Ever wondered how the parts inside an AR15 work together? Just exactly how does the reciprocating bolt carrier feed rounds from the magazine? How do the elements in the trigger group work and reset after each shot? How does the gas system bleed gas from the barrel and operate the bolt carrier? These and other questions are answered in this eye-opening video from 45Snipers. Using “cutaway” 3D computer animation, this 5-minute video shows all features of an AR15 inside and out. This fascinating firearms animation allows the viewer to look inside the upper and lower receivers, into the bolt carrier, chamber, barrel, and magazine.
This video starts off slow and has annoying background music, but it is well worth watching if you own or shoot any AR-platform rifle. It illustrates all the key operations during the charging, loading, firing, and ejection processes. The cutaway animation shows how rounds are stripped from the magazine and then chambered. It then shows how every part of the trigger group works, and how the firing pin strikes the primer. You can even watch the bullet move down the barrel before the empty shell casing is removed from the chamber and tossed out the ejection port. Here are sample frames from the video:
Video find by Grant Ubl. We welcome reader submissions.
Industry Day at the Range is a unique event. Gun industry representatives are able to view, inspect, and shoot scores of new rifles, shotguns, and pistols provided by 200+ manufacturers from around the globe. In addition, new optics and shooting accessories are on display. Hundreds of media members and other gun industry personnel visited the Boulder City, Nevada gun range on 1/20/25 to test a wide variety of new firearms. There were many notable, innovative new rifles, pistols, and optics on display.
Conditions were pretty challenging, with gusty winds and cool temperatures in the mid-40s in the morning. Still most of the shooting was at targets inside 50 yards so those breezes didn’t stop the show. It did make it more challenging to hit the longer range targets set up on the upper rifle bay. Still, media members were excited to see the scores of new rifles, pistols, and shotguns on display. See Range Day Map.
Notable New Guns and Products Previewed at Range Day
Tikka T3X Ace Precision Rifle
Tikka unveiled the new T3X Ace at an early preview at the Desert Sportsman’s Club range outside Las Vegas. This GunsAmerica video, hosted by our friend True Pearce, provides a first look at an impressive bolt-action rifle for PRS/NRL competition. Pearce praised the rifle’s function, ergonomics, and accuracy.
Burris XTR PS Scope with Internal Ballistics Display
The new Burris XTS PS scope combines traditional glass lenses with an internal electronic display that shows hold-over and ballistic data to the shooter. Customizable “data zones” display dial-to-distance, wind hold, wind speed/direction, density altitude, angle compensation, and scope level. The scope features a unique new clickless turret with a digital position sensor for ultra-fast 1/30 MIL elevation adjustments.
BioFire Biometric Smart Gun (Fingerprint and Face Recognition)
In this video, GunsAmerica Editor True Pearce tests the radically innovative Biofire “Smart Gun”. This features a biometric fingerprint sensor plus an onboard facial recognition system that scans the shooter’s face. The purpose of the technology is to prevent unauthorized use of the pistol. The potential downside is that anti-Second Amendment politicians might try to mandate this kind of built-in gun control.
Shadow Systems CR920XP Rapid Fire
New .338 ARC Cartridge in Bolt-Action AR
New SIG Sauer Romeo 8T-AMR Smart Optic
Glock Pistols with AimPoint Optics
Impressive Zeiss optics were on display this year, as shown here in 2020.
One of the best things about Industry Day at the Range is the FREE Ammo provided by Federal and other manufacturers. Rifle, pistol, shotgun — the ammo is ALL FREE.
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.
SPECIAL — Precision Reloading FREE HAZMAT with $149+ Buy
Click image to get FREE HAZMAT with $149+ powder/primer purchase through 1/25/2025.
1. EuroOptic — Athlon Optics Sale
⏺️ Major savings on very good FFP and SFP scopes
Athlon makes quality optics for hunting, PRS/NRL, and other disciplines. User reports have been very positive. Right now Athlon scopes are ON SALE at EuroOptic.com starting at just $374.99 for a 4.5-27x50mm Athlon Midas. Ranging from 1-6X to 4.5-30X with MIL or MOA reticles, there are a large selection of scopes on sale with discounts up to 53% off MSRP.
