Believe it or not, here is a cartridge that makes a .338 Lapua Magnum look like a toy. The 14.5x114mm cartridge was designed as a MG and rifle-fired anti-materiel round. To translate from the metric system to caliber and inches, the round is a mammoth .57 caliber which measures 4.49 inches to the case mouth, and 6.13 inches overall. That jumbo-sized case holds a whopping 655 grains of powder. Commonly-loaded projectiles weigh 920-1030 grains. The 993gr armor-piercing projectile has a muzzle velocity of approximately 1006 meters per second (3300 fps) and can penetrate 30-32 millimeters of RHA steel at a range of 500 meters.
The top photo comes from Elardus De Lang, a Forum member who works at the Truvelo Manufacturers Armoury in South Africa. Elardus also provided an impressive video showing the massive 14.5x114mm being shot from prone with a Truvelo-built bolt-action rifle. Elardus tells us: “Here is a video, with a slow-motion ending, of our 14.5x114mm anti-materiel rifle being fired in our indoor testing facility. This caliber is a true beast! It propels a 993gr Armor-Piercing Incendiary bullet to 3300 fps, burning 480 grains of powder in the process. [This shows] that rifles of that power level can actually be shootable. The concussion indoors is something to experience……every shot feels like you are being punched in the face, and the heat from the muzzle flash actually hits you like a wave!”
14.5x114mm Cartridge Design and Dimensions
The 14.5×114mm has 42.53 ml (655 grains H2O) cartridge case capacity. The exterior shape of the case was designed to promote reliable case feeding and extraction in bolt action rifles and machine guns alike, under extreme conditions. Cartridges typically use lacquered steel cases, but some countries also use brass cases.
All dimensions are in millimeters (mm). Americans would define the shoulder angle at alpha/2, or 22.5 degrees. The common rifling twist rate for this cartridge is 455 mm (1:17.91″) with eight lands/grooves. According to official guidelines, the 14.5×114mm can handle up to 360 MPa (52,213 psi) piezo pressure.
14.5x114mm Cartridge History
The 14.5×114mm (.57 Cal) is a heavy machine gun and anti-materiel rifle cartridge used by the Soviet Union, the former Warsaw Pact, modern Russia, and other countries. It was originally developed for the PTRS and PTRD anti-tank rifles, but was later used as the basis for the KPV heavy machine gun that formed the basis of the ZPU series anti-aircraft guns that is also the main armament of the BTR series of armoured personnel carriers from the BTR-60 to the BTR-80 and for heavy anti-material sniper rifles. The cartridge was designed in 1939 and first issued in 1941.
CZ has a new rifle that should appeal to varminters and target shooters. The new CZ 527 Varmint MTR (Match Target Rifle) is designed to provide enhanced accuracy with a heavy-profile barrel and stock that works well from bench or bipod. The MTR features a fast Mini-Mauser action with a trigger that adjusts from 2.25 to 4.95 lbs (10 to 22 N).
Click above photo for full-screen image with legible notations.
We wish we could tell you how the CZ 527 Varmint MTR shoots, but this rifle is so new that test samples haven’t made it to the USA yet. Based on experience with other CZ 527 models, we would expect about 1.2 MOA accuracy with decent factory ammo. With handloads you might get closer to 0.7 MOA for three shots. Sorry no USA price is available yet. However, the older CZ 527 Varmint, with a lesser-grade stock, has an MSRP of $725.00, so we expect the CZ 527 Varmint MTR to retail for around $875.00. We note that the latest model CZ 557 Varmint with similar, ergonomic Turkish Walnut stock has an $865.00 MSRP as listed in the 2018 CZ-USA Catalog.
CZ 527 Varmint MTR Features:
— Match-type stock design with wider, straight fore-end for good tracking on front rest.
— Slanted buttstock toe to adjust height in rear shooting bag
— Match-type ergonomic grip design with palm swell
— High-quality Turkish Walnut wood with oil finish
— Adjustable trigger pull from 2.25 to 4.95 lbs (10 to 22 N)
— Detachable 5-round all-metal magazine
— Heavy-contour 25.6″ (650 mm) hammer-forged barrel with threaded muzzle
Here is the manufacturer’s product description: “Thanks to the tried and tested CZ 527 system, the rifle is comfortable, reliable and fast to control. The trigger pull and pull weight may be set in the range between 10 and 22 N. Crucial for the high accuracy is the thick-walled 650 mm long barrel with a target pattern muzzle end and a thread for the attachment of accessories. The ergonomic walnut stock in oil finish is suitable for hunting as well as sport shooting. All users will also appreciate the superb ballistic properties of the 6.5 Grendel cartridge.”
