With our inflationary economy, ammo continues to go up in price every year. Smart shooters can benefit by price-shopping to get the best deals on factory-loaded ammunition, particularly for popular cartridge types such as .22 LR, 9x19mm (9mm Luger), .357 Mag, .223 Rem (5.56×45), and 6.5 Creedmoor. It this article we list 15 reliable online sources for factory-loaded ammo. You may want to bookmark this page so you can quickly scan and price-check multiple vendors. In addition, you can use a service such as AmmoSeek.com.
Why Should You Shop for Ammo Online?
By shopping online for ammo, you can save money, get a wider selection, and get bulk discounts. GunDeals.com explains: “Online purchases [can] save you a lot of money [and can] also save your time… one of the most important advantages is definitively the huge selection.” With online retailers you can quickly compare prices, and you will often get a discount on a large order (300 rounds or more) that is not available in local stores. Note, with some large vendors such as Cabela’s and Sportsman’s Warehouse you can order online then pick up in a local store.
Are There Restrictions on Online Ammo Purchasing?
In most (but not all) U.S. states is it legal to order ammunition online to be shipped to your residence. However, you MUST check your State and local laws and regulations. In some states and/or cities, it is ILLEGAL to purchase ammunition online for shipment across state lines with direct delivery. For example, in California, all ammo must be purchased from a licensed ammo dealer/vendor with a state background check (so much for the Second Amendment)*. Likewise Washington DC, and Hawaii do not allow online ammunition purchases. And there are restrictions in New York City. In Alaska there are multiple shipping regulations that impact ammo deliveries from online sales so many vendors do not ship to Alaska.
*In some instances ammo can be purchased online from an out-of-state seller who will then ship to an authorized, in-state California vendor who may transfer the ammo for a fee with background checks as required by CA law.
NEW Burris Eliminator 6 Laser Rangefinder Riflescope
The new Burris Eliminator 6 could be the most sophisticated new optics product at SHOT Show 2024. This 4-20x52mm optic combines a powerful laser rangefinder with multiple environmental sensors, in a 34mm tube format that is compact, with easy-to-use turret controls and sharp ED glass.
Burris revolutionized hunting optics with its Eliminator laser rangefinding riflescopes. These offered a magnified optic with a built-in rangefinder giving hunters and varminters a fast/accurate aiming solution. The Eliminator’s laser measured distance then provided a firing solution. Just put the red dot on the target. Building on five generations of Eliminator rangefinding riflescopes, Burris has just released an impressive, all-new, completely redesigned Eliminator 6. Hunters who are familiar with the legacy Eliminator series will instantly recognize the Eliminator 6 as “something different,” and they would be correct. It is smaller, and lighter, and it looks like a regular scope.
How does it work? Using the Eliminator 6, simply range your target, hold the illuminated aiming point on your target, and hold wind if necessary using the hold-off points in the reticle. You don’t have to carry around a separate Laser Rangefinder, or dial elevation with knobs.
See how the parallax and illumination adjustments are now conveniently located on a conventional turret-style knob that also contains the range activation and brightness button array.
Burris states that the “Eliminator 6 [has] the most comprehensive and advanced integrated technology ever delivered in a hunting riflescope.” Remarkably, this new Eliminator 6 includes multiple sensors, along with the laser rangefinder. The Eliminator 6 features a built-in thermometer, barometer, and inclinometer, and it automatically measures density altitude (which can also be manually selected). This allows the Eliminator 6 to provide extremely accurate ballistics solutions. The key features are:
• Integrated laser rangefinder capable of ranging out to 2,000 yards (reflective)
• BurrisConnect App compatible for quick programing and precise ballistics
• 4-20X Magnification
• X177 Reticle with 177 1/5 MOA illuminated aiming points
• Angle Sensor informs ballistics calculator
• Built-In Environmental Sensors
• HUD with 11 data zones
• Shotcall Marker
To maximize optical clarity and minimize chromatic aberration, Burris uses extra-low dispersion (ED) glass for the Eliminator 6. The ED glass combined with multi-coated lenses deliver a crisp optical view with superb low-light transmission. Other optical features include a new 5X system with 4-20X magnification, a +2.0 to -3.0 diopter adjustment range, and side focus/parallax adjustment from 25 yards to infinity. Parallax and illumination adjustments are now located on a conventional turret-style knob that also contains the range activation and brightness button array.