2. Creedmoor Sports — Berger Bullets January Sale
⏺️ Major savings on very popular Berger Match, Varmint, and Hunting bullets
Creedmoor Sports kicks off the New Year with a major Berger Bullet Sale. You’ll find a huge selection of high quality Berger bullets: Hybrid Target, VLD Match, OTM Tactical, Boat-tail Target, Elite Hunter, FB Varmint bullets and more. Prices start at just $34.95 per hundred for 20 Cal FB Varmint projectiles. Popular 6mm 105gr BT Target bullets are now just $46.95 per hundred.
If you want a good, compact AR-class defensive rifle, here’s a very affordable option. Right now the Palmetto State Armory PA15 16″ M4 Carbine is just $429.99 — that’s less than the price of many pistols. Chambered for 5.56×45 NATO, this modern rifle boasts Magpul MOE SL furniture and black Nitride finish. Users say the adjustable buttstock works well and this rifle has shown very good reliability. It has a flat top with rail and front sight, so the owner will need to add a rear sight and/or optic.
4. Graf & Sons — Sierra Ammunition Sale, Save up to 15%
⏺️ Excellent hunting and match ammo with high-quality Sierra bullets
Graf’s is running a good sale on Sierra-brand loaded ammunition. Matchking competition ammo and a variety of hunting and varminting ammo types are on sale. Save up to 15% by ordering ammo through this Sierra ammo sale. We do like the 22-250 varmint ammo, and the .30-06 Gamechanger Hunting ammo.
5. Natchez — RCBS Buy Green Free Bullets Sale
⏺️ FREE Sierra or Barnes bullets with $100 or more RCBS product purchases
If you’re looking to grab a new reloading tool from RCBS you can now also get FREE bullets with the Natchez BUY GREEN, Get Premium Bullets Sale. Spend $100 and choose from a selection of free Sierra and Barnes bullets (quantity of 40 to 100 bullets). If you spend $400 you can choose from variety of 200-ct to 500-ct bullet packs. Those 500 free Sierra bullets could be worth up to $295 (for .308 168gr MatchKings) — so this is a great deal! CLICK HERE for full chart of BUY GREEN free bullets.
6. Amazon — Plano AW2 All Weather Rifle Case Sale, $170.72
⏺️ Excellent wheeled case big enough for F-Class and Palma rifles
Traveling with a long gun requires a quality case that protects your valuable firearm. If you’re in need of a new case for your next hunting or match trip check out the 52″ Plano All Weather Rifle/Shotgun Case (#ad). With a 52″ internal length, this is long enough for most F-Class, PRS, Palma, and Benchrest rifles. You can also fit two hunting rifles inside (see photo). This all-weather case is strong, tough, and seals out moisture. With a Durashell Plus outer shell, this case is relatively lightweight yet durable. If you don’t need a 52″ case, Plano also offers 36″-long and 42″-long cases capable of carrying two rifles or shotguns.
7. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Folding Reloading Stand, $178.49
⏺️ Folding stand holds reloading press and equipment
For anyone who’s tight on reloading space the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Reloading Stand (#ad) might just be the answer. Able to handle a press and a powder measure at the same time, this highly adaptable bench also features collapsible shelves that create more space and tuck away for easy storage. Whether you are doing a quick reload, or simply need something that takes up a little less space, this reloading table is perfect for you.
8. Amazon — Hornady Rapid Night Clock Gun Safe, $242.80
⏺️ Handy pistol safe that appears to be nightstand alarm clock
Here’s a good, readily-accessible handgun storage solution. The Hornady Rapid Safe Night Guard (#ad) stores a handgun in a housing that does NOT look like a gun safe. Disguised to look like an alarm clock, this unit uses RFID technology to unlock instantly — faster than a keypad type system. Four included RFID tags can be selectively programmed to open this safe and any other RFID gun safe you own.
9. Scheels — RCBS Universal Priming Tool, $64.99
⏺️ Recommended tool that adapts to multiple case rim sizes
The RCBS Universal Hand Primer tool can handle both large rim and small rim cases without any parts change. Leverage is good and the primer feeding tray is very reliable. This is a recommended tool for both beginning handloaders and expert-level reloaders. Another good feature of this tool is a patented safety gate that isolates the primer seating operation from the primer supply, lowering risk of tray detonation.
10. Amazon — Deyace Extra Large Shooting Mat, $37.99
⏺️ Nice, relatively big shooting mat with good padding
When shooting prone, you need a good shooting mat. The Deyace Extra Large padded shooting mat (#ad) is a great value for just $37.99. Measuring a generous 78″x28.5″, this XL mat has nice padding for elbows and knees, and the mat folds up nicely for transport. This mat is offered in four colors: Green, Tan, Tan Camo, and Black. For transport, we like this mat’s integral straps and carry handle.
