Here’s great news for rifle and pistol competitors — the National Matches will return to Camp Perry, Ohio in 2021. The National Rifle and Pistol Matches have been part of Camp Perry tradition since 1907. After being cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Matches will be held again, but with some important changes:
— No First Shot Ceremony
— Squadding Reduced to Half Maximum Capacity
— Limiting Firing Points
— Social Distancing and Mask Wearing
— No Public Awards Ceremonies
REGISTER for National Matches Starting April 1, 2021
Registration for the 2021 National Matches opens April 1, 2021. Learn more about the event and get updates on the CMP.org Website.
Housing and Lodging — In the summer of 2021, Camp Perry on-base housing and RV spaces WILL be available. Visit the Camp Perry Lodging Conference Center website for more details and reservation links. This offers very affordable lodging and/or camping options. A barracks bed starts at $16.10/night. Reserve a 4-person hut for $58.65 per night.
Small Arms Firing Schools — We’re informed that the Small Arms Firing Schools (SAFS) are still on the schedule for 2021, with a reduced number of spots available. The CMP suggests you sign up early if you wish to participate.
Key Changes to Camp Perry National Matches for 2021
First Shot Ceremony: Due to the complexity of dealing with COVID concerns, the First Shot Ceremony, which typically serves as the formal opening event of the National Matches, will NOT be held this year.
Squadding: Squadding/participation for all events will be restricted to half maximum capacity. Competitors will be placed at every other firing point for distancing purposes. For those events squadded on the line, social distancing and masks will be required while squadding is taking place.
Awards Ceremonies: In order to prevent crowds, the traditional awards ceremonies will NOT be held in 2021. That also applies to competitor receptions held prior to the awards.
NM Welcome Center (In-Processing): Several check-in desks, appropriately spaced, will be available for arriving guests. A limited number of individuals will be permitted into the building at a time and will be required to be seated in chairs, six-feet apart.
Running the National Matches with Safe Protocols
The CMP is partnering with the Ohio National Guard to remain up-to-date on CDC guidelines, to provide an environment that is as safe as possible for guests of Camp Perry, while also staying true to the events and customs that have made the National Matches a celebrated destination for marksmanship enthusiasts for over a century. With the evolving regulations of COVID-19, CMP staff members are hard at work updating the National Matches to fit the modern era. Procedures for the 2021 National Matches include revisions to safety regulations (such as social distancing and mask wearing), limiting firing points, squadding protocols, in-processing, awards and other details.
The CMP would like to thank all individuals for their cooperation as we navigate the most efficient ways of hosting our events and ensuring the safety of our staff and supporters. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone back on the shores of Lake Erie for more marksmanship memories and fun in 2021!
The Caveat — Cancellations Might Occur if Health Guidelines Change
The CMP has posted: “Although it is CMP’s hope to hold our upcoming events, please keep in mind that we may have to cancel due to COVID-19 issues. For those events that we do conduct, we will follow the appropriate state’s guidelines and recommendations. We continue to monitor the venue states’ guidelines and adjust our procedures based on those guidelines and common sense.
While a number of major rebates and promotions ended last month, we found other great rebate offers that are good this month, and in some cases well into the summer months. If you are looking for a new hunting rifle or hunting ammunition, these promotions offer significant savings.
1. Savage Arms — PREY FOR THE PREDATORS Promotion
SAVAGE REBATE good through MARCH 15, 2021
DEADLINE for mail-in or online submission: 4/15/2021 CLICK HERE for REBATE Form
Purchase any Savage 110 Predator, 110 Tactical, 110 Tactical Desert, 110 Apex Predator, Model 12, or Model 25 rifle models and receive a $75 Rebate from Savage. This rebate applies to purchases from any authorized Savage dealer.
1. Winchester Super X Pump Shotgun Rebate
WINCHESTER REBATE good through APRIL 30, 2021
DEADLINE for mail-in or online submission: 5/15/2021 CLICK HERE for REBATE Form
Buy any new Super X Pump shotgun and get $25 Back from Winchester. Purchases must be made at retail between March 1, 2021 and April 30, 2021. Offer available in the U.S. and Canada only. Submit Proof of Purchase to Rebates.winchesterguns.com.
