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August 26th, 2007
Though he is busy shooting with the U.S. Palma Team in Canada this week, recently crowned NRA Long-Range Champion John Whidden emailed us this exclusive commentary on his recent achievements. We asked John about the stresses and mental challenges involved in a big match such as the National LR Championship. We also requested details about the rifles John shot at Camp Perry. Read John’s comments below.
Winning Camp Perry and the Mental Game
Winning the National Championship is a long time goal realized. For me, being the National Champion was the single biggest shooting goal I had. I’m not sure exactly what will be my next shooting goal yet.
If I had to summarize the mental game at this level of competition in one word, I would probably choose the word “Confidence”. You have to have the highest level of confidence in your skills, your rifle, and your ammo. There can’t be even a shadow of a doubt that all of your equipment is the best there is. No detail can be left undone.
Confidence is a far reaching idea. It includes little things like making sure you have all of your equipment with you through the use of a checklist. Anything you can do to give yourself a higher level of confidence is worth doing.
Long-Range Hardware
In NRA Long Range, we shoot “Any Sight Rifles” and Palma rifles. The Palma rifles have to be .308s and they have to use Iron sights. The Any Rifles are used at different times with iron sights or scopes. They are also fairly unrestricted, as long as they are safe, .35 cal or under, and have no muzzle brake.
For the Any Rifle matches, I shot rifles chambered in .243 Win. My iron sight gun is a Winchester M70 action, Broughton 1-8 twist 5C barrel, Anschutz trigger, Robertson Original stock, and Warner rear sight. My scope gun is a Stolle Panda action with an Anschutz trigger, Broughton 1-8 twist 5C barrel, Roberston Composites Original stock, and a Nightforce 8-32x BR scope. All of my rifles are proud products of the Whidden Gunworks custom shop. I shoot the same load in each: Berger moly coated 105 grain VLDs, Vihtavuori N160, Lapua brass, and PMC (Russian) primers.
My Palma rifle is the same one I used to win the Palma Team Tryouts back in 2005 (Gun of the Week #59). It’s much like the aforementioned sight gun, except that the barrel is a Broughton 10-twist 5C. I shot the Berger 185 grain VLDs using Varget for powder, Lapua brass, and PMC (Russian) primers. The barrel is getting a little long in the tooth and I plan to replace it this winter.
The accuracy of these guns is simply amazing. The benchrest shooters pioneered this kind of technology, but their accuracy isn’t as far ahead of the rest of us as they think.
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August 26th, 2007
 If you’ve been looking for the specialized reloading tools from K&M, contact Precision Reloading, 1-800-223-0900, a catalog and online vendor located in Mitchell, South Dakota. Precision Reloading recently started stocking the excellent K&M Arbor Press, which can measure bullet seating pressure with an optional Force Gauge. K&M’s neck-turning tool (item KMMACN) is a favorite of serious reloaders, and the Primer Seating Tool with depth gauge (item KMPST975, below) is perhaps the most sophisticated device of its kind. This gives a positive read-out confirming that your primers are all seated to the same depth.
Bruno Shooters’ Supply also carries K&M products at very attractive prices. Shown below is the Neck-turning Tool with optional Pilot Jack, Carbide “doughnut-cutter” mandrel and indicator for neck-wall thickness.
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August 25th, 2007
From August 26 through September 2, the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association (DCRA) will host the World Long-Range Championship at the Connaught Ranges near Ottawa, Ontario. This follows immediately after the 2007 Canadian Fullbore Rifle Championship which concludes August 25th.
World Long-Range Championship General Information
Long-Range Championship Event Schedule (.pdf file)
World Championship Daily Schedule (Course of Fire)
The World Long Range Championship is a quadrennial event. It commences on August 26th with The World Teams Championships for Veterans, Under 25 and Under 21 Int’l Teams. This is followed by the Individual Long Range Championship events (27th through 30th). The Team World Championship, also known as the Palma Trophy Match, runs from August 31st through September 2nd. Countries that have competed include the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Argentina, Peru, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Kenya, Natal and Rhodesia.
In Team competition, the United States has won 13 of the 27 Palma competitions that have been conducted since the championship started in 1876. There are 17 firing members (16 plus one alternate) and five coaches (four plus one alternate) on the U.S. Palma Team (below). The selection process required each shooter to fire four 15-shot, 1,000-yard matches a day for four days.
The Palma Trophy Match is shot in three stages of slow fire in the prone position using an iron-sight .308-caliber rifle with a 155-grain bullet. Competitors aim for targets that have a 20-inch bull’s eye at 800, 900 and 1,000 yards away.
