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January 10th, 2021

How to Select Proper Twist Rate for Your Bullet Size

Glen Zediker Twist Rate .223 Rem Barrel Top Grade Ammo Midsouth
Here’s an extreme range of .224-Caliber bullets: 35gr varmint bullet and 90gr match bullet. Of course, along with bullet length/design, you need to consider MV when choosing twist rate.

Even with the same caliber (and same bullet weight), different bullet types may require different rates of spin to stabilize properly. The bullet’s initial spin rate (RPM) is a function of the bullet’s muzzle velocity and the spin imparted by the rifling in the barrel. You want to ensure your bullet is stable throughout flight. It is better to have too much spin than too little, according to many ballistics experts, including Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics. The late Glen Zediker provided some basic tips concerning barrel twist rates and bullet stability. These come from his popular book, Top Grade Ammo.

Choosing the Right Twist Rate
I’d always rather have a twist too fast than not fast enough. Generally… I recommend erring toward the faster side of a barrel twist decision. 1:8″ twist is becoming a “new standard” for .224 caliber, replacing 1:9″ in the process. The reason is that new bullets tend to be bigger rather than smaller. Don’t let a too-slow twist limit your capacity to [achieve] better long-range performance.

Base your next barrel twist rate decision on the longest, heaviest bullets you choose to use, and at the same time realize that the rate you choose will in turn limit your bullet choices. If the longest, heaviest bullet you’ll shoot (ever) is a 55-grain .224, then there’s honestly no reason not to use a 1:12″. Likewise true for .308-caliber: unless you’re going over 200-grain bullet weight, a 1:10″ will perform perfectly well.

Glen Zediker Twist Rate .223 Rem Barrel Top Grade Ammo Midsouth

Bullet Length is More Critical than Weight
Bullet length, not weight, [primarily] determines how much rotation is necessary for stability. Twist rate suggestions, though, are most usually given with respect to bullet weight, but that’s more of a generality for convenience’s sake, I think. The reason is that with the introduction of higher-ballistic-coefficient bullet designs, which are longer than conventional forms, it is easily possible to have two same-weight bullets that won’t both stabilize from the same twist rate.

Evidence of Instability
The tell-tale for an unstable (wobbling or tumbling) bullet is an oblong hole in the target paper, a “keyhole,” and that means the bullet contacted the target at some attitude other than nose-first.

Glen Zediker Twist Rate .223 Rem Barrel Top Grade Ammo MidsouthIncreasing Barrel Length Can Deliver More Velocity, But That May Still Not Provide Enough Stability if the Twist Rate Is Too Slow

Bullet speed AND barrel length have an influence on bullet stability, and a higher muzzle velocity through a longer tube will bring on more effect from the twist, but it’s a little too edgy if a particular bullet stabilizes only when running maximum velocity.

My failed 90-grain .224 experiment is a good example of that: I could get them asleep in a 1:7″ twist, 25-inch barrel, which was chambered in .22 PPC, but could not get them stabilized in a 20-inch 1:7″ .223 Rem. The answer always is to get a twist that’s correct.

These tips were adapted from Glen’s newest book, Top-Grade Ammo, available at Midsouth. To learn more about this book and other Zediker titles, and read a host of downloadable articles, visit ZedikerPublishing.com.

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January 10th, 2021

Ruger’s GP100 .22 LR Ten-Shot DA/SA Revolver

ruger gp100 rimfire .22 LR revolver review

We really like rimfire revolvers here at AccurateShooter.com. A good .22 LR wheelgun will be fun, accurate, reliable, and inexpensive to shoot. Rimfire revolvers also offer much less recoil and noise than a centerfire pistol. Your Editor has owned a Smith & Wesson Model 617 for over 15 years. That old S&W has probably fired more rounds than all the other handguns I own, combined — yet it still runs flawlessly and still delivers excellent accuracy.

Ruger offers a big stainless .22 LR wheelgun to compete with the S&W Model 617. This rimfire wheelgun is based on Ruger’s trusted GP100 platform. The Ruger GP100® chambered in .22 LR looks to be a good firearm — strong, versatile, and intelligently engineered. In the video above, the late Jeff Quinn of Gunblast.com tests the Ruger revolver and gives it high marks: “It’s a good hefty gun [42.6 oz.], but not overly large or heavy for a good trail gun. It’s just a really nice, well-made revolver from Sturm Ruger.” The gun Jeff tested had a 3.7-lb SA trigger pull and a 9.8-lb DA pull.

