00 list price. Along with the 6.5 PRC other chamberings are available with this close-out sale: 6.5 Creedmoor and .300 Win Magnum. Along with the thumbhole stock Hunter model S20, you can also purchase the Precision Rifle version which works well with a bipod and/or rear bag. NOTE: As both stock models fit the same S20 action so you can have two rifles in one (second stock sold separately).
2. Amazon — RCBS Rock Chucker Combo, $435.08
⏺ Excellent combo kit with major savings
Here’s a great package to get started in reloading. You get an excellent RCBS press, plus all the tools you need to load, other than dies. RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit (#ad) has all the necessary items to start including the Rock Chucker Supreme Press, Universal Case Loading Block, Uniflow III Powder Measure, Hand Priming Tool, M500 Mechanical Scale, .17-.60 Debur Tool, Hex Key Set, Case Lube Kit, Powder Funnel and Speer Reloading Manual. You get all this for $435.08 — a very good deal.
⏺ Great precision seater dies with open bullet port
RCBS MatchMaster Dies are great for bullet seating. A key, unique feature is the open “window” (port) on the upper part of the die that allows easy, efficient bullet placement. Along with micrometer seating-depth control, the MatchMaster seating die features a free-floating, self-centering seating stem for perfect bullet alignment. Available for a wide range of cartridge types, these excellent MatchMaster seaters are now 15% off at Grafs.com.
4. Graf & Sons — Frankford Arsenal F-1 Press, $103.99
⏺ Versatile press, good primer exit, plus built-in light
Here’s a handy, single-stage press with some cool features. The Frankford Arsenal F-1 press has an open front for easy case placement, plus a built-in LED lamp at the top. And after decapping, spent primers go straight down a tube into a handy, clear, twist-off catch cylinder (as on a Forster Co-Ax). We think this would be an excellent secondary press used for decapping or bullet seating. Priced at just $103.99 at Graf & Sons — this press is a GREAT deal, but act quick, supplies are limited. NOTE: This press does NOT have primer seating capability — you must prime cases with a separate tool. Also, the power cord for the LED light is NOT included. CLICK HERE for full Frankford Arsenal F-1 Press Review.
5. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Leupold SX-2 Spotting Scope Sale
⏺ Save $100 on spotters, plus get Leupold gift cards
Currently, Sportsman’s Warehouse (SW) is offering $100 OFF quality Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD spotting scopes. Chose either the 20-60x60mm SX-2 for $299.99 or the larger 20-60x80mm SX-2 for $399.99. Both models boast a rugged design and an oversized eyepiece for comfortable all-day glassing. As a bonus, get a FREE $10 SW Gift Card with every $100 spent on Leupold Products (up to a $300 Gift Card).
6. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite, $99.99
⏺ Good, affordable rotary tumbler for wet-tumbling brass
Get your brass sparkly clean with the Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite (#ad). When combined with stainless steel cleaning pins, this rotary tumbler works much faster than ultrasonic or vibratory tumbling methods. With a secure seal this Frankford tumbler allows fast, effective wet cleaning. This 3.3 Liter tumbler is ideal for cleaning small batches of brass and easily fits on any reloading bench.
7. Amazon — Walker Noise Reduction Bluetooth Ear Buds, $46.42
⏺ Lightweight, affordable NRR 29 earbuds with volume controls
Walker’s Electronic Earbuds offer good hearing protection PLUS the ability to hear range commands and other communications. These Walker Earbuds have an impressive NRR 29 rating — better than many large, bulky ear muffs. You can choose from two different designs. The $46.42 Walker Omni-Directional Microphone Rope Hearing Enhancer Earbuds (#ad) offer good noise protection plus Bluetooth connectivity. The newer, gray-color $54.79 Walker Earbuds also have a NRR 29 rating with a more sleek look and controls. Both types have a rechargeable internal Li-Ion battery with up to 10 hours of run-time. Both types of Walker Earbuds boast hi-gain omnidirectional microphones and ship with carrying case, extra foam tips, and USB charging cable.