3. Browning ProSteel Gunsafe Rebate
BROWNING REBATE good through APRIL 15, 2021
DEADLINE for mail-in or online submission: 5/1/2021 CLICK HERE for REBATE Form
Now through April 15, 20201 you can save up to $100 when you purchase a Browning ProSteel Pro Series Safe. Purchase a Pro Series Safe at retail between March 1 and April 15, 2021 and save up to $100. You get $100 off a $2500+ safe, $75 off a $1500+ safe, or $50 off a $799+ safe. Submit proof of purchase via the Browning Website on or before May 1, 2021
4. Steiner Optics 10% Off Purchases through March 31, 2021
STEINER DISCOUNT good through MARCH 31, 2021
No forms to be submitted — discount from dealer on purchase
We own two pairs of Steiner binoculars. These offer excellent performance for the price and have proved very durable. Steiner scopes are also a good choice for a backcountry hunter. Right now Steiner offers a 10% Discount provided by dealers through an Instant Rebate or Gift Card. This 10% Discount program applies to purchases made between 2/1/2021 and 3/31/2021. If you purchase an eligible Steiner Optic before the end of March, be sure to request your 10% Rebate.
Ever shot a straight-pull (aka toggle-link) action rifle? We like these action types, which were developed for Biathlon competitors who needed to shoot fast, but were not allowed to use semi-auto actions. The biathlon-style toggle action features a lever on the side of the action. Pull the lever back with your index figure to open the bolt, then push forward with your finger to close the bolt*. It’s fast and efficient. With some practice, you can cycle the action in a couple of seconds — nearly as fast as a semi-auto.
The Volquartsen Summit .22 LR rifle is based on a concept originally developed by Primary Weapons Systems. Designed for both competition shooting as well as small game hunting, this unique rifle features a straight-pull, toggle-style action with a Ruger 10/22 profile. That means you can run 10/22 magazines, swap into stocks inletted for the 10/22, and even use after-market 10/22 barrels. The CNC-machined receiver features an integral 20 MOA Picatinny Rail. The Magpul stock adjusts for length of pull. Weight is 5.8 pounds, so this is easy to carry in the field.
The Summit features a lightweight carbon fiber-wrapped barrel, threaded 1/2×28 at the muzzle to be suppressor-ready. One of our favorite features on this little rifle is the trigger — which has a light, crisp 1.75-lb pull weight. Watch the video above to see the Summit .22 LR in action. The tester, 22 Plinkster, was impressed with the rifle’s ease of use and accuracy. The Summit delivered a 0.277″ group at 50 yards, shot from the bench.
Good Field Test of Summit Straight-Pull Rifle by Dustin Ellermann
Past Top Shot Champion Dustin Ellerman demonstrates the Summit’s impressive accuracy by hitting small candies at 50 yards (06:13 start/06:55 impact). In rapid-fire drills, Dustin also shows the ease and speed with which the Summit action can be cycled.
* Biathlon shooters cycle their Fortner toggle actions even faster, using their THUMB to close the bolt. This allows them to get the index finger on to the trigger blade faster. The whole process takes maybe a second — as fast as you can say “snick-snick”. To use the thumb effectively, you need a stock with a more vertical pistol grip. The Magpul stock on the Summit moves your thumb a bit too far back to use comfortably to close the lever without shifting the hand.
When your cases become hard to extract, or you feel a stiff bolt lift when removing a cartridge, it’s probably time to full-length size your cases, and “bump” the shoulder back. Short-range benchrest shooters, running high pressures, typically full-length size every load cycle, bumping the shoulder .001-.002″. The vast majority of mid-range and long-range F-Class shooters also full-length size every time. High Power shooters with gas guns should definitely full-length size every time, and may need to bump the shoulders .003″ or more to ensure reliable feeding and extraction.
Use Shims for Precise Control of Shoulder Bump
Some shooters like to set the “default” position for their full-length die to have an “ample” .003″ or .004″ shoulder bump. When they need less bump, a simple way to reduce the amount of shoulder movement is to use precision shims in .001″ (one-thousandth) increments. Brownells offers a set of seven (7) shims for your standard 7/8-14 FL sizing dies for $14.99. These Sinclair Int’l shims are Brownells Item 749-001-325WB. They may be out of stock, but they can be back-ordered.
