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November 5th, 2009
 In this feature, Bill Gravatt, President of Sinclair International, explains how to clean and maintain precision reloading dies. This article first appeared in Sinclair’s online Blog, The Reloading Press, where you’ll find many other useful Product Spotlights and ‘How-to’ articles.
Reloading dies if taken care of properly will provide years of service to their owner. Most dies are hardened and then micro-polished for that mirror internal finish many of the dies exhibit. Many of them are also treated with some type of rust preventative before they leave the factory floor. But dies still need some attention before they are put to use.
Clean Your Dies Before First Use
The first step in taking care of your dies starts when you receive them. We advocate cleaning all new dies before you begin to use them. Beginning with your sizing dies; take the decapping assembly completely out of the die body. Flush the decapping assembly with a good degreaser (such as Hornady One-Shot Cleaner & Dry Lube, Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber or Shooter’s Choice Quickscrub III) and wipe the expander ball clean.
 The only part of the decapping assembly that should come in contact with your brass is the expander ball and the decapping pin. Pay particular attention to the decapping ball as it determines the final interior dimension (bullet grip) of your case neck. Make sure you inspect it after cleaning to make sure that the surface is clean and free of burrs.
Next, flush the interior of the die body out with some more degreaser. Using a pistol cleaning rod or a dowel rod, push a couple of wet patches all the way through the die. Then run a couple of dry patches through. Reassemble your sizing die and you should be good to go.
Seating Die Cleaning and Maintenance
Taking apart your seater is fairly simple depending on the complexity of your seating die. A standard seater just requires you to turn the seating stem out of the die body exposing the interior of the seater. Flush and clean both the body and seater as described above. Benchrest sliding sleeve seaters such as Forster or Redding Competition Dies have a few more parts involved. Just make sure as you take them apart you know how the spring is oriented and how any other parts such as chamber sleeves or seating plugs are arranged. Any springs or threads can be wiped down with a very rag or patch lightly coated with a fine oil. Make sure you inspect the opening in the seating stem for debris. You can twist a patch and use the end to clean out the smaller caliber stems/plugs.
 Regular Cleaning and Storage Advice
Regular maintenance of your dies should include their routine cleaning. Sizing dies collect excess lube off the cases and this lube can begin to build up. We have seen dents formed in the case shoulder from the hydraulic compression of the excess lube in the die when the case was sized. We recommend cleaning the dies every 500 to 1000 rounds depending on how frequently they are used and the cleanliness of your reloading area. For longer term storage of your dies, I recommend putting a light oil or rust preventative on them, especially if you have a shop that has a humid environment.
My reloading area is in the same building (different room) as my woodshop and I have to watch the dust so I keep most of my reloading dies covered or stored away. I keep a cover over my press and scales as well.
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November 4th, 2009
Temperature, Atmospheric Pressure, and Altitude — all these things can and do affect bullet ballistics. Moreover, temperature changes can alter powder performance and chamber pressures. The smart reloader takes the predicted ambient temperature into account. And when calculating your come-ups and windage click values, you need to factor in Temperature, Air Pressure, AND Altitude.
 How do you keep track of these important variables when you’re shooting? The Kestrel 4000 Pocket Weather Tracker®, is compact and provides a wealth of information: atmospheric pressure, altitude, density altitude, temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind chill, dew point, and heat index. We like the Kestrels and recommend them. But at $279.00, a Kestrel 4000 is too expensive for many shooters.
Timex now offers a solution. Selling for about $60.00-$75.00 (street price), the Timex Expedition® Adventure Tech™ watch (item T41501EA) displays Altitude, Barometric Pressure, and Temperature (ABT). The thermometer function records temps from 14° F to 140° F. The Altimeter reads from -2,296 feet to +29,520 feet with 10-foot resolution. The Barometer tracks current and sea level pressure, and provides a graph of pressure changes over time.
Encased in a stainless housing with a resin band, the Timex watch is water resistant to 50 meters, and offers many other nice features, including dual time zones, countdown timer, alarm, and backlit nightlight (very handy). The countdown timer is very easy to set and activate; and yes the timer can be used effectively in a shooting match.
