Coating bullets with a friction-reducing compound such as Molybdenum Disulfide (Moly) offers potential benefits, including reduced barrel heat, and being able to shoot longer strings of fire between bore cleanings. One of the effects of reduced friction can be the lessening of internal barrel pressures. This, in turn, means that coated bullets MAY run slower than naked bullets (with charges held equal).
To restore velocities, shooters running coated bullets are inclined to “bump up” the load — but you need to be cautious.
Be Careful When Increasing Loads for Coated Bullets
We caution shooters that when your start out with coated bullets in a “fresh barrel” you should NOT immediately raise the charge weight. It may take a couple dozen coated rounds before the anti-friction coating is distributed through the bore, and you really start to see the reduced pressures. Some guys will automatically add a grain or so to recommended “naked” bullet charge weights when they shoot coated bullets. That’s a risky undertaking.
We recommend that you use “naked” bullet loads for the first dozen coated rounds through a new barrel. Use a chronograph and monitor velocities. It may take up to 30 rounds before you see a reduction in velocity of 30-50 fps that indicates that your anti-friction coating is fully effective.
We have a friend who was recently testing moly-coated 6mm bullets in a 6-6.5×47. Moly had not been used in the barrel before. Our friend had added a grain to his “naked” bullet load, thinking that would compensate for the predicted lower pressures. What he found instead was that his loads were WAY too hot initially. It took 30+ moly-coated rounds through the bore before he saw his velocities drop — a sign that the pressure had lowered due to the moly. For the rounds fired before that point his pressures were too high, and he ended up tossing some expensive Lapua brass into the trash because the primer pockets had expanded excessively.
LESSON: Start low, even with coated bullets. Don’t increase your charge weights (over naked bullet loads) until you have clear evidence of lower pressure and reduced velocity.
Procedure After Barrel Cleaning
If you shoot Moly, and clean the barrel aggressively after a match, you may want to shoot a dozen coated “foulers” before starting your record string. Robert Whitley, who has used Moly in some of his rifles, tells us he liked to have 10-15 coated rounds through the bore before commencing record fire. In a “squeaky-clean” bore, you won’t get the full “benefits” of moly immediately.
To learn more about the properties of dry lubricants for bullets, read our Guide to Coating Bullets. This covers the three most popular bullet coatings: Molybdenum Disulfide (Moly), Tungsten Disulfide (WS2 or ‘Danzac’), and Hexagonal Boron Nitride (HBN). The article discusses the pros and cons of the different bullet coatings and offers step-by-step, illustrated instructions on how to coat your bullets using a tumbler.
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The Shooting Sports USA website includes two excellent articles about the basics of metallic cartridge reloading. These two articles provide an excellent summary of the key procedures. If you are new to reloading, we recommend you read both articles:
Part II is particularly helpful because it explains the entire reloading process step-by-step, with 14 listed steps. The author notes: “In this, the second installment on metallic cartridge reloading, we’ll follow the sequence of steps involved in reloading a rifle cartridge and refining a metallic cartridge load. These steps are based on the use of a single-stage reloading press and a separate priming tool.”
Much important advice is provided as this article runs through the 14 Steps of Reloading. For example, when explaining Step 13, Bullet Seating, the article states:
“Proper seating depth is critical. Too much bullet protrusion and the cartridge may not work through the gun’s magazine, or it may fail to chamber. Too little and the bullet intrudes excessively into the powder chamber, decreasing volume and raising pressure. Neck tension is also important; any bullet that fails to seat with some resistance may be held only loosely by the neck and may be driven back into the case when the round is chambered, especially in semi-automatic arms.”
