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April 25th, 2009
 Ever wondered what twist rate is required to stabilize a particular bullet? Or would you like to see how changes in spin rates (rpm) affect bullet stability? Well thanks to our friends from Canada, you’ll find helpful formulas online that answer many questions about external ballistics.
The Ballistics Page for the Canadian National Firearms Association (NFA) website offers a variety of useful programs and data charts created by Peter Cronhelm. These include:
Caliber Twist Rate Chart
Greenhill Formula Twist Calculator
Bullet Stability Calculator (requires MS Excel)
Ballistic Coefficients Chart (MS Word), (Or DOWNLOAD HERE.)
Ranging Ballistics Computer (Scroll to bottom of page.)
This exterior ballistics computer works in conjunction with range data as well as computing a conventional drop and windage chart. Using an FFP (Final Firing Point) and multiple TRP’s (Target Reference Points) the system will simultaneously calculate Drop and Windage data for up to 30 TRP’s 360 degrees around the FFP. Windage is corrected for the TRP direction compared to the primary wind direction. The spreadsheet consists of six individual pages. Each page performs a distinct function and contains all the information required to complete a shot at a target or targets. The entire system can be used in any laptop or handheld computer capable of running MS Excel or Excel CE.
CLICK HERE to download Ranging Ballistics Computer (requires MS Excel)
Rimfire Ammo Comparison Table
Canada’s NFA even provides a detailed table with bullet weights and velocities for over 100 varieties of 22LR Rimfire ammunition from Aguila, CCI, Eley, Federal, Fiocchi, Lapua, PMC, Remington, RWS, and Winchester. This Rimfire Ammo Table is a “must-have” resource for any smallbore shooter. Shown below is the section for Lapua:
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April 24th, 2009
 The 2009 update of the CMP Competition Rules for Service Pistol, Service Rifle, and As-Issued Military Rifle is now available online. The 13th edition (2009) CMP Competition Rules can be downloaded (for free) from the CMP website. Printed copies of the rulebook may also be purchased for $3.00 each from CMP Competitions, P. O. Box 576, Port Clinton, OH 43452.
CLICK HERE to download 2009 CMP Updated Rules.
In the downloadable file, all 2009 rule changes are underlined so they can be identified. The CMP has also posted an article summarizing the key 2009 rule changes.
Important CMP Rule Changes for Garands
One significant 2009 rule change stems from the CMP’s continued commitment to start rapid-fire stages from standing. Until this year, NRA range procedures could be used in CMP matches, but now that the NRA has eliminated the requirement to start rapid-fire stages from standing, NRA range procedures can no longer be used. As a result, the CMP had to develop its own rules, range procedures and commands. Thus, a foundation requirement in the CMP rifle rules (Rules 8.1.5 and 9.1.10) is that competitors must start all rapid-fire stages from standing.
There is also a new required procedure for Garand shooters in the rapid fire stage. Shooters may still load while standing. However, competitors are required to push down the rounds in the clip and CLOSE their BOLT over an empty chamber before dropping from standing to prone. When targets rise from the pits (or the command TARGETS is given), shooters must drop down into position, then cycle the bolts on their rifles to chamber their first round and begin the rapid-fire stage. The goal here is to “to completely eliminate any possibility of a shooter moving from standing to the firing position with a round in the chamber.”
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| NEW GARAND Rapid-Fire LOADING PROCEDURE. Competitors with M1 Garands must “close bolts on an empty chamber” by: 1) inserting the clip and 2 rounds in the magazine; 2) pressing the clip and 2 rounds all the way down to release the operating rod; and 3) allowing the bolt to over-ride the top round, so the bolt closes on an empty chamber. The bolt may not be cycled to load the first round in the chamber until after the competitor is down in position. |
The 2009 updated Rules also provide new guidelines for the Garand Unlimited class. CMP Games rifle categories (Rule 6.4.1) now include an Unlimited Garand category for shooters with National Match, .308, commercial and glass-bedded Garands. NOTE: The National John C. Garand Match at Camp Perry will have both As-Issued and Unlimited Garand categories.
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April 24th, 2009
 Two DVDs Now Offered
The latest video from Velocity Films is “Dog Be Gone and Beyond (Volume 2)”. It features footage from multiple locations, while hunting Ground Squirrels, Rock Chucks, and Prairie Dogs. The video includes field tests of the .17 HMR & .204 Ruger, handgun hunting, plus reviews of the latest varmint hunting gear. This video is offered on DVD only for $17.95. The original “Dog Be Gone (Volume 1)” video is offered on VHS tape for $7.95 or DVD for $14.95.
