Widener’s Reloading & Shooting Supply recently published a helpful introduction to reloading powders. Widener’s online Guide to Smokeless Powders shows the various types of powders, and explains how the differences in powder kernel/flake size and shape, and burn rate affect performance. We recommend you visit Widener’s website and read the Powder Guide in full.
Take a close look at these illustrations which show the key differences between the four main powder types: extruded (stick) powder, ball (spherical) powder, flattened ball powder, and flake powder.
Burn Rate Basics
Widener’s Guide to Smokeless Powders also has a useful discussion of Burn Rate (a confusing topic for many hand-loaders). Wideners explains: “While a gun powder explosion in the cartridge seems instantaneous, if you slow it down you will actually find that each powder has a different ‘burn rate’, or speed at which it ignites.” This video shows powders with two very different burn rates. Watch closely.
Different burn rates suit different cartridge types notes Widener’s: “In general a fast-burning powder is used for light bullets and low-speed pistols and shotguns. Medium-rate powders are used for magnum pistols, while high-velocity, large bore rifle cartridges will need slow powders[.]
It should be noted that burn rate does not have a standardized unit of measurement. In fact, burn rate is really only discussed in comparison to other powders; there is no universal yardstick. Specifics will change by cartridge and bullet types[.]”
We are saddened to report that Mike Dillon, founder of Dillon Precision, has left the range. Mike, whose progressive loaders revolutionized the reloading industry, passed away just before Election Day. His company issued this notice:
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mike Dillon. Mike left us on the morning of November 7th, 2016. He leaves behind a large family including wife Carol, sons Stephen and Christopher, daughter Stephanie, and 9 grandchildren. Mike’s legacy has touched the lives of countless people worldwide. He revolutionized the ammunition reloading industry and made it what it is today. Mike also redesigned and manufactured the M134 Minigun that is now in service in the United States and foreign military forces. As a passionate aviator, he worked for TWA as a Second officer for 13 years and later made a name for himself as a writer for Air Progress Magazine. He is recognized by some as being the one who started the warbird restoration movement in the 1960s.
Mike’s dedication to his family, his customers, and this country was exemplary. We hope to continue the legacy that Mike Dillon worked so hard to build and we will never forget the impact that he has had on us all.
We take comfort knowing he is flying in the blue skies of heaven above.”
Leading figures in the shooting sports mourned Mike’s passing:
“Mike Dillon is a true inventor and pioneer in the shooting community. Shooters everywhere have benefitted from Mike’s affiliation with the best people and listening to their suggestions.” — Michael Voigt
“Since Mike Dillon has been involved with the shooting community, it is impossible to estimate the impact of his incredible ingenuity and generosity.” – Brian Enos
“This is very sad, Mike was a GREAT man. I had the privilege of photographing him in the mid 90s, he was very humble and generous soul. Mike changed the reloading industry FOREVER.” — Yamil Sued
Mike Dillon Content on Facebook
During the coming months Dillon Precision will publish many of Mike’s articles, videos, and photographs on the Dillon Precision Facebook Page. One of the first items released was the classic Machine Gun Magic video, showcasing the M134 Mini-Gun Mike Dillon invented.
With hunting season already in full swing, many game hunters have questions about terminal performance and particular caliber/cartridge combinations. Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics says there are really a number of questions that need to be answered:
1) What’s the max range that the shooter/rifle is capable of hitting the intended target?
2) What’s the max range that a bullet can kill the intended game?
3) How do bullets kill?
4) Effects of Muzzle Velocity on Lethality.
(Your MV may be lower in winter with temp-sensitive powders).
5) Long Range Lethality and the Ballistic Coefficient.
You’ll find answers to these and other questions in Bryan’s book, Applied Ballistics for Long-Range Shooting. These topics are covered in Chapter 15: Lethality of Long Range Hunting Bullets. Bryan says: “For responsible hunting, knowing your limits and your rifle’s limits, is important.”
Bryan’s book also includes Bullet Lethality Charts for a variety of calibers and cartridge types. These charts feature categories for 600-lb, 300-lb, and 150-lb Game animals so you can match performance to the size of your prey. Bryan explains: “If I wanted to know how a Medium Capacity Cartridge shooting the 6mm Berger 115 VLD will perform on 300-pound game, I can reference the bullet-specific chart.”
