The 6BR Improved cases have become very popular in tactical competitions. In fact the Precision Rifle Blog reports that the majority of Top 10 PRS and NRL shooters are now running some version of the 6mmBR Norma case — such as the 6mm Dasher, 6BRX, or 6BR Ackley. In fact “40% of those ranked in the top 10 in either league were running a 6mm Dasher”. This short, fat 6BR improved case can push the 100-107gr bullets to 2950+ fps, a well-known accuracy node. Yes the 6mm Creedmoor and 6XC can push heavy 6mm projectiles faster to be sure, but there is a trade-off in barrel life. The 6BR Improved cases represent a “sweet spot” for the tactical game, offering outstanding accuracy, with less recoil than bigger cartridges, including the 6.5 Creedmoor.
The only real downside to the short/fat 6BR-based cartridges is that they can be finicky when feeding from a magazine, at least without some modifications to the follower and feed lips. There are kits that can help with this, but now there is an even better solution — a premium custom action designed specifically to feed the 6mm Dasher (and similar cartridges) from a magazine. This action, the Borden Super Short 6, was recently, unveiled on Facebook by PRS competitor John Hargett. This action, available in both right- and left-hand versions, features a dedicated new Super Short 6 (SS6) magazine optimized for Dasher-sized cartridges. The bolt has a shorter throw than a standard Rem short action. We think this new action could become VERY popular with tactical shooters, and varmint hunters.
John Hargett says: “Installing spacer kits or possibly having a nose dive in full-size .308 mag is in the past! This will fit all 700 stocks and chassis and AICS bottom metal. So no need to change what you are already using. Borden creates a masterful action at an extremely affordable price.”
Key Facts about the Borden Super Short 6 Action and SS6 Magazine:
1. Rem 700 Footprint — The Borden Super Short 6 action is internally tailored to the 6mmBR cartridge and its wildcats, but externally maintains Rem 700 action dimensions. This means the action IS compatible with the stock and chassis you currently own. And, the Borden Super Short 6 comes in both right-hand and left-hand versions, with PVD coating available (on action and/or bolt).
2. Rem Trigger Compatibility — The Borden Super Short 6 action works with Rem-compatible triggers, and the actions are specifically timed to work with trigger of your choice.
3. Dasher-friendly New Mag Design — The patent-pending Super Short 6 magazine is sized right for the 6mm Dasher and all the 6BR family. The follower and feed lips are configured to allow smooth, reliable feeding with no “magazine nose dives”. Even with the optimal design, the SS 6 magazine will work with all chassis profiles and bottom metal made for AICS-type magazines.
Here is the description from Borden Rifles website:
“The new action from Borden Accuracy (Borden Super Short 6) features a Rem 700 short action-compatible footprint with a shortened magazine well and shortened port set up specifically to reliably feed 6 BR, 6 Dasher, 6 BRA, 22 BR cartridges. The bolt has modified Borden bumps to aid in cycling in the dirty environment. The pictured action shows our standard bolt handle and tear drop knob. Production models will feature a handle that is threaded on the end so individuals can use their preferred knobs. I have been one of the individuals that developed the bolt timing and neutral handoff with the trigger for competition shooting to minimize rifle upset in the bags when closing the bolt. These actions will be available with either the neutral timed handoff or with about .03 to .035 inch cock on close. The cock on close option has much easier bolt lift that seems to be favored by PRS competitors. For now the bolts will have spiral flutes but future versions will have diamond flutes as an option. Development work will be done to also handle the .223 Rem and the PPC family.”
6mm Dasher and 6BR Wildcats Favored by Top PRS/NRL Shooters
1. The vast majority of PRS Shooters surveyed are now shooting a 6mm cartridge of some kind.
2. While the 6mm Creedmoor is still very popular, the 6mm Dasher is now the #1 cartridge among leading PRS and NRL competitors surveyed. (SEE Chart HERE)
3. If you include the 6BRX, 6BRA, and original 6mmBR cartridge along with the 6mm Dasher, this full family of short, fat cartridges is now used by twice as many top PRS/NRL competitors as the 6mm Creedmoor. And the 6.5 Creedmoor has really fallen from favor.
Credit Boyd Allen for Borden Action product find. Credit PRB for data on PRS/NRL cartridge use.
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At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, 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. Brownells — Howa 1500 USA Flag Chassis Rifle, $1299.99
With its “battleworn” stars and stripes Cerakote finish, Howa’s USA Flag Chassis Rifle is an eye-catcher. AND this handsome Howa shoots as good as it looks. This .308 Win rifle features a quality 26″ barrel with factory muzzle brake. The Howa 1500 action cycles very smoothly (better than a Remington or Savage), and this rifle comes with Howa’s fine HACT 2-stage trigger. This rifle includes a 4-16x50mm Nikko Sterling scope mounted to an EGW +20 MOA scope rail, Luth AR buttstock, plus a 10-round detachable box magazine. Howa even includes a Buffalo River swivel bipod with 6″-9″ adjustable legs. With this rig, all you need is ammo! Price is $1299.99 with scope and bipod. NOTE: This is also offered in 6.5 Creedmoor, but that is currently out-of-stock. Check with other vendors.