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SHOT Show 2025 kicks off on Monday, January 20, 2025 with Industry Day at the Range. We’ll have friends there at the Boulder City Range testing new rifles and pistols, and checking out new optics and accessories. Then on Tuesday, January 22nd, the doors open at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum. Over 2700 companies will be exhibiting products this year, with booths and displays covering over 800,000 square feet of floor space. Show organizers expect over 50,000 attendees.
SHOT Show is restricted to industry professionals — manufacturer personnel, buyers/sellers of products, and media representatives. But thankfully, there will be lots of coverage from the event. We’ll be providing regular updates through our Daily Bulletin. In addition, we’ll be following SHOT Show coverage from leading gun-related YouTube Channels, including BackFire, Guns America Digest, The Firearm Blog (TFB-TV), RECOIL Magazine, and Ultimate Reloader. And below are official pages from the show website:
This video shows six interesting firearms that will be featured at SHOT Show 2025. Items include Aero Precision M4E1 Pro ambi-AR rifle, Langdon Tactical 301 Blackout shotgun, KelTec PR57 pistol, Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Stealth Hunter rifle, HM Defense HM50B2 Gen2 rifle, Patriot Ordnance LMR Base rifle.
Here’s a selection of five notable handguns and rifles set for unveiling at SHOT Show 2025. Featured guns include: Bergara BMR-X rimfire rifle, Shadow Systems CR920X pistol, Jacob Grey TWC Black pistol, Bushmaster V-Radicator AR rifle, Wilson Combat Div77 Project 1 pistol.
Here are two good videos from 2024. The first is a great intro to SHOT Show, and the second covers Range Day, which is being held today at the Boulder Rifle & Pistol Club outside Las Vegas.
In addition, NRA Publications’ Shooting Illustrated will provide extensive coverage of SHOT Show — from pre-show private events to Media Day At The Range to updates from the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. Shooting Illustrated staffers will be at SHOT Show to find notable new firearms, gear, and accessories, which will be covered via regular updates on the internet. Check out ShootingIllustrated.com for daily show recaps, as well as exclusive, live content from Las Vegas on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
Shooting Illustrated is the NRA’s official journal covering personal defense, concealed carry, and tactical firearms, training and gear. Shooting Illustrated reaches over one MILLION users through its print magazine, digital publications, and social media. Visit ShootingIllustrated.com for more information.
Sebastian (“Seb”) Lambang, the brilliant creator of SEB rests, joystick bipods, and rear bags, visited the USA two years ago to compete at the 2023 NRA F-Class National Championships at the Ben Avery shooting facility in Phoenix, Arizona. For that Fall 2023 event, Seb commissioned a very handsome, state-of-the-art F-Open rifle built by Blake Barrel and Rifle. Above is Seb’s F-Open rifle on the firing line at Ben Avery.
Seb Lambang’s impressive 7 FCP rig is chambered for the 7 FCP cartridge, an “improved” 6.5 PRC necked up to 7mm. This handsome rifle was crafted by Blake Barrel and Rifle using a 7mm, 1:8.5″-twist Blake barrel chambered in 7 FCP fitted to a Borden Accuracy BRMXD action. Mated to the Borden action is a Bix’N Andy Competition Benchrest trigger. On top is a March 10-60x56mm HM scope.
The handsome laminated wood XR stock is made by Cerus Rifleworks. The XR stock boasts a R.A.D. recoil reduction system in the rear, and a metal bag-rider system at the forward end of the stock. The rig employs an adjustable F-Class Products F-Open Barrel Tuner.
Seb Lambang is a talented shooter as well as a great craftsman. On the side of his March X scope it states: “Sebastian Lambang, QRA Queens 2022, F-Open Winner”.
Sebastian Lambang — Founder and Chief Designer of SEB Rests
When he is not competing, Seb works hard producing SEB Front Rests, SEB Neo-X Rests, SEB Mini-X tripod rests, and the class-leading SEB JoyPod-X joystick bipod, favored by F-TR shooters worldwide. Here are products at Seb’s warehouse, getting ready to be shipped out.
