Ever wonder what “Maggie’s Drawers” means? Well, in the shooting community it means a complete miss on the target, as originally indicated by a large red flag. In this 1957 photo, the U.S. Army brought the targets to the students at the annual Small Arms Firing School. Wheeled carts with “demo” targets were positioned at the firing line, between shooting stations, so trainees could better see the procedures. Soldiers demonstrated firing a shot, scoring the target and scorecard on the Camp Perry firing line. Targets in use at the time were the “V” type.
In this demonstration shot, the pit worker waves a red flag, known as “Maggie’s Drawers”, signifying a miss. This old photo comes from the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Archives.
If you click the gray tab to view the photo full-screen, you can see something extra. Look carefully at the horizon below the muzzle of the M1 Garand held by the shooter in the foreground. If you look carefully, you can see a crane being used to erect the beach tower that now watches over Lake Erie and the ranges when they are “hot”.
Origin of ‘Maggie’s Drawers’ Term Hap Rocketto, noted shooting historian, has explained the etymology of “Maggie’s Drawers”. This term “refers to the red flag waved vigorously across the face of the target to signify a complete miss of the target during practice”. The term came in use in the early 20th Century (prior to WWI) when flags were used to signal shot locations on long-range rifle targets.
Hap writes: “Since [the early 20th Century] the target has changed to the decimal bull and the marking system has been revised several times. Flags are no longer used, being replaced by value panels and chalk boards. However, one term from the flag days has held on with a tenacity that is indicative of the strong traditions of the high power community. If a shooter had the misfortune of firing a miss a red flag was waved across the front of the target. The flag is commonly known as ‘Maggie’s Drawers’ giving us the term now generally used to refer to a miss. The term ‘Maggie’s Drawers’ seems to be based on, as many things are in the military, a bawdy song. Prior to The Great War there was an old music hall song entitled The Old Red Flannel Drawers That Maggie Wore which [was creatively altered], as things tend to be by the troops, into something less delicate than might have been sung in vaudeville in the United States or in British music halls of the day.”
This Week on Shooting USA – The 2024 SHOT Show
SHOT Show 2024 is featured on Shooting USA today on the Outdoor Channel. SHOT stands for “Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Tradeshow”. This is a huge event attracting over 2,500 exhibitors. This year was the biggest ever, with exhibits occupying 800,000+ square feet in the Venetian EXPO and Caesars Forum. If you watch just one episode of Shooting USA TV this year, this might well be a top choice. This episode has very good coverage of products from leading manufacturers including Colt, Smith & Wesson, Hogue, Hornady, Ruger, Mossberg and more. CLICK HERE for 3/6/24 SHOT Show episode highlights.
Shooting USA SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central on the Outdoor Channel. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show online at any time on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode.
More SHOT Show 2024 Videos
Interested in more SHOT Show 2024 product coverage? Here are videos that cover new guns, plus the VelociRadar Chronograph and AMP Annealer displayed at SHOT Show 2024.
If you’ve been thinking about a big purchase at Brownells, here are some money-saving codes. Brownells is currently offering 10% Off a $150+ purchase, 15% Off Bullet purchases, 15% Off Select Optics, and $10 Off a $100 purchase. It’s simple to get these discounts — there are no buyers’ clubs to join, no forms to fill out. Just use the appropriate Discount Code during online check-out.
Listed below are the Codes to use. Simply use the appropriate Code for your purchase at Brownells.com. NOTE: Most of these codes have no listed expiration date, so Brownells could terminate them at any time. Accordingly, we recommend you do your shopping soon. Also if the highest value code no longer works, try a lesser value CODE.
Coupon Code: BULLET15 — 15% off Bullets
Expiration date: Unknown
Coupon Code: TA10 — 10% off $150+
Expiration date: Unknown
Coupon Code: TTB10 — 10% off $150+
Expiration date: Unknown
Coupon Code: WLS10 — 10% off $150+
Expiration date: Unknown
Coupon Code: TRIGGERED — 10% off $150+
Expiration date: Unknown
Coupon Code: GIFT10 — $10 OFF $100
Expiration date: Unknown
Coupon Code: SMSAVE — $10 OFF $100
Expiration date: Unknown
NOTE: None of the above codes include FREE or Discounted Shipping. But check when you purchase to see if free (or discounted) shipping is offered for your particular item(s). Depending on the weight/size of the item, this might be a better deal than saving $10-$20.