2. Bruno’s — Nightforce Competition 15-55x52mm Sale, $2160.00
You can’t walk up to any respectable match line and not see a bevy of Nightforce scopes. The Nightforce 15-55x52mm Competition scope is still one of the very best scopes for serious F-Class and long-range competitors. Now Bruno’s is selling the 15-55x52mm NF for $2160.00 — that’s nearly $200 cheaper than other vendors. Bruno Shooters Supply has the Nightforce Competition 15-55x52mm optic as well as countless other Nightforce scopes on sale. Get yours now before prices go back up.
3. Midsouth Shooters Supply — End of Year Clearance Sale
End of year means CLEARANCE at Midsouth Shooters Supply, with prices up to SEVENTY PERCENT (70%) off normal pricing. We’ve posted just a few of the nearly 800 items we found in their clearance section and with prices that can’t be beat it’s worth your time to scour the pages. Head to the Midsouth clearance sale to what you can’t live without before you hit the range again. Note, this End-of-Year Clearance sale ends today December 31, 2018. Don’t hesitate if you see a bargain you like.
The Leupold Ventana S-1 15-45x60mm spotting scope offers a good 15-45X range of power along with a 60mm objective. For a competitor using the spotter mostly for watching mirage and shot markers, this may be all you need in a spotter. And this is compact and easy to transport in a range bag. As one Amazon reviewer said, “TERRIFIC scope! 45X is plenty. Most people with 60X scopes rarely use more than 40X power so I decided to go for this smaller, lighter scope. We used it on wolves in Yellowstone this week at distances of 1/2 to 1 mile. This scope is tack sharp. I was able to compare to Swarovski, Vortex, and Nikon and this Leupold seems just as sharp at a fraction of the price. The amount of eye relief is generous, even better than some of the Swarovskis I looked through.”
5. Midsouth — Hornady L-N-L Auto Progressive Press, $378.99
If you need large quantities of pistol or rifle ammo, it makes sense to get a progressive press. This auto-indexing, 5-station press will give you one loaded round for every complete cycle of the loading handle. We’ve used this Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive press and can confirm that it works well. We actually prefer the rotary powder measure to the sliding powder system on Dillon progressives. We find it much easier to change load weights with the Hornady system (which uses inserts), and it is more precise with certain types of powder. This press also uses convenient quick-change die bushings. Right now you can save $113.00 with the $378.99 sale. NOTE: Press purchasers can get 500 free bullets through the Hornady Rebate Program but that ends 12/31/2018!
6. EuroOptic — Leica CRF 2000-B, $399.00
This may be the best deal we’ve seen on the vaunted Leica 2000-B Laser Rangefinder (LRF) with 7-power optic. This unit is rated out to 2000 yards on reflective objects (in real-world use it will laze a deer well past 800 if you can hold steady). The Leica 2000-B features air pressure and temperature sensors, plus on-board inclinometer. Angle correction works out to 1200 horizontal yards equivalent, with the true hold-over displayed in both MILs and MOA. The compact Leica CRF 2000-B weighs just 6.5 ounces and measures 4.5″ L x 2.25″ H x 1.25″ W. It has a waterproof outer shell.
Are you tired of using pan scales and trickling your charges just to spend a day at the range? Now for under $170.00 you can set your charges and watch them automatically drop quickly and efficiently. The Hornady Lock-N-Load auto charge powder dispenser gives you the confidence and speed whether you’re doing load development or just looking to make some rounds for a day at the range. With this $164.99 sale price, this Hornady dispenser over $90 cheaper than an RCBS Chargemaster Lite.
Have you ever been ready to run to the range and blow off a few rounds only to find that you’re out of targets? If you’re like us that’s one of the most frustrating things that can happen when heading to the club and nobody likes using printer paper and a marker to make a target. Pick up this 100 count set of sight-in targets and you won’t have to run to the store last minute or dig through the range trash cans hoping to find a barely-used target. This is a great value — only 18.4 cents per target!
9. Amazon — Caldwell Zeromax Rifle Rest, $28.99
No this basic, inexpensive rest won’t work for benchrest matches. However, it will suffice to sight-in a hunting or varmint rifle. AND it will do double duty as a cradle for rifle cleaning and maintenance. In fact this Caldwell rest is less expensive than some cleaning cradles than can’t be used for shooting at all. Pick up one of these Caldwell Zeromax Rests for only $28.99 and you’ll have a handy back-up rest you can keep in a vehicle or lend to a friend. Plus, some low-cost modifications can improve the rest’s adjustability. One purchaser noted: “The back foot is just a threaded bolt with a rubber end cap, but it does not turn or move. Changing the elevation with the front two bolts, and keeping everything level can be a challenge, so I added elevation adjustments to the back bolt as well. I did this by taking a bolt spacer from Ace Hardware super glued to a nut, and using that to lift or drop the back. Total cost was about $4.”
