Powder Valley Inc. (PVI) will be offering a September Special that can save you $25.00 or more on powder and primers orders. Starting September 1, 2012, if you order at least 32 pounds of powder (that’s four 8-lb jugs), Powder Valley will pay your Hazmat fee. You can also add primers to your order to a maximum shipping weight of 50 pounds. Remember, a minimum of 32 pounds of powder must be ordered to qualify for the FREE Hazmat, and all items must be in stock at time of order. The maximum freight you will be charged on 50 pounds of product will be $19.95 plus insurance. NOTE to Shoppers: The Hazmat Fee will still show in your online shopping cart. However, Powder Valley will deduct the Hazmat fee when your order is processed.
Powder Valley Expects New Alliant Powders by Mid-September
In related news, Bryan at Powder Valley let us know that two new Alliant powders should arrive very soon: “We expect to receive Alliant Reloder 33 and Alliant 1200R within the next 10 days. Alliant RL33 was specifically manufactured for the 338 Lapua Magnum. Alliant 1200R is a new ball powder very similar to Reloder 10X.” This would make Allliant 1200R a good choice for progressive reloading for small rifle cartridges. Powders in the RL10X burn-rate range work well for light bullet applications in .222 Rem, .223 Rem, .22-250 Rem and benchrest calibers.
New Reloder 33 Delivers More Speed in Big Magnums
Alliant Reloder 33 is a new powder created by Rheinmetall Nitrochemie in Switzerland (Nitrochemie also makes Reloder 17). Like Reloder 17, Alliant’s new Reloder 33 powder employs a proprietary process by which the powder kernels are impregnated with burn-rate controlling elements. This delays the peak pressure spike and smooths out the pressure curve. Effectively, this allows the powder to deliver energy at a more constant rate, producing more overall velocity for the bullet — as much as 150 fps more than with any other powder. Reloder 33 was designed for the .338 Lapua Magnum but it is suitable for other large magnums and ultra-magnums. Reloder 33 should “raise the bar” of velocity for the .338 Lapua Magnum and other ultra-magnums.
With the Republican (GOP) Convention in full swing in Florida, readers have asked: “What is the official Republican Party position on the Second Amendment and gun rights?” Here is the section of the Republican Platform concerning gun issues, quoted word for word:
“We support the fundamental right to self-defense wherever a law abiding citizen has a legal right to be, and we support federal legislation that would expand the exercise of that right by allowing those with state-issued carry permits to carry firearms in any state that issues such permits to its own residents. Gun ownership is responsible citizenship, enabling Americans to defend their homes and communities. We condemn frivolous lawsuits against gun manufacturers and oppose federal licensing or registration of law-abiding gun owners. We oppose legislation that is intended to restrict our Second Amendment rights by limiting the capacity of clips or magazines or otherwise restoring the ill considered Clinton gun ban.”
We think that language is pretty clear. Some gun rights advocacy groups will be satisfied with this Platform statement, others may believe the Republican Platform does not go far enough in calling for the elimination of existing Federal restrictions on firearms.
As a Labor Day Weekend Promotion, Brownells is offering FREE SHIPPING on domestic orders of $150 or more! To get FREE shipping on your purchase order, Use Code DSW at checkout. Note, this offer ends September 3rd, 2012 (9/3/12) at 11:59pm CST. Given shipping costs these days, this special offer could save you $10, $20 or more on the total cost of your purchase.
Even if you don’t shoot competitively, you can benefit from having a mirage shield on your barrel. The shield helps prevent barrel heat from “cooking” the air in front of your scope, which can distort the view you see through the optic. Barrel heat creates a mirage effect that can blur the target image and actually shift your apparent aiming point up and down. Competitors know that a mirage shield helps them shoot smaller groups and better scores. Mirage shields can likewise benefit Varmint shooters on those hot summer groundhog and prairie dog expeditions.
Make a Mirage Shield from Discarded X-Ray Film
Forum member Fabian from Germany, whose Sako 6BR was featured as a Gun of the Week, has devised a clever and inexpensive mirage band option. Fabian is a radiologist by trade. He notes that many X-ray machines require a daily test film for calibration. These are normally just discarded in the trash, so you can get them for free.