Important Guide to Detecting Over-Pressure Signs in Brass
As an example of the invaluable advice provided in these two articles, here’s a sample from Part II that explains how to determine if your load is over-pressure. We recommend that EVERY reader read this twice. There are more things to consider than a stiff bolt lift. You need to inspect cartridges very carefully:
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NRA Warns Against Booking and Advertising Scams at NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits
The 153rd NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Dallas, Texas takes place May 16-19, 2024. As the event draws near, the NRA emphasizes the importance of vigilance against predatory practices in the Tradeshow Industry. Exhibitors and attendees should be wary of various deceptive tactics, spanning from tradeshow services to hotel accommodations, attendee lists, and advertising claims. While some offers may be genuine, many are scams that could lead to financial loss without the promised services or outcomes. Some of the most common scams include:
1. Hotel Rooms/Fake Booking Agents: For the 2024 show, the NRA has partnered with ConferenceDirect as the Official Housing Partner for the Annual Meetings. Scammers may impersonate legitimate hotel representatives or housing bureaus, offering discounted rates to exhibitors and attendees. However, these offers often result in nonexistent reservations or subpar accommodations. CLICK HERE for official NRA Annual Meeting Hotel Reservation Site.
2. Advertising Sales: Scammers lure exhibitors with false promises of exposure through publications, event guides, or online platforms, exaggerating their reach and effectiveness. Some vendors misrepresent advertising channels and ROI, persuading exhibitors to purchase ad space based on misleading claims.
3. Attendee List Sales: Beware of scammers claiming access to comprehensive attendee lists and offering to sell this data to exhibitors. The NRA does NOT sell or distribute attendee lists for the Annual Meetings, so any such offer is a scam.
To avoid falling victim to scams, attendees should:
1. Only use NRA Official Partners
2. Exercise caution with unsolicited offers
3. Do NOT provide personal or financial information without verification
When in doubt, contact the NRA Shows and Exhibits Division to verify that offers or solicitations are from Official Partners. By remaining informed and vigilant, exhibitors and attendees can safeguard themselves.
MAP for Hutchison Convention Center Area in Dallas
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Here is big news for reloaders. RCBS, one of the leading producers of dies, reloading gear, case prep tools, powder dispensers, and reloading presses, has been acquired by Hodgdon Powder Company. RCBS has been operated by Revelyst, a division of of Vista Outdoor (VSTO). (SEE Revelyst Report on Yahoo Finance.) Here is the text from the official press release announcing the acquisition:
Hodgdon Powder Company Acquires RCBS Reloading
May 02, 2024
Hodgdon Powder Company is pleased to announce the acquisition of RCBS Reloading from Revelyst, a segment of Vista Outdoor (NYSE: VSTO). This acquisition is effective May 2, 2024, with Hodgdon prepared to immediately continue shipping RCBS products to wholesale and retail customers.
“This acquisition of RCBS, the leading brand in metallic reloading tools, is a perfect complement to our portfolio of smokeless powder brands for our handloading customers,” said Steve Kehrwald, president and CEO of Hodgdon Powder Company. With our world-class ballistics labs, we look forward to providing even more load data to our new RCBS customers.”
Hodgdon is thrilled to add the RCBS facility in Oroville, CA to our company-owned facilities in Shawnee, KS, Herington, KS and Miles City, MT. The addition of the RCBS team will more than double the headcount at the Hodgdon Powder Company and greatly expands the company’s manufacturing capabilities.
“For years, our friends have referred to the Hodgdon family and company as ‘The Gunpowder People’ and this acquisition further demonstrates our dedication to the handloader,” said J.B. Hodgdon, co-owner with his late brother Bob, of the Hodgdon Powder Company. “Our dad Bruce partnered with Fred Huntington from RCBS to conduct Reloading Roadshow events in the 1950s and 1960s. I believe they both are looking down today, proud to have our two great brands together in 2024.”
Comment from Vista Outdoor/Revelyst
“For more than 80 years, RCBS has demonstrated their manufacturing, innovation and operational excellence,” Said Eric Nyman, Co-CEO of Vista Outdoor and CEO of Revelyst. “We are thrilled for RCBS and their new ownership with Hodgdon Powder. This transaction joins two iconic brands, and it ensures that RCBS is positioned for success in the next chapter of its history.”
