Here is the digital version of the SHOT Daily print magazine provided on site at SHOT Show by the NSSF. You can navigate page by page with the left/right white arrows in the gray box below. To quickly scan through the entire 64-page digital magazine, use the slide bar. When you find content you want to read, use the zoom control or click the FULL SCREEN brackets icon at lower right.
NOTE: We will provide additional SHOT Daily journals as they become available. You can find these posted here on the AccurateShooter Daily Bulletin. Or you can visit Shotshow.org/shot-daily.
SHOT Daily Day 1 — 1/18/2022
Here is the feature article found on pages 36-49 of SHOT Daily Day One. This covers a variety of new rifles, pistols, and shotguns making their debut at SHOT Show 2022. To read, click the full screen (brackets) icon in the box above and then zoom to page 36.
This was the first Industry Day at the Range in two years, after the event was cancelled in 2021 due to COVID. Media members were pleased to see the latest guns and optics after a two-year wait. GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce and his colleagues were on hand at the Boulder City, Nevada gun range to test a variety of new firearms first-hand. There were many notable new products, with new rifles, pistols, and optics on display.
Savage Impulse Elite Precision Rifle
There was much interest surrounding Savage’s new straight-pull tactical rifle, the Impulse Elite Precision which will be available in the “spring of 2022″. We recently reported on this new rifle in the Daily Bulletin. True Pearce got his hands on the new rifle at the Savage range booth, and he said the straight-pull action can, with a little practice, definitely increase rifle cycling speed: “It’s much faster to chamber follow-up shots, and stay on target. Even novice shooters can chamber a second shot much faster than with a standard rotating bolt.” Here is his video report:
Watch video starting at 3:00 time-mark to see bolt cycling.
GunsAmerica Digest writer Levi Sims explained the advantages of the Savage’s straight-pull operation: “Normal bolt action guns require you to lift the bolt handle, pull it back, and then push it back forward, and then pull it back down to lock it in place. With modern optics often using larger ocular bells, manufacturers have made an effort to reduce the classic 90° throw to just 60° to allow room for the bolt to move past the bell. The straight-pull action reduces all that movement to simply pulling forward and backward on the bolt handle. The handle swings a few degrees forward and back to lock/unlock, but it has no vertical movement at all. It will likely fit well with all scope designs and mounts.” Retail price for the Savage Impulse Elite Precision is $2619.00. Currently that would not be eligible for Production Class under PRS 2021 Rules.
Savage currently offers the Impulse Elite Precision with seven chamberings: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, .300 PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .338 Lapua Magnum. The four smaller chamberings have 26″ barrels while the .300 PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .338 LM have 30″ barrels.
New Tisa PX-9 Gen III Pistol
GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce tested a number of handguns on Monday. One of his favorites, based on “bang for the buck”, was the new Tisa PX-9 Gen III 9mm pistol.
GunsAmerica Digest staffer Jordan Michaels reported that the PX-9 performed well: “Most importantly, the gun shoots. GunsAmerica editor True Pearce was impressed with the gun’s ergonomics and the quality trigger. It’s a real pleasure to shoot, and it reminded us of the H&K VP9 and the SIG P320.”
This modern pistol is made in Turkey. There are many options: “The PX9 Gen III comes in three different configurations: the Duty, the Duty Threaded, and the Tactical Threaded. The MSRP varies by configuration ($500-$600), but all three are chambered in 9mm and come with a slide cut for RMR-footprint optics. All three ship with 18 and 20-round magazines[.] The PX-9 comes with a removable flared mag well, and interchangeable side and back grip panels. With three options for each panel, the PX-9 offers 27 different grip combinations to fit any size hands.”
The NSSF, sponsor of SHOT Show, had its own hosts Angela Blair and David Lombardo at the Industry Day at the Range 2022. This initial report is pretty superficial, but you can see some of the new guns in the first 5 minutes of this 23 minute video. After that the video includes some interviews as well as pre-recorded product features.
Stub Gauge — Useful Device
Forum member Rich DeSimone uses a handy “Stub Gauge” for setting shoulder “bump” and seating depth. The gauge is made from a section of barrel lopped off when the muzzle is crowned. The chambering reamer is run in about 1/4 of the way, enough to capture the neck and shoulder area of the case. Rich then uses his full-length die to “bump” a master case with the ideal amount of headspace for easy feeding and extraction. He takes that case and sets it in this Stub Gauge, and measures from the front of the gauge to the rim. He can then quickly compare any fired case to a his “master” case with optimal headspace. Since the gauge measures off the shoulder datum, this tells him how much to bump his fired brass.
