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October 16th, 2025

LEE Breech Lock Hand Press — Versatile, Very Affordable Tool

Lee breech lock hand press kit

Lee breech lock hand press kitThe LEE Breech Lock Hand Press is a useful addition to any reloader’s tool collection. This Hand Press allows you to resize brass or seat bullets while at the range or away from your loading room. No it won’t replace your Co-Ax or Rockchucker, but this is a handy piece of gear. And it’s VERY affordable. The LEE Breech Lock Hand Press (by itself) is $51.99 at MidwayUSA — a great deal. Or, for $72.99 at Midsouth you can get a complete Lee Hand Press Kit including Breech Lock Hand Press, Reloading Die Set, Lock Ring Wrench, Breach Lock Ram Prime, and Storage Box. Choose one of four cartridge types for the provided dies: .223 Remington, 9mm Luger, .38 SPL/.357 Mag, and .45 ACP.

Lee breech lock hand press kitLEE Hand Press Quick-Change Die Functionality
This LEE Press includes the Breech Lock Quick-Change Die Feature, so you can instantly change dies with just a twist of the wrist. One Breech Lock Quick Change Bushing is included. The Breech Lock Hand Press is light and compact. It tips the scale at a mere 1 3/4 pounds and overall product length is 11.5″. Note: the maximum overall length cartridge the LEE Hand Press can accept is 3.650 inches.

While we don’t recommend the Hand Press for major full-length sizing chores, it does a good job seating bullets. This makes it a handy “field expedient” tool when doing load development at the range. For example you can experiment with seating depth by loading a batch of cartridges at home with the bullets deliberately seated long. Then, at the range, you can re-seat the bullets progressively shorter (in a series of rounds), until you find the optimal Cartridge OAL.

LEE’s Hand Press is also great for decapping operations. One verified buyer reports: “I mostly use it for decapping while watching TV, with a universal decapper die. Of course it is also useful for other operations. I wouldn’t love sizing large rifle cases with it, but if you’ve prepped your cases on a bigger press you could comfortably take it to the range for load development, one round at a time, working right there at the line instead of making a bunch of loads at home that you’ll have to disassemble later. It’s smaller and more lightweight than it looks[.]”

Using LEE Hand Press to Load at the Range
To learn more about using the LEE Hand Press in the field with a compact scale, read Reloading Without a Bench on GunsAmerica.com. Author Christopher Mace explains: “Whether you want a better way to do load development, the capability to reload out of your ‘bugout bag’, or you’re short of space but wanting to get into reloading, the LEE Loaders and the LEE Hand Press offer you some options.”

Reloading Lee hand press review GunsAmerica

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October 15th, 2025

Have October Fun with Printable Halloween-Theme Targets

free halloween spooky target pumpkins
Click above image for full-size version.

Halloween (aka “All Hallows Eve”) will be celebrated in two weeks, on the 31st of October. Around the country pumpkins and Halloween decorations are on display in neighborhoods. Why not head to the range and shoot some Halloween-themed targets this month amidst the fall foliage. The folks at the NRA Blog have created a series of “spook-tastic” Halloween targets. Writer Kyle Jillson says, “In addition to stocking up on candy and finding great costumes, we thought you might like to have some fun at the range, so we created these spooky targets for you to use.”

Just click an image to launch its full-size version. You can then download the target and print it out on regular 8.5″x11″ paper. Now you have fun Halloween-themed targets to bring to the range in the next couple weeks.

Pumpkin Patch Target | Pumpkin Antler Target | Turkey Target | Pig Target


CLICK EACH Target to Download Full-Size Version

free halloween spooky target pumpkins

free halloween spooky target pumpkins free halloween spooky target pumpkins
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October 15th, 2025

Great Books for Gun Collectors — Big Illustrated Resources

Illustrated History of Fireams NRA museum 320 page 1700 photos

Looking for a superb illustrated coffee table book about guns? Yes there is such a thing, a great book we highly recommend — The Illustrated History of Fireams (2nd Edition). This full-color 320-page hardcover book features more than 1,700 photos compiled by NRA Museums curators Jim Supica, Doug Wicklund, and Philip Schreier. This Second Edition includes 300 photos more than the original, plus dozens of new profiles of important persons who influenced firearms development.

