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November 30th, 2012

How Ammunition Reacts in a Fire — SAAMI Video Report

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) has produced an amazing 25-minute video that shows what actually happens to sporting ammunition involved in a fire. This video shows the results of serious tests conducted with the assistance of professional fire crews. We strongly recommend you watch this video, all the way through. It dispels many myths, while demonstrating what really happens when ammunition is burned, dropped, or crushed.

Watch SAAMI Ammunition Testing Video

Over 400,000 rounds of ammunition were used in the tests. Some of the footage is quite remarkable. Testers built a bonfire with 28,000 rounds of boxed ammo soaked in diesel fuel. Then the testers loaded five pallets of ammo (250,000 rounds) in the back of a semi-truck, and torched it all using wood and paper fire-starting materials doused with diesel fuel.

The video shows that, when ammo boxes are set on fire, and ammunition does discharge, the bullet normally exits at low speed and low pressure. SAAMI states: “Smokeless powders must be confined to propel a projectile at high velocity. When not in a firearm, projectile velocities are extremely low.” At distances of 10 meters, bullets launched from “cooked-off” ammo would not penetrate the normal “turn-out gear” worn by fire-fighters.

We are not suggesting you disregard the risks of ammo “cooking off” in a fire, but you will learn the realities of the situation by watching the video. There are some amazing demonstrations — including a simulated retail store fire with 115,000 rounds of ammo in boxes. As cartridges cook off, it sounds like a battery of machine-guns, but projectiles did not penetrate the “store” walls, or even two layers of sheet-rock. The fire crew puts out the “store fire” easily in under 20 seconds, just using water.

Additional Testing: Drop Test, Projectile Test, Crush Test, Blasting Cap Test

Drop Test
The video also offers interesting ammo-handling tests. Boxes of ammo were dropped from a height of 65 feet. Only a tiny fraction of the cartridges discharged, and there was no chain-fire. SAAMI concludes: “When dropped from extreme heights (65 feet), sporting ammunition is unlikely to ignite. If a cartridge ignites, it does not propagate.”

Rifle Fire Test
SAAMI’s testers even tried to blow up boxes of ammunition with rifle fire. Boxes of loaded ammo were shot with .308 Win rounds from 65 yards. The video includes fascinating slow-motion footage showing rounds penetrating boxes of rifle cartridges, pistol ammo, and shotgun shells. Individual cartridges that were penetrated were destroyed, but adjacent cartridges suffered little damage, other than some powder leakage. SAAMI observed: “Most of the ammunition did not ignite. When a cartridge did ignite, there was no chain reaction.”

Bulldozer Crush Test
The test team also did an amazing “crush-test” using a Bulldozer. First boxes of loaded ammo, then loose piles of ammo, were crushed under the treads of a Bulldozer. A handful of rounds fired off, but again there was no chain-fire, and no large explosion. SAAMI observed: “Even in the most extreme conditions of compression and friction, sporting ammunition is unlikely to ignite. [If it does ignite when crushed] it does not propagate.”

Blasting Cap Test
Perhaps most amazingly, the testers were not able to get ammunition to chain-fire (detonate all at once), even when using blasting caps affixed directly to live primers. In the SAAMI test, a blasting cap was placed on the primer of a round housed in a large box of ammo. One cartridge ignited but the rest of the boxed ammo was relatively undamaged and there was no propagation.

Video Timeline

  • 2:10 Impact Test (ignited outside firearm)
  • 3:40 65-foot Drop Test
  • 5:08 Bullet Impact (.308 Win firing)
  • 7:55 Blasting Cap Attacks
  • 9:55 Bulldozer and Forklift Tests
  • 12:20 Boxed Ammo Bonfire
  • 15:37 Bonfire without Packaging
  • 17:21 Retail Store Simulation Burn
  • 20:55 Truck Trailer Burn
Permalink - Videos, Bullets, Brass, Ammo 3 Comments »
November 30th, 2012

Reloading Tip — Eliminate ‘Static Cling’ in Powder Measures

In the wintertime, it’s common to encounter problems with static electricity when throwing your powder charges. The static can cause powder kernels to cling to the surface of reloading components, and can cause powder clumping. Clumped or sticky powder may make your measure bind or grab in the middle of the cycle, which can throw off your charge weight. Here are a couple simple ways you can minimize the effects of static electricity and improve the consistency of your powder measuring.