In addition, the Stub Gauge can be used to set bullet seating-depth. Rich has a channel cut transversely on one side of the gauge, exposing the throat area. Since the interior of the gauge is identical to the chamber in his gun, this lets him see where a seated bullet engages the rifling. He can tinker with bullet seating length until he gets just the right amount of land contact on the bullet, confirmed visually. Then he measures the case OAL and sets his seating dies accordingly. This is much handier than using a Hornady Tool to measure distance to the lands.
But what happens when the throat wears and moves out on your live barrel — making the actual length to lands different (slightly longer) than before. Well, the stub gauge is still valuable as a known starting point. As your barrel’s throat wears, you may seat your bullets out further to “chase the lands”, but the gauge provides a constant land engagement point, in the barrel’s “as new” condition. By measuring the difference between the land contact point on the gauge and the actual contact point on your barrel, you can determine throat “migration”.
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. Graf’s — Peterson Brass and Loaded Ammo
⏺ New loaded ammo offering and excellent cartridge brass
Accurate loads start with high-quality brass. American-made Peterson Brass is VERY high-quality. It’s extremely uniform and long-lasting. Right now you can get a large selection of Peterson cartridge brass at Grafs.com. Peterson offers both popular as well as hard-to-find brass types. Along with the match-grade brass, Peterson now offers excellent loaded ammo for many cartridge types, including 6×47 Lapua, 6.5-284 Norma, and .308 Win.
2. Amazon — Frankford Universal Case Trimmer, $79.99
⏺ Smart system fits drills and trims nearly all popular rifle case types
Here is a good option for trimming cases, if you shoot many different cartridge types. Frankford Arsenal Universal Precision Case Trimmer handled most popular cartridges from .17 Rem all the way up to .460 Weatherby. Just choose the right collet then attached the unit to the end of your power drill for fast, easy trimming. The built-in depth micrometer allows for fast trim-length adjustments, and the brass-shaving ejection port ensures a clean trim. The universal collet system indexes on case shoulders for precise and consistent trimming. This trimming system works with just about any 1/2″ power drill.
3. Sportsman’s WHSE — Sig Sauer P365XL Package, $549.99
⏺ Most popular new SIG pistol with holster and 3 mags
SIG Sauer P365 pistols are a fine choice for a carry gun — they are slim, well-made, and accurate. And right now Sportsman’s Warehouse has a great SIG Sauer P365XL package on sale. The P365 series now ranks second among Gunbroker’s top-selling handguns of 2021. Given the proven reliability, small form factor, and class-leading accuracy, the SIG P365XL is very popular. With an attractive price, PLUS 3 magazines and a molded belt holster, this is a good pistol package deal.
4. Bullet Central — Micron Dies In Stock
⏺ Superb quality dies can produce match-grade ammo
If you’re in the market for a new sizing die and want a premium die with superb tolerances and excellent internal finish, consider Micron Precision Series Sizer Dies. These are some of the straightest, best-crafted dies you can find. Each die blank is caliber-specific in length. JGS resize reamers are used to chamber the dies which are hand-polished and inspected before surface treatment. These Micron Sizers boast sub-0.0002″ runout from OD to bushing pocket and die chamber. All dies come with a bushing retainer cap for full neck sizing.
5. Precision Reloading — Hornady Auto Charge Pro, $299.99
⏺ Save over $70 on advanced powder scale/dispenser
A good electronic scale/dispenser is a vital tool for precision handloading. Right now you can get the high-tech Hornady Auto Charge Pro at significant savings. The Auto Charge Pro is precise to within +/- 0.1 grain, and offers customizable trickle speeds and custom time settings. This machine has its display screen on top so the unit takes up less space on your loading bench. This is an excellent deal — the Auto Charge Pro sells for up to $380 elsewhere (e.g. $373.99 at MidwayUSA).
6. Natchez — Frankford Quick-N-Easy Case Tumbler Kit, $79.99
⏺ We’ve used this Combo Kit for many seasons — very good value right now
Keeping your brass clean is important (and essential if you anneal). If you’re looking for a new, affordable setup to clean cartridge brass, consider the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler Master Kit. You get everything needed to dry-tumble your brass and remove the media. This is all available now for a very low $79.99. You could pay that much for a good vibratory tumbler alone, yet this combo kit includes tumbler, media separator, bucket, brass polish, and media.
7. Amazon — Real Avid Torque Wrench, $70.79
⏺ Essential tool for mounting scope rings, rails, and accessories
Every serious gun owner should have a good tool to properly set torque values for scope mounts and other accessories. Here’s a good product at an attractive price. The Real Avid torque wrench kit includes a torque wrench, 12 common bits/drivers, a force lever, and a hard case. The adjustable torque wrench adjusts from 10-70 inch-pounds with precise one-lb increments. The special “force assist driver” increases torque power when needed to tighten screws and fasteners.
