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April 25th, 2026

Saturday Movies: Nexus Press, Bix’N Andy Triggers, BAT Actions, IDOD Machine

short action customs press BAT Action F-Class Products Bix'N Andy

For this Saturday Showcase, we feature some top-tier products that have set new standards for quality and effectiveness. First off is the impressive new NEXUS single-stage press from Short Action Customs. Then we feature Bix’N Andy triggers, which have found favor with competitors in many disciplines from short range Benchrest to ELR competition. Now that Jewell triggers are becoming harder to source, Bix’N Andy units will be seen on more rifles than ever. For those who turn case-necks, we feature the remarkable IDOD machine from F-Class Products — simply the best automated neck-turner ever created.

As a bonus we offer two very informative interviews from SHOT Show 2024. The first covers the product line at Bullet Central, while the second reviews the latest and greatest rifle actions from BAT Machine.

Short Action Customs NEXUS Press

short action customs press single stage new

Short Action Customs (SAC) has crafted a very impressive and innovative single-stage press. The innovative $875 NEXUS press has impressive design features. The NEXUS Press boasts dual cam-over pucks, which precisely stop the movement of the floating die block. SAC explains: “We wanted to have the Nexus press cam-over independently of the shell holder. Every single cycle of the press, your hard cam-over pucks limits the travel, which gives you the same amount of cam over every single cycle.” The press can adapt to various diameter dies with floating inserts in the top section (see video). The NEXUS also has a floating shell holder system, which is quick change and tool-less. SAC states that this shell holder system “allows .010″ more sizing than all other shell holders on the market”.

Bix’N Andy Triggers

German-made Bix’N Andy triggers, available from BulletCentral.com, are among the very best you can buy. Available in both single-stage and two-stage designs, Bix’N Andy triggers are extremely precise, repeatable, and smooth. The unique internal, friction-reducing roller ball system allows for extremely low reset force, yielding an ultra-crisp let-off. Bix’N Andy triggers can be fitted with a variety of trigger shoes according to shooter preference. Bullet Central is currently the exclusive official USA importer for Bix’N Andy triggers.

trigger show bix'n andy otm tactical

F-Class Products AutoDod IDOD Neck-Turning Machine

Bryan Blake, a very clever machinist and gunsmith, has created an ultra-precise and speedy neck-turning machine. Bryan, who runs Blake Machine, Blake Barrel, and F-Class Products has created a system that uses twin precision cutter tips to turn case necks inside and out quickly and efficiently, with superior precision. This advanced IDOD Neck Turning Machine holds cases securely in a precision-machined spindle attached to an electric motor. Twin blades move precisely during the cutting process, milling the necks inside and out. The turned necks come out perfect every time, with the shoulders trimmed exactly (with doughnut removed) as well.

Bryan Blake machine f-class products IDOD AUTOIDOD neck turner turning power machine

If you turn hundreds of cases during a shooting season, you may want to buy an IDOD from F-Class Products. The secret to the efficiency of the Blake IDOD is a vibration-free motor, high-mass case-holder, precision OD/ID-adjustable cutter, along with an advanced tracking system that moves the cutter heads towards the case neck (and back again) with absolute, 100% repeatable precision.

Bullet Central — Major Product Lines

This F-Class John video features a lengthy interview with Bullet Central representative Zachery, covering the many products Bullet Central offers. Products featured include Bix’N Andy triggers (0:55 time-mark), Micron Dies (5:20); Dual-Ram Press (8:08); Custom Barrels (12:00); BAT Actions (14:57). During this video Zachery also explains the wide range of rimfire ammo Bullet Central carries.

BAT Machine Actions — Showcasing Different Sizes and Features

This video features the impressive, latest generation BAT Machine actions. The video covers the full range of actions from the smaller SV/DS actions, to Model B, then Model M with integral lug and Picatinny Rail. The BAT representative then explains the features of BAT’s Nuevo actions (2:28 time-mark), which BAT builds for Bullet Central. For ELR and large Magnums BAT makes the model L and Model EXS. You can see all the current BAT actions at BatMachine.com/bat-actions. NOTE: From that page, scroll down and then select your particular discipline, such as Short-Range Benchrest, F-Class, Long-range Benchrest. You can also select repeater actions for hunting and/or PRS/NRL.