Fabian explains: “I’m a radiologist, so I handle medical x-ray films every day. Modern X-ray machines use laser-based printers and they need to print a test-film every day. One x-ray film is about 43×35 cm (16.9″ x 13.7″). Made from polyester, the films are very stable and only 0.007″ inches thick. They are light-weight, semi-transparent, and very stable. Using normal scissors, you can easily cut four mirage shields from a single sheet of film. Then glue on some velcro to attach to your barrel. Try it, you will not be disappointed.”
More Do-It-Yourself Ideas
Other forum members have made mirage shields out of common, inexpensive materials such as old venetian blinds, thin plastic edging strips, and even cardboard reinforced with strapping tape. There’s no “magic material”. However many shooters have found that wider shields (extending well past the barrel sides) work better than narrow shields, particularly in hot weather.
Mirage Shields with Printed Designs
If you prefer to purchase a mirage shield, Shotmaster 10X offers a wide variety of shields starting at just $5.00 for a plain white 18″ shield. Patterned shields (including camo designs) are priced by length: $8.50 (18″), $9.50 (20″), $11.00 (24″). All Shotmaster shields come with two (2) velcro patches with self-stick adhesive.
More than 500 competitors from 43 states and three foreign countries made their way to Rockcastle Shooting Center (Park City, KY) this past weekend to participate in the AR15.com/Rockcastle Pro-Am 3-Gun Championship. These attendance numbers are huge for a shooting match. The 2012 Rockcastle Pro-Am set a new record as the single largest gathering of competitors and sponsors ever for the emerging sport of 3-Gun. At this year’s Rockcastle event, the nation’s top 3-Gun pros competed on eight tough stages designed by past/present 3-Gun champions. Amateurs shot seven similar stages on a separate course, tailored especially for the amateur/celebrity competitors. CLICK HERE for complete match results.
16-year-old Noveske Shooting Team member Katie Harris at Pro Stage 7, Day 1 of the Rockcastle Pro-Am 3-Gun Championship. Photo by Magpul Industries.
Here’s the official Rockcastle Pro-Am promo video produced at the 2011 Championship:
Here’s a POV (Helmet Cam) Video Taken by Competitor Rick Birdsall in the 2012 Rockcastle Pro-Am:
Berger Bullets just announced the completion of the first-ever Berger Bullets Reloading Manual (1st Ed.). This $29.00, 829-page manual will be available to the public starting in October, 2012. Eric Stecker notes: “Our team worked very hard to create a thorough manual which gives the shooter everything they come to expect from a reloading manual, along with several extra items we hope the shooters will find interesting and useful. We spent a considerable amount of time putting together loads for seventy-one different cartridges. The majority of powders used to develop the loads for each cartridge were selected due to the fact that they result in 90% or higher fill ratio. It is generally believed that powders which have a fill ratio over 90% will perform best in a given case, since the powder will not be moving around as much in the case.”
The new Berger Manual includes many informative technical articles. Noted Editor John Barsness tackles the subject of Lot to Lot Powder Variations with skill and experience. He provides the shooter with a much greater understanding of why loading manuals do not list the same loads from manual to manual, yet are more consistent than shooters might think. Other technical sections written by Ballistician Bryan Litz include: G1 vs. G7 Ballistic Coefficients, Form Factor: A Useful Analysis Tool, and The Effects of Cartridge Overall Length (COAL) and Cartridge Base to Ogive (CBTO).
With new rifle shooters in mind, the manual also spotlights ten different types of rifle-shooting activities, each explained by an expert in that discipline/activity. Among these ten activity-focus segments, Short Range Benchrest is covered by Walt Berger, High Power and Across the Course Competition is explained by Sherri Jo Gallagher, while Nancy Tompkins wrote the Palma, Long Range & Fullbore segment. Precision Hunting is covered by John Burns.
There are several other informational sections that will enhance readers’ understanding of reloading techniques and the shooting sports. This includes everything from Handloading Basics for new and novice shooters, to an article on Statistics for Handloading for more advanced shooters looking to better understand their work processes and thereby improve their results on the target.