CLICK HERE to order either video online, or call 800-272-3000 to order by phone from Midsouth Shooters Supply.
CLICK HERE for Varmint Hunting Video Clips (Banned on YouTube!)
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April 24th, 2009
 In The First Shot (the CMP’s Online Magazine), Sgt. Walter E. Craig of the USAMU discusses physical conditioning for competitive shooters, particularly High Power competitors. In the article, Craig advocates: 1) weight training to strengthen the Skeletal Muscle System; 2) exercises to build endurance and stamina; and 3) cardiovascular conditioning programs to allow the shooter to remain relaxed with a controlled heart beat.
Sgt. Craig explains: “An individual would not enter a long distance race without first spending many hours conditioning his/her body. One should apply the same conditioning philosophy to the sport of shooting. Physical conditioning to improve shooting skills will result in better shooting performance…. The objective of an individual physical training program is to condition the muscles, heart, and lungs thereby increasing the shooter’s capability of controlling the body and rifle for sustained periods.”
In addition to weight training and cardio workouts (which can be done in a gym), Sgt. Craig advocates “some kind of holding drill… to develop the muscles necessary for holding a rifle for extended periods.” For those with range access, Craig recommends a blind standing exercise: “This exercise consists of dry-firing one round, then live-firing one round, at a 200-yard standard SR target. For those who have access only to a 100-yard range, reduced targets will work as well. Begin the exercise with a timer set for 50 minutes. Dry-fire one round, then fire one live round and without looking at the actual impact, plot a call in a data book. Continue the dry fire/live fire sequence for 20 rounds, plotting after each round. After firing is complete, compare the data book to the target. If your zero and position are solid, the plots should resemble the target. As the training days add up and your zero is refined, the groups will shrink and move to the center.”
CLICK HERE to READ FULL ARTICLE
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April 23rd, 2009
Randy Robinett of BIB Bullets is well-known for his exceptionally accurate flat-base bullets. Used with 30BRs, Randy’s 112-125gr flat-base BIBs have won countless BR for score matches, and Robinett’s 30-caliber 187-grainer recently set a new 1000-yard IBS world record in the hands of Joel Pendergraft.
 Robinett announced something new this week — a 108gr, 6mm boat-tail projectile. Yep, that’s right … a BIB boat-tail. The new bullet features a conventional, tangent ogive shape, but the boat-tail is only .082″. That’s quite short compared to other 6mm bullets in the same weight range. Why the shorter boat-tail? Randy believes that a short boat-tail delivers the desired drag-reduction in a long-range bullet, while offering a larger base for the expanding gas to push. In addition, Robinett strongly believes that short boat-tails can be made with much less run-out (on the tail section). With longer boat-tails, Randy says, there is much greater risk of the tail section being swaged off-center.
Looking at the new bullet, we were concerned with the long bearing surface. Would that increase in-barrel friction and thereby reduce velocity compared to other 6mm bullets of similar weight? Apparently not. Our Asst. Editor Jason Baney has tested some BIB 108 prototypes. Jason’s Oehler chronograph revealed the BIB 108s will run within 10-15 fps of other similar-weight 6mm bullets, with the same powder charge. Jason pushed the BIB 108 up to 3200 fps without problems. (Test rifle was a 6-6.5×47 with 1:7.8″ twist barrel). Jason has not done extensive group testing, but he says these bullets definitely show promise accuracy-wise. He notes, however: “with the BIB 108s you’ll want a bare minimum 0.090″ freebore, and a longer freebore would be better.”
BC and Bullet Specifications
What about BC? Calculated (G1) BC for the new 108s is 0.543, but Robinett says “real world testing suggests an actual BC of about .52, as opposed to the calculated 0.543″. The new bullet is designed to perform well in the popular 8-twist 6mm barrels. According to Randy, the “ideal twist rate is 1 turn in 8.3 inches. This produces a 1.5 Stability Factor (Sg) 1.5 at sea-level, standard conditions. The Sg with 1:8.5″ twist is still a very good 1.4 Sg.”
Photos by J. Baney © 2009 AccurateShooter.com. Camera: Canon G10.
The BIB 6mm, 108gr BT features an 11-caliber tangent ogive, 0.052″ meplat diameter, and a 12 degree x 0.082″ long (abbreviated) BT. The BIB 108s are fairly “fat”, measuring 0.2435+ at the pressure ring and 0.2433 in the middle of the bearing surface. Given the bullet shape and dimensions, Randy believes “this bullet will prove easy to tune.” For more information visit BIBullets.com.