Credit Forum Member F-Class John for preparing most of this week’s deals.
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Thousands of new products will be on display at SHOT Show 2019, the huge gun industry trade show held each January in Las Vegas. Some of the most highly-anticipated products have not yet been revealed, including new rifles, chassis systems, and state-of-the-art optics and LRFs. However, the SHOT Show Product Planner offers a “sneak peek” at 296 new-for-2019 products. More will come in the weeks ahead. For the time being, however, here are TEN interesting new products. Since most are completely new items, we haven’t been able to test them yet. Accordingly the product descriptions are provided by the manufacturers.
1. MDT Adjustable Core Competition (ACC) Chassis
The MDT ACC (Adjustable Core Competition) Chassis was designed around an integrated, modular weight system that allows shooters to fine tune chassis weight and balance point. A series of weights (up to 9 lbs. of steel) can be added to either the buttstock, interior fore-end or exterior fore-end. With action, barrel, scope and accessories, shooters can configure their rifles upwards of 25-30 lbs. in the ACC. The ACC weight management system allows shooters to rapidly adjust the feel and recoil characteristics of their rifle — at the range or during a competition. Other features include: full 17” ARCA/RRS fore-end, flared mag well, extended barricade stop, widened thumb shelf, and adjustable cheek riser/length of pull.
The new GRS Bifrost stock is made of glass fiber-reinforced composite material with tactile rubber surfaces on the grip and fore-end zones. The SpeedLock 2.0 system has LOP and Cheekpiece adjustment, like the original Speedlock system, but also includes a height-adjustable and cant-adjustable recoil pad. This allows for the perfect stock to shooter fit. Picatinny Rail mounts are located on the bottom and both sides of the fore-end, and the bottom of the buttstock. This allows easy attachment of lights, lasers, monopods, and bipods. Two Picatinny rails are included with the Bifrost stock, which retails for $730.00, as inletted for a variety of popular actions.
3. TargetVision Hawk WiFi Spotting Scope Camera
The Hawk Smart Scope is the next evolution of digiscoping. This TargetVision product turns any regular spotting scope into a smart scope in just minutes. Simply slide the Hawk over the spotting scope’s eyepiece, activate the signal, and open the Targetvision App on a smartphone or tablet. The Hawk camera connects to the mobile device via WiFi. Then you can view the camera feed (from the spotter) and unlock all of the App features. Basically this lets you position your spotting scope remotely and watch it through a digital screen. You’ll find more info (plus “how-to” videos) at TargetVisioncam.com. Price: $225.00 Pre-Order Special (Reg. $299.00)
4. Scope Comparison Platform from Rack’em Rack
This innovative Scope Comparer allows consumers to compare rifle scopes side-by-side. Simply slide the plate laterally to compare rifle scopes. This system ships with three different plates — One Plate for 30mm tube scopes, one for 1″ tube scopes, and a third (with rail) for red dot-type optics. An optional plate for 34mm-tube scopes is also available. All the sliding plates easily remove with the pull of a pin. Made by Rack ‘Em Racks, the novel Scope Comparer retails for $199.00.
5. Swagger Bipod — Telescoping Field Support for Hunters
The new Swagger bipod replaces a conventional bipod as well as shooting sticks. With a huge adjustment range from 6 3/4″ to 29″, the Swagger is ideal for western hunters, spot-and-stalk situations or anywhere long shots from the ground are likely. Notably, you can switch from a rigid attachment to a flexible attachment. And you can angle the legs forward, rearward, or to either side. When needed, remove the rubber footpads to use spiked feet for more “grip”. The Swagger’s telescoping legs fit inside a polymer housing mounted to your rifle’s forearm. Assembled weight is 23.6 oz, complete with Nitride finish springs/spring housing and reinforced bungee.
6. Vaultek Bio-Metric WiFi-Enabled Gun Safe
The WiFi-enabled RS500i is Vaultek’s newest and largest safe. Holding up to 4 four full-size rifles, this high-tech safe features full WiFi connectivity, providing quick access via oversized biometric scanner, Smart Key, backlit keypad, and standard backup keys. With WiFi connectivity you have complete remote management and live push notifications. With the all-new online dashboard or your smartphone you can securely monitor critical safe data from anywhere. A variety of modular accessories allow full customization of the LED-lit safe interior for magazines, handguns, and barrel mounts for rifles. Learn more at Vaulteksafe.com.