.009″ — The Record That Stood for 40 Years.
In 1973 Mac McMillan shot an amazing 100-yard, .009″ five-shot group in a benchrest match. The .009″ group was measured with a 60x microscope for verification. Mac McMillan shot the group using a handbuilt prototype McMillan rifle with an early McMillan stock.
Mac’s .009″ group was the “Holy Grail” of rifle accuracy. This .009″ record was considered by many to be unbreakable, a record that would “stand for all time”. Well, it took 40 years, but someone finally broke Mac’s record with an even smaller group. In 2013, Mike Stinnett shot a .0077″ five-shot group using a 30 Stewart, a .30 caliber wildcat based on the 6.5 Grendel. Stinnett’s .0077″ group now stands as the smallest 100-yard group ever shot in registered benchrest competition.* Read About .0077″ group HERE.
Stinnett’s success doesn’t diminish the significance of Mac McMillan’s .009″ group in the history of benchrest competition. For four decades Mac’s group stood as the ultimate standard of rifle accuracy*. For those of you who have never seen Mac McMillan’s .009″ group, here it is, along with the NBRSA World Record certificate. The target now hangs in the McMillan Family Museum.
*Somebody else might claim a smaller group, but unless moving backers or electronic targets were used, it cannot be verified. Moving target backers are used at registered benchrest matches to ensure that five (5) shots are actually fired in each group. That eliminates any doubt.
Here’s a new product that should please shooters who wet-tumble their brass with stainless media, or use ultrasonic cleaning machines to clean cartridge brass (and gun parts). Employing forced hot air circulation, the new Lyman Cyclone Case Dryer will dry a large quantity of brass in under two hours. Internal racks provide five drying levels. With “street price” under $60.00, the Cyclone Case Dryer is a very affordable and effective addition to an ultrasonic or rotary-tumbler cleaning system.
The Lyman Cyclone Case Dryer works fast. No need to wait overnight (or longer) to air-dry your brass. Lyman states that “The forced heated air circulation of the Cyclone will dry your brass inside and out within an hour or two, with no unsightly water spots.” The handy individual trays keep different types of brass separate. The dryer can also be used for gun parts that have been ultrasonically cleaned.
Lyman Cyclone Case Dryer Features:
• Holds up to 1000 .223 Rem cases or 2000 9x19mm Luger cases
• Works with cartridge brass cases or gun parts
• Fast drying time — Typically 1 to 2 hours
• Timer control can be set up to 3 hours
• Durable ABS trays with recessed handles
Watch How Cyclone Case Dryer Functions with both Cartridge Brass and Gun Parts
Cyclone Case Dryer 115V (Part #7631560) MSRP: $69.95
Cyclone Case Dryer 230V (Part #7631561) MSRP: $69.95
Registration is open for the 2018 Crosman All-American Field Target Championship to be held July 20-22, 2018 in upstate New York. The Crosman All-American Field Target Championship will be held once again at the Rochester Brooks Gun Club, 962 Honeoye Falls #6 Road, Rush, NY 14543. Visit the Crosman website for Match Info and Schedule, or go directly to the Registration Page.
The event runs under American Airgun Field Target Association rules. Competitors attempt to knock down a variety of steel targets set at distances ranging from 15 to 50 yards. “The Crosman All-American Field Target Championship is one of the must-attend events for Field Target airgunners. We will have every level of competitor from the novice just getting started, to the world class competitor”, says Mark DeBoard, Manager of Shooting Services for Crosman.
The three-day competition features multiple shooting matches including the main two-day rifle event. There are five divisions for competitors: Open, Hunter, WFTF, Freestyle, and Pistol. In addition to the main rifle event, this year will also feature a pistol match, the Quigley Bucket Match and the Pyramyd Air Gunslinger match. The Bucket match re-creates famous scene in the movie “Quigley Down Under” in which the lead character shoots a bucket at 700 yards. Here the distances are scaled down a wee bit (wink). Competitors, using iron sights only, get 5 shots at a 1.75″ bucket placed at 55 yards.
This 2013 Video Explains the Field Target Discipline and Air Gun Classes
“Spots are limited, so please register soon,” says Crosman’s Mark DeBoard. “Field target is a fun event for all skill levels. Participants will benefit by shooting alongside members of Team USA and other [top shooters] from across the country.
Tech Talk: Why the Big Side-Wheels on the Scopes?