Another interesting feature in the Manual is a profile of company founder Walt Berger. This segment, tracking back to 1920s and 1930s, explains how Walt overcame great odds and built a successful enterprise when almost everyone around him was convinced he would fail.
Overall, this book represents a massive amount of work by numerous individuals over many years. Eric Stecker explains: “One of the reasons it took so long to complete this manual is because we wanted to include as much good information as we could provide. It is my opinion that we have succeeded in this effort and I am proud that we are ready to provide a quality loading manual which will help rifle shooters at all levels.”
Collector-Edition Signed Copies Available for Pre-Order
The retail price is $29.00. Berger is accepting pre-orders for the Reloading Manuals, which will begin shipping in October. The first 3,000 manuals have been signed by Walt Berger, Eric Stecker, Bryan Litz and Michelle Gallagher. Bryan Litz tells us: “Walt, Eric, Michelle and I spent many hours last week signing 3,000 copies of the book. We went through many boxes of Sharpies… it was quite the task!” To place an advance book order, call 714-447-5422 or CLICK HERE for Berger’s Online Shopping Cart.
On Sale this week in Cabela’s Bargain Cave is the Big Game Swivel-Action Shooting Bench. This tripod-base bench is certainly not as sturdy as a premium portable bench, such as the Stukey Bench or the D.O.A. Tactical Bench, but then the Cabela’s Big Game Bench sells for a fraction of the price of high-end shooting benches. This Big Game Bench retails for just $109.99 (Bargain Cave sale price).
Cabela’s Big Game Swivel Bench is pretty easy to set up. Since it weighs only 39 pounds, it is much easier to transport than some of the massive swivel benches on the market. If you’re looking for a “casual duty” bench that doesn’t cost much money, Cabela’s $109.99 bench may suit your needs. Most of Cabela’s buyer reviews are quite positive — read and draw your own conclusions. We do wish the 29″x29″ benchtop extended out further (to provide more room for front rest and rear bag). But we expect, for some readers, this $109.99 bench will suffice, offering decent function at a bargain price.
Bench Sale Tip by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Story based on report by Kyle Jillson inNRAblog.
In 1874, the first Creedmoor match was shot at the Creedmoor range on Long Island, New York. Competitors lined up at 800, 900 and 1,000 yards in a match between the United States’ best shooters and a team from Ireland. The NRA has preserved that match throughout the years and the exact course of fire is shot today in the Creedmoor Championship, held most recently at Raton, New Mexico.
After a two days of tough shooting conditions at the NRA Whittington Center, Dave Gullo received his fifth Castle Trophy after winning the Creedmoor Championship (for black powder cartridge rifles) with a score of 533-10X out of a possible 600. Gullo finished the first day of the championship in second, trailing Rick Moritz by just one point. But Gullo passed Moritz at the 800-yard relay. From that point on, Gullo didn’t look back.
Gullo’s spotting partner John Venhous finished second overall a 519-4X. For his role in Gullo’s Creedmoor victory, Venhouse also was recognized with the High Spotter award. Last year’s Creedmoor champion, Keith “Doc” Lay, finished third after a hard-fought defense of his title, shooting a 510-5X.
Gullo also took the Iron Man title this year. The Iron Man Medal is awarded to the competitor with the highest overall score in all the NRA Black Powder Target Rifle matches: Position, Prone, and Creedmoor. Gullo, posting a 526-3X in Positon, 574-17X in Prone and his 533-10X in Creedmoor became the 2012 Iron Man with a total of 1633-30X, which was 15 points ahead of runner-up Doc Lay. An Iron Woman award is also given to the highest female shooter across all matches and this year’s winner was Kelly McNitt, who shot a 1438-11x.
Creedmoor Championship
1. Dave Gullo: 533-10x
2. John Venhous: 519-4x
3. Keith Lay: 510-5x
4. Bryan Youngberg: 498-5x
5. Rick Moritz: 491-11x
Iron Man Competition
1. Dave Gullo: 1633-30x
2. Keith Lay : 1618-21x
3. Rick Moritz: 1609-35x
4. John Venhous: 1563-26x
5. Jack Odor: 1554-24x
Camera Land has announced a remarkable Combo Optics Sale on Minox Optics products. If you purchase a qualifying Minox rifle scope from Camera Land, you can get a Minox Binocular or Minox Monocular for just one penny more. Yes, that’s correct, add your choice of four Minox BF Binocular models or the MD 8×42 CWP Monocular for just $.01. That’s an awesome deal — consider that the Minox BF 10×42 binocular (by itself) sells for $150.00-$199.00 elsewhere. Note: Purchasers are limited to a single $0.01 Binocular or Monocular per new riflescope ordered.