An accurate, self-loading .22 LR rifle, such as this Volquartsen, is our gun of choice for speed shooting with rimfire reactive targets.
Reactive targets offer “instant gratification” — with every hit your target moves, spins, or falls. Shooting reactive targets with a rimfire rifle is fun AND affordable. Times are a-changin’ — rimfire ammo prices have dropped dramatically, so you can now get very decent rimfire ammunition for under $4.25 a box, such as Norma Tac-22 or Aguila Super Extra. Currently priced at $3.49 for 50 rounds, the Aguila is just seven cents a round! At that price, you can afford to shoot every weekend.
Rimfire Know Your Limits Target Rack Challenge Targets offers the popular Know Your Limits (KYL) rimfire target for $139.00. This KYL target has become popular for NRL22 and PRS Rimfire shooters. Start on the left by engaging the 2″ round target and work your way to the right. Each shot gets progressively harder as the target sizes decrease. With each solid hit, the target plate will spin giving providing hit confirmation. The target rack easily breaks down for transport in a couple minutes.
Make Your Own Shooting Gallery with Reactive Rimfire Targets
For .22 LR fans, the folks at Action Target have created a whole series of steel rimfire targets. Much lighter than their centerfire counterparts, these rimfire targets are easier to transport and easier to set up. With this wide selection of reactive targets, you can create your own shooting gallery.
Rimfire Dueling Tree
Rimfire Spinning Jack
Rimfire Plate Rack
Rimfire Buffalo
In this video, Michael Bane reviews Action Target’s line of rimfire targets, which includes plate racks, spinners, dueling trees, and more. As Michael explains: “This line of targets is very well thought out. For example — dueling trees are a lot of fun. But a centerfire dueling tree weighs a lot, it’s hard to cart it around. A rimfire dueling tree is easy to set up, easy to carry around.”
New PT Target “Walks” When Hit
Action Target has a cool reactive target that doesn’t even need a stand or base. The patent-pending PT Twist rests on the ground, and flops over or “walks” when hit. Constructed from a single piece of 3/16″-thick A514B steel, the PT Twist has no welds or bolts to break or ricochet. Watch the PT Twist in action:
Sierra Bullets has released extensive load data for the popular 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. This medium-sized cartridge has become one of the most popular chamberings for tactical and PRS shooters. The 6.5 Creedmoor combines excellent accuracy, good mag-feeding, good barrel life, moderate recoil, and reasonable component cost. That’s why this cartridge has caught on quickly, and is now one of the most popular chamberings in factory rifles.
Developed in 2007 by Dennis DeMille and Dave Emary, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a shortened and improved 30 TC cartridge case that was inspired by the .308 Winchester design. This short action design was created to maximize case capacity and a wide range of loading lengths, while still fitting in standard short action magazines. With the correct twist barrel, the versatile 6.5 Creedmoor can take advantage of the wide range of bullet weights available in 6.5 mm (i.e. .264 caliber). Reloaders should keep in mind that the 6.5 Creedmoor works best with medium to medium-slow powders such as H4350, Varget, Win 760, and RE-17. The light recoil and adaptability of the efficient 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge has already proven itself in high power, precision rifle series and benchrest competitions. Couple that with respectable barrel life and its intrinsic accuracy potential and you have a recipe for success which should insure its legacy for decades to come.
Here are three tables from the Sierra Bullets Reloading Manual (5th Edition). IMPORTANT — This is just a sample!! Sierra has load data for many other 6.5mm bullet types, including FB, Spitzer, SBT, HPBT, and Tipped MK from 85 grains to 142 grains. To view ALL 6.5 Creedmoor DATA, CLICK HERE.
INDICATES MAXIMUM LOAD – USE CAUTION
LOADS LESS THAN MINIMUM CHARGES SHOWN ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.
