Want to see a bullet hit a target in ultra-slow motion? Watch this video to witness some amazing things — such as a bullet jacket peeling back like a banana-skin (at time-mark 7:30). A while back, Germany’s Werner Mehl produced this remarkable 10-minute video for the NSSF SHOT Show. This video has has been watched over 15.6 million times, making it one of the most popular shooting-related videos in history. Employing cameras recording at up to 1,000,000 (one million) frames per second, Mehl’s bullet flight video has been called “astounding” and “mesmerizing”. If you haven’t seen it yet, sit back and enjoy!
Watch This Video! It’s Really Something Special…
This remarkable 1 million Frame Per Second video by Werner has over 15,600,000 YouTube Views with 77,000+ likes. It is one of the best high-speed bullet impact videos ever created.
Do you know someone who recently purchased his/her first handgun and is getting started in the shooting sports? Or do you need to brush up your own pistol skills? Then check out a new FREE video training series from the SIG Sauer Academy: Shooter’s Edge — Learning to Shoot.
Here is the Second Video from the Shooter’ Edge series, covering Basic Rules of Firearms Safety:
This video series features foundational handgun classes at the SIG Sauer Academy in New Hampshire. The ten-episode series takes viewers into the classroom and onto the range as the instructors walk through the fundamentals of handgun safety, shooting techniques, practice and training exercises, along with instruction in equipment options and handgun selection. The series was shot on location during several of the Academy’s introductory classes.
Click Below to Access Full Video Series on SigSauer.com:
The Shooter’ Edge Series includes the following episodes: Learn to Shoot at SIG Sauer Academy; Basic Rules of Safety; Types of Handguns and Ammunition; Foundational Shooting Techniques; How to Practice and Train Effectively; Choosing the Right Gun; Equipment and Its Purpose; Holsters — Presentation and Recovery; Magazines — Loading and Unloading; and What Happens After Learning to Shoot.
Starline Brass offers a series of videos with helpful reloading tips. Focused primarily on pistol cartridges, these short videos can help anyone get started with metallic cartridge reloading. If you load pistol rounds on a progressive, this video series is particularly helpful. The on-camera host is Hunter Pilant, son of Carroll Pilant of Sierra Bullets.
Preventing Double Charges
Tip: Use a bulky powder that fills your case more than half way with a correct charge. This will overfill the case if it is double-charged, making it very difficult to seat a bullet.
Tumble New Brass Before Loading the First Time
Tip: Tumble new pistol cartridge brass in used media for 30 minutes before loading for the first time. This will add enough graphite (carbon residue) to smooth case entry into dies. You can also lube the case mouths with graphite, or use spray lube.
Powder Through Expander — How to Eliminate Hang-ups
Tip: When loading pistol brass with a progressive press, sometime the powder-through expander is hard to remove, especially with short cases. There are two fixes — first, try deburring the inside of the case mouth on your cases. Second, the radius of the powder through expander plug can be modified to smooth entry and exit (see photo). Starline will do this modification for free.
Today’s Saturday Video Showcase features informative videos about loading at the range. AccurateShooter.com contributor F-Class John shows efficient procedures for load development at the range, testing both powder charge and seating depth. And Ultimate Reloader’s Gavin Gear shows how to load in the field with a mechanical powder dispenser, small scale, and a high-tech hand press. We also include a video from a benchrest competitor in France loading his 6PPC, plus tips for loading at the range by Glen Zediker, author of the Handloading for Competition book.
Reloading at the Range with F-Class John
This excellent 25-minute video covers all aspects of loading at the range — case sizing, powder measuring/dispensing, priming, bullet seating and more. In the video, F-Class John also talks about transport of tools and how to develop loads at the range, as you test different powder charges and seating depths. Viewers have praised this video as one of F-Class John’s best ever. John employs a compact RCBS Summit press and an RCBS ChargeMaster. Highlights by time: 6:14 powder test with grain increments; 14:30 setting depth test; 16:18 test fire seating depth; 18:31 refine seating depth; 20:52 refined seating depth firing; 22:32 “take away” commentary.
Design and Function of Open Front RCBS Summit Press
Unlike other presses, the open front RCBS Summit moves the die up and down while the cartridge case remains stationary. The ambidextrous open-front design allows great access to your cases, and you can quickly change dies very quickly. The Summit has an all-steel linkage and cast iron frame. The Summit also offers compound leverage, a massive 2-inch diameter ram, full access through the front, a press adapter bushing, spent primer catcher, and wide 4.5-inch operating window for convenient access.