Gearlocker.nz, a New Zealand outdoor sports website, recently interviewed our friends Ed and Steve, aka the “6.5 Guys”. In this Gearlocker Video Interview, Ed and Steve cover many topics including Precision Rifle Series matches, gear selection, and effective hand-loading techniques. Kerry, the creator of Gearlocker.nz, writes: “The 6.5 Guys are Steve and Ed, two guys who decided to start documenting their progress in long-range practical precision shooting. They have built a dedicated following on YouTube and Facebook. Consistently putting out high-quality content [covering] their equipment choices and use, the 6.5 Guys have created a fantastic resource for anyone involved in shooting.”
Click image below to watch 6.5 Guys interview on Gearlocker.nz:
Who are the 6.5 Guys? They are Steve (left) and Ed (right), a pair of avid shooters based in the Pacific Northwest. They have released dozens of helpful videos on the 6.5 Guys YouTube Channel.
You can check out the 6.5 Guys’ website at www.65Guys.com. Below is a sample from one of the 6.5 Guys’ best articles — Five Tips on getting started in practical/tactical matches.
We often meet people who are new to long range precision shooting, and want to improve their knowledge and skill level. However, they aren’t sure if they are ready to sign up to compete in a match. They often ask, “What knowledge or skills [and gear] are necessary to compete in a match?”
TIP ONE: Make Plans and Commit to Go
First you need to start by finding a match to attend. We recommend starting with any match that may be within a reasonable driving distance. This may likely be a local “club” match, many of which are held on a regular basis. Once you decide on the match you want to attend, do your homework. This means finding out if you need to pre-register or pre-pay the match fee. Commit to going by registering for the match and putting it on your schedule.
Ruger was the big winner at the recent National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) Expo in Kansas City. Ruger was recognized as the NASGW Firearms Innovator of the Year for the second year in a row. In addition, Ruger earned its tenth straight Firearms Manufacturer of the Year Award. That’s an impressive double victory for Ruger, which has been on a roll lately, with many hot-selling guns, including the hugely successful Ruger Precision Rifle. In Kansas City, Ruger CEO Mike Fifer was also presented with the NASGW Chairman’s Award.
According to the NRA’s American Rifleman: “The Firearms Innovator of the Year award is given to the company that is committed to developing unique products, services or strategies that set that company apart from its competitors; has made an outstanding contribution in furthering the image and development of shooting sports; enhances and increases significantly the growth and expansion of shooting sports; and actively supports NASGW and its wholesaler member firms. The Firearms Manufacturer of the Year recipient is determined by NASGW Wholesaler members who evaluate the performance of manufacturers on four key criteria: distribution policy; marketing, promotions and sales; logistics and operations; and NASGW and industry support.”
Along with its hot-selling, practical/tactical RPR bolt guns, Ruger has upgraded its handgun line-up with value-priced compact carry pistols and the well-designed line of Ruger American pistols. Ruger’s engineers worked hard to develop these new products, and the payoff has been in record sales numbers and impressive corporate earnings. “The Ruger American Pistol is the most advanced semi-auto pistol we’ve ever produced,” noted Ruger CEO Mike Fifer, who is featured in this NRA-produced video:
Can’t make it to SHOT Show in January? Well CLICK HERE for a sneak preview of new products that will be on display at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas. Shown below are some interesting new products we liked. You’ll find 100+ new products online in the SHOT Show New Product Center. Here are four that caught our attention:
Bighorn Arms Action with Interchangeable Bolt Head
This new action from Bighorn Arms has many interesting features. It boasts a floating, interchangeable bolt head, plus a patent-pending enclosed mechanical ejector. It also offers tool-less bolt disassembly, and a Savage small shank is available for a Remage-type setup. With this versatile system you can swap bolt head and barrel in minutes. That’s great for varminters who heat up barrels quickly. It also lets competitors swap calibers easily. An F-TR shooter could compete with a .308 Win but train with less-expensive .223 Rem. This new action is machined after heat-treating, then precision ground (not turned) for best strength and dimensional accuracy. The bolt handle and body are crafted from one piece of 4130 chromoly steel. NOTE: This action can be ordered as AICS and AW magazine compatible, or AICS-only for a stiffer action. Price: $1325.00.
Matrix Side-Charging AR Upper (Non-Reciprocating)
This patent-pending product from Matrix Arms eliminates the conventional rear charging-handle on ARs. It provides an easy-to-operate charging handle on the left side of the upper. Available in 5.56x45mm and 9mm Luger, the patent-pending Matrix Arms side-charging upper allows the use of a standard 5.56 bolt carrier group without modifications. Note this design does NOT reciprocate (move back and forth) like the charging handle on an AK47. Once you use the handle to chamber the first round, the handle doesn’t move. The Matrix upper also offers a protective sleeve to eliminate dust or debris in harsh conditions. Price: $299.00 (upper receiver only); $599.00 (complete upper with barrel + handguard).