8. Creedmoor Sports — Real Avid Sale
⏺ Versatile tool kits for firearms
Real Avid offers excellent, innovative tools for ARs as well as other firearms. Right now Creedmoor Sports is running a big sale on Real Avid products, including maintenance kits, folding multi-function tools, cleaning stations, and other clever products for rifles, shotguns, and pistols. These Real Avid tools help you perform cleaning, maintenance, adjustment, and repair tasks with greater precision and efficiency. Save up to 28% now with Creedmoor Sports’ Real Avid Sale.
9. Amazon — Biometric Slider Pistol Safe, $176.99
⏺ Good fast opening gun safe for home or vehicle
The Biometric Slider Gun Safe (#ad) is a great option for rapid access pistol storage in the home, RV, or workplace. This Slider Gun Safe features a modern Hi-Rez 508 DPI Biometric Sensor capable of storing 20 unique fingerprints. You can also open the Slider Safe with a 4-8 digit PIN Code, OR a manual key. The 16-gauge carbon steel construction with a durable finish prevents corrosion and ensures long lasting protection of your device. This Slider Safe has an anti-impact latch that protect contents.
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There is an excellent article about primers on the Shooting Times website. We strongly recommend you read Mysteries And Misconceptions Of The All-Important Primer, written by Allan Jones. Mr. Jones is a bona fide expert — he served as the manager of technical publications for CCI Ammunition and Speer Bullets and Jones authored three editions of the Speer Reloading Manual.
This authoritative Shooting Times article explains the fine points of primer design and construction. Jones also reveals some little-known facts about primers and he corrects common misconceptions. Here are some highlights from the article:
Size Matters
Useful Trivia — even though Small Rifle and Small Pistol primer pockets share the same depth specification, Large Rifle and Large Pistol primers do not. The standard pocket for a Large Pistol primer is somewhat shallower than its Large Rifle counterpart, specifically, 0.008 to 0.009 inch less.
Magnum Primers
There are two ways to make a Magnum primer — either use more of the standard chemical mix to provide a longer-burning flame or change the mix to one with more aggressive burn characteristics. Prior to 1989, CCI used the first option in Magnum Rifle primers. After that, we switched to a mix optimized for spherical propellants that produced a 24% increase in flame temperature and a 16% boost in gas volume.
Foiled Again
Most component primers have a little disk of paper between the anvil and the priming mix. It is called “foil paper” not because it’s made of foil but because it replaces the true metal foil used to seal early percussion caps. The reason this little disk exists is strictly a manufacturing convenience. Wet primer pellets are smaller than the inside diameter of the cup when inserted and must be compacted to achieve their proper diameter and height. Without the foil paper, the wet mix would stick to the compaction pins and jam up the assembly process.
Primer Functionality and Primer Types Compared
This video looks at a variety of primer types from multiple manufacturers, foreign and domestic. The video explains the basics of how primers function, and then explains the key characteristics of standard primers, magnum primers, and mil-spec primers (designed for semi-auto rifles).
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In October 2015, the legendary Jerry Miculek won the Trijicon Shooting Challenge at the Rockcastle Shooting Center. That impressive victory earned Jerry big bucks — a $50,000 grand prize. By any measure, that’s some serious cash — mucho dinero.
To celebrate his October Trijicon Challenge victory back in 2015, Jerry Miculek decided to do some pumpkin carving — with a .50 BMG Barrett rifle.
Shooting the 30-lb rifle off-hand, Jerry blasted some serious holes in Mr. Pumpkin. Needless to say, the results were dramatic, if somewhat messy. Advancing the science of terminal ballistics, Jerry (not surprisingly) confirmed that “the 663-grain bullet did manage to penetrate the pumpkin all the way.”
Jerry Miculek earned $50,000 as the winner of the 2015 Trijicon Challenge.
