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.
1. Krieger Barrels — Overstock Barrels in Inventory Now
⏺ Great Krieger barrels with no waiting — overstock inventory
Since Krieger barrels are so highly sought-after, there can be a long lead time to get a made-to-order Krieger barrel. Here’a little known secret, Krieger Barrels has an overstock barrels section on its website. There you’ll find a very wide selection of calibers, countours, and lengths. In stock are many of the most popular barrel types for hunting, PRS, Benchrest, and F-Class. Take a look, there just may be a barrel you need, and you’ll have your barrel in days, not months.
2. Annealing Made Perfect — AMP Annealer and Accessories
⏺ Most Advanced Annealing Machine and important accessories
Annealing Made Perfect (AMP) in the world leader in cartridge annealing technology. AMP has recently launched its own online store which features everything AMP sells, all in one place. Along with the AMP computer-controlled annealing machines, you’ll find case feeders, pilots, and software upgrades. You’ll also find a wide array of specialty parts which are not available anywhere else.
⏺ Peterson ammo made with great brass and top-tier bullets
Everyone knows Peterson makes some of the best brass on the market, but did you know Peterson produces some of the finest precision loaded ammunition as well? At Grafs.com you’ll find the outstanding Peterson specialty rifle ammunition. Graf’s carries favorites like .243 Win, .308 Win, and 6.5 Creedmoor, plus a wide selection of big magnum cartridge types, such as .300 Norma Mag, .375 and .408 Cheytac.
4. Amazon — MTM R-100 Deluxe 100-Round Ammo Box, $14.95
⏺ Best Ammo Carrier on the market — Mechanical Hinge, lockable
Here’s a great upgrade to the original MTM 100-rd ammo case, which had latches that could sometimes pop open and a folded plastic hinge that could break over time. That’s all changed with MTM’s new MTM R-100 Deluxe 100 Round Rifle Ammo Box. This features two strong snap closures and sturdy mechanical hinges for the lid. Yes the lid now lies flat when open! And there is now a locking hasp in the front. With these updates, we think this is, without question, the best 100-rd ammo carrier on the market.
⏺ Great Ruger 10/22 Deal with Veridian 3-9x40mm Scope
The Ruger 10/22 is a legendary American .22 LR rifle. It is fun to shoot, and a great first rifle for young marksmen. Sportsman’s Warehouse has just slashed the price on the Ruger 10/22 Carbine with scope. This carbine model features a black, synthetic stock and factory-mounted Viridian EON 3-9x40mm scope — all for just $299.99! This setup is ready to hit the range right out of the box.
6. Amazon — Kestrel 1000 Windmeter, $74.00
⏺ Basic Kestrel unit under $74.00 — reliable and accurate
Reading wind is critical for successful shooting and the Kestrel 1000 windmeter is probably the best way to do it for under $100. At only $74, this Kestrel 1000 features a 3-button control system and large LCD display. The unit measures current, average, and peak wind speed values fast and accurately in mph, km/h, feet/min, m/s, or knots.
7. Natchez — Primos Trail Camera Gen 2, $39.99
⏺ Great value — Use for game hunting and property security
If you need a simple, affordable trail camera, check out the Primos Proof Cam Gen 2 Low Glow Trail Camera. When you’re not using the camera for spotting game, these are great for general monitoring duties on your property. The manufacturer says the camera “is built for one purpose: To give hunters the most reliable, most simple-to-use camera money can buy with all the functions that really matter and none of the extras that don’t. Now Primos Proof Gen 2 line offers faster recovery, better detection distance, and best in class performance.” This unit features 12 megapixel resolution, 80-foot night range, 720P HD video with time-lapse, plus a 1-year battery life with 8 AA Batteries.
⏺ Performs as promised — saves mess at home or at range
When cleaning rifles, wet and dirty patches can make a real mess. Here’s a solution — the MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher. Simply slip it over your barrel to contain all the patches pushed out the muzzle. No more mess and stains on your bench/table. When cleaning tasks are done, simply remove the Patch Catcher and dump the contents into the trash. Watch the video to see how the MTM Patch Catcher works.
9. Midsouth Shooters — Bulldog Rifle Case Sale
⏺ Good quality; 54″ case holds PRS and Match Rifles; Bargain Cases too
Midsouth is running a sale now on the Bulldog Rifle Cases. You’ll find a variety of cases at attractive prices. For F-Class and PRS rifles with long barrels, we like the big 54″ Long Range Rifle Case shown above. Bulldog also make great tactical cases for modern sporting rifles. And you’ll find affordable green/tan zippered cases for scoped hunting rifles (48″, $13.05) and long-barrel shotguns (52″, $13.24). These $13 Bulldog economy cases are a great bargain.