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April 25th, 2026

Impressive 9mm Wheelgun from Ruger — Rugged and Accurate

Ruger Super GP100 Revolver 9mm Luger 9x19mm revolver

Ruger Super GP100 Revolver in 9mm Luger (9x19mm)
Wouldn’t it be cool if you could shoot your 9mm semi-auto pistol ammo in an ultra-accurate revolver? Well you can. Ruger adapted its existing Super Redhawk frame to create the Super GP100 9mm Luger (9x19mm) revolver. As you can see, the Super GP100 9mm features a stubby 8-round PVD-coated cylinder to better fit the 9x19mm round. According to Guns.com the 9mm GP100 “uses a cylinder and extractor cut for moon clips to speed up reloading [and] sports a 6-inch half-lug sleeved and shrouded barrel with an 11-degree target crown[.]”

Ruger Super GP100 Revolver 9mm Luger 9x19mm revolver

Ruger Super GP100 Revolver 9mm Luger 9x19mm revolverOut of the box the Super GP100 9mm has a 9.5-lb double-action pull and a 4.5-lb single action trigger pull. Reviewers say the trigger pull is a little uneven initially but smooths out over time. A Gunblast tester, Boge Quinn, also observed that if you do NOT use the supplied moon-clips it is awkward to remove the spent cartridges: “You don’t have to use a moon clip, but I don’t know why you wouldn’t… it just works great that way.”

The 9×19mm Parabellum (aka 9mm Luger) cartridge was introduced in 1902 by German weapons manufacturer Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) for the Luger semi-auto pistol. Now 120 years later, Ruger brings us a sturdy, 6″-barrel revolver for this popular cartridge. Ruger adapted its existing Super Redhawk frame for this Super GP100 9mm revolver. In the YouTube video posted below, Ruger engineer Mark Gurney explains the features of the Super GP100 9mm revolver:

Ruger Super GP100 Revolver 9mm Luger 9x19mm revolver

Super GP100 9x19mm Features

  1. Triple-locking cylinder locked into the frame at front, rear and bottom for more positive alignment and dependable operation.
  2. High-strength stainless steel cylinder is fluted and shortened to reduce overall mass and increase rotational speed. Cylinder has PVD finish for durability and ease of extraction.
  3. Polished and optimized internals, a centering boss on the trigger, and centering shims on hammer deliver a smooth double-action trigger pull with crisp/consistent let-off.
  4. Cylinder and extractor are cut for moon clips to speed reloading during intense competition. Ships with three full moon clips and moon clip tool. The ejector and chamber mouths have a light chamfer to aid loading with moon clips.
  5. Hogue hardwood grip is hand-finished for a smooth, polished feel. Grip frame accommodates a wide variety of custom grips.
  6. Transfer bar mechanism provides security against accidental discharge.
  7. Cold hammer-forged barrel has precise rifling for accuracy and longevity.
  8. Barrel features 11° target crown for competitive-level accuracy.
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April 24th, 2026

Vihtavuori Updated Reloading Data Center — Good Data, Efficient

2026 vihtavuori reloading tool website data burn rate chart

2026 vihtavuori reloading tool website data burn rate chartVihtavuori offers an updated, user-friendly reloading data center on its website. This data page works well with all formats — smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. On this page you can find recommended loads for 80+ cartridge types all in one place. You don’t have to click through multiple web pages.

In addition, the Vihtavuori reloading website has a very handy Burn Rate Chart (see below). While you can get all the load info you need through the website, Vihtavuori also offers a very good FREE reloading Mobile App. Vihtavuori’s online Reloading Center has links to the handy Vihtavuori Reloading App for both Apple and Android devices.

Burn Rate Chart is Online

vihtavuori reloading data burn rate comparison chart PDF free download
CLICK HERE to view full-screen Vihtavuori Burn Rate Table.

Vihtavuori offers a comprehensive burn rate chart that lists all Vihtavuori powders for rifles and pistols. This includes Vihtavuori powders in the left column and ranks them with powders from other brands: Norma, RWS, VECTAN, Reload Swiss, IMR, Hodgdon, Accurate, W-W Alliant, and Ramshot. CLICK HERE to see the full-size chart, which can be downloaded in PDF format.