Harrells Powder Measure Alligator grounding clips bounce cloth

Ground Your Powder Measure — If you’re throwing powder charges in the fall or winter and have problems with bridging or sticking powder, use a ground wire. Bullet-smith Victor Johnson (Johnson Precision Bullets) tells us: “I have a 25-foot piece of real small wire with alligator clips on each end. It’s that long so I can run it down the hall to a water pipe. Use the wire tie from a bread bag to hold it in a small roll to put in the range box. When using it at the range use a 6″ nail from the co-op or Lowe’s / Home Depot and just push it into the ground.”

Use Bounce Dryer Sheets — A quick pass with the thin sheets used in dryers will eliminate “static cling” on your plastic reloading parts like powder throwers, powder funnels, and reloading press guides. Thanks to Doc76251 for this tip.


Reduce Electronic Scales’ Drift with Anti-Static Spray

Reloading Tip by German Salazar from RiflemansJournal.com

Digital Scale Static Guard Static ElectricityApparently reducing static charges on and around electronic scales can reduce their propensity to drift, lessening the problem of “wandering zero”. Just how and why static charges interfere with scale performance is unclear, but many shooters have noticed that static electricity can cause electronic scales to behave strangely. So how do you reduce static charges around your digital balance? German Salazar has found a very simple solution — an anti-static aerosol spray — that, by all indications, actually works. When this “spray-can solution” was suggested to German by a fellow shooter, German was skeptical. However, German tried the stuff and he says that it really does help the scale maintain zero over time, with much less observed drift.

On his Rifleman’s Journal website, German explains that the use of “Static Guard” spray helped mitigate the problem of a drifting zero on his Ohaus Navigator electronic scale. German writes: “My electronic scale… suffers from drifting zero (as they all seem to). I’ve read dozens of forum posts about drift and how to minimize its occurrence, so I know this problem isn’t limited to my scale or my workshop. Sometime last year, John Lowther mentioned the use of anti-static spray as a solution to the drift problem. John stated that the spray had virtually eliminated drift for him.”

Digital Scale Static Guard Static Electricity

German found that the Static Guard actually worked: “The spray works great, just as John said it would. I spray all surfaces that I touch with my hands and arms as well as the pan (top and bottom), the metal tray on which the pan rests and the table under the scale. In six months or so of using the spray I’ve re-applied it about two or three times; it certainly isn’t something that you need to do each time you sit down to load. Before using the spray, it was not uncommon for me to re-zero the scale 10 times in the course of loading 72 rounds; now it might need it once during a session.”

READ Full Story on RiflemansJournal.com

Permalink Reloading, Tech Tip 7 Comments »
November 29th, 2012

Great Gear Items under $35.00 — Editor’s Picks

To help you in the quest for good deals this holiday shopping season, the folks here at AccurateShooter.com have searched through scores of items on Amazon.com. We’ve located some of the best shooting accessories and outdoor gear you can get for under $35.00. And, mind you, that’s just the upper limit. Many of these items are under twenty bucks — that’s a bargain.

Your Editor personally purchased and now uses many of the items shown here, including the MTM Rimfire Box, Tipton Jag Kit, Kintrex Temp Gauge, Frankford Arsenal Bullet Puller, Leupold Lens Pen, Uvex Safety Glasses, Hoppes Gun Cleaning Pad, Transcend Flash Memory, SKIL Li-Ion Screwdriver, and Olympia Deerskin Gloves. These are all fine products for the price.

The box below displays 12 items. Refresh the page to see more selections or visit our Amazon.com affiliate store. There you’ll find recommended gear, books, optics, electronics, and more.