Ruger GP 100 .22 LR wheelgun revolver rimfire 10-shot

The .22 LR GP100 features a windage and elevation adjustable rear sight with a white outline, a light-gathering fiber optic front sight and the original full-size GP100 rubber grips with hardwood inserts. With all stainless-steel construction, the rimfire GP100 is easy to maintain. Just keep the cylinder chambers and barrel clean and this gun should run forever.

This Review of the .22 LR GP100 by Hickok45 has over 6.6 Million Views:

The 10-shot Ruger GP100 in .22 LR is a durable, well-engineered wheelgun. Ruger’s engineers optimized the GP100’s innards to deliver a smooth double-action pull: “The new GP100 has an improved fire-control system that uses a lighter mainspring than previous Ruger double-action .22 LR revolvers. A number of changes have been made to the GP100 to handle .22. One of which is we’ve done a lot of development on the firing pin location and geometries so that we’re able to put a lighter trigger pull in this gun than you would find in other .22 LR [handguns]. We’ve got a half-underlug barrel, and it’s a smaller diameter so the gun balances real well. We’ve added a narrow-spur hammer and a smooth trigger for comfortable shooting. This is a really comfortable gun to shoot”.

This video from Ruger explains the basic features of the .22 LR GP 100:

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January 9th, 2021

Gun Talk Radio Examines Gun Control Threat From Washington

Biden socialism second amendment Kamala Harris liar gun control

With anticipated single-party control of the White House, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives, there could be dark days ahead for the Second Amendment and the rights of firearms owners. Joe Biden has declared his desire to ban modern sporting rifles and Kamala Harris has supported the use of Executive Orders to carry out new gun bans and restrictions. This is worrisome to say the least.

The prospect of aggressive, partisan attacks on firearms rights has created concern among gun owners across the nation. We stand now, potentially, on the verge of the most extreme era of anti-gun law-making in this nation’s history. How will America cope with those challenges? That is the focus of Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Radio Show tomorrow, Sunday, January 10, 2021.

Joe Biden Beto O'Rourke gun control AR15 AR-15 second amendment

The 2020 Election cycle and the threat to gun rights from the Biden/Harris administration is the focus this week of Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk® Radio. This week, Tom talks with The Outdoor Wire Digital Network’s Jim Shepherd about the Georgia run-off election results, the storming of the Capitol, and gun control issues we may face in 2021. Also Dave Spaulding of Handgun Combatives talks about pistol and self-defense training. Tune in for all this Sunday, 1/10/21 on Gun Talk, the original nationally-syndicated radio talk show about guns and the shooting sports.

Joe Biden Beto O'Rourke gun control AR15 AR-15 second amendment Tom Gresham Gun Talk coronavirus

This broadcast airs Sunday, January 10, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Eastern time on radio stations nationwide. Past podcasts can be heard online via the GunTalk Podcast Center and Apple iTunes. The Gun Talk podcast archive has many great shows. Click the link below to hear a recent show (1/3/2021) about mainstream media and financial industry bias against firearms and shooting sports enterprises.

Media and Bank Bias against Guns Podcast from 1/3/2021:

Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Radio show airs live on Sundays from 2PM-5PM Eastern, and runs on more than 270 stations. Listen on a radio station near you or via LIVE Streaming. All Gun Talk shows can also be downloaded as podcasts through the GunTalk Podcast Center or Apple iTunes. Gun Talk is also available on YouTube and GunTalk.com.

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January 9th, 2021

Ammo Box Clip Trick — Hold Open Your Box Lids

Cartridge Box Lid Holder

Here’s a handy invention by Forum member RayJay from Georgia. It’s a simple wire clip that will hold the lid of your plastic ammo box fully open during use. RayJay explains: “Everybody probably uses the cheap plastic cartridge cases. The only problem I have with them is the lid is always in the way and sometimes when trying to open the lid farther the cartridge box tips and you can dump out the cases. I did some cogitating and came up with these .061″ music wire clips. They work great and the unexpected benefit is that the cases are more stable while sitting at the bench.”