INDICATES MAXIMUM LOAD – USE CAUTION
LOADS LESS THAN MINIMUM CHARGES SHOWN ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.
INDICATES MAXIMUM LOAD – USE CAUTION
LOADS LESS THAN MINIMUM CHARGES SHOWN ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.
Two More Great 6.5 Creedmoor Reloading Resources
Want More 6.5 Creedmoor Load Info? View Starline’s 6.5 Creedmoor Guide by Gavin Gear:
PRB 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor Load Survey
The Precision Rifle Blog compiled Load Data from PRS Competitors, for both 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor. This is a good place to start. PRB surveyed the match loads for “173 of the top-ranked precision rifle shooters in the country”. CLICK HERE.
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. Midsouth — Big Sale on All RCBS Products, Save $10-$100
⏺ Major sale on all RCBS tools, dies, presses and more
Midsouth is running a huge SALE on RCBS products — Presses, Reloading Tools, Powder Dispensers, Tumblers, Dies, Priming Sets, Casting Accessories and more. Save up to $80 on Reloading Kits, up to $100 on Electronic Powder Dispensers, and save $30 on Rotary Tumblers. Go to Midsouth’s RCBS Sale Page, then chose a product category. NOTE — Check often as inventory is changing.
2. Graf’s — Alpha Brass IN STOCK, Many Popular Types
⏺ Great brass for popular chamberings incl. 6mmBR, 6GT, 6mm Creedmoor
Alpha Brass makes excellent-quality cartridge brass for many popular categories. The price is competitive with other top-tier brass, ranging from $118-$130. In stock now at Grafs.com are: 22 GT, 6mmBR, 6mmGT (6GT), 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5×47 Lapua, .260 Remington, 7mm-08, and .308 Winchester Alpha brass. Both benchrest shooters and PRS/NRL competitors have been impressed with current production Alpha brass which ships in excellent slotted plastic cases with perforated bi-layer foam for protection.
3. Powder Valley — Bullet Bash SALE
⏺ Huge bullet sale — many brands, very good prices
If you need bullets for hunting, target shooting, or competition, check out the big Bullet Bash Sale at Powder Valley. A huge variety of bullets are on sale from Berger, Lapua, Sierra, Barnes, Hornady, Nosler and more. IMPORTANT: From the Bullet Bash Landing Page, click your preferred bullet-makers’ name(s) on the left — that way you can quickly find your favorites.
⏺ Top choice for PRS/NRL competition, plus 15% Off Code
For NRL22 or PRS/NRL matches, you’ll want a FFP scope with 0.1 Mil clicks. While you can spend over $2k on a suitable optic, we suggest getting the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm for $799.99. This has good glass, a handy EBR-7C “Xmas Tree” reticle, and great owner reviews: “You cannot find a better scope for this price. Great glass and built sturdy with 34mm tube”; “Best bang for your buck. Clear glass, turrets track extremely well”; “[Great] for NRL22 … consistently repeatable when dialing for distance. Highly recommend.” To make this deal even better, EuroOptic offers free 2-day shipping, PLUS you get 15% Off with Code VTR15. That lowers your net cost to $679.99, a $120 savings.
5. Natchez — SIG Sauer Scope & Rangefinder Combo, $394.99
⏺ Great “intelligent combo” — LRF data works with scope
Here’s a solid combo kit for hunters. For under $400 you can get the SIG Sauer BDX rangefinder and riflescope system — a 3.5-10x42mm scope and laser rangefinder. With the SIG BDX smartphone App you can pair the KILO BDX rangefinder and the BDX-enabled scope. Once you’ve created your basic ballistic profile, the system’s brain tells you the needed hold-over. After ranging your target, the KILO BDX rangefinder employs advanced Applied Ballistics software and then sends the elevation solution to the scope via Bluetooth.
⏺ Turkey time — save $101 on good Rem 870 pump shotgun
Spring Turkey season is around the corner. Here’s a good deal on a name-brand, American-made shotgun. Brownells is now offering $101 off the Remington 870 Synthetic Fieldmaster 12ga shotgun. This ultra-reliable, pump-action shotgun has a 26″ barrel, and ships with full, modified, and IC chokes. This Rem 870 has a rugged synthetic stock with a nice rubber butt pad.
