Want to learn more about Long Range Shooting? Check out the NSFF “Elements of Long Range Shooting” videos hosted by ballistics guru Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics. In this multi-part series, Bryan covers a variety of topics of interest to precision shooters. For today’s Saturday at the Movies special, we feature seven of Bryan’s videos. Watch other informative Long Range Shooting and Ballistics videos with Bryan Litz on the NSSF YouTube Channel.
Atmospherics and Density Altitude
Bryan Litz explains: “An important element in calculating an accurate firing solution for long-range shooting is understanding the effects of atmospherics on a projectile.” Atmospherics include air pressure, air temperature, and humidity. Bryan notes: “Temperature, pressure, and humidity all affect the air density… that the bullet is flying through. You can combine all those factors into one variable called ‘Density Altitude’.” Density Altitude is used by the ballistic solver to account for variables that affect bullet flight.
Bullet Ballistic Coefficients
A bullet’s ballistic coefficient (BC) basically expresses how well the bullet flies through the air. Higher BC bullets have less aerodynamic drag than lower BC projectiles. You will see BCs listed as either G1 and G7 numbers. These correspond to different bullet shape models. Generally speaking, the G7 model works better for the long, boat-tail bullets used for long-range shooting. Notably, a bullet’s drag is NOT constant in flight. The true BC can vary over the course of the trajectory as the bullet velocity degrades. In other words, “BC is dynamic”. That said, you can make very accurate drop charts using the BCs provided by major bullet-makers, as plugged into solvers. However, long-range competitors may want to record “real world” drop numbers at various distances. For example, we’ve seen trajectories be higher than predicted at 500 yards, yet lower than predicted at 1000.
Transonic Range
When considering your rifle’s long-range performance, you need to understand the limit of your bullet’s supersonic range. As the bullet slows below the speed of sound, it enters the transonic zone. This can be accompanied by variations in stability as well as BC changes. Bryan explains “once your bullet slows done below supersonic and you get into transonic effects, there are a lot more considerations that come into play. The drag of the bullet becomes less certain, the stability of the bullet can be challenged, and things related to long times of flight, such as Coriolis and Spin Drift, come into play. So whenever you are shooting long range you need to where your bullet slows down to about 1340 fps.”
Ballistics Solvers — Many Options
Bryan Litz observes: “When we talk about the elements of long range shooting, obviously a very important element is a getting a fire solution, using a ballistic solver. There are a lot of ballistic solvers out there… Applied Ballistics has smartphone Apps. Applied Ballistics has integrated the ballistic solver directly into a Kestral, and the same solver runs (manually) on the Accuracy Solutions Wiz-Wheel. The point is, if it is an Applied Ballistics device it is running the same solutions across the board.”
Bullet Stability and Twist Rates
In this video, Bryan Litz talks about bullet in-flight stability and how to calculate barrel twist-rate requirements for long-range bullets. Bryan explains that bullet stability (for conventional projectiles) is basically provided by the spinning of the bullet. But this spin rate is a function of BOTH the nominal twist rate of the barrel AND the velocity of the projectile. Thus, when shooting the same bullet, a very high-speed cartridge may work with a slower barrel twist rate than is required for a lower-speed (less powerful) cartridge. For match bullets, shot at ranges to 1000 yards and beyond, Bryan recommends a twist rate that offers good stability.
Scope Tracking — Tall Target Test
Have you recently purchased a new scope? Then you should verify the actual click value of the turrets before you use the optic in competition. While a scope may have listed click values of 1/4-MOA, 1/8-MOA or 0.1 Mils, the reality may be slightly different. Many scopes have actual click values that are slightly higher or lower than the value claimed by the manufacturer. The small variance adds up when you click through a wide range of elevation. In this video, Bryan Litz shows how to verify your true click values using a “Tall Target Test”. The idea is to start at the bottom end of a vertical line, and then click up 30 MOA or so. Multiply the number of clicked MOA by 1.047 to get the claimed value in inches. For example, at 100 yards, 30 MOA is exactly 31.41 inches. Then measure the difference in your actual point of impact.
