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July 3rd, 2024

2024 Hornady Precision Rifle Challenge — Nearly 200 Shooters

prc hornady precision rifle challenge evanstson wyoming Utah 2024 AccurateShooter

One of the biggest Precision Rifle matches of the year took place recently. Nearly 200 shooters from many states competed in the 2024 Hornady Precision Rifle Challenge, held June 28-29, 2024 at Hornady’s private 250,000 acre ranch property outside of Evanston, Wyoming, across the state line in Utah. The match featured 19 challenging stages. Course of fire consisted of 200 rounds with “off trail” walking between stages. Natural terrain made for an exciting match.

prc hornady precision rifle challenge evanstson wyoming Utah 2024 AccurateShooter

George Gardner and Bryan Sikes of GA Precision were co-match directors. Gardner said the 2024 event went well: “The 2024 Hornady PRC was a huge success. The challenging course of fire coupled with the perfect weather for a precision rifle match made for an awesome weekend.” Sikes added: “We want to congratulate all the winners and thank each competitor for attending. A big thank you for all the range officers and sponsors that made this match happen, as well.” Open Division Competitor Andrew Slade was the Overall Match winner. Hornady congratulates the following Division and Class winners:

Open Division and Overall winner: Andrew Slade
Top Production: Doug Koenig
Top Tactical: Joe Thielen
Top Gas Gun: River Curtis
Top Senior: Joe McFarlane
Top Mil/LE: Kahl Harmon
Top Lady: Lauryl Akenhead
Top Junior: Reese Broughton
Top Amateur: Robert Mahaffey
Top Marksman: Austin Clark
Top Semi-Pro: Justin Eggers
Top International: Moritz Mayr

prc hornady precision rifle challenge evanstson wyoming Utah 2024 AccurateShooter
prc hornady precision rifle challenge evanstson wyoming Utah 2024 AccurateShooter

One of the biggest PRS matches of the year, the Hornady Precision Rifle Challenge is a unique long range competition with tough terrain and major elevation changes. This wasn’t a typical PRS Pro Series match by any means. Participants in this challenging Precision Rifle match encounter challenging conditions not typically seen in other tactical matches.

Shooting USA hornady precision rifle challenge Utah 2020 AccurateShooter
Shooting USA hornady precision rifle challenge Utah 2021 AccurateShooter

This video, from the 2023 PRC event, is well worth watching. It provides plenty of equipment closeups, shows stage set-ups, and includes “birds-eye-view” drone footage of the scenic range.


Shooting USA hornady precision rifle challenge Utah 2024 AccurateShooter

CLICK HERE for full match results from the 2024 Hornady Precision Rifle Challenge. NOTE: Most images in this story are captured from 2023 Hornady PRC Video embedded above.

Permalink Competition, News, Tactical No Comments »
July 3rd, 2024

Barrel Twist Rate and Bullet Stability — What You Need to Know

FirearmsID.com barrel rifling diagram

Understanding Twist: Bullet Stabilization

by Sierra Bullets Ballistic Technician Paul Box for Sierra Bullets Blog.

Based on the questions we get on a daily basis on our 800 (Customer Support) line, twist is one of the most misunderstood subjects in the gun field. So let’s look deeper into this mystery and get a better understanding of what twist really means.

When you see the term 1:14″ (1-14) or 1:9″ twist, just exactly what does this mean? A rifle having a 1:14″ twist means the bullet will rotate one complete revolution every fourteen inches of the barrel. Naturally a 1:9″ turns one time every nine inches that it travels down the barrel. Now, here’s something that some people have trouble with. I’ve had calls from shooters thinking that a 1:14″ twist was faster than a 1:9″ because the number was higher with the 1:14″. The easiest way to remember this is the higher the number, the slower the twist rate is.

Now, the biggest misconception is that if a shooter has a .223 with a 1:8″ twist, his rifle won’t stabilize a 55gr bullet or anything lighter. So let’s look at what is required. The longer a bullet is for its diameter, the faster the twist has to be to stabilize it. In the case of the .223 with a 1:8″ twist, this was designed to stabilize 80gr bullets in this diameter. In truth the opposite is true. A 1:8″ will spin a 55gr faster than what is required in order to stabilize that length of bullet. If you have a bullet with good concentricity in its jacket, over-spinning it will not [normally] hurt its accuracy potential. [Editor’s Note: In addition, the faster twist rate will not, normally, decrease velocity significantly. That’s been confirmed by testing done by Bryan Litz’s Applied Ballistics Labs. There may be some minor speed loss.]

FirearmsID.com barrel rifling diagram
Many barrel-makers mark the twist rate and bore dimensions on their barrel blanks.

Think of it like tires on your truck. If you have a new set of tires put on your truck, and they balance them proper at the tire shop, you can drive down a street in town at 35 MPH and they spin perfect. You can get out on the highway and drive 65 MPH and they still spin perfect. A bullet acts the same way.

Once I loaded some 35gr HP bullets in a 22-250 Ackley with a 1:8″ twist. After putting three shots down range, the average velocity was 4584 FPS with an RPM level of 412,560. The group measured .750″ at 100 yards. This is a clear example that it is hard to over-stabilize a good bullet.