Permalink Hot Deals No Comments »
November 29th, 2012

GunGoddess.com Website Offers Products for Lady Shooters

Shooters cuff-links cufflinksGunGoddess.com features a variety of products and shooting accessories especially chosen for lady shooters. You’ll find colorful apparel, carry purses, holsters, and even jewelry crafted from bullet castings.

GunGoddess.com was started by Athena Means, an active IDPA and USPSA pistol shooter. Athena, whose husband Mike served 20 years in the military, was inspired to create the site after searching in vain for shooting apparel and accessories in colors other than black, green, and tan. Athena wanted something with more appeal to the feminine eye: “I set out to find fabulous products that women shooters would love, and bring them all together here. Ladies who love to shoot will find all the traditional gear they need, but in neon pink and leopard print instead of traditional black!”

GunGoddess.com shooting apparel and accessories

GunGoddess.com Has Gift Items for All Members of the Family
Though it specializes in products for women, GunGoddess.com also offers gift selections for men and kids, through its companion site, GunFighterWear.com. If you’re looking for a gift for a guy, you’ll find shooting accessories, concealment gear, speciality gun storage units, and even “Tactical Ties” and cufflinks made from cartridge cases. There are many unique items on the GunGoddess webstore that will make great holiday gifts.

Shooters cuff-links cufflinks

Permalink New Product, News No Comments »
November 28th, 2012

SEB MAX Coaxial Front Rest — Field Test by Sam Hall

[haiku url=”http://accurateshooter.net/Video/samhallmax.mp3″]Click PLAY to hear Sam TALK about SEB MAX
coaxial joystick rest.

“It’s a keeper” — that’s what Sam Hall, 4-time IBS 600-yard Shooter of the Year, told us after he test-drove the new SEB MAX coaxial front rest. Over the past two months, Sam has been testing the new SEB MAX with his competition benchrest rifles, with a variety of forearm widths from three inches to eight inches, and weights from 17 to 61 pounds.

Did Sam like the SEB MAX? He did indeed — in fact he was so impressed with the MAX rest that he is selling his current front rest and he will be using the SEB MAX for both LG and HG matches.

SEB Coaxial MAX Rest Sam Hall

In designing the SEB MAX rest, Sebastian (“Seb”) Lambang set out to build a rest that would handle true heavy guns up to 45kg and also adapt to lighter rifles with a variety of forearm widths. This was quite a challenge, but he pulled it off. The SEB MAX quickly adapts to fit narrow, medium, and wide forearms, with a simple adjustment of the side plates on the three-piece front bag. You can change from 3″ to 5″ to 8″ width in seconds. If you prefer a conventional one-piece front sand-bag, SEB offers one-piece bags sized to fit various forearm widths from 2.5″ to 8″.

SEB Coaxial MAX Rest Sam Hall

The SEB MAX also adapts to different rifle weights through the use of a front counter-weight for the heavy big boomers. With a standard 17-lb Light Gun, you can run the MAX with no counterweight. The joystick control movement is very smooth and with the internal springs tuned right, you can shoot with your hand off the joystick. When you want to switch to a true Heavy Gun, simply attach the counterweight arm to the front of the gun. SEB can supply custom counter-weight “donuts” tuned to your specific Heavy Gun. Sam Hall reviews the features of the SEB MAX in the video below.

Watch SEB MAX Video Review (Part 1 — Light Gun)

Does the SEB MAX retain its smooth movement even with a true Heavy Gun on the front bags? Absolutely. Sam reports that “When shooting my 61-pounder, with the counter-weight in place, the joystick movement is smooth and predictable — it feels just like the Light Gun”.

To prove how well the counter-balancer works with a true Heavy Gun, Sam put his 61-lb Maxi-Tracker on the SEB MAX, attached the appropriate counterweight, and then shot a group at 600 yards without touching the joystick during a four-shot string. To Sam’s amazement, the gun produced a 4-shot group under 1.5″. Sam says: “That was in mid-day with some mirage. That’s about the best this gun can do in those conditions. It was impressive to be able to run a string with a 61-pounder and not touch the joystick.” You can see this in the Part 2 Video below.