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Hunting season is here. Around the country, game hunters are heading out for their fall deer hunts. For hunters making long treks in the back-country, reducing carry weight is a big deal. That’s why we’ve seen a trend among rifle-makers to introduce rifles that weigh significantly less. This is accomplished through use of carbon fiber stocks, carbon-wrapped or fluted barrels, and even titanium actions. Today’s showcased Weatherby rifles feature these lightweight components. As a result, the Weatherby Backcountry 2.0 Ti (Titanium) model comes in at just 4.7 pounds before optics. That’s mighty light for a hunting rifle.
Weatherby Backcountry 2.0 Ti with titanium action, fluted barrel, and carbon-fiber stock, 4.7 pounds.
Light-Weight, Carbon-Stock Backcountry 2.0 from Weatherby
Here is good news for backcountry hunters. Weatherby’s Backcountry 2.0 carbon-stocked hunting rifles weigh well under 6 pounds before optics. There is even one titanium action model series that weighs just 4.7 pounds. The 2.0 series now offers both standard steel receivers or even lighter titanium receivers. And Backcountry 2.0 Carbon models are equipped with a new carbon fiber stock that is the lightest in the industry — weight is a mere 20 ounces for standard actions. For further weight savings, some models feature a tensioned carbon fiber-wrapped barrel. But all that high-tech doesn’t come cheap — MSRP for the Titanium action, carbon-wrapped barrel model is $3849.00!
Ultralight Carbon Stock — Weatherby’s new Blacktooth stock features a Carbon Link™ bedding system which engages the recoil lug and distributes recoil throughout the stock without the weight of a traditional aluminum bedding block. This makes the overall stock lighter and stiffer.
The Backcountry 2.0 Ti Carbon combines a tensioned carbon fiber barrel with the ultra-lightweight Titanium Weatherby Mark V action. This barrel system has shown excellent accuracy, making it a good choice for a long-range hunter. Registering a very low 5.3 lb starting weight, the Backcountry 2.0 Ti Carbon combines a titanium action with the Peak 44 Blacktooth stock — which Weatherby claims is the “lightest production carbon fiber stock on the market.”
Along with the new ultra-light elements, these Weatherbys have premium Mark V features: 54-degree bolt lift for fast cycling, fluted bolts, TriggerTech triggers, and Cerakote finish on metal parts. All the Backcountry 2.0 series rifles have a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee. CLICK HERE for Weatherby Backcountry 2.0 Field Test by Peterson’s Hunting.
Light is Right — Weatherby’s Backcountry 2.0 rifles weigh as little as 4.7 pounds (before optics).
Weights for Backcountry 2.0 Models range with chamberings:
Weight Saving Secrets — How Weatherby Achieved Such Light Weights GunsAmerica Digest reports: “A huge amount of the weight savings comes thanks to the updated carbon fiber Blacktooth stock by Peak 44. This stock uses what they call their Rock Solid Carbon Link bedding system which eliminates the need for a metallic bedding block. The Blacktooth stock weighs less than 20 ounces. The Backcountry 2.0 [series adds] both a carbon fiber stock and either fluted #1 MOD-profile or #2 MOD-profile carbon steel barrels or #4 MOD-profile BSF carbon fiber-tensioned barrel to achieve these light weights.” READ GunsAmerica Review.
To mitigate recoil Weatherby developed its new 3DHEX recoil pad — the gun industry’s first production 3D-printed pad. The 3DHEX’s three-dimensional honeycombed design extends the duration of the recoil pulse — taking away the sharp kick. Weatherby explains: “With the same amount of recoil spread out over a much greater time period, felt recoil is greatly reduced[.]” Backcountry 2.0 rifle recoil is also reduced by factory-fitted Accubrakes, contoured to match barrel profile.
Field Test of Titanium Action Weatherby Backcountry in 6.5-300 Whby Magnum
In this video, Hunter Todd Helms reviews Weatherby’s Backcountry T1 rifle in 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum. This rifle is meant for fast and light travel in the backcountry. A fluted barrel, titanium action, and carbon fiber stock minimize weight. Todd says the 3DHEX recoil pad really does tame the magnum kick. This model also features a new streamlined muzzle brake.