About the 7 FCP — New 7mm Cartridge Derived from 6.5 PRC
The 7 FCP was a cartridge designed from the ground up by F-Class Products out of Phoenix, Arizona in the fall of 2022. The developers believe it is the “ultimate cartridge” for the F-Class Open Division competition. F-Class Products notes: “We wanted a cartridge that [had] an efficient case capacity [matching] the 7mm Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum. The 7 RSAUM has proven to be the most winning cartridge in world F-Class competitions and many nationals and finale events. The problem with the RSAUM is brass availability. Remington stopped making brass for the RSAUM years ago and recently Norma has also stopped producing brass for it. The only option now is ADG. While the ADG brand of brass is good, it is quite expensive and also is only run in short runs and is hardly ever available.”
So the 7 FCP was developed from the 6.5 PRC, which has high-quality Lapua brass available. The 7 FCP was designed to shoot the 180 grain Berger Hybrid bullet at 2960 FPS out of a 30″ barrel without excessive pressure. SEE: 7 FCP Cartridge INFO FAQ Page.
7 FCP Cartridge — Wildcat Based on 6.5 PRC Necked up to 7mm
How Does the 7 FCP’s Case Capacity Compare?
F-Class Products states: “The parent case of the 7 FCP is a 6.5 PRC. The 6.5 PRC is a magnum case that has a head diameter of 0.532″ and has a overall length of 2.020″. It is the same overall length as the 7 RSAUM but with a smaller diameter body. Hence, without improving it, you will get not get the case capacity of a 7 RSAUM case, and therefore you will not get the velocities that the 7 RSAUM produces either.” F-Class Products has compared the capacity of cases commonly used in F-Open competition:
.284 Winchester = 63 grains of water capacity
.284 Shehane = 66.5 grains of water capacity
6.5 PRC = 65 grains of water capacity
7-6.5 PRC = 66.5 grains of water capacity
As you can see by the data above, the 6.5 PRC that is simply necked up to a 7mm does not provide more case capacity than the .284 Shehane. That is why the PRC has the shoulder moved forward.
What Powders Work Well in the 7mm FCP?
F-Class Products has tested many powders with the 7 FCP: “Any powders that work well in a .284 Win, a .284 variant or a 7 RSAUM and/or variant, can work well in the 7 FCP. We have tested many different powders and many show to work excellent. Here is a list of the powders we have tested that work well in our testing and in our customers’ testing:
Hodgdon H4350
Hodgdon H4831
Hodgdon H4831 SC
Alliant Reloder 16
Alliant Reloder 23
Vihtavuori N160
Vihtavuori N550
Vihtavuori N555
This is just a short list of what we believe are the core powders that will burn and work efficiently in the 7 FCP. There are plenty of other powders that also can work, yet they may be temperature sensitive and or not burn efficiently in the case.”
What Velocities Are Optimal?
F-Class products observes: “With the 180 grain Berger bullet we see accuracy from 2920-2980 FPS muzzle velocity. With the 190 grain Hornady A-Tip bullet we see accuracy from 2860-2900 FPS.”
What Twist Rates Do You Recommmend?
F-Class Products recommends a 1:8.5″-twist barrel. An 8-twist can work, yet the accuracy nodes may be narrower than the 8.5 twist. A 9-twist barrel can also work if you are shooting a 184 grain bullet or less. These twist rates are recommended for lead cored bullets. If you are planning on shooting a solid copper bullet, consult the bullet manufacture for recommended twist rates for that particular bullet.
What Is the Parent Case?
The parent case of the 7 FCP is a 6.5 PRC. The 6.5 PRC is a magnum case that has a head diameter of 0.532″ and has a overall length of 2.020″. It is the same overall length as the 7 RSAUM but with a smaller diameter body, hence without improving it, you will get not get the case capacity of a 7 RSAUM case, and therefore you will not get the velocities that the 7 RSAUM produces either.
SHOT Show 2025, the biggest gun industry trade show, kicks off Tuesday, January 22nd, in Las Vegas. Over 2700 exhibitors will showcase thousands of new products at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum which together provide more than 800,000 net square feet of displays. The official SHOT Show Product Planner offers a “sneak peak” at 340 new-for-2025 products for hunters and shooters. Here are 6 cool new items in the SHOT Show New Product showcase (product profiles are based on descriptions provided by the manufacturers). That’s followed by six more interesting products featured in Shooting Industry Magazine.