Watch SEB MAX Video Review (Part 2 — Heavy Gun)

Superior Build Quality, Unique Versatility, and Outstanding Performance
Sam had high praise for the workmanship, fit, and finish of the SEB MAX: “This rest is a work of art. I’m not easily impressed by most products, but this is one fine machine.” Sam added that the SEB MAX is not just pretty — everything functions very well: “The sideplates have quick-release handles so you can change widths quickly. The course elevation control is very smooth and easy to use. With the course elevation locked, there is plenty of vertical travel (elevation) and plenty of side-to-side travel with just the joystick.” Sam was also impressed with how well the 61-pounder tracked on the SEB MAX: “I’ve been playing with it… and the gun seems to track perfect.”

SEB Coaxial MAX Rest Sam Hall

SEB Coaxial MAX Rest Sam Hall

SEB Coaxial MAX Rest Sam Hall

SEB Coaxial MAX Rest Sam Hall

Sam also praised the micro-fiber fabric SEB uses for both the three-piece and conventional one-piece front bags: “This micro-fiber is great. You don’t need to use any silicon or powder or anything to slick it up, yet the forearm slides on it better than anything I’ve ever seen.”

Sam likes the modular construction of the SEB MAX. Sam found that, when he was just shooting a Light Gun, he could remove the rear foot, making the rest easier to move around. Like the SEB NEO rest, the MAX rest breaks down into flat modules so it packs more compactly for shipping.

SEB MAX rests are currently in the final stages of production. Price for the USA market has not yet been set. You can get on the pre-order waiting list by contacting Ernie Bishop in Gillette, Wyoming. Call (307) 257-7431, or email ernieemily [at] yahoo.com. For other markets consult dealer list on www.SebCoax.com.

Weight: The MAX weighs approximately 18.4 kg (40.5 lbs) without the counter-weight, with bags empty. Sam’s rest with full bags and counter-weight is about 45 pounds.

Rest Size: Side to side footprint (center to center of leveling screws) is approximately 13.78″. Dimension from back to front is about 14.17″.

SEB Coaxial MAX Rest Sam Hall

Permalink - Videos, Gear Review, New Product 7 Comments »
November 28th, 2012

Record Number of Firearm Sales on ‘Black Friday’ 2012

Black Friday gun sales 2012On November 23, 2012 (Black Friday), Americans purchased more guns than on any other day in history. Gun sales (based on NICS background check data) set a new single-day record. This year, the FBI logged 154,873 Black Friday background checks, up 20% from the 129,166 back-ground checks done on Black Friday 2011. And, since a NICS check may authorize purchase of multiple guns, the 154,873 number may “under-count” the actual number of firearms purchased on Black Friday this year.

Recent election outcomes may have influenced the spike in gun sales. People are concerned that more restrictive gun control laws may be enacted during President Obama’s second term. Writing in Ammoland.com, AWR Hawkins declared: “The bottom line: Americans want their guns. And it appears they’re getting them before Obama has the chance to do anything about it.” Hawkins adds: “As in 2011, women were increasingly among those buying guns on Black Friday. And first time buyers, whether male or female, were also well represented.”

Permalink News 1 Comment »
November 28th, 2012

Customized Loading Blocks — Perfect Gift for a Shooter

Billet Aluminum Loading Block

Forum member Tom Sziler is running a holiday sale on his customized, billet-aluminum, CNC-machined loading blocks. Machined from solid 6061 billet aluminum, these blocks are sized 3.5-4 inches wide, one inch thick (top to bottom), and 6.6-8.5 inches long. (Sizes varying slightly with cartridge type.) You’ll find more information on Tom’s website CNCShooter.com. To order, contact Tom by sending email to tom.sziler (at) gmail.com . NOTE: To guarantee delivery by Christmas, order/payment must be received by November 30th. Payment can be made by check, money order, or PayPal (3% extra).

Tom explains: “The blocks hold 50 rounds of ANY caliber you want them made for. Engraving is included on your block at no extra charge, and each block has 4 rubber feet to prevent sliding and damage to the block or work surface. The round typically sits .75″ deep in the block, holding it very securely and with no excessive rattle.”