This follow-up to the best-selling original NRA Museums book is loaded with great images, historical profiles, and technical data on old, new, and currently-manufactured firearms that have changed history. Covering the earliest matchlocks to modern match-grade superguns and everything in between, The Illustrated History of Firearms provides a fascinating education on how guns evolved, where they originated and how they worked.

The Illustrated History of Firearms, 2nd Edition

– Authored by the experts at the NRA Firearms Museums

– Published by Gun Digest Books

– 9 ½ x 11 1/2 inches, hardcover with dust jacket

– 1,700 full-color photos

– 320 Pages

– Price: $49.99 (MSRP); $31.57 on Amazon

The Illustrated History of Firearms, 2nd Edition is available from Amazon direct for $31.57. Amazon also lists lightly used versions of the book starting at $22.84 (plus $3.99 shipping) from a variety of other book vendors. You’ll also find the book at major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble, but it’s probably easier to purchase online.

Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Guns

If you like big, illustrated hardback gun books, there’s a second title we recommend: The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Guns.

This hefty 516-page book covers “Pistols, Rifles, Revolvers, Machine And Submachine Guns Through History”. This major resource is illustrated with 1100 photographs, and covers the whole spectrum of guns.

Priced at $32.55 on Amazon, this book would make a great gift for a gun collector, and could be a nice addition to a local gun club library. The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Guns has proven very popular with buyers, earning 83% five-star ratings on Amazon among verified purchasers.

Illustrated world encyclopedia of guns book amazon 1100 photos

Historic American Arms — Teddy Roosevelt’s Lever Guns
These two lever action rifles, owned by President Theodore Roosevelt, are part of the NRA Museum collection. First is a Winchester 1886 rifle known as the tennis match gun because Roosevelt used winnings from a tennis match to buy it. Below that is a suppressed Winchester model 1894 rifle. Roosevelt liked to shoot varmints around Oyster Bay (Long Island, NY) with this gun so he wouldn’t disturb his neighbors — the Tiffany and Du Pont families.

Roosevelt NRA Museum lever gun suppress 1886 1894
Roosevelt NRA Museum lever gun suppress 1886 1894

About the NRA Museums
The NRA opened the original National Firearms Museum at its Washington DC Headquarters in 1935. In 2008 the Francis Brownell Museum of the South West opened at the NRA’s Whittington Center in Raton, NM. Then, in 2013, the National Sporting Arms Museum opened at the Bass Pro Shops store in Springfield, MO. Every year, at these three museum facilities, over 350,000 persons visit to see the impressive exhibits and many of America’s most famous firearms. For more information, visit www.NRAMuseum.org.

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October 15th, 2025

Ammo Automation — How .223 Rem Ammunition is Made

Fog Ammunition .223 Remington Rem Ammo loading machine Sierra BlitzKing

Here’s an entertaining video from Fog Ammunition. Starting with boxes of bullets and bags of cartridge brass, this video shows how components are bulk-sorted, then .223 Rem ammunition is produced on a modern, linear multi-stage loading machine. In assembly-line fashion, cases are primed, powder is added, bullets are placed, final seating depth is set, and then the case is crimped.

If you’ve never seen an automated loader in action you should definitely watch this video. With this kind of machine, a new round is produced every second or so (see video 1:15 to 1:55). The .223 Remington ammunition featured in this video is loaded with Sierra BlitzKing bullets. Fog offers both rifle and pistol ammo loaded with quality components.