Sinclair explains: “Each shim is notched for easy size identification. Just set your die using one of the middle thickness shims. Adjustments can be made easily by changing shims to increase or decrease die depth without changing the stem setting. This is a great upgrade for non-micrometer adjustable dies.”
Here are reports from Forum members who use the shims:
“Great product. I have my die lock ring(s) adjusted for the shortest headspace length on my multiple 6BRs and 6PPCs. When needing a longer headspace, I just refer to my notes and add the appropriate shim under the lock ring. Keep it simple.” — F.D. Shuster
Mats Johansson writes: “I’ve been using [shims] since Skip Otto (of BR fame) came out with them. I set up my dies with the .006″ shim, giving me the option of bumping the shoulder a bit more when the brass gets old and hardens while still having room to adjust up for zero headspace, should I have missed the original setup by a thou or two. Hunting rounds can easily be bumped an extra .002-.003″ for positive, no-crush feeding. Being a safety-oriented cheapskate, I couldn’t live without them — they let me reload my cases a gazillion times without dangerous web-stretching. Shims are a must-have, as simple as that.” — Mats Johansson
Brownells offers the seven-piece set of Sizing Die Shims that let you adjust the height of your die (and thereby the amount of bump and sizing) in precise .001″ increments. Sinclair explains: “Some handloaders will set their die up to achieve maximum sizing and then progressively use Sinclair Die Shims between the lock ring and the press head to move the die away from the shellholder. Doing this allows you to leave the lock ring in the same position. These shims are usually available in increments of .001″ and work very well.”
Seven Shims from .003″ to .010″
For use with 7/8-14 threaded dies, Sinclair’s $14.99 Die Shim Kit (Sinclair item 22400 or Brownells Code 749-001-325WB) includes seven shims in thicknesses of .003, .004, .005, .006, .007, .008, and .010. For ease of use, shim thickness is indicated by the number of notches cut in the outer edge of each shim. Even without looking you can “count” the notches by feel.
NOTE: These shim sets can also be use to adjust bullet seating depth for seating dies that lack micrometer adjustment. Use the same 7/8-14 shims with your non-micrometer seating dies.
Are you feeling lucky? We’ll here is a big Giveaway Contest with over $7000.00 in guns and gear to be awarded. From now through March 31, 2021 Guns & Gadgets Daily is offering a $7K dream prize package. CLICK HERE to ENTER.
At the center of the Self-Defense Spring $7K Guns & Gear Giveaway are two popular defensive firearms: the Daniel Defense DDM PDW chambered in .300 Blackout, and the Magnum Research Baby Eagle III. The prize package also includes 1,000 rounds of GunPrime PMC 124 gr FMJ 9mm Luger Ammo. Other prizes include the the Viridian HS1 Hand Stop laser, WeKnife Minax folding knife, AR 500 body armor, AXIL hearing protection, and Action Target spinning steel targets. There is also $500 Gift Card for CrossBreed leather holsters, plus a $250 gift card from XDMAN. Finally the contest winner gets a Gold membership to the Personal Defense Network.
1. Daniel Defense DDM4® PDW (300 Blackout) valued at $1940.00:
2. Magnum Research Baby Eagle III, Semi-Compact Size Carbon Steel valued at $691.00
3. GunPrime PMC 124 gr FMJ 9mm Luger Ammo 1,000 rds valued at $1145.00
4. Viridian Weapon Technologies HS1 Laser Hand Stop valued at $179.00
5. WeKnife 2007C-Minax Folding Knife valued at $309.95
6. Axil GS Digital 2 earbuds valued at $799.00
7. Action Target PT Dueling Tree (Heavy Duty) valued at $519.00
8. AR500 Armor AR Invictus™ Bundle valued at $487.00
9. PDN Personal Defense 9-DVD Set + Concealed Carry Box Set Valued at $129.99
10. CrossBreed® Holsters Gift Card valued at $500.00
11. XDMAN.com Gift Card (Valid only at XDMAN.com) valued at $250.00
12. Personal Defense Network (PDN) Gold Membership valued at $124.00
NOTE: If you enter the contest, the contest sponsors will capture your contact information. Remember that the actual chances to win are very small. But if you want to take the chance, that’s up to you.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or 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. Midsouth — RCBS Explorer Reloading Kit, $399.99
⏺ RCBS Kit includes all vital tools — good for new hand-loaders
In recent months, there has been very high demand for reloading tools. Many popular presses and combo kits have been sold out. Here’s good news — Midsouth has received Press Kits from RCBS. Great for folks getting started in reloading, this kit includes the single-stage press, powder measure, priming tool, trickler, digital scale, load manual, and various accessories. Get the RCBS Explorer Kit 2 for $399.99. But don’t delay. Midsouth also had a Hornady L-N-L Classic Kit for $373.91 but that sold out in 3 days.