There are other quality watches, such as the Suunto Core, that provide Altitude, Atmospheric Pressure, and Temperature read-outs. But, at under $70.00, the Timex is one-fourth the price of the Suunto. Amazon.com is currently offering the Timex Temp/Altitude/Barometer watch for $62.88. It is offered with a silver band as well as the black shown above.
Useful Tool or Just Another Gadget?
Is this watch really useful or just another piece of male jewelry? Well just last week a friend was developing loads and he wanted to input the ambient temperature, and current air pressure. The Timex gave us the desired data. (Note: it’s best to take the watch off your arm when gauging air temp). For this editor, the Timex ABT watch is a useful tool. I bought one and use it during load development and when shooting competitively. Negatives? Well the Timex IS big and thick, really thick, but then it’s much handier than carrying BOTH a digital thermometer/altimeter AND a separate count-down timer.
Here’s an owner’s review: “I have been through a Nike ABT, a Swiss Army ABT, and a High Gear ABT watch this year alone. None of them, which cost quite a bit more, have been as accurate and durable as this Timex. It has a better fit, was easy to use and read and just plain ‘on the money’ as far as forecasting weather and altitude. Also, I have not had to take it off my arm for 10-15 mins to get a decent temperature rating. It has always been within 1-3 degrees of actual temp. And I live in the Carribean in a tropical climate… so, for it to be this accurate is a statement in itself.”
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November 3rd, 2009
 The FBI’s National Instant Background Check System (NICS) hours of operation for federal firearms licensees (FFLs) will remain the same as their current hours of operation during this year’s NICS busy season. NICS Call Centers will be available daily from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Eastern. The only deviation to this schedule will be Nov. 27, the Friday following Thanksgiving, when the hours of operation will be 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Eastern. These extended operational hours will be available only to those FFLs who use the FBI Call Centers. NICS is managed through the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
The NICS Section will cease operation at midnight on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day. The NICS will resume normal operations on Dec. 26 at 8 a.m. Eastern. NICS is managed through the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
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November 3rd, 2009
 Donna Vandermolen, the NRA’s 2009 Woman of Distinction award recipient, is featured at KBTX.com in both a video and a written article. Donna is a respected firearms instructor in Conroe, Texas. CLICK HERE to view the KBTX video report and story featuring Donna.
“If you’re going to shoot, you need to be able to handle your firearm safely,” Donna says to the KBTX camera. Vandermolen earned the NRA’s Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction award in honor of her many years of service as a firearms instructor, and in recognition of her efforts to promote firearms safety. Donna has a strong interest in teaching women about firearms and correct safety and firearm-handling skills. Donna successfully pioneered “ladies-only” entry-level handgun classes that have introduced hundreds of women to safe firearm use.
Vandermolen became the first woman Five-Gun Expert with the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA), where she serves as a certified Safety Officer. Donna is an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, a Personal Protection In the Home Instructor, and a Range Safety Officer. Donna is a fixture at Lone Star College’s Second Amendment Academy, which educates students and constituents on Second Amendment freedoms, political and legal issues, and firearms licensing.
Donna says: “I am committed to empowering women to take responsibility for their personal protection, develop their skills in firearms as a tool for defense, and understand that the protection of the Second Amendment is critical for their ability to remain empowered. Let’s support the Second Amendment and keep our freedoms intact.”
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November 2nd, 2009
Better save your pennies boys… there is a huge firearms auction coming up December 4-6, with over 2700 lots of merchandise. Conducted by Rock Island Auction Company (RIAC), this auction will feature many superb 19th-century target rifles, plus large collections of 20th-century sporting arms. Colt collectors should celebrate, as RIAC’s December auction will include over 200 Single Action Army revolvers plus the largest selection of Colt long guns ever brought to auction. In addition to scores of Winchester lever guns, the auction features the largest collection of revolving rifles ever put up for bid.