8. Amazon — Tipton Action Cleaning Kit, $11.99
⏺ Get inside of actions clean with inexpensive kit
Everyone knows to clean your barrel but do you know that cleaning your action and lug recesses is equally important? Pick up the Tipton Action Cleaning Kit and you’ll be able to get into every nook and cranny of your gun. With a rod that accepts standard 8/32 brushes and tips as well as a specially-designed lug recess tool that uses cotton rolls to get the gunk out of there you’ll be clean in no time.
9. Amazon — Caldwell Pivot Bipod, $38.39
⏺ Good basic bipod with legs that can swivel around center axis
For both prone shooting and bench work, a good bipod is a vital accessory. The Caldwell Pivot Bipod provides a stable shooting support that conveniently attaches via a sling swivel stud. The legs can spring out to the shooting position with the touch of a button, and height is easily adjusted via leg notches. The bipod is able to cant 18 degrees left or right around the center axis (essentially rotating left or right). This allows your firearm to be quickly leveled on uneven ground.
⏺ Quality name-brand shooting eyewear — buy multiples at this price
Every shooter needs eye protection EVERY TIME you go to the shooting range. Right now Midsouth has the good Radians clear lens Outback Shooting Glasses for just $5.88. These ANSI Z87.1 Radians Shooting Glasses provide 99.9% UVA/UVB protection with the coated lenses. These offer excellent wrap-around protection and are fairly light and comfortable. A handy neck cord is included. With this low $5.88 price, you can buy 3 or 4 sets and keep spares in your vehicles, so you always have protective eyewear for yourself and your friends.
This is big news for the PRS/NRL and tactical game. Savage Arms has adapted its Impulse straight pull action for the tactical market. Savage’s new Impulse Elite Precision combines the award-winning Savage Impulse straight-pull action with a precision MDT aluminum alloy chassis. The ability to shoot faster, with less rifle movement, is potentially a game-changer for the tactical/precision rifle competitions where stages run “on the clock” and fast follow-up shots are very important. And with a $2499.00 MSRP (for 6mm Creedmoor and .308 Win), and $2719.00 for 6.5 Creedmoor, the Impulse Elite Precision qualifies for the PRS Production Division, which is now capped at $3000 for rifle and $2500 for optic under 2023 PRS Rules (2.3.1). The Production rifle max price was $2500.00 in 2022.
The new Impulse Elite Precision features a straight-pull action fitted in a ACC (adjustable core competition) chassis from Modular Driven Technologies™ (MDT). With a full-length ARCA rail, the Impulse Elite Precision can be easily customized for individual balance preferences. You can add weight and accessories on the fore-arm easily through the ARCA mounts. And the rear section offers adjustable length of pull and cheekpiece height. The ambidextrous bolt can be fitted on either right or left sides.
This Impulse straight-pull action is bedded in an Adjustable Core Competition chassis from Modular Driven Technologies (MDT). From its full-length ARCA rail to its nitride coatings, the Impulse Elite Precision is optimized for the PRS/NRL game.
“The Elite Precision has changed the way Savage shooters think about long-range capability,” said Jessica Treglia, Senior Brand Manager for Savage Arms. “The addition of the Impulse straight-pull action is going to add a new element of speed to an already efficient rifle. When split times are an important aspect of the competition, Impulse Elite Precision will be a game-changer.”
The new Impulse Elite Precision will initially be offered in seven chamberings: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, .300 PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .338 Lapua Magnum. MSRP for the rifle in the four smaller chamberings (all with 26″ barrels) is $2619.00 while the .300 PRC and magnums will cost $2839.00. The .300 PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .338 LM have 30″ barrels.
Hunting Version of Impulse Named 2021 Rifle of the Year
The Savage Impulse straight-pull hunting rifle recently won the coveted NRA American Hunter 2022 Golden Bullseye Award as Rifle of the Year. Previously, Guns & Ammo magazine editors also named Savage’s Impulse the 2021 Rifle of the Year.
Savage Impulse Straight-Pull Action — Overview
Savage’s Impulse series of straight-pull bolt rifles is the first American-designed and crafted straight-pull centerfire rifle. The new Impulse features an innovative Hexlock bolt-locking mechanism with six spherical bearings that move radially outward into a ring in the barrel extension, thereby locking the bolt in place. That barrel extension is held in the receiver assembly by four cross-bolts on the lower front section. Ahead of the barrel extension is a conventional recoil lug and a familiar Savage barrel nut.