2. Grafs.com — BOG Deathgrip Camo Tripod, $179.95
⏺ Versatile tripod mounts quickly, securely — use for PRS/NRL or hunting
If you are a long-range hunter, or shoot PRS/NRL matches, this is a great tripod. The Clamp-type head quickly secures to your rifle’s forearm for a secure shooting solution. Hunters will favor the BOG Deathgrip Tripod with New-for-2021 RealTree Excape Camo offered by Grafs.com for $179.95. If you are happy with a basic black aluminum version, MidwayUSA has the older black BOG Deathgrip Tripod for $129.99 on sale (ADD to cart to see this price).
3. Palmetto SA — Typhoon AR-style 12 GA Shotgun, $599.99
⏺ Formidable 12ga power with familiar AR15 ergonomics
This mag-fed, semi-automatic X12 shotgun offers familiar AR-15 ergonomics and controls. This Typhoon Defense 12ga scattergun features a 7075 T6 aluminum upper receiver constructed and a lightweight polymer lower receiver. The X12 ships with three (3) 5-round magazines and multiple chokes. Recent purchaser was pleased: “Once [broken in] cycles through weak and hot ammo easily.” The mags, which require some effort to load, hold both 2 3/4″ and 3″ 12ga shells.
⏺ Smart new Die System simplifies loading multiple cartridge types
Are you tired of buying another expensive seating die every time you try a new cartridge type? With the unique Frankford Arsenal Universal Bullet Seating Die you can have one die that loads multiple cartridge type. This cleaver bullet seating system includes 3 different stems and 9 sleeves allowing you to seat .224 to .338-caliber bullets with this one die system. Forum members using this system have praised it. NOTE: the universal seating die comes with the .308-caliber sleeve pre-installed. The other 8 sleeves are provided in the box.
5. Bushnell — 20% OFF Hunting Scopes ($150.00 Max Rebate)
⏺ Great Rebate program for Bushnell scopes purchased this month
Need a hunting scope? Then check out this 20% OFF Bushnell Rebate. Get 20% Back on any BUSHNELL hunting riflescope priced OVER $179.99. Product must be purchased in the month of March between 3/1/2021 through 3/31/2021. Maximum rebate value is $150 per person or household. NOTE: This Rebate excludes Bushnell tactical riflescopes. DEADLINE for mail in or online submission 4/30/2021. CLICK HERE for REBATE FORM.
6. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Lite Tumbler, $79.99
⏺ Great price — save 44% on Wet Tumbler for brass
Wet tumbling works very effectively to get your brass “squeaky clean” inside and out. And right now you can get a good mid-sized tumbling system at huge savings. The Frankford Arsenal Lite Tumbler is just $79.99 at Amazon, a 44% savings off the regular price. This direct-drive unit with 3.3L capacity can hold up to 300 pieces of .223 Rem brass. We recommend adding Frankford’s Rotary Tumbler Straining Cap, sold separately.
Putting together a varmint rifle for the spring. Here’s a killer deal on a 5-20x44mm Bushnell Nitro. This is a second focal plane scope with a nice, MOA-based reticle. With this deal you can save 54% off the regular $499.99 price. If you are looking for a lower-magnification scope, consider the 2.5-10x44mm Nitro for just $169.49 a $180 savings.
⏺ Sweet deal on Ear and Eye Protection — good spare set for friends
Every shooter needs good eye and ear protection. Get BOTH the E-Max Muffs and Shooting glasses for just $28.69 on Amazon with free shipping. This combo can be an affordable spare set for yourself or to have on hand for your guests. The E-Max earmuffs offer a 23 dB Noise Reduction Rating while allowing you to hear range commands.
