Lyman is running a cool contest for the next seven weeks (8/13/18-9/21/18). Now through September 21, 2018, you can win an impressive Grand Prize that includes a Savage Rifle and nearly $1000 worth of reloading gear (including Lyman’s new, 8-station turret press). Lyman’s Ultimate Reloading system provides everything you need to load precision rifle and pistol ammo. CLICK HERE for contest details and Entry Instructions.
Sign up for Lyman’s “Zero’d In” newsletter to receive updates and info on great new Lyman Products and be entered in our sweepstakes to win everything you’ve always wanted for your reloading bench! The contest runs August 13 through Sept 21, 2018. All entries must be received by September 21, 2018.
The Grand Prize includes:
• Savage 10 BA Stealth 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle
• Lyman Ultimate Reloading System
• Long Range Rifle Manual
• Rifle Maintenance Mat
Lymans’ Ultimate Reloading System
The Ultimate Reloading System includes deluxe All-American 8-Station Turret Press, Electronic Powder Scale/Dispenser (Gen 6), Turbo 1200 Case Tumbler, Priming tool, Case Trimmer, and many other reloading tools and accessories.
- An All-American 8 Reloading press (8 Station Turret)
– Pro 1200 Turbo® Tumbler
– Electronic Gen 6 Powder System
– Universal® Trimmer
– Voucher for Free Lyman Die Set Voucher
– 50th Ed. Lyman Reloading Handbook
- E-ZEE Prime Hand Priming Tool
– Magnum Inertia Bullet Puller
– Universal Loading Block
– Case Prep Multi Tool and Bench Wrench
– Quick Slick™ Case Lube Pump
– Stainless Steel Calipers
Don’t own a quality .22 LR wheelgun yet? Well start saving those pennies. Every serious gun aficionado should have a quality rimfire revolver. A rimfire wheelgun is also very good choice for a first handgun. Indeed, a strong argument could be made that a .22 LR revolver is THE best choice for a new shooter’s first handgun. A .22 LR revolver is easy to shoot, easy to maintain, and will last a lifetime. Once you have mastered the basics of shooting with a .22 LR, you can move on to larger caliber handguns suitable for self-defense.
TOP FIVE Reasons to Own a Rimfire Revolver:
1. Rimfire .22 LR Ammunition is cheap, and now plentiful again.
2. A good, full-size .22 LR revolver will be MORE ACCURATE than the vast majority of semi-auto rimfire handguns. With no magazines to jam, a good wheelgun will also be more reliable than most self-loading rimfires.
3. A rimfire revolver can shoot tens of thousands of rounds, with just routine maintenance. This gun can last a lifetime and then you can pass it on to your kids.
4. On a S&W revolver, it is very easy to tune the pull weight. You can have a safe double-action pull with a very light, crisp single-action release.
5. It is easy to change grips and sights to suit your preference. You can also mount a scope on the top-strap.
TOP FIVE Rimfire Revolvers (Current Production)
1. Smith & Wesson Model 617, 6″ or 4″ BBL, $829.00 MSRP
10-Shot, Stainless Steel, 44.1 Oz. (6″ barrel), 39 Oz. (4″ barrel)
Smith & Wesson’s Model 617, offered with either 6″ or 4″ barrels, is extremely accurate, with a very crisp trigger, and good sights. Accuracy is better than most shooter can hold. You can learn all the fundamentals with this ultra-reliable K-Frame handgun, shooting inexpensive .22 LR ammo. The 6″ version has a longer sight radius, so it’s superior for bullseye work. But the 4″ version balances much better. The choice is yours.
The Model 617 is rugged, durable, and can give you a lifetime of shooting fun. Your Editor has owned a 4″ ten-shot Model 617 for over 20 years, and it’s still going strong. Here is a video showing the 4″-barrel version of Smith & Wesson’s popular model 617.