7. X Products Ambidextrous Side-Charging AR Upper
Here’s something we haven’t seen before — a side-charging AR upper that can be configured for either side — right port or left port. That’s clever. This exclusive X Products side-charging upper (SCU) boasts dual-side ejection ports with an off-side cover and interchangeable grip and off-hand slide handles, making it completely customizable to right- or left-handed shooter. The proprietary carrier introduces a new charging method that puts the force lower on the axis for smoother, more linear operation. The non-reciprocating charging handle can lock forward to prevent movement during operation. Price: $199.00
8. Breakthrough Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rods
Breakthrough® Clean Technologies’ carbon fiber cleaning rods offer a safe, effective way to clean the inside of your barrel. Featuring an ergonomic handle and two premium ball bearing sets, the rod can smoothly pass through the bore of your barrel without binding up under pressure. The lightweight yet durable carbon fiber construction is long lasting and won’t permanently bend or break under pressure. When kept free of debris, carbon fiber shafts are gentle on your barrel’s rifling. Available in the following sizes, all with standard 8-32 threads:
$29.95 5mm diameter, 12″ length .22 cal thru .50 cal handguns
$45.95 5mm diameter, 39″ length .22 cal thru .50 cal rifles
$49.95 7mm diameter, 45″ length .30 cal rifles thru 12 gauge shotguns
9. Kalispel Caseline Aluminum Gun Cases
Kalispel Caseline aluminum rifle cases are made in the USA from .080 marine-grade aluminum. They feature closed waterproof rivets, military spec hardware and stainless steel locking rod assemblies. These metal cases features Heliarc welds for strength and security, not fused joints like other lesser brands. Each case is hand-inspected for quality control. Kalispel has been making cases for many years, but there are new models for 2019. Powder coating and color options available. Prices range from $160 to $550.
10. RifleKuhl Barrel Cooling Unit from MagnetoSpeed
Tired of waiting for your rifle barrel to cool down? MagnetoSpeed’s new Riflekuhl barrel cooler, is designed to get barrel temperatures down to intended operating levels quickly. The turbocharger-inspired impeller produces great air flow in a small package. Powered by a single CR123A Lithium battery (included), ambient air is forced through the extendable nozzle down the bore of the rifle. This pushes air flow down the barrel where it’s needed to efficiently cool barrels, typically under 7 minutes. RifleKuhl doubles as a chamber flag and features an exclusive built-in air filter to prevent dust and dirt from being blown into your rifle. Price: $59.99
CREDIT EdLongRange for locating the 2019 New Product Showcase website.
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Top to bottom – Remington firing pin assembly with ISS, Tubb SpeedLock alloy-composite system without ISS (current versions have dual, opposite-wound springs), and Remington short action firing pin assembly without ISS.
The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit regularly publishes technical articles on the USAMU Facebook page. One informative USAMU article covered mechanical issues and related ignition irregularities that can cause vertical fliers even with good ammunition in an otherwise excellent rifle. We highly recommend you read this article, which offers some important tech tips.
Vertical Dispersion: Mechanical/Ignition Issues?
Poor or inconsistent ignition has long been known to be one of the “usual suspects” when one encounters vertical fliers that just shouldn’t be there. By having a sense of some of the basic principles involved, and a few basic areas to check, the shooter may avoid colsiderable frustration, not to mention time, expensive loading components and barrel wear.
Is your well-built rifle of high-quality components plagued with vertical fliers across more than 1-3 handload combinations? Consider the bedding, crown and scope/sight mounts. Are they correct? If so, then you might check for ignition issues before boldly undertaking an extensive, expensive, and quite possibly fruitless quest for the “magic handload”.
SEEING IS BELIEVING: While the author had been aware for many years that poor ignition should be considered and ruled out when dealing with vertical fliers in an otherwise-excellent rifle, actually seeing the problem and its almost instantaneous cure really drove the lesson home.
He was working with a “dot” rifle – a .22 LR match rifle that really stacked bullets into little piles at 50 yards and beyond. With one lot of ELEY Tenex, it produced consistent “bughole” groups at 50, but with another, selected lot of Tenex, similar groups were regularly ruined by single, vertical fliers that did not appear in other rifles. Rather than spending days burning up expensive, select ammunition looking for “magic lots”, he contacted a well-respected rimfire gunsmith and explained the situation.
Without so much as batting an eye, the highly-experienced ‘smith tore into the rifle’s action, and quickly found the cause(s) of the problem. He discovered a demonstrably weak firing pin spring, plus a chip out of the face of the firing pin where it contacted the cartridge rim.
After replacing and tuning the offending parts, the rifle immediately began shooting tiny, bughole groups with the previously “unacceptable” lot of Tenex. Centerfire rifles can also benefit from ensuring positive, consistent ignition. A wise riflesmith is literally worth his weight in gold!