Video Shows Automated Loading Process Start to Finish (Worth Watching):

Fog Ammunition .223 Remington Rem Ammo loading machine Sierra BlitzKing

Fog Ammunition .223 Remington Rem Ammo loading machine Sierra BlitzKing

Fog Ammunition .223 Remington Rem Ammo loading machine Sierra BlitzKing

Fog Ammunition .223 Remington Rem Ammo loading machine Sierra BlitzKing

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October 14th, 2025

Improve Your Shooting with an Anti-Cant Level Device

rifle level canting shooting rifle Ryan Cleckner

In a helpful NSSF video, Ryan Cleckner explains why you normally should avoid canting your rifle — rotating it clockwise or counter-clockwise. Cleckner explains that canting the rifle in one direction or another will change the point of impact: “When you rotate the rifle, not only does the [POI move] in the direction that you’re rotated, [but] it also loses some of its elevation as it rolls down.” This, Cleckner explains, can make you miss on one side or the other:

Cant to the Left — You’re going to miss low and left.
Cant to the Right — You’re going to miss low and right.

rifle level canting shooting rifle Ryan Cleckner

In this video, starting at the one-minute mark, Cleckner shows the effect of rifle canting when engaging a 600-yard target. A few degrees of cant (either to the left or to the right), moves the shot POI completely off the steel silhouette target. The POI change occurs mainly because you are lowering (and laterally shifting) the scope sight-line relative to the bore axis, effectively changing your zero.

David Tubb has explained: “Every 1 degree you are off on a cant, is about six inches of difference laterally at 1000 yards”.

Position Shooting with Sling — Rifle Cant Considerations
Cleckner’s discussion assumes that the scope or sights are set to hit center with the rifle level and plumb. That works for most situations when shooting prone off bipod, front mechanical rest, or front sandbag. However, many sling shooters, including David Tubb and John Whidden, do tilt or cant their rifles slightly inward because this allows a more comfortable hold with sling, or allows better eye-to-sight alignment. Holding the rifle at an angle can work — but the angle of cant must be consistent for every shot. Canting the rifle is not a sin by itself. However, after you confirm your zero on your target, the degree of cant must be the same for EVERY shot. You must maintain that exact same degree of rotation on each shot or you will experience the shot POI movement Cleckner illustrates. Consistency is the key.

John Whidden
John Whidden, 5-time Nat’l Long Range Champion, holds a Palma rifle. John now shoots a match rifle with an Anschutz stock which he holds more upright, but still with some counter-clockwise cant. John also installed his iron sights at an angle so that the adjustments are correct (and plumb) even with his canted hold: “While it may not be obvious in the picture, the sights on my rifle are set up so that they’re straight vertical and horizontal while I hold the rifle canted. Making sure your adjustments (scope or sights) are vertical and horizontal is a critical piece of the pie.”

Inexpensive 30mm and 1″ Scope-Mounted Bubble Levels
The best way to avoid inconsistent rifle canting is to use a bubble level fitted to rail or scope. One very affordable product is the CVLIFE Scope Bubble Level. This features a 30mm milled inside diameter with a handy hinge to simplify mounting. This unit installs easily, the level is nicely elevated, and user reviews have been very positive. You could easily pay $40.00 or more for a 30mm scope level. This costs just $16.90 on Amazon. If you have a 1″ scope tube, consider the SME dual-diameter level. This fits 30mm tubes PLUS has an insert to fit 1″ tubes. It’s $19.99 at MidwayUSA.

Scope Optic bubble level 30mm 1

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October 14th, 2025

New California Law Bans Sale of Glock Handguns — AB 1127

jaymes v. bonta AB1127 glock gun ban newsom california
Photo courtesy NRA-ILA.

This past week California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation, AB 1127, which will ban Glock pistols (and some similar firearms) in California. This blatantly unconstitutional legislation is one of many anti-gun bills passed this fall in California, including a new law that requires background checks to purchase a rifle barrel (SB 704). The pretext for the ban on Glocks is that they could be converted to full auto, even though that is already illegal in all 50 states. Guns.com reports: “[AB 1127] targets semi-automatic pistols that can potentially be converted to full auto with a common aftermarket switch or chip, though it doesn’t specify ‘Glock’ by name. These switches are already illegal under the National Firearms Act unless registered, with individuals found with an unregistered switch risking 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine[.]”