NOTE: The listed powders are displayed in order of approximate burning rate. Vihtavuori cautions: “This list is for reference only and NOT to be used for developing loads.”

Find Optimal Loads with Reloading Data Tool

vihtavuori reloading data burn rate comparison chart PDF free download

Example of Vihtavuori Load Data for Popular Cartridge

Here are the load results for the 6mm BR Norma (aka “6BR”) cartridge. Vihtavuori has full PDF tables like this for over 80 cartridge types. With the most popular cartridge types, such as .223 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester, the PDF tables have over 350 entries. In fact the .308 Win table has 641 loads!

vihtavuori reloading data burn rate comparison chart PDF free download
vihtavuori reloading data burn rate comparison chart PDF free download

Vihtavuori Procedures and Methods for Generating Load Data
Vihtavuori generates hundreds of new reloading data entries every year. But how is the load data actually produced? This video provides insight into how Vihtavuori professionals work with advanced equipment to provide reliable load data for handloaders.

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April 23rd, 2026

Deprime Cases with Frankford Hand Tool — No Press Needed

Frankford Arsenal deprimer depriming hand tool decapping primer removal

Many shooters prefer to deprime their brass before resizing. That way they can tumble cases or keep primer debris off their main press. To deprime cases before sizing or cleaning you can use a Decapping Die. This pushes out the spent primer without changing the neck or body of a case. Such decapping dies work fine, but they do require the use of a press. Here is a handy alternative — a cool tool that allows you to deprime brass anywhere — no press needed.

Handheld Primer Removal Tool From Frankford Arsenal
This cleverly-designed Hand Deprimer Tool allows you to deprime cartridge cases without a press. This hand-tool from Frankford Arsenal will deprime brass and capture primers conveniently. You can deprime your cases while watching TV or relaxing in your favorite chair.

Frankford Arsenal deprimer depriming hand tool decapping primer removal

This device lets you remove spent primers anywhere — no press needed and all the mess (cups/anvils/residue) stays in the capture chamber. This tool comes works with nearly all common case types up to .338 Lapua Magnum. With good leverage, this tool does the job quickly and efficiently. Forum members have praised this handy tool, but recommend wearing a thick glove if doing more than 100 cases in a session.

Frankford Arsenal deprimer depriming hand tool decapping primer removal

How to Adapt Tool for Small Flash Hole Brass
The Frankford Arsenal Deprimer Tool was designed for LARGE flash-hole brass. To deprime brass with small (1.5mm/0.59″) small flash-holes, as found on Lapua .220 Russian and 6mmBR cases, you will need to reduce the pin diameter. Frankford Arsenal currently recommends purchasing a replacement pin and “sanding it down” to the smaller diameter. NOTE: This is NOT difficult — simply spin the stock pin in some sandpaper.

This handy depriming tool is very versatile. With a universal, cylinder-style cartridge-holder, the tool can deprime a wide variety of cartridge types from .20 caliber up to .338 caliber. Three different plastic collets are provided to handle for different diameter cases. Spent primers are captured in a removable spent primer catch tube. Simply twist off the clear catch tube to dump the spent primers. With die-cast metal construction, this tool should last through many thousands of depriming cycles. MSRP is $65.99. Right now it is $47.99 on Amazon with 82% 5-star ratings.

Long-term User Review
One owner of this depriming tool has posted: “I have owned one of these for about eight years and deprimed over 10,000 cases with this tool. I have never had to replace a single part on it. You will have to adjust the return spring every so often, but that is a very easy task. If you are depriming a LOT of brass, the handle can tear up your hand a bit. Solution: Wear a Mechanics Glove. Easy Peasy! You will NOT regret this purchase.”

User Modifications — Grip Padding and High-Volume Capture
Many users recommended putting some kind of padding on the grip and front lever to reduce pressure on the fingers. This can be done with a wrap or a rubber covering. In addition, users have adapted the unit with an attached hose and large primer capture jug. If you depriming hundreds of cases at a time, this hose conversion may make sense.