So, what are some issues we as shooters can inspect in our rifles to help determine if ignition woes could be part of our problem? At the club level, ask yourself if that “experienced” Remington, Winchester 70, or even Springfield-based match bolt gun you’re using is still running its’ original 40-80 year-old factory striker spring? If so, a new replacement is cheap insurance against current or future problems. (And BTW, it might be best to stick to the normal, factory-spec spring weight. A super-powerful spring can cause vertical, just as a weak one one can.) Along with that, a routine check for proper firing-pin protrusion is a quick preventive measure that can rule out potential issues.
Other areas to consider are the centering and consistency of the firing pin’s operation in the bolt. Admittedly, with the increasing use of precision-machined custom actions, this is becoming less an issue every day. Below is the firing pin assembly from a custom BAT action:
However, particularly with factory actions, a very quick and easy check is to remove the bolt, let the firing pin go forward, and look at the firing pin tip through the firing pin hole. Is the tip off-center in the hole, and possibly striking it as it moves forward? Is the hole out-of-round or burred from being struck repeatedly? If so, a trip to the riflesmith is likely in order.
Similarly, machining issues in the bolt/firing pin system can lead to rough and erratic firing pin movement, in which the firing pin drags against an internal surface of the bolt. In high-quality rifles these issues are relatively rare, but not unheard-of, and it takes mere minutes to rule them out. It may be worthwhile to remove the cocking piece/firing pin/spring assembly and look for any unusual gouges, dings, peening, burrs or signs of abnormal wear.
This task is especially easy with Winchester 70s, Springfields, and the similar Mauser 98s, involving little more than the push of a button and unscrewing the cocking piece assembly. This is just one of the many reasons these tried-and-true actions have earned such a loyal following in the field, among hunters who must maintain their rifles away from a shop.
Particularly with older rifles, watch for and remove excess grease (or even Cosmoline!) from both the firing pin assembly and inside the bolt. This can help improve firing pin speed and consistency. Other bolt-action designs may need a take-down tool or other measures.
As part of this inspection, AFTER ENSURING THE RIFLE IS UNLOADED, slowly cock the rifle, dry-fire, and repeat several times. Listen carefully near the action for inconsistency in the sounds it generates. Does the striker falling make the same sound each time? Do you hear or feel grinding upon operation? If so, where?
Be sure to check the operation of the cocking piece (bolt shroud), firing pin within the bolt shroud, the cocking piece cam and the rear of the bolt body where the cocking piece cam operates. As with our examination for abnormal wear marks discussed above, look for marks indicating roughness or a possible need for light polishing. Then, clean and lightly grease the bearing surfaces while you’re at it.
Remington 700 bolt shroud and cocking cam
These are relatively easy checks that shooters can undertake to perform a preliminary inspection on their own. Other mechanical issues can also cause ignition issues, chiefly centered around the action of the trigger, sear and sear spring. If these are suspected, a trip to an experienced, qualified riflesmith for diagnosis is recommended. We hope you find this information helpful! Join us again next week, and in the meantime, enjoy the shooting sports safely!
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GRS Laminated Stock from Norway (Imported by EuroOptic Ltd.)
Some folks think of laminated stocks as modestly-priced, “low-tech” alternatives for varmint and hunting rifles. In fact, for shooting disciplines that do not demand ultra-light weight, good laminated stocks give up nothing in performance to the most sophisticated composite stocks. And with laminates, it is relatively easy to fine-tune fit and ergonomics to suit the individual shooter. Available in a wide choice of colors, laminated stocks can also be very handsome. In our Shooters’ Forum, you’ll find a thread showcasing laminated stocks. It’s worth viewing. There are many interesting designs, and a wide variety of rifles ranging from “walking varminters” to long-range prone rifles.
FalconPilot’s Shehane Tracker in Sierra Laminate with Clearcoat
Shehane African Obeche Wood Laminated Hunter by Cigarcop
20 Practical Varminter (UK Custom posted by PNSE)
Prone Rifle by Carl Bernosky (posted by 1Shot)
F-Class (Special) by Alex Sitman (posted by J. DeKort)
Veteran’s Team Rifle #2 by Doan Trevor
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Head over to Midsouth Shooters Supply for some of the best bargains of the year. Right now Midsouth is running a huge End of Year Clearance Sale. But this is no ordinary promotion. The deals get better every day until 2019 arrives. You see, every day, through December 31, 2017, prices drop. If you hold out ’til the end, you can score the best deals — up to 70% off the original price. However, if you wait too long, someone else may get the product(s) you want.
Nearly 1000 Clearance Items — Here are Examples:
Nearly 1000 items are on sale including tools, dies, reloading components, ammo, optics, holsters, gun books, and more. Above are just a few samples. You’ll find exceptional pricing on Norma brass and loaded ammo, Hornady loaded ammunition and reloading gear, Lapua Scenar bullets, and RCBS loading dies. Folks — you really should check out this Midsouth Sale. If you time it right you can get items at half-off or better. Here are just three of the Clearance Sale items … there are over 990 more at time of publication!