Innovative Hexlock Bolt System in New Savage Impulse
When the bolt is closed, the Hexlock system holds it in place instead of conventional lugs. With the Hexlock, six (6) hardened steel bearings lock the bolt in place inside the receiver’s barrel extension. Savage says “As pressure increases, Hexlock’s hold tightens, ensuring that there can be no rearward movement of the bolt. Once the round has left the barrel, the pressure subsides, and the action can safely open again with the straight pull of the bolt handle.”
Savage Impulse — Hexlock System (Bolt Locks in Barrel Extension)
Sometimes smaller is better — at least when a more compact cartridge than the 9mm Luger (9x19mm) still packs the punch of the larger round.
Brand New Pistol Cartridge for Carry Guns
Federal has just released an all-new pistol cartridge, the 30 Super Carry. Designed expressly for CCW and personal defense applications, this new 30 Super Carry cartridge packs the punch of a 9mm Luger round (9x19mm), with a smaller casing, so you can fit more rounds in a magazine. A pistol that holds 10 rounds of 9mm Luger ammo can hold at least 12 rounds of 9mm Super Carry ammo. That’s a 20% increase in capacity.
In a defensive situation, that extra two rounds could make a difference. But importantly, the 30 Super Carry is not a weak round. You don’t give up stopping power or penetration when compared to the classic 9mm Luger cartridge. In Federal’s tests, penetration through heavy clothing was actually BETTER with the 30 Super Carry than the 9mm Luger (15.5″ vs. 14.5″). NOTE: The actual 30 Super Carry bullet diameter is 0.312″, slightly fatter than a “30 caliber” rifle bullet (0.308″).
Worthy Replacement to 9mm Luger?
Is this a useful alternative to the 9mm Luger? It depends. The new 30 Super Carry is definitely more effective than the .380 ACP so it beats that alternative. And velocity is actually higher than the 9mm Luger mainly because the 30 Super Carry shoots a lighter bullet — 100 grains vs. the typical 115-125 grain 9mm bullet. For many the key appeal of the new cartridge is the ability to carry more rounds OR carry the same number of rounds with a lower overall weight.
Federal’s New 30 Super Carry is 13% smaller than a 9x19mm, with very similar ballistics
Watch video for ballistics information and cartridge diagrams.
30 Super Carry Questions and Answers
How is the 30 Super Carry’s felt recoil compared to the 9mm Luger?
Recoil, flash and sound report provide a very similar shooting experience to 9mm Luger
How do the 30 Super Carry’s velocity and energy compare to 9mm Luger?
They are extremely similar. The 100-grain 30 Super Carry HST carries 347 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle and has a velocity of 1250 fps; the 124-grain 9mm Luger HST has 364 foot-pounds of energy and a muzzle velocity of 1150 fps.
Do I need a different firearm to shoot the 30 Super Carry?
Yes, you need a firearm chambered for 30 Super Carry. Currently, Smith & Wesson and Nighthawk Custom offer these platforms.
How does the 30 Super Carry differ from older cartridges such as the 7.65×21 Parabellum, 7.65×20mm Longue, 32 Auto and others?
While there might be some coincidental similarities, the 30 Super Carry was fully developed from the ground up with no parent cartridge. Utilizing modern materials and designs, it provides vastly superior performance to seemingly similar historic cartridges.
What kind of accuracy can I expect from the 30 Super Carry?
The cartridge has proven to be an exceptionally accurate round, typically exceeding the accuracy of other popular carry cartridges.
NOTE: These answers are provided by Federal, the ammunition manufacturer.
Currently there are Smith & Wesson and Nighthawk Custom pistols factory-chambered for the new 30 Super Carry cartridge. If this round catches on, expect to see Glock, Ruger, and SIG offer this chambering.
For today’s Sunday GunDay story, we look at the legendary Remington 700, perhaps the most popular American bolt-action rifle of all time. After covering the history of the Rem 700 rifle, we provide an inside look at the Rem 700 through a series of cutaway animations. Then we explain how gunsmiths can enhance a Remington 700 action through “blueprinting” procedures.
Remington 700 Origins and History
After World War II, Remington Arms engineer Mike Walker began designing lower-cost alternatives to the Model 30, which resulted in the Model 721. These used a cylindrical receiver produced from cylindrical bar stock that could be turned on a lathe, rather than machined in a series of milling operations, which significantly reduced the cost of production. Further developments of the basic 721 action under the direction of Walker produced the Model 722 and Model 725, and ultimately in 1962, the Model 700.
Walker sought to increase the accuracy of the rifles, by utilizing tight tolerances in the chamber and bore, a short leade, and a very fast lock time. Like the earlier 721, the Remington 700 action was designed for mass production. Remington initially produced two variants of the Model 700, the ADL and BDL, in both long- and short-action versions. In 1969, Remington introduced upgrades for the rifle, including a longer rear bolt shroud, a jeweled bolt, and improved stock finishing. Four years later, production of left-handed Rem 700s began, to compete with the Savage Model 110, at that time the only major American-made left-bolt rifle.
