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.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. MidwayUSA — Cyber Week Sale, November 21-28
⏺ Major savings all week long on reloading gear, optics, tools, accessories
MidwayUSA’s big Cyber Week Sale kicks off Monday, November 21 and runs through Monday, November 28, 2022. There are deep discounts on popular shooting, hunting, and outdoor products. You’ll find really great deals on select shooting gear, ammunition, optics, hunting clothing and more from brands like Vortex, Sightron, RCBS, Browning, MidwayUSA, Magpul, and IMI just to name a few. Select products will also be eligible for FREE shipping. New products go on sale every day during the Cyber Week promo. On 11/21/2022, deals include Vortex Viper PST FFP Milrad 5-25x50mm scope at $649.99 (35% Off), and MidwayUSA Competition Shooting Mat at $29.55 (50% Off). CLICK HERE for ALL current specials.
2. Longshot — Bulletseeker Mach 4 Onboard Radar, $100.00 Off
The Bulletseeker Radar unit is a new radar chronograph that mounts directly to your rifle. The advanced Bulletseeker features 120 Ghz radar with a beam-forming lens. Developed in Europe, with made-in-Germany core components, this unit is sold in the USA by Longshot, trusted maker of long-range target cameras. Now through early December, as an intro promotion, the Bulletseeker is $100.00 off the normal $1000.00 price. You’ll see the discount when adding the item to your online cart. The price is for a bundle which includes the Bulletseeker Mach 4 Chronograph plus a Parabolic Mounting Bracket. We think this is a game-changer. You get advanced radar ON YOUR GUN, with no need to haul around a bulky LabRadar.
3. Midsouth — Rock Chucker Supreme Reloading Kit, $369.99
⏺ Kit includes press, powder measure, scale, manual and many tools
Everything you see above can be yours for just $369.99. Right now, Midsouth is selling the Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit for $369.99, a fine price considering all the hardware you get: Press, Primer Tool, Scale, Powder Measure, Loading Tray, Reloading Manual and more. This is good starter kit for any reloader, with sturdy items (such as the Rock Chucker press), that will last a lifetime.
4. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Pre-Black Friday Sale
⏺ Save on rifles, optics, hunting gear now through November 24, 2022
5. MidwayUSA — Electronic Muffs with Walkie-Talkie, $59.99
⏺ Dual-function electronic muffs — great for range communications
Electronic earmuffs protect your hearing while allowing you to hear range commands. With these Walkie-Talkie muffs you also get 2-way communication capabilities. That lets you talk to folks in the pits or at a different section of your shooting club. The Walker Razor Slim Low Profile Electronic Earmuffs (NRR 23dB) with Walkie Talkie allows you to communicate with other FRS radios. That lets you give range commands or talk with friends without the need for a second radio. If you don’t need the two-way functionality, MidwayUSA also has the NRR 26 Walker’s Alpha Power Electronic Muffs for $49.99, and the slimmer NRR 23 Razor Slim Patriot Electronic Muffs for $43.99. All these options are excellent bargains.
6. CDNN Sports — Crimson Trace Brushline Scopes, Save 45%
⏺ Save 45% on excellent hunting scopes with BDC reticles
Crimson Trace makes excellent riflescopes that perform way above their price categories. These scope have good glass, reliable turrets, and smart reticles. Right now you can save 45% on Crimson Trace Brushline SFP hunting scopes with lifetime warranty. Get the 4-12x40mm version for $199.99 or the 3-9x40mm model for $179.99. Both feature 1″ main tube, 1/4-MOA clicks, and custom BDC Predator reticle. These are great bargains.
7. Amazon — BOG Deathgrip Aluminum Tripod, $134.99
⏺ Versatile tripod mounts quickly, securely — use for PRS/NRL or hunting.
This is a great tripod for long-range hunters and PRS/NRL competitors. The Clamp-type head quickly secures to your rifle’s forearm for a secure shooting solution. The BOG Deathgrip Aluminum Tripod is on sale now on Amazon for $134.99. If weight is critical, there is also a lighter BOG carbon fiber tripod for $222.99. For the extra $88 you save a pound in total weight (7.5 lbs for carbon vs. 8.5 lbs for aluminum).