Coriolis Effect
The Coriolis Effect comes into play with extreme long-range shots. The rotation of the earth actually moves the target a small distance (in space) during the long duration of the bullet’s flight. Bryan Litz notes that, in most common shooting situations inside 1K, Coriolis is not significant. At 1000 yards, the Effect represents less than one click (for most cartridge types). Even well past 1000 yards, in windy conditions, the Coriolis Effect may well be “lost in the noise”. But in very calm conditions, when shooting at extreme ranges, Bryan says you can benefit from adjusting your ballistics solution for Coriolis: “The Coriolis Effect… has to do with the spin of the earth. The consequence of that is that, if the flight time of the bullet gets significantly long, the bullet can have an apparent drift from its intended target. The amount [of apparent drift] is very small — it depends on your latitude and azimuth of fire on the planet.”
About Bryan Litz
Bryan began his career as a rocket scientist, quite literally. He then started Applied Ballistics, the leading company focusing on ballistics science for rifle shooting. A past F-TR Long-Range National Champion and Chief Ballistician for Berger Bullets, knows his stuff. His Applied Ballistics squad was the winning team at the 2017 King of 2 Miles event, and Applied Ballistics has earned major U.S. defense contracts.
Team SIG Sauer pro shooter Lena Miculek had a great performance at the 2024 USPSA Multi-Gun Nationals held July 19-21 in Minnesota. While defending her Ladies Division title, Lena posted a record-breaking, highest-ever finish by a female in National Multi-Gun competition. She shot a red dot SIG pistol this year with a SIG M400 prototype semi-auto rifle. Watch Lena shooting rifle, pistol, and shotgun at the USPSA Nationals in the video below right.
On her Facebook Page Lena stated: “This was one of the most challenging and technical Multi-Gun Nationals yet! This year, I switched to a new division called Modified. Compared to years past, I now got to run a red dot on my pistol. My shotgun started loaded with 13 shells instead of just 9, AND bipods were legal for rifle. I was nervous about the switch but quickly realized it was the best choice[.] My two months of shooting boot camp earned me my highest Nationals placement ever. Hard work and dedication always pays off. Big thanks to everyone that worked the match and made it possible. Definitely a wonderful experience and competition I am thankful to have attended!”
“Lena crushed Multi-Gun Nationals, there’s just no other way to say it”, said Robby Johnson, SIG Sauer’s Chief Marketing Officer. “She is a force to be reckoned with, not just in the female divisions, but amongst all competitors. To achieve this level of success, it is a life commitment. Lena lives this day in and day out and all her glory is the result of preparation, training, and the absolute hardest work[.]”
At the 2024 USPSA Multi-Gun National Championship, Miculek defended her High Lady title through eight field courses and four speed shoots using a SIG M400 rifle with ROSE features and a TANGO6T riflescope, a P320-DH3 pistol with ROSE features, and a ROMEO1 Pro optic. She used SIG Sauer Match Elite competition ammunition. NOTE: The M400 prototype ROSE rifle Miculek used at the 2024 Multi-Gun Nationals is currently in development and is a variant of the SIG SAUER M400 series.
The 2024 USPSA Multi-Gun Championship was held at the Forest Lake Sportsmen’s Club in Minnesota, July 19-21, 2024. Next month, Lena Miculek will compete at the International Practical Shooting Competition (IPSC) Rifle World Shoot beginning August 4, 2024 at Ruutikangas Shooting Center in Liminka, Finland.
The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) published a series of reloading articles on its Facebook Page. In this article, the second in a 3-part series, the USAMU covers the process of loading competition pistol ammunition. The authors focus on two key elements — the taper crimp and the quality/uniformity of the original brass. If you shoot pistol competitively, or just want to maximize the accuracy of your handguns, read this article. The taper crimp tips are very important.
Loading Accurate Competition Pistol Ammunition — Part 2 of 3
Today, we resume our series on factors affecting accuracy in pistol handloads. Readers who missed Part One can visit our USAMU Facebook Page. [To read the first article in the series, search for March 28, 2018 to find that first installment, which is definitely worth reading.]
One often-overlooked aspect of handloading highly-accurate pistol ammunition is the amount of taper crimp used, and its effect on accuracy. (NOTE: this article pertains to loading for semi-autos – revolver crimp techniques involve some quite different issues.) Briefly, 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 such as case neck tension. During machine-rest testing of experimental Service Pistol ammunition, many variables are examined. Among these, our Shop often varies a load’s crimp in degrees of 0.001″ when re-testing for finest accuracy.