Preparations Before The Hunt
1. Map Your Hunt and Notify Others — Before your hunt, make a plan and notify friends and family members about WHERE you are going and your intended return date and time. Print out a Google Satellite map and locate landmarks and trailheads. Mark where you plan to park your vehicle and give a copy of this map to friend and/or family members. A hunter may injure himself by falling off a rock, or tumbling in a creek-bed. After that kind of injury the hunter may be confused or unable to walk. If you get stranded in the wilderness, you want trusted persons to know where you are. So, before you leave on a trip, provide a map to a friend or family member. Show them where you will leave your vehicle, and where you expect to be every day of your hunting adventure.
2. Licenses and Permits — Make sure you have a valid hunting licenses and all the necessary tags. Begin this process with ample time before your intended hunt(s). The NSSF adds: “If you are crossing state or national borders, find out about any special considerations you must take care of. Border crossings can mean knowing about firearm transport laws or Chronic Wasting Disease-related regulations.”
3. Work on Your Fitness — On a multi-day hunt you may be trekking many miles. You need to be in good shape. If you are out of shape you may be putting yourself in a precarious situation, particularly if you underestimate the terrain difficulty. As the NSSF says: “Not being able to handle the conditions lessens your chances of success, can turn a great experience into an agonizing one and can endanger your health.”
4. Do Your Homework — Study the area you will be hunting. Talk to other hunters. Look at satellite photos. Get a real sense of the walking and terrain challenges. For a multi-day hunt, MAKE a PLAN. The NSSF states: “Eliminate surprises. Learn as much about where you will be staying, the area you will be hunting, what the weather might be like and what you need to bring[.]”
5. Rifle and Ammo — Make sure your rifle is sighted-in and your ammo is tested. Sight-in your rifle with the ammo you plan to use on your hunt. CLICK HERE for 4-Shot Sight-in Method. After sighting-in from the bench, confirm your zero by shooting from typical hunting positions (kneeling and with forearm supported on a rock or post).
6. Communications and GPS — Bring a GPS if you are in a wilderness area far from civilization. It’s a good idea to bring a cell phone, but you may not have coverage if you’re quite a distance from populated areas. A smart-phone also doubles as a digital camera to record your trophies. For navigation and safety, consider getting Garmin inReach Explorer+. This high-tech handheld unit features interactive SOS, connecting you to the GEOS 24/7 search-and-rescue monitoring center. They also allow you to send and receive text messages, no matter where you are, via advanced inReach satellite technology. Yes you can communicate even if you are miles from the nearest cell tower.
Visit WhereToHunt.org
There’s a great online resource for hunters that will help you find game locations in your state and ensure you have all the proper permits and game tags. WheretoHunt.org features an interactive map of the country. For all 50 states, the NSSF has compiled information about hunting license and permits, where to hunt, hunter education classes, laws and regulations and more. For each state you’ll also find a link for required applications and license forms.
Click Map to Get State-by-State Hunting INFO
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OK guys, you probably want to keep this page confidential. Your spouse probably doesn’t want to be reminded about all the times you ignored the “Honey Do” list and headed off to the range instead. And she certainly doesn’t want to know how much you spend every year on your gun hobby.
Answer these two polls to see how dedicated (or should we say “obsessed”) a gun guy you really are. Once you vote you can see how your shooting (and spending) habits compare to other readers. Full results display after you select an answer and click the “Vote” button.
Click to vote in our current Readers’ polls.
Click “View Results” to see what other readers have selected.
The rifle cartridge money clip was a real product from ReleaseMeCreations.com (now sold out). You can, of course, make your own cartridge money clip with a Dremel tool for free.
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For hunters in a tree stand, SFC McPhail recommends a position with your weakside leg pulled up and firmly braced on the front rail of the treestand. You can then rest your support arm on your leg. This provides a rock-solid position when shooting from a stand.
Past Team USA Olympian and ISSF World Cup Winner SFC Michael McPhail is one of the world’s best smallbore rifle shooters. He is also an avid hunter, who enjoys harvesting game with centerfire rifles. In a USAMU video, McPhail shows how competition shooting positions can be adapted for hunters. McPhail shows how well-established positions can provide a more stable platform for hunters in the field. That can help ensure a successful hunt. McPhail demonstrates three positions: kneeling, supported prone, and sitting in a tree-stand.