8. EuroOptic — ZEISS Terra ED 10×42 Binoculars, $349.99
⏺ Superb German Schott glass, great for low-light, distinctive orange body
These outstanding ZEISS Terra ED 10×42 binoculars are now $349.99 — $250.00 (40%) off the regular price! The ultra-sharp Schott Glass and multicoated lenses deliver superior optical clarity, and outstanding 88% light-transmission. These Terra ED binoculars feature comfortable ergonomics and a compact design for easy carry in the field. A recent purchaser declared: “The Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 is the best glass that I have ever looked through for its price range. And with EuroOptic having [these] on sale it was a no-brainer to buy another one.”
9. CDNN Sports — Grid Target Packs starting at $1.99/12
⏺ Great deals on colorful Champion grid target packs
10. Palmetto SA and MidwayUSA — Sierra Loaded Ammo REBATE
⏺ Quality Sierra-made ammo now with significant rebate
If you need defensive pistol ammo or .223 Rem ammo, Sierra is offering an end-of-year rebate of up to $5.00 per box (max rebate $50). This is a good way to get top-quality American-made 9mm Luger and .45 ACP ammo at Palmetto State Armory. Or get rebates on .380 ACP, .40 SW, and .223 Remington at MidwayUSA. SEE REBATE Details Page.
⏺ Versatile eye protection — 4 colors of lenses plus adjustable frame
Walker’s Adjustable Sport Glasses feature FOUR interchangeable lenses made of high-grade polycarbonate that exceeds ANSI 287.1-2003 High Impact Requirements. The interchangeable lenses come in four colors (Smoke Gray, Amber, Yellow, and Clear). The frames adjust for length and angle. These safety glasses ship with a soft carrying pouch that holds the extra lenses. This combo kit is on Amazon for $22.70.
In our Shooters’ Forum there is a popular photography thread. Along with some great nature and hunting images, you’ll find quality photos of handsome firearms. But the real head-turning gun pix were the pistols belonging to Forum member Beiruty from Texas. He has some of the most handsome mag-fed handguns we’ve ever seen. Here are six of his favorite semi-auto pistols from his collection. Yes he does have some impressive wheelguns as well, but we’re saving those revolvers for a future showcase.
FN Browning High Power Renaissance
This 9mm hand-engraved High Power with silver finish was made in Belgium in 1971:
NOTE: This is one of a near-matching pair of FN HP Renaissance pistols featured in the top photo.
Hämmerli .22 LR Model 208, Special Edition
This Special Edition, one of 500, marks 125 years of Hämmerli Sportwaffenfabrik (1863-1988):
The handsome grip is factory carved. This Model 208 pistol shipped in a fitted case, shown below.
Colt .45 ACP 1911 Commander
This 1975-vintage Colt Commander 1911 sports fully-engraved frame and slide:
Smith & Wesson .22 LR Model 41 Long Barrel
This target pistol features a 7-3/8″ barrel with factory compensator. Grip is custom:
Browning .22 LR Medalist Pistol
This handsome Browning Medalist, all factory standard, was made in Belgium in 1964:
The video below shows another Browning Medalist of the same design and relative vintage:
Stoeger Arms American Eagle Navy Model Luger
This stainless Stoeger Navy Model 6″ Luger Pistol is vintage 1978-1980:
Note: A similar pistol (below) sold on Cowan’s auction for $1320.00. One of these stainless Stoeger Lugers is offered right now on Gunbroker.
“A bullet launched at a higher altitude is able to fly slightly farther (in the thinner air) for every increment of downward movement. Effectively, the bullet behaves as if it has a higher ballistic coefficient.”
Last month a good friend ventured to the high country of Colorado to pursue elk. He recently zeroed his rifle in California, at a range just a few hundred feet Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL). He wondered if the higher altitude in Colorado could alter his ballistics. The answer is a definite yes. However the good news is that free ballistics calculators can help you plot reliable drop charts for various shooting locations, high or low.