How to Measure Taper Crimp on Pistol Cartridges
One question that often arises is, “How do I measure the taper crimp I’m putting on my cartridges?” Using the narrow part of one’s dial caliper jaws, carefully measure the case diameter at the exact edge of the case mouth on a loaded cartridge. It’s important to take several measurements to ensure consistency. Also, be sure to measure at several places around the case mouth, as case wall thickness can vary. After measuring 2-3 cartridges with a given crimp setting, one can be confident of the true dimension and that it can be repeated later, if needed.
However, for good results, one must use brass from one maker due to variances in case wall thickness. For example, the same degree of crimp that imparts a measurement of 0.471″ with Brand X brass may result in 0.469″ with Brand Y. Thus, for best accuracy, using brass from the same manufacturer is important — particularly for 50-yard Slow Fire. In a perfect world, it is better still to use brass from one lot number if possible. With the popularity of progressive presses using interchangeable tool heads, keeping separate tool heads adjusted for each load helps maximize uniformity between ammunition lots.
Brass Uniformity and Accuracy
Brass is 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 to pay attention to his brass – even if only for the 50-yard “Slow Fire” portions of “Bullseye” matches and practice. By segregating brass as described above, and additionally keeping track of the number of times a given batch of cases has been fired, one can ensure case neck tension and case length are at their most uniform.
Given the large volumes of ammunition consumed by active pistol competitors, using inexpensive, mixed surplus brass for practice, particularly at the “short line” (25 yards), is understandable. In NRA Outdoor Pistol (“Bullseye”), the 10-ring is relatively generous — especially for a well-trained shooter with an accurate pistol and load. 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. To keep track of your brass on the line, use a unique headstamp marking with 1 or 2 colors of marking pen ink.
Uniform Cartridge Overall Length is Important
Cartridge case Overall Length (OAL) uniformity as it comes from the factory is 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, headspace (rimless cartridges), etc. Cartridge case-length consistency varies noticeably by maker and, with lesser manufacturers, also from lot to lot. Some manufacturers are more consistent in their dimensions than others, and also in the hardness/ductility of their brass. Similarly, pay attention to primer brands, powder lot numbers, etc.
Consider Using a Lock-Out Die with Progressive Presses
When reloading pistol ammo with a Progressive press, we strongly recommend the use of a lock-out die, or other system that can detect double charges or low charges. If your progressive is manually advanced, the possibility of a double charge is very real — and that can have disastrous consequences.
On UltimateReloader.com website you’ll find an excellent two-part series on the function and set-up of the RCBS Lock-Out Die. This die prevents loading if a high or low powder charge is detected. The video above shows setup of the RCBS Lock-Out Die on the Dillon XL-650 progressive press.
The 2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury commenced Monday, July 22, with the First Shot Ceremony and the start of the NRA National Precision Pistol Championships. Now in its fourth year at Camp Atterbury, the 2024 NRA National Matches will continue until the close of the NRA High Power Long-Range National Championships on Monday, August 19. Camp Atterbury is a National Guard training facility in Indiana located about 37 miles south of Indianapolis.
2023 NRA National Matches First Shot. (Photo by Cole McCulloch).
During the opening ceremony at Camp Atterbury, Indiana Congressman Greg Pence gave the keynote address. NRA Board Member and Indiana State Representative Craig Haggard (shown above) also spoke and then fired the ceremonial First Shot to commence the event.
Greg Pence is the U.S. representative for Indiana’s sixth congressional district and lives in Columbus, Indiana, located about 14 miles from Camp Atterbury. “Camp Atterbury is in my district,” Pence said. “[As a representative in Congress], I plan to maintain the support and advocacy for the Second Amendment, as well as for the NRA.”
Precision Pistol shooters on the firing line at Camp Atterbury during the practice session for the 2024 NRA Precision Pistol Nationals on the first day of the 2024 NRA National Matches. (Photo by Cole McCulloch)
NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury, Indiana
The NRA first moved its National High Power Rifle Championships to Camp Atterbury in 2017, with the National Precision Pistol Championships and National Smallbore Rifle Championships making their home at the National Guard base two years later. Now the NRA National matches represent one of the two biggest summer shooting events of the year, along with along with the CMP National Matches at Camp Perry. For more information, click the links below.