Watch SFC McPhail Demonstrate Positions for Hunters (Good Video):
McPhail first demonstrates the kneeling position. Michael notes: “I like kneeling. It’s a little bit of an under-utilized position, but it’s almost as stable as prone. It allows you get up off the ground a little bit higher to [compensate for] vegetation. For kneeling start by taking your non-dominant foot and put that towards the target, while at the same time dropping down to a knee on the dominant leg. At the same time … wrap the sling around wrist and fore-arm, lean slightly into the target and take the shot.”
McPhail shows a nice “field expedient” use of your backpack. He shows how the basic prone position can be adapted, using the pack as a front rifle support. McPhail recommends pulling your dominant (strongside) leg forward, bent at the knee. According to Michael, this takes pressure off the abdomen, helps minimizes heart beat effects, and helps with breathing.
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UltimateReloader.com offers some of the most thorough firearms and reloading tool tests on the internet. And the Ultimate Reloader YouTube Channel now has over 1000 videos that showcase reloading tools, accurate firearms, precision optics, gunsmithing methods, and top-tier reloading components. For today’s Saturday at the Movies feature, we showcase six great videos recently created by Gavin Gear and his UltimateReloader team, including one with guest host F-Class John. These videos highlight a new Radar Chrono, superb Long-Range Target Camera, the remarkable AMP Annealer, and other interesting topics. Enjoy this our Saturday Video Showcase.
Bix’N Andy Trigger Showcase — Operation, Specs, Testing
Bix’N Andy makes some of the best triggers you can buy, with versions suited for benchrest, F-Class, ELR, PRS/NRL, as well as hunting and varminting. In this very recent video (released 10/3/2024), Gavin looks at the features and functionality of a variety of Bix’N Andy triggers. You can purchase these quality triggers from BulletCentral.com at attractive prices starting at $199.00 (new) and $149.99 (refurbished).
New Caldwell VelociRadar Chirp Radar Chronograph (with App)
In this video Gavin Gear tests Caldwell’s new VelociRadar chronograph. This is quite a bit bigger than the Garmin Xero C1 Pro or the new LabRadar LX compact, yet the VelociRadar is still much smaller than the original orange LabRadar. Notably, the VelociRadar uses a different mode of radar (Chirp Radar vs. Doppler) than other chronos. Caldwell states: “The Caldwell VelociRadar Chronograph [has] cutting-edge Chirp radar technology. While most chronographs stop at only providing muzzle velocity the VelociRadar tracks bullets downrange[.] Using these downrange velocity measurements, the VelociRadar calculates true muzzle velocity, the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, and downrange energy.” Here is one viewer’s comment on the Caldwell unit: “Pros: It is smaller than the original LabRadar, but bigger than the new Garmin. Price point is similar. The Caldwell looks more heavy-duty with reinforced corners, and more likely to survive a fall from the bench top. Control buttons are nice and large. Tripod looks better than Garmin. Cons: The display area looks large, but uses a small portion of that area. The data display should be larger.”
If you are considering purchasing a progressive reloading press — you’ve struck gold. Hosted by Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com, this remarkable 79-minute video covers a dozen presses from six leading manufacturers: Dillon, Frankford Arsenal, Hornady, Lee, Mark 7 (Lyman), and RCBS. Set aside plenty of time, because there is a wealth of information — the “mother lode” of progressive press coverage. Along with the big comparison video, Gavin has prepared a detailed, 17-page online article which covers all of the presses in the shootout. This Progressive Press comparison has generated 288,000 views on YouTube. Reviewer Gavin Gear demonstrates how each press works and provides data on costs, output rates, capabilities, and accessories so that potential buyers can make informed purchasing decisions.