New ZA 3 and ZA 5 Minox Scopes Are Good Buys
These are current production, quality scopes. The new Minox line of riflescopes is impressive, with German Schott glass, strong monotube construction, and a no-fault, lifetime warranty. Just last week we reviewed the new Minox ZA 5 6-30x56mm scope and concluded it offers an impressive set of features for the price. Retailing for $799.00 to $829.99 (depending on reticle) the 6-30X ZA 5 is an outstanding value for a high-magnification, side-focus, 30mm-tube scope with premium glass. The 6-30X ZA 5 is more than two hundred bucks cheaper than a Leupold VXIII 8-25x50mm LRT, yet the Minox offers more magnification, plus a true diopter eyepiece not found on the Leupold. The Minox scopes from Camera Land even come with a Scopecoat cover at no extra cost.
Camera Land reports very positive buyer feedback on the new Minox ZA-3 and ZA-5 riflescopes: “We’ve sold a ton of these. Buyers tell us they are impressed with the glass and the overall quality. These scopes hold zero, the controls are positive, the warranty is great. The Minox rifle scopes are an excellent value right now.”
How to Purchase Minox Scope with Companion Optic
NOTE: Not all binocular/monocular options for this promo are displayed on the Camera Land web site. To secure the companion binocular/monocular you want with your Minox rifle scope: 1) Call 212-753-5128 and speak with Doug or Neil, or 2) Purchase the scope you want, select the one binocular shown to be offered, and in the note area of the order type in “Minox Promotion” and list the binocular/monocular you prefer. To keep it simple, we recommend you just call Doug at 212-753-5128 and ask about the Minox “Penny Promo”. Please mention AccurateShooter.com. Doug can take your order or he can send you a Paypal invoice listing the Minox rifle scope the Binocular/Minocular of your choice.
Open Box Bargains on Minox Rifle Scopes
In addition to the 1 cent combo sale, Camera Land has some great “open box” bargains on Minox rifle scopes. Open Box #66030 ZA-5 4-20×50 Plex (#66030) have been discounted from $699.00 to only $449.99. Likewise Open Box ZA-5 3-15×42 Plex (#66020) have been discounted from $499.00 to $319.99. NOTE: All open box items may not be listed on the Camera Land website. Call 212-753-5128 and speak with Doug or Neil about these special discounted items.
Promo Tip by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
by Robert Whitley After Accurate Shooter published the July 31, 2010 Daily Bulletin feature on 6mm BRX Myth-Busting With Bob Crone, further research reveals that there’s more to tell about the BRX, its origins, and its original specifications.
6 BRX Myth-Busters Follow-Up Challenge
I wanted to obtain a print reflecting the true original dimensions of Bob Crone’s 6mm BRX reamer. I hoped to verify the head spacing of the reamer to be .100″ longer than a 6mm BR, and I also wanted to see how Bob’s original print compares to 6mm BRX match reamers currently considered to be the “standard in the industry”.
Recreating the Original 6mm BRX Reamer Print
Clymer Precision was contacted to obtain a print of Bob’s original reamer. Todd Wilms, the current owner of Clymer Precision (and a heck of a nice guy as well) went back in the Clymer archives and pulled the records of the dimensions of Bob Crone’s 6mm BRX reamer. Todd then entered them into Clymer’s current reamer drawing program and has generated a current drawing reflecting the original 6mm BRX reamer. The print (see below) confirms the head space of the 6mm BRX to be .100″ longer than a 6mm BR (i.e. 1.267″ min at a shoulder datum diameter of .350″).