Under the new Legislation, which goes into effect next summer, current Glock owners are still allowed to sell their firearms in California without risking criminal penalties. According to CBS News: “The new law does not ban possession of Glocks, nor does it ban reselling used Glocks in California.” However, sale of new Glocks will be prohibited.

NRA, FPC, and SAF File Federal Lawsuit Challenging Glock Ban

The NRA-ILA Reports: “The National Rifle Association — along with Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), Poway Weapons & Gear, and two NRA members — filed a lawsuit challenging California’s Glock ban.” The case, Jaymes v. Bonta, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. The lawsuit argues that California’s ban on Glock-style handguns violates the Second Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that “common” arms cannot be banned, and moreover, that handguns cannot be banned.

jaymes v. bonta AB1127 glock gun ban newsom california

Details of AB1127 Gun Bans
California Assembly Bill 1127, codified at California Penal Code § 27595(a) and scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, provides that licensed firearms dealers “shall not sell, offer for sale, exchange, give, transfer, or deliver any semiautomatic machinegun-convertible pistol.” That restriction would effectively ban sale of Glock and similar semi-auto pistols.

A “semiautomatic machine-gun convertible pistol” is defined as “any semiautomatic pistol with a cruciform trigger bar that can be readily converted by hand or with common household tools … into a machinegun by the installation or attachment of a pistol converter as a replacement for the slide’s backplate without any additional engineering, machining, or modification of the pistol’s trigger mechanism.” The law excludes, however, hammer-fired semiautomatic pistols and striker-fired semiautomatic pistols lacking a cruciform trigger bar. In effect, therefore, the ban applies to Glock-manufactured semi-automatic handguns and similar handguns built on a Glock platform.

Visit NRAILA.org for updates on NRA-ILA’s ongoing efforts to defend Americans’ Second Amendment rights.

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October 14th, 2025

Three Informative NRAWomen.com Articles — Not Just for Ladies

NRAwomen.com website NRA lady shooter hunting

In April 2020, the National Rifle Association (NRA) launched NRAWomen.com, a website dedicated to the fastest-growing group of firearm owners — America’s women. This website serves the increasing number of female gun owners, huntresses, and competitive shooters. Female involvement in firearms is growing significantly. Consider these numbers: Statistica estimates that 19% of women in the USA owned firearms in 2020, while 23% of women surveyed in a 2011 Gallup Poll stated they owned a gun.

Pistol Marksmanship training book
Jessie Harrison is one of the greatest female pistol shooters on the planet.

Here are three excellent Articles from the NRAWomen.com website, all worth reading. For each example, Click the Photo or direct link to read the full article on NRAWomen.com.

1. Flying with Firearms — What You Need to Know

We recommend that any gun owner, female OR male, should definitely read this article. It is one of the better discussions on the web of airline travel with firearms, covering international travel as well as domestic flights. The article notes that you should obtain U.S. Customs Form 4457 before flying overseas with a firearm.

NRA Women airline travel flying with gun TSA International domestic

“Flying with a gun is actually a lot easier than you’d probably expect. You need a couple of specific gear items, and you need to know the proper procedure, but it’s a relatively simple process. I’ve flown with long guns and handguns dozens of times around the country and around the world. The process is generally the same, but with some additional steps and maybe additional hassle depending on the airport [and personnel.]” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.

2. Modular Safes — Smart Option for Easier Moving

The second article features a great video showing how to assemble a modular safe in under 30 minutes. This article also explains the benefits of modular gunsafes — primarily easier transport and installation.