10. MidwayUSA — Lockdown 3-Gun Magnetic Barrel Rack, $15.99
⏺ Attach to outside of safe, or use in workshop or RV
This simple device is very handy when you’re loading multiple long guns into a safe. It’s also great for those multi-rifle cleaning sessions — just line up your rigs outside the safe securely. This “staging support” barrel rack attaches to the outside of a safe and holds your guns vertically with polymer-coated magnetic V-Blocks. You can also use this in your workshop or RV. For $15.99 this is worth every penny if it saves even one expensive stock from getting dropped and damaged.
Report by Andrew Murtagh
I’ve been a long range shooter for the past 17 years. Like most shooters in this game I’ve built, bought, and sold numerous rifles during my tenure. Here’s my tale of two special rifles, a Heavy Gun and a Light Gun, both sporting Patriotic stock graphics. I shoot both of these rifles in competition at Reade Range and The Original Pennsylvania 1000-Yard Club, aka “Williamsport”, where I serve as Club Vice-President.
My two Patriots were both acquired second-hand from a fellow shooter, Mike Bonchack. As purchased, they were very different from what they are now. I first decided to rechamber them using my reamers. The Light Gun (LG) is now chambered in 6×47 Lapua with 0.267″ neck, while the Heavy Gun (HG) is a 6mm Dasher with 0.266″ neck. After re-chambering the barrels, next I decided to get both guns up to maximum weight. The LG already had an adjustable weight system so it was easy to get it to 17 pounds. For the HG, I added an additional 25 pounds of lead/epoxy fill which was milled into the barrel channel and butt stock.
The Story Behind the Patriotic Graphics
I was initially going to have the LG painted until a close friend and fellow shooter, Tom Murtiff, suggested hydrographics. I landed on the patriotic theme because I’m a right-wing leaning Constitutionalist who still believes in the principles upon which our Founding Fathers built this nation. I wanted to express my support of our country’s Constitution and its Amendments. The search for the perfect patriot print was on.
This was my first hydrographic print experience and I was overwhelmed with the sheer number and variety of prints available. I spent a few days searching when I found the Amendment print. I then contacted Rick Schuh, owner of Boyzhid Hydrographics. He then prepped, hydro-dipped, and clear-coated the LG. Late in 2017 I purchased the HG and through a lengthy process in 2018 the metal work and stock additions were completed. I was now back in search of the perfect print. This was also lengthy, and I couldn’t find anything that spoke to me except for a suggestion to have “twin” rifles. I liked the idea — a pair of “Patriots!”
Rick was again employed to dip the Heavy Gun. That became a real undertaking because the stock alone (no metal attached) now weighed 35 pounds. He had to manufacture reinforced hangers to apply the graphics without flaw. The stock came out perfect to my eye, but not to his. On the bottom, which is rarely seen on any HG, he airbrushed a small flag to cover an area that stretched the print. Rick also made a jeweled plate for the toe of the butt.
I’m including this image so everyone can see Rick’s extra effort to make the HG perfect. I often joke with him about the added work no one would see. Well now the world can view his workmanship.
1000-Yard Heavy Gun Specifications:
Kelbly Stolle F-Class Panda dual-port, right eject with Kelbly Picatinny rail
Modified Ryan Miller HG stock bedded/pillared/weighted by David Powley
Bartlein 1:8.5-8″ gain-twist 0.236″ bore barrel
— chambered in 6mm Dasher 0.266″ neck by David Powley
Ryan Miller barrel-block fitted with nylon bushing by David Powley
Harrell’s muzzle brake
Jewell trigger
Optic One: NightForce 12-42x56mm NXS in Vortex rings
Optic Two: Leupold 7-35x56mm Mark 5 HD in Leupold rings
1000-Yard Light Gun Specifications:
BAT Machine B Action RB/LP/RE
McMillan MBR stock bedded by David Powley
Bartlein 1:8″-twist 0.237″ bore 30″ barrel
— chambered in 6×47 Lapua 0.267″ neck by David Powley
Harrell’s radial muzzle brake
Jewell trigger
NightForce 15-55x52mm Competition Scope in Harrell’s rings
Stock Graphics: Both rifles share a Patriot Constitution Hydrographic print (and clear-coat) by Rick Schuh of BoyzHid Hygrogaphics.
How to Succeed in the 1K Benchrest Games — Q & A with Andrew
Q: How Do You Choose a Chambering/Cartridge for a particular Match or Relay?
Andrew: Cartridge choice depends on the wind forecast. I always have several rifles with particular cartridge/loads for each depending on the forecast. If it’s a light wind day, say 4 to 8 mph with light gusts, I’ll be shooting either a 6×47 Lapua or a 6mm Dasher. If it’s blowing around 10 to 12 mph, I’ll campaign a 6×47 on its high node to get it down range flat. But if it’s really blowing or constantly changing direction, I shoot a big .300 WSM with either 200gr or 210gr bullet.
Q: What Is Your Load Development Method?