The question has been posed: “What effect does altitude have on the flight of a bullet?” The simplistic answer is that, at higher altitudes, the air is thinner (lower density), so there is less drag on the bullet. This means that the amount of bullet drop is less at any given flight distance from the muzzle. Since the force of gravity is essentially constant on the earth’s surface (for practical purposes), the bullet’s downward acceleration doesn’t change, but a bullet launched at a higher altitude is able to fly slightly farther (in the thinner air) for every increment of downward movement. Effectively, at higher altitudes, the bullet behaves as if it has a higher ballistic coefficient.
Forum member Milanuk explains that the key factor is not altitude, but rather air pressure. Milanuk writes:
“In basic terms, as your altitude increases, the density of the air the bullet must travel through decreases, thereby reducing the drag on the bullet. Generally, the higher the altitude, the less the bullet will drop. For example, I shoot at a couple ranges here in the Pacific Northwest. Both are at 1000′ AMSL (Above Mean Sea Level) or less. I’ll need about 29-30 MOA to get from 100 yards to 1000 yards with a Berger 155gr VLD at 2960 fps. By contrast, in Raton, NM, located at 6600′ AMSL, I’ll only need about 24-25 MOA to do the same. That’s a significant difference.
Note that it is the barometric pressure that really matters, not simply the nominal altitude. The barometric pressure will indicate the reduced pressure from a higher altitude, but it will also show you the pressure changes as a front moves in, etc. which can play havoc w/ your calculated come-ups. Most altimeters are simply barometers that read in feet instead of inches of mercury.”
As Milanuk states, it is NOT altitude per se, but the LOCAL barometric pressure (sometimes called “station pressure”) that is key. The two atmospheric conditions that most effect bullet flight are air temperature, and barometric pressure. Normally, humidity has a negligible effect. It’s important to remember that the barometric pressure reported on the radio (or internet) may be stated as a sea level equivalency. So in Denver (at 6,000 feet AMSL), if the local pressure is 24″, the radio will report the barometric pressure to be 30″. If you do high altitude shooting at long range, bring along a Kestrel, or remember to mentally correct the radio station’s pressure, by 1″ per 1,000 feet.
Trajectory of Bullet fired at Sea Level
Trajectory of Bullet fired at 20,000 feet
You can do your own experimental calculations using JBM Online Ballistics (free to use). Here is an extreme example, with two printouts (generated with Point Blank software), one showing bullet trajectory at sea level (0′ altitude) and one at 20,000 feet. For demonstration sake, we assigned a low 0.2 BC to the bullet, with a velocity of 3000 fps.
To learn more about all aspects of Exterior Ballistics, Hornady has a useful discussion of External Ballistics including the effects of altitude and temperature. To dig deeper, Sierra Bullets has a comprehensive Exterior Ballistics Resource Page with multiple sections from the Sierra Manual (4th and 5th Editions), including:
Example from Section 3.0: “When a bullet flies through the air, two types of forces act on the bullet to determine its path (trajectory) through the air. The first is gravitational force; the other is aerodynamics. Several kinds of aerodynamic forces act on a bullet: drag, lift, side forces, Magnus force, spin damping force, pitch damping force, and Magnus cross force. The most important of these aerodynamic forces is drag. All the others are very small in comparison when the bullet is spin-stabilized.”
Savage recently released an innovative version of its popular A22 rimfire rifle. The new A22 Takedown separates quickly and easily into two units, with a simple quarter-turn (90-degree) rotation of the fore-end. This allows the A22 Takedown to easily transport in a pack when camping or hunting. Or stow the gun conveniently in your vehicle. Separating this A22 Takedown into two parts is as simple as a twist.
The new A22 Takedown ($479.99 MSRP) has some other cool storage features. The cheek-piece lifts up to provide storage for three, (3) 10-round rotary-style magazines. In addition, the A22 Takedown has a dry storage compartment in the pistol grip that can hold patches or other small accessories, such as earplugs.