Tom adds: “These are not ‘universal’ blocks, but rather are precision-milled on CNC machines to a tight tolerance and excellent surface finish. They are heavy, sturdy, and durable. These are by far the highest-quality loading/range blocks on the market today. For those who don’t need engraving, I offer ‘economy’ blocks for a reduced cost. These blocks are exactly the same as the standard blocks, except they do not have engraving and are .75” thick.”

Blocks with Tray, Sorting Blocks, and High-Volume Loading Blocks
Tom offers a variety of other products for reloaders. These include: 25-round blocks with a tray, bullet sorting blocks, full-length accessory trays, 100-round loading blocks, and 169-round high capacity loading blocks. Below is the 25-round block with tray. (This also works as an ammo caddy.)

Quantity Pricing for 2012 Holiday Sale:

1. QTY 1-5 will receive a 10% discount from the normal price.

2. QTY 6+ will receive lowest possible pricing (listed below).

3. QTY 16+ Free shipping in addition to the discounts in chart.

Tom Sziler
5521 W 110th Street, Ste 6
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
tom.sziler[at]gmail.com

Permalink New Product 3 Comments »
November 27th, 2012

104th Edition of Shooter’s Bible Released

Shooters Bible Book 104th editionWhat is the most popular gun book ever published? That distinction goes to the Shooters’ Bible, which has sold over 7 MILLION copies since it was first published over 80 years ago. The 104th Edition of this respected resource was released last month — and it is bigger and better than ever. This latest Shooter’s Bible boasts 608 pages with 275 color photos and more than 1000 b/w photos. You’ll find photo-illustrated listings of the latest products from major gun-makers.

Published annually for more than eighty years, the Shooter’s Bible is perhaps the most comprehensive reference guide for firearms and their specifications. The publishers claim that “every firearms manufacturer in the world” is included in the Shooter’s Bible. The 104th edition also contains new sections on ammunition, optics, and accessories, plus up-to-date handgun and rifle ballistic tables. There are also extensive charts of currently available hunting and match bullets for hand-loaders.

While many shooters are now using the internet to get reloading data and equipment specifications, the Shooter’s Bible remains a valuable resource with a great legacy. As one recent Shooter’s Bible purchaser explains: “While it’s true that much of the information contained in the Shooter’s Bible can be found on the Internet, there are many of us, including me, who would first rather relax in our easy chair and page through the book at our leisure. If you find an item that catches your fancy, you can then follow up by going to their Web site.” Another buyer observed: “This latest edition is proof that, even with all the attacks on our 2nd Amendment right over the years, the industry has persevered and grown. I hope the day never comes when there will no longer be a reason to publish the Shooter’s Bible.”

Permalink News No Comments »
November 27th, 2012

National 3-Gun Association Launches New Digital e-Zine

The National 3-Gun Association, which operates the 3-Gun Nation Pro Series and 3-Gun Nation TV, has launched a new e-Zine dedicated to 3-Gun Competition. Entitled “3GN Magazine”, this new e-Zine features match reports, gear reviews, and shooting tips. You’ll find a host of 3GN videos, including match footage, product reviews, and instructional segments. Ace 3-gunners will contribute to the articles along with leading outdoor industry journalists. Comprehensive match coverage will include local club matches, regional tournaments, national Outlaw matches, and, of course, the 3GN Pro Series Tour.

The first installment of 3GN Magazine can be previewed now on the 3gunnation.com website. There is also a mobile version of 3GN Magazine optimized for smartphones and tablets. 3GN Magazine is offered free to the public, but you can choose to be added to a subscriber list to be notified directly of new releases and special offers for fans of the 3-Gun sport.