Connaught is located on the Ottawa River approximately 20 minutes west of Parliament Hill on the municipal boundary separating the cities of Nepean and Kanata. Connaught has been the site of military training and research for over 75 years. The DND property covers 2,600 acres (1,058 hectares) with a waterfront of approx five kilometres. It has been a crown game sanctuary since 1929.
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August 25th, 2007
 After some delays associated with licensing issues, Whidden Gunworks has resumed production of its bullet-pointing tool. Whidden’s Pointing Die System narrows the diameter of bullet meplats. This also makes the bullet tips more uniform by smoothing the ragged edges. The result is higher Ballistic Coefficient (BC), and, potentially, more consistent BC.
Our 1000-yard Editor, Jason Baney, has used the tool and he reports it performs as advertised. Jason noted a significant difference in 1000-yard vertical impact when he compared pointed and un-pointed 106gr and 105gr 6mm bullets. The bullets which were pointed-up with Whidden’s tool consistently hit higher on the target, indicating they flew with less drag to the target. Jason reports: “Shot round-robin, with my 6BR, 5-shot group centers were 18+ inches apart vertically. In other words, the pointed bullets flew 1.75 MOA flatter to 1025 yards. This number has been repeated in matches at Williamsport.”
John Whidden tells us: “Tests have shown pointed bullets to have a typical BC increase of about 35 to 40 points as compared to bullets right out of the box. At 1000 yards, we usually see them impact about 1-1.5 MOA higher.” The pointing die costs $250.00 plus $40 for each caliber-specific insert. For more info, call Whidden’s shop at (229) 686-1911 or visit WhiddenGunWorks.net.
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August 25th, 2007
Many readers have been concerned that they have been unable to access Benchrest.com. Please be patient. The site should be up and running again very soon. Wilbur and his staff are in the process of upgrading server equipment to better handle the load on the popular website. This should permit the site to handle hundreds of simultaneous connections much more efficiently. Hopefully full access will be restored by Sunday, August 26.
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August 24th, 2007
The 2007 IBS Score Nationals last weekend (August 18-19), in Canastota, NY, was a hard-fought battle that went down to the wire. Bradley Niese won the Varmint for Score Grand Aggregate, with a 500-32X combined score, just one “X” ahead of Danny Hensley (500-31X) and Dave Short (500-31X). Bradley was shooting a 30BR with a BAT Action, Bartlein barrel, smithed by Dwight Scott and stocked by Scoville. His winning load consisted of BIB 118gr bullets, pushed by 34.5 grains of H4198 powder and Fed 205m primers.
A very skilled and competitive field of shooters–with superbly accurate rifles–graced the firing line at Canastota. The first 13 finishers in Grand Agg rankings all had perfect 500 scores. In the 100-yard Varmint for Score Match, Ken Alfredo, Ken Wood, and Ricky Read tied at 250-21X (ranking third through fifth), and the next five shooters had identical 250-20X scores. That’s tight competition.
Al Kogoy Sr. dominated the Varmint Hunter class, winning both the 100-yard match (250-19X) and 200-yard match (248-4X). Al’s 30BR was smithed by B. Green, and featured a BAT action and Hart barrel. Gary Long was “top dog” in Hunter class, winning the 100-yard stage (250-16X) and finishing second at 200 (248-4X), just behind Frank McKee (249-3X). Gary was shooting the 30 Aardvark wildcat with Euber 112s and Vihtavuori N130. Gary smithed his own rifle which had a Hart action and Krieger barrel. For complete match results and competitors’ equipment lists, go to the IBS website, and click on “Match Results” in the left navigation column.
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August 24th, 2007
MyTopo.com sells custom topo maps centered on the customer’s choice of location. Until recently, Mytopo’s offerings were limited to the United States. Just this week, MyTopo announced the addition of all 13 Canadian provinces and territories. The MyTopo Canadian system provides access to more than 12,000 new base maps, allowing customers to center a custom map print anywhere in Canada. Each map is available in a variety of sizes from 18″ by 24″ to a huge 36″ x 48″. Available finishes include waterproof synthetic paper, glossy poster finish, and full-seal laminated. Every map is printed with UV/fade-resistant inks.
“Those who have planned a backpacking or hunting trip to Canada know it can be hard to find good paper maps,” said Kevin Toohill, founder of MyTopo.com. “We expect the service to be a welcomed resource, and we know map enthusiasts will appreciate our customizing features, our folded, lightweight, waterproof paper option, and our ability to ship the maps within 24 hours.” With the ability for custom-centering and custom-scaling, map buyers have found they can often carry just a couple maps instead of a dozen or more.