Ritter & Stark Modular Tactical Rifle
There’s a new long-range precision tactical rifle from Ritter & Stark (R&S) of Austria. The new SX-1 Modular Tactical Rifle (MTR) is designed to allow rapid barrel changes for three chamberings: .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .338 Lapua Magnum. Notably, the scope rail is mounted on the barrel itself, and the bolt locks directly into the barrel. This patented system allows scope, rail, and barrel to be swapped out as one integrated assembly, which should definitely help maintain zero when barrels are exchanged. Price: $5555.00.
TekMat Long Gun Cleaning Kit with Roll-Up Mat
Now this is smart! TekMat’s 28-Piece Universal Rifle/Shotgun Cleaning Kit rolls up in its own fitted cleaning mat. You get brushes, jags, and slotted tips to clean everything from .22 caliber to a .45 caliber, along with 12 and 20 gauge shotguns. Also included is an aluminum tool handle, four brass rods, two cotton brushes, cotton patches, solvent and gun oil. All parts have a labeled location on the mat and elastic bands hold everything in place. The kit easily rolls up and fits inside the included carry bag. TekMat cleaning mats feature a soft, durable, and stain resistant thermoplastic polyester cleaning surface. Price: $59.95.
Today’s the day — November 8, 2016, Election Day. We urge all our readers to get out and vote. Every vote DOES count. This is a very critical election for gun rights issues. It’s not just about the Presidential race. Control of Congress is at stake, as are important upcoming nominations for the Supreme Court. If you care about the future of the country (not to mention the future of the shooting sports), get out and vote today.
Likewise, remember that state elections are very important too. Just look at what has happened in California. Every year Californians have seen new challenges to citizens’ Constitutional rights to own firearms. Handguns are restricted, self-loading rifles are restricted, hunting areas are closed. And now California’s majority-party politicians want to require citizens to have a state permit in order to purchase ammunition. Make no mistake about it — the ultimate goal of many proponents of these measures is to end private ownership of firearms altogether. The only way to halt these kind of infringements is to elect State and Federal representatives who respect gun rights, who are friends of the shooting sports, and who believe in the Second Amendment.
Let’s say you’ve purchased a new scope, and the spec-sheet indicates it is calibrated for quarter-MOA clicks. One MOA is 1.047″ inches at 100 yards, so you figure that’s how far your point of impact (POI) will move with four clicks. Well, unfortunately, you may be wrong. You can’t necessarily rely on what the manufacturer says. Production tolerances being what they are, you should test your scope to determine how much movement it actually delivers with each click of the turret. It may move a quarter-MOA, or maybe a quarter-inch, or maybe something else entirely. (Likewise scopes advertised as having 1/8-MOA clicks may deliver more or less than 1 actual MOA for 8 clicks.)
Reader Lindy explains how to check your clicks: “First, make sure the rifle is not loaded. Take a 40″ or longer carpenter’s ruler, and put a very visible mark (such as the center of an orange Shoot’N’C dot), at 37.7 inches. (On mine, I placed two dots side by side every 5 inches, so I could quickly count the dots.) Mount the ruler vertically (zero at top) exactly 100 yards away, carefully measured.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Amazon — Howard Leight Electronic Muffs, $26.99
Act quickly — this is a DEAL of the DAY on Amazon! We’ve never seen a lower price on these popular electronic muffs, which are Amazon’s #1 seller in the category. The price goes back up tomorrow! Every shooter should own a pair of electronic muffs, even if you prefer shooting with earplugs and/or standard muffs. Electronic muffs are great when you are doing spotting duties or are working near the firing line. They allow you to hear ordinary conversations while still providing vital hearing protection. Right now Amazon.com has the Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Muffs on sale for just $26.99 (Deal of the Day). See All Price Options. NOTE: For regular, sustained shooting we recommend muffs and/or earplugs with a higher NRR rating.