⏺ Great deals for AR500 steel targets — watch video above right
On sale now at Midsouth Caldwell’s new bright, easy-to-see targets come in all shapes and sizes for competition, training, and recreational use. Made of AR500 hardened steel, these targets can withstand thousands of rounds. Rated up to a 3000 fps impact velocity and a 3500 ft-lb impact energy, these targets come in seven various sizes with three hanging solutions. These bright yellow AR500 targets are On Sale now at Midsouth, starting at just $14.79 for 5″ Gong Target.
10. Amazon — Motion-Sensor LED Interior Light, $13.99
⏺ Activates when door opens, Rechargeable, 3 LED Light Levels
Here’s a great accessory for your Gun Safe or closet. This rechargeable LED Lamp turns itself on when you open the door, and off when you close the door. Select three brightness levels: 10LED, 20LED, 30LED. With the supplied 3M adhesive magnetic strip you can easily attach the light to the inner walls of your gun safe. And then quickly remove the unit for charging with a standard USB cord (no batteries to replace!). It works, it’s handy, and it’s inexpensive — just $13.99 on Amazon. These motion-sensor LED lamps can also be used in garages or stairwells. NOTE: this is Amazon’s choice for rechargeable LED Motion-Sensor lights.
With 7 million new gun owners, and ammo hard to find at reasonable cost, hundreds of thousands of Americans are looking to get started with handloading. While we always recommend new reloaders have a living, breathing human teacher/mentor. It is possible to learn important skills through instructional videos. Here’s a good 4-part series that can help reloading novices AND serve as a refresher course for those who need to brush up their skill set).
This 4-part video series first guides the new hand-loader through the gear/hardware selection process. Then the videos cover, step-by-step, all the key processes of reloading from start to finish. If you are new to hand-loading, or just want a reloading refresher course, we recommend you watch this 4-part series from Tactical Life, part of the Athlon Outdoors Network.
WARNING!! We have embedded the Videos below. You can watch ALL four videos, but each will play back at the TOP. NOTE: They are all the same for the first 30 seconds, so you may want to skip forward. These videos may play back better if you go to the Tactical Life Website. Access: CLICK HERE.
Learn More in Tactical Life’s The Complete Book of Reloading (2020 Edition)
This publication includes over 2000 handgun and rifle loads. In addition, The Complete Book of Reloading (2020) reviews 8 modern Progressive Presses. Take note — there is a special report on the LabRadar Chronograph. Long-range Hunters will enjoy a feature article on the new 6.5 PRC Cartridge. In the “Handloaders’ Stockpile” a variety of new products to make your hours at the bench more productive are reviewed. The issue also has feature stories on Wildcat Cartridges, Subsonic loads, and .44 Magnum loads for both rifle and pistol. There is a Bonus 33-Page Hodgdon and Alliant Load Data Guide.
Here are the main tools you’ll need to assemble an AR-platform rifle
With the anti-gun agenda pushed by radical Democrats in Washington, many Americans are anxious to buy an AR-15, or put together an AR-platform rifle while it is still legal to do so. In Canada, the government ordered confiscation of AR-type modern sporting rifles, and both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris applauded that Executive Order. And Joe Biden recently called for a complete ban on semi-auto ARs and full-capacity magazines. With the prospect of radical gun control, we understand why many Americans are looking to buy, and/or build an AR-15. This article explains how.
If you ARE planning to put together an AR-platform rifle or want to upgrade your AR with a new barrel or trigger group, then you should check out the AR-15 Rifle Build DVD from our friends at UltimateReloader.com. This DVD covers all the details of a custom build, using high-resolution video sequences, and helpful supporting graphics.
In this DVD, Gavin Gear guides you through the entire process including selecting components, acquiring and using the necessary tools, assembly steps and details for each component, and even mounting a scope. Building an AR-15 can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance and help it’s not difficult and can be very rewarding. With this DVD you’ll be able to build your AR-15 with confidence.
Upper: Barrel / Gas Block / Gas Tube
Upper: Handguard Installation
UltimateReloader.com’s AR-15 Build DVD is available just $9.90 (plus $3.80 shipping/handling). This DVD can pay for itself many times over by showing you how to do your own gunsmithing (and get quality AR components at attractive prices).