Hodgdon sent a letter today to its customers. In the letter, Hodgdon Sales V.P. Shawn Kelley states: “Hodgon Powder Company announced earlier this morning that we acquired RCBS from Vista Outdoor, effective immediately.” Shown above is the letter sent to customers.
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Serious riflemen know that Krieger makes outstanding centerfire barrels that hold world records and have won many National Championships. But did you know that Krieger makes great rimfire barrels too? Well, Krieger does make outstanding .22 LR rimfire match barrels that can deliver impressive accuracy.
Sniper’s Hide moderator “Padom” recently tested a variety of rimfire ammo types, employing five different barrels: Krieger, Bartlein, Benchmark, Lilja, and Green Mountain. He tested at both 50 yards and 100 yards. FULL Rimfire TEST REPORT HERE.
Reporting on the 50-yard test, Padom posted: “Had a virtually dead calm day today for 50-yard RimX testing (Keystone Accuracy RimX barreled action with 1:16″ Krieger 20″ barrel). A few infrequent 3 mph gusts but pretty dead [calm] and the target showed. This Krieger just barely edged out the Bartlein by 0.003″ with a 0.177″ 6×5 with SK Rifle Match. The 10×5 was 0.198″. The best lots of Center-X weren’t far behind either. This is the first Krieger rimfire [barrel] I’ve shot and it didn’t disappoint.”
Padom noted: “Winds were much calmer tonight than this morning so the 100-yard Krieger test was a success. Winds were pretty consistent [at] 3-5 mph.”
Test Results at 100 Yards
Padom then tested ammo at 100 yards, again using his Krieger rimfire barrel: “To recap, the Krieger shot the best 50-yard results of the barrels tested so far, just barely beating the Bartlein but it was so close you can call the 50-yard results equal (.005). Well the Krieger beat all the barrels tested to date at 100 yards by a pretty good margin with Center-X. The 10×5 was incredible as well at just barely over 0.6″ showing the results were very consistent. A second lot of Center-X was right there with the previous 100-yard 6×5 best results just barely over 0.6. The third lot of Center-X shot a respectable 0.75″ 6×5. This Krieger sure is shooting very nicely. I’m really looking forward to shooting it at 300 and 400 yards[.]”
Components Tested: 20″ Krieger M24 barrel, .22 LR Match Eachus chamber 0.046 headspace, Zermatt RimX Action, Bix’N Andy TacSport Pro 2-Stage Trigger, RimX 10rd magazine, XLR Envy Pro Folding Chassis, Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-29x56mm MIL scope.
Shooting Set-up: 100 Yards Prone with Bipod and Rear Bag.
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With rising crime rates in the USA, many Americans are taking a much more serious look at armed self-defense. We understand why citizens in large cities are more concerned than ever with the need to protect themselves, their families, and their homes and businesses.
Shotgun vs. Handgun — which is better for home defense? That question inspires strong opinions on both sides. We think the best answer may be “both”. There are some situations where a pistol is most handy, while there are other situations where the power (and lethality) of the shotgun clearly wins out. Some would argue that the shotgun offers an “intimidation” factor that may better resolve a threat without a shot being fired.
The NSSF, in cooperation with Thunder Ranch Training Center, has created an interesting video that examines the Shotgun vs. Handgun debate. As the Cheaper Than Dirt Blog notes: “The primary argument against the shotgun is a longer length leading to less maneuverability. On the other hand, the pistol offers better maneuverability, but lacks the stopping power of a shotgun”. Moreover, the pistol may be less accurate, according to some critics. This NSSF video looks at the question from a logical standpoint — making some surprising points.
As you can see in this still frame (above) from the video, the shooting stance of the pistol shooter (Clint) is NOT much more compact than that of the two shotgunners (compare actual muzzle positions). So a shotgun may actually be more handy inside a home than some people realize. Clint concludes that the gun selection debate “is all very easily solved by only one question: ‘If someone was going to run across a bedroom at you and they had a big knife, would you rather shoot him one time with a pistol or one time with a shotgun?’ When you answer the question you figure out why this [shotgun length] doesn’t really bother us. We simply take these [shotguns] and use them in a slightly different manner…”
In this video, Thunder Ranch Director Clint Smith explains why the overall length of a shotgun, as held in firing position against the shoulder, is not really that much greater than the “shooting stance length” of a handgun held in a proper firing position (with arms extended). Accordingly gun length/size should not be the deciding factor when choosing a firearm for home defense.