Andrew: Initial load development is always done over the chronograph at 100 yards until I get low ES/SD for 5 shots utilizing the same 10 pieces of absolutely perfect brass. Once I’m satisfied with the raw data I move to 1000 yards with a set of match brass and shoot 5-shot strings to find the best-performing exact powder charge. I have found this is usually within 0.20 grains of what performs well over the chronograph.
Q: What Brass, Primers, Powders, and Bullets Do You Use?
Andrew: I use Lapua brass for all things 6mm and Norma brass for my big .30 Cal stuff. I never change primers and shoot CCI BR2s or BR4s. I’m a Varget and H4350 fan. I’ve tried other powders, but they never were fruitful at 1K. Currently the only bullets I shoot are Sierra Match Kings. In the 6mm Dasher and 6×47 Lapua I use the 6mm 107gr SMK. In my .300 WSM I use .308-cal 200gr and 210gr SMKs.
Q: What Advice Do You Have for Novice 1000-Yard Competitors?
Andrew: Leave your ego at home and be willing to learn each and every time you come to the range. The discipline evolves rapidly and so must the shooter. It won’t take long to get left behind and become extremely frustrated with the game if you are not willing to learn and adapt. Find a tutor who is a great shooter and who is willing to mentor you. John Hoover and Tom Murtiff helped me and are very dear friends and great 1000-yard shooters. Believe me, having a good mentor takes years off the learning curve. Lastly, enroll in the Benchrest Shooting School offered by The Original Pennsylvania 1000 Yard Benchrest Club. I’m an instructor there and I, along with all the cadre, will help new shooters rapidly advance their skills.
Q: What’s the Secret to Judging the Wind? (In this discipline there are no target markers after each shot.)
Andrew: That’s the million-dollar question. What I do is find the condition that seems to hold. Once I’m committed into the record string, I follow it to the end. At Williamsport the wind flags can change at every distance so you simply need to pick one flag and hope it’s the one that remains truthful.
Long Range Competition Advice from a Leading 1K Benchrest Competitor
FIVE Key points to remember when shooting 1000-Yard benchrest
1. Be positive and have a clear state of mind when competing.
2. Bench set-up and shooting mechanics must always be the same — every shot. Then follow the shot through your optic.
3. Shoot two (2) shots before making a scope adjustment unless you’re under a minute of the sighter period.
4. Trust yourself and your equipment. You never want to second guess anything you put on the line.
5. Once you commit to shooting your record string, DO NOT STOP.
Invitation to Join Andrew at Williamsport in Pennsylvania
I currently serve as Vice President of The Original Pennsylvania 1000 Yard Benchrest Club, PA1000yard.com. Situated near the municipality of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, it has become known as the “Williamsport Club”. We would like to invite any shooting enthusiast to come out and visit our club during a match weekend. My rifles are only a sampling of the beauty and craftsmanship that is often on display at Williamsport’s 1000-yard line. Please stop by and visit with us.
Here are UPCOMING EVENTS at our club this summer and in 2021:
Light Gun and Heavy Gun Match #5, August 22/23, 2020
Light Gun and Heavy Gun Match Match #6, September 12/13, 2020
Light Gun and Heavy Gun Match Match #7, September 26/27, 2020
Long Range Benchrest School June, 2021
Annual 1000-Yard World Open Match July, 2021
Andrew wanted to give credit to the many talented guys who have helped with his rifle builds and his reloading equipment. In alphabetical order, these are Mike Bonchack, John Hoover, Tom Murtiff, David Powley, and Rich Schuh (Boyzhid Hydrographics).
Two guns in one? If you want a PRS rifle that can hunt, or a hunting rifle that can shoot PRS matches, check out the SIG Sauer Cross, a 6.4-lb rig that combines PRS functionality with light overall weight. The new Cross bolt-action rifle is now shipping and will be available in retail stores soon. We must note, however, that serious PRS competitors use rifles that may weigh 20 lbs. with optics and accessories. In the PRS game, weight offers stability and reduced perceived recoil for faster follow-up shots. Still, we like the idea of a rifle that can shoot the occasional PRS/NRL match yet also work for hunting. This rifle recently won a 2020 Industry Choice Award for innovation.
SIG Sauer has released the new Cross Rifle, a “crossover” rifle for hunting, competition, and long-range shooting. The Cross bolt-action rifle, built for precision, will be offered in .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor with .277 SIG Fury Hybrid to follow. The design features a one-piece receiver with free-floating modular handguard and side-folding adjustable stock. Choose Black or First Lite Camo finish.
The Cross has some interesting design features:
— Two-stage Match Trigger adjusts from 2.5-4.5 lbs.
— Interchangeable flattop system that fits 0-MOA or +20-MOA rails.
— 3-Lug Bolt with 60° throw and interchangeable bolt handle. AI Mags.
— Light-weight 16″ barrel .308 Win version weighs just 6.2 pounds.