What Are the Advantages of a Takedown Rifle?
The first big advantage of a takedown rifle is that it can be stored in a smaller space and you don’t need a long case to carry in the field. Fully assembled, the Savage A22 Takedown is 36.875″ long. As separated into two sections, each section is about 18″ long, so each segment can fit inside a small day-pack. When transported in a vehicle, the two segments may fit in an on-board storage area, or even in the spare tire compartment (with appropriate padding).
The Savage A22 Takedown rifle can also be transported in an ultra-short 24″ Discrete Carry Case that doesn’t look like a typical rifle case.
Assembly and Disassembly of Savage A22 Takedown
The Savage A22 Takedown can be separated into two sections in a matter of seconds. First make sure the gun is unloaded, the magazine is removed, and the bolt is pulled back and locked. Make sure the muzzle is pointed away from you, and the safety is activated. Double-check to make sure there is no round in the chamber! Then holding the gun horizontally, grab the fore-end and rotate one-quarter turn clockwise. Then ease the barrel/fore-arm section forward gently. This will expose the front of the action and reveal the .22 LR chamber in the fore-end section. You can see how this works in the video below.
To re-assemble the A22 Takedown, bring the fore-end towards the action with the rear sight at the 3 0’clock position (right of center looking towards muzzle). Push the fore-end back gently until is seats properly. Then rotate the fore-end 90-degrees counter-clockwise. Again, watch the above video to see this re-assembly procedure, starting at 00:27 time-mark.
NOTE: Savage provided these studio photos, but the magazine should be REMOVED before disassembly.
On-Board Storage Under Cheek-Piece and in Grip Section
The Savage A22 Takedown has two very innovative and unique storage systems built into the synthetic stock. First the cheekpiece is hinged at the front, and lifts up to reveal a special compartment that holds three (3) of the A22’s rotary magazines. This is a very clever design — unique among rimfire rifles we believe. In addition, there is storage area INSIDE the pistol grip. This is accessed by removing a detachable plastic cover that snaps into the bottom of the grip section.
Performance in the Field
With an 18″ barrel, expect your .22 LR rimfire ammo to deliver good velocities in the A22 Takedown. After some adjustment of the Accutrigger, other A22s we have shot have performed well and been reliable so long as you make sure to fully seat the rotary magazines. This would be a good starter rifle, and has unmatched versatility for easy packing. The weight, before optics, is just 6.3 pounds. One nice design feature is a sight channel in the Picatinny rail. The adjustable rear sight is attached to the barrel immediately forward of the action.
Most competitive shooters are pretty good about bore cleaning (some may even clean their bores too aggressively). However, we’ve found that many shooters neglect the chamber area and the bolt lug recesses. It’s too easy to clean the bore, slip out the guide rod and say “I’m done.” Sinclair Int’l explains why it’s important to clean the action interior: “Shooters use a lot of grease and oil on their bolts to reduce friction and to prevent wear[.] Unfortunately, both of these compounds attract grit, powder and primer residues. Cleaning your receiver is especially critical [with] custom actions where the fit between the action and bolt is held to very tight tolerances. Routine cleaning of the action will prevent unnecessary wear on the bolt body, locking lugs, and the action raceways/guide rails. Frequent action cleaning is also essential to keeping the trigger area free of debris which can cause trigger hang-ups and failures.”
Your rifle deserves a clean action and lug recesses. For action cleaning, our friend Danny Reever favors the PMA Action Cleaning tool. This handy tool speeds up the cleaning process, letting you do a better job in less time. Danny reports: “I’ve been using the PMA Action Cleaning Tool Kit for quite some time. Previously, I used one of the old style (round knob) action-cleaning tools with cylindrical cotton rolls. I think the PMA Action Cleaning Tool Kit is easier to use, and possibly achieves better results. Read Full Tool Review.
Cleaning the Chamber
Combustion by-products, lubricants, and solvent residues can collect in your chamber. Severe build-up of grease and carbon can interfere with chambering. Also some solvents will promote corrosion. You need to keep your chambers clean.