Whatever Weapon You Choose — Train with It
Fundamentally, you should use the firearm that is 100% reliable, and with which you have trained regularly. Mastery of a defensive firearm — whether shotgun or handgun — needs to be second-nature. You should be able to operate all the controls (safety, pump, decocker, slide, bolt handle etc.) by “instinct” based on hours of training. Likewise you should know how to operate the light/laser if your defensive firearm is so equipped. Importantly, you should be able to reload in darkness, and clear malfunctions without panicking.
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AccurateShooter.com offers a dozens of free, printable targets in our Target Collection. However, we know that sometimes shooters may prefer a commercially-printed specialty target. These may offer unique designs, hi-viz colors, splatter effect, or special functions (such as scope checking). Here are a variety of excellent commercial grid targets you can buy via Amazon or the target-maker’s website.
EZ-AIM 12″x12″ Grid with Orange Bullseyes — $7.75 for 13-pack
We like this EZ-Aim Sight-in Grid Target for sighting-in, load development. and general practice. The full 12″x12″ target is covered with a precise black-lined grid on white background. There is a large center orange bullseye, plus four additional bulls, one in each corner. Right now this target is a bargain. You can get a 13-pack of targets for just $7.75 (#ad) on Amazon.
Freedom Targets — Bullseye Sight-In Grid Target, 25 for $12.89
Here’s a great Bullseye Sight-in Grid Target. This target provides a central bull on a 1″ grid pattern. There 8 additional small orange dot aim points, plus helpful numbers on the central vertical and horizontal lines. The outer four orange aim points are set inside heavier black lines to help align your scope crosshairs. This target is nicely printed, with sharp lines and bright orange circles. You get a pack of 25 targets for $12.89 — that’s $0.52 per target.
Birchwood Casey Grid — Black on White Splatter, 5 for $4.38
We’ve all seen conventional splatter targets with a black bullseye or grid. When a shot hits the target, a halo (usually neon yellow) appears around the bullet hole. Here is another kind of splatter target that creates a black circle on a white background. This can be very effective for spotting your hits at long range. This Birchwood-Casey White Grid Target is $4.38 for a 5-pack (#ad) on Amazon. These Shoot-N-C Sight-In Targets have a self-adhesive backing, making for easy put up and take down. In addition, the target pack comes with corner pasters to cover holes or use as additional aim points.
High-Viz Option — Yellow on Black Grid with Yellow Halos
If you prefer seeing ultra-high-contrast yellow/green “halos” for your hits, Birchwood Casey also makes adhesive grid targets with five yellow-edged diamonds. Red circles provide precise aiming points in the middle of each box. You can quickly estimate group size or dial-in your zero using the hi-viz yellow 1″ grid lines. These yellow-on-black targets are available in three sizes: 8″ square, 12″ square, and 17.5″ square. These yellow-on-black grid targets start at $4.99 for an 8″ six-pack (#ad) on Amazon.
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Here’s a clever new product that will be appreciated by PRS/NRL shooters and some hunters. American Defense Manufacturing (ADM) has crafted a scope ring upper unit that includes a Picatinny rail on the top of the front ring. That allows you to mount various devices above your scope, such as a compact laser rangefinder. This is currently offered in a 34mm version, but will be offered in 30mm version “in a few weeks”. This unit only works with ADM scope mounts. However, Nightforce has a similar Rail Accessory Platform (RAP-i) that works with NF 30mm or 34mm rings. The innovative ADM ring cap unit, officially dubbed the AD-Delta Scope Mount Ring Cap-Picatinny Rail, costs $120.00.