Ultimate Reloader Video of Loading at the Range
Sometimes the ONLY practical solution for load development is loading ammunition at the range. In this video Ultimate Reloader’s Gavin Gear demonstrates the loading process from start to finish, and covers what gear is required to “load where you shoot”. This applies to both loading at a covered range and loading in the field. In the video Gavin employs a bench-attached powder thrower and the impressive ($300) Buchanan Precision Machine (BPM) hand press.
Loading Between Matches — Precision Loading at a Pace
In this video, French benchrest competitor Carlos Pacheco loads ammo efficiently between relays at a Benchrest for Group match. He has a single-stage press clamped to a bench, and has a separate arbor press for bullet seating. 6PPC group-shooting competitors commonly tune their loads during the course of the competition, adjusting powder volumes to keep their rifles in optimal tune. Some competitors may also change bullet seating depth, but “tuning” is most commonly done with powder charge. Some benchrest-for-group competitors also believe that best accuracy is achieve with freshly-made ammo loaded before the brass necks take a set.
Loading at the Range — Then and Now
In benchrest shooting for Group, loading at the range has been de rigueur for decades. In the Score discipline, preloading is usually the custom. The main reason is that, in Score competition, only one Aggregate (warm-up match and five record targets) per day is usually shot. That would be less than 50 shots, assuming a few sighter shots. Also, the 30BR, the dominant Benchrest-for-Score cartridge, is very amenable to pre-loading.
By contrast, the Group discipline includes 21 targets (two warm-ups and twenty record targets) over a weekend, usually shot with 6PPC-chambered rifles. Many times, the 6PPC shooters may tweak their loads through the day given changing atmospheric conditions or simply trying to find the correct tune to “dot up”. This term, “Dot up”, means the shots are essentially going through the same hole, or closely so.
Loading at the range was a bit different when benchrest competition was in its infancy. The 1951 book, Modern Accuracy by Bob Wallack, is the best of the early benchrest books. Copies can be found, from time to time, on eBay or Alibris. It is a fascinating survey of benchrest as it existed more than six decades ago. In it, there is a photo of Wallack using the rear bumper of a car at the bench to clamp his reloading tools. Things have come a long way compared to the range loading set-ups of modern shooters. Here you can see Bob Wallack way back in 1950:
Good Article on Reloading at the Range by Glen Zediker
The February 2013 edition of Shooting Sports USA magazine has an interesting feature by Glen Zediker, who sadly passed away in October 2020. In this Transporting Success, Part I article, Zediker explains the advantages of loading at the range when you are developing new loads or tuning existing loads. Glen, the author of the popular Handloading for Competition book, discusses the gear you’ll need to bring and he explains his load development procedure. In discussing reloading at the range, Glen focuses on throwing powder and seating bullets, because he normally brings enough sized-and-primed brass to the range with him, so he doesn’t need to de-prime, re-size, and then re-prime his cases.
Zediker writes: “Testing at the range provides the opportunity to be thorough and flexible. You also have the opportunity to do more testing under more similar conditions and, therefore, get results that are more telling. Once you are there, you can stay there until you get the results you want. No more waiting until next time.”
Zediker starts with three-shot groups: “I usually load and fire three samples [with] a new combination. I’ll then increase propellant charge… based on the results of those three rounds, and try three more. I know that three rounds is hardly a test, but if it looks bad on that few, it’s not going to get any better.”
Glen reminds readers to record their data: “Probably the most important piece of equipment is your notebook! No kidding. Write it down. Write it all down.”
There’s More to the Story…
Editor’s Note: In Zediker’s discussion of loading at the range, he only talks about throwing powder and seating bullets. In fact, Glen opines that: “there is little or no need for sizing.” Well, maybe. Presumably, for each subsequent load series, Zediker uses fresh brass that he has previously sized and primed. Thus he doesn’t need to de-prime or resize anything.