1) Install a clean cotton mop of the correct size on the end of a chamber rod and insert the mop into the chamber. Rotate the mop several times to remove any brush bristles left behind and any excess solvent that was between the rod guide snout and the end of the chamber. Make sure the chamber is dry. Prior to storing a rifle you can oil the chamber but make sure the oil is removed prior to firing the rifle.
2) Alternatively, install an old bore brush on a chamber rod, overlap a couple of patches on the brush bristles, and wrap them around the brush completely. Then insert the patch-covered brush into the chamber while rotating it to remove the excess solvent and debris. Push it firmly into the neck area of the chamber. A similar method is to pierce a large patch on the end of the brush loop and insert it into the action, again rotating the brush as you push the patch up against the breech.
Cleaning the Lug Recess Area
The action lug recess area is one of the dirtiest places on a bolt-action rifle. To properly clean this area, always use a tool designed for the task, such as the $32.99 Sinclair Action Cleaning Tool (part # ACT1) which is part of the full Sinclair Action Cleaning Tool Kit ($54.99, part #ACT2).
1) Insert a cotton roll or cleaning felt into your lug recess cleaning tool and wet both ends and the face of the cotton roll/felt with solvent.
2) Insert the tool into the action and push it forward until it is positioned fully in the lug recess area and rotate the tool head several times. Then reverse the rotation for another few turns. While rotating the tool move it slightly in and out to cover the entire recess area and to also clean the breech face.
3) Remove the tool from the action and inspect the surface of the felt or cotton roll. If there is quite a bit of residue on both sides of the felt/roll, then repeat with another wet felt/roll.
4) When you feel the recess area is completely clean, insert a dry cotton roll into the tool and rotate the tool head to remove any remaining solvent and debris. If necessary, use a second dry cotton roll.
5) You can follow this step up with another pass of a mop or patches into the chamber to get any debris or solvent that pushed forward out of the lug recess area.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) invites young men and women shooters to apply for CMP scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year. The CMP offers $1,000 and $3,000 one-year scholarships to current high school seniors. In addition, this year the CMP will award four, 4-year $20,000 scholarships ($5000/year). New this year, CMP scholarships may be applied to trade and technical schools.
Since 2005, CMP has awarded over $1.2 million in scholarship grants. Winning scholarship recipients, in their senior year of high school, came from JROTC schools, 4-H groups, and other shooting clubs.
CMP Scholarship Application Deadline is March 31, 2023
CMP to Present Four $20,000 Scholarships, Other Notable Updates for 2023
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is pleased to announce four new scholarships named in honor of distinguished members of its Board of Directors. These $20,000 scholarships, awarded over four years at $5,000 each year, are named for:
Judith Legerski, former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Maj. Gen. Harry Sieben, former board member and Vice Chairman Jon Bengtson, former board member and Treasurer Dr. Carolyn Hines, former board member and founder of the CMP Scholarship program
“CMP has long focused on youth programs and giving back to the community. These new scholarships allow us to support the very best youth in America and at the same time recognize the individuals who championed youth programs while guiding the success of the CMP,” said Jerry O’Keefe, the new CMP Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.
In addition to the new $20,000 scholarships, other changes include:
A new online application process
Scholarships for trade and technical schools
No minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) to apply
Each year, high school student-athletes involved in marksmanship programs are encouraged to apply for CMP Scholarships — a program that lends economic support to young marksmen and women who have demonstrated excellence on and off the firing line.
Traditionally, these scholarships have been used to pursue post-secondary or vocational programs, community colleges or university educations. However, in 2023, the CMP will broaden its scholarship program even more by involving trade and technical schools in order to keep up with national trends and to provide opportunities for athletes with a variety of interests.
“Our scholarships are available to all graduating high school seniors who have distinguished marksmanship, academic and community service records. By eliminating a minimum GPA, we are including those late bloomers who may have had a slow start in one area but have shown great potential by the end of their high school career,” said Dan Durben, former National Rifle Team and U.S. Olympic Team Rifle Coach and chairman of the CMP Scholarship Committee.