Spring varmint season is just around the corner. So here’s a very accurate Half-Mile ‘Hog rifle, that can drill a groundhog at long range. While just about any cartridge from a 22 magnum on up will do the job on a groundhog at close range, when you want to “reach out and touch” your prey at very long distance, it takes a case capable of tossing a heavier, wind-bucking projectile at ultra-high speeds. This week we feature a 6mm Remington Ackley Improved (6mm AI) belonging to our friend John Seibel, who ran the Varmints for Forum website for many years. John’s handsome BAT-actioned rifle sends the 87gr V-Max at a blistering 3675 fps. With its 1/4-MOA accuracy and flat-shooting ballistics, this gun is a varmint’s worst nightmare, a rig that regularly nails groundhogs at a half-mile (880 yards) and beyond.
Quarter-MOA Accuracy For Long-Distance Varminting
GunDay Report by John Seibel
John reports: “So far this gun has been an awesome long-distance varmint rig, with enough velocity to smack those critters hard at 800 yards and beyond. I have some more testing to do, but it seems that the 87gr V-Max (molyed) pushed by 52 grains of N160 or 51.5 grains of RL-19 shoots very well indeed. Velocity runs around 3675 fps. I shot consistent 1″ groups at 500 yards with both of these loads. Warning: These are max loads that work in my rifle, so start at least 10% lower and work up.
My fire-forming procedure is just jam and shoot. I start with a powder (such as H414) that works for the parent case, fire a few cases as I work up the load to where I get a well-formed case, then shoot them at varmints. Then I work my load up with the newly-formed cases over a chrono. If a load looks good at 100 yards, I will go straight for 200 yards. I’ve seen that some loads which grouped well at 100 won’t shoot well at 200. If it is consistent at 200, then I’ll shoot it a steel plate at 500 yards. Then the truth will be told.
Man I love that BAT action! I have tried some Berger 88gr Lo-Drag bullets as well. They have the same BC as the V-Maxs but offer excellent accuracy. The action is BAT’s Model B round action configured Right Bolt, Left Port, with a fluted .308-faced bolt. The port is 3.0 inches wide — perfect for the 6mm Rem Improved cartridge’s OAL. I use a NightForce 8-32x56mm NXS scope mounted to BAT’s 20-MOA aluminum Weaver-style base. I use Burris Signature Zee rings because they are self-aligning and easy on scope tubes, plus you have the option of adding more MOA if needed.
Krieger with Harrell Brake
The barrel is a stainless Krieger 1:12″ twist Heavy Varmint contour, finished at 26″. I installed a Harrell’s muzzle brake because I hate recoil and I like to be able to spot my hits when target shooting and hunting–especially hunting.
When hunting I am usually by myself so when I eyeball a varmint I want to see my shot flatten him … and I hardly ever miss (heh-heh). Make sure you have your earplugs in though — that muzzle brake is loud!
Easy-Steering Thumbhole Varminter
The stock is Richard’s Custom Rifles Model 005 Thumbhole Varminter. This is a big stock that rides the sand bags very well. Took me a while to get used to this stock as I had never shot a thumbhole before. It is very comfortable and easy to control when you are shooting a moving target. In fact, my first kill with this rifle was a coyote at a little over 200 yards, she was moving along at a slow clip and I had to give her the ole’ Texas heart shot before she disappeared over a hill! (It’s pretty rare for me to shoot moving varmints though — at long-range, I want my cross-hairs steady on the target.)
Regarding the stock selection, I like Richard Franklin’s stocks because they are well-suited to my kind of shooting. I prefer a stock that is flat most of the way back towards the action because when I’m shooting out of my truck window it has to balance around mid-point. Also his stocks seem to track very well on the bench. I guess the stocks I like the most are his Model 001 and Model 008 F-Class. [Editor’s note: John often shoots from the driver’s seat of his truck because he is partially paralyzed. He also has a hoist in his truck bed for his wheelchair. Even with his mobility challenges, John tags more varmints in a season than most of us ever will.]