Ranging — At the touch of a button, the Eliminator 6 offers instant and precise ranging out to 2000+ yards on reflective targets and 1400 yards on deer hide. Simply place the reticle on the target, depress the ranging button, and the distance in yards or meters is presented on the scope’s heads-up display (HUD).
Environmental Monitoring — Climate and terrain play a big part in ballistics. The Eliminator 6 features a built-in thermometer, barometer, and inclinometer, and it automatically measures density altitude (which can also be manually selected). From this, the Eliminator 6 selects the ballistics solution via the previously calculated database drawn from the Burris Connect App.
Ballistic Compensation — Eliminator 6 ballistic solutions are calcuated on the BurrisConnect mobile App and uploaded to the scope. Bluetooth connectivity with the user’s mobile device allows the user to create an internal DOPE card in the Eliminator 6 that combines ranging, environmental, and ballistic data. Users can create profiles using factory load data or completely custom.
Precise Aiming Solutions – The digital DOPE card works with the scope’s illuminated X177 reticle to display the precise holdover aiming point for the ranged distance. Combined with the reticle’s windage hold-off points, the Eliminator 6 offers a massive 177 aim points with 1/5 MOA precision to ensure reliable point-of-aim/point-of-impact performance.
ShotCall Marker (SCM) – Available for display in the HUD is bullet velocity and bullet energy at the ranged distance. These features allow the shooter to recognize when the shot distance may be too far and the velocity/energy too low to ensure an ethical kill. The SCM will display an “X” if the user defined ballistic terminal performance is inadequate at the ranged distance.
Every wondered how modern rifle actions are designed and crafted? Want to know the fine details of firing pin function and bolt lock-up? Then you should definitely watch this highly informative YouTube video. Top F-Class shooter Eric Cortina of Cortina Precision interviews Jim Borden, an engineer whose Borden Accuracy company produces some of the best rifle actions ever made. This is one of the better Eric Cortina video interviews. You’ll learn quite a bit from watching the video. The full video runs over two hours, so you may want to watch in segments over a couple of days.
Viewers have praised this interview, saying it has a wealth of information:
Gunsmith Alex Wheeler observed: “I consider Jim a friend even though we have never met. Definitely one of the guys that really gets actions. There’s not as many of them as you would think. He was the first timed action out there that had good ignition, at least in my opinion. It was a great interview. I do hope he has him on again.”
“Agreed. Jim is full of information and really does a good job on his actions. This [Cortina] interview with Jim Borden was excellent.” — Jud96
“I really like Jim’s explanations on why ductility is so important in an action. Especially in the critical areas that basically form 90 degree surfaces, such as where bolt lugs meet the bolt body. There is a lot of great info in this interview.” — Jackie Schmidt
“I have enjoyed all of Erik’s interview videos, which are very informative. But I agree [that] this interview with Jim Borden is the best. I learned a lot. Thank you Erik and Jim!” — Alexander-M
About Jim Borden and Borden Accuracy
Jim began shooting high power silhouette and benchrest matches in the mid 1970s while working for a Fortune 500 company as an engineer. In the early 1980s he began building rifles for himself and then for others. Jim has a background as a gunsmith, machinist, registered mechanical engineer, engineering instructor, project manager, hunter, and benchrest competitor.
In benchrest competition Jim has set ten world records and won 11 National Championships thereby earning induction into the Benchrest Hall of Fame. Jim also served six terms as President of the International Benchrest Shooters (IBS).
Jim operates Borden Rifles/Borden Accuracy with his wife Joan, sons Jim Junior and John, daughter Andrea Mecca and son-in-law John (Mike) Mecca. Jim is also an outstanding photographer. Below is a stunning eagle image photographed by Jim Borden.
Borden Accuracy — A Success Story
Borden Accuracy/Borden Rifles has been a source for precision benchrest and hunting rifles for many years. Jim started doing his own gunsmithing while competing in benchrest and High Power silhouette matches. Jim launched his business in 1987, working nights and weekends while still employed at P&G. The business became full-time in 1995 with Jim and his wife Joan doing the work. The business was expanded in 1999 with the construction of the new Springville, PA facility and the addition of sons Jim Jr. and John to the staff. Daughter Andrea Mecca joined the staff in May 2016 as machinist and machine operator and Son-in-law John Mecca came onboard in January 2000.