Since 2005, the CMP Scholarship Program has presented $1,000 one-year scholarships to high school seniors based on merit, humanitarian efforts, extracurricular activities and marksmanship participation. In 2020, the CMP added one $5,000 scholarship, the Carolyn Hines Memorial Scholarship — awarded to the top applicant who best embodied the values of Dr. Hines, who was instrumental in shaping the program.
This year, CMP will continue to award $1,000, $3,000, and $5,000 scholarships for over 90 rising high school seniors. Applicants will compete based on their rifle, pistol and/or shotgun competition history, academic excellence, community service, leadership and potential.
As stated, the CMP no longer requires a minimum GPA, though academic performance is still a key component of the selection criteria. In addition, the new automated application replaces paper forms and mailing documents with an online application and the ability to upload documents.
CMP will award a total of $200,000 for the 2023-2024 school year. Additionally, the Garand Collectors Association has generously donated $30,000 in partnership with the CMP in its recognition of our nation’s best young marksmen and women.
The deadline to apply for a CMP Scholarship will be March 31, 2023. The online application portal link and other scholarship information is found at https://thecmp.org/youth/cmp-scholarship-program.
Ever wonder how rifles, actions, stocks, optics, suppressors, and ammo components are produced in factories around the world? Today’s Saturday at the Movies installment features fascinating videos filmed inside major firearms industry factories including BAT Machine, ZEISS, Norma, SAKO, Nosler, CCI and Federal.
BAT Custom Rifle Actions — Factory Tour and Owner Interview
BAT Machine Co. makes some of the finest custom actions you can buy. Numerous national and world records have been set with BAT actions. To create this video, Ultimate Reloader’s Gavin Gear visited the BAT Machine production center in Post Falls, Idaho. Gavin talked with BAT’s founder Bruce Thom. The video features extensive footage of advanced CNC machines used to produce the superb BAT actions. If you own a BAT action, or hope to acquire one some day, definitely watch this video. CLICK HERE for Full Story.
Norma Ammunition Factory — Cartridge Creation Start to Finish
Norma has released a fascinating video showing how bullet, brass, and ammunition are produced at the Norma Precision AB factory which first opened in 1902. You can see how cartridges are made starting with brass disks, then formed into shape through a series of processes, including “hitting [the cup] with a 30-ton hammer”. After annealing (shown at 0:08″), samples from every batch of brass are analyzed (at multiple points along the case length) to check metal grain structure and hardness. Before packing, each case is visually inspected by a factory worker.
The video also shows how bullets are made from jackets and lead cores. Finally, you can watch the loading machines that fill cases with powder, seat the bullets, and then transport loaded rounds to the packing system. Guys, watch this video! You won’t be disappointed. The camera work and editing are excellent — there are many close-ups revealing key processes such as annealing and head-stamping.
SAKO Factory Tour in Finland
SAKO produces some of the best hunting rifles you can buy. SAKO, along with its sister company Tikka, operates sophisticated production facilities in Finland. In the video below, Canadian journalists visit the SAKO factory where rifles are made. It is interesting to see how stocks are made and barrels are bored and contoured. SEE More HERE.
Nosler Bullet Manufacturing
Ever wanted to see how Nosler bullets and cartridges are made? Here’s your opportunity. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) has produced a video (“Quality First”) that offers a behind-the-scenes look inside Nosler’s Oregon factory that produces bullets, brass, and ammunition. RMEF representatives visited Nosler’s famously-guarded manufacturing plant to show the technology used by Nosler to produce bullets and ammunition. After the intro, this video illustrates Nosler’s bullet construction techniques with a cool animation sequence. The video then showcases the Nosler ballistics lab, inspection room, and packaging line. SEE more HERE.