Hickok 45 Demos “Wonderful revolver”, a 4″ Model 617. See also Hickok 45 m617 Part 2:
Ruger introduced the .22 LR GP100 two years ago. Since then, it has become a good seller. This 10-shot revolver with 5.5″ barrel has a comfortable grip and triple-locking cylinder (locked into the frame at the front, rear and bottom). Many shooters like the fact that the 5.5″-barrel GP100 carries its heft more to the rear than S&W’s 6″ 617. However, we’d give the edge to the 617’s trigger. NOTE: Davidson’s also has a limited edition GP100 with shorter 4″ barrel. This Davidson’s exclusive edition 4″ GP100 is handier to carry and balances better.
3. Smith & Wesson Model 17 Masterpiece, 6″ BBL, $989.00 MSRP
6-Shot, Carbon (Blued) Steel, 39.9 Oz., 6″ Barrel
Smith & Wesson recently re-introduced its Model 17 Masterpiece revolver. This Blued 6-shot classic has been “re-released” with a retro-style grip. It still offers outstanding accuracy and a sweet trigger pull. For those who like the look of the original K-22 revolvers this can fill the bill. With a non-underlug 6″ barrel, this is 4.2 ounces lighter than the 6″ Model 617. The price, $989.00 MSRP, is pretty steep. It you look around you may be able to find an original K-22 for a few hundred dollars less. We’ve seen some decent examples on Gunbroker in the $700 range, but pristine K-22s are selling for over $1000 now.
4. Smith & Wesson Model 63, 3″ BBL, $769.00 MSRP
8-Shot, Stainless Steel, 25.8 Oz., 3″ barrel
The 8-Shot Smith & Wesson Model 63 may be one of the most versatile revolvers on the market. With a 3″ barrel, it balances well and is easy to hold. This makes this a great training pistol for a new shooter, even a junior or a lady with small hands. The latest 8-shot version offers nice big sights with fiber-optic front insert. While we consider this a great training and plinking handgun, it can also do double-duty for concealed carry. No the .22 LR won’t match the stopping power of a .357 Magnum, but better armed than not.
The new Ruger LCRx Revolver combines traditional wheelgun features with modern composite construction. The 3″ barrel and cylinder are steel. The “frame” housing the barrel and cylinder are aerospace-grade aluminum. The rear/lower section of the pistol, what Ruger calls the “fire control housing”, is made of polymer. This cuts weight and tames felt reoil. That fire control housing holds the hammer/trigger assemblies and provides a mount for the interchangeable grips. This is really a very innovative pistol. Thanks to its weight-saving features, Ruger’s LCRx is 8.5 ounces lighter than S&W’s Model 63, though both have 3″-long barrels.
Speer Ammunition has just released the latest edition of its reloading handbook: The Speer Handloading Manual No. 15. Shipments of this new book are being delivered to dealers now. It will be available on Amazon next week. The MSRP for the new Speer Manual is $34.95. We think the new book is worth the price — it is well-organized and quite complete. But if you are not a fan of conventional books, be aware that you can get a significant portion of Speer’s rifle and pistol load data for FREE on Speer’s website.
Why Buy the Book?
» New DATA for 6.5 Creedmoor and 12 More New Cartridge Types
» Complete Instructions for Handloading Rifle and Pistol Cartridges
» Updates for More Than 120 Cartridge Types
This new edition is Speer’s largest volume yet, featuring updated recipes with the latest propellants for more than 120 legacy cartridges. In addition, the new 15th Edition includes load data for 13 popular new cartridges, including 6.5 Creedmoor, .204 Ruger, and 300 Blackout. The 15th Speer Handloading Manual also features authoritative articles by expert shooters.
FREE Online INFO and DATA from Speer
On its website, Speer-Ammo.com, Speer also offers Rifle and Pistol Reloading Data, Reloading Safety Page, Step-by-Step Handloading Guide, and helpful Glossary of Reloading Terms.
Hey guys, you’ll probably want to download this Powder Burn Rate Table issued by Hodgdon/IMR. This table shows the latest IMR powders including the Enduron series (IMR 4166, 4451, 4955, 7977), high-lighted in green below. This 163-entry comparison table provides useful information for all hand-loaders. When doing load development, and testing one powder versus another, it’s generally wise to choose propellants that share the same relative burn rate, as least for starters. This invaluable burn rate chart ranks powders from eight major powder-makers: Accurate, Alliant, Hodgdon, IMR, Norma, Ramshot (Western), Vihtavuori, Winchester.