The 2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury — including the Precision Pistol, Smallbore Rifle, and High Power Rifle National Championships — begin Monday, July 22, and conclude Monday, August 19. The 2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury will begin with the Precision Pistol Nationals, followed by the Smallbore Rifle Nationals, and then the High Power Rifle Nationals.
2024 NRA National Matches Schedule
Precision Pistol (July 22 – 25)
July 22 – Opening Ceremony, Practice, Prelim Match, Harry Reeves Match
July 23 – .22 Championship, .22 EIC
July 24 – Centerfire Championship, Service Pistol EIC
July 25 – .45 Championship, Distinguished Revolver, Awards Ceremony
Smallbore Rifle Prone and F-Class (July 28 – August 1)
July 28 – Squadded practice, Metallic Sights Day One
July 29 – Metallic Sights Day Two
July 30 – Randle, Dewar, Team Matches
July 31 – Any Sights Day One
August 1 – Any Sights Day Two, Awards Ceremony
Smallbore Rifle Three-Position (August 2 – 4)
August 2 – Metallic Sights
August 3 – Drew Cup Team Match, Team Matches
August 4 – Any Sights, Awards Ceremony
High Power Rifle OTC (August 5 – 10)
August 6 – Member’s Trophy, Scott Trophy, Coast Artillery Trophy Matches
August 7 – Navy Cup, Army Cup, Coast Guard Trophy Matches
August 8 – Appreciation Cup, Marine Corps Cup, Air Force Cup Matches
August 9 – Crescent Cup, Cavalry Cup, Crowell Trophy Matches, Awards Ceremony
August 10 – EIC Leg Match
High Power Rifle Mid-Range (August 11 – 14)
August 11 – 300, 500, 600 yards, 600-yard Teams
August 12 – 3×600 yards, 600-yard Teams
August 13 – 300, 500, 600 yards, 600-yard Teams
August 14 – 3×600 yards, Awards Ceremony
High Power Rifle Long-Range (August 16 – 19)
August 16 – Wimbledon Cup, Rem Trophy, Porter Trophy, Andrus Trophy, Herrick Trophy Team Matches
August 17 – Leech Cup, Mustin Trophy, Farr Trophy, Aitken Trophy, Roumanian Team Trophy Matches
August 18 – Palma Individual Match, Awards Ceremony
August 19 – Palma Team Matches, Awards Ceremony
2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury Calendar
View the full program for this year’s National Precision Pistol, High Power Rifle, and Smallbore Rifle championships at Camp Atterbury via the NRA National Matches website. There are links to the 2024 NRA National Matches calendar and downloadable Match Program (PDF). You can also keep track of all the competitive shooting action at Camp Atterbury by subscribing to the Shooting Sports USA Newsletter.
Photo by SFC Brandon Green, 2018 National High Power Champion.
Some of America’s most prestigious rifle matches take place at Camp Perry, Ohio over the next 17 days. The 800 Aggregate is underway now. The President’s 100 Match will be held on Monday, July 29th, followed by Individual and Team Trophy Matches. And the Garand and Modern Military events run the first weekend in August. For those competing at Camp Perry this month, we offer some insights from Tyrel Cooper, a multi-time National Champion. A past member of the USAMU, Cooper’s shooting resume includes five national championships (one each in 2008, 2011, 2012, and two in 2013). He won the 2013 NRA National Long Range Championship, as well as the 2013 NRA National Service Rifle Championship. In this article, written in 2014, Cooper explains the mental preparation that helped him win National Titles in 2013.
Below is a 2012 file photo of Ty Cooper shooting a service rifle. Cooper won the 2013 Long Range Championship using a Nesika-actioned bolt gun chambered in 7mm SAUM.
Mental Preparation by Tyrel Cooper Getting focused mentally is an important part of preparation for Perry. In 2011 I was chasing Sherri Gallagher, since then I have been chasing Brandon Green[.] If I get beat by a Service Rifle I am going to make him or her work for it. So there is your peak into my mental process. I go for the top and if I am hanging with them then the Service Rifle National Championship will come, Kind of like how I shoot for X’s and Tens will come.
