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August 16th, 2008
Today, Cooper Firearms hosts its annual One-Shot Competition. Originally conceived as a fun promotional contest to help Cooper find its niche with the shooting public, the One-Shot Competition has grown into a nationally-recognized event. Rifles must have Cooper actions and stocks made by Cooper or a recognized Cooper Arms vendor. The premise is straightforward. Shooters get one (1) shot at a dot the size of a pencil eraser at 150 yards. No sighters. No spotting scopes. The closest shooter wins the target to take home to put on his wall and a chance to compete for a new rifle.
One Shot at a Dot on an Oil Painting
What makes this competition unique is that the targets are placed on a collection of oil paintings! Eight shooters are assigned to each painting. Their eight names, and corresponding numbers (1-8), are written around the edge of the canvas. The target is a 1/4″ dot on a paper paster target that measures about 2 inches in diameter. One at a time, competitors take a shot at their paster. Shooters are judged by the bullet strike relative to this 2″ paster, not the symbolic target added to the painting as a reference point. The bullet hitting closest to the target’s center will win the painting. The top two shooters on each painting get a chance to compete for the grand prize, a wood-stocked Cooper TRP-3 rimfire benchrest rifle.
The one-shot competition carries a hefty $150.00 entry fee, but there is a 100% payout of the entry fee to the winners of each group shoot. The one-shot competition officially begins today, August 16, at 9:30 am. After lunch (catered by Cooper), the painting shoots commence. The final competition for the TRP-3 will begin around 3:00 p.m. At 6:00 p.m., Cooper’s all-you-can-eat and drink party (which is rightfully as famous as the competition itself) caps off the event.
Note: It’s too late to sign up for the 2008 event, but next year, if you own a Cooper, you might head up to Montana and join the Cooper folks for a one-of-a-kind competition.
August 16th, 2008
There’s been some controversy surrounding the “ideal” 6mm bullet diameter. This is compounded by the fact that 6mm match barrels are available with both .236″ and .237″ land diameters. It has become quite clear to us that bullet diameter is an important variable to consider when choosing the best projectile for your particular barrel. Some barrels prefer “fat” bullets while other barrels prefer “skinny” bullets. There is solid evidence, for example, that skinny bullets like the 105gr Scenar may shoot best in a .236 barrel.
German Salazar recently measured a selection of 6mm bullets, recording bullet diameter, overall length (OAL), and bearing surface length. His results are interesting.
Salazar Measurements
| 6mm Bullet Brand |
Diameter |
OAL |
Bearing Surface |
| 105 Berger VLD |
0.2432″ |
1.237″ |
0.368″ |
| 105 Hornady AMAX |
0.2434″ |
1.230″ |
0.450″ |
| 105 Lapua Scenar |
0.2430″ |
1.252″ |
0.450″ |
| 107 Sierra MK |
0.2432″ |
1.227″ |
0.415″ |
| 108 Euber |
0.2428″ |
1.218″ |
0.490″ |
| 115 Berger VLD |
0.2431″ |
1.333″ |
0.414″ |
| 115 DTAC |
0.2436″ |
1.293″ |
0.480″ |
Some months ago, Jason Baney measured 12 different sets of 6mm Match Bullets, including a couple different lots of the same bullet design. Notice, some bullets measure a bit different, compared to German’s numbers — this may reflect lot variances and/or measuring methods. Interestingly, Jason did measure the “old” Berger 105 VLD, the “new” Berger 105 VLD (first lot from the new die), and the “new, improved” Berger 105 VLD from the new die, after it was polished. Ten (10) Bullets were measured per type. Each bullet was measured three times (3X) around the largest circumference, normally where a pressure ring would be located (some bullets have a pronounced pressure ring, others do not).
Baney Measurements
Download this CHART as an MS Word Document.
Columns one and two of the chart show the smallest and largest bullet diameters measured for each 10-bullet sample. The third column shows the extreme spread over each 10-bullet set. Note, these numbers are NOT averages, but represent the “low” and “high” diameters for each set. A Mitutoyo Micrometer was used, zero-checked for each bullet.
August 16th, 2008
There has been much interest in Ultrasonic case cleaning. Here are two tips to achieve the best results:
De-gas the Solvent Before Adding Brass
One of our readers, Eddy M. in Glasgow, Scotland writes: “I have read a couple of articles recently about ultrasonic cleaning of cases and not one has mentioned de-gassing the cleaning liquid before starting to clean items. As an engineer who travelled around for ten years servicing ultrasonic tanks I would like to point out that the cleaning liquid when first put into the tank has invisible disolved air bubbles in it which will absorb ultrasonic energy until the liquid de-gasses. (10 minutes in a powerful industrial tank–longer in a small hobby tank). You must let the tank run on its own for 20 minutes on the first use of the liquid to allow this to happen. Only after the new liquid or re-introduced liquid has been de-gassed will the tank give good results.”