RayJay adds: “The round wire is ideal because it still allows a cartridge to fit in the hole where the clip is placed. Now all I need to do is make another 15 or 20 so I can have one in every case I own.”

Another Answer — Buy Better Ammo Boxes with Mechanical Hinges
Many common types of ammo boxes do have this annoying issue of the lids resisting opening and not staying fully open. However, some of the better boxes from Plano and MTM now have a proper hinge, so that the lid lies flat. Even the basic MTM P50 boxes now have a Mechanical Hinge so the lid opens all the way and lies flat when open (see video at 00:48):

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January 8th, 2021

New-for-2021 Products from Vortex — Binocs, Bipods, Red Dots

Vortex 2021 tripods products new Fury HD 5000 AB

Vortex just released its new products for 2021. The stand-outs include new Rangefinding Binoculars with Applied Ballistics software, and four new tripods that should please hunters and tactical shooters. This 2021 lineup also includes two new prism scopes for the Spitfire line, and a solar-operated SPARC red dot sight. All of these new Vortex optics and tripods are available for pre-order now at EuroOptic.com.

Fury 5000 HD RangeFinder Binoculars with In-Display Ballistics

Vortex 2021 Fury HD 5000 AB

Vortex 2021 Fury HD 5000 ABVortex Fury HD 5000 AB Laser Rangefinding Binoculars
We’re excited to see Vortex’s new Bluetooth-compatible Fury HD 5000 AB rangefinding binoculars. The new 10x42mm Fury HD 5000 AB employs Applied Ballistics software to provide Ballistics solutions visible in the Binoculars. That’s an impressive feature. Vortex brags that the new Fury 5000 HD AB can “solve long-distance shooting with the push of a button”. These binoculars feature in-display wind/drop ballistics solutions, wind bearing (angle) capture mode, plus built-in environmental sensors.

In-display wind/drop solutions via integrated Applied Ballistics® Elite Solver
Pairs with Kestrel® wind meters and Applied Ballistics® Garmin® devices
Customize ballistic profiles via the Fury HD App
Fury HD 5000 AB, $1,999.99 MSRP ($1499.99 at EuroOptic)

New Vortex Tripods — Three Carbon Options

Vortex 2021 carbon tripods EuroOptic

For 2021, Vortex offers four new tripods, three with low-mass, carbon-fiber legs. Prices start at $299.99 MSRP for the compact High Country II. The tall Ridgeview tripod ($649.99 MSRP) goes to full standing height. The top-of-the-line Radian Tripods are great for competition, providing a strong base for heavy PRS rigs. In addition there are a variety of tripod heads and accessories for these tripods.

Radian Carbon Tripod (Premium strength with versatile Ball or Leveling Head)
— Radian Carbon with Ball Head Tripod Kit — $1,199.99 MSRP ($899.99 at EuroOptic)
— Radian Carbon with Leveling Head Tripod Kit– $1,099.99 MSRP ($799.99 at EuroOptic”)

Ridgeview Carbon Tripod (extended height for standing) — $649.99 MSRP ($499.99 at EuroOptic)

Summit Carbon II Tripod (very compact, lightweight) — $549.99 MSRP ($399.99 at EuroOptic)

High Country II (metal legs, packable) — $299.99 MSRP ($199.99 at EuroOptic)

CLICK HERE too see Vortex tripod accessories including Pro Binocular Adapter and Tripod heads.

Vortex 2021 spitfire

SPARC® SOLAR 2 MOA Red Dot.

The SPARC SOLAR harnesses the sun for up to 150,000 hours of battery life, powering a reliable tactical machine that’s always ready.

Auto D-TEC Technology automatically switches from solar to battery power
Motion activation capable
Daylight bright 2 MOA red dot
$399.99 MSRP – SPARC SOLAR Red Dot

Vortex 2021 spitfire

Spitfire™ HD Gen II 3x and 5x Prism Scopes.

Redesigned HD optical system cuts inches and ounces off the system.