NRA Women modular safes assembly video

“Modular safes have been around for a few years now and are becoming more popular. Here’s why: The safe comes delivered to you in panels, so you can bring them into your home one at a time and put it together anywhere you like. This makes it easy to carry up and down stairs, onto elevators or anywhere! Security — Is it as secure as one that comes pre-assembled? The answer is, absolutely.” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.

3. Rimfire .22 LR Handguns for Self-Defense

This article looks at a wide variety of .22 LR pistols and revolvers. The author discusses the pros and cons of a rimfire defense gun, concluding that while the stopping power is limited, having some protection is better than going unarmed.

.22 LR rimfire pistols defense

“Over the last few months we’ve seen the launch of new handguns chambered for .22 LR that sport the same looks and features as center-fire handguns designed for daily concealed carry. The models I’ve had a chance to work with so far include the compact Taurus TX22 semi-automatic pistol, the pocket-size Ruger Lite Rack LCP II, Kel-Tec’s P17 semi-automatic and the Taurus 942 8-shot snubnose revolver.” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.

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October 13th, 2025

BargainFinder 525: 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. Graf & Sons — Peterson Brass Sale

peterson brass sale
⏺️ » Excellent brass inventory at very attractive prices

Peterson Brass is excellent American-made cartridge brass. Unlike some other brands, you’ll find Peterson brass in stock and available right now for a host of popular cartridges types. If you shoot Benchrest, PRS/NRL, or long range, Peterson brass is a very good choice and the pricing is attractive. Here are some of the best deals: 6mmBR $54.00/50ct; 6mm Dasher $59.99/50ct, 6mm Creedmoor, $55.99/50ct; .308 Win (Small Primer) $50.99/50ct.

2. Bud’s Gun Shop — Savage 110 Precision 6.5 CM, $1408.99

savage rifle sale
⏺️ » Major discount on great Production Class PRS/NRL Rifle

For PRS/NRL shooting the Savage 110 Precision 6.5mm Creedmoor rifle does the job at a very affordable price. This is a smart choice for production division PRS/NRL competition. Plus, with its 6.5 Creedmoor chambering, this rifle can do double-duty as a deer hunting rifle. This is a good deal now at just $1408.99, $290 off MSRP. And if you pay with an ACH E-check the price drops to $1,367.49. If you prefer a 6mm Creedmoor PRS/NRL rig with longer forearm, Bud’s also has the Savage 110 Elite Precision starting at $1743.49 (LH). This features a MDT ACC aluminum chassis with full-length ARCA rail.

3. Creedmoor Sports — Sightron Scope Sale

sightron scope sale
⏺️ » Big selection of excellent scopes at good prices

If you need a quality scope, check out the Sightron Optics Clearance Sale at Creedmoor Sports. Sightron scopes are rugged and reliable and offer excellent performance for the price. Patented windage and elevation adjustment technology provides proper alignment even at extreme adjustment levels. Sightron scopes also now feature advanced Zact-7 Revcoat lens coating technology applied to both surfaces of the lenses. This allows maximum anti-reflection performance plus high light transmission.

4. Natchez — 10×42 Bushnell Binoculars, Case, Harness, $79.99

bushnell binocular sale
⏺️ » Save $105 on Binocs combo kit with good case and harness

The Bushnell Prime Binocular Pack is an optics carry pack combo with great features. For just $79.99 you get 10×42 binoculars, plus a case with a quiet magnetic lid, and a quality adjustable harness. This is a great set-up for hunters. The pack’s magnetic closure holds the binocs very securely while allowing rapid access. The harness lets you carry your optics securely even when holding your rifle and other gear.

5. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Essentials Reloading Kit, $442.10

frankford arsenal press sale
⏺️ » Very complete reloading kit with excellent press

Need a complete reloading kit all the tools you need for precision handloading? Then check out this Frankford Arsenal F-1 Single Stage Press and Reloading Accessories Kit (#ad). On sale now for $442.10 at Amazon, this kit includes the Frankford Arsenal F-1 Single Stage Reloading Press, Benchtop Powder Measure, Hand Primer, Aluminum Powder Funnel Kit, Digital Calipers, DS-750 Powder Scale, Powder Trickler, and Universal Reloading Tray. NOTE: If you don’t need the full kit, you can also buy many of the listed items separately at great prices. For example, the F-1 Press is $129.99 by itself.