Now I understand everyone is at different levels. You have to figure out what your goals are and then lie to yourself that you’ve already achieved them. Here is a trick that I used back in 2008: When I was a kid just starting out, my Dad made me read several books on shooting. One of them being With Winning In Mind by Lanny Bassham. One of the things I remember from his book is that he would make notes and place them where he would see them often. They contained his goals or stated he was already a world champion. I took a page from his book and did the same thing.
I made 3×5 cards and wrote my personal best 500 and 800 aggregate scores and taped on the horn of my truck, above the radio in my truck, on my laptop and a few other places I would see them often. Every time I saw those I would tell myself that I average those scores and I would get used to seeing them. By doing this you are lying to yourself to overcome the mental blocks the subconscious mind lays out for you.
I went from my worst year in 2007 to winning my first National Championship in 2008. I kind of slacked off in 2009 because I had reached my goals and didn’t set new ones and it showed, so I had to find new goals and motivation which I did and that pushed me back to the top.
Long story short, this is a mental sport and you have to figure out what you need to do to perform at your highest levels and breaking through those mental road blocks. You have to figure out how to get yourself to relax and control your mind keeping calm when you are shooting a personal best, either standing or on the day.
Here is a tip from my mental process from shooting. First I shoot for Xs, I took the line from the movie The Patriot and applied it to my shooting, “Aim small, miss small” and it is true. If you accept wide shots then you will keep shooting wide shots.
Winning Techniques for Rifle Competition
Slow, Solid, Smooth, Center
Always focus on the positive and good shots, and what you did physically and mentally, when you shot them. When I am nervous and need to calm myself down I tell myself: slow, solid, smooth, center.
Slow
I want my movement to be slow…
I can shoot Tens and Xs all day with slow movement.
Solid
Solid like a rock, a rock doesn’t move and that’s how I want my positions. By saying solid it reminds me to go through my little checks to make sure I am doing what I need to do make that happen.
Smooth
Smooth — that is my trigger word for smooth movement. You don’t want fast choppy movement but slow and smooth. This also reminds me to be smooth on the trigger. You can be smooth-fast or you can be smooth-slow but you have to be smooth and most people aren’t when they think they are. Just before leaving the USAMU, I walked up and down the line of five shooters during a rapid fire string and only one of them was smooth with their trigger control. It’s the second most important thing when it comes to shooting.
Center
This reminds me that I want my shots in the middle. It is just a positive reinforcement of where I want my shots to go. I shoot a reverse flat tire so it also kind of reminds me as to what I am looking for.
Story Tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) has filed a lawsuit challenging the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) “Engaged in the Business” Final Rule. The ATF’s Final Rule unlawfully redefines when a person is “engaged in the business” of dealing in firearms and therefore required to be federally licensed. This new lawsuit is being filed on the heels of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions that have reined in executive branch agencies from acting outside of statutory authority. The NRA suit is named Butler v. Garland and has been filed in the U.S. District Court in Alabama (Northern District, Eastern Division).
“The ATF’s Final Rule stands to turn countless upstanding and well-intending citizens into criminals for exercising their constitutional rights,” said Randy Kozuch, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA). “When ATF released this Final Rule, NRA promised to use every means necessary to stop this egregious interpretation of the law. Now that the Supreme Court’s recent decisions in Loper Bright, Cargill, and Rahimi make clear that the ATF does not have unfettered authority to arbitrarily restrict NRA Members’ rights to buy and sell firearms, the NRA is fighting back.”
NRA, along with two individuals, Don Butler and David Glidewell, filed the lawsuit challenging the ATF’s Final Rule in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The complaint alleges that the Final Rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act because it exceeds the ATF’s statutory and jurisdictional authority and is arbitrary and capricious; violates the Fifth Amendment because it is unconstitutionally vague; violates the Second Amendment by infringing the rights to keep, bear, buy, and sell arms; and violates the Separation of Powers, non-delegation doctrine, and Take Care Clause by usurping legislative powers and prohibiting lawful conduct by executive fiat.
In this Armed Attorneys Video, Emily Taylor and Richard Hayes discuss the effect of the new ATF Final Rule.
Under the Firearms Owners’ Protection Act (FOPA) of 1986 (which amended the Gun Control Act of 1968), someone is “engaged in the business” of dealing in firearms if that person “deal[s] in firearms as a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms.” The 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) altered that definition by replacing “livelihood and profit” with “to predominantly earn a profit.” The BSCA did not alter FOPA’s exclusion for “a person who makes occasional sales, exchanges, or purchases of firearms for the enhancement of a personal collection or for a hobby, or who sells all or part of his personal collection of firearms.”