Factory Product Description
The SIG Cross Precision Bolt-Action Hunting Rifle is a lightweight rifle with a push button, foldable precision stock. The rifle boasts an aluminum M-LOK™ handguard for easy attachment of bipods, rails, night-vision or thermal clip-on optics. The unique folding stock offers tool-less adjustment for easy set-up changes in the field. With folded stock the CROSS measures as short as 25″ allowing it to fit in backcountry backpacks. The receiver boasts familiar AR-15-type controls, ambi-safety, and three-lug bolt design with a 60-degree throw and interchangeable bolt handle. The SIG Cross takes AICS-pattern magazines.
The SIG Cross features a 2-stage match-grade trigger externally adjustable from 2.5 to 4.5 pounds. The precision stock is spring-loaded for one-handed operation and can be fully adjusted in the field for length of pull and comb height with no tools. The rifle has a full-length Picatinny rail that allows for direct optics mounts, 20 MOA, and O MOA. The CROSS is available in 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 WIN, and the soon-to-be-released .277 SIG Fury Hybrid.
Available Now in Three Chamberings, starting at $1779 MSRP
The SIG Cross is available in .308 WIN and 6.5 Creedmoor with an 18″ barrel, and the all-new .277 SIG Fury Hybrid cartridge with a 16″ barrel. The SIG Cross rifle retails for $1779.00, so it qualifies for PRS Factory Class. (We expect “street price” to be about $1550). The Cross rifle was designed and built entirely at SIG Sauer’s New Hampshire facilities.
If you like PRS/NRL competition or just want to learn about this fast-growing practical shooting discipline, then definitely watch Shooting USA today (8/12/20). This week Shooting USA offers a special FULL-HOUR edition devoted to the inaugural Armageddon Gear AG Cup Invitational. The first-ever AG Cup showcased an all-star line-up of tactical talent. Twenty of the nation’s top PRS/NRL marksmen were invited to a two-day event at the Arena Training Facility in Georgia. $41,000 in prize money was up for grabs, with the overall match winner guaranteed twenty thousand ($20,000) in cash!
This AG CUP episode airs Wednesday 8/12/2020 on the Outdoor Channel at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific, 8:00 PM Central. After that it will be streamed on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode or $3.99 per month.
In this hour-long Shooting USA special, John Scoutten and Armageddon Gear’s Tom Fuller report the action and interview top precision rifle shooters. The Grand Prize of $20,000 was awarded for the best overall score, based on accuracy and time. In addition, the winner of each of the 20 stages received a $1000 cash prize. During the show, you can watch the competitors adapt to challenging stage set-ups and weather conditions. With $1000 at stake for each stage, a single miss can cost serious money!
Side Match with TN Twister Target
At the inaugural AG Cup, there was a side match with a $500 prize for the competitor who hit all five TN Twister Target plates in the shortest time. The side-match employed a modular target system from Innovative Target. This system can mount TN Twister or TN Revolver multi-plate rigs, which bolt on to the IRT Head. This provides interesting challenges quite different from a typical static PRS plate target.
Arena Training Facility — 2300 Acres
The 2300-acre Arena Training Facility is a premier shooting facility with multiple shooting ranges from 50m to 2100m. Arena’s 1000-yard covered Known Distance range offers multiple benches, steel and paper targets out to 1000 yards. On Arena’s UKD (unknown distance) range shooters can engage steel out to 2300 yards. This 2100m UKD range boasts a 3-Story Shooting Tower, Air-Conditioned Shoot House, and multiple Positional Challenges.space.
Armaggedon Gear — Tactical Accessories Armageddon Gear, founded by former U.S. Army Ranger Tom Fuller, sells support bags, gun cases, slings, suppressor covers, scope covers, and a wide variety of other accessories popular with the PRS/NRL crowd. Armageddon Gear now provides products to the U.S. Military, Law Enforcement, as well as PRS/NRL competitors.
Armageddon Gear Game-Changer Bag
Shooting USA is available On Demand via Vimeo.com. Watch a single episode for $0.99, or get a full-month subscription for $3.99 and watch as many shows as you like with limited commercial interruptions.
The 6mm GT (aka 6GT) cartridge was conceived as a “bigger Dasher” for PRS and NRL competition. The 6mm GT’s creators wanted 6mm Dasher accuracy and moderate recoil delivered via a cartridge with a slightly longer case body for better mag-feeding, longer neck for seating flexibility, and more moderate pressures. So far the 6GT has performed very well in PRS competition. Today’s story is a bit different — this is about an experiment — running a 6mm GT in an F-TR type rifle. Understand that, under current NRA rules, you may only shoot .223 Rem (5.56×45) or .308 Win (7.62×51), in official, sanctioned F-TR competition, but the 6GT is fine for F-Open. Mike McCasland wanted to see the potential of the cartridge for long-range target shooting, so he put a 6mm GT-chambered Bartlein barrel on a nice custom rifle with McMillan XIT stock and Kelbly F-Class Panda action. The results were impressive.