Video Showcases Nosler Production Facility and Ballistics Lab
ZEISS Sport Optics
ZEISS is a world leader in lens and optics technology. Along with ultra-high quality lenses used in production of computer chips and special optics for high-tech medical equipment, ZEISS produces great optics for hunters and shooters. ZEISS lenses are renowned for their sharpness, clarity, and high light transmission. ZEISS has a new series of LRP S3and LRP S5 First Focal Plane scopes which promise to be favorites among PRS/NRL competitors and long-range hunters.
Silencerco Suppressor Fabrication Start to Finish
Here’s a cool video that shows the entire production process for a SilencerCo Octane pistol suppressor start to finish. Beginning with the raw materials, this video shows a wide variety of cutting, milling, drilling, burnishing, fitting, metal bathing, surface finishing, and laser etching processes. If you have any interest in production methods you’ll want to watch this video all the way through, and maybe a second time.
Rimfire Ammo Production at CCI/Speer and Federal Factories
YouTube host 22Plinkster got a chance to tour the CCI/Speer production facility in Lewiston, Idaho. This large plant produces both rimfire and centerfire ammunition. While touring the plant, 22Plinkster was allowed to capture video showing the creation of .22 LR rounds from start to finish. This is a fascinating video, well worth watching.
This revealing video shows all phases of .22 LR ammo production including cupping, drawing, annealing, washing, drying, head-stamping, priming, powder charging, bullet seating, crimping, waxing, inspection, and final packaging.
Field & Stream Tours Federal Ammo Plant in Minnesota
A while back Field & Stream toured the Federal ammunition production facility in Anoka, Minnesota. This large plant produces both rimfire and centerfire ammunition. While touring the plant, the reporter was allowed to capture video showing the creation of .22 LR rounds from start to finish. This is a fascinating video, well worth watching. Click speaker icon for sound.
Note to Viewers — After Starting Video, Click Speaker Icon to HEAR audio!
The Manufacturing Process for .22 LR Rimfire Ammunition Shooting Sports USA explains: “Rimfire cartridge cases are the oldest self-contained cartridge in existence, having been in continuous production since the mid-1850s. Rimfire cases are drawn from a thin piece of brass and formed with a hollow rim. A priming compound is then forced into the case using centrifugal force, where it is charged with powder and a bullet is seated in the mouth of the case. The case is then crimped around the bullet to ensure sufficient push and pull when the round is fired. When the firing pin strikes the thin brass rim of the case, the hollow rim is crushed and the primer is ignited.” Source: SSUSA.org 9/2/2017.
On Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, retailers nationwide offer great savings on a wide variety of products. This is true for vendors of guns, ammo, reloading supplies and shooting accessories. But many sellers have “jumped the gun”, starting their Black Friday sales early. Here are six shooting-related sale opportunities that are available right now. You can save 10-40% on a wide variety of items, including rifles, actions, triggers, optics, ammunition, and more.
Bruno Shooters Supply — 10% Off Sitewide, with FREE Shipping
Bruno’s kicked off its Black Friday Sale early this year. Right now (starting 11/18/2022) Bruno’s is offering “At Least 10% Off or more” for the vast majority of Bruno’s listed products. This includes optics, Kelbly actions, powder, primers, bullets, brass, dies, presses, tumblers, and more. There are extra big discounts on Norma brass. Plus you get FREE Shipping with most orders of $100 or more. These discounts are good now through CyberMonday, November 28, 2022 at 8:00 am. NOTE: HazMat fees still apply. Items excluded from discounts are: barrels, BAT, Stiller, and Remington actions, complete firearms, LabRadars, and 21st Century rests. But these excluded items still qualify for FREE Shipping.