NOTE: Hodgdon powders are blue, IMR standard powders are yellow, IMR Enduron powders are green, and Winchester Powders are Red. DOWNLOAD Chart HERE.
Looking for a good, solid First Focal Plane (FFP) optic for hunting or tactical events? Well you’re in luck. Vortex just released a new, ultra-affordable series of Diamondback FFP scopes with 4X zoom ratio. Select from 4-16x50mm or 6-24x50mm models. Both offer plenty of magnification for competitors and long-range varmint hunters. We suggest the 4-16X for hunting and the 6-24X for PRS and other competition disciplines.
These new Diamondbacks feature 30mm maintubes and your choice of either 1/4 MOA clicks or 1/10 Mil clicks. The MOA-click versions feature an EBR-C2 MOA reticle while the Mil-click scopes have an EBR-C2 MRAD reticle. That way the reticle matches your click values (as it always should).
Currently at EuroOptic.com Vortex’s affordable new 4-16x50mm FFP Diamondback is just $349.99, while the 6-24x50mm version is just $399.99. Either way, these are outstanding values. One of our testers who competes in both long-range and tactical matches was impressed with the new Diamondbacks, given the pricing: “The glass looks fine upon quick inspection. Turrets and everything else feel great for the price paid. I bet there’s no better value out there for a FFP scope with advanced reticle like this”.
MidwayUSA also sells these new Vortex FFP scopes with similar pricing. MidwayUSA’s optics manager raved: “Try not to spit out your coffee as you check the price of the Diamondback Tactical FFP after reading about its impressive performance and features. The first focal plane reticle, a feature ordinarily reserved for 4-figure-priced optics, allows shooters to use the information-packed EBR-2C reticles for ranging, holdovers or windage corrections on any magnification.”
With all the buzz about the 6.5 Creedmoor and its 6mm Creedmoor little brother, some folks forget that we’ve had an outstanding mid-sized, Across-the-Course cartridge for a long time — the 6XC. Pioneered by 11-time National High Power champion David Tubb, the 6XC has won national High Power championships, excelled in mid-range prone matches, and performed great in the varmint fields. It has also been used successfully by many Precision Rifle Series competitors. It’s no wonder — the 6XC has less recoil than a 6.5mm Creedmoor, there is a great selection of superb 6mm bullets, and Norma-made 6XC brass is high-quality and reasonably priced from DavidTubb.com.
PRS Rifle with Modern 6XC II Chamber
Forum member Grimstod posted this new 6XC II rifle in our long-running Pride and Joy Rifle Thread. Grimstod notes: “These 6XC Gen IIs seam to be a hot commodity lately. This one is for PRS. It features a Premier Accuracy Atlas action made by Kelbly. The bolt and heavy-taper, fluted barrel are Ceracoted to match. I really like the ejectors on these Atlas actions. The stock is a KRG X-Ray painted in Premier Accuracy exclusive colors. The Kelbly Atlas action does not have any modifications. So far every Kelbly action we have tried has had perfect timing and trigger fall. We have been supper pleased with them. I look forward to using a lot more of these excellent actions.”
What is the 6XC II you may ask? That designates a 6XC with a chamber dimension optimized for Norma brass. It turns out that Norma brass is a bit bigger at the bottom than the 22-250 brass from which the 6XC originated. Robert Whitley of 6mmAR.com has created two new JGS reamer specs that fit the Norma brass perfectly, improving feeding and extraction. Here is Robert’s Report:
The 6XC II Chamber — Upgraded for Today’s Norma 6XC Brass
by Robert Whitley of 6mmAR.com
The 6XC II Chamber works perfectly with the Norma 6XC brass and resolves the “sticky bolt lift” issue. The original 6XC chambering was designed based off the usage of 22-250 brass which typically has a web diameter in the range of .461″-.463″. The area of the chamber just forward of the web on the original 6XC chambering was .4695″ which left plenty of clearance.
When Norma 6XC brass became available Norma appears to have developed the base of the case from the .308 Winchester line of cases which have a larger web diameter. The web diameter of the Norma brass typically measures right around .4685″ which leaves almost no diameter clearance.