7. Amazon — Walker’s Black Razor Slim Muffs, $37.00
⏺ Good NRR 23 Electronic Muffs at great price
Here’s a great deal on good electronic muffs favored by shooters. Right now you can get black Walker’s Razor Slim Electronic Muffs for just $37.00, a 47% discount. Other colors of Razor Slim muffs are offered starting at $39.99 (plain black is the best deal). These Razor muffs have a good noise reduction rating (NRR) of 23dB. (For best protection run plugs under the muffs.) The Razor series also feature Walker’s comfort fit headband for all day shooting, and come in a host of color options.
8. Amazon — Lyman LR Precision Reloading Handbook, $12.99
⏺ Good starting resource for long-range competitors
Learning to shoot long range takes time and experience. Shorten the learning curve with the Lyman Long Range Precision Reloading Handbook. This print resource features specific data for a number of precision long range cartridges and bullets. It also includes pressure and velocity data as well as articles by top PRS shooters and industry experts.
9. Field Supply — Dominus Camo Jacket, $15.99
⏺ Incredible bargain for a spring/fall hunting jacket
Here’s a good medium-weight jacket for hunters at an insanely low price. Sold elsewhere for over $200, this Dominus Jacket is now just $15.99! The Dominus Smart Foam 3-Pocket Vented Jacket has a nice Mossy Oak Infinity camo pattern. This scent-blocking jacket features dynamic thermal regulation and the stretchable fabric is water-resistant and quiet. Available sizes are medium and large.
10. Amazon — 6 Inch Calipers w/ Extra Large Screen, $29.98
⏺ Big screen is a big plus with these Digital Calipers
Every handloader can use a good set of digital calipers. With an extra large, high-contrast LCD fisplay, these Jiavarry digital calipers show bigger numbers that are easier to read. That help ensure you don’t make mistakes. These calipers have a good Lithium battery and offer ample 0-6 inch (0-150mm) measuring range with ±0.02 mm/0.001″ resolution.
New Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act Introduced in Congress
NSSF commends the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, proposed legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), which would ban the use of a firearm retailer-specific Merchant Category Code (MCC). The legislation would protect firearm and ammunition purchasers from financial service and payment card providers compiling purchase history. This could be used effectively to create a nationwide database of gun users, though a Federal gun registry is explicitly forbidden under Federal law.
We have seen that transactional info from gun and ammo sellers has already been exploited by the federal government for political purposes. And some states are mandating gun-specific MCCs — California enacted legislation last year requiring the use of a firearm retailer-specific MCC and Colorado is considering legislation that would do the same.
Federal Agency Has Already Collected Gun Purchase Info
The U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) admitted to U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) in a letter that it violated the Fourth Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens that protect against illegal search and seizure when it collected the credit card purchase history from banks and credit card companies of individuals who purchased firearms and ammunition in the days surrounding January 6, 2020. Treasury’s FinCEN had no cause, and sought the information without a warrant, to place these law-abiding citizens on a government watchlist only because they exercised their Second Amendment rights to lawfully purchase firearms and ammunition.
Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior VP & General Counsel noted: “The Biden administration has already proven they cannot be trusted to respect the private firearm transactions of law-abiding citizens. Without a warrant, federal agencies collected financial information on private firearm and ammunition transactions to create an illegal government watchlist of gun owners. Representative Elise Stefanik’s legislation would rein in federal overreach to use the private financial transactions of law-abiding citizens against them for political means. No American should be concerned that the federal government is employing this scheme, concocted by gun control cheerleaders, that weaponizes an individual’s finances and their free exercise of Second Amendment rights to wrongly identify them as a criminal-in-waiting.”
NSSF thanks Representative Stefanik for leading the fight against big government lawmakers whose goal it is to monitor and deny lawful transactions by law-abiding Americans.