Comments on Bob’s 1996 Clymer Reamer
In many ways, the print dimensions are very close to what is currently recognized as the “standard in the industry” for 6mm BRX reamers, however in other ways there have been some definite changes:
A. Body Diameter: A chamber body diameter of .470″ is still in wide use today with 6mm BRX reamers (that’s measured .200″ forward of the bolt face). The current Lapua 6mm BR brass has a web diameter very close to this diameter and one should be wary of trying to tighten this dimension. If anything, running a little looser (like the .4708″ dimension similar to that used with the 6mm Dasher) would not hurt the performance of the 6mm BRX cartridge a bit.
B. Shoulder Diameter: Bob’s original reamer had a shoulder diameter of .4609″ (the same as a 6mm BR Norma), however many current 6mm BRX reamers now use a .460″ shoulder diameter which helps avoid overworking the brass there if readily available commercial dies are used.
C. Max Chamber Length: Bob’s original print had a “max chamber length” of 1.570″ (the same as a 6mm BR Norma), however many of the current 6mm BRX reamers have shortened this up a little. This is because, when 6mm BR brass is fire-formed into 6mm BRX brass, typically the brass shortens. Indeed, this author’s 6mm BR brass shrinks in OAL from around 1.555″ to around 1.547″ when it is fire-formed to 6mm BRX brass. A max chamber length in the range of 1.560″ – 1.565″ is seen often with 6mm BRX reamers these days.
D. Neck Diameter: While Bob’s reamer has a .262″ neck, this has for the most part given way to either a .269″ (sometimes .268″) turned neck, or a .272″ (sometimes .271″) no-turn neck, with the neck diameter typically selected based on the actual dimensions of the brass to be used.
E. Throat Angle: Bob’s throat angle was one and a half degrees, which seems to be standard and in wide use today with the 6mm BRX.
F. Freebore: Bob’s freebore length was 0.00″ because his smith used a separate throater to set the throat length Bob wanted for specific bullets. These days, a built-in freebore in the range of .104″ – .125″ seems to be very common with 6mm BRX reamers. Freebore in that range is seen by many as a good choice for the readily available 105- to 108-grain 6mm bullets.
6mm BRX — Real World Specs
Here are measurements on Robert Whitley’s 6mm BRX brass, as fire-formed, full-length sized and ready to load in a no-turn chamber.
Base to shoulder = 1.170″
Base to neck/shoulder junction = 1.333″
Overall case length (fired 2x and re-sized 2x) = 1.547″
Shoulder diameter (resized) = .459″
Diameter .200″ forward of base (resized) = .470″
Neck diameter loaded = .269″
Powder Valley Inc. (PVI) will be offering a September Special that can save you $25.00 or more on powder and primers orders. Starting September 1, 2012, if you order at least 32 pounds of powder (that’s four 8-lb jugs), Powder Valley will pay your Hazmat fee. You can also add primers to your order to a maximum shipping weight of 50 pounds. Remember, a minimum of 32 pounds of powder must be ordered to qualify for the FREE Hazmat, and all items must be in stock at time of order. The maximum freight you will be charged on 50 pounds of product will be $19.95 plus insurance. NOTE to Shoppers: The Hazmat Fee will still show in your online shopping cart. However, Powder Valley will deduct the Hazmat fee when your order is processed.New Reloder 33 Delivers More Speed in Big Magnums
“We support the fundamental right to self-defense wherever a law abiding citizen has a legal right to be, and we support federal legislation that would expand the exercise of that right by allowing those with state-issued carry permits to carry firearms in any state that issues such permits to its own residents. Gun ownership is responsible citizenship, enabling Americans to defend their homes and communities. We condemn frivolous lawsuits against gun manufacturers and oppose federal licensing or registration of law-abiding gun owners. We oppose legislation that is intended to restrict our Second Amendment rights by limiting the capacity of clips or magazines or otherwise restoring the ill considered Clinton gun ban.” 
More than 500 competitors from 43 states and three foreign countries made their way to 
There are several other informational sections that will enhance readers’ understanding of reloading techniques and the shooting sports. This includes everything from Handloading Basics for new and novice shooters, to an article on Statistics for Handloading for more advanced shooters looking to better understand their work processes and thereby improve their results on the target.
After Accurate Shooter published the July 31, 2010 Daily Bulletin feature on 