Apply Dry-Lube Inside Case Necks
Jason Baney has found that Ultrasonic cleaning leaves the inside of the case-necks so “squeaky clean” that there is excess friction when seating bullets. On a fired case that has been cleaned conventionally (no ultra-sound), a thin layer of carbon remains to lubricate the bullet entry and exit. To restore that lubricity in cases cleaned with ultrasound, Jason applies a dry lube to the inside of his case necks. Jason prefers the $10.95 moly dry lube kit from Neconos.com. With this kit, small carbon steel balls transfer moly to the neck when you place your brass nose-down in the container.
August 15th, 2008
Grant, one of our Forum members from New Zealand, asked if there was a universal shell-holder that could hold cartridges securely for neck-turning, trimming, and case prep. He complained that the screwdriver-type case holder he was using didn’t center easily, was hard to tighten, and the case sometimes came loose during rotation. Another forum member agreed that he has experienced the same problems using a screwdriver-type case-holder.
This editor has found that a K&M screwdriver-type case holder CAN work securely if you tighten the locking mechanism tightly with the supplied wrench. But then you need the wrench again to get the case OUT. We were interested to see if there was a better solution that held the case securely, yet was easy to lock and unlock without tools.
Forum member Gunamonth provided a solution: “I use a Lee Zip Trim three-jaw case holder. With a little practice it centers the case quite nicely and holds just about anything. Chuck it in a cordless drill and have at it. It is much better than either the K&M or Sinclair [case-holder] in my opinion and the Zip Trim jaw is a lot cheaper (about $12.00). To use with power, you also need the Zip Trim three-jaw spindle, which is another $2.00.”
August 15th, 2008
USA F-Class Team Member Larry Bartholome reminds us that two major F-Class Championships are coming up soon. Larry notes: “Both matches will be large events with many international class shooters in attendance. You can learn a great deal from these people and gain bragging rights if you beat them. I hope to see you at both events.”
The first major event is the 2nd U.S. F-Class Fullbore Nationals which will take place in conjunction with the 7th SOA/2nd U.S. Fullbore Prone Championships. This match will be held September 7-13, 2008 at the Whittington Center in Raton, NM. With up to 100 target frames available the match is not likely to be over-subscribed.
CLICK HERE to download SOA/Fullbore Championships Match Program (.pdf file).
Two weeks after the event in Raton, the Fifth Annual U.S. F-Class Nationals will be held in Lodi, Wisconsin on October 1-4, 2008. Entries for this match have been maxed out for quite sometime, with 140 people signed up and a waiting list in case the gas prices get too high for some. However, it’s not too late to get on the waiting list.
CLICK HERE for 5th Annual F-Class Nationals Program (.pdf file).
F-Class Open Rifles
The Open Division of F-Class shoots scoped match rifles from the ground. Either front rest or bipod is allowed. There is no restriction on calibers, and 6mms, 6.5mms, and 7mm chamberings are all popular. The USA F-Class Open Rifle team all uses 6.5-284 rifles at this time. Shown below is Team member Brett Solomon’s gun. Photos courtesy USFClass.com.
August 14th, 2008
Michigan’s Ted Webster, a High Master F-Class shooter, has come up with a new bipod design. Ted’s beefy, 1.75-lb bipod, with 3″-wide feet, looks like it has many advantages over a conventional Harris-style bipod for F-Class comps. Though we haven’t had a chance to test the unit first-hand, photos show the Webster bipod to have much heavier construction than a Harris and we like the large, user-friendly knobs for adjusting height and swivel angle. The “Webster” bipod is available for $175.00. Email sapper299 [at] hotmail.com for more information.
Forum member Sapper299 (Dan Webster in KY) reports: “I have been using the new bipod. It has proven to be very stable and does not move out of position when the rifle is fired like the Harris does. It is easily adjusted while in position for height, and the 3”-diameter feet rotate freely, allowing you to adjust the rifle to a level position. Height adjustments are more than adequate for just about any firing point. I used it with a mounting system for the standard Anschutz rail, but it is mountable to any forearm style. The lock-up on the forearm was very tight and I just left the mounting stud on the rifle and removed the bipod itself by loosening the locking knob.”
August 14th, 2008
Many of our readers have asked “Where can we buy the Russian small rifle primers?” Currently, Grafs.com, Powder Valley Inc. (PVI), and Wideners.com all have the Wolf-brand, Russian-made primers in all popular sizes. Distributed by Wolf, these are produced by the same factory that made the PMC-brand Russian primers a while back.
Test have shown that Wolf primers deliver very good accuracy and extremely low ES/SD with certain powders. (No guarantees–you need to test with your loads in your gun.) John Whidden used Russian primers to win the NRA Long-Range National Championship. However, we also note that the cup is harder than most domestic-made primers. A few guys have reported ignition problems if they run a fairly “soft” firing pin spring in a Benchrest action. We’ve had no problem firing these primers from Rem and Savage actions with a normal firing pin spring.
| Primer Type |
Grafs.com |
Powder Valley |
Wideners |
| Small Rifle |
$20.59*/1000 |
$19.00/1000 |
$18.50/1000 |
| Small Rifle Mag |
$20.99*/1000 |
$19.00/1000 |
$18.50/1000 |
| Large Rifle |
$20.99*/1000 |
$19.00/1000 |
$18.50/1000 |
* Note: Grafs.com prices include shipping (but not hazmat).