The need for a federal policy has become necessary since several states have enacted similar legislation to protect the privacy of firearm and ammunition purchasers, including Florida, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Texas, and West Virginia. Several additional states are currently considering similar legislation. Unfortunately, some blue states are doing just the opposite — in fact California passed a law requiring the use of firearm retailer-specific Merchant Category Codes. So a Californian could be placed on a gun-owner watch list if he/she bought anything from a listed store, gun-related or not.
For today’s Sunday GunDay we present the merger of artistry and gunsmithing with a selection of elaborately-engraved rifles. These rigs are impressive to say the least. There are hunting rifles as you’d expect, but we even include a one-of-a-kind benchrest rifle with engraved action.
Amazing Double-Barreled Safari Bolt Guns
Here are some of beautifully-engraved safari rifles from Fuchs Fine Guns of Austria. These rifles feature a unique Double-barrel Bolt Action receiver, which is quite unique. Along with stunning wood stocks, the Fuchs rifles boast extensive detailed engraving with gold and jewelled highlights.
On this Fuchs .416 Rem Mag double-barrel rifle, the pistol grip contains a tiger’s eye gemstone set in silver. White gold is used for the tiger’s paws, symbolizing the beast’s formidable strength. The tiger’s paws on the pistol grip cap are surrounded by blue sapphires.
This DBR 48 Fuchs rifle with Celtic-themed engraving is chambered for the .470 Capstick caliber, the largest cartridge Fuchs offers. This rifle’s internal magazine offers a six-shot capacity. This DBR 48 was decorated in a Celtic motif. The bolt handle ends in a ball made of solid sterling silver. The magazine cover displays the Celtic boat symbol which stands for prosperity, wealth and power.
Benchrest Rifle with Engraved Stiller Action
“Ultimate PPC” by Speedy with engraved Stiller Viper action. Titanium Rest by John Loh (R.I.P.).
A Very Unique Viper Action, Two Years in the Making
This is no ordinary Viper action. The full engraving attracts your attention, but there are some slick “performance mods” Jerry Stiller added at Speedy’s request.
First, the action features a plain-Jane unfluted bolt, with a slight taper in the middle, a bit of a wasp-waist. Speedy prefers an unfluted design because it has superior wear characteristics. He’s found, when working with an aluminum action such as the Viper, the sharp flutes on the bolt will wear the inside of the action faster.
In the interest of reduced wear, Speedy also requested a smaller-sized loading/ejection port. This provides for a larger front and rear receiver ring, which enhances bolt bearing surface. More bearing surface reduces point loading for less internal wear.
First-Ever Hornady “Number One” Rifle with Baron Engraving
This “Hornady Number One” rifle was commissioned as the featured 2015 SHOT Show Gun. It was displayed in Las Vegas and auctioned on Gunbroker.com. The action and bottom metal is elaborately engraved by Baron Engraving of Trumbull, Connecticut. Hornady hired Bill Wiseman & Company to craft the barrel and action and Hornady commissioned Lucid Solutions (Clem Boyd) to build the stock. But the Hornady name IS now engraved on the side of a rifle receiver and that does represent a genuine first. This one-of-a-kind rifle, serial number “H-001″, is a bolt-action hunter, chambered for the .300 RCM cartridge.
Savage Rifle Created for Savage ArmsCompany President
This unique Savage 99 rifle was created for Joseph V. Falcon, President of Savage Arms in the 1950s.
Presentation Engraved Savage 99 Rifle
When you run the company, you get some pretty nice stuff — in this case you get what may be the most elegant Savage ever made.
This rifle was created for Joseph V. Falcon, who served as President of Savage Arms in 1956. This highly embellished Savage 99 lever-action rifle is chambered for the .300 Savage cartridge. It features deluxe checkering and gold inlays. This presentation-grade rifle boast deep relief engraving with a golden elk on one side of the receiver and a stalking cougar on the other. This rifle was given to Joseph V. Falcon from his friends at Savage in December of 1967. Falcon later donated the rifle to the NRA. This impressive model 99 is currently showcased at the NRA National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, Virginia.