6mm GT — New Cartridge with Multi-Discipline Potential
Story by Mike McCasland, Texas Precision
The 6mm GT began garnering attention within PRS circles in early 2019. It promised to shoot 105-110gr 6mm bullets at 2950-3000 FPS, yet not suffer from mag-feed issues sometimes found with 6mmBR variants such as the 6 Dasher, 6BRX, and 6BRA. Moreover, since it burned less powder, the 6mm GT promised increased barrel life compared to the 6mm Creedmoor or 6XC. The 6mm GT case size should still work with the accurate powders in the Varget burn-range. I found the 6GT also worked great with H4350.
As someone who aspired to building a repeater and jumping into the PRS game, and had a spare F-TR rifle sitting around, I thought it would be fun to build up a 6mm GT to see if there was any merit to the hype. My smith, Wes Ripley of RIP Precision in Texas, builds a lot of PRS rigs, and already had the reamer on hand (a 0.120″ freebore variant).
Whidden Gunworks had some 6mm GT FL bushing die kits in stock, so I figured why not see what all the fuss was about? At the very least I could play around with the 6mm GT in F-Open Class at local club matches to see how it compared to the 6BRA, 6 Dasher, and other popular 6mm cartridges.
How the Project Got Started with Backup F-TR Rig
My 6mm GT build really started as a project spawned purely from COVID-19 Isolation boredom. This rifle primarily serves as a backup F-TR gun, and it had been relegated to performing some load development on .308 barrels, so I could spin new ones on my main match rifle. The only problem was, I had run out of .308 barrels that needed load development. So, I basically had an ideal test platform just collecting dust in the safe. All I needed was a 6mm GT-chambered barrel, since (like the 6mmBR) the 6mm GT works in a short action with a .308 Win-sized bolt-face.
6mm GT Rifle Specifications:
Action: Kelbly Panda F-Class SA RB/RP
Stock: McMillan XIT with RAD 2A
Barrel: 30″ 5R Bartlein 1:7.5″-Twist, HV Contour
Scope: Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60x52mm
Trigger: Jewell Benchrest, about 2 ounces
Bipod: Phoenix Precision
About the 6mm GT Cartridge
BRASS — The first thing you’ll find is cartridge brass choices for the 6mmGT are rather limited currently. At present, the only commercial options are Hornady and Alpha Munitions. For the die-hard Lapua fans, you can technically make 6mm GT brass from 6.5×47 Lapua, however that process is very labor-intensive.
I have used both Hornady and Alpha brass in this rifle and haven’t noticed much difference between the two. I will say that my batch of Alpha brass was slightly softer than Alpha brass I’ve used in other calibers; you could feel a difference when neck turning cases. I’m unsure if that’s a batch issue, or something specific to their 6mm GT brass as a whole. As far as performance, there was little discernable difference. Oddly enough, the Hornady brass seemed to have slightly less case capacity than the Alpha; with most other cartridges it’s the other way around.
POWDERS — The 6mm GT was designed with Hodgdon Varget in mind, and that popular powder works exceedingly well in this platform. That said, the 6mm GT can work with a wide variety of powders, some yielding better performance than Varget.
I’ve tried a multitude of powders during my initial 6mm GT load development: Varget, Shooters World Precision, RL16, VV N140, H4350, and RL-15 to name a few. In my barrel, Hodgdon H4350 seems to deliver the best velocity/accuracy combination. SD and ES also seemed to be the lowest with H4350.
Load Development for the 6mm GT — Many Powders Tested
BULLETS — The most common 0.120″ freebore chamber allows for the majority of high-BC 6mm projectiles found in both F-Class and PRS. I had good luck with the pointed 107gr Sierra Match Kings (SMK), as well as the 110gr Hornady A-Tips in my rifle. For those looking to run the heavier 112-115 grain 6mm offerings, I believe GAP designed a 0.160″ freebore reamer that gets those bullets out of the neck/shoulder junction. Shown below is the 0.120″ freebore JGS reamer print:
SUMMARY — Good Cartridge with Much Potential
Generally speaking, I think the 6mm GT is a good little round. Some may not subscribe to this theory, but I believe some cartridges are inherently easier to tune than others. I’m not sure the 6mm GT is as easy-to-tune as a 6mmBR, 6 Dasher, or 6 BRA, but I don’t think it lags that far behind.
With relatively little trouble, I was able to find loads with both Varget and H4350 that would consistently shoot very well — 0.2 to 0.3 MOA. Moreover, I found the 6GT cartridge lives up to the velocity claims made by G.A. Precision. I was easily able to push the 110gr A-Tips to 2950 FPS, and the 107gr SMKs to low 3000 FPS range without any pressure signs, or unnecessary wear and tear on the brass.