Kestrel 5700X WEZ Ballistics Weather Meter
Company: Kestrel Ballistics
Advanced Kestrel 5700X Ballistic Weather Meter with AB Elite ballistics solver and WEZ analysis. This unit operates seamlessly without additional electronics and can calcualte P-HIT probability. Price: $999.00.
Vision Pro Chassis
Company: GCP Rifle Co.
The Vision Pro chassis is a Precision Rifle chassis with high-grade components. List $1599.00.
TAPCO Tactical Henry Model X Rifle Handguard & Stock Package
Company: TAPCO
The Henry Model X stock/handguard package is a stock upgrade with modern tactical/precision features including an adjustable cheek plate and universal 6-round ammo quiver. You can fit M-LOK accessories on the tactical Henry handguard. Price is $449.98.
Pelican Reset Case Interior System
Company: Pelican Products Inc.
The Pelican Reset interior system has customizable foam pegs in a grid frame that can be raised or lowered to create cavities for guns and gear. A middle panel can be removed for extra space. Reset foam works with 1700, 1720 and 1750 Protector cases.
SPACE Smart Safes
Company: SPACE Smart Safes
Advanced smart safe with cameras and smartphone App.
Shooting Industry Magazine 2025 New Product Showcase
See more cool new products in the Shooting Industry Magazine 2025 New Product Showcase. You can view all editions in the Monthly Issue Archives
Savage Arms Model 334 bolt-action rifle will be available a Mossy Oak Terra Gila camo stock and two new calibers: .30-06 Springfield and .270 Win (along with 8 other chambering types). The Model 334 has a 3-position safety, a 60-degree bolt lift, and three locking lugs.
Bolt Action AR-type Rifle
Bear Creek Arsenal BC-15 Bolt Action Style Complete Upper and Rifle in .350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster. The BC-15 Bolt Action Style Upper fits any standard AR-15 lower.
Rise Triggers — Match and Hunting
RISE now offers Reliant triggers for Rem 700 and Rem 700 clone rifles. The Reliant Hunter Trigger has a preset pull weight of 3.5 lbs. For Precision shooters, the Reliant Pro Trigger has a lighter preset pull weight of 2 lbs., with pull-weight adjustment from about 1 lb. to over 3 lbs. maximum. The Reliant Hunter is available in a curved blade only, while the Reliant Pro has flat and curved blade options. Additional features include unibody cassette-style installation, NoWay take-up for a clean break and NiB-coated steel key components.
The new MDT CRBN Rifle Stock is a lightweight carbon fiber stock with an internal mini-chassis weighing 27 ounces. Crafted from foam-filled carbon fiber, the MDT CRBN Rifle Stock features an ARCA rail, adjustable comb, adjustable length-of-pull, M-LOK slots, QD attachment points, and a 20-degree grip angle.
Silencer Central
Meat-Eater Suppressor
Silencer Central has worked with Banish to develop a new 30-caliber “Meat Eater” suppressor for cartridges up to .300 RUM. The maker claims this suppressor can reduce sound levels by 32 decibels and reduce recoil by up to 40% via its integrated “anchor brake”. This light-weight suppressor weighs 10.3 oz., and measures 5.85″ long. It employs an industry-standard hub mount.
Vudoo Gun Works
Precision Rifle Bag
The impressive Vudoo Precision Rifle Bag has thick foam padding on all sides, 3 Zippered mesh pockets, removable scope cover, muzzle cover with bungee, Velcro interior walls, and cleaning rod sleeve. The fully customizable compartments keep gear organized, while thick, high-density padding shields your firearm from the toughest conditions. This case costs $225.00.
CLICK HERE to read the full monthly digital editions of Shooting Industry Magazine online. Access to ALL articles is free via these Online Editions.
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 (or on a long-range hunt). 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 of Applied Ballistics 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. If, for example, your point of impact is 33 inches, then you are getting more than the stated MOA with each click (assuming the target is positioned at exactly 100 yards).
How to Perform the Tall Target Test
The objective of the tall target test is to insure that your scope is giving you the proper amount of adjustment. For example, when you dial 30 MOA, are you really getting 30 MOA, or are you getting 28.5 or 31.2 MOA? The only way to be sure is to verify, don’t take it for granted! Knowing your scopes true click values insures that you can accurately apply a ballistic solution. In fact, many perceived inaccuracies of long range ballistics solutions are actually caused by the scopes not applying the intended adjustment. In order to verify your scope’s true movement and calculate a correction factor, follow the steps in the Tall Target Worksheet. This worksheet takes you thru the ‘calibration process’ including measuring true range to target and actual POI shift for a given scope adjustment. The goal is to calculate a correction factor that you can apply to a ballistic solution which accounts for the tracking error of your scope. For example, if you find your scope moves 7% more than it should, then you have to apply 7% less than the ballistic solution calls for to hit your target.