Other Rem 700 versions include the titanium receiver 700ti, the 700 SPS (which replaced the ADL in 2005), and the CDL model. In addition to its development as a hunting rifle, the Model 700 also provided the basis for military and police sniper rifles, starting with the M40 rifle in 1966, which was initially ordered by the U.S. Marine Corps. The U.S. Army adopted the M24 Sniper Weapon System in 1986.
The Remington 700 is sold in both short action and long action variants. This photo is from the Big ED YouTube video comparing the two action lengths.
The Remington 700 is a manually-operated bolt action with two forward dual-opposed lugs. The bolt face is recessed, fully enclosing the base of the cartridge, The extractor is a C-clip sitting within the bolt face. The ejector is a plunger on the bolt face actuated by a coil spring. The bolt is of 3-piece construction, brazed together (head, body and bolt handle). The receiver is milled from round cross-section steel.
Chassis Systems for Remington 700s
With the popularity of the Remington 700 series rifles, and the availability of Rem 700 barreled actions by themselves, many companies have created after-market chassis systems. This GunMan YouTube Video reviews five modern chassis systems configured for Remington 700 barreled actions. Modular chassis systems have become particularly popular with PRS/NRL competitors.
Rem 700 Cutaway Video Shows Components + Operation
Ever wish you could look inside your rifle, to see how the trigger and fire-control system work? Well now that is possible with the magic of 3D computer graphics. Modern software allows detailed “cutaway” side-views (see below), as well as 3D views with 360° rotation. The software can also provide X-Ray-type views into the gun’s internals — as you can see above. And computer animation can show the complete firing process from trigger pull to chambering of the next round.
READERS — Do take the time to watch the video! This Rem 700 animation is really outstanding! EVERY bolt-action shooter should watch this video all the way through.
The Model 700 series of bolt-action rifles have been manufactured by Remington Arms since 1962. All are based on basically the same centerfire bolt action. They are typically sold with an internal magazine depending on caliber, some of which have a floor-plate for quick-unloading, and some of which are “blind” (no floor-plate). The Model 700 is a development of the Remington 721 and 722 series of rifles, which were introduced in 1948.
The Remington 700 is a manually-operated bolt action with forward, dual opposed lugs. It features “Cock On Opening”, meaning the upward rotation of the bolt when the rifle is opened cocks the firing pin. A cam mechanism pushes the firing pin’s cocking piece backward. The bolt face is recessed, fully enclosing the base of the cartridge. The extractor is a C-clip sitting within the bolt face. The ejector is a plunger on the bolt face actuated by a coil spring. The bolt is of 3-piece construction, brazed together (head, body. and bolt handle). The receiver is milled from round cross-section steel.
Blueprinting Rem 700 Action — Making a Good Action Better
You may have heard the phrase “blueprinting an action”, but do you know what that really means? Do you know what operations are done to an action during the blueprinting process? To help you understand, gunsmith Bill Marr of RifleShooter.com has created a helpful article showing a Rem 700 blueprinting job start to finish. This article spotlights how the procedures can be done with manual tools. Bill, who runs 782 Custom Gunworks Ltd., can also perform many of these operations with modern automated machinery. In fact, Bill has written a follow-up article on Truing a Rem 700 receiver with a Lathe.
Bill explains: “Blue-printing, or truing a rifle action, ensures the receiver face, threads, lugs, bolt lugs, and bolt face are square to the center line of the receiver.” In Bill’s informative article, Bill shows how he blueprints a Remington 700 short action receiver with .308 Win bolt face. He covers the following procedures step by step:
Action Disassembly
Ream Minor Diameter of Receiver Threads
Square the Receiver Lugs
Square the Face of the Receiver
Lap the Bolt Lugs
Square the Bolt Face
Using the receiver facing tool, the front of the receiver is trued. The tool is placed over the tap and turned by hand. We used Do Drill to lubricate it.
2. Lapping the Lugs
The bolt lapping tool screws into the front of the action and applies rearward pressure on the bolt face. A little bit of lapping compound is placed on the front of the receiver lugs. The bolt handle is then raised and lowered repeatedly. Note — it is critical that we do not get any lapping compound on any other surfaces.
3. Truing the Bolt Face
On this bolt, the central part of the bolt face was low. After the truing operation, this Rem 700 bolt face is now completely square to the action.
IMPORTANT: Rifleshooter.com states: “This article highlights our project and is presented for information purposes only. This provides an overview of the process and should not be attempted without the guidance and supervision of an experienced gunsmith“.