On April 19, 2024, ATF promulgated the Final Rule “to clarify the criteria for determining when a person is ‘engaged in the business.’” The Final Rule provides that “there is no minimum threshold number of firearms purchased or sold that triggers the licensing requirement” and that “there is no minimum number of transactions that determines whether a person is ‘engaged in the business’ of dealing in firearms. For example, even a single firearm transaction or offer to engage in a transaction . . . may require a license.”
The Final Rule also excludes firearms acquired for “personal protection” from the firearms that may be sold from a personal collection without a license. The ATF’s Final Rule thus rewrites the law, contradicts Congress’ statutory language, and adds confusion rather than clarification.
Slee Claims Seventh Open Sight-Class Win During 2024 National Rimfire Sporter Match
60-year-old Steven Slee from Michigan scored 580-21X to win the Open Sight O-Class for the second consecutive year at the 2024 National Rimfire Sporter Match at Camp Perry, Ohio. Slee’s 2024 victory is his Seventh O-Class title, starting back in 2009. Slee is also the current record holder in the class and has previously won O-Class at Camp Perry in 2009, 2010, 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2023. Last year, Slee also shot in T-Class and won T-Class by one point over current record holder, Samuel Payne.
The CMP’s 2024 National Rimfire Sporter Match was a big success with over 280 shooters competing on a hot July 13th day. The competition was one of the first events at the annual National Matches, which have been held at the Camp Perry National Guard Training Site since 1907. The National Rimfire Sporter Match is open to both adults and juniors with targets at 25 and 50 yards. There are three classes for .22 LR rifles: Open Sight (O), Telescope Sight (T), and Tactical Unlimited (TU).
Along with the major annual Camp Perry event, other Rimfire Sporter matches are held throughout the country in connection with the CMP’s Travel Games.
The CMP Rimfire Sporter discipline is for .22 LR smallbore (rimfire) rifles that weigh 7 1/2 pounds or less. Firing is done at 25 and 50 yards in prone, sitting, and standing positions, in slow and rapid-fire modes. Even with the vast number of competitors, the Rimfire Sport match proceeds efficiently. The CMP now has a special smart-phone App that helps speed up scoring. SEE 2024 Results.
Other leading competitors of the 2024 National Rimfire Sporter Match were John Hawes, 40, of Waynesboro, PA, who won the T-Class with a score of 594-34X, and William Dunbar, 17, of Riverside, Iowa, who was the top scorer of the TU Class with 594-35X. Dunbar was just one point shy of the current TU Class record score of 595-37X, set nearly a decade ago, in 2015.
As one of the most popular rifle events offered by the CMP throughout the year, the National Rimfire Sporter Match is a great intro to competitive marksmanship. The match format and convivial atmosphere works for shooters of all ages and all experience.
Learn more about the CMP Rimfire Sporter Rifle competition on the CMP website at thecmp.org/competitions/matches/rimfire-sporter-2. To find an upcoming Rimfire Sporter Match near you CLICK HERE then select Rimfire from the list of upcoming match types.
A new report from a voter registration group demonstrates the big impact hunters, recreational shooters, and other American gun owners could have on federal, state, and local elections if they register to vote and then vote in the upcoming November election. The Second Amendment community needs to make sure that the 22.3 million new first-time gun owners since 2020 are registered to vote and then vote this November. NSSF’s #GUNVOTE initiative was created to do just that and according to the newly released survey data from Vote4America, the outcome of the upcoming November presidential election could be determined by Second Amendment supporters.
The key objective should be to increase voter registration numbers for firearms owners, and encourage them to vote this November. According to the Vote4America survey, large numbers of gun owners and hunters in critical swing states are NOT registered to vote. Nationwide, an estimated 10 million gun owners and hunters are NOT registered. In a breakdown by state, the data shows unregistered hunting and Second Amendment supporters total at least 515,277 in Pennsylvania. That number is closer to around 370,000 each in Michigan and North Carolina. In addition, Georgia, Wisconsin, Missouri and Virginia “all have more than half a million hunters and gun owners unregistered,” and in Arizona that number totals approximately 133,000.