As shooters would use Norma 6XC brass in an original 6XC chamber they typically would experience “sticky bolt lift” due to the lack of clearance and the fact that the large web diameter of the brass prohibited the re-size dies (no matter how small the base diameter was) from squeezing the brass down enough to create sufficient clearance. The 6XC II chamber resolves this issue. You can order 6XC II sizing dies from 6mmAR.com that work perfectly with this re-designed chambering. 6XC II die sets are in stock now — call (215) 348-8789 to order.
6XC II Long Range Reamer (Throated long for 105-115gr Bullets):
The 6XC II-LT reamer below is throated long to keep the full bearing surface of 110-115gr bullets forward of the neck/shoulder junction of the case. Note, 6mmAR.com has also developed a shorter-freebore version for 6mm bullets with shorter bearing surface. SEE shorter 6XC II Reamer Print.
6XC II Chamber and Sizing Die Combo:
– Resolves the “sticky bolt lift” problem shooters experienced using the Norma 6XC Brass in the original 6XC chambers.
– Chamber accepts all 6XC brass or ammo with no modification. Take your existing 6XC brass or ammo and use it without issues.
– Works well with existing Norma 6XC brass, or 6XC brass made from re-formed Winchester and Remington 22-250 brass.
– 6XC II Sizing dies and die sets are available from 6mmAR.com and in stock.
If you are looking for someone to chamber your rifle or re-barrel an existing rifle in the 6XC II chamber, Fred at Sabreco, Inc. in Skippack, PA, (610) 584-8228 can help you. He has the reamers for the cartridge as well as the head space gauges for the cartridge, and has had extensive experience chambering many barrels and rifles.
We all enjoy shooting rifles, but it’s also fulfilling to share your knowledge as a mentor. Serving as a rifle instructor can be very rewarding. Now the CMP offers a program to certify Master Instructors for the CMP’s most popular rifle programs — Vintage Military and Rimfire Sporter.
CMP Master Instructor Training Workshops
As a CMP Instructor you can help novices learn to safely shoot the M1 Garand, M1903 Springfield, and other vintage military rifles. You can also help with the very popular Rimfire Sporter program. Later this year, the CMP is offering an excellent program to help train new Master Instructors.
Experienced rifle marksmanship instructors and shooters who wish to receive advanced training and be certified as “Master Instructors” to teach CMP-sanctioned Clinics are invited to apply to attend a CMP Master Instructor Training Workshop. These workshops will train instructors to conduct Garand, Springfield, and Vintage Military Rifle Clinics and/or Rimfire Sporter Clinics. There will be two (2) instructor training workshops this year, one at Camp Perry in October and the second in Talladega in December. Dates and locations are:
M1903 Springfield shooter at Camp Perry. From GarandThumbBlog’s 2015 CMP Games Video.
CMP Master Instructor Class — In the Beginning
Our friend Dennis Santiago has been a CMP instructor for many years. He reports this has been a great experience and the CMP is a great organization. Dennis earned his “teaching credentials” at the first-ever GSM (Garand/Springfield/Vintage Military) Master Instructor Class.
CMP Director Gary Anderson is top row far left, with Dennis in front row center.
My Decade as a CMP Master Instructorby Dennis Santiago
I was in the first GSM Master Instructor class. It was taught at Camp Pendleton (CA) in November 2006 as part of the CMP Western Games. It was a three-day class by then-head of the Civilian Marksmanship Program, Gary Anderson.
We were the guinea pigs for an experiment. Our mission would be to take what we learned back to our clubs and create programs to teach the sport of High Power riflery to Americans, most of whom, were unfamiliar with shooting, let alone the details of serious competition. It was one of the most rewarding shared experiences of my life and it began a 10-year journey that helped build my love for the sport.
Gary spent lots of time not only teaching his prepared material but working with us on feedback about how to improve the curriculum. I took what I learned back to the Burbank Rifle and Revolver Club (BRRC) and, working with Wayne Fenner (left in photo), my friend and fellow sponsor of the California Grizzlies Junior Rifle Team, adapted BRRC’s training match program to the CMP’s approach.