HD Optical system
Ultra-compact and lightweight design
Purpose built AR-BDC4 reticle for 5.56 cartridges
$549.99 MSRP – Spitfire HD Gen II 3x Prism Scope
$649.99 MSRP – Spitfire HD Gen II 5x Prism Scope

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January 8th, 2021

Legislation (H.R. 95) Would Make It Easier to Buy Suppressors

Hearing Protection Act suppressor silencer thunderbeast
Thunder Beast Arms suppressors from the SilencerShop.

A bill has been introduced in the U.S. Congress to make it much easier to buy a suppressor (aka silencer). Well it’s about time! While other countries permit (and even encourage) suppressor use with minimal regulation, the USA still requires local police involvement, lengthy waits, onerous background checks, fingerprints, and a $200 tax stamp just to own a metal cannister that reduces the noise of a firearm. That doesn’t make sense. At last some politicians are working to change those restrictions.

The Hearing Protection Act (H.R. 95)

U.S. Congressman Jeff Duncan of South Carolina has introduced H.R. 95, The Hearing Protection Act. This bill would remove firearm suppressors from the 1934 National Firearms Act (NFA), eliminating onerous and duplicitous background checks. Instead, suppressors would be regulated under the 1968 Gun Control Act (GCA) with the same background check that is required for a retail firearm purchase.

Hearing Protection Act H.R. 95 Jeff Duncan NFA GCA

It makes sense to change the law. Currently it is a major, costly burden to obtain a suppressor even though firearm suppressors are legal to own and possess in 42 states. Some countries actually REQUIRE the use of a suppressor when hunting or recreationally shooting. In Europe, suppressors are widely available and can often be purchased in a hardware store without a background check. So why is America so different? Because we have stupid, antiquated laws that do not recognize the many benefits of suppressors.

H.R. 95 Hearing protection act suppressor silencer law tax stamp Class III

How to Obtain a Suppressor Currently — Too Many Hurdles and “Red Tape”
Under current law, an individual purchasing a suppressor must locate a retailer that is regulated as a NFA Class III dealer, complete a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Form 4 with the model and serial number of the suppressor, and obtain two passport photos and fingerprint cards from a local police department. The local chief law enforcement official must receive a completed copy of the application. Then the form, photographs and fingerprints must be sent to ATF along with a check to pay the $200 tax. Currently, it takes ATF about nine months to process the paperwork. Then, the customer can obtain the suppressor from the NFA Class III dealer upon an additional background check through FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

Congressman Duncan’s legislation would eliminate those requirements and make suppressors available with the same paperwork, record-keeping, and background check procedure that is currently required for purchasing a firearm. So if you can buy a rifle, shotgun or pistol now, you could also buy a suppressor, with no extra fees, licenses, tax stamps, fingerprinting, or police approvals.

H.R. 95 Hearing protection act suppressor silencer law tax stamp Class III

“This legislation removes barriers to owning an accessory that makes recreational shooting and hunting safer, more accurate and allows shooting ranges to be better neighbors”, said Lawrence Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “Firearm suppressors are a safety device designed to make recreational shooting safer. They were originally listed under the NFA over concerns of poaching during the Great Depression, but that never bore out. Even today, suppressors are exceedingly rarely used in crime.”

H.R. 95 Hearing protection act suppressor silencer law tax stamp Class III

Firearm suppressors reduce the report of a firearm from a level typically about 165 decibels — roughly equal to that of a jet taking off. Sound levels that high can cause instant and permanent hearing loss. A quality suppressor can reduce the sound by 30 to 35 decibels. That suppressed noise level is still loud, but will not permanently damage hearing. Suppressors work similarly to a car’s muffler, redirecting exhaust gases. The suppressor/silencer was first patented more than 100 years ago by Hiram Maxim.

H.R. 95 Hearing protection act suppressor silencer law tax stamp Class III

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January 8th, 2021

Eight Great Books for Handgun Owners

Pistol Marksmanship training book
Jessie Harrison — one of the greatest female pistol shooters on the planet. In the video below, Jessie offers good tips on safe handgun mag changes.

In this Pro Tip Video, Jessie Harrison talks about Dry-Fire Pistol Training:

One of our Forum members asked: “Are there any good books on pistol marksmanship? I’m looking for a book that covers techniques and concepts….” Here are eight recommended titles that can make you a better pistol shooter. These books run the gamut from basic handgun training to CCW to Olympic-level bullseye shooting.