Field Target rifles shoot pellets propelled by compressed air. These light-weight, low-BC projectiles drop very quickly, with a looping trajectory. In order to hit targets at distances out to 50 yards or so, you have to adjust your scope to compensate for pellet drop. But you can’t set the scope correctly without knowing the precise range to the target. This is the function of the big wheels on the side of the scope. Field Target Competitors use the parallax adjustment on high-magnification scopes to determine target range. The big wheel allows quick, yet precise parallax adjustment. Markings on the wheel show the shooter the scope settings required for the distance “dialed-in” via the over-size parallax wheel.
Fans of Heavy Artillery should head over to the updated and enhanced Fifty Caliber Shooters Association (FCSA) Image Gallery website. There you’ll find photo collections and animated slide-shows (there also a separate Video Collection) On the photo gallery page, you’ll find a map. Click on any gray range link to see images from that venue. There are also a series of articles covering FCSA competition along with the “care and feeding” of the big 50-caliber rifles.
The FCSA will host its 1000/600 Yard World Championship July 5 through 7, 2018 at the Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico. This will follow the 2018 King of 2 Miles Competition at Raton, which runs July 2-4, 2018. CLICK HERE to Register for FCSA 2018 Championship.
About the FCSA
Founded in 1985, the FCSA is an international organization with members in 22 countries. Headquartered in Monroe, Utah, the FCSA has a membership of approximately 4000. While the FCSA provides a service to military and law enforcement with research and instruction as well as an active liaison in both communities, the primary charter of the FCSA is the promotion of the sporting use of the 50 BMG cartridge and its wildcat derivatives. The FCSA and its members have lead the way in refining .50-caliber cartridges, rifles, and 1000-yard plus shooting know-how. Members enjoy a quarterly magazine, a suppliers directory, a very active website, and access to literally the best repository of 50 BMG information on the planet. If you are interested in Mr. John Browning’s big 50, you should seriously consider joining the FCSA.
Story tip by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
We are sad to announce that pro shooter and USPSA past President Michael Voigt has died after a battle with cancer. Michael passed away peacefully at home on March 24th in Corona, California. He is survived by his wife, Maggie Reese Voigt and his daughters. Michael has been one of the world’s top action shooters for the past 30+ years. Michael won dozens of major titles during his three decades of pistol, shotgun, and rifle competition. Voigt’s notable titles include: IPSC World Individual Championship (3 times), IPSC World Team Championship (7 times), IPSC Continental Shotgun title (2 times), and IPSC Continental Handgun title (2 times). He also won the USPSA Multi-Gun title numerous times.
Michael was President of the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) from 2000 to 2012. After 12 years leading USPSA, he then devoted his time and talents to advancing the firearms industry and training elite military and law enforcement forces around the world. The USPSA noted: “Michael has been a friend and mentor to many of us and has always been there to coach or help anyone along the way, he will be truly missed.”
As a National and World Champion shooter, Michael has been featured on 3-Gun Nation television series, NBC Sports, Versus, Pursuit, Sportsman’s and Outdoor Channel. He was one of the original Team Safariland competitive shooters and served on the team for 25 years along with Team Surefire.
Here is Michael Voigt with his wife, Maggie Reese Voigt.
Michael’s wife, Maggie, also a pro shooter, posted this message on Facebook: “Dear Friends, my heart is broken. The love of my life, my soulmate, my precious husband Michael Voigt passed away after a long battle with cancer. We have been together for 11 years… I know we will be together forever.” Services and interment will be held Saturday, April 14th at 3:00 pm at Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601. All are welcome to attend. Maggie added: “In lieu of flowers, I ask that you support the great passion of his life by donating to the USPSA Junior Program.”
Michael Voigt shared his knowledge in many ways, including this video.
Rest in Peace, Michael, we will miss you…
Kelly McMillan recently released a Video Podcast featuring some very talented shooters including the legendary David Tubb. While Kelly has broadcast scores of audio interviews on his Taking Stock Radio Show, this is something even better — you can see Kelly’s guests on camera during the 68-minute-long Video Podcast:
David Tubb Talks Cartridge Design, ELR, and Much More
The show starts off with legendary marksman, David Tubb, winner of 11 NRA National High Power Rifle Championships as well as multiple National Long Range championships. Kelly notes: “Our first guest, David Tubb, is arguably the … winningest, competitive rifleman in history. Trophies aside, though, David’s biggest contribution to our shooting sports is his innovative mind. The underlying essence behind his company, Superior Shooting Systems, is the continued advancement of the ‘human factor’ in the shooting sports.” During this segment David addresses many topics, including cartridge design (6XC and 6.5 Creedmoor), ballistics, Extreme Long Range (ELR) shooting, optics, stocks and more.
Regina Milkovich — Top PRS and Tactical Competitor Facebook Photo and courtesy WellArmedWomen.