Over the course of almost a decade, I taught a battalion of Americans from every walk of life and every political and ethnic background how to operate and compete with the U.S. Rifle M-1 Garand. It defined one weekend of every month of my life. We experimented with every CMP match format that came out, often discussing concepts with Gary and the CMP team.
Many of the students I taught went on to become accomplished competitors in their own right. I’ve watched them win medals, major tournaments, become distinguished riflemen. Some set national records. One made it to the Olympic Trials. The true reward was to hear from all of them again and again over the years. I’m from the old school that says you pass on what you have learned because you pay forward in gratitude to those who taught you. And so it was the decade I was BRRC’s GSM Master Instructor of record.
If you want to make a difference to the growth of our sport, consider taking the time to become a GSM Master Instructor. Teach another battalion of Americans what it means to be the caretakers of our heritage from behind every blade of grass.
DCM Emeritus Gary Anderson Teaches Clinic at Camp Perry, Ohio:
Here a Springfield M1903 shooter (in period-authentic uniform) competes in CMP Legacy Match.
GRS stocks are produced in Norway. These stocks are known for their comfortable fit and ergonomics, but they are also strong and durable — thanks to attention to detail, careful construction, and premium materials. While GRS Riflestocks AS now produces excellent composite stocks, the majority of its products are still crafted from laminated wood. That’s not surprising because the GRS stock business evolved from a family furniture company.
This excellent video shows every stage of GRS Stock production. Worth Watching — Honest! Sawing Blanks: 0:15 | CNC Milling 0:20 | Surface Sanding 0:30 | Dip Finishing 1:00
Making a GRS Laminated Stock
GRS stocks start off with blocks of laminated wood. There are potentially 1700 combinations given the number of colors, models, and inlets. The first stage employs a band saw to shape the rough outer shape and dimensions. Then each stock goes into a computer-controlled CNC machine for precision milling. From the CNC-machine, the rifle stock is handed over to GRS craftsmen who hand-finish the stock (photo below). Depending on design, GRS stocks can be delivered with up to 40 different inlets.
GRS Stocks — Ergonomically Designed Good ergonomics have always been a key GRS design objective: “All our rifle stocks are adjustable, because people are different. If you make a fixed stock, it will always be a compromise for your shooting position. Also, your ergonomics change in different shooting positions. There is a big difference between standing, sitting and laying on the ground. It’s not rocket science, but we recognized this a long time ago. And that is why we made the adjustment system the way it is. Obviously, having the correct length of pull, and a full contact with the cheek-piece, adds a lot of stability into the shooting position.”
When you handle a GRS stock, and get into shooting position, you notice it feels comfortable immediately. And the LOP and cheek-piece height can be adjusted easily, without tools.
The GRS grip design is distinctive — for important reasons: “The grips that we have (which off-centered and angled out) remove tension in your arms. So when you shoot you are more relaxed. And the recoil transfers neatly in your body.”
About GRS Riflestocks AS — A Family Company Run by Serious Shooters
GRS Riflestocks AS is run by two brothers, Håvard and Oscar Haugen. Oscar served in the Norwegian military for a decade as a QRF Sharpshooter (sniper) and Sharpshooter Team Leader. Oscar’s military experience has helped GRS design better rifle stocks: “I was a Sharpshooter for the Norwegian army for a long time, both as a soldier and instructor. So we knew what worked in the field. And we knew production. So we took something traditional, as a rifle stock is, and introduced something new into it. This way, the ergonomics and the adjustment systems became key features of the GRS rifle stocks.”
Håvard Haugen (L) and Oscar Haugen (R), founders of GRS Riflestocks AS.
GRS Riflestocks AS has become very successful. The company now ships stocks to 45 countries worldwide. Oscar Haugen says: “I smile every day knowing more and more hunters and shooters gets to know GRS. We make them shoot more accurately because their rifles fit them better [with our stocks]. What more could we ask for?”
GRS Stocks are produced in Hornindal, Norway. Watch the video to see beautiful Norwegian scenery: “A short walk from the factory, you’re in the woods. You can go fishing, hunting … whatever you like”.