Pistol Marksmanship training book 1911 race gunGood Guidebooks for Pistol Shooters
There are actually many good books which can help both novice and experienced pistol shooters improve their skills and accuracy. For new pistol shooters, we recommend the NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting. This full-color publication is the designated student “textbook” for the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.

If you’re interested in bullseye shooting, you should get the USAMU’s The Advanced Pistol Marksmanship Manual. This USAMU pistol marksmanship guide has been a trusted resource since the 1960s. Action Shooters should read Practical Shooting: Beyond Fundamentals by Brian Enos, and Practical Pistol by Ben Stoeger. Brian Enos is a well-known pistol competitor with many titles. Ben Stoeger is a two-time U.S. Practical Pistol shooting champion. Julie Golob’s popular SHOOT book covers pistol marksmanship, along with 3-Gun competition. Julie holds multiple national pistol shooting titles.

concealed carry ccw pistol book

For CCW holders carrying defensive pistols we recommend two good guidebooks. Concealed Carry Class: The ABCs of Self-Defense Tools and Tactics is like a complete CCW class, covering both gun handling and legal issues. To understand when, and how, you have a right to defensive firearms use, read Massad Ayoob’s Deadly Force: Understanding Your Right to Self Defense.

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January 7th, 2021

New-for-2021 Products Featured in Shooting Industry Magazine

Shooting Industry Magazine January 2021 new products

There will be no SHOT Show this year. So, to learn about new gun industry products, we must rely on the print media, internet, and a few gun-centric cable TV shows. Thankfully, Shooting Industry (SI) magazine remains alive and well. And SI just released its second of three new-for-2021 product features. Part Two of the 2021 New Product Showcase is found in Shooting Industry’s just-released January 2021 issue. This features new-for-2021 products from nearly 60 companies. CLICK HERE to see all new featured products (best for mobile) or CLICK HERE for magazine-style layout.

You can also see dozen of other new products showcased in Shooting Industry’s December Issue. Part One of the three-part 2021 New Product Showcase is found in Shooting Industry’s December issue.

Here are six standouts from the 2021 New Product Showcase:

1. McMillan Fiberglass Stocks — Z-10 Bag Rider Stock

Mcmillan fiberglass stock A-10 Z-10 bag rider bench stock

The Z-10 Bag Rider from McMillan is based on the company’s A-10 tactical stock, and replaces the A-10’s butt hook with a swept butt profile to more easily accommodate rear bags for bench or prone shooting. The Z-10 Bag Rider features a universal inlet design to fit most Remington and Remington-clone barreled actions. The universal inletting makes the Z-10 Bag Rider drop-in-ready direct from the factory. The stock also accepts a wide range of barrel contours. Key features include an adjustable cheek riser height, adjustable length-of-pull, forward-positioned vertical grip, integrated left- and right-hand thumb shelves and multiple color and finish options.

2. SIG Sauer Image-Stabilized ZULU6 Binoculars

new 2021 products Sig Sauer Zulu6 zulu image-stabilized binoculars

For 2021 SIG Sauer Electro-Optics introduces two impressive ZULU6 image-stabilized binoculars, in 10x30mm and 16x42mm (shown above). The ZULU6 binoculars feature Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) using an electronically stabilized 2-axis gimbal system. This can cancel out vibration caused by buffeting wind, water motion, heartbeat, heavy breathing, and shaking. ZULU6 binoculars feature multiple protective lens coatings plus an IPX4 waterproof rating for use in wet weather environments. The ZULU6 series also boasts MOTAC (motion activated illumination). CLICK HERE for product specifications.

3. Korth .357 Mag Revolver from Nighthawk Customs

nighthawk custom korth blued revolver .357 Magnum

Korth revolvers are produced in Germany and distributed in the USA through Nighthawk Custom. For 2021 Nighthawk is offering the spectacular Korth Heritage Edition in .357 Magnum. This six-shot double-action wheelgun features an heirloom-quality color case-hardened and charcoal-blued finish by Turnbull. The 5.25″ precision cold-forged barrel is chambered in Korth’s traditional .357 Magnum. The trigger has been highly polished with a roller trigger system for single- and double-action shooting. A fully adjustable rear sight pairs with an 18k gold bead front sight. The grips have been carved from figured Turkish walnut.