Jim and company began making Rimrock benchrest and Rimrock hunting actions in 2001. They added Borden Alpine and Timberline actions in 2006. These actions are made in an advanced manufacturing facility which has three CNC vertical machining centers, 1 CNC lathe and 2 CNC turning centers, three manual lathes, a manual knee mill, a surface grinder, a cylindrical grinder and wire EDM machine. To learn more, visit BordenRifles.com, call 570-965-2505, or send email to info [at] bordenrifles.com.
The indoors aspect of SHOT Show 2023 kicked off yesterday with the SHOT Week Supplier Showcase upstairs at the Venetian 5th Floor Palazzo Ballroom. 500+ suppliers had displays showing materials, products, tools, and manufacturing solutions. Along with some very cool tools, many interesting new products were on display.
The SHOT Week Supplier Showcase is a dedicated event for suppliers to display their shooting, hunting, and outdoor material supplies, off the main trade show floors, including tools, machinery, plastics, fabrics, OE materials, logistics, software or other products and services for the shooting, hunting, outdoor and law enforcement industries.
Industry Day at the Range is a unique event. Gun industry representatives get to inspect and shoot scores of new rifles, shotguns, and pistols provided by 100+ manufacturers from around the globe. In addition, new optics and shooting accessories are on display. Hundreds of media members and gun industry personnel visited the Boulder City, Nevada gun range on Monday, 1/22/24 to get a “hands on” experience testing guns with live ammo. There were many notable new products, with new rifles, pistols, and optics on display, plus new ammo types.
Conditions this year at the range were less than optimal. It was cold and damp, with drizzle and rain during the day. Still most of the shooting was at targets inside 50 yards so the raindrops didn’t stop the show. It did make it more challenging to hit the longer range targets set up on the upper rifle bay.
This Outdoor News America video covers the action at the start of Industry Day at the Range 2024. The reporter visits five different gun makers (Armscor, Walther, Diamondback, SDS Imports, American Tactical) and tests handguns on steel targets.
Radical New Reciprocating Barrel Rifle from Olympus Arms
The New Olympus Arms Vulcan is an AR10-style rifle that has a unique mechanism. The rifle’s barrel cycles back and forth, absorbing most of the recoil energy. GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce tests this rifle. At the 2:02 mark in video, you can see the barrel cycle after shots. With its new Vulcan, Olympus Arms has revived a classic firearms mechanism with a unique long-action reciprocating barrel similar to the Browning Automatic 5 shotgun. The Vulcan is currently offered in .308 Win, with a .277 Sig version in the works.
Early SHOT Show Reveal from SIG Sauer
GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce was checking out new products at Industry Day at the Range, including the new line of Staccato Ammunition. Back in Vegas, True managed to get an early look at an interesting rifle from SIG Sauer, the Cross Trax Compact Hunting Rifle. With a skeletonized, folding stock, the lightweight Cross Trax can be easily carried in a day pack. While SHOT Show doesn’t officially start until Tuesday morning, Pearce and crew managed to get this exclusive preview before SHOT Show 2024 officially opened to the public. The Cross Trax weighs just 6.1 pounds as chambered in .308 Winchester.
Beretta Range Day — Wide Variety of Guns Tested
This 51-minute Classic Firearms video covers a huge variety of Beretta pistols, rifles, and shotguns. These guns were showcased at the Beretta private Range Day event held earlier at the Desert Sportsman’s Range in West Las Vegas. Shotguns are featured in the first segments, followed by pistols at the 10 minute mark.
One of the best things about Industry Day at the Range is the FREE Ammo provided by Federal and other manufacturers. Rifle, pistol, shotgun — the ammo is ALL FREE.
List of Industry Day at the Range Exhibitor Companies
CLICK IMAGE to load large-format Exhibitor List with company names.
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. EuroOptic — 15% Off Vortex Optics
⏺ Significant savings on full line of Vortex optics
Vortex scopes are a top choice of hunters and target shooters alike. Vortex offers a superb warranty and a wide variety of optics types and zoom levels. If you’ve wanted to grab a new Vortex riflescope or spotting scope visit EuroOptic. Right now you can get 15% off the vast majority of Vortex products EuroOptic has in stock. Use CODE VTX15 to get the 15% savings.