In today’s feature, Emil Praslick III of Team Applied Ballistics explains how to determine wind direction down range. Praslick, now retired from the U.S. Army, was an 18-time National and 2-time World Champion coach with the USAMU. Emil is consider by many to be one of America’s greatest wind readers — a master when is comes to identifying wind value and direction, and predicting wind cycles.
Video ONE: Determining the Direction of the Wind
Key Point in Video — Find the Boil
Emil explains how to determine wind direction using optic. The method is to use spotting scope, riflescope, or binoculars to look for the “Boil” — the condition in mirage when the light waves rising straight up. The wind will generate that straight-up, vertical boil in your optics when it is blowing directly at you, or directly from your rear. To identify this, traverse your scope or optics until you see the boil running straight up. When you see that vertical boil, the direction your optic is pointing is aligned with the wind flow (either blowing towards you or from directly behind you).
Video TWO: The No Wind Zero Setting
In this second video, Emil defines the “No-Wind Zero”, and explains why competitive shooters must understand the no-wind zero and have their sights or optics set for a no-wind zero starting point before heading to a match. In order to hit your target, after determining wind speed and direction, says Emil, “you have to have your scope setting dialed to ‘no wind zero’ first.”
Coach of Champions — Emil Praslick III
SFC Emil Praslick III, (U.S. Army, retired) works with Berger Bullets and Applied Ballistics. Emil served as the Head Coach of the U.S. National Long Range Rifle Team and Head Coach of the USAMU for several years. Teams coached by Emil have won 33 Inter-Service Rifle Championships. On top of that, teams he coached set 18 National records and 2 World Records. Overall, in the role of coach, Praslick can be credited with the most team wins of any coach in U.S. Military history.
Read Orchid Advisors’ Full Form 4473 Revision Report on Ammoland.com.
Dope or Guns. But Not Both…
Federal law is clear on this. Make your choice. — Dennis Santiago
You may live in a state where private use of marijuana has been decriminalized, but you still have to worry about the Federal Government. Use of marijuana (cannabis) is still prohibited under Federal law. Admitting that you smoke dope can and will prevent you from being able to purchase firearms. We raise this point because in 2016 ATF modified Forum 4473, the Federal Firearms Transaction Record, to include a new warning. The Shooting Wire explains:
“ATF notified licensees last week that ATF Form 4473… has again been revised. There’s now a warning attached to question 11.e.
11.e is the famous question, ‘Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance?’
The warning simply says that use and possession is illegal under federal statute regardless of the state’s rules. Some on social media said, ‘ATF is telling you to mark that answer “no”. Apparently they don’t remember Scooter Libby.
Lying on ATF Form 4473, as noted right above Block 14, is a federal felony — punishable by fines and a term of imprisonment. Want an all-expense paid vacation at Club Fed? If not, don’t mess with the [Federal Government].”
There are a number of other small changes and additions in the latest revision of Form 4473. These changes are reviewed in great detail by Orchid Advisors, firearms industry compliance experts. If you sell firearms, we recommend you read Orchid Advisors’ full Form 4473 Report on Ammoland.com. Below you can read all six pages of ATF Form 4473.
Smith & Wesson’s 
We were the guinea pigs for an experiment. Our mission would be to take what we learned back to our clubs and create programs to teach the sport of High Power riflery to Americans, most of whom, were unfamiliar with shooting, let alone the details of serious competition. It was one of the most rewarding shared experiences of my life and it began a 10-year journey that helped build my love for the sport.
Good ergonomics have always been a key GRS design objective: “All our rifle stocks are adjustable, because people are different. If you make a fixed stock, it will always be a compromise for your shooting position. Also, your ergonomics change in different shooting positions. There is a big difference between standing, sitting and laying on the ground. It’s not rocket science, but we recognized this a long time ago. And that is why we made the adjustment system the way it is. Obviously, having the correct length of pull, and a full contact with the cheek-piece, adds a lot of stability into the shooting position.”
“ATF notified licensees last week that ATF Form 4473… has again been revised. There’s now a warning attached to question 11.e.