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Looking to acquire a handgun for personal protection of home and family? There are countless options on the market. Your buying decision may be simplified by seeing what other consumers have chosen, as revealed by nationwide sales trends. You can now check firearms sales figures using “Gun Genius”, a new data-crunching service of Gunbroker.com. On GunGenius.com you can select any type of firearm (handgun, rifle, shotgun)* and see the top sellers for that category.
Here are the five (5) top-selling NEW semi-auto pistols for November 2018:
And here are the five (5) top-selling NEW Revolvers for November 2018:
*Chose semi-auto pistols, revolvers, semi-auto rifles, bolt-action rifles, lever-action rifles, single-shot rifles, semi-auto shotguns, pump shotguns, and more. You can also filter for sales trends (upwards and downwards). Drill down to see detailed product specifications and current prices.
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The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) regulary publishes “how-to” articles on the USAMU Facebook page. One informative “Handloading Hump Day” article covers chronograph testing and statistical samples. We highly recommend you read this article, which offers some important tips that can benefit any hand-loader. Visit the USAMU Facebook page next Wednesday for the next installment.
Chronograph Testing — Set-Up, Sample Sizes, and Velocity Factors
Initial Chronograph Setup
A chronograph is an instrument designed to measure bullet velocity. Typically, the bullet casts a shadow as it passes over two electronic sensors placed a given distance apart. The first screen is the “start” screen, and it triggers an internal, high-speed counter. As the bullet passes the second, or “stop” screen, the counter is stopped. Then, appropriate math of time vs. distance traveled reveals the bullet’s velocity. Most home chronographs use either 2- or 4-foot spacing between sensors. Longer spacing can add some accuracy to the system, but with high-quality chronographs, 4-foot spacing is certainly adequate.
Laboratory chronographs usually have six feet or more between sensors. Depending upon the make and model of ones chronograph, it should come with instructions on how far the “start” screen should be placed from one’s muzzle. Other details include adequate light (indoors or outdoors), light diffusers over the sensors as needed, and protecting the start screen from blast and debris such as shotgun wads, etc. When assembling a sky-screen system, the spacing between sensors must be extremely accurate to allow correct velocity readings.
Statistics: Group Sizes, Distances and Sample Sizes
How many groups should we fire, and how many shots per group? These questions are matters of judgment, to a degree. First, to best assess how ones ammunition will perform in competition, it should be test-fired at the actual distance for which it will be used. [That means] 600-yard or 1000-yard ammo should be tested at 600 and 1000 yards, respectively, if possible. It is possible to work up very accurate ammunition at 100 or 200 yards that does not perform well as ranges increase. Sometimes, a change in powder type can correct this and produce a load that really shines at longer range.
The number of shots fired per group should be realistic for the course of fire. That is, if one will be firing 10-shot strings in competition then final accuracy testing, at least, should involve 10-shot strings. These will reflect the rifles’ true capability. Knowing this will help the shooter better decide in competition whether a shot requires a sight adjustment, or if it merely struck within the normal accuracy radius of his rifle.
How many groups are needed for a valid test? Here, much depends on the precision with which one can gather the accuracy data. If shooting from a machine rest in good weather conditions, two or three 10-shot groups at full distance may be very adequate. If it’s windy, the rifle or ammunition are marginal, or the shooter is not confident in his ability to consistently fire every shot accurately, then a few more groups may give a better picture of the rifle’s true average.
Here’s a great deal if you need a high-quality tactical, F-Class, benchrest, high power, silhouette, ELR, or hunting stock. Right now McMillan Fiberglass Stocks is discounting ALL its stocks 15% (fifteen percent). That’s right, EVERY McMillan rifle stock in inventory is on sale NOW for fifteen percent (15%) Off. But you must act quickly! This special 15% Off Sale concludes at 11:59 pm MST on December 29, 2018. So you have two more days to shop. Remember, this sale applies to ALL McMillan stocks, but the sale ends at 11:59 PM on 12/29/2018. Use Code STOCK2019 during check-out to save 15%.
Note — Along with the 15% Savings, Free Shipping applies to orders over $50, standard ground delivery in the Continental USA. Shipping charges on previous orders will not be reimbursed. This offer cannot be combined with other promotions or offers. Offer expires December 29th at 11:59 pm MST.
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Sierra Bullets asked a few hand-loaders to reveal their favorite reloading tool or accessory: “What is your favorite ‘don’t know how you ever lived without it’ piece of reloading equipment?” Some of the answers are listed below. We were interested to see some high-tech, micro-processor items mentioned, such as the AMP Annealer, and the AutoTrickler powder dispenser. Old standbys, such as the rugged RCBS Rockchucker and Dillon 650, also made the favorites list. You can nominate your own favorite reloading hardware in the comments section of the Sierra Bullets Blog.