In a District of Conservation podcast, Vote4America adviser Baker Leavitt said, “If we could convert 2% of all licensed hunters and get them to vote, [the] GOP would win in a landslide.”
INFO on Registering to Vote, Voting Process, and Polling Places
The GunVote.org website has links to official state websites where more details about registering to vote, early voting protocols, and the entire process can be found. For those who wait until election day to cast their ballot, GunVote.org also has comprehensive lists of polling place locations where citizens can vote in their city/state.
Second Amendment rights and the rights of hunters and recreational target shooters are on the ballot every election. If you have a friend or loved one who loves hunting and recreational shooting sports, do your part and make sure they register to vote and then vote in November. If they have questions about how to register, send them to GunVote.org.
Have inflation (and supply chain shortages) affected the price of powder? You bet. Probably WAY more than you could imagine. Forum member “Two Time HM LR” posted this interesting photo (above) showing Hodgdon powder prices from 1978, as sold by O.K. Weber in Oregon.
Now the prices — $20 to $44 — may not get your attention at first. But take note that these numbers are for EIGHT pound jugs. Yep eight-pounders were all under $45! For example, H4895 was $44 for 8 pounds back in 1978, 45 years ago. And H335 was $20 for eight pounds — that’s just $2.50 per pound!
These days a single pound of a desirable powder such as H4831 might cost $65 at some stores IF you can find it at all. On Hodgdon’s web site, H4831 powder is priced at $58.99 per pound in October 2023. Using that current $58.99/lb figure, H4831 is now nearly ELEVEN times higher than it was in 1978, when H4831 cost $44 for 8 pounds, i.e. $5.50 per pound.
Here are some comments from our Forum Members:
“Heck those prices are just about the same as current ones, just a little smaller container now.” — Joe
“I’ve got some H4831 in a can marked ‘WWII Surplus Powder’ with a price tag of $2.75. We’ll never see that again either.” Rick in Oregon
“1978 prices and [2024] income would be nice. Unfortunately that doesn’t work. If you compare prices and income, powder cost about the same. You also have to discount the temporary gouging that we are seeing.” — Tmwinds
“So I used to buy gas for 10 cents per gallon and they’d pump it, check the oil, and clean the windshield.” — Pirate Ammo
One comment suggests that the powder price hike actually tracks general U.S. currency inflation over the last four decades. So perhaps powder price increases are not as bad as they seem, when compared to how all prices have risen since 1978:
“Using H4895 [8 lbs.] as a comparison basis at $58.50 (list price) in 1978 calculates it to $276 in today’s money. Looking at … prices it looks like around [$380] for the same item in today’s money, so it really hasn’t gone up [that much as corrected for inflation]. Availability is another issue though and if someone is really needing powder they may well have to pay above suggested retail.” — Drover
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 — RCBS Press Combo Kits and Reloading Gear Sale
⏺ Major Sale on RCBS Combo Kits and other reloading products
Midsouth is running a huge SALE on RCBS products — with savings up to $110 on Reloading Combo Kits and 10-20% off specific reloading tools. At Midsouth’s RCBS Product Sale you’ll find great deals on presses, combo reloading kits, and an assortment of other reloading gear, all heavily discounted.
2. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Vortex Optics Sale + Gift Cards
⏺ Big savings on scopes, spotters, LRFs plus gift cards
Right now at Sportsman’s Warehouse you can get big savings on a wide selection of Vortex Optics including riflescopes, spotting scopes, binoculars, rangefinders, and red dots. Plus you can receive a Sportsman’s Warehouse Gift Card With Vortex Optics purchases. The card can be worth up to $200:
Spend $99-$200 receive a $10 Gift Card
Spend $201-$400 receive a $25 Gift Card
Spend $401-$500 receive a $50 Gift Card
Spend $501-$700 receive a $75 Gift Card
Spend $701-$1000 receive a $100 Gift Card
Spend $1001 or more receive a $200 Gift Card
3. Graf & Sons — Lapua Summer Gear Giveaway Offers
⏺ Get FREE Lapua logo products with ammo and/or bullet purchases
With the summer Lapua Gear Giveaway you get cool bonus products when you purchase Lapua bullets and/or centerfire ammo. Purchase $100 to $249 and get a Lapua Camelbak Bottle. If you spend $250 to $499 you’ll receive the Lapua RTIC Backpack Cooler and Bottle. Or if you spend at least $500 you’ll get a great trifecta — a versatile Lapua Backpack, a high-quality Lapua SOG Knife, and a Lapua Water Bottle. This promotion runs through September 30, 2024.