Robinett is now accepting orders for the new 108gr 6mm BIB. The 108s will cost $320.00 per 1,000, plus shipping. Minimum order quantity is 250 bullets. To order, please call (515) 438-4010, or e-mail bibrob [at] netins.net.
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April 22nd, 2009
The latest CDNN Catalog has some great long-gun bargains. Here are two specials that caught our Editor’s eye. To view the CDNN catalog, visit www.cdnninvestments.com, then click the link to download the 2009-1 Catalog in .pdf format. To place an order, call 800-588-9500.
Winchester 22LR Sporter — $189.99
Looking for a “first rifle” for a young family member? This little Winchester could fit the bill. A friend of ours recently purchased one for his nephew and it’s proven to be a very nice little rifle for the money. NOTE: In the catalog pages the price is listed as $179.99, but the current price is $189.99. That’s still a great deal, and the price includes four magazines.
FN Patrol .308 (with box mag) — $599.00
If you’re looking for a good basic .308 Win rifle for hunting or tactical matches, the FN Patrol is a great value at $599.00. This rifle comes with a Hogue synthetic stock with full-length aluminum bedding block and dual front sling swivels. The action is fitting with a mil-spec Picatinny scope rail on top, and a 4-round detachable box magazine (DBM) is provided. You can select from four different barrel lengths: 18″, 20″, 22″, and 24″. We recommend the 24″ for tac matches. Hunters may prefer a shorter tube to save weight. If you prefer to mount a custom barrel or stock, CDNN is offering FN SPR short actions for just $349.00. This includes trigger group (with safety), Picatinny Rail on top, bottom metal, recoil lug, AND the 4-round box magazine. If you’re looking to build a low-cost custom tactical rig, this could be a great way to go.
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April 22nd, 2009
Machinist Joe Cowan of Altoona, PA offers some nicely-designed products for F-Class and Benchrest shooters. These products would also be useful for Varminters who use pedestal rests. To order Cowan’s F-Class rest feet or BR Loading Block shown below, contact Joe Cowan via email: cowanhaus [at] verizon.net.
F-Class Rest Feet
Cowan sells large-diameter, heavy-weight front rest feet for F-Classers. Weighing 2.2 lbs each, the 3.5″ diam. x 1″ thick feet are machined from solid steel. A large conical point is machined on the bottom of each foot to improve stability on uneven ground. The rest feet are drilled and tapped for 3/8-16 thread. The rest feet can attach directly to the threaded height-adjusting shafts on your rest. Joe also provides a machined plug screw with each foot. Cost for the 3-disk set is $35.00, plus $10 flat rate shipping per order.
Benchrest Speed Loading Block
Here’s a cool product that puts your ammo right next to your rifle’s loading port for faster cartridge cycling. The Delrin shell block is attached to a flexible, jointed “neck” allowing you to adjust the height and angle of the block. The neck is secured to an aluminum mounting bracket that clamps under the vertical adjusting screw on the rear-most rest leg.
The white Delrin shell block hold 15 rounds, with 5 slots in a top row and 10 slots in two lower rows. The shell blocks are tailored to a particular cartridge, but they can be swapped in and out when shooting different calibers. Currently, Cowan offers shell blocks for: .222/.223, PPC, BR, 6.5-.284 and Short Mag. Joe may add 22LR rimfire shell blocks if there is sufficient demand. Cost for the whole system, including cartridge block, twisty neck, and mounting bracket, is $65.00 plus $9.00 shipping. Extra shell blocks are $20 each.
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April 21st, 2009
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled yesterday that the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution restricts the powers of state and local government as much as it does those of the federal government. A three-judge panel issued this ruling in Nordyke v. King (Alameda County). This is the first case where a Circuit Court has declared that the actions of states or municipalities are subject to the Second Amendment protections recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court in D.C. v Heller last year. (Other cases challenging state action on Second Amendment grounds are pending before the Seventh Circuit.)
In finding that the Second Amendment applies to actions of States, counties, and local municipalities, the 9th Circuit applied the due process clause of the 14th Amendment. The Circuit Court concluded “that the right to keep and bear arms” as a personal right has been recognized by the Supreme Court in Heller, and that this applies to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment’s due process clause.
 In Nordyke v. King, the plaintiffs challenged an Alameda County ordinance that effectively prevented plaintiffs from holding a gun show at the Alameda Fairgrounds. Though the 9th Circuit acknowledged the existence of rights under the Second Amendment, the three-judge panel concluded that D.C. v. Heller was limited in scope, and only recognized a right of “armed self-defense in the home”. Accordingly, the Ninth Circuit ruled against plaintfiffs, and upheld the Alameda County ordinance, which banned possession of guns “on county property.” Disturbingly, the Ninth Circuit ruling attempts to carve out a “public property” exception to the Second Amendment. The Nordyke v. King opinion states that a gun ban on county property: “fits within the exception from the Second Amendment for ‘sensitive places’ that Heller recognized.”