As a fun test, I ran my 6mm GT rifle in a local 1000-yard F-Class match with the 110gr A-Tips, just to see just how well they would perform. Although wind conditions of the day and some E-Target issues prevented my 6mm GT rig from getting the better of the larger 7mm and .30-Cal rifles, the 6mm GT proved itself an accurate little round at distance. Here is a 1000-yard ShotMarker target:
After putting several hundred rounds through my 6mm GT rifle, I anticipate building another 6GT on a repeater action to give PRS a try. I think if you are looking for a dual-purpose rifle that can run tactical matches (with 100% feeding reliability), and can also be used for mid-range, F-Open Class competition, the 6mm GT would be a very good option.
About the author, Mike McCasland:
Mike McCasland is an avid shooter who competes regularly in F-Class matches. Based in Texas, Mike is the creator of the Texas Precision YouTube Channel. There you’ll find many videos covering reloading, gun projects, and marksmanship. Mike has done some notable product reviews including a comparison test of Micrometer Competition Seating Dies. To access Mike’s YouTube Channel, CLICK HERE.
Review by F-Class John
Walk the line at any F-Class or Benchrest match and you’ll see plenty of SEB rests — for good reason. SEB produces some of the most popular competition shooting rests available today. With their ease of use and smart design, it is no wonder why SEB rests are so popular. But as good as they are, there are ways SEB rests can be made even better — such as making them easier to align precisely to the target during set-up. It was while shooting with his SEB NEO one day that inventor, fabricator, and competitive F-Class shooter Rod Brakhage decided to make a better mouse trap — to improve the SEB series of rests. He identified aspects of the NEO/MAX rests and SEB Mini tripod rest that could be enhanced and he then set out to improve their already great performance.
This photo shows the new Rodzilla 5-Axis top installed on a SEB Mini tripod rest. There are also Rodzilla tops for the SEB NEO and MAX two-column front rests.
Nearly a year and countless prototypes later, Rod unveiled his new Rodzilla 5-Axis Top to a select group of shooters to test and it’s been a wild ride ever since. Best of all, his top is drilled and tapped so that it can be fitted to a SEB NEO, MAX, or Mini front rest without altering the rest base in any way. To make things easy, if you don’t want to install it yourself, you can send just the bridge from your NEO/MAX or top from a Mini and Rod will install the 5-Axis unit. You pay for the Rodzilla top, and Rod will install it for free. The Rodzilla NE0/MAX tops currently sell for $549.00, while the Rodzilla Mini top is $584.00.
Watch Video to See All Features of Rodzilla 5-Axis Rest Top:
Rodzilla Top Swivels Independently of Rest Base
The first thing Rod did was allow the top to swivel independently of the base. On a NEO this makes a HUGE difference because you can now set your rest down in the general direction of your target and make final adjustments once you’re down behind the gun. This is a huge departure from the normal procedure where you find yourself moving your NEO repeatedly until it’s just right. You can do the same thing on a Mini which is actually a nice feature despite the head already swiveling because you can now lock down the Mini head and make your final adjustments behind the gun as well. This is probably the feature that stood out the most to me when I first set it up. Being able to lock the front end down and get comfortable immediately behind the gun without having to get up again was a time-saver. This also left me feeling very confident in my gun alignment to the target.
Delrin Rollers on Side Guide Stock during Recoil
The second major innovation is the addition of Delrin rollers along the side. The unit has two easily adjustable jaws that each contain a set of rollers. These rollers allow for as much or little contact as you want along the sides of your stock and provide a smooth if not near frictionless experience whether during recoil (breakaway) or when returning the gun to battery. the departure from traditional sandbags on the side quite revolutionary, and yes it is legal under NRA rules. Current NRA High Power F-Class rules have no limits on what material contacts the sides of the stock. As someone who has owned a number of front rests and filled countless small sandbags this comes as a welcome relief! The Rodzilla’s rollers give me confidence that I’ll have consistent contact with the stock without the side bags constantly shifting and needing my attention during a match.
Small, Separate Sandbags Provide Consistent Contact at Any Gun Angle
Another major Rodzilla advancement is the design of the left and right sandbags. Conventional sandbags are stationary and oriented to the rest itself meaning that if you’re shooting uphill or downhill then you may not have stock contact with the full bag surface or the stock may be at a weird angle to the sandbag. Plus, with time, conventional front sand bags can form crowns or lumps that require attention. Those problems are solved with the Rodzilla’s tilting mini-sandbags. Rod’s sandbags are very small yet still meet NRA High Power guidelines as they are filled with sand and can be visibly deformed when pushed. But otherwise, they are unlike anything you’ve seen before. Each bag is mounted on a pivoting arm allowing the gun to always keep consistent contact with each bag regardless of the angle of your rest. This provides confidence that your stock is always riding on the same amount of sandbag no matter how the rest has been placed, or the ground angle relative to target.