Wolf recommends the Small Rifle Magnum primers for use in ARs and similar semi-autos because the Magnums have a slightly harder cup: “The Wolf Standard Small Rifle Primers have an all-copper cup, which is a little more sensitive than the brass cup magnum primers. If you are loading for an AR15 or Military-style semi auto rifle, or are loading high pressure cartridges in any other type of rifle, we recommend the Magnum Small Rifle Primers. Both primers use the same amount of compound. The only difference is in the cup hardness.”
August 13th, 2008
John Whidden won the 2008 NRA Long-Range Championship with an impressive 1239-65X score. This was the second straight Long-Range win for phenomenally skilled but modest Georgia-based shooter, who also took the title in 2007. On the way to the overall win, Whidden also captured the Canadian Cup (848-49X) and the Leech Cup (200-15X).
The NRA Long-Range Championship went down to the wire. Whidden secured the victory on X-count, with an edge of eight Xs over runner-up Robert Gustin of California who finished with 1239-57X. (Gustin was also high Senior.) Army Shooter Sgt. Brandon Green finished third at 1238-64X, just one point behind. Nancy Tompkins, popular author of the Prone and Long-Range Rifle Shooting book, was the top female shooter, posting 1231-59X.
After winning the 2007 NRA Long-Range Championship, John Whidden provided the following commentary to AccurateShooter.com (John regularly posts in our Shooters’ Forum). We’re not sure if he changed his equipment this year–we’ll provide updates on that as soon as possible.
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 [in 2007], 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.
August 13th, 2008
The August running of the Allegheny Sniper Challenge (ASC) will take place this Saturday and Sunday, August 16-17, at Seneca Rocks, West Virginia, right on the Eastern Continental Divide. This is a “practical” field competition requiring shooters to walk through the countryside engaging targets, many at unknown distances and at difficult up or down angles. Every day has a scored, cold bore shot (CBS) so your rifle better have a reliable zero. The terrain is challenging, with lots of hills to climb; elevation at the match site is about 3,500 feet.
Yes, that’s a row of shooters lined up on the hillside.
Match organizers describe the ASC as “Sniper Golf — it involves short walks (50-300 yards) between firing positions as you engage various targets. This approach allows us to take maximum advantage of the terrain and present a very wide variety of shooting challenges. You will be moving throughout the day so plan your load accordingly. Target options 50 to 60 steel targets of various sizes and shapes, perhaps ceramic tile and anything else we might decide to throw into the mix. Stress, in some form, might be an integral part of some shots.”
To give you an idea of the kind of shooting done at ASC, we’ve provided a video. Click the above photo to see a VIDEO showing Asst. Editor Jason Baney hitting multiple metal targets in a timed, rapid-fire sequence at last year’s ASC. Note how Jason has to swing the rifle around and adjust for angle and elevation changes. In this stage, Jason engaged seven targets from 200 to 600 yards, starting at 350, then moving out to 600 and back to 200. Jason says: “There was a 20 mph full-value crosswind running and we weren’t allowed to touch the scope. That’s a serious hold-off.” Jason was one of the few ASC shooters to “clean” this stage, hitting all targets.
For more information about the Allegheny Sniper Challenge, visit http://asc.riflemen.net/. Also check out this ASC BLOG PAGE covering 2005 and 2007 Sniper Challenge events. Click on the small thumbnail photos to see galleries with dozens of ASC photos.
August 12th, 2008
Competiting in his third Olympics, Spc. Walton Glenn Eller III of the USAMU has finally won Gold. Eller, a Texas native, set two Olympic records in the Men’s Double Trap competition today to win the Gold Medal — the first American shooting gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Games.
CLICK HERE to Watch Mens’ Double Trap Finals VIDEO. Eller clinches the Gold Medal at the 37’50”-minute mark in the video.
CLICK HERE for PHOTO GALLERY of Mens’ Double Trap with Award Ceremony
Eller, who finished 12th at the Sydney Games and 17th in Athens, entered the final round today four targets ahead of Italy’s Francesco D’Aniello with a qualification score of 145 — a new Olympic record. The previous Olympic record of 144 was set by Ahmed Almaktoum of the United Arab Emirates at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
photo courtesy USAMU
Slow Start in Finals then Another Olympic Record
After missing his first pair in the final, Eller ended up shooting 45 targets and finished with a total score of 190 targets, setting another Olympic record and taking home the Gold. “I was so happy after I won, but I didn’t know whether to cry, smile or jump up and down,” said Eller. “After my performances in the last two Olympics, I really wanted to come here and bring home a medal for the U.S. This is definitely one of the greatest moments of my life so far.”
D’ Aniello took the Silver with 187 targets, while the Bronze Medal was won by Hu Binyuan of China with 184 targets. Jeff Holguin of Yorba Linda, Calif., finished fourth. D’Aniello and Hu both hit 46 targets each, the best scores in the finals. Two previous Olympic Champions, Russell Mark of Australia and Richard Faulds of Britain, were also in the Finals.
For complete shooting results, visit the official Beijing 2008 Olympic Games website.
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