Canadian topographic maps are based on the 1:50,000 scale, versus the US Geologic Survey (USGS) topo maps which are 1:24,000. MyTopo’s Canadian maps are made from scans of the original Natural Resources Canada topographic maps. MyTopo offers a choice of paper finishes, including waterproof, glossy, and laminated maps. The topographic maps range in price from $9.95 to $44.95, depending on map’s size. For more information, visit <a href=”Canadian topographic maps are based on the 1:50,000 scale, versus the US Geologic Survey (USGS) topo maps which are 1:24,000. MyTopo’s Canadian maps are made from scans of the original Natural Resources Canada topographic maps. The maps can vary between metric (meters) and English (feet) units. Newer maps are metric. The datum of the original maps also varies between the older North American Datum of 1927 (NAD27) and newer NAD83 maps. Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grids are pre-printed on ALL of the Natural Resources Canada base maps.
MyTopo’s Canadian topographic maps range in price from $9.95 to $44.95, depending on map size. For more info, visit MyTopo.com or call 1-877-587-9004 (toll-free).
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August 23rd, 2007
Forum regular Al Nyhus has recently tried his hand at bullet making, producing custom 30-caliber projectiles for his 30 BR match rifles. With help and guidance from his “guru”, bullet-smith Randy Robinett, Al has produced some very impressive bullets. This demonstrates that with patience, determination, and the right tools and components, amazing results are possible, even for a novice bullet-maker.
Al writes: “Thought I’d post some updated info on my 30 Caliber bullet making adventure. It’s been a lot of fun and a real learning experience. I’d like to thank Randy Robinett for all his patient teaching and guidance. The bullets have been working well in competition, being used in the Varmint for Score portion of the IBS Wisconsin State Two Gun Championship win a few weeks back.
Here are two photos from recent testing. In the 100-yard, 15-round target, the wind velocity was purposely ignored and the group was fired only with the same flag angle, trying to determine how they worked in the wind. Winds were 12-18 mph from 4 o’clock.
This 200-yard group was fired in near perfect test conditions — overcast, early in the morning, with no mirage. We usually have a small window of what I call ‘Happy Hour’ before the winds crank up.” NOTE: Al’s 30 BR rifle was smithed by Stan Ware of SGR Custom Rifles.
Measuring Group Size
Note how Al measures his groups. Look at the top photo. You’ll see Al starts with the extreme outside edge of the hole, including the gray edge or ring. Then Al subtracts .290″, the TRUE size of one bullet-hole in the paper, as opposed to .308″, the nominal bullet diameter. If you simply subtract a full bullet diameter you will get a smaller number for your group size. That is good for the shooter’s ego, but Al’s method is more accurate because a bullet normally will cut a hole that is smaller than the actual bullet diameter.
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August 23rd, 2007
Sinclair Int’l has a new 150-page competition log book with many smart features. You’ll like the way the book is designed and organized. There are 30 plot sheets for each position; that’s enough for 30 complete 80-round matches. Target sheets (grid-lined in 1 MOA squares) are printed as large as possible for plotting hits. The target sheets are also color-coded for each stage — 200-yard slow fire standing, 200 yard sitting rapid, 300-yard prone rapid, and 600-yard prone slow fire. The book even includes MOA windage charts for commonly used cartridge/bullets with elevation come-ups out to 600 yards.
The log book includes windage and elevation data along with separate pages to record sight settings for various yardages and ranges, separate pages for recording scores, pages to keep track of total rounds fired, note pages, and blank windage charts to fill in custom data. Plot sheets include boxes to record pertinent range data, “no-wind zeros”, actual wind, corrected wind, and values. The new Sinclair High Power Record Book, item 15-2600, costs $11.75.
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August 22nd, 2007
 Back in the spring we first reported that Wideners.com was stocking the excellent Guatemalan IMG brass. We’ve confirmed that supplies of BRAND NEW IMG .223 brass are still available for the very low price of $49/500 or $95/1000, item 556GUPB. IMG brass is quality stuff. This editor has personally put thousands of rounds of IMG ammo through ARs without no failures.
IMG brass is made on American (Olin) machinery that was transported to Guatemala to provide ammunition for the military. This is a great choice for varminters who need large quantities of uniform, low-cost brass. The case mouths are even chamfered. Average case capacity of IMG brass is 30.1 grains, the same as Hornady and Winchester commercial. The IMG brass is brand new 5.56 NATO-spec brass (not seconds). However, please note the flash holes are slightly smaller than domestic brass. You should have no issues with ignition (since the flash hole is still larger than 220 Russian or 6BR brass), but you may have to adjust your load slightly.
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August 22nd, 2007
 The final results of the NRA Rifle and Pistol National Championships at Camp Perry, Ohio are now available online at the NRA Website. As reported earlier in our Daily Bulletin, John Whidden of Nashville, GA, won his first NRA High Power Long Range National Championship with a score of 1241-68X out of a possible 1250-125X, edging defending LR champion Kent Reeve by 5 points and 3 Xs. The competition, held August 11 – 14, marked the conclusion of the Camp Perry’s Centennial (100th anniversary) National Match program.