2. CDNN Sports — Ruger American Ranch Rifle (Tan), $349.99
Here’s a nice little varmint rifle from Ruger with good features and performance at a killer price: $349.99. You could pay that much just for a barrel. This .223 Rem rifle features a 16.5″ hammer-forged barrel barrel threaded 1/2″-28 at the muzzle for brake or suppressor. The action, which features a 70° three-lug bolt, and Picatinny-style scope rail, sits in an aluminum bedding block. The crisp trigger adjusts down to 3 pounds. With a weight (before optics) of 6.1 pounds, this is a handy carry-around varminter. We like this rifle. For $349.99 it’s a steal.
3. Amazon — Caldwell Long Range Target Cam System, $329.49
Forum members have purchased this Caldwell Target Cam System and they’ve found that it works reliably, providing a clear signal to any WiFi-enabled mobile device (smartphone, iPad, Laptop). One member specifically tested the unit at 1000 yards and it functioned fine. NOTE: This system does NOT have a zoom camera lens, so you need to position the camera within 10 yards or so of the target. But if you place it to the side a bit, this shouldn’t be a problem. This system comes with a nice, fitted carrying case that holds camera, transceivers, antennas, and stands. You get a very capable system for under $330.00 (Amazon price includes free shipping for Prime members). You can also get this system from Midsouth for $357.02 (shipping extra).
Got patches? Here’s a great deal on 100% cotton flannel patches. There are many sizes available, starting at $8.99 for 800 one-inch “17 Cal” patches. For 6mm rifles, we actually like the 1.25″ round “22/223″ sized patches priced at $11.99 for 800. Choose either round patches or square patches in most sizes. We generally like round patches for use with spire-tip jags, but some shooters prefer to wrap their patches around a jag or brush and square patches work better for wrapping. The large, 2″-square .30 Cal patches cost $17.99 for 800.
5. Amazon — Frankford Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler, $34.99
Look no further for a great deal on a reliable tumbler. We’ve used this very same machine to tumble both pistol brass and rifle cases. We like the see-through, transparent top and the large capacity — this will hold up to 350 .223 Rem cases. With 1000+ customer reviews on Amazon.com, this Frankford Quick-N-Easy Case Tumbler has earned a 4.5-star rating. If you need a tumbler, you might want to order soon — this is the best price we’ve seen in a while.
6. CDNN Sports — 45 ACP Ruger American Pistol, $399.99
At $399.99, this modern .45 ACP Ruger American Pistol costs hundreds less than premium polymer handguns from Europe. Compared to a Glock 21, it has better sights, a better trigger, and better ergonomics. Compared to an HK USP it has a lower bore axis and is way less expensive. FYI the Ruger’s low bore axis really does reduce felt recoil. The Ruger American pistol has interchangable grip panels so you can adjust the grip to your hand size. Controls are ambidextrous. Bottom line, this is a very good gun that gives up little to Glock, HK, and Walther. Buy American and save hundreds.
The RCBS Rock Chucker remains a classic — a big, strong, versatile press that can handle most reloading chores with ease. And now you can get a genuine Rock Chucker Supreme for $126.99 — a very good deal. The Rock Chucker offers plenty of leverage for case-sizing and the “O” is tall enough for long cartridges. The Rock Chucker has a very strong base and should last a lifetime. We’re not fans of the Rock Chucker’s priming system but most serious reloaders use a separate priming tool.
8. RCBS — Buy Green, Get Green Rebate
RCBS is running a very attractive Rebate Program currently. If you spend $300.00 on qualifying products you get a $75.00 rebate. Spend $50 and get a $10.00 Rebate. This program is limited to one (1) rebate redemption per calendar year, with a maximum of $75.00. CLICK HERE for more information. NOTE: To qualify, you must supply completed RCBS rebate coupon, original UPC barcodes from package, and original cash register receipt and/or dated, itemized sales invoice.
Need quality .22 LR rimfire ammo at an affordable price? Consider Norma. Most folks think Norma only produces centerfire ammo and cartridge brass. As a result, people haven’t been looking for Norma rimfire ammo. Their loss is your gain. Accurate, reliable Norma .22 LR ammunition is in-stock right now at leading online vendors. This is good quality ammo, made in Europe. Bullets.com has Norma Tac-22 ammo in stock at $5.25 per 50-rd box (SKU: BL7819). In addition, Bullets.com offers Norma Match-22 ammunition at $7.50 per 50-rd box (SKU: BL11887).
The Coriolis Effect comes into play with extreme long-range shots like this (2100 yards at Raton, NM). The rotation of the earth actually moves the target a small distance (in space) during the long duration of the bullet’s flight.