If you like the idea of a Blueprinted action, but do not have a good gunsmith nearby (or don’t want to wait many weeks), you can order high-grade blueprinted Remington 700 actions from Pacific Tool & Gauge starting at $637.99 (see above).
Today we showcase five YouTube videos that explain basic reloading processes. This article primarily focuses on the .45 ACP cartridge because this a very good choice for hand-loaders getting started. The .45 ACP is one of the easier cartridges to reload, because it has a large case diameter and large primer pocket, and because it operates at relatively low pressures (compared to rifle rounds).
We recommend that new reloaders consider starting with the .45 ACP cartridge. There are many reasons why the .45 ACP is a good choice for those just getting started in hand-loading:
1. The case is fairly short but has a relatively large diameter (and minimal taper), so it is easy to see inside the case. That helps you quickly check powder levels.
2. Many good powders (for the .45 ACP) will fill the case over 60%, so you will have an obvious overflow if you double-charge by accident.
3. The .45 ACP round runs at relatively low pressures, but delivers excellent accuracy.
4. Good .45 ACP brass lasts a long time, is easy to size, and is good for many reloads.
5. Along with 1911s, there are fine .45 ACP revolvers that shoot the round with moon clips.
6. The vast majority of .45 ACP brass uses large pistol primers (although there ARE some small primer pocket varieties*). We find that large primers are easier to pick up and handle if you are using a single primer tool.
The .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge is a rimless straight-walled handgun cartridge originally developed in 1904 by John Moses Browning for use in his prototype Colt semi-automatic pistol. After successful military trials, it was adopted as the standard chambering for Colt’s M1911 pistol.
For reloading, there are many good powder choices. We recommend Vihtavuori N320. This is very accurate and burns cleaner than some otherwise good powders, such as Accurate (AA) No. 5 and Unique.
Basic Reloading for the .45 ACP Cartridge
This is the most-viewed .45 ACP reloading video on YouTube. It is directed primarily for the novice or prospective reloader. It covers the basic processes: case inspection, cleaning, trimming, sizing, priming, powder filling, bullet seating, and crimping. The video creator notes: “Trimming pistol/revolver brass is optional and usually not necessary. it was included because that is what I did when I first began reloading, before I found out that handgun brass does not stretch as much as bottleneck rifle brass.”
How To Reload .45 ACP Start to Finish — Tutorial for Newer Reloaders
This is a detailed 30-minute video that shows the reloading process start to finish. The cases are sized and bullets seated using a single-stage RCBS press. The cases are primed using an RCBS hand-priming tool which keeps multiple primers in a tray. For efficiency, we recommend this vs. seating primers using the priming system on the press itself.
Safety First When Loading All Cartridges
Along with the first two instructional videos above, we include two important videos focused on reloading safety. In the first video, UltimateReloader’s Gavin Gear explains how to check your cartridge during the loading process to eliminate squib loads and other defects. In the second video, Starline Brass tech Hunter Pilant explains how to avoid double charges.
Load .45 ACP Safely — Avoid Squib Loads and Overcharges
You need to check the powder level of EVERY round you load. Do this visually BEFORE seating a bullet. (Or, with a progressive press, use a lock-out die that monitors powder levels). This is very important because a squib load (with little or no powder) can leave a bullet lodged in the barrel. A subsequent full, live round can cause a Kaboom with dire consequences.
Preventing Double Charges — Use a Case-filling Powder with .45 ACP
IMPORTANT TIP: Use a bulky powder that fills your case more than half way with a correct charge. “This will over-fill the case if it is double-charged, making it impossible to load. This is one safeguard that can keep you from making a big [mistake]” (Hunter Pilant, Starline). A bulky powder with high fill level will also be easier to see inside the case.
The Progressive Option — Loading .45 ACP on the Dillon 550B
Once you have mastered the basics of reloading for the .45 ACP, if you require large quantities of ammo, you may want to consider getting a progressive press. Progressive presses can significantly increase your ammo output, but there are also important safety considerations. You need to be careful about powder levels and priming. In this video, Gavin Gear explains how to reload safely with a Dillon 550B progressive press. The equivalent current model is the Dillon 550C.
.45 ACP Ammunition Loading Guide — Nosler Data
If you “roll your own” .45 ACP cartridges, there are many good powder choices. Our favorites are Vihtavuori N320, AA No. 5, and Hodgdon TiteGroup, but there are many other good choices. You’ll find these three recommended powders (plus many others) in the .45 ACP Load Data Charts from Nosler. Shown below are the Nosler Guides for 185gr bullets and 230gr bullets. Right-click each image below to access/download printable PDF files.