Sportsman’s Warehouse — Pre-Black Friday Sale
Sportsman’s Warehouse is running a major Pre-Black Friday Sale right now. There are significant discounts on firearms, optics, outdoor clothing, hunting accessories, camping gear and more. Additionally nearly all Sitka Gear is 25% off now. Here are four of the best bargains we found:
Primary Arms Pre-Black Friday Sale — ARs, Optics and More
With its Pre-Black Friday Sale, underway now, Primary Arms has discounted rifles, optics, and shooting accessories. Save on complete rifles as well as AR components. And there are good deals on Nightforce scopes. Bargain hunters you’ll find some killer deals under $40:
Optics Planet is running a big Pre-Black Friday Blazin’ Deals promotion with over 180 products on sale. NOTE: This is NOT just an optics sale. You’ll find a wide variety of products discounted up to 40%. Sale items include scopes, reloading dies, AR uppers, bullets, trigger sets, holsters, laser rangefinders, and more. These special prices are good through November 22, 2022 at 11:59 pm CST.
“22 Plinkster” is an avid shooter who has produced a number of entertaining videos for his YouTube Channel. In the video below, he tackles the question “Why Do Misfires Occur in .22 LR Rimfire Ammunition?” This is the most common question posed to 22 Plinkster by his many viewers. He identifies four main issues that can cause .22 LR misfires or faulty ignition:
1. Damaged Firing Pin — The dry firing process can actually blunt or shorten the firing pin, particularly with older rimfire firearms. Use of snap caps is recommended.
2. Poor Ammunition — Some cheap brands have poor quality control. 22 Plinkster recommends using ammo from a manufacturer with high quality control standards, such as CCI and Federal.
3. Age of Ammunition — Rimfire ammo can function well for a decade or more. However the “shelf life” of rimfire ammunition is not infinite. You ammo’s “lifespan” will be shortened by heat, moisture, and humidity. You should store your rimfire ammo in a cool, dry place.
4. Mishandling of Ammunition — Tossing around ammunition can cause problems. Rough handling can cause the priming compound to be dislodged from the rim. This causes misfires.
Preventing misfires is essential if you want to succeed in NRL22 competition and other rimfire competition disciplines run “on the clock”.
Progressive reloading presses offer shooters speed and efficiency in producing custom-tailored rifle and pistol ammunition. However, there is a wide choice of Progressive Presses and a bewildering array of options to consider. In this video, the 6.5 Guys and UltimateReloader.com’s Gavin Gear provide an overview of the leading Progressive Presses on the market along with key considerations for precision rifle shooters. If you are considering getting a Progessive for rifle ammo reloading, you should watch this informative, 25-minute video.
10 Tips for Reloading Rifle Ammo on a Progressive Press:
1. Make sure the brass is very clean. Don’t mix old range pick-up brass with newer brass.
2. Apply a thin, spray lube to all cases before the sizing/loading cycle.
3. Consider priming your brass separately (with a hand or bench tool) before the operation. Then inspect the primers before loading powder and bullets.
4. Always wear eye protection when loading with the Progressive, particularly if you are priming cases.
5. With masking tape, mark the powder measure/dropper with the powder type and cartridge charge weight. Check the charge mass multiple times (see below).
6. Cycle a few cases, sizing and adding powder but NOT seating bullets. Weigh the powder charges to ensure the powder measure is dispensing the correct charge. Sometimes this will change a couple tenths as it “settles down” after the first few charges.
7. Check the brass for shoulder bump and bullet seating depth carefully for the first few rounds, then check again periodically.
8. Try to maintain a steady pace and operate the handle the same way every time.
9. Visually inspect the powder charge in each case (before bullet seating), and use a lock-out die if your Progressive Press has enough stations.
10. Never, ever mix pistol and rifle powders! If you have previously loaded pistol ammo with your Progressive, make sure ALL the powder (every flake and kernel) is removed from all parts of the powder-dropping system before you add rifle powder.
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The question has been posed: “What effect does altitude have on the flight of a bullet?” The simplistic answer is that, at higher altitudes, the air is thinner (lower density), so there is less drag on the bullet. This means that the amount of bullet drop is less at any given flight distance from the muzzle. Since the force of gravity is essentially constant on the earth’s surface (for practical purposes), the bullet’s downward acceleration doesn’t change, but a bullet launched at a higher altitude is able to fly slightly farther (in the thinner air) for every increment of downward movement. Effectively, at higher altitudes, the bullet behaves as if it has a higher ballistic coefficient.
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