2. Creedmoor Sports — ADG Brass IN STOCK
⏺ ADG makes very good brass — now in stock for popular cartridge types
ADG brass was designed not only for consistency, but for durability. You can grab some quality ADG Brass cartridge types now at Creedmoor Sports. They have hard to find 6.5 PRC, 6.5 SAUM and more ready to ship. NOTE: Top F-Open shooters are necking up 6.5 PRC to 7mm, to create a very effective and efficient 7/6.5 PRC wildcat.
3. Palmetto SA — Ruger American Predator Rifle, $599.99
⏺ Very solid deer-hunting rig with great Go Wild camo
Looking for a new hunting rifle? Consider the Ruger American Predator, a rugged, reliable hunting rifle without the high price tag. This 6.5 Creedmoor rifle has a nice synthetic stock in the popular Go Wild camo finish. The one-piece, three-lug bolt with 70° throw provides ample scope clearance and utilizes dual cocking cams for smooth cycling. This rifle comes with mounted Picatinny scope rail and threaded-end barrel with muzzle brake. The trigger is user adjustable between 3 and 5 pounds. The 6.5 Creedmoor round is more than adequate for normal deer hunting. For big elk, we recommend a larger cartridge.
4. Stocky’s Stocks — Quality Carbon Fiber Stocks on Sale
⏺ Excellent stock for varmint and hunting rifles — strong and light
Would you like a modern, high-tech carbon fiber stock for your next hunting or varmint rifle project? Stocky’s Stocks is running a major sale on UltraLite Carbon Fiber VG2 Rem 700 Stocks, UltraLite Carbon Fiber Hunter Rem 700 Stocks and UltraLite Carbon Fiber M50 Rem 700 Stocks. With a selection this big you’re bound to find one that fits your needs. These stocks are strong, light, and durable.
5. Bruno’s — Nightforce 15-55x52mm DEMO open box, $2150.00
⏺ Save hundreds on open box Nightforce comp scope
The impressive Nightforce Competition 15-55x52mm ZeroStop is one of the best available optics for benchrest, F-Class, and ELR competition. The glass is very good, clicks are precise, and the scope has a handy ZeroStop. Right now Bruno’s has “open box” versions of these superb scopes for $2150.00 — hundreds less than they normally cost. These 15-55X NF demos still come with full factory warranties. Don’t delay — supply is very limited!
6. Natchez — RCBS TrimMate, $89.99
⏺ Reliable, versatile case prep — $45 less than $135 Amazon price
Now offered at a big discount at Natchez, the RCBS Trim Mate Case Prep Center, is a good, versatile multi-station power unit. Five gear-driven rotating heads perform multiple tasks. Along with case neck cleaning, this Case Prep Center will do neck chamfering, deburring, primer pocket cleaning, military crimp removal, and flash hole deburring. This is a great price — the same RCBS machine is now $135.49 on Amazon.
7. Amazon — Lyman BrassSmith Funnel, $33.49
⏺ Very useful kit we use — avoids powder spills
Having a good powder funnel really helps precision reloading. The Lyman Products Brass Smith Pro Powder Funnel System is a great little system. Unlike plastic powder funnels, the aluminum DIE cast body and CNC-turned aluminum caliber-specific inserts are static free to eliminate powder cling. The precision fit to your case necks eliminates spilled powder. The kit includes six laser-marked aluminum inserts to fit calibers 22 to 338: .22, .243/6mm, .25/6.5mm, .270/7mm, .30, and .338.
⏺ Great for shooters who need to read logs and smartphone App details
Are you one of the many shooters who need some magnification when adjusting your turrets, reading scores, or using phone Apps? You should try BIFOCAL SAFETY GLASSES that protect your vision while helping you see better. These MAGID Safety Glasses with Level 2 Diopters (#ad) boast a ANSI Z87.1 safety rating. With these safety bifocals you get quality eye protection when shooting plus the benefit of a little extra magnification as needed. These bifocal safety glasses also have side shields.
Using a torque wrench is important when mounting scopes and installing actions. If you need a torque wrench, consider the Hiners 1/4-Inch Torque Screwdriver Wrench Set (#ad). This 31-piece kit features a driver that can be set from 10 to 70 inch-pounds with a nice, resin handle that’s comfortable to grip. There are color-coded steel Hex, Slotted, and Torx Bits.