NOTE: When doing this test, don’t go for the maximum possible elevation. You don’t want to max out the elevation knob, running it to the top stop. Bryan Litz explains: “It’s good to avoid the extremes of adjustment when doing the tall target test.I don’t know how much different the clicks would be at the edges, but they’re not the same.”
Should You Perform a WIDE Target Test Too?
What about testing your windage clicks the same way, with a WIDE target test? Bryan Litz says that’s not really necessary: “The wide target test isn’t as important for a couple reasons. First, you typically don’t dial nearly as much wind as you do elevation. Second, your dialed windage is a guess to begin with; a moving average that’s different for every shot. Whereas you stand to gain a lot by nailing vertical down to the click, the same is not true of windage. If there’s a 5% error in your scope’s windage tracking, you’d never know it.”
Verifying Scope Level With Tall Target Test
Bryan says: “While setting up your Tall Target Test, you should also verify that your scope level is mounted and aligned properly. This is critical to insuring that you’ll have a long range horizontal zero when you dial on a bunch of elevation for long range shots. This is a requirement for all kinds of long range shooting. Without a properly-mounted scope level (verified on a Tall Target), you really can’t guarantee your horizontal zero at long range.”
NOTE: For ‘known-distance’ competition, this is the only mandatory part of the tall target test, since slight variations in elevation click-values are not that important once you’re centered “on target” at a known distance.
Every Saturday we present interesting, informative videos for our Daily Bulletin readers. Here we feature five YouTube videos that offer a ton of useful information for serious shooters. We start with a great video about setting up rifle, rest, and bag on the bench. Then Hall-of-Fame benchrest shooter Speedy Gonzalez shows smart methods for cleaning barrels. Next F-Class Ace Keith Glasscock explains how to optimize your rifle after travel. In the fourth video, AutoTrickler inventor Adam MacDonald shows how to optimize the AutoTrickler V4. Next the truly outstanding 21st Century Power Neck-Turning lathe is showcased.
How to Set Up Your Rifle, Rest, and Bag on the Bench
To get the best results in benchrest shooting, you need to set up all the gear on your bench properly. That includes front rest placement, rear bag position, spotting scope set-up, and placement of cartridge holder/caddy, and possibly an elbow/forearm rest. When setting up the hardware, you need to align the front rest and rear bag properly to get optimal tracking. In addition you want to make sure the rear bag doesn’t slide or rotate a bit from shot to shot. And you also want to set your seat height/location so the shooter’s position is optimal and comfortable. This helpful video shows how to set up your rifle and gear for a benchrest match or load development/practice at the range. Credit to Boyd Allen for finding video.
Cleaning Barrels with Speedy — Smart Techniques
There are many effective methods to clean barrels. But some are more efficient that others and can help you do the job more quickly, with less effort. Here respected gunsmith and Hall-of-Fame benchrest shooter Speedy Gonzalez shows his procedures for cleaning competition barrels. He uses Sharpshoot-R Liquid Patch-Out and Wipe-Out Accelerator as primary solvents. Watch carefully — Speedy has some clever techniques for starting a patch in the rifling, and he is also careful about exiting the muzzle when brushing. Speedy also explains the importance of keeping your rods clean. And he prefers nylon brushes because, as the barrel starts to get wear in the throat, “the bronze bristles will actually start eating into that and you’ll see little grooves if you have a good borescope.” (See video 00:38-01:35)
Loading for PRS vs. F-Class — Keith Glasscock
Keith Glasscock is one of America’s top F-Class shooters, having finished second at the National Championships multiple times. He also now shoots PRS/NRL Precision Rifle matches. Keith, who has an engineering background, runs the popular Winning in the Wind YouTube channel. There you’ll find great advice on wind reading, load tuning, precision reloading and many other topics. In this video, Keith offers very smart advice on how to optimize a PRS load compared to a F-Class load. Accuracy counts for both disciplines, but the key objectives can be different.