Read 3-Gun Nation Magazine Issue #1 (Use Slider Bar to Scroll)

Permalink - Articles No Comments »
November 26th, 2012

Final Vote on Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 Expected Today

Report by Jeff Williams, AccurateShooter Correspondent
Important legislation regarding ammunition and hunting rights is slated for a final vote in the U.S. Senate today. The Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 (S.3525) includes the Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Protection Act (S. 838) that would clarify that ammunition is excluded from EPA regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act. Anti-hunting groups led by the Center for Biological Diversity are suing the EPA to force a ban on traditional ammunition made with lead components. Such a ban could devastate hunting and shooting sports participation and drive up ammunition prices by 200%.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) recommends that hunters and shooters contact their U.S. Senators and express support for the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012. Here is the notice from the NSSF:

NSSF Notice — THIS IS IT! Take Action Now!

Call your U.S. Senators 202-224-3121

The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote today, Monday, Nov. 26, on the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 (S.3525). All hunters, target shooters and firearms owners should call your senators on Monday and urge them to vote YES on the Sportsmen’s Act (S.3525), the most important [legislation] for the benefit of sportsmen in a generation.

No less than 46 of the nation’s leading sportsmen and conservation groups including NRA, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, American Sportfishing Association, International Game Fish Association, Center for Coastal Conservation, and Boone and Crockett Club are championing S.3525. This bipartisan legislation is strongly supported by the NSSF.

A similar package of bills–the Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012 (H.R. 4089)–was passed by the House in the spring by a bipartisan vote of 276 to 146. Passage of this pro-sportsmen’s legislation will promote, protect and preserve our nation’s hunting, shooting and conservation heritage for generations to come.

Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 to urge your senators to SUPPORT the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012. Find complete contact information for your elected officials here.

Contact Your Senators

Permalink News 3 Comments »
November 26th, 2012

Check Out the Many Features of AccurateShooter.com

We’ve learned that many first-time visitors to AccurateShooter.com may come in via a link to the Daily Bulletin rather than through our home page. As a result, they may not be aware that there is a wealth of other content available to our readers. Our Shooters’ Forum, with 19,300 registered members, is one of the best places on the web to discuss precision shooting and advanced reloading. We also offer FREE Forum Classifieds. On the editorial side, AccurateShooter.com offers hundreds of pages of content, with thousands of photos. Our Cartridge Guides are definitive one-stop resources for popular match calibers, while our Guns of the Week articles spotlight outstanding custom rifles, most with competition pedigrees. In addition, we offer videos, gear reviews, book reviews, gunsmithing tips, and even FREE downloadable targets.

If you’re a new visitor to AccurateShooter.com, you should check out all that we have to offer. There are hundreds of informative articles to read … and they’re all FREE.

AccurateShooter.comAccurateShooter.com Features:

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November 25th, 2012

RAD Fast-Access Modular Gun Lockers from Caron Forensics

Caron Forensics produces a modular, rapid-access gun storage system that can place your defensive arms “at the ready”. Caron’s RAD (“Rapid Access Defense”) storage units are specifically designed for the fast presentation of defensive weapons in both home and office environments. RAD units come in two sizes: a 2-foot-long model, RAD2, and a 4-foot model, RAD4. They are surface-mounted horizontally or vertically, ideally in a concealed location, such as a bedroom closet, or office store-room. RAD lockers can store defensive weapons safely away from both children and thieves, while still providing gun owners with quick access. Download RAD Gun Locker Descriptive Flyer.

RAD gun storage
RAD gun storage

Watch RAD Product Demo Video

Weapon mounts clip to the twin rails inside RAD lockers. Accessories designed to hold weapons (such as the magnetic clip) have a protective plastic or foam coating. There are rubber-coated rifle/shotgun hooks, plus specific mounts for handguns, flash-lights, holsters and other items.

RAD gun storage

RAD cabinets feature a strong key-lock latch to keep unauthorized persons out. A unique gas spring deployment system opens the cabinet with a short pull, enabling the use of both hands to quickly access multiple tactical items.

EDITOR’s Comment: Of course, RAD units are NOT designed to replace a large, heavy-walled gun safe to store a collection of firearms and other valuables. RAD units provide only basic security (and fast access) for one or two defensive arms in a home, garage, or office.

One nice thing about the RAD2 is you could mount it on a wall with a false conduit and a “High Voltage” sticker. A would-be thief would never think it was a gun locker.

Permalink Gear Review, New Product 2 Comments »