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April 22nd, 2026

Shooting USA Features SHOT Show 2026 on Latest Episode

shooting usa shot show video April 2026

Today, April 22, 2026, Shooting USA TV will feature products from the 2026 SHOT Show event. The Shooting USA team were in Las Vegas for the annual Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) event held in late January. New products in all categories — guns, optics, ammo, hunting gear, reloading equipment and more — were on display at this major annual trade show.

Shooting USA SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central on the Outdoor Channel. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show online on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode. Or you can get unlimited streaming for $2.99 per month on Vimeo. There are also many videos available on Shooting USA’s YouTube Channel.

SHOT Show 2026 Highlights

SHOT Show 2026 featured impressive new offerings from hundreds of manufacturers. To learn more about new-for-2026 products, check out the SHOT Show Blog which had these recent features:

» New Rifles 2026 | » New Pistols 2026 | » New Shotguns 2026

SHOT Show is one of the biggest trade shows of the year among ALL industries. This year there were thousands of exhibitors spread out over two exhibit halls the combined size of 14 football fields (19 acres)! This is the 9th largest trade show in the USA, promoting an industry that supports over 380,000 jobs and generates over $26 billion in wages.

Savage Revamps Multiple Rifle Models

As displayed at SHOT Show 2026, Savage Arms has updated its rifle line-up, including the Savage 110, signaling a major refresh across multiple platforms. While specifics are still limited, these changes point toward improved features and modern refinements throughout the lineup. This video features GunsAmerica Media Editor True Pearce, who recently tested many new firearms at Industry Day at the Range.

Century Arms ATA ALR — Affordable Precision Rifle

SHOT Show 2026 rifle pistol new ata alr prs rifle 6.5 creedmoor las vegas nssf

At SHOT Show, Century Arms showcased the new ATA ALR Tactical Rifle. Chambered in .308 Win or 6.5 Creedmoor, this modular rifle comes complete with adjustable aluminum chassis and muzzle brake. This could be a good starter rifle for PRS/NRL competition that does double duty as a hunting rig. And the ATA ALR is just $1099.99. That’s a great deal — you can pay that much just for an aftermarket chassis system.

Smith & Wesson New Metal-Frame Handguns

Smith & Wesson showcased many impressive new handguns at this year’s SHOT Show. This video covers some very impressive S&W handguns that feature aluminum and steel frames. The first pistol is the S&W SPEC VI with aluminum frame, ported barrel, and pre-installed Aimport optic. Next the reviewer covers the impressive steel-framed HD series pistols — both standard and competitor models. With good ergonomics and triggers, these are great for action pistol games.

NEW Nightforce NX6 Scope Family for 2026

nightforce nx6 new scope

Nightforce’s new NX6 riflescopes offer lightweight configurations with an impressive 6X magnification range across the series. NX6 options include: NX6 1-6x24mm, 2-12x42mm, 3-18x50mm, 4-24x50mm, and 5-30x56mm. NX6 scopes are designed for wide field of view and good clarity. The FieldSet turret system provides great repeatability and tracking while offering ease of use and configurability, allowing shooters to convert from capped to exposed dials and custom Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) dials.

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April 21st, 2026

Using Case Gauges for Checking Pistol Ammunition

Pistol Cartridge Gage Gauge ulimatereloader.com

If you load pistol ammo you should have a case gauge (aka “gage”) for each cartridge type you reload. Caliber-specific, precision-machined cylindrical gauges perform many important functions. They will instantly reveal if your rounds are too long or have excessive headspace. They will also show if your case is bulged or otherwise too fat to chamber easily. You can use the gauge with sized brass as well as loaded rounds.

Case gauges are a “must-have” for anyone loading handgun ammunition, particularly if you crank out large quantities of pistol ammo with a progressive press. An oversize round can cause a misfeed, jam, or other problem. That can ruin your day if you are in the middle of a shooting match. If you are relying on your handgun for self-defense, the last thing you want is a malfunction of any kind. This Editor personally runs every pistol round through a gauge before it goes into the ammo box.

UltimateReloader.com Video Shows How to Use Pistol Case Gauges:

Our friend Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com has prepared an excellent video that explains the benefits of pistol case gauges and shows how to use them. Gavin uses the quality gages produced by L.E. Wilson. These are available for the most popular handgun cartridges, both autoloader cartridges, and rimmed revolver cartridges. Gavin demonstrates gage use with .40 SW and .44 magnum cases.