Kelly’s next guest is Regina Milkovich, the first woman in history to win a major practical/tactical precision rifle match outright. (Regina was the overall winner of the 2016 NorCal Tactical Bolt Rifle Challenge.) Regina has been successful in many disciplines, and is now active in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS). Starting at the 44:50 time-mark in the video, Regina shows off her current PRS rifle, chambered for the 6XC cartridge. It features a McMillan stock, Defiance Action, Vortex Razor Gen 2 scope, and Timney trigger. Tactical shooters will want to watch this segment. Regina reviews the many accessories she uses both on and off the rifle. She shows the support bags she favors and discusses how the right choice of equipment can help improve your scores.
“[This is] one of my all-time favorite pictures” Regina told us. “It was taken in Vegas at a Sin City Precision match a couple of years ago.” Facebook photo.
Kelly also chats with Buzz Miller, an industry product development specialist who has worked with large gun-makers including FN USA, and Taurus. Buzz talks about how new gun designs are conceived, proto-typed, tested, and introduced into the marketplace. Buzz also discusses customer service among other topics. The main Buzz Miller segment begins at the 41:20 time-mark.
Plan to buy or build a 224 Valkyrie rifle this year? Well now you can get the official specifications for the new 224 Valkyrie cartridge and chamber. The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI), has released its official 224 Valkyrie “blueprint” which you can now download for your records. SAAMI approved the Federal Premium 224 Valkyrie as an official new cartridge this past January. The 224 Valkyrie’s SAAMI standards documents are now published and available to the industry as a whole, as well as to the public.
SAAMI allows free access to technical data and drawings for cartridge and chamber designs, which are posted in the Specifications section of SAAMI’s website. All cartridge and chamber drawing documents are contained within the ANSI/SAAMI Standards and can be found on www.saami.org. The New SAAMI Cartridge Cartridge/Chamber Designs for 224 Valkyrie can be viewed here: http://www.saami.org/PDF/224-Valkyrie-Introduction.pdf.
About the 224 Valkyrie Cartridge
Federal Premium’s 224 Valkyrie is based on a 6.8 SPC case necked down to 22 caliber. The Valkyrie has a shorter case than the .223 Remington (and 5.56×45 NATO). This allows you to load the longest, heaviest .224-caliber bullets and still feed reliably from an AR15-type magazine. The 224 Valkyrie offers flatter trajectories than other AR15 mag-friendly cartridges, including the 22 Nosler, .223 Rem, and 6.5 Grendel. With heavy projectiles, the 224 Valkyrie boasts impressive ballistics — it can stay supersonic past 1,300 yards. Plus it has roughly half the recoil of larger cartridges offering comparable ballistics, such as the 6.5 Creedmoor (see chart below).
SAAMI’s work creates standards for the cartridge, increasing safety, interchangeability, reliability, and quality for firearm manufacturers building rifles chambered for the 224 Valkyrie. Federal Premium Ammunition President Jason Vanderbrink notes: “SAAMI’s approval of the cartridge was a crucial step in legitimizing [the 224 Valkyrie] within the industry”.
The Role of SAAMI in Creating Uniform Ammunition Standards
SAAMI was founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government and tasked with creating and publishing industry standards for safety, interchangeability, reliability and quality, as well as coordinating technical data. SAAMI’s Technical Committee, which consists of firearm and ammunition industry experts, reviewed the 224 Valkyrie submission over a period of about six months. The official cartridge name, maximum cartridge and minimum chamber dimensions, pressure limits, test equipment, and other characteristics are all considered and scrutinized during the process.
Here’s a new promotion that can save readers serious money. Right now MidwayUSA is offering a direct Cash-Off discount program. Save $10 on $100 or more of qualifying products, save $20 on $200+, or save a full $30 on a $300 (or more) of qualifying products. Spend more, save more — that’s how it works. But you have to act soon. This promo expires on 3/28/2018 at 11:59 PM, Central Time.
1. Click the ‘Apply’ button
2. Add regularly priced, in-stock products without quantity limits to your cart to receive the discount.
3. See discount applied to qualifying products in your Cart or during Checkout.
What Products Are Excluded?
Sale, Clearance, quantity limited products, out of stock or special order products. Brands like 5.11, FN, Geissele, Galco, Garmin, Leica, Airforce, Atlas Bipods, Accu-Shot, Magpul, Nikon, Nightforce, Sitka Gear, Under Armour, Zero Tolerance & Gift Certificates do not count towards total.
.009″ — The Record That Stood for 40 Years.
Fans of Heavy Artillery should head over to the updated and enhanced 