ADM posts: “We are now offering alternate ring caps for the Delta Series Mounts featuring picatinny rails to accommodate the ever growing use of accessories and laser rangefinders on scoped carbines. The 5-Lug (Low-Red Dot) version can be used to mount a Red Dot or low profile laser sight. The 5-Lug (Low-Red Dot) version can be used to mount a Red Dot or low-profile laser sight. The 7-Lug (Tall-Laser Rangefinder) can be used for laser rangefinders such as the Vortex Impact 4000. The 7-Lug Version is currently available in 34mm, the 30mm version will be available in the near future. The ADM Ring Cap product includes 1 replacement ring cap and 4 mounting screws.”
NOTE: This ring cap WILL ONLY fit ADM Delta Series Mounts, it is NOT compatible with other manufacturers’ scope mounts. Also ADM cannot guarantee height compatibility with all optics as turret heights vary between different makes and models. Price is $120.00 for all versions.
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Q: What’s more important — wind speed, or direction?
A: Obviously they both matter, but they do trade dominance based on direction. For example, a 10 mph wind between 2:30 and 3:30 is only changing its value from 9.7 to 10 to 9.7 mph (bracket of 0.3 mph). However a 10 mph wind between 11:30 and 12:30 is changing its cross wind component value from 2.6 mph left to zero to 2.6 mph right (bracket of 5.2 mph). There is the same 30° change in direction, but this results in a massively different bracket.
Point being, in this case, a direction change is far more critical if it’s near 6 or 12 o’clock. A small direction change when it’s close to 3 or 9 o’clock is negligible.
On the contrary, a change in wind SPEED when it’s near 3 or 9 affects your crosswind component directly. But for a near head or tail wind, a fluctuation in wind speed only causes a small fraction of a change to the crosswind component.
SUMMARY: If you’re in a near full-value wind, pay more attention to wind SPEED. If you’re closer to a head- or tail-wind, nailing the exact DIRECTION will be more important.
Get More Tips on Bryan Litz Ballistics Facebook Page
This post is from the new Bryan Litz Ballistics Facebook Page. FB users should check that page regularly for more tips from Bryan, American’s leading ballistics expert and founder of Applied Ballistics LLC.
2024 marks the 25-year anniversary of Project ChildSafe®, the firearm safety and education program of NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association. Since its inception, Project ChildSafe has raised awareness about safely handling and securely storing firearms when not in use, along with educating children about firearm safety. Marking this milestone, NSSF aims to raise $250,000 over the next year to provide more free gun locks and educational materials to gun owners across the country.
Project ChildSafe Has Distributed over 40,000,000 Gun locks
Started in 1999, Project ChildSafe began in just five cities in the USA. Now it has grown to serve all 50 states and the five U.S. territories. To date, Project ChildSafe has distributed more than 40 million safety kits, which include a cable-style gun-lock and educational brochures. The firearm safety kits are distributed through partnerships with more than 15,000 local law enforcement agencies and 13,000 organizational partners.
Click image for larger version (easier to read small print).
“For 25 years, Project ChildSafe has operated on both the national and local levels to provide genuine firearm safety solutions to communities that need them most,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “Since its launch, fatal firearm accidents have dropped to historic lows. The program also aims to prevent firearm thefts and suicide.” Bill Brassard, NSSF Communications director added: “[O]ver the years we’ve heard stories firsthand of how our safety kits have saved lives by preventing accidents and suicides[.]”
To mark 25 years of Project ChildSafe, NSSF hopes to raise $250,000 in funding for the program over the next year. Individual supporters and organizations are invited to donate to Project ChildSafe. Project ChildSafe is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, and all donations to the organization are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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To learn more about the properties of dry lubricants for bullets, read our Guide to Coating Bullets. This covers the three most popular bullet coatings: Molybdenum Disulfide (Moly), Tungsten Disulfide (WS2 or ‘Danzac’), and Hexagonal Boron Nitride (HBN). The article discusses the pros and cons of the different bullet coatings and offers step-by-step, illustrated instructions on how to coat your bullets using a tumbler.
Test Results at 100 Yards