CONCLUSION: The Rodzilla 5-Axis Top is a Game-Changer If you have a SEB Rest you will definitely want this…
The innovative design features of the Rodzilla 5-Axis Top make SEB rests work even better. The Rodzilla Top delivers an incredibly smooth and repeatable shooting experience. Recoil seems smoother, and it is easier to align the rest on target during set-up. If you own a SEB rest and are looking to make your set-up on the line easier and faster, have near-zero breakaway force on each shot, and have consistent follow-up shots to your point of aim, then give the Rodzilla 5-Axis Top a try.
This Video shows how to install the Rodzilla 5-Axis Top on SEB Mini tripod rest:
This Video shows how to install the Rodzilla 5-Axis Top on SEB NEO or MAX Rest
Sellier & Bellot is one of Europe’s older ammunition manufacturers, producing a wide variety of rifle and pistol ammo. The video below shows ammunition being made from start to finish, starting with raw materials. This is a fascinating video that is well worth watching. It shows some amazing machines in operation.
EDITOR: Guys, this really is an exceptional video that shows every aspect of production. I have watched dozens of videos about ammo making. This is definitely one of the BEST. Take the time to watch.
Based in Vlasim, Czech Republic, Sellier & Bellot was founded in August 5, 1825 by Louis Sellier, a German businessman of French lineage. His family were royalists who fled France during the French Revolution. Louis Sellier began manufacturing percussion caps for infantry firearms in a factory in Prague, Bohemia on the request of Francis I, the Emperor of Austria. Sellier was later joined by his countryman Jean Bellot.
Sellier & Bellot has also produced an interesting CGI video that shows what happens inside a rifle chamber and barrel when a cartridge fires can’t be seen by the naked eye (unless you are a Super-Hero with X-Ray vision). But now, with the help of 3D-style computer animation, you can see every stage in the process of a rifle round being fired.
In this X-Ray-style 3D animation illustrates the primer igniting, the propellant burning, and the bullet moving through the barrel. The video then shows how the bullet spins as it flies along its trajectory. Finally, this animation shows the bullet impacting ballistic gelatin. Watch the bullet mushroom and deform as it creates a “wound channel” in the gelatin.
Watch Video – Cartridge Ignition Sequence Starts at 1:45 Time-Mark
If you wonder how ammo is made, starting with raw metal, check out this video from Hornady. It shows how bullet jackets are formed from copper, followed by insertion of a lead core. The jacket is then closed up over the core with the bullet taking its final shape in a die (a cannelure is applied on some bullet types). Next the video shows how cartridge brass is formed, starting with small cups of brass. The last part of the video shows how cases are primed and filled with powder, and how bullets are seated into the cases, using an automated process on a giant assembly-line. CLICK Link below to watch video:
Hornady’s New 150,000-sq-ft Ammo Production Center
In 2018, Hornady opened a new, state-of-the-art factory. The 150,000-sq-ft Hornady West Facility, featured in the video below, handles ammunition production and product distribution — Hornady produces millions of rounds annually. Hornady cartridge brass and bullets will continue to be produced at Hornady’s 100,000+ square foot factory in Grand Island, Nebraska. The Grand Island factory is open for tours Monday through Thursday. Hornady Manufacturing was founded by Joyce Hornady in 1949, so 2019 marked the company’s 70th anniversary.
Do you shoot long, pointy Hybrid Ogive bullets? If so, you may need to modify the Hornady L-N-L Bullet Comparator tool commonly used to measure the distance from bullet base to bullet ogive.
With modern, high-BC match bullets, so much of the bullet may extend forward of the ogive that the bullet tip actually contacts the inside of the red comparator body BEFORE the bullet’s ogive contacts the gray caliber-specific insert ring attached to the red body. When this happens you will NOT get an accurate Base-to-Ogive (BTO) measure. And likewise you will not get a proper Cartridge-Base-to-Ogive (CBTO) measurement with loaded rounds.
Watch this video — it shows exactly how this measurement “fail” can happen with a .338-caliber Berger Elite hunter bullet. The tester was getting a false bullet Base-to-Ogive reading of 1.175 (0:25 timemark) before modifying his tool. The true BTO measurement, with the bullet actually contacting the gray comparator ring, is 1.121 (1:25 timemark):
How to Fix the Problem
What’s the fix? With a drill, you must relieve the back “wall” inside the red comparator holder bore. This will provide more clearance for the bullet tip. With more clearance the bullet ogive will seat properly on the gray, caliber-specific insert. The tip will no longer bottom out on the red clamping half of the tool.
The maker of this helpful video, EuLRH explains: “As we all know the CBTO (Cartridge Base to Ogive) measurement is [more useful than] COAL (Cartridge Overall Length). There are lots of products that can do this. One of them is Hornady L-N-L bullet comparator. Attention! With modern long range bullets it is possible that the bullet tip is touching the comparator body instead of the bullet ogive touching the gauge.” In this example, EuLRH worked with the 300gr Berger elite hunter bullet in .338 Caliber.