6. EuroOptic — Athlon Optics Closeout Sale, Save 20-59%

athlon scope sale
⏺️ » Massive savings on excellent scopes with great variety of magnifications

Athlon produces a wide variety of quality optics. Right now, at EuroOptic, you now you can save up to 59% on Athlon Riflescopes and optics. There are Red Dots for pistols, compact 1-6X and 1-10X tactical scopes, Medium power hunting optics (e.g. 2.5-15x50mm), and high magnification 4.5-30x50mm, 10-40x56mm, and 15-60x56mm zoom scopes for competition. There’s even an advanced Thermal Cronus ATS optic. Choose from FFP or SFP types with a variety of reticle options. If you need a new optic, this Athlon Closeout Sale offers great deals.

7. Amazon — RCBS ChargeMaster Link Scale/Dispenser, $299.99

rcbs chargemaster link sale
⏺️ » Popular advanced, reliable Powder Dispenser

Every serious reloader should have a good electronic powder measure/dispenser. The popular RCBS ChargeMaster Link (#ad) Powder Scale/Dispenser is on sale now for $299.99 on Amazon. That’s a $50 savings off MSRP. This ChargeMaster Link offers ultra-fast dispensing and a 400-grain range, delivering up to two grains per second. This Link unit can connect with your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing remote access and load archives for multiple cartridge types and bullet weights.

8. Amazon — Wheeler 89-Piece Gunsmithing Tool Set, $77.51

wheeler tool sale
⏺️ » Good price on a very comprehensive gunsmithing kit

The Wheeler 89-Piece Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set (#ad) has tools to fit virtually any firearm ever made (Wheeler measured over 100 gun types when developing this kit). This kit boasts a durable, hinged storage case. Inside are 54 hollow-ground flat bits, 15 specialty bits, 8 Allen, 4 Phillips, and 3 Torx. In addition, the kit includes 2 non-slip plastic handles, a shaft extension, and a hex-to-square drive adapter. This kit has a great warranty — if you break or wear out a bit Wheeler will replace it for free.

9. Amazon — Roll-Up Tool Bag, $16.99

roll up tool bag sale
⏺️ » Very handy back with multiple compartments

Keep your tools and accessories organized with this Foldable Roll-Up Bag Organizer (#ad) with 2 detachable pouches. This tool bag has 4 fixed large compartments, 2 small detachable pouches, and 5 pockets outside of the bag, allowing you to neatly store a variety of tools including pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, hex key, measure tape, fasteners, utility knife and more. You’ll be impressed by how many tools fit in this small tool bag!

10. Amazon — Caldwell Matrix Adjustable Shooting Rest, $59.99

caldwell pistol matrix rest sale
⏺️ » Versatile 2-part shooting rest for pistols and hunting rifles

For sighting-in a hunting rifle or testing pistol loads, you’ll want a good basic gun rest. The very affordable Caldwell Matrix Adjustable Rest (#ad) works with both rifles and pistols. Use the front section by itself with a handgun, then attach the rear support for sighting-in and testing a hunting rig. The spring-loaded elevation system allows for fast one-handed, no wobble adjustment.

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

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October 13th, 2025

TIP: Polish Seating Stems to Eliminate Ring Marks on Bullets

Seating Stem Reloading Tip Sierra Bullet .223 Remington compressed loads

Here’s a helpful hint for hand-loaders from Sierra Bullets. While this article focuses on Sierra’s new Tipped Match-King bullets, the recommended solutions apply to other bullet types as well. The article explains how sharp edges on a seating stem can cause a ring to be pressed into the bullet jacket — especially with compressed loads that resist downward bullet movement. Here Sierra technician Rich Machholz diagnoses the problem and provides a solution.