6mmGT Rifle Complete Rifle Build, Start to Finish
In this video, Gavin builds an impressive 6mmGT (aka 6GT) field rifle start to finish. You can see him chamber the barrel, fit the bottom metal in the stock, and connect the Bix’N Andy trigger to a 416 Stainless Pristine brand Rem 700-footprint action. This is a multi-purpose rifle, build on the light side with a Carbon Six barrel. Gavin notes: “In this video I chamber a Carbon Six barrel and complete the package with a Bix ‘n Andy trigger, Hawkins Rings, and Riton Scope. Will this be the 6GT Lightweight hunting rifle I’ve been asking for?”
We like the 6GT cartridge, both for PRS/NRL competition and varmint work. The 6GT has the low recoil of a 6 Dasher, with good feeding and mag compatibility. With the 6GT, a competitor can push 105gr bullets at 3000+ FPS or run heavier bullets at 2800-2900+ FPS.
“The [6GT] is a more predictable and barrel-friendly cartridge than the 6mm Creedmoor. It can utilize the accurate and forgiving powders of the 6BR, has fantastic accuracy, and due to its shoulder angle and case length, it doesn’t suffer from feeding issues.” — PewPewTactical.com
LongShot Target Camera
Past 400 yards or so, it can be difficult to see bullet holes on paper, even with spotting scopes. That’s why we recommend a high-quality wireless target camera. The best long-range target cameras on the market are produced by Longshot Camera Systems. The Longshot Target Cam provides a live WiFi camera feed. This comes back to your shooting station and you can view the image with a laptop or mobile device. You don’t need internet coverage and no separate tall antennas are required. Simply place the camera unit next to your target and the receiver unit close to your rifle or bench. The Longshot system is completely self-contained. Longshot produces a variety of cameras starting at $199.00 for the LongShot Marksman. We recommend the $899.00 LR-3 unit which works out to two miles! In this video Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader tests the LR-3 at long range. PRODUCT INFO HERE.
Loading 7mm PRC on a Dillon 550C Progressive — F-Class John
This ULtimate Reloader video features F-Class John, a top-tier F-Class competitor who also has a very popular YouTube video channel. In this video John shows how to load the potent 7mm PRC cartridge with a Dillon 550C progressive press. The 7mm PRC is one of the newer short magnum-style cartridges popular with F-Open competitors. With the 7mm PRC you can drive a 180+ gr 7mm bullet at very impressive velocities with a 28″ or longer barrel.
Anschutz 54.18 .22 LR Rifle for Benchrest and Rimfire F-Class
With the high price of centerfire powders, bullets, and brass, everyone should have an accurate .22 LR rimfire rifle for marksmanship training and competition at 25 to 200 yards. In this video, Ultimate Reloader’s Gavin Gear tests the impressive Anschutz 54.18 BR50-U7 match rifle using a quality Sinclair Int’l front rest. Anschutz offers several versions of the 54.18 and BR-50. There are two barreled actions available: 20″ threaded and 25.9″ non-threaded. Gavin tested the 20″ threaded model with the U7 stock. In this video, Gavin tested the trigger with a sophisticated TriggerScan TS-11. The trigger was superbly repeatable at a measured 3.8 ounces. Gavin also did a bore examination, and tested various ammo. In this rifle, Lapua Midas+ ammo produced the smallest groups. FULL STORY HERE.
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Do you need to find an FFL for a firearms transfer in your local area? Or perhaps you are selling a gun and need it shipped to an FFL in another city or state. Thankfully, there are two good online resource that can, in a matter of seconds, provide a list of Federal Firearms License holders in the area you need. These web resources will even locate those FFLs on a map AND list the fees they typically charge for transfers.
Sportsman’s Guide FFL Finder
The first resource is the Sportsman’s Guide FFL LOOKUP Page. This online search tool is fast and easy to use. Simply enter a Zip Code and then select a radius (in miles) within which to find FFLs. Here is an example for Billings, Montana with Zip Code 59103. Note that the transfer fees are listed for the first three “In-Network” FFLs. Click on each FFL business name to get more details.