Savage 99 Quick History
Arthur Savage invented the first “hammerless” lever action rifle with the entire mechanism enclosed in a steel receiver. This rifle featured a rotary magazine with a unique counter that displayed the number of rounds remaining. The Model 99, as it became known, was the gun that launched a company. There is an interesting history of the company’s logo which features an Indian chief in feather head-dress. In 1919, Chief Lame Deer approached Arthur Savage to purchase lever-action rifles for his tribe’s reservation and the two men struck a deal. In return for discounted rifles and support, Savage received the tribe’s endorsement. By virtue of that association, Arthur Savage added the Indian head symbol to the company’s commercial trademark and letterhead.
Jesse Kaufmann — Modern Engraving Master
Jesse Kaufmann, who operates Black Hills Gunstocks and Engraving LLC in South Dakota, is a true master of metal engraving and he also does superb stock checkering. Here is an example of Jesse’s engraving work on a barreled action. Watch the video to see more of Jesse’s artistry.
BONUS — A Stunning Wheelgun
Artistry in metal — Engraving has long been used to decorate fine firearms. Thankfully, engraving is not a lost art. There remain fine craftsman who can engrave beautiful designs into the metal components of rifles, shotguns, and handguns. Above is a spectacular Dragon-engraved Korth revolver from Nighthawk Custom. It has elaborate engraving covering almost the entire surface of the barrel, cylinder, and visible frame. In addition, an elaborate metal dragon’s tail has been embedded in the wood grip.
The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) fields pistol teams as well as rifle and shotgun competition squads. Consequently the USAMU’s Reloading Shop loads tens of thousands of pistol rounds every year. In this article, the USAMU’s handgun experts talk about reloading for handguns — with smart tips on how to achieve superior accuracy with 100% reliability. This article, which offers important insights on COAL, primers, crimps and more.
Precision Pistol Reloading — Recommended Methods
Optimize the Taper Crimp
One often-overlooked aspect of handloading highly-accurate pistol ammunition is the amount of crimp and its effect on accuracy. Different amounts of taper crimp are used with various handloads to obtain best accuracy. The amount is based on bullet weight, powder burn rate and charge, plus other factors. It is not unusual for our Shop to vary a load’s crimp in degrees of 0.001″ and re-test for finest accuracy.
Use Consistent Brass
Brass is also important to pistol accuracy. While accurate ammunition can be loaded using brass of mixed parentage, that is not conducive to finest results, particularly at 50 yards. It is important for the serious competitor/handloader to use brass of the same headstamp and ideally one lot number, to maximize uniformity. Given the volumes of ammunition consumed by active pistol competitors, using inexpensive, mixed surplus brass for practice, particularly at the “short line” (25 yards), is understandable. However, for the “long line” (50 yards), purchasing and segregating a lot of high-quality brass to be used strictly for slow-fire is a wise idea.
Importance of Uniform COAL
Uniformity of the Case Overall Length (COAL) as it comes from the factory is also important to achieving utmost accuracy. More uniform case lengths (best measured after sizing) contribute to greater consistency of crimp, neck tension, ignition/burn of powder charge, and so on. Cartridge case-length consistency varies from lot to lot, as well as by maker. Some manufacturers are more consistent in this dimension than others. [Editor’s note: It is easy to trim pistol brass to uniform length. Doing this will make your taper crimps much more consistent.]
Primers and Powders — Comparison Test for Accuracy
Pay attention to primer brands, powder types and charges. Evaluating accuracy with a Ransom or other machine rest at 50 yards can quickly reveal the effect of changes made to handload recipes.
This animation showing 1911 Pistol operation has over 30 million YouTube views:
Bullet Selection — FMJ vs. JHP
Bullets are another vital issue. First, there is the question of FMJ vs. JHP. A friend of this writer spent decades making and accuracy-testing rifle and pistol bullets during QC for a major bullet manufacturer. In his experience, making highly-accurate FMJ bullets is much more difficult than making highly-accurate JHPs, in large part due to the way the jackets are formed. Small die changes could affect accuracy of FMJ lots dramatically.