Overall, this is an exceptional auction, with most items unreserved. Auction items are displayed in a full-color, two-volume catalog, which can be ordered through the mail ($60) or viewed online at RockIslandAuction.com. The auction will be held in RIAC’s Moline, Illinois auction hall. You can bid on-site, by advanced sealed bid, or via telephone.
CLICK HERE to search auction items online. (Many photos and detailed descriptions.)
From early flintlocks to WWII vintage rifles and handguns, this December auction offers something of interest for virtually every firearms enthusiast. Shown in the photo below is an octagon-barreled target rifle, circa 1885. It features an extra fancy walnut stock with a finger spur and scroll trigger guard. There is a single set trigger, and the rifle comes with a 32″ tubular scope on custom mounts. Lot #260, this R.R. Moore rifle carries an estimated price of $2,500 – $3,750.
If you’re interested in a 20th-century piece with a fascinating military history, consider lot #1496, a J.P. Sauer model 30 drilling (triple barrel) shotgun/rifle, complete with case. This “survival rifle” was produced by Sauer for the German Luftwaffe in 1941. It has two shotgun barrels and one rifle barrel chambered for 9.3X74R. The Luftwaffe procured a limited number of these drillings in 1941 for issue to bomber crews stationed in North Africa. The drilling is complete with the aluminum storage case, rarely seen “Drilling M.30″ manual dated “Juni 1941″, factory target serial numbered to the gun, cleaning equipment and belt buckle. Also included with the group is the original capture paper issued to S/SGT C. C. Moorland on April 23, 1945. How much for the Luftwaffe Drilling? RIA estimates this unique gun (with accessories) will draw $27,500 – $35,000.
There is a special grouping of Sharps long Arms in this auction. The rifles, muskets and carbines are comparable to those RIAC sold from the famous Sharps collector Frank Sellers. Two examples include an extremely rare Sharps ultra heavy barrel special order Model 1874 target rifle (photo below) with factory letter ($25,000 – $37,500) and a rare Berdan Sharpshooters Sharps New Model 1859 rifle ($10,000 – $16,000). Such model 1859s were issued to the 1st and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooter regiments (Berdan’s Sharpshooters).
Shotgun collectors won’t be disappointed. Over 200 shotguns will be offered including superb examples from Holland & Holland, Purdey, and Westley Richards. An engraved, gold inlaid, consecutively-serial-numbered pair of Holland & Holland exhibition grade hammerless game bird set shotguns with factory letter is estimated at $35,000 – $65,000. Photo below.
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November 2nd, 2009
 Late this summer, the International Tactical Rifleman’s Championship (ITRC) was held in Gillette, Wyoming at the Surefire Training Facility run by Dave Lauck. Team Hornady shooters Bennie Cooley and Michael Voigt captured their sixth ITRC win, besting 27 other teams, including Special Forces, law enforcement, and military personnel.
The match is a grueling three-day event held for teams of two marksmen. The event challenges each two-man team with multiple scenarios involving pistol targets to 50 yards, carbine targets to 500 yards, and precision rifle targets to 1,000 yards. One partner ranges and calls shots while the other shoots, with roles interchanged during the stages. Typically, the long-range rifle targets are at “unknown” distances, requiring ranging skills and excellent communication between spotter and shooter.
This year, the long-range field courses involved pistol, carbine, and rifle targets. First one or both team members engaged pistol targets out to 50 yards. Then, one shooter engaged the medium range (0-500 yards) carbine targets. Next his partner shot bolt-action rifle at targets from 0-1000 yards. In addition to the long-range stages, this year’s IRTC included a shorter-range (Gully) pistol + rifle event, a “Scramble” event for carbines with targets out to 550 yards, a timed Team vs. Team event, plus a 500-yard ‘Egg Shoot’ for bolt rifle.
CLICK HERE for a full ITRC Course of Fire and Rules
 Zak Smith of Thunder Beast Arms, who has competed at the ITRC, explains: “The D&L Sports Int’l Tactical Rifleman Championships (ITRC) is a 3-Gun match unlike conventional 3-Gun matches. The ITRC has field courses from 1 to 2.5 miles long which must be finished in times from 45 minutes to two hours by teams of two: a bolt rifle shooter, and a carbine shooter”.