Gunbroker FFL Finder
A good second resource is offered by GunBroker, the online gun trading/auction site. Gunbroker offers a handy online FFL Finder. This resource allows you to quickly find an FFL by zip code or state. Along with the FFL business name, this also lists fees. Click the “Map It” button to see a local map.
Gunbroker states: “Use our FFL Finder to locate FFL dealers in your area. You can search for FFL dealers by your zip code or by state. Use our FFL finder to get in touch with a local FFL dealer in order to complete your firearms purchase, or sign up to be part of our FFL Dealer Network.”
Shown below are the FFL Finder results for Billings, Montana and Zip Code 59103:
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Kirsten Joy Weiss has created a useful video about Dry-Fire practice. Dry-Fire is a method of training without a live round in the chamber. Dry-Firing is effective, Kirsten explains, because “it eliminates all the extra noise and messages that you get when you fire a live round. Without recoil, without the sound of a shot going off etc., all you hear is the click of the trigger. This allows you to focus on your sight picture and your trigger press.” This the lastest installment in Kirsten’s ‘How to Shoot Awesomely’ series. Kisten says: “I hope it helps you, and keep on aiming true!”
The Benefits of Dry-Fire Training
If you are not doing Dry-Fire practice yet, then it’s time to start. Dry-Fire training is essential to the sling disciplines, and very useful for F-Class. Dennis DeMille, a national Service Rifle Champion, told us that, for every minute he spent in actual competition, he would spend hours practicing without ammunition. While in the USMC, Dennis would practice in the barracks, working on his hold and dry-firing:
“The most important thing is to spend time off the range practicing. Most of what I learned as a High Power shooter I learned without ammunition — just spending time dry firing and doing holding exercises. Holding exercises will really identify the weak parts of your position. The primary purpose of dry firing is to get you used to shooting an empty rifle. If you can shoot a loaded rifle the same way you shoot an empty rifle then eventually you will become a High Master.”
Dry-Fire Training Can Benefit Benchrest Shooters
What about benchrest? Well, we’ve found that Dry-Fire sessions can even benefit benchresters — it can help reveal flaws in your trigger technique, or inconsistencies in the way you address the rifle from shot to shot. With the gun set up with your front rest and rear bag, if you see the scope’s cross-hairs wiggle a lot when you pull the trigger, you need to work on your technique. Also, dry-fire practice can help you learn to work the bolt more smoothly so you don’t disturb the gun on the bags.
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The 6mm ARC cartridge is a modern SAAMI-spec cartridge based on the 6.5 Grendel case necked down for 6mm bullets, with the shoulder moved back 0.030. Yes it is designed to run in AR15-platform rifles. You’ll need a new barrel, bolt, and mags. If you already have an AR chambered in 6.5 Grendel, the ONLY thing you need to change is the barrel. Everything else — bolt, magazines, gas system – is compatible with 6mm ARC. 
The .300 AAC Blackout aka “300 BLK”, is a compact 30-caliber cartridge designed to work in AR-15 rifles. It has a shorter cartridge case to accommodate the bigger 30-caliber bullet while still fitting in a standard AR-15 magazine. Unfortunately, that’s the danger. A careless shooter can toss a .300 Blackout cartridge in with .223 Rem rounds without noting. And because the case-head size is the same as the .223 Rem (5.56×45) the rifle’s bolt assembly will happily chamber and fire the .300 BLK round. Problem is, that forces a .308 diameter bullet down an undersized .223-caliber bore. Not good!
Team USA Olympian and 
In this video, Gavin builds an impressive 6mmGT (aka 6GT) field rifle start to finish. You can see him chamber the barrel, fit the bottom metal in the stock, and connect the Bix’N Andy trigger to a 416 Stainless Pristine brand Rem 700-footprint action. This is a multi-purpose rifle, build on the light side with a Carbon Six barrel. Gavin notes: “In this video I chamber a Carbon Six barrel and complete the package with a Bix ‘n Andy trigger, Hawkins Rings, and Riton Scope. Will this be the 6GT Lightweight hunting rifle I’ve been asking for?”
The Benefits of Dry-Fire Training