Sierra Bullets Ballistic Technician Philip Mahin answered: “A comparator gauge to measure from the base of a case to the ogive of the bullet. This bypasses the tip of the bullet, so I can repeat the same seating depth the next time I visit a specific combination.”
Bill, Editor of Rifleshooter.com, answered: “I have so many favorite reloading tools, it’s hard to pick one. But if I had to, it would be my Forster Co-Ax press. I like the ease [with which] you can change dies and that it doesn’t require traditional shell holders. It’s a great tool to have!”
Sierra Bullets Ballistic Technician Duane Siercks answered: “I don’t know that you would actually call this equipment, but the item that comes to mind would be my reloading room/shoot house. I had always had to squeeze everything into a corner or even an unheated shed. After we bought our current house, I built a garage and placed it so that I had a window looking down a 250-yard range. I built a dedicated room with heat and A/C. It contains my reloading bench and a shooting bench. The shooting bench lets me slide open the window and shoot down the range. It is very handy to not have to load everything up to go to the range. It also makes load development a lot simpler and efficient. I don’t know how I ever got along without it.
I also wonder what I did before I acquired the Lyman 1200 DPS Powder Dispenser. This has made the process so much simpler and much easier. I also have a Lee Precison Universal Decapping Die that I would gladly spend the money on again. This may be a small thing, but it certainly is handy. The Lee would accommodate some very large cases that some of the others were too small for.”
Jon Addis answered: “Putting an A&D FX-120i scale with AutoTrickler and Auto-Throw on the bench has changed the way I reload. It’s kernel accurate in about 15 seconds. Saves time and reduces a variable. And of course, the system is made better by the Area 419 Billet Adjustable base for the trickler and Billet Powder Cup.”
This video shows the AutoTrickler V2 and Auto-Throw Combo:
Sierra Bullets Chief Ballistician Tommy Todd answered: “A brass annealing machine and a RCBS Chargemaster complimented with a Sartorious scale.”
Sierra Bullets Ballistician Gary Prisendorf answered: “RCBS Rock Chucker Press, it’s built like a tank, and it will last me a lifetime.”
Sierra Bullets Production Manager Chris Hatfield also answered: “RCBS Rock Chucker single-stage reloading press.”
Jeremy Kisner answered: “My Giraud trimmer has taken [three operations] and combined them into one easy task. I can now size my brass and then sit down and trim, chamfer, and debur to a 0.001″ tolerance in one motion.”
Dan Blake answered: “My Annealing Made Perfect (AMP) annealer. With consistent neck tension being one of the largest contributions to small Extreme Spread on muzzle velocities, I believe this induction annealer is truly the best on the market.”
This manufacturer-produced video shows how the AMP annealing machine operates:
Trevor Aldinger answered: “Area 419 Master Funnel Kit. In the past I’ve used plastic funnels and even other metal ones. This system fits case necks and flows much better than any others I’ve used, and there is no static since it’s metal. We spend a lot of time and money to get precise charges, I don’t want to lose or miss a kernel because of a cheap funnel.”
Tyler Riley answered: “My RCBS bench primer (priming tool). It has a lot more leverage than a hand primer and still has a good feel to how tight primer pockets are. Makes it much easier on my hands to prime large runs, especially new brass with tight pockets.”
Craig Arnzen answered: “My Annealeez [annealing machine] is one of the best tools in my reloading room. Neck tension is SO important, and annealing every firing really helps with that. This is an inexpensive tool that can anneal a lot of cases at once, and help me produce more consistent ammo.”
Josh Temmen answered: “Time is critical for me so my RCBS Chargemasters are indispensable (pun intended.) They cut down on time at my reloading bench while maintaining the weight tolerances required for long range shooting.”
Josh Bartlett answered: “I have my Dillon 650 set up with Whidden floating tool heads to do decapping and sizing on my match ammo. The case feeder and progressive function of the press save me a TON of time when doing lots of several hundred rounds.”
Ryan Brandt answered: “… A quality set of calipers. My reloading room is full of very nice equipment but little does more to satisfy my perfectionism than a good check with the calipers.”
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The NRA’s Women’s Wilderness Escape (WWE) program, in partnership with Leupold and Kristy Titus of Pursue the Wild, will offer a special ladies-only firearms training course next June in Central Oregon. This Leupold Academy Rifle & Pistol course will cover both rifles and pistols. The curriculum includes two days of scoped rifle instruction and one day of basic optical-sighted defensive pistol instruction. Leupold instructors will lead the course, teaching participants to master both firearm platforms. Kristy Titus, a skilled huntress and outdoor guide, will be in attendance to help mentor the participants.
This women’s-only event runs three days from June 3-7. It will be held outside Redmond in scenic Central Oregon. All women over 18 are welcome to attend. The $1,200 registration fee includes all firearms, ammunition, targets, classes, activities, ground transportation, lodging and most meals.