Choice of Caliber — A 6mm with More Punch for Long Distance
I picked the 6mm Rem Improved mainly because it has that long neck for holding long bullets and it doesn’t burn the throats out as fast as a .243 AI would. I don’t use Remington brass; it splits when fire-forming and seems to work-harden fast. Another reason I picked the 6mm Improved was what I saw in the field–it seemed to be a perfect long-range groundhog getter. I saw my stocker, Richard Franklin, flat smack groundhogs out to 900+ yards with regularity. The OAL of a 6mm Improved does make it hard to remove a loaded round from a standard Remington 700 action. That’s why I went with the BAT Model B, with its longer 3.0″ port. For a standard action, a .243 AI might function better.
As for the 6 Dasher, from what I have read, I think it is a fine round. I’m a hunter though and a lot of case-forming isn’t worth it to me. Forming the Ackleyized cases is bad enough. The 6-250 is a real screamer and very accurate but it doesn’t have the capacity to drive the heavier bullets as well as the 6mm Improved. I have tried a .243 WSSM, also with a Richard’s stock (#008) and a BAT action. It may not shoot as well as the 6mm Rem Improved, but I like those short fat cases.
John’s Views on the Great Moly Debate
Editor: John started with moly-coated bullets for this 6mm Rem AI rifle, but he has moved away from that. He does have considerable experience with coated bullets, and now, at least with custom, hand-lapped barrels, he normally uses uncoated bullets. He now favors coated bullets only for the small .17 caliber.
Moly or no moly… hmm? I have used moly and Danzac for several years, mainly Danzac. In my experience, both moly and Danzac can work well for somebody who shoots a lot of rounds before cleaning. A barrel has to be broken-in correctly whether you use moly or not. I have done break-in with naked bullets, using the conventional method of shooting and cleaning till the copper stops sticking. I have also gone through the break-in process using molyed bullets from the start. It seems to me the barrels broke-in more readily with moly bullets than with naked bullets. I think if there are any rough or sharp places in the barrel the slick molyed bullet doesn’t grab it as badly and the moly will “iron” the flaw out without leaving copper behind.
The main mistake I think most people make with moly is improper cleaning. By that I mean they don’t get the bore clean from the beginning. Some people will scoff at me for this but I use JB bore paste for most all my cleaning, hardly ever use a brush. Just JB and Montana Extreme or Butch’s Bore Shine. It works for me! Now shooting molyed bullets works fine to say 500 yards, but any further and you really need a lot of tension on the bullet. If not you will get bad flyers.
Personally, I use coated bullets only with .17 cal rounds now. I did use them initially in my 6mm Rem AI but I am starting to move away from that. With proper break-in, the fine custom barrels we have now will not copper if you clean correctly and don’t push those bullets too fast! And remember that powder-fouling build-up is an accuracy-killer too. That is another reason I use a lot of JB paste.
John lives and works on a farm in Virginia. Getting rid of intrusive varmints is part of the job of running the farm. Here is one of John’s bolt-action pistols, which is very handy when shooting from a vehicle.
The Guru of Varmints For Fun
For many years John Seibel ran the popular Varmints For Fun website (now offline). This site offered excellent advice for hunters and reloaders. John covered a wide variety of varmint chamberings, from big 6mm wildcats, to the popular 6BR, 22BR and .22-250 caliber varmint rounds, and even the micro-caliber wildcats such as the 20 Vartarg and 20 PPC. Shown below is one of his favorite rifles, a 20 PPC with a special short version of Richard Franklin’s Model 008 stock.
John tells us: “I guess one reason I started my web site is that I was getting a lot of inquiries about hunting groundhogs, custom rifles and reloading. Plus I thought it was a fine way to get young people interested in the shooting sports. Lord knows hunting and firearms aren’t taught any more. I get a lot of young hunters and shooters asking what’s the best caliber for hunting varmints, and they’ll ask for reloading help too. It’s a shame, but many of them have no one to teach them. I do my best to help.
Showing others that a person can still shoot, even with a disability, is another reason I started my web site. I am a C 6-7 Quadraplegic, which means I have no grip in my hands. Imagine shooting those 1.5 oz Jewels that way! I had a therapist tell me I wouldn’t be able to shoot or reload once I got out of the hospital…shows you how much he knows! First time I got home from the hospital it was deer season and I had Pops park me at the edge of some woods. Well I had a 7-point buck on the ground in thirty minutes! Being raised on a farm didn’t hurt none either–it helped me figger ways to jury-rig stuff. Of course I couldn’t have done much if it wasn’t for my family and my lovely wife Cathy[.]”