We’re not certain that the U.S. Supreme Court would agree with the Ninth Circuit’s holding that a fairground was a ‘sensitive place’ where the Second Amendment, effectively, has no sway. If a state or county can ban guns at a fairground, then why not public parks, parking lots, bus stops and so on? This could lead to cities and counties declaring extensive “gun-free zones” within their boundaries. Ironically, public places such as parking lots may be exactly where citizens are most at risk of violent crime. And ask yourself this… what other Constitutional rights are geographically limited? Would a court dare to restrict the First Amendment so as to eliminate the right of free speech on public property?
CLICK HERE to Read Full 9th Circuit Decision (.pdf download).
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April 20th, 2009
Some good deals are to be had among Midsouth Shooters Supply’s April Specials.
Barnes M/LE Bullets on Sale
Barnes Bullets has introduced a new line of Military Law Enforcement (M/LE) lead-free bullets. Based on technologies Barnes developed for military applications, this new line of bullets should be popular for self-defense, hunting, and the fast-growing Tactical market. Sale items include include the all-copper TAC-X™ rifle bullets and Barnes’ new RRLP™ (Reduced Ricochet, Limited Penetration) bullets. TAC-X are a solid copper projectile that provides controlled, double-diameter expansion — a good choice for hunters. The RRLP bullets feature a frangible, powdered-metal copper-tin core inside a guilding metal jacket. These open-tip bullets combine accuracy with explosive fragmentation.
Last but hardly least, Midsouth offers the new 50-Caliber TAC-LR™ Long Range bullets. These high-BC, solid-brass beauties are individually milled on CNC equipment. Two types are available, a long-nosed secant ogive style (035-51075) and a tangent ogive style (035-51076). Both 50-cal projectiles are priced at $32.90 for 20 bullets. That’s expensive yes, but still much cheaper than comparable milled 50-cal solids from “boutique” bullet-makers. Barnes’ 750gr secant ogive TAC-LR bullet has an amazing 1.070 BC.
Allen 50″ Euro Gun Case
The Allen “Euro” is a quality 50″-long case with enough interior space to handle 29-30″ barrels. This deluxe case features a fatter/taller front section to fit guns with wide forearms or attached bipods. This is a very nice soft case for a long-barreled varmint rifle or F-Class gun with a larget scope. It features very thick foam padding (1.5″ per side) and multiple, velcro-closed external pockets. Midsouth Shooters Supply offers this case in hunter green (item 168-91550) for $35.09. Supplies are limited so don’t hesitate! A similar Allen-made case in blue or tan sold as the Remington Yukon.
Montana Xtreme Solvent with Free Bolt Grease
Though the end of April, if you purchase a 4 ounce bottle of Montana X-Treme bore solvent for $5.86, Midsouth will include a FREE syringe of X-Treme Gun Grease as no extra cost. The Gun Grease normally retails for about $4.50 buy itself. Every bolt-gun owner should have some grease in a syringe applicator to prevent galling of the lugs.
Midsouth Owner Interviewed
In related news, Midsouth Shooters Supply owner David King was recently interviewed by WKRN television in Nashville, TN. When asked about the current ammo shortage, King said this is the most accute shortage he can remember: “I’ve been doing this since the early 60s and it’s never been like this … The ’94 shortage was tough, but not like this.” In fact, King said it’s so bad one of his dealers sold more ammunition in one day than he did in all of 2007. According to King, the surge in ammo sales began after the Presidential election in November and has continued unabated due to concerns that Congress will impose new regulations on firearms, ammunition, and reloading components. King said ammo-makers are producing product as fast as they can but he expects in may take a full year before the balance of supply and demand situation returns to normal.
CLICK HERE to view David King interview (top right on new page)
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April 19th, 2009
 Yesterday, April 18th, Joel Pendergraft of Durham, NC put 10 shots into 3.048″ to set a new IBS 1000-yard Heavy Gun World record. Competing at Hawks Ridge, NC, Joel set the record with his big, 300 Ackley Improved HG fitted with an unusual water-cooled 12-twist, 4-groove Krieger barrel. Joel shot BIB 187gr flat-based bullets in Norma brass, pushed by a “generous amount” of Alliant Reloder 25 and Federal 210M primers.