Twist-rate illustration by Erik Dahlberg courtesy FireArmsID.com. Krieger barrel photo courtesy GS Arizona.
Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Tech Tip 1 Comment »
July 1st, 2024

BargainFinder 458: AccurateShooter’s Deals of the Week

AccurateShooter Deals of the Week Weekly Bargain Finder Sale Discount Savings

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. Brownells — 15% Off Sale July 1-7 with Code JULY15

brownells weekly sale July 4th code labradar chronograph rcbs press protektor bag vortex scope
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Great savings on large variety of products at Brownells

Starting today, 7/1/24, Brownells is running a major 4th of July Sale site-wide through July 7, 2024. With Code JULY15 you can get 15% off a wide range of products, plus there are special deals on firearms — rifles, pistols, and shotguns. Shown above are featured product deals plus some of the hundreds of rifles on sale with big savings.

2. EuroOptic — 12% Off Most Vortex Optics with Code VTX12

ruag mil-spec #4033 small rifle primers
Use 12% discount code for big savings on Vortex optics

For a limited time, save 12% on most Vortex Optics products when you use promo code VTX12 during check-out. This special discount applies to the full selection of Vortex products including riflescopes, spotting scopes, laser rangefinders, and binoculars.

3. CMP — Crosman 2021 PCP Challenger Air Rifle, $650.00

crosman airgun sale challenger 2021 pcp cmp
Accurate, match-proven, excellent starter competition air rifle

Airguns are inexpensive to shoot, can be used indoors, and can be purchased directly — no FFL required. If you want an affordable, competition-grade air rifle, consider the Crosman Challenger 2021 PCP. This Sporter Class air rifle has an adjustable stock, 2-stage trigger, and competition sights. With good components and ergonomics, this Challenge rifle can compete with much more expensive rigs. This Crosman air rifle has earned 100% 5-star reviews from buyers. Here are recent buyer reviews on CreedmoorSports.com:

— “Outstanding price. Well made, easy to adjust. Once sighted in, drives tacks.”
— “Feels super comfortable to hold and shoot. Trigger is nice and crisp. First 5 shots off a bag in the prone position all went through the same hole… at 10meters.”
— “I [scored] Gold in [10m 3P] competition vs. other higher-priced rifles like Feinwerkbau and Anschutz.”
— “Very accurate, fun, 10m air rifle that sips air at such a low rate you wonder if the gage is broken.”

Note: For this $650 price, sales are restricted to members of CMP affiliated clubs only.

4. Midsouth — Lee Challenger Press with BONUS Die Set, $79.99

lee challenger Gen 3 III single stage press free reloading die set kit
Good LEE Press on Sale with FREE DIES

The LEE Challenger is the world’s best-selling single station press. The lastest Gen III Challenger features an ergonomic lever plus a convenient tube for spent primers. Right now, to mark its 40th Anniversary, LEE is offering a FREE die set with the purchase of the LEE Gen III Challenger Press. Chose one of four cartridge types: .223 Rem, 9mm Luger, .38 SPL/.357 Mag, and .45 ACP (.44 SPL/.44 Mag is also listed but is out of stock). Another good feature of the LEE Press is the Breech Lock Quick Change Die System — change dies instantly with a twist of the wrist.

5. EuroOptic — Burris XTR Extreme Tactical Scopes Close-Outs

eurooptic burris xtr tactical sale discount midsouth clearance scopes
Massive savings up to $750 on quality PRS/NRL tactical scopes

EuroOptic is a top-flight vendor, with fast shipping and great customer service. Right now EuroOptic is running major sale on Burris Extreme Tactical II & III Tactical scopes, which work great for PRS/NRL competition. With the current Burris XTR Scope Sale, you can save up to $750.00 on a rugged, reliable FFP scope with various zoom magnification options (e.g. 3.3-18x50mm, 5-25x50mm, 5.5-30x56mm), with both 0.1 Milrad and 1/4 MOA click options.

6. Powder Valley — 2500 RUAG Small Rifle Primers, $169.99

ruag mil-spec #4033 small rifle primers
Great price on high-quality primers

If you shoot benchrest rigs, varmint rifles, or ARs, you need small rifle (SR) primers. Now you can get high-quality German-made RUAG SR Primers for $169.99 for 2500. That’s the equivalent of $68 per thousand. These RUAG #4033 primers have earned positive user reviews: “Excellent quality… they performed very well… would recommend these to anyone”. NOTE: These are mil-spec primers with a fairly hard cup.

7. Creedmoor Sports or Graf & Sons
— Garmin Xero C1 Pro Radar Chronograph, $599.99

garmin chronograph sale
Superb game-changing compact radar chrono in stock

The Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph works great and is ultra-compact. This popular radar chrono boasts an easy-to-use interface, great performance, and an excellent App for your smartphone. As of 7/1/2024 both Creedmoor Sports and Graf & Sons have the Garmin Xero C1 in stock for $599.99.