Adjusting AutoTrickler V4 with its Inventor, Adam MacDonald
Adam MacDonald is the brilliant Canadian engineer who created the AutoTrickler series of automated powder dispensing systems. These work with advanced scales to dispense powder rapidly, but with a precise final trickle accurate to a single kernel. In this video, Adam explains how best to adjust and calibrate the AutoTrickler V4 when using powders that flow at different rates.
21st Century Power Neck-Turning Lathe — Great Tool
Turning case-necks can be tedious and tough on older hands if you’re using hand-held tools. Quite a few years ago 21st Century released a great compact, neck-turning lathe that delivers superb, consistent results. This Editor uses that original lathe with hand crank and I can affirm that it works great. It is easy to use, fast, and the turned necks come out smooth with consistent rim thickness. But you still had to turn a crank. Well, in 2018, 21st Century created an upgraded Power Neck-Turning Lathe with an electric motor and lever to advance the cases to the cutter. The power head glides on stainless steel guide rails. Power is controlled with a red button in the feed handle.
This advanced, powered mini-lathe is absolutely superb. It works brilliantly and makes the task of turning case-necks fast and VERY easy. And there is even a 3-Way trimmer upgrade that will trim cases to length at the same time as the necks are turned.
BONUS — How to Spot Fake Online Sellers of Components
With the shortage of premium reloading components, particularly powder and primers, many handloaders are desperate to find components when even big companies such as Midsouth and MidwayUSA are completely sold out. Enter the scammers. There are criminals, many based overseas, who have created entire websites designed to steal your money. You might find such a site when searching for “Varget powder in stock” or “CCI BR4 primers”. These sites look like regular business webstores, with product photos and modern shopping cart systems. But it’s all a scam.
Key giveaways are: 1) The site does NOT take Visa, Mastercard, or Discover but requires payment with Zelle, Venmo, Bitcoin, or AppleCash only; and 2) The site has hard-to-find powders, such as H4895 and H4198, that nobody else has, and you can put thousands of pounds in the shopping cart.
Bottom line here — if the site allows you to order vast amounts of powder and/or primers, and does not take ANY major Credit Card types, it is almost surely a scam. If you see links to pay with Crypto-Currency (such as Bitcoin) run away!
Creedmoor Sports has released a series of helpful “how-to” videos in its InfoZone web page. In one InfoZone video Bill Gravatt shows how to seat bullets using L.E. Wilson Hand Dies and an Arbor Press. The basic process is simple, particularly with a micrometer-top seating die. That makes it easy to adjust and set seating depth. Before you start seating bullets, you want to adjust the height of the arbor so the stroke is appropriate to the height of your die.
Bill Gravatt Shows How to Use Hand Seating Dies — Creedmoor INFOZONE
ARBOR PRESS TECHNIQUE: When using an arbor press, smooth is good. You don’t want to slam the handle down quickly. Try to repeat the same motion each time. You can also experiment by seating the bullet part way, then rotate the cartridge (in the die) and do the final seating with a second stroke. If your arbor press has a force gauge, note both the max value of the gauge needle and how it moves as you seat the bullet. If the needle spikes too rapidly, or bounces back and forth irregularly, set that cartridge aside and/or mark it. You could have neck tension issue with that case or some other fault. You might even have a bad bullet. That’s rare, but can happen. The key to success is moving the press arm in a smooth motion every time, maintaining the same down-pressure with each cartridge.
Here Bill Gravatt Offers a Simple Tip for Adjusting Wilson Seating Dies
One of our Forum readers asked “How can I get a custom in-line seater for my new rifle?”. First, we would say that, if you are not shooting an unusual Wildcat, check first to see if L.E. Wilson makes a stainless Micrometer Seater Die for your rifle. These dies are a joy to use, and we’ve found the fit to be exceptionally good with many calibers. Typically priced from $95-$120, Wilson stainless micrometer-top seaters are available for dozens of cartridge types: .204 Ruger, 20 BR, .222 Rem, .223 Rem, 22 PPC, 22 BR, .22-250, .223 WSSM, 6 PPC, 6mmBR, 6XC, 243 Win, .243 WSSM, 25 WSSM, 6.5×47 Lapua, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5-284, 26 Nosler, .270 WSM, 7mm-08, .284 Win, 28 Nosler, 7mm RUM, 30 BR, .308 Win, .300 WinMag, .338 Edge (and MORE).