READ Pistol Case Gage ‘How-To’ Guide on UltimateReloader.com

Gavin states: “Using a case gage is very simple, and I would recommend that you add one of these gages to your reloader’s tool chest for each of the pistol cartridge types you reload. It may just save you a lot of time and hassle. Peace of mind is hard to put a price on!”

Ulimate Reloader.com also covers the use of case gauges for rifle cartridges. Rifle cartridge gauges are especially useful in detecting headspace problems. Case gauges can avert many problems, particularly if you reload milsurp rifle brass. CLICK HERE for Rifle Case Gauge “How To” and Video.

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April 20th, 2026

NSSF Honors U.S. Rep. Ben Cline as 2025 Legislator of the Year

Virginia U.S. Congressman Rep. Ben Cline NSSF second 2d amendment gun rights

NSSF, the Firearm Industry Trade Association, has named U.S. Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.) as the 2025 NSSF Legislator of the Year for his strong support of NSSF-priority legislation that defends the firearm industry, safeguards citizens’ Second Amendment, and protects hunting and recreational target shooting. Along with being named 2025 Legislator of the year, Congressman Cline earned an “A+” on NSSF’s 2024 Congressional Report Card with a 100 percent voting and co-sponsorship record for NSSF priority legislation.

Virginia U.S. Congressman Rep. Ben Cline NSSF second 2d amendment gun rights

“We are honored to present Congressman Ben Cline with the 2025 NSSF Legislator of the Year Award for his unwavering leadership on Capitol Hill to protect the firearm and ammunition industry,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior V.P. and General Counsel. “The list of legislative achievements by Congressman Cline to support the firearm industry is remarkable. Representative Cline has been a leader in reducing hurdles to lawful firearm ownership, including zeroing out the tax stamp fee for suppressors, short-barrel rifles and short-barrel shotguns in the One Big Beautiful Bill and preventing a politically-driven government shutdown to stymie the firearm industry from enabling Americans to lawfully purchase suppressors. Our industry… is deeply grateful for Congressman Cline’s fierce determination to protect our industry that makes the exercise of the Second Amendment possible for all Americans.”

Congressman Cline has been a leader with the Hearing Protection Act (H.R. 404), and has promoted the NSSF-supported Protecting Americans’ Right to Silence (PARTS) Act. Rep. Cline also served a key role in securing the historic win in the One Big Beautiful Bill zeroing out the NFA tax, which has resulted in tens of thousands of new suppressor applicants. When the government was experiencing the longest shutdown in U.S. history, Congressman Cline also championed NSSF-supported legislation — the Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act — to ensure citizen gun purchase abilities. He also led 29 of his colleagues in sending a letter to Bureau Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) urging it to continue processing National Firearms Act (NFA) forms during the shutdown.

Congressman Cline is supporting the following NSSF-supported Congressional bills:

H.R. 404, Hearing Protection Act (Lead sponsor)
H.R. 987, Fair Access to Banking Act
H.R. 1181, Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act
H.R. 1041, Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act
H.R. 45, Firearm Industry Nondiscrimination (FIND) Act
H.R. 556, Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act
H.R. 631, Protecting Americans’ Right to Silence (PARTS) Act
H.R. 1773, Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Protection Act
H.R. 38, Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act
H.R. 5874, Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act

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April 19th, 2026

2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits — Sunday Feature

nra texas 2026 annual meetings exhibits

Today, April 19, 2026, is the final day of the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Houston, Texas. It has been a successful event, with plenty of new products on display, plus a large number of informative seminars. As a quick re-cap of the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings, here are three videos filmed in Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Ruger is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a new series of commemorative firearms, including the Magpul X LCP MAX .380 pistol and special editions of many other popular Ruger firearms.

nra texas 2026 annual meetings exhibits
NRA Annual Meetings 2026 photo courtesy Charles Rowe.

Krieger Barrels Team and Top Marksman

nra texas 2026 annual meetings exhibits john krieger brandon greene barrels

Many notable persons were at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings. Here at the Krieger Barrels booth are Mark Krieger (left), company founder John Krieger (center), and top Service Rifle and Palma Champion Brandon Green, formerly of the USAMU. Mark observed: “We enjoyed our visit with Bisley Kings prize winner Brandon Green. He has been using our barrels for a while and he is a class act.”