Why You Need to Check with Your Own Loads
If your bullets have this “tip touching” issue, when you measure your loaded rounds you will be seeing COAL instead of the Cartridge Base to Ogive (CBTO) length. Take a moment, test with your own bullets and your comparator to determine if you have this measurement problem. If you do, try the drilling solution shown in the video.
Jeff Quinn, founder of GunBlast.com, was a good-hearted, southern country boy who loved firearms. Sadly he passed away on July 27, 2020. He will be missed. His reviews were always honest and thoughtful. Notably, Jeff was a true internet pioneer. With help from his brother Boge Quinn, Jeff created Gunblast.com back in 2000. He was one of the first independent writers publishing gun reviews on the internet. And he also was one of the very first to release gun test videos on YouTube. Over the past two decades the GunBlast YouTube channel has racked up over 64 million views. Jeff Quinn led the way for popular YouTube video hosts such as 22Plinkster and Hickok 45.
This Sunday Gunday, to mark Jeff’s passing and recognize his influence in the world of firearms videos, we are reprising six of his videos from the past decade. There are a wide selection here — both rifles and pistols, rimfire and centerfire. We’ve even included a special video where Jeff tests a pre-WWI era Maxim machine gun.
The Patriot — Accurate .22-250 AI Benchrest Rifle
While Jeff Quinn focused on factory handguns, hunting rifles, and defensive shotguns, he did occasionally sample accurate custom rifles. Here he tested a unique “Patriot” .22-250 AI rig built on a sleeved Remington 700 action. This handsome rifle boasts a custom-painted, thumbhole benchrest stock with a stars-and-stripes motif. One side says “In God We Trust”, while the other side carries the message “The Right to Keep and Bear Arms”. This “Patriot” rifle delivered three-shot ragged-hole groups at 100 yards.
Tales from the Vault — Winchester 1895 Lever Gun
Along with his regular field tests, Jeff hosted videos that focused on the historical heritage of some of his favorite firearms. In the “Tales from the Vault” episode, Jeff showcases a prized example from his personal gun collection. This is an original Winchester Model 1895 lever-action rifle chambered in 30 Army, also known as 30-40 Krag.
Smith & Wesson Performance Center M629 .44 Magnum
Smith & Wesson builds some of the best wheelguns on the planet, and Performance Center models are the top of the S&W lineup. This Editor owns two S&W Performance Center revolvers, and they are both outstanding, with great triggers and accuracy that puts most semi-auto handguns to shame. In this video, Jeff Quinn tests a Performance Center six-shot Model 629 Hunter Revolver with a 8 3/8″ fluted barrel. S&W includes a Weaver-type optics rail with this capable wheelgun.
Shooting the Savage A17 in 17 HMR
The Savage model A17 delayed-blowback semi-auto in .17 HMR is one of our favorite budget varmint rifles. It is affordable, reliable, and surprisingly accurate with good .17 HMR ammo. Here Jeff Quinn tests the basic A17. We like the upgraded version with a laminated thumbhole stock, shown below. But both versions utilize the same well-designed action. This is a good choice for small varmints, such as ground squirrels, out to 200 yards.
Ruger GP100 .22 LR 10-Shot Revolver
We believe every gun enthusiast should have a good rimfire revolver, and Jeff Quinn would concur. The small size of the .22 LR cartridge allows modern wheelguns to have 10-round cylinder capacity. That’s great for target shooting, fun plinking, and gun games. Here Jeff reviews the sturdy .22 LR GP100 from Ruger. Jeff says this pistol offers “a good tight barrel/cylinder gap” and “positive ejection that kicks spent cases out really well.” He noted that this pistol was “amazingly accurate”. He tested 9 different ammo types and got 1.5″ average TEN-shot groups at 25 yards. (See video at 2:40 for targets.)
BONUS Video — Maxim Machine Gun (1914 Vintage)
The Maxim machine gun was one of the earliest successful fully-automatic weapons. Many of its revolutionary design features are still used in modern machine guns. Here Jeff Quinn tests a belt-fed, wheeled-carriage Maxim with Joe Meaux of Aklys Defense from Aklys Defense.
As someone who aspired to building a repeater and jumping into the PRS game, and had a spare F-TR rifle sitting around, I thought it would be fun to build up a 6mm GT to see if there was any merit to the hype. My smith, Wes Ripley of 
BRASS — The first thing you’ll find is cartridge brass choices for the 6mmGT are rather limited currently. At present, the only commercial options are Hornady and 
SUMMARY — Good Cartridge with Much Potential
If you wonder how ammo is made, starting with raw metal, check out this video from 
Do you shoot long, pointy Hybrid Ogive bullets? If so, you may need to modify the Hornady L-N-L Bullet Comparator tool commonly used to measure the distance from bullet base to bullet ogive.