8. MidwayUSA — BOG Tripod + Electronic Muffs Combo, $139.99

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Save $70 on outstanding tripod and electronic muffs combo

Here’s a great combo for PRS/NRL shooters and/or hunters. You get the excellent BOG Deathgrip Tripod AND Caldwell E-Max Electronic Muffs for just $139.99 total. Plus you get free shipping this week from MidwayUSA. The BOG DeathGrip Tripod has rugged aluminum legs and a patented hands-free clamp. The bipod head pans 360 degrees with cant adjustment. The 3-position leg angle lock allows bipod use in standing, kneeling, and prone positions. The comfortable, low-profile E-Max Pro electronic muffs have a 23dB noise reduction rating (NRR).

9. Palmetto SA, Blackhawk Shooting Mat/Rifle Case, $49.99

blackhawk shooting mat ground rifle carry case drag bag
Multi-Function Shooting Mat/Rifle Case now $100 Off

Here’s a great deal on a multi-function Mat/carry case. The Blackhawk Stalker Drag Mat Carry Case is a nice padded shooting mat that ALSO serves as a rifle carry case and drag bag. Length is 50.5″ and width (in rifle case mode) is 9″. This mat/case is made from durable 1000 denier nylon and closed-cell foam. It has carry straps plus a shoulder strap.

10. Amazon — Real Avid Handgun Cleaning Kit, $19.99

read avid handgun cleaning kit amazon
Good, handy pistol cleaning kit in zipped carry case

To keep your pistols clean and safe, it’s wise to have a compact but well-equipped cleaning kit. We recommend the Real Avid Handgun Cleaning Kit (#ad). This kit includes a 2-part gun cleaning rod with T-handle, bore brush set, bore patch jag set, two small & large slotted bore patch tips and gun cleaning patches. All tools are stored in a handy, zip-closure carry case.

As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Hot Deals, Optics No Comments »
July 1st, 2024

Monitor Barrel Heat in Summertime with Stick-On Temp Strips

Barrel Heat Temp Temperature gauge strip McMaster Carr

Summer is coming soon, and temperatures are starting to heat up. We are already seeing unseasonably hot conditions in many areas of the country. You never want your barrels to get too hot, which can happen more quickly in summertime. Accuracy suffers when barrels over-heat, and excessive heat is not good for barrel life. So how do you monitor your barrel’s temperature? You can check if the barrel is “warm to the touch” — but that method is not particularly precise. There is a better way — using temperature-sensitive strips. McMaster.com (an industrial supply house) offers stick-on temp strips with values from 86° F to 140° F. A pack of ten (10) of these horizontal strips (item 59535K13) costs $14.49. That’s a mere $1.40 per barrel for strips — cheap insurance for your precious barrels. For best barrel life, you should try to keep your barrels under 120 degrees F.

Barrel Heat Temp Temperature gauge strip McMaster Carr

NOTE: On the McMaster.com website, you’ll need to scroll down to the multi-use “Temperature Indicating Labels”. Then click on the horizontal label and select item 59535K13, as shown below.

Barrel Heat Temp Temperature gauge strip McMaster Carr

Forum member Nomad47 says: “I have temperature strips (bought at McMaster-Carr) on all my barrels. I try not to shoot when the barrel gets to 122 degrees or higher[.]” Here are photos of the McMaster-Carr temp strips on Nomad47’s customized Savage.

Barrel Heat Temp Temperature gauge strip McMaster Carr

Creedmoor Sports now offers handy Temp Strips, with 3-packs for $12.95. These have colored temp range markers so you can quickly see if your barrel is getting too hot. Creedmoor Sports notes: “The temperature range of 30-160° spaced in 10° increments fit most … shooting situations. The 1″-wide 6″-long LCD strip will provide many years of service. In general, we recommend that if a barrel begins to reach 140°, it is too hot and continuing to shoot at these temperatures accelerates barrel wear These barrel temperature strips use a 3M® adhesive and will stick to blued, parkerized and stainless barrels.”

Barrel Heat Temp Temperature gauge strip McMaster Carr

Bad things can happen if your barrel gets too hot. First, with some barrels, the point of impact (POI) will shift or “walk” as the barrel heats up excessively. Second, even if the POI doesn’t change, the groups can open up dramatically when the barrel gets too hot. Third, if the barrel is very hot, the chamber will transfer heat to your loaded cartridge, which can lead to pressure issues. Finally, there’s considerable evidence that hot barrels wear out faster. This is a very real concern, particularly for varmint shooters who may shoot hundreds of rounds in a day. For this reason, many varminters switch among various guns, never letting a particular barrel get too hot.

Neconos.com offers BAR-L Temp Strips that visually display heat readings from 86 to 140 degrees. Think of these strips as compact, unbreakable thermometers that monitor barrel heating.

Put a strip on the side of the barrel and the barrel’s temp will be indicated by a stripe that changes from black to green. There is also a “general purpose” strip that reads to 196 degrees (see bottom row). The Benchrest model strip (86°F to 140°F) is in the middle. These Bar-L temp strips cost $9.00 each, or $25.00 for a 3-pack.

NOTE: These strips can be permanently fixed to the barrel with the heavy-duty clear plastic tape strip provided with the BAR-L Temp strip.

Permalink Gear Review, Tech Tip No Comments »