The CMP now allows “safe, jacketed ammunition” in Excellence-in-Competition (EIC) Service Pistol matches, although wadcutter ammunition is prohibited. Thus, the option to use very accurate JHP designs simplifies the life of CMP Service Pistol shooters in pursuit of the Distinguished Pistol Shot badge.
Hopefully, these tips will be helpful to any pistol shooters interested in accurate handloads, not just “Bullseye” shooters. Small tweaks to one’s normal routine can pay big dividends in improved accuracy and make practice and competition more rewarding.
What kind of accuracy do you think is possible from a rimfire benchrest rifle? If we said 0.44 MOA you might not be surprised, thinking this was at 50 yards. But how about 0.44 MOA accuracy at TWO HUNDRED yards. Now that’s impressive. Consider this — at 200 yards, a 10 mph crosswind will push that little 40gr bullet 15.3 inches. Here’s the story, which comes from the Land Down-Under, Australia.
A few seasons back, Australian John Lavaring shot a group at 200 yards that would make most centerfire shooters proud. The five-shot group, with all shots in the center 10-Ring, measured just 0.93 inches. That works out to 0.44 MOA at 200 — mighty impressive for a .22 LR. Recorded at a Rimfire Fly Shoot benchrest event in Canberra, Australia, this 200-yard target set two new Australian SSAA National records! John was using ELEY Tenex ammunition.
Congratulations to John Lavaring for a spectacular demonstration of how well a rimfire rig can shoot — even at 200 yards. We rarely shoot our .22 LR rifles past 50 meters. Maybe it’s time to start a Rimfire ELR series, with targets at 200 or even 300 yards. What do you think of the Rimfire ELR idea? Leave comments below.
Anschutz 54 Benchrest Rig
The rifle was a Anschutz model 54 Match in a custom benchrest stock. John’s record-setting rig features a barrel block, which you can see forward of the action. Scope is a Bausch & Lomb BR model. We don’t have the round count on Lavaring’s barrel, but good rimfire benchrest rifles can often get 10,000 rounds (or more) of accurate life.
Rimfire Ballistics at 200 Yards
Some folks may be wondering about .22 LR ballistics at 200 yards. Well, with a 25-yard zero, the 200-yard drop for John’s 40gr Tenex ammo is 54 inches, assuming 0.145 G1 BC and 1085 fps muzzle velocity per ELEY website. And at 200 yards, a 10 mph crosswind will push that little bullet 15.3 inches! We’re told the winds were pretty tricky when Lavary shot his record group. This makes his achievement all the more impressive — we have to admire John’s wind-reading ability.
This ELEY ammo has proven to be exceptionally accurate. Here is a short video showing TEN rounds of Tenex shot from a machine rest with target at 50 meters.
Hap Rocketto, noted shooting historian, has explained the etymology of “Maggie’s Drawers”. This term “refers to the red flag waved vigorously across the face of the target to signify a complete miss of the target during practice”. The term came in use in the early 20th Century (prior to WWI) when flags were used to signal shot locations on long-range rifle targets.
Developed in 2007 by Dennis DeMille and Dave Emary, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a shortened and improved 30 TC cartridge case that was inspired by the .308 Winchester design. This short action design was created to maximize case capacity and a wide range of loading lengths, while still fitting in standard short action magazines. With the correct twist barrel, the versatile 6.5 Creedmoor can take advantage of the wide range of bullet weights available in 6.5 mm (i.e. .264 caliber). Reloaders should keep in mind that the 6.5 Creedmoor works best with medium to medium-slow powders such as H4350, Varget, Win 760, and RE-17. The light recoil and adaptability of the efficient 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge has already proven itself in high power, precision rifle series and benchrest competitions. Couple that with respectable barrel life and its intrinsic accuracy potential and you have a recipe for success which should insure its legacy for decades to come.
First, the action features a plain-Jane unfluted bolt, with a slight taper in the middle, a bit of a wasp-waist. Speedy prefers an unfluted design because it has superior wear characteristics. He’s found, when working with an aluminum action such as the Viper, the sharp flutes on the bolt will wear the inside of the action faster.
Presentation Engraved Savage 99 Rifle
Use Consistent Brass
Anschutz 54 Benchrest Rig