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April 18th, 2026

Saturday Movies: Spring Groundhog Varmint Hunting Showcase

youtube video groundhog woodchuck hunting cooking recipe varmint shooting

St. Thomas Groundhog MatchSpring Groundhog Hunting — Fun and Challenging
Springtime is the right time for groundhog hunting in the Northeast USA. Groundhog hunting is both fun and challenging. In today’s Saturday Showcase, we feature three videos showing successful groundhog hunts. Then there is a video about checking your equipment and verifying your varmint rifle zero.

We’ve even included a good video offering cooking tips for groundhog/woodchuck.* Yes groundhog meat can be quite savory — used in stews, sandwiches, or tacos. Last but not least we’ve included a section on groundhog shooting matches. These are fun matches with paper and/or steel groundhog targets.

Groundhog Hunt Report — Successful Stalk and Shoot

Here’s a great Realtree.com video showing successful groundhog hunts. This covers the process of spotting and tracking groundhogs on farmlands. Woodchucks are sensitive creatures that get easily spooked. This video shows that groundhog hunters need patience and skill, plus an accurate rifle.

Groundhog Hunting on the Family Farm with .17 HMR

In this video, the host employs his CZ 457 rifle chambered in .17 HMR to hunt groundhogs on his farm. The video provides a hunter’s POV with excellent Scope-Cam footage. This young shooter has 280 videos on his popular Blocketh Outdoors Channel including videos showing how to stalk groundhogs successfully. These critters go to ground quickly if they see or hear the hunter. NOTE: The lead photo for this Saturday Showcase comes from another Blocketh Outdoors groundhog video.

Groundhog Killshot Compilation Video

Here’s a classic “killshot” video showing multiple hits on groundhogs. If you want to see how a well-aimed varmint bullet can flip, spin, and elevate a groundhog, this video will keep you entertained. While we like explosive hits on prairie dogs, it may be better to use a solid, non-expanding bullet if you plan to harvest the groundhog (aka woodchuck) meat.

Groundhog Hunting — Importance of Confirming Your Zero

This AR15 Hunter channel video covers getting ready for spring groundhog season. This is a helpful video that shows how to confirm your zero on your varmint rifle. If you have an AR-platform Modern Sporting Rifle, this video is worth watching.

How to Cook Groundhog (Woodchuck) Meat

Groundhog hunting can be productive as well as fun. Yes, the meat can be harvested. Cooked right it can be very tasty. Whip up some Groundhog Stew, or Braised Groundhog Tacos. Watch the above video for groundhog cooking info. And we also found 30 other groundhog/woodchuck recipes online.

BONUS VIDEO: Prairie Dog Hunting in Wyoming

If you don’t have groundhogs in your part of the USA, don’t fret. You can still have fun hunting smaller varmints such as ground squirrels and Prairie Dogs. Here’s a good video covering P-dog hunts with a suppressed .223 Rem AR. The video covers recommended equipment including bipod, tripod, and optics.

Groundhog Matches — Fun Shooting at Paper and Steel ‘Hogs

groundhog varmint shoot targetAlong with actual groundhog hunting, many shooters like to shoot paper and/or steel groundhogs in club groundhog competitions. These are fun matches that you can shoot with a variety of rifles. Our first choice would be a 22 BR for ranges out to 450 yards or a 6 BRA if targets are farther out. One popular match in the Northeast is the St. Thomas Ground hog shoot in Pennsylvania (see below).

At clubs across the country, varmint fun shoots (also known as “groundhog matches”) are becoming more popular every year. In these matches, usually shot from the bench, you engage paper targets, clay pigeons, steel “critter” silhouettes, or some combination of paper and reactive targets. Shooters like these matches because you can shoot a wide variety of rifles, you don’t have to spend a fortune to be competitive, and there is fun for the whole family. Rules are inclusive — you won’t be turned away because your rifle is two ounces overweight. A large percentage of the match fees usually go back to shooters in the form of cash prizes. And the level of camaraderie is high.