Seating Stem Reloading Tip Sierra Bullet .223 Remington compressed loads

Solutions for Ring Marks Caused by Seating Stems

by Sierra Bullets Ballistic Technician Rich Machholz
Now that the new Tipped MatchKing® (TMK) bullets are being shipped and shooters are putting them to use I have received several calls regarding marking on the bullet ogive from the seating stem.

The cause can be traced to one of several things. In the .223 and especially with the long, 77 grain TMK seated at 2.250” or even 2.260” most loads of Varget® and Reloder® 15 are compressed loads, sometimes heavily compressed. This puts a great deal of pressure on the bullet through the seating stem. The result of all this pressure is a mark of varying depth and appearance on the ogive of the bullet. [Editor: We have seen this issue with a variety of other bullet types/shapes as well, including non-tipped VLDs. The solution is profiling the internal cone of the seating stem to match your bullet shape.]

Some older seating stems might even bear against the tip of the bullet which can make a slight bulge in the jacket just below the junction of the resin tip and the copper jacket in a compressed load. If this is the case there is not a ready fix other than calling the die manufacturer and requesting a new deeper seating stem.

Polish Your Seating Stem to Remove Sharp Internal Edges
If the seating stem is of proper depth the culprit most generally is a thin sharp edge on the inside taper of the seating stem. This is an easy fix that can be accomplished by chucking a spare 77 grain bullet in your drill, coating it with valve grinding compound or even rubbing compound or in a pinch even tooth paste.* Remove the seating stem assembly from the seating die. Turn the drill on and put the seating stem recess over the spinning bullet with the polishing compound to break or smooth the sharp edge that is making the offending mark. This might take more than one application to get the proper polish depending upon what you use, but the more you polish the better the blend of angles which will [ensure the stem matches the bullet contours, not leaving a sharp ring].

If the above is a little more than you care to tackle you might try very fine emery cloth twisted to a point that can be inserted into the mouth to the seating stem and rotated to polish the inside to eliminate any sharp edges that might be present.

Load Advice for 77gr TMKs in the .223 Rem
And last but certainly not least. Actually, even though we don’t say you need additional data for the TMKs, remember you are dealing with heavily-compressed loads in some cases because of the additional bullet length. Due to the additional length of these new bullets and in the interest of gaining some room in the case you might consider trying a slightly faster extruded powder like BenchMark or the 4895s or an even more dense powder like the spherical H335®, CFE223 or TAC. The extra room will allow for trouble free bullet seating also.

Good luck and remember we are no further away than your telephone: 1-800-223-8799.

Sierra Bullets Match-King Reloading Bullet Seating

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Reloading, Tech Tip 5 Comments »
October 12th, 2025

Sunday GunDay: Pride & Joy Rifles from Our Shooters’ Forum

pride joy 6.5x55 Ackley Borden Action Robertson Stock F-Class F-Open, Bartlein Barrel
pride joy 6.5x55 Ackley Borden Action Robertson Stock F-Class F-Open, Bartlein Barrel
Forum member Rardoin’s handsome F-Open rig features the Borden BRM-XD action.

One of the most popular items in our Shooters’ Forum is the ongoing “Pride and Joy” thread. Since 2009, Forum members have posted photos and descriptions of their most prized rifles. Here are some of the most recent “Pride and Joy” rifles showcased in our Forum. Do you have a gun you’d like to see featured there? Just Register for the Forum and you can add your favorite gun to the list.