⏺ Compact, optics-ready pistol at ultra-low price after rebate
More and more citizens are carrying handguns for protection. The Beretta APX A1 9mm pistol is extremely compact so it can easily be carried on your person on in a purse (for the ladies). This polymer-framed Beretta holds 8 rounds and weighs just 19.8 oz. unloaded. The optics-ready slide can fit a variety of Red Dot optics with appropriate insert. This Beretta APX A1 Carry Pistol is on sale now for just $229.99 at Palmetto State Armory with Gray frame. It is also available for $249.99 with a Black or Flat Dark Earth frame. NOTE: This pistol qualifies for a $50 Beretta Rebate through August 31, 2024. That lowers your net cost to $179.99 on Gray version — an amazing deal.
5. Natchez — Ammo by the Case Sale with Major Savings
⏺ Very good prices on bulk rimfire and centerfire ammunition
Natchez has some great deals on cases of rifle and pistol ammunition. For example you can get PMC 9mm pistol ammo for $.24 a round or get great-shooting Norma TAC-22 rimfire ammo at $.07 a round. User reviews say this TAC-22 ammo competes well with .22 LR ammo costing twice as much. Natchez is offering a wide selection of case volume ammunition. There are major discounts so stock up now — some of these savings expire at 11:59 pm today, July 22, 2024.
6. Midsouth — Lee Breech Lock Press, $49.99
⏺ Budget-priced Lee press works well as secondary or range press
Need a simple, reliable press that doesn’t take up a lot of bench space? A good choice for a small, secondary press is the Lee Breech Lock Reloader Single-Stage Press. Weighing just 2.1 pounds this compact press is easy to transport to the range. And you can change dies quickly using the Lee quick change bushing system — with a twist of the wrist you can remove a die in a few seconds.
7. Amazon — Lyman Xpress Case Trimmer, $119.92
⏺ Excellent, efficient power trimmer fits popular necked case sizes
Trimming brass is a key reloading process but it can be time-intensive. The powered Lyman Case Trim Xpress (#ad) can trim cases in a fraction of the time of manual trimmers. With fitted bushings that contact the shoulder of bottle-neck cases, the Case Trim Xpress quickly and cleanly trims brass very consistently using a motor-driven carbide cutter.
8. Amazon — Marksman Digital Reloading Scale, $37.99
⏺ Good, versatile scale for loading at home or at the range
The compact Marksman digital reloading scale (#ad) is a true bargain. Buyers say the scale is accurate and reliable (there are 75% 4- and 5-star reviews). The raised stainless steel platform is easy to use and the plastic cover keeps the scale protected while not in use. This MARKSMAN reloading equipment kit comes with digital scale, reusable hard shell case, powder pan, and a 100g calibration weight. Price is just $37.99, a 24% savings off the regular price.
9. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Primer-Tube Filler, $59.99
⏺ Very good device for loading priming tool vertical tubes
Filling priming tool feed tubes is time-consuming and annoying. If you load primer tubes frequently, consider the Frankford Arsenal Vibra-Prime Primer Tube Filler (#ad). This handheld tool can efficiently load 100 primers into a primer tube in a matter of seconds. The system is efficient and reliable with both large and small primers.
10. Powder Valley — Concealment Shelf System, $83.99
⏺ Clever gun storage system that’s affordable and easy to install
Wouldn’t you like to have instant access to defensive handguns, even in your bedroom or living room? This Lockdown brand In-Plain-Sight Lockdown Shelf has a secret magnetic latch that opens a hidden compartment. A built-in LED light allows access even in total darkness. This wall-mounted gun storage system sells for $83.99.
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Getting focused mentally is an important part of preparation for Perry. In 2011 I was chasing Sherri Gallagher, since then I have been chasing Brandon Green[.] If I get beat by a Service Rifle I am going to make him or her work for it. So there is your peak into my mental process. I go for the top and if I am hanging with them then the Service Rifle National Championship will come, Kind of like how I shoot for X’s and Tens will come.