When you’re out at the range, the Earth seems very stable. But it is actually a big sphere zooming through space while spinning around its axis, one complete turn every 24 hours. The rotation of the earth can create problems for extreme long-range shooters. During extended bullet flight times, the rotation of the planet causes an apparent deflection of the bullet path over very long distances. This is the ballistics manifestation of the Coriolis Effect.
Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics has produced a short video that explains the Coriolis Effect. Bryan notes that Coriolis is “a very subtle effect. People like to make more of it than it is because it seems mysterious.” In most common shooting situations inside 1K, Coriolis is not important. At 1000 yards, the Effect represents less than one click (for most cartridge types). Even well past 1000 yards, in windy conditions, the Coriolis Effect may well be “lost in the noise”. But in very calm conditions, when shooting at extreme ranges, Bryan says you can benefit from adjusting your ballistics solution for Coriolis.
Bryan explains: “The Coriolis Effect… has to do with the spin of the earth. You are basically shooting from one point to another on a rotating sphere, in an inertial reference frame. The consequence of that is that, if the flight time of the bullet gets significantly long, the bullet can have an apparent drift from its intended target. The amount [of apparent drift] is very small — it depends on your latitude and azimuth of fire on the planet.”
Coriolis is a very subtle effect. With typical bullet BCs and velocities, you must get to at least 1000 yards before Coriolis amounts to even one click. Accordingly, Bryan advises: “Coriolis Effect is NOT something to think about on moving targets, it is NOT something to think about in high, uncertain wind environments because there are variables that are dominating your uncertainty picture, and the Coriolis will distract you more than the correction is worth.”
“Where you could think about Coriolis, and have it be a major impact on your hit percentage, is if you are shooting at extended range, at relatively small targets, in low-wind conditions. Where you know your muzzle velocity and BC very well, [and there are] pristine conditions, that’s where you’re going to see Coriolis creep in. You’ll receive more refinement and accuracy in your ballistics solutions if you account for Coriolis on those types of shots. But in most practical long-range shooting situations, Coriolis is NOT important. What IS important is to understand is when you should think about it and when you shouldn’t, i.e. when applying it will matter and when it won’t.”
The Coriolis Effect — General Physics
The Coriolis Effect is the apparent deflection of moving objects when the motion is described relative to a rotating reference frame. The Coriolis force acts in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and to the velocity of the body in the rotating frame and is proportional to the object’s speed in the rotating frame.
A commonly encountered rotating reference frame is the Earth. The Coriolis effect is caused by the rotation of the Earth and the inertia of the mass experiencing the effect. Because the Earth completes only one rotation per day, the Coriolis force is quite small, and its effects generally become noticeable only for motions occurring over large distances and long periods of time. This force causes moving objects on the surface of the Earth to be deflected to the right (with respect to the direction of travel) in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. The horizontal deflection effect is greater near the poles and smallest at the equator, since the rate of change in the diameter of the circles of latitude when travelling north or south, increases the closer the object is to the poles. (Source: Wikipedia)
You’ll find answers to these and other questions in Bryan’s book, 
Likewise, remember that state elections are very important too. Just look at what has happened in California. Every year Californians have seen new challenges to citizens’ Constitutional rights to own firearms. Handguns are restricted, self-loading rifles are restricted, hunting areas are closed. And now California’s majority-party politicians want to require citizens to have a state permit in order to purchase ammunition. Make no mistake about it — the ultimate goal of many proponents of these measures is to end private ownership of firearms altogether. The only way to halt these kind of infringements is to elect State and Federal representatives who respect gun rights, who are friends of the shooting sports, and who believe in the Second Amendment.
Let’s say you’ve purchased a new scope, and the spec-sheet indicates it is calibrated for quarter-MOA clicks. One MOA is 1.047″ inches at 100 yards, so you figure that’s how far your point of impact (POI) will move with four clicks. Well, unfortunately, you may be wrong. You can’t necessarily rely on what the manufacturer says. Production tolerances being what they are, you should test your scope to determine how much movement it actually delivers with each click of the turret. It may move a quarter-MOA, or maybe a quarter-inch, or maybe something else entirely. (Likewise scopes advertised as having 1/8-MOA clicks may deliver more or less than 1 actual MOA for 8 clicks.)
When you’re out at the range, the Earth seems very stable. But it is actually a big sphere zooming through space while spinning around its axis, one complete turn every 24 hours. The rotation of the earth can create problems for extreme long-range shooters. During extended bullet flight times, the rotation of the planet causes an apparent deflection of the bullet path over very long distances. This is the ballistics manifestation of the 