Click for PDF File
Click for PDF File
* However, be aware that CCI and other companies are now manufacturing .45 ACP brass with SMALL PRIMER POCKETS. Whenever you get new brass, be sure so check ALL the cases for primer size, and segregate large and small in two groups. Attempting to push a large primer into a small primer hole can lead to jams, or worse, dangerous detonation. Be CAREFUL!
Most shooters realize that significant changes in temperature will alter how powders perform. That’s why you want to keep your loaded ammo out of the hot sun, and keep rounds out of a hot chamber until you’re ready to fire. But there are other factors to be considered — HUMIDITY for one. This article explains why and how humidity can affect powder burn rates and performance.
We’ve all heard the old adage: “Keep your powder dry”. Well, tests by Norma have demonstrated that even normal environmental differences in humidity can affect the way powders burn, at least over the long term. In the Norma Reloading Manual, Sven-Eric Johansson, head of ballistics at Nexplo/Bofors, presents a very important discussion of water vapor absorption by powder. Johansson demonstrates that the same powder will burn at different rates depending on water content.
Powders Leave the Factory with 0.5 to 1.0% Water Content
Johansson explains that, as manufactured, most powders contain 0.5 to 1% of water by weight. (The relative humidity is “equilibrated” at 40-50% during the manufacturing process to maintain this 0.5-1% moisture content). Importantly, Johansson notes that powder exposed to moist air for a long time will absorb water, causing it to burn at a slower rate. On the other hand, long-term storage in a very dry environment reduces powder moisture content, so the powder burns at a faster rate. In addition, Johansson found that single-base powders are MORE sensitive to relative humidity than are double-base powders (which contain nitroglycerine).
Tests Show Burn Rates Vary with Water Content
In his review of the Norma Manual, Fred Barker notes: “Johansson gives twelve (eye-opening) plots of the velocities and pressures obtained on firing several popular cartridges with dehydrated, normal and hydrated Norma powders (from #200 to MRP). He also gives results on loaded .30-06 and .38 Special cartridges stored for 663 to 683 days in relative humidities of 20% and 86%. So Johansson’s advice is to keep powders tightly capped in their factory containers, and to minimize their exposure to dry or humid air.”
Confirming Johansson’s findings that storage conditions can alter burn rates, Barker observes: “I have about 10 pounds of WWII 4831 powder that has been stored in dry (about 20% RH) Colorado air for more than 60 years. It now burns about like IMR 3031.”
What does this teach us? First, all powders start out with a small, but chemically important, amount of water content. Second, a powder’s water content can change over time, depending on where and how the powder is stored. Third, the water content of your powder DOES make a difference in how it burns, particularly for single-base powders. For example, over a period of time, a powder used (and then recapped) in the hot, dry Southwest will probably behave differently than the same powder used in the humid Southeast.
Reloaders are advised to keep these things in mind. If you want to maintain your powders’ “as manufactured” burn rate, it is wise to head Johannson’s recommendation to keep your powders tightly capped when you’re not actually dispensing charges and avoid exposing your powder to very dry or very humid conditions. The Norma Reloading Manual is available from MidwayUSA for $24.99.
Real-World Example — “Dry” H4831sc Runs Hotter
Robert Whitley agrees that the burn rate of the powder varies with the humidity it absorbs. Robert writes: “I had an 8-lb. jug of H4831SC I kept in my detached garage (it can be humid there). 43.5-44.0 gr of this was superbly accurate with the 115 Bergers out of my 6mm Super X. I got tired of bringing it in and out of the garage to my house for reloading so I brought and kept the jug in my reloading room (a dehumidified room in my house) and after a few weeks I loaded up 43.5 gr, went to a match and it shot awful. I could not figure out what was going on until I put that load back over the chronograph and figured out it was going a good bit faster than before and the load was out of the “sweet spot” (42.5 – 43.0 gr was the max I could load and keep it accurate when it was stored in less humid air). I put the jug back in the garage for a few weeks and I now am back to loading 43.5 – 44.0 gr and it shoots great again. I have seen this with other powders too.”
If you have two jugs of the same powder, one kept in a room in your house and one somewhere else where it is drier or more humid, don’t expect the two jugs of the same lot of powder to chrono the same with the same charge weights unless and until they are both stored long enough in the same place to equalize again.
This new mobile App helps shooters make the right wind hold and/or dial the correct amount of windage.
High Power Wind Lab Mobile App Product Review by F-Class John
When it comes to long range shooting, there are few things that make a bigger difference in hitting your target than being able to accurately adjust for wind angle/velocity changes. While it’s one thing to learn how to read the speed and direction of wind by looking at flags, mirage, or surface conditions, it’s another to know what to do with that information (how much to hold off/correct). Knowing how to process changing wind cycles and determine the right hold-off/correction often takes years or decades of practice to master.