Modern 6BRA Bench Rifle

6BRA Bra wood 600 benchrest
6BRA Bra wood 600 benchrest

This handsome benchrest rig belongs to Forum member Tillroot1. It boasts a Kelbly Panda action and a Krieger cut-rifled barrel chambered for the excellent 6BRA wildcat cartridge. The 6BRA is an improved version of the 6mmBR which retains the long neck. The 6BRA is easy to fire-form and very accurate, and can achieve the really good 2950 FPS node with 105-108gr bullets. This cool rig features a Jason Avila-made stock (Wheeler F-Open), with finish work by Brett Childress. Barrel was chambered by Dave Witt.

Bill Goad’s 6PPC Hunter “Ranch Rifle”

pride joy Bill Goad Hunter 6mm PPC benchrest

Forum member Grimstod tells us: “This is the personal rifle of Bill Goad. He has been experimenting with it on several levels. It is shooting great and has several matches on it now. Please enjoy these photos. More can be found on the website www.PremierAccuracy.com. We like the subtle barbed wire effect on the stock.

Twin-Upper AR with Custom Wood Furniture

pride joy AR Sporting Rifle Maple Walnut Furniture AR Platform

This very unique AR belongs to Forum member Nuto-BR. He tells us: “Here are the two uppers I built. The top one is am X-caliber in 20 Practical with 24-inch, 1:11″-twist barrel. The bottom one is a WOA in .223 Rem, with 20″, 1-12″ twist barrel. They both shoot 1/2 MOA or better. Both stocks are laminated Maple and Walnut. I reversed the order of the two woods to tell them apart.”

Two Dashers and a Rimfire for Fun

pride joy 6mm Dasher Anshutz

Courtesy Forum member Dan H., here are two red-stocked Dashers plus an Anschutz 54.30 (Benchrest Stock) to make it a trio. Dan says: “The Anschutz provides good practice in trigger-pulling. It’s amazing what you can learn from a rifle that is as sensitive as this one.”

Dream Hunting Rifle with Custom Camo

pride joy Hunting stock camo custom paint 6.5-280 Ackley Improved

Here is Forum member TyDaws’s “Dream Hunting Rifle” in 6.5-280 Ackley Improved. We love the custom paint work by by Melodie Yarbrough. Smithed by West Texas Ordnance, this rifle features a Rem 700 action with fluted bolt, PT&G tapered recoil lug, and Timney 510 2-lb trigger. The barrel is a fluted 26″ 1:8″-twist Bartlein 5R #3 contour. On top is a Huskemaw Blue Diamond 4-16x42mm optic in Warne Maxima rings. That’s an Atlas bipod up front.

Three Guns for Mr. Big

pride joy .243 Win Stiller Rem 700 Tactical Farley 6.5x47 Lapua 6PPC

Forum Member Mr. Big offered up another trio of rifles — two bench guns and a tactical rig. Mr. Big says: “Here are the rifles I shoot most: Farley 6mm PPC, Stiller .243 Win, and Rem 6.5×47 Lapua. They will do just about anything I ask them to…” Challenge: Can you identify the makers of the three different stocks shown in this picture (and the different materials used in each)?

Classic M1917 Enfield Action in Hand-Carved Maple Stock

Pride Juy AccurateShooter hunting benchrest rifles wheelgun Ruger Revolver hunter

This impressive rifle features an “antique” 1917 Enfield action chambered for the .338 Win Magnum cartridge. The lovely Maple stock was hand-carved by Forum member Spitfire_ER. He tells us: “I found this piece of wood as a return at a lumber yard about [many] years ago. I asked the guy in the yard about it and he said it had been returned because it had too much figure for the job the customer was working on. First thing I thought was, ‘That would make a nice stock’.”

6mm Dasher in Robertson Spider Web Stock

pride joy 6mm Dasher Robertson Stock

Here is Forum member Vahena’s 6mm Dasher. It has a no-turn-neck chamber in a 28″, 1:8″-twist barrel with 1.25″ straight contour. This has an original Robertson fiberglass stock with spider web graphics. This rifle was originally built as a 6.5×284 with a fluted barrel. Now it sports a bigger barrel for a smaller cartridge. The front rest is a SEB Neo with counterweight up front.

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