⏺ Colorful bullseye targets work for indoor pistol and long-range rifles
Here’s a good, highly-visible target for close-range pistol practice or longer-range rifle shooting. The colors stand out for indoor pistol shooting, while the rings are good for competition rifle shooters. This 50-Pack of Bullseye Paper Targets (#ad) features a 5-color, 10-ring bullseye target with scoring values from 1 to 10. The targets measure an ample 17″x17″ square and include a log box for name, scores, and distance.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
SHOT Show 2024 kicks off on Monday, January 22, 2024 with Industry Day at the Range. We’ll have friends there at the Boulder City Range testing new rifles and pistols, and checking out new optics and accessories. Then on Tuesday, January 23, the doors open at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum. Over 2500 companies will be exhibiting products this year, with booths and displays covering over 800,000 square feet of floor space. Show organizers expect over 50,000 attendees.
SHOT Show is restricted to industry professionals — manufacturer personnel, buyers/sellers of products, and media representatives. But thankfully, there will be lots of coverage from the event. We’ll be providing regular updates through our Daily Bulletin. In addition, we’ll be following SHOT Show coverage from leading gun-related YouTube Channels, including BackFire, Guns America Digest, The Firearm Blog (TFB-TV), RECOIL Magazine, and Ultimate Reloader. And below are official pages from the show website:
Here are two video previews for products that will be on display in Las Vegas at SHOT Show 2024.
In addition, NRA Publications’ Shooting Illustrated will provided extensive coverage of SHOT Show — from pre-show private events to Media Day At The Range to updates from the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. Shooting Illustrated staffers will be at SHOT Show to find notable new firearms, gear, and accessories, which will be covered via regular updates on the internet. Check out ShootingIllustrated.com for daily show recaps, as well as exclusive, live content from Las Vegas on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
Shooting Illustrated is the NRA’s official journal covering personal defense, concealed carry, and tactical firearms, training and gear. Shooting Illustrated reaches over one MILLION users through its print magazine, digital publications, and social media. Visit ShootingIllustrated.com for more information.
In the archives of The First Shot (the CMP’s Online Magazine), SGT Walter E. Craig of the USAMU discusses physical conditioning for competitive shooters, particularly High Power competitors. Fitness training is an important subject that, curiously, is rarely featured in the shooting sports media. We seem to focus on hardware, or esoteric details of cartridge reloading. Yet physical fitness also matters, particularly for High Power shooters. In his article, Craig advocates: 1) weight training to strengthen the Skeletal Muscle System; 2) exercises to build endurance and stamina; and 3) cardiovascular conditioning programs to allow the shooter to remain relaxed with a controlled heart beat.
SGT Craig explains: “An individual would not enter a long distance race without first spending many hours conditioning his/her body. One should apply the same conditioning philosophy to [shooting]. Physical conditioning to improve shooting skills will result in better shooting performance[.] The objective of an individual physical training program is to condition the muscles, heart, and lungs thereby increasing the shooter’s capability of controlling the body and rifle for sustained periods.”
In addition to weight training and cardio workouts (which can be done in a gym), SGT Craig advocates “some kind of holding drill… to develop the muscles necessary for holding a rifle for extended periods.”
For those with range access, Craig recommends a blind standing exercise: “This exercise consists of dry-firing one round, then live-firing one round, at a 200-yard standard SR target. For those who have access only to a 100-yard range, reduced targets will work as well. Begin the exercise with a timer set for 50 minutes. Dry-fire one round, then fire one live round and without looking at the actual impact, plot a call in a data book. Continue the dry fire/live fire sequence for 20 rounds, plotting after each round. After firing is complete, compare the data book to the target. If your zero and position are solid, the plots should resemble the target. As the training days add up and your zero is refined, the groups will shrink and move to the center.”
Fitness training and holding drills help position shooters reach their full potential. Here is 6-Time U.S. National Long Range Champion John Whidden.
Training for Older Shooters
Tom Alves has written an excellent article A Suggested Training Approach for Older Shooters. This article discusses appropriate low-impact training methods for older shooters. Tom explains: “Many of the articles you will read in books about position shooting and the one mentioned above are directed more toward the younger generation of shooters in their 20s. If you look down the line at a typical high power match these days you are likely to see quite a few folks who are in their middle 30s and up. Many people in that age range have had broken bones and wear and tear on their joints so a training program needs to take that into account. For instance, while jogging for an extended period for heart and lung conditioning may be the recommended approach for younger folks, it may be totally inappropriate for older people.”