Enter the High Power Wind Lab App which stands out as the only dedicated WSYWIG hold-off calculator on the market. Enter a few simple numbers from your favorite ballistic calculator and you’re ready to make adjustments to the wind direction and power dials, leaving the App to do the rest by telling you what your hold should be and if any additional windage should be added to your scope or sights. So after you input the data, then the App suggests the proper correction(s). Download the Wind Lab App for iPhones/iPads via the Apple App Store. NOTE: Android availability via Google Play is pending.
F-Class John Review of High Power Wind Lab App:
Starting up the App you’ll see a simple menu to start a session. The first field is for naming the session. This is helpful for those who save their strings and want to refer to them later but it’s not a required field. The next field is for choosing your target. The App offers the choice of High Power or F-Class targets at mid-range (600 yards) or long range (800-1000 yards). After picking the appropriate target, input the actual distance at which you’ll be shooting. After that, you’ll have to enter your load data. The next two fields will auto-populate for the date and then the shot list once you are done saving shots. The lower section allows you to change what’s visible on the screen (selecting the features you want to view). You can also choose MOA or MILS (milliradians) click values. For wind velocity values, you can select MPH, kilometers per hour, or meters per second.
High Power Wind Lab iPhone App in horizontal mode.
Once you’re done with the setting page, simply tap “start” to bring up the target display. The App can be used in portrait or landscape mode but for the best user experience I’d recommend using it in landscape. On the target page you’ll see four distinct sections. Along the bottom you’ll see the windage dial where you can add or subtract windage simply by moving it left or right. Above the windage dial, you’ll see wind flags that represent the power and above that the direction dial. On the right is the actual target where you see the bracket of where you should hold for the shot based on the information you put in along with color coded brackets to show you the margin of error. The target section also features a great shot calling feature that allows you to tap where you held, then tap where your actual impact was. These shots can be saved for future reference and the ability to do this really helps while you’re training.
Once you get used to how the wind direction and power inputs work the real power of this App comes to life as you can sit and practice what your calls should be from the comfort of your home. There are countless nights where I’ll sit in bed and spend ten minutes moving the power or direction through strange changes just so I can guess or track what happens and the more you practice with it, the more you’ll feel confident when you see those conditions occur at the range.
App Available Now for Apple and Android Mobile Devices
The High Power Wind Labs App is available now for iOS (Apple) mobile devices and Android devices. At $12.99 this App costs less than twenty 7mm match bullets. You could easily save that much in sighters in a couple range sessions. With its ability to calculate nearly every condition you’d encounter at a match you owe it to yourself to download it and start practicing. This interactive application is an invaluable tool for shooters that want to better understand the affects of wind on bullets over long distances.
High Power Wind Lab Description by Accuracy Software Ltd.
High Power Wind Lab is a visualization tool that helps shooters determine wind value based on observed conditions. The App efficiently calculates the sight correction necessary to hit the center of a target. Use High Power Wind Lab on and off the range to explore scenarios and better understand how wind affects the trajectory of a bullet. By interactively changing the wind velocity and wind angle, the display dynamically updates to show the calculated correction and a visualizes a range of possible outcomes if the shooter misreads the wind conditions. By changing the wind velocity and wind angle, the High Power Wind Lab shows the calculated correction as well as possible outcomes if the wind angle and velocity are misread. This interactive tool is invaluable for exploring the interplay of wind direction and velocity and the tradeoffs you need to make when deciding when to shoot and what correction to put on your gun.
The High Power Wind Lab is also a shot plotting and wind plotting tool that shows how wind conditions have developed over time and what the predominant conditions have been throughout a string of fire. That can be a very powerful “hindsight” tool when analyzing your results in a shooting session.
High Power Wind Lab Key Features Include:
Shot Plotting
Score Calculation
Record Keeping
Tablet Support
True MOA Corrections
Support for Custom Ammunition
Library of commonly-used Midrange and Long Range F-Class and High Power Rifle Targets
Hold-Over Function in High Power Wind Lab
This video, from the creator of the High Power Wind Lab, explains how the Hold-Over feature works. Holding over is commonplace in long range target shooting among those who use scoped rifles. This video demonstrates how to use High Power Wind Lab’s hold-over feature to accurately calculate the needed hold-over when engaging long range targets.
NOTE: If this Hold-Over video is not displaying on your browser, try another browser and/or use this YouTube link: https://youtu.be/WhpyymG15HE
Stub Gauge — Useful Device
Tests Show Burn Rates Vary with Water Content