4. New Berger .223 Rem Ammo with Lapua Brass, Berger Bullets

Shooting Industry Magazine January 2021 new products Berger Lapua ammo ammunition .223 Rem Remington

New for 2021, Berger’s .223 Remington ammunition has all-premium components: Lapua cartridge brass, clean-burning propellants, and Berger’s match-grade projectiles. Berger also now offers loaded ammo options for competition and hunting. Along with .223 Rem, Berger loaded ammunition options include: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Rem, .300 Win Magnum, .300 Norma Magnum, and .338 Lapua Magnum.

5. Rock River Arms 6-Position AR Marksman Stock Kit

Shooting Industry Magazine January 2021 new products Rock River Arms AR stock

Here’s a new option for AR shooters looking for rear stock that works well with a rear sandbag and has a movable cheek riser. This would be a good option for a varmint rifle shoot from a portable bench. Rock River’s new Marksman 6-Position Stock Kit features a Mil-Spec receiver extension, adjustable cheek piece, and adjustable buttpad/plate. There are handy rotary adjusters for cheekpiece height and moving the butt plate fore/aft to adjust LOP. Choose either black (AR0250K) or tan (AR0250KT).

6. Bushnell Tactical LMSS2 8-40x60mm Spotting Scope

Brownells NOT-Show 2021 new products

Bushnell’s new 8-40x60mm Elite Tactical LMSS2 spotting scope combines elite HD glass with a riflescope-type reticle for ranging and wind calls. This sturdy Lightweight Modular Spotting Scope (LMSS) features upgraded exterior lens coatings, updated reticle options, and a power-change throw lever. Choose either Horus H322 or the TREMOR4 reticle. Key scope features are: detachable Picatinny rail, twist-up eyecup, fast-focus diopter, integral 1/4-20 tripod connection, and bottom accessory rail. The 8-40x60mm LMSS2 Elite Tactical measures 12.7” and weighs 37 ounces (without rail). MSRP is $1749.99, for either Flat Dark Earth or Black models.

See More New Products — Brownells NOT-SHOW eVENT

Brownells NOT-Show 2021 new products

The 2021 SHOT Show in Las Vegas has been cancelled. However Brownells will host a 5-day virtual event called the “NOT-SHOW”. Slated for January 18-22, 2021, the NOT-SHOW will feature new product introductions and special discounts on a wide variety of merchandise (not just the new releases). In addition the upcoming Brownells NOT-SHOW will have Daily Product Giveaways from January 18-22, 2021.

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January 7th, 2021

Videos Show How to Maintain and Optimize M1A Rifles

M14 rifle Springfield M1A camp perry Shooting Sports USA

Do you own an M1A rifle? If so, you’ll want to view a new video from Springfield Armory (SA). As part of SA’s new Workbench Video Series, this 9-minute video is a detailed guide to the M1A rifle. The video can benefit any M1A owner or shooter: “These in-depth videos were developed to help new gun owners safely care for and maintain their firearms, as well as provide a useful resource for seasoned gun owners”, notes Steve Kramer of Springfield Armory. In the video, firearms expert Steve Horsman provides a step-by-step guide for the popular M1A semi-auto rifle.

Springfield Armory M1A Workbench Video:

“Descended from the M1 Garand, the M14 utilized multiple improvements that made it a far superior firearm for combat and a much better rifle for competition.” — Dick Jones, Shooting Sports USA.

Ray Gross M1A service rifle

An evolution of the M1 Garand, the M14 was designed to shoot the 7.62×51 (.308 Win) round instead of the larger .30-06 Springfield cartridge used in WWI, WWII and Korea. While the vast majority of today’s M1As are chambered for .308 Win/7.62×51, Springfield Armory also produces a 6.5 Creedmoor version

M14 rifle Springfield M1A camp perry Shooting Sports USA

For many years, the semi-auto version of the M14 was “top dog” in iron sights Service Rifle competition. Now that discipline is dominated by .223 Rem (5.56×45) AR-type rifles, but the bigger .308-caliber rifle, now sold as the M1A, remains popular. Each summer, the CMP hosts a major M1A Match at Camp Perry, sponsored by Springfield Armory. This is a popular event with 100+ competitors and significant cash prizes.