The Beretta BRX1 is a modern rifle with some unique properties. It is a fast-cycling “straight-pull” rifle with the ability to quickly change the bolt position from right side to left side. It uses a rotating multi-lug bolt, similar to what you’ll find on AR-platform rifles. The closing system employs an 8-lug bolt (or 16-lug for magnums). Currently, three chamberings are offered in the USA: .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, and .30-06 Springfield. And there are also some previous production models in 6.5 Creedmoor. Multiple barrel lengths are offered: 20.1″, 22.4″, 24.4″ (51, 57, 62 cm). Barrel and chamber are cold-hammer forged together from a single steel piece. The trigger can be adjusted to three pull weights from 2.1 pounds (950 grams) to 3.3 pounds (1500 grams). CLICK HERE for factory specifications and more information.
Accuracy has been good by hunting rifle standards. Beretta offers a 3-shot, sub-MOA Guarantee for the BRX1, stating that “the accuracy certificate for each firearm is available online”. Testers have confirmed that this rifle should be capable of putting three shots in about 1″ at 100 yards.
You’ll find a good review of the Beretta BRX1 on the All4Shooters Website. In 100m outdoor range testing, they were able to get a 1.18″ five-shot group, and the testers confirmed the rifle was fast to cycle and operate: “The straight-pull repeater comes with a linear reloading system. In concrete terms, this means that no rotation or lever movement is required. This promises particularly fast reloading due to an especially smooth bolt action. Without any problems, it was possible to cycle the rifle with one finger.” The testers confirmed the rifle can change from right-hand to left-hand very quickly: “The bolt handle can be removed in a few seconds, and the shooter can change the ejection side. In combination with the central safety, you have a fully-fledged left- or right-handed gun within a short time.”
Overall the testers were impressed: “The new Beretta BRX1 has everything you need on board: a muzzle thread, a one-piece Picatinny rail, a high-quality red-orange magazine (5+1 rounds), ambidexterity, barrel change option, and a great, very smooth straight-pull action.”
January 2024 Field Test of BRX1 Latest Model
This is a good, recent review (1/19/2024) by the BackFire channel. The tester liked the straight-pull action, stating that cycling the BRX1’s bolt does not “jostle the rifle” as with a conventional bolt action. This allows smoother and faster follow-up shots.
We were concerned that the BRX 1 doesn’t have a conventional action frame. As you can see in the above photo, when the bolt carrier assembly is retracted there is nothing above the bolt except the scope rail. However, this rifle has been thoroughly tested by the Beretta team, including one rifle that saw 10,000 rounds of .300 Win Magnum (see Backfire video at 10:40). Beretta notes that the “BRX1 has successfully passed the same NATO tests carried by Beretta on military weapons. Thanks to the experience in the military and law enforcement world, BRX1 mounts a locking system featuring a rotating bolt head with 8 locking lugs — or 16 for magnum calibers.”
There was a safety recall on Beretta BRX1 rifles early on, shortly after the original release in 2021. The issue arose from users incorrectly installing the bolt handle: “a user has reversed the charging handle on the bolt without positioning it correctly in its seat.” A part was modified to eliminate the issue.
SHORT VIDEOS Showing BRX1 Features
Here are some helpful “short” videos. The first (top left) shows how to cycle the action rapidly. The second video (from Beretta Gallery Dallas) shows how to attach the bolt assembly, and notes that one must ensure the hammer is cocked/retracted before sliding the bolt assembly on to the action. The third video illustrates how to move the bolt handle from one side to the other.
Tactical Version with Extended Magazine TFB-TV Review
For 2024, Beretta has introduced a new, camo-finish version of BRX1. This has been dubbed the BRX1 Tactical. Like other BRX1 rifles, this camo BRX1 features a left/right swappable straight-pull action that is very fast to cycle.
In this video, released just last week (1/17/24), the TFB-TV team tests the new Beretta BRX1 Tactical: “This tactical edition, a standout with its multicam finish, is a specialized variant of the Beretta BRX-1, which has gained popularity in Europe for its precision and reliability. The BRX-1 Tactical is enhanced for practical functionality with a 3D printed magazine adapter, allowing it to accept Magpul P-Mags, adding to its versatility.” This video covers the BRX1’s notable features including smooth action, adaptability, and stock ergonomics. The video also compares the new BRX1 Tactical to the original European BRX-1 model, highlighting the main changes — principally the stock configuration and the new bigger magazine.