St. Thomas Groundhog Shoot, Report by Jonathan Trivette
Nestled at the base of a mountain in south-central Pennsylvania is the St. Thomas Sportsmen’s Association. On a cool Saturday morning you’ll find some of the area’s best shooters at the monthly Groundhog Match. The match attracts shooters from Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and of course Pennsylvania.

It may not be the longest-yardage match in the area, but it can be the one of the toughest. The range is sloped up the mountain a little so the winds can be very tricky. Often times the three wind flags at 200, 300, and 400 yards will all be blowing in different directions.

Varmint Groundhog Match St. Thomas Sportsmen's Association Assn Sportsman's Shoot
Varmint Groundhog Match St. Thomas Sportsmen's Association Assn Sportsman's Shoot


* “Groundhog” and “Woodchuck” are simply two different names for the same animal. Both terms have been used in the English language since the 1600s. In many places, the terms are used interchangeably, but “groundhog” is now increasingly more common in the USA.

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April 17th, 2026

Berger 6.5 Creedmoor Ammunition Performs Great in PRS Rifle

Erik Cortina Berger Factory ammo ammunition OTM tactical PRS rifle MPA chassis Lapua brass

Is factory 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition good enough to win a PRS or NRL competition? The answer is a resounding “YES” if we’re talking about Berger ammunition. Produced with Berger match bullets and premium Lapua brass, this Berger 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition demonstrated excellent accuracy, impressive velocity, and very good ES/SD numbers. When tested at 1000 yards with an MPA-stocked PRS rig with Rem 700 action, this ammo showed just half-MOA of vertical, and produced a group that would have been a 50-1X in F-Class competition. That’s quite impressive for a PRS rig.

Erik Cortina Berger Factory ammo ammunition OTM tactical PRS rifle MPA chassis Lapua brass

This ammo test was performed by our friend Erik Cortina from Texas. The reigning SW Nationals F-Open champion, Erik is a top F-Class competitor who also shoots tactical matches (for fun and glory). A couple seasons back, Erik built a new 6.5 Creedmoor with a Remington 700 action. Though this rifle sports a top-shelf MPA chassis and premium Kahles scope, Erik calls this his “budget build” because it has a plain Rem 700 factory action rather than the elite Borden actions he normally runs. Erik’s actions of choice are the Borden Mountaineer for PRS and Borden BRM-XD for F-Class.

Erik Cortina Berger Factory ammo ammunition OTM tactical PRS rifle MPA chassis Lapua brass

Erik posted: “Shot my budget 6.5 Creedmoor … with Berger Bullets factory ammo. I shot five rounds over the chrono to get speed. I used BC info from the box and it all lined up properly. I adjusted my ECTuner to tune load and it took just 15 shots to get it shooting well. It’s simple with good components.”

This Berger factory ammo features Berger 130gr Hybrid OTM Tactical bullets. The Lapua 6.5 Creedmoor cases have a large rifle primer. You can see this ammo displays good velocity with Extreme Spread and Standard Deviation rivaling good hand-loads.

Erik Cortina Berger Factory ammo ammunition OTM tactical PRS rifle MPA chassis Lapua brass

Erik Cortina Berger Factory ammo ammunition OTM tactical PRS rifle MPA chassis Lapua brassCortina says the very accurate Brux barrel and razor-sharp 6-24x56mm Kahles scope help achieve this kind of outstanding performance at 1000 yards. Here are the key components for Erik’s latest PRS rig:

Masterpiece Arms BA Competition Chassis
Brux Heavy Varmint 26-inch, 1:8″-twist barrel
Remington 700 Action (custom bolt knob)
EC Tuner (by Erik Cortina)
Kahles 6-24x56mm MIL Scope
MPA 1-piece 30mm Scope Mount

Barrel Tuner by Erik Cortina — Fits Behind Muzzle Brake
This rifle features a barrel tuner designed and crafted by Erik Cortina. You can the EC Barrel Tuner alone, or, as you can see, the EC Tuner can be fitted BEHIND a muzzle brake. Erik tells us: “The EC Tuner allowed me to tune the barrel to my ammo rather than tuning the ammo for barrel as is done when reloading. With the tuner, there is no need to try different brands of ammo as they can all be tuned to shoot as good as possible in my rifle.”

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