See how the modern M1A is built in this Springfield Armory Video:

As racing improves automobiles, competition improves firearms, and the current crop of Springfield M1As, from the Basic to the top-of-the-line Super Match and Loaded models, reflects the years of development. The M14 and its variants are … still considered by many to be the best battle rifle in the history of the U.S. Military. — Dick Jones, Shooting Sports USA

Military Version Operation Revealed — M14 Training Film

The original military version of the M1A was the select-fire M14. The 27-minute official U.S. Army video below demonstrates the operation of the M14. Field-stripping is shown from the 5:13 time-mark through 8:30. Cut-away drawings show the M14’s gas operation at 8:40.

Watch M14 Functioning Cycle Starting at 9:25 Mark:

The M14’s complete 8-step functioning cycle is demonstrated from the 9:25 time-mark through 22:41. These eight operations are: 1) Feeding; 2) Chambering; 3) Locking; 4) Firing; 5) Unlocking; 6) Extracting; 7) Ejecting; and 8) Cocking. This movie is fairly long, but every M1A owner should definitely watch this video start to finish.

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January 6th, 2021

Reloading Manuals — Top Choices for a Handloader’s Library

reloading hand-loading reload data manual sierra berger hornady lyman

It’s great to be able to access online load data for your cartridges. You can quickly get load data for a particular powder and bullet weight. However, there are times when we prefer to consult old-fashioned printed/bound load manuals. The primary reason is that manuals produced by bullet- and tool-makers will, for a particular cartridge, include data for powders from multiple manufacturers. Having a single source can save you time and trouble. For example, if you want to find 6.5 Creedmoor loads using H4350 (Hodgdon), Reloder 16 (Alliant), and N150 (Vihtavuori) you would have to visit three different powder-maker websites, one after another. OR you can pick up a modern load manual and find everything in one place.

There are many excellent printed load manuals on the market. We have used the Berger Manual, Sierra Manual, Speer Manual, Lyman Manual, and Hornady Manual. We like the Berger and Sierra manuals for match rifle cartridges, and the Lyman and Hornady manuals for hunting loads and pistol cartridges. Unfortunately, the popular binder-format Sierra Manual is currently back-ordered. Get one if you can.

The Lyman Reloading Manuals have earn praise over the years:
“Every other reloading book I’ve used favors their own bullets over every other manufacturers. With Lyman you get an honest representation of a wide variety of different… manufacturers. [Lyman has] a ton of reloading data on just about any bullet style you can imagine. I’ve tried a wide range of their recipes and everyone I’ve tried has been spot on. The overall breadth of information this book covers is impressive.” Review by RangetoReal.com.

reloading hand-loading reload data manual Nosler 9 guide sierra berger hornady lymanNosler #9 Manual Features New Cartridges
If you are looking for the latest cartridge/bullet/powder updates, just last month (December 2020) Nosler released the new Nosler Reloading Guide #9, the latest in a respected series of hardback Nosler load manuals.

This 800-page guide covers 101 cartridge types. New in this edition you’ll find the popular 6mm Creedmoor, 6mm XC, 6.5 PRC, and 7.62×39, along with 20 Nosler, 22 Nosler, 24 Nosler, 27 Nosler and 33 Nosler. This manual is a good resource for PRS shooters and hunters. The Nosler #9 book draws from thousands of hours in the Nosler Ballistic Lab, along with the experience of many respected experts.

The book is available for $24.99 at Midsouth or $24.95 on Amazon. Keep in mind that much of the book’s latest load data is available for free on the Nosler.com online LOAD DATA Center. But to get ALL the data, PLUS all the technical articles, you’ll need to buy the book.

Along with the new Nosler #9 Manual, here are four other recommended Reloading Manuals:

Here Are Four General Instructional Books That Cover Reloading Procedures:

POWDER BURN RATE TABLE

Here is the most recent powder burn rate chart from Hodgdon/IMR that we could find. Click links below to access printable PDF. Note, some readers have suggested a couple powder ranking issues in the table. However, this is the latest official version from the IMR website, released in November 2019.


POWDER BURN RATE TABLE from HODGDON.COM

Hodgdon IMR Winchester Burn Rate Powder speed table relative table chart

CLICK HERE to Download Chart as PDF File »

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