The USAMU has published a “how-to” article about bullet sorting. While many of us may sort bullets by base-to-ogive length (and/or weight), the USAMU story explores the “how and why” of sorting bullets by Overall Length (OAL). Read the article highlights below, and make your own decision as to whether OAL sorting is worth the time and effort. Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics says that sorting by OAL is not a bad idea, but base-to-ogive bullet sorting probably represents a better investment of your time.
Bullet Sorting by Overall Length
We’d like to share a specialized handloading technique which we’ve long found beneficial to our long-range (600 yards and beyond) accuracy. Sorting of bullets for extreme long range (LR) accuracy is not difficult to do, but some background in theory is needed.
Here at USAMU’s Handloading Shop, we only sort individual bullets for the most demanding Long-Range applications and important competitions. Only the most accurate rifles and shooters can fully exploit the benefits of this technique. The basic sorting process involves measuring the Overall Length (OAL) of the bullets, and grouping them in 0.001″ increments. It’s not unusual to find lots of match bullets that vary as much as 0.015″-0.020″ in length throughout the lot, although lots with much less variation are seen as well. Even in bullet lots with 0.015″ OAL variation, the bullet base-to-ogive length will show much less variation. Hence, our basic sort is by bullet OAL. One obvious benefit of sorting is easily seen in the attached photo. The few bullets that are VERY different from the average are culled out, reducing probable fliers.
How does one know what OAL increments to use when sorting? The answer is simple. As each lot of bullets is unique in its OAL distribution, it’s best to sample your bullet lot and see how they are distributed. In the attached photo, you will see a set of loading trays with a strip of masking tape running along the bottom. Each vertical row of holes is numbered in 0.001″ increments corresponding to the bullets’ OAL. A digital caliper makes this task much easier. As each bullet is measured, it is placed in the line of holes for its’ OAL, and gradually, a roughly bell-shaped curve begins to form.
Note that near the center, bullets are much more plentiful than near the edges. At the extreme edges, there are a few that differ markedly from the average, and these make great chronograph or sighting-in fodder. We recommend using a sample of 200 bullets from your lot, and 300 is even better. Some bullet lots are very consistent, with a tall, narrow band of highly-uniform bullets clustered together over just a few thousandths spread. Other lots will show a long, relatively flat curve (less uniform), and you may also see curves with 2 or more “spikes” separated by several 0.001″ OAL increments.
Bullet Sorting — OAL vs. Base-to-Ogive vs. Weight
Expert advice from Bryan Litz, Applied Ballistics
I’m often asked what is a the best measure to sort bullets by, and the answer (to this and many other questions in ballistics) is: it depends.
Choosing to sort by overall length (OAL), base to ogive (BTO), bearing surface, weight, etc. can get overwhelming. Shooters typically look for something they can measure, which shows a variation and sort by that. It’s common for dimensional variations to correlate. For example, bullets which are longer in OAL are typically also shorter in BTO, and have longer noses. All these are symptoms of a bullet that was pushed a little further into the pointing die, or possibly had more than average lube while being swaged. So in essence, if you sort by BTO, you’re measuring one symptom which can indicate a pattern in the bullets shape.
So, the question still stands — what should you measure? You’ll always see more variation in OAL than BTO, so it’s easier to sort by OAL. But sometimes the bullet tips can be jagged and have small burrs which can be misleading. Measuring BTO will result in a lower spread, but is a more direct measure of bullet uniformity.
Then there’s the question of; how much variation is too much, or, how many bins should you sort into? Shooters who see 0.025” variation in BTO may choose to sort into 5 bins of 0.005”. But if you have only 0.005” variation in the box, you’ll still sort into 5 bins of 0.001”. What’s correct? You have to shoot to know. Live fire testing will answer more questions, and answer them more decisively than any amount of discussion on the subject. The test I recommend is to identify bullets on the extreme short end of the spectrum, and some on the extreme long end. Load at least 10 rounds of each, and take turns shooting 5-shot groups with them. If there is a difference, it will be evident. The results of the testing will answer your question of: should I sort based on X, Y, or Z?”
You can read more discussions on this and other similar subjects in our Accurateshooter.com Shooters’ Forum. Here’s a link to a thread discussing bullet sorting: Bullet Sorting Thread
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