If you do want a custom seater die, the process is relatively simple. Purchase a die blank from Wilson and have your gunsmith run the chambering reamer in. Forum member Gunamonth explains: “I start with a Wilson seating die blank. They’re available from Sinclair and other vendors. Just run the reamer in. For some of my rifles, where I wanted the stainless die with the micrometer adjustment, I bought a smaller die and had the smith ream it with the chamber reamer. That’s how I had my 6 Dasher and 6mm AI seaters made. With the Dasher I stared with a 6mmBR Micrometer die.”
SEATER STEM TIP: If, on your seated bullets, you are seeing a sharp line around the jacket near the ogive, you may want to smooth out the leading edge of the Wilson seater stem (see above left). Do this by putting a little lapping compound on one bullet and manually spin this around in the stem. Without much effort you’ll have a smooth bullet/stem interface.
Micrometer Top Add-on
We really like micrometer tops on a seating die. But what if Wilson doesn’t make a micrometer top seater for your chambering? Don’t despair, Brownells sells a $39.99 Sinclair Micrometer Top that can be added to Wilson standard seaters or to a custom seater die made from a Wilson die blank.
The NRA Blog ran an feature on Silhouette shooting by NRA Silhouette Program Coordinator Jonathan Leighton. Here are selections from Leighton’s story:
NRA Silhouette Shooting
The loud crack from the bullet exiting the muzzle followed by an even louder ‘clang’ as you watch your target fly off the railing is really a true addiction for most Silhouette shooters. There is nothing better than shooting a game where you actually get to see your target react to the bullet. In my opinion, this is truly what makes this game so much fun.
Metallic Silhouette — A Mexican Import
Silhouette shooting came to this country from Mexico in the 1960s. It is speculated that sport had its origins in shooting contests between Pancho Villa’s men around 1914. After the Mexican Revolution the sport spread quickly throughout Mexico. ‘Siluetas Metalicas’ uses steel silhouettes shaped like game animals. Chickens up front followed by rows of pigs, turkeys, and furthest away, rams. Being that ‘Siluetas Metalicas’ was originally a Mexican sport, it is common to hear the targets referred to by their Spanish names Gallina (chicken), Javelina (pig), Guajalote (turkey) and Borrego (ram). Depending on the discipline one is shooting, these animals are set at different distances from the firing line, but always in the same order.
Before Steel There Was… Barbeque
In the very beginnings of the sport, live farm animals were used as targets, and afterwards, the shooters would have a barbeque with all the livestock and/or game that was shot during the match. The first Silhouette match that used steel targets instead of livestock was conducted in 1948 in Mexico City, Mexico by Don Gonzalo Aguilar. [Some matches hosted by wealthy Mexicans included high-ranking politicians and military leaders].
As the sport spread and gained popularity during the 1950s, shooters from the Southwestern USA started crossing the Mexican border to compete. Silhouette shooting came into the US in 1968 at the Tucson Rifle Club in Arizona. The rules have stayed pretty much the same since the sport has been shot in the US. NRA officially recognized Silhouette as a shooting discipline in 1972, and conducted its first NRA Silhouette Nationals in November of 1972.
Great Video of Silhouette Shooting in Canada with Drone Footage
Now There Are Multiple Disciplines
The actual sport of Silhouette is broken into several different disciplines. High Power Rifle, Smallbore Rifle, Cowboy Lever Action Rifle, Black Powder Cartridge Rifle, Air Rifle, Air Pistol, and Hunter’s Pistol are the basic disciplines. Cowboy Lever Action is broken into three sub-categories to include Smallbore Cowboy Rifle, Pistol Cartridge Cowboy Lever Action, and regular Cowboy Lever Action. Black Powder Cartridge Rifle also has a ‘Scope’ class, and Hunter’s Pistol is broken into four sub-categories. Some clubs also offer Military Rifle Silhouette comps.
Where to Shoot Silhouette
NRA-Sanctioned matches are found at gun clubs nation-wide. There are also many State, Regional, and National matches across the country as well. You can find match listings on the Shooting Sports USA website or contact the NRA Silhouette Department at (703) 267-1465. For more info, visit SteelChickens.com, the #1 website dedicated to Silhouette shooting sports.
How Does the 7 FCP’s Case Capacity Compare?
Rise Triggers — Match and Hunting
Verifying Scope Level With Tall Target Test
One of our Forum readers asked “How can I get a custom in-line seater for my new rifle?”. First, we would say that, if you are not shooting an unusual Wildcat, check first to see if 
The 
Metallic Silhouette — A Mexican Import
Before Steel There Was… Barbeque