All ITRC courses of fire demand movement from the team across varied rugged terrain and even obstacle courses. ITRC matches typically offer “shoot while moving” stages, which can include shooting from a raft on a lake, shooting from a helicopter in flight, or shooting from the back of a moving Humvee. Overall, the ITRC is a very challenging event that places exceptional demands on both equipment and shooter skills. Below is an ITRC highlight video showing event stages.
DISCLAIMER: This video (@ 4:00) shows two pistols that are covered in dirt or mud and then fired before the barrels were carefully checked for obstructions. This is a UNSAFE practice.
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November 1st, 2009
For years, Sinclair Int’l has offered a reamer for small, BR-sized flash-holes, product #07-3000. This popular tool features an 0.0625″ cutting tip to uniform the .059″ flash-holes on Lapua 220 Russian, 6mmBR, 6.5 Grendel, and 6.5×47 brass. Sinclair’s tool works from the outside, indexing off the primer pocket. For those people who believe in the utility of reaming small flash-holes (an open question), the Sinclair “outside-in” design may be the best. But until now, there has been no equivalent “outside-in” reamer for cases with large flash-holes.
 Sinclair recently introduced its NEW .081″ large flash-hole reamer, item #07-3081. This $37.50 tool is designed to ream standard flash holes (.080″) to exactly .081 inch, both for small primer pockets and large primer pockets. This tool will remove most burrs left in manufacturing and will uniform the flash-hole diameter of all your brass to ensure consistent ignition.
Double-Ended Design Works with Both Small and Large Primer Pockets
Sinclair’s all-stainless three-piece tool features a double-ended reamer guide for both large and small primer pockets, a knurled handle for easy turning and a straight fluted .081″ reamer. It is designed for all cartridges (with either small OR large primer pockets) with standard .080″ flash holes.
As one Sinclair customer noted: “This is a tool that has been needed for a long time.” As a result, the .081″ flash-hole reamers have been back-ordered through 12/1/2009. But if you order now you should have yours within 5-6 weeks.
IMPORTANT: We recommend, if you order this tool, that you mic the actual diameter of the cutter tip. We have found that some flash-hole reamers, of ALL brands, arrive with slightly oversized cutter tips. Indeed we’ve seen tip diameters of other brands (not Sinclair) vary by as much as .006″ (six-thousandths). You want to make sure you don’t have an oversize cutter before you ream hundreds of cases.
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November 1st, 2009
Daily Savings Time officially ended on November 1st, at 2:00 am local time. So this morning you officially have an extra hour to sleep in. If you haven’t adjusted your timepieces already, set your clocks and watches BACK ONE HOUR. That means if your clock shows 9:00 am (before re-setting), you should set it back to 8:00 am.
MORE INFO on Daylight Savings Time Change | LINK to Official US Time (Atomic Clock)
Computers Need Changing Too
Some computer operating systems will have automatically reset the time to standard time (as of 2:00 am, 11/1/2009). If your computer hasn’t corrected itself, you can reset the displayed time through your control panel. On a PC running XP, right click on the time display in the lower right hand corner of your display.
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November 1st, 2009
Larry Potterfield, owner and founder of MidwayUSA, has created some basic gunsmithing videos that are worth watching. These show some key aspects of rifle metal-working, such as crowning a barrel. Be aware that these videos are really just teasers — they don’t illustrate most of the critical preparatory steps a skilled gunsmith will do, such as leveling his lathe precisely, and indicating the barrel very, very carefully. Nonetheless, there are some good, basic tips in the videos, which should be informative for all shooters, whether they do their own smithing or not. Please note that benchrest smiths may employ more advanced methods.
VIDEO One: Cutting and Crowning a Barrel (Radiused Crown)
VIDEO Two: Threading and Chambering an Octagon Barrel
VIDEO Three: Trueing the Bolt Face on a Mauser 98
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