John’s Favorite 20 PPC Varmint Rifle
Cartridge History Lesson — the Original .244 Remington
Here’s bit of cartridge history. The 6mm Remington, parent of John’s 6mm AI, actually started its life with a different name, the “.244 Remington”. What we now know as the “6mm Remington” was originally called the .244 Remington. The cartridge was renamed because it was not a commercial success initially, being eclipsed by the .243 Winchester. The .244 Remington and the 6mm Remington are identical — only the name was changed.
Many thousands of hand-loaders, including this Editor, acquired the original RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 powder scale/dispenser. Mine has worked well for many years. Yes I do have to watch for scale drift, and I use a high-end Force-Restoration scale when loading for major matches, but the original ChargeMaster has served me well, throwing thousands of charges over the years.
RCBS ChargeMaster Lite Reviews
A few years ago, RCBS introduced a new version of the ChargeMaster, the RCBS Chargemaster Lite. This newer unit has some features we really like. The new touch screen is easy to use and the powder tray cover slips off easily — no more hinges to fight. Most importantly the CM Lite has a redesigned, fluted dispensing tube which delivers powder kernels in a smooth flow with no clumps. The RCBS Rep told us “No more McDonald’s straw required”. We tested the unit and it does seem like the newly-designed dispensing tube is better. In fact, this new design will be adapted to the next generation of larger ChargeMasters. The ChargeMaster Lite ships complete with calibration check weights and cleaning brush. MSRP is $299.95 with “street price” around $239.99 at Amazon.
If you’re interested in the RCBS ChargeMaster Lite, here are three recent video product reviews. By watching these videos you can see all the features of the ChargeMaster Lite demonstrated. In the third video, the host also “compares and contrasts” the ChargeMaster Lite with the original ChargeMaster 1500, explaining the differences between the two units. Have at it:
Panhandle Precision ChargeMaster Lite Bench Test and Demo (Good Detailed Review):
Here is the RCBS Press Release: “The new RCBS ChargeMaster Lite packs unparalleled powder-measuring accuracy in a compact package. The one-piece unit features an LCD touchscreen display that ensures accurate data input. The hopper holds nearly a pound of smokeless powder, and can dispense anywhere between 2 to 300 grains with a +/-0.1-grain accuracy.”
UltimateReloader ChargeMaster Lite Unboxing:
Original ChargeMaster 1500 vs. ChargeMaster Lite:
Worth Considering Also — the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Intellidropper
Frankford Arsenal also offers an electronic powder scale/dispenser, the Intellidropper. This unit dispenses quickly, loads can be controlled with a Mobile App. Two years ago we did an in-depth Intellidropper Review. If you are in the market for a powder scale/dispenser, you should definitely consider the Intellidropper as well as the RCBS Chargemaster Lite. Watch this video to see how it works:
The Intellidropper is the most high-tech powder scale/dispenser to hit the market. This machine offers a unique powder calibration mode and the first-ever, mobile APP-controlled powder dispensing system. With a retail price under $200, the new Intellidropper is $70 less than the ChargeMaster Lite.
Housing and Lodging — In the summer of 2021, Camp Perry on-base housing and RV spaces WILL be available. Visit the Camp Perry Lodging Conference Center website for more details and reservation links. This offers very affordable lodging and/or camping options. A barracks bed starts at $16.10/night. Reserve a 4-person hut for $58.65 per night.
Learn More in Tactical Life’s The Complete Book of Reloading (2020 Edition)
My fire-forming procedure is just jam and shoot. I start with a powder (such as H414) that works for the parent case, fire a few cases as I work up the load to where I get a well-formed case, then shoot them at varmints. Then I work my load up with the newly-formed cases over a chrono. If a load looks good at 100 yards, I will go straight for 200 yards. I’ve seen that some loads which grouped well at 100 won’t shoot well at 200. If it is consistent at 200, then I’ll shoot it a steel plate at 500 yards. Then the truth will be told.
Choice of Caliber — A 6mm with More Punch for Long Distance
The Guru of Varmints For Fun