This 3.048″ 10-shot group was a remarkable accomplishment, breaking one of the longest standing 1000-yard World Records. Bill Shehane commented: “This tops the NBRSA, IBS, and Original Williamsport Clubs’ all-time 10-shot Heavy Gun group records. Took a long time to do it and I for one know Joel did not back into it — he has worked harder than most the last 10 years to break this record. And just like John Voneida of the Original Williamsport Club who held this most prestigous record for so long, Joel is a super nice guy and a great competitor.”
Pendergraft’s fellow 1K competitors were quick to praise his accomplishment. Dave Tooley observed: “I still remember the day I suggested flat-based bullets to Joel and the laugh I got. Well he was laughing today. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. Glad I was there to see it.” Posting on Benchrest Central, “4Mesh” wrote: “Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy! That gun showed some serious promise last year at the World Open and anything that cranks off targets like the one you shot there, has what it takes.” Jim Hardy added: “The new record is great but no better than the fine man who shot it. Everyone who knows Joel will say the same thing — he is one of the finest men you will ever meet. He lives the life, and walks the walk and has paid his dues in the 1000-yard BR game to get the record.”
Pendergraft was modest after his notable achievement: “Some of the words spoken are too kind. What makes this so very special is to be able to celebrate the accomplishment with all of my shooting friends[.] A good friend once said that records are shot when preparation and opportunity meet. I feel blessed to have personally had the opportunity. The preparation we can individually work on and acheive but the opportunity only comes to a few. Those of you that compete in longe range competition will know what I mean.”
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April 19th, 2009
Competition at the second leg of the 2009 ISSF World Cup Series commenced in Beijing, China on April 18 and will conclude April 23. Sixteen U.S. rifle and pistol shooters will be competing in Beijing, which will be familiar ground for 2008 Olympians Jamie Beyerle (Lebanon, PA), Brian Beaman (Selby, SD), Keith Sanderson (San Antonio, TX) and 2008 bronze medalist Jason Turner (Rochester, NY). These four Olympians competed in the same venue at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing last August.
The U.S. is looking to add to their 2009 World Cup medal tally in Beijing, as Sanderson is coming off a silver medal win in Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol in Changwon, Korea earlier this week. Sanderson was an Olympic finalist and record holder at the 2008 Games in Beijing. For updated news and results during the Beijing ISSF Rifle/Pistol World Cup, please visit the ISSF website. Daily results (with photos of winning shooters) are found on the ISSF Latest News Page.
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April 19th, 2009
BR Armament Technologies (B.R.A.T.) of Saluda, VA is currently producing AR uppers chambered for the 6BR and 6BRX cartridges. Unlike some other previous AR conversions for the 6BR cartridge, the BR15 uppers produced by B.R.A.T. do not merely use a .223-sized bolt opened up to fit the .308-sized rim of the 6BR case. Instead B.R.A.T. employs a different bolt design that is bigger, and significantly stronger in the lug area. Shown below is a .223-sized bolt (left) and a BR15 bolt from B.R.A.T. on the right.
The B.R.A.T. BR15 upper receiver has been specifically designed to use the 6BR family of cartridges. It has a larger bolt, modified bolt carrier, modified upper receiver, larger barrel extension, and most importantly an all-new magazine designed specifically to handle the BR class of cartridges. All other parts are standard AR15. The folks at B.R.A.T. have developed their own magazines. These are 5-round center-feed dual column magazines that work with the 6BR, 6BR-derived cases (like 22 BR), and the 6BRX. Since the round feeds from the center, the mags can also be used for single-feeding.
B.R.A.T. is operated by two long-time competition shooters, both High Power High Masters, both Distinguished Riflemen, and both former captains of the U.S. Air Force Shooting team. President Eric Bellows has placed in the top 10 in the NTI and Presidents matches many times. Eric is former VT State Champion. Bill Walter, Chief Development Engineer, is former FL State Champion, Eliah Root team member, and is current military Palma Match record holder.
NOTE: We have not used or tested a B.R.A.T. upper or magazine. We are just passing on this information at the request of readers. You will find more product specs, and comparitive ballistics, on the B.R.A.T. website. Currently BRAT-15 uppers retail for $1390 with a Douglas barrel or $1550 with a Krieger barrel, chambered either as 6BR or as 6BRX. For another $100, B.R.A.T. offers uppers chambered in 22 BR, 6.5 BR, or 7mm BR. For more info, email 6BRrifles [at] bratrifles.com, or call (804) 824-7248.
B.R.A.T. 6BRX Upper Receiver with 28″ barrel and RPA Tall Boy sight
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