Along with this Leupold-directed event in Oregon, there will be three other WWE events in 2019.
NRA Women’s Wilderness Escape Program — All 2019 Offerings
The NRA Wilderness Escape program provides opportunities for women ages 18 and older of all different skills levels to explore and learn about shooting, hunting and the outdoors with skilled NRA-Certified Instructors and outdoor specialists.
For more information about NRA Women’s Wilderness Escape events or to register, visit WWE.NRA.org, call (800) 672-7435 option 5, or email wwe@nrahq.org.
Kristy Titus Offers Hunting Tips
As part of NRA Women TV, hunting guide Kristy Titus hosts a series of videos that explain important strategies and shooting skills for hunters. Titus is a certified instructor who has hunted around the globe. She grew up in the outdoors, running pack mules in Oregon with her father. In these videos, Kristy discusses demonstrates field positions that can be employed during a hunt. She also explains preparation for a hunt, including fitness training.
“When it comes to bolt-action rifle fit, there is no ‘one size fits all’,” says Titus. “When picking out your rifle [consider options] after the purchase to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.”
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You’ve probably heard of cut-rifling, but did you know this process was invented in Germany nearly 500 years ago? Read on to learn more about how a cut-rifled barrel is made…
The cut-rifling process, used by leading barrel-makers such as Bartlein, Border, Brux, Krieger, and Obermeyer, can yield a very high-quality barrel with a long useful life. Cut-rifled barrels have been at the top in short- and long-range benchrest competition in recent years, and cut-rifled barrels have long been popular with F-Class and High Power shooters.
You may be surprised to learn that cut-rifling is probably the oldest method of rifling a barrel. Invented in Nuremberg around 1520, the cut-rifling technique creates spiral grooves in the barrel by removing steel using some form of cutter. In its traditional form, cut rifling may be described as a single-point cutting system using a “hook” cutter. The cutter rests in the cutter box, a hardened steel cylinder made so it will just fit the reamed barrel blank and which also contains the cutter raising mechanism.
Above is a computer animation of an older style, sine-bar cut-rifling machine. Some machine features have been simplified for the purposes of illustration, but the basic operation is correctly shown. No, the cut-rifling machines at Krieger don’t use a hand-crank, but the mechanical process shown in this video is very similar to the way cut-rifling is done with more modern machines.
Read About Cut-Rifling Process at Border-Barrels.com
To learn more about the barrel-making process, and cut-rifling in particular, visit FirearmsID.com. There you’ll find a “must-read” article by Dr. Geoffrey Kolbe: The Making of a Rifled Barrel. This article describes in detail how barrels are crafted, using both cut-rifling and button-rifling methods. Kolbe (past owner of Border Barrels) covers all the important processes: steel selection, hole drilling, hole reaming, and rifling (by various means). You’ll find a very extensive discussion of how rifling machines work. Here’s a short sample:
“At the start of World War Two, Pratt & Whitney developed a new, ‘B’ series of hydraulically-powered rifling machines, which were in fact two machines on the same bed. They weighed in at three tons and required the concrete floors now generally seen in workshops by this time. About two thousand were built to satisfy the new demand for rifle barrels, but many were broken up after the war or sold to emerging third world countries building up their own arms industry.
Very few of these hydraulic machines subsequently became available on the surplus market and now it is these machines which are sought after and used by barrel makers like John Krieger and ‘Boots’ Obermeyer. In fact, there are probably less of the ‘B’ series hydraulic riflers around today than of the older ‘Sine Bar’ universal riflers.
The techniques of cut rifling have not stood still since the end of the war though. Largely due to the efforts of Boots Obermeyer the design, manufacture and maintenance of the hook cutter and the cutter box have been refined and developed so that barrels of superb accuracy have come from his shop. Cut rifled barrel makers like John Krieger (Krieger Barrels), Mark Chanlyn (Rocky Mountain Rifle Works) and Cliff Labounty (Labounty Precision Reboring)… learned much of their art from Boots Obermeyer, as did I.” — Geoffrey Kolbe
Video find by Boyd Allen. Archive photos from Border-Barrels.com. In June 2013, Birmingham Gunmakers Ltd. acquired Border Barrels. Dr. Geoffrey Kolbe has set up a new company called BBT Ltd. which produces chamber reamers and other gunsmithing tools and gauges. (Thanks to L. Holland for the Kolbe update).
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Is your well-built rifle of high-quality components plagued with vertical fliers across more than 1-3 handload combinations? Consider the bedding, crown and scope/sight mounts. Are they correct? If so, then you might check for ignition issues before boldly undertaking an extensive, expensive, and quite possibly fruitless quest for the “magic handload”.
Sierra Bullets Ballistician Gary Prisendorf answered: “