Whidden overcame a one-point deficit heading into the final day of competition, winning the Palma Individual Trophy Match with a score of 446-25X to claim the overall title. Reeve finished second overall with a score of 1236-65X, and SFC Lance Hopper of the United States Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) finished third with a score of 1233-64X.
Shooting in the second of four relays from the 1,000-yard line in the Palma Match, Whidden was unsure if his score would hold up for the win, especially with SPC Tyrel Cooper of the USAMU, the tournament leader at the time, and Reeve yet to shoot.
“I really didn’t know if my score would hold up because I know those guys can score well at any time,” Whidden said. “I had a real good 1000-yard string, but I just didn’t know if that was good enough to win.” Swirling wind conditions made shooting a high score in the Palma Match extremely difficult, resulting in Cooper firing a 435-21X and Reeve a 442-23X. “We had a fishtailing wind from behind and it was easy to get caught up in big changes,” said Whidden. “I just tried to shoot safe shots. There were lots of opportunities for danger.”
“I knew it’s a long race and at a lot of points the lead would change hands,” added Whidden, who lurked near the top of the leader board throughout until grabbing the lead at the end. “But I knew it’d be decided at today’s 1,000-yard line.”
Joe Sopko of Macungie, Pa., shot a score of 1190-29X to win the High Service Rifle title. Nancy Tompkins of Prescott, Ariz., posted a score of 1226-65X to win the Women’s National Championship. The High Junior was Nick Mowrer of Ramsay, Mont., who posted a score of 1193-34X. The High Senior was Jon Rhynard of Haughton, La. Haughton fired a score of 1232-51X. Samuel Garee of Canton, Ohio, was named High Grand Senior with a score of 1211-48X.
In addition, the open-sight Leech Cup and the any-sight Wimbledon Cup, two of the oldest trophies awarded at the National Matches, were won by Cooper and fellow USAMU shooter SGT Brandon Green, respectively, during Long Range competition. The USAMU also swept the team matches fired at the event, winning both the Roumanian and Herrick Trophies. Approximately 350 competitors competed in the Long Range matches, shooting at distances ranging from 800 to 1,000 yards.
For more info about the NRA National Rifle and Pistol Championships at Camp Perry and other competitive shooting events or programs, contact the NRA Competitive Shooting Division. An article covering the history of the Camp Perry matches, written by Philip Schreier, Senior Curator, National Firearms Museum, is on the NRA’s National Rifleman website. Click the graphic below to read the article.
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August 21st, 2007
 Every year, many of the world’s top speed-shooters flock to the Int’l Shootists Institute in Piru, California to compete for top honors in the Steel Challenge, one of the world’s most competitive action shooting events. Don’t be fooled by the bucolic setting on private ranchland — when the Steel Challenge rolls into town, Piru becomes the center of the action shooting world. With events for Centerfire Pistol, Rimfire Rifle and Pistol, Shotgun, and Cowboy Lever Gun, the Steel Challenge boasts 150+ sponsors and over $370,000 worth of prizes and gun give-aways.
For the past three years, SigArms and the Outdoor Channel have offered a $30,000 prize for the first pistol shooter to break 80 seconds in the new, 8-stage pistol course of fire. The stages bear colorful (and somewhat intimidating) names: Showdown, Smoke & Hope, Outer Limits, Speed Option, The Pendulum, 5 To Go , Roundabout, and Accelerator.
At this year’s Challenge (held August 16-19th) three shooters broke the 80-second mark: Max Michel Jr., B.J. Norris and K.C. Eusebio. 2005 Steel Challenge winner Michel of the USAMU was the first to accomplish the feat. Max was immediately followed by his Army Marksmanship Unit teammate, K.C. Eusebio, winner of the 2003 Steel Challenge. Eighteen-year-old B.J. Norris from Texas finished third. As the fastest man of the three and the first to break the record, Max Michel earned the $30,000 check, and the title of the Fastest Shooter in the World.
A rising star in the shooting world, Max Michel Jr. is a 4-time winner of the USPSA Open Nationals, including the 2007 USPSA Championship. At 15, he was the youngest Grand Master (GM) in the history of USPSA shooting. Below is a YouTube clip of Max setting a record at the USPSA Nationals:
The 2007 Steel Challenge will be featured later this season on the Outdoor Channel TV show Shooting Gallery with Michael Bane. As a preview, here is a Steel Challenge VIDEO CLIP with action footage from previous years’ matches. The Shooting Gallery airs Wednesdays at 4:30 and 8:30 PM EST, plus Thursday at 12:30 AM EST.
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