That’s one way to develop loads, but it may be more efficient to de-prime, re-size, and load the same cases. That way you don’t need to bring 50, 80, or even 100 primed-and-sized cases to the range. If you plan to reload your fired cases, you’ll need a system for de-priming (and re-priming) the brass, and either neck-sizing or full-length sizing (as you prefer). An arbor press can handle neck-sizing. But if you plan to do full-length sizing, you’ll need to bring a press that can handle case-sizing chores. Such a press need not be large or heavy. Many benchresters use the small but sturdy RCBS Partner Press, an “O-Design” that costs about $119.99 on Amazon. You may even get by with the more basic Lee Precision Compact Reloading Press, shown in Zediker’s article. This little Lee press, Lee product #90045, retails for under $50.00.
Wind Box Shelters Scales When Reloading at Outdoor Ranges
Beat the Breezes with a Wind Box for your Scale
Forum member Boyd Allen has come up with a smart solution for reloaders who use scales outdoors — a windproof scale enclosure, aka “Wind Box”. Boyd explains: “Many guys have good set-ups for loading at the range, with clamping mounts for powder measure and press. But they lack a good enclosure for a scale. This is vitally important with beam scales because they have a lot of surface area to catch the wind. With much wind at all, the beam can oscillate to the point that is not really very usable. While a low-profile electronic scale may be less wind-sensitive, breezes DO affect weight read-outs on digital scales. And of course you always have the issue of blowing powder particles.”
Boyd Allen has used his Wind Box successfully for many seasons. He explains: “The essence of the idea is to have a scale set up in a box with a clear cover that can be opened and closed. On one side the trickler handle/control emerges through a ‘just big enough’ hole. You raise the cover, add a sub-target-weight thrown charge to the pan, and then close the cover. With the cover secure, the set-up is protected from the wind, and you can now trickle up to your desired charge. It works very well. The scale in the photo is an old Ohaus that I picked up. You can adapt this Wind Box design to any beam scale, or portable electronic scale. Simply adjust the dimensions to fit your particular scale and trickler.”
Saturday Movies range loading story concept and video links by Boyd Allen
Jerry Miculek is the best action revolver shooter who has ever lived. Miculek is also a true master with rifle and shotgun. This guy shoots hundreds of thousands of rounds every year in all types of firearms. Through that process, he has discovered common mistakes many shooters make. Those mistakes can harm the guns, or threaten the safety of the operator. Here Jerry offers some vital gun handling and safety advice in his “Never Do This” video series.
Jerry Miculek has won multiple revolvers championships, and has set amazing records for revolver speed shooting (with reloads). Yes Jerry, “Mr. Revolver”, knows a thing or two about wheelguns. In this video, Jerry explains how you can damage your revolver by using the wrong methods to open and close the cylinder and extract ammo. Jerry shows what NOT to do, and then he very carefully explains the proper procedure to release the cylinder, and swing it out of the frame. In addition, Jerry shows how best to swing a loaded cyclinder back into place. If you own a revolver, ANY revolver, you should definitely watch this video.
In this second video, Jerry explains common mistakes people make when handling and shooting three classic, semi-auto firearm types — the M1 Garand, the SKS carbine, and the M1911 pistol. Jerry shows handling faults that can cause out-of-battery detonation or early primer strikes, or cause jams in the Garand and SKS. Then Jerry explains why you should never release the slide on a M1911 pistol with a round already in the chamber. This is a must-watch video for Garand owners.
Here Jerry demonstrates of the most common jams that can happen with AR-platform rifles. Miculek reveals the cause of the issue and then shows how to prevent it. Jerry notes: “This is one of those malfunctions that you won’t see coming! I’ve seen it … on the range and it can be devastating to your time in a match. All ammo used in the video were dummy rounds and intentionally loaded for training without powder or primers.”
Magnified 8X view looking down-range at bison (American buffalo) target.
Could You Hit a Steel Bison at 2240 Yards (1.27 miles) … with Iron Sights?
Impossible as that may seem, that’s exactly what Ernie Jimenez did some years back at the North Springs Shooting Range in Price, Utah (elevation 5,627′). Shooting a milsurp Swiss K31 rifle chambered for the 7.5×55 Swiss round, Jimenez placed four hits on a three-foot-high, bison-shaped steel target placed a staggering 2240 yards from the firing line. Not bad for a rifle which Jimenez acquired many years ago for just $99.00. Of course he did have plenty of misses along the way (and Ernie even managed to hit the plate shielding his camera).
This video is set to start half-way through, when the shooter starts making hits:
The whole process was recorded on video and posted on YouTube. The Long-Range Shooters of Utah say this is an official Guinness World Record for longest shot with iron sights. We can’t confirm that, but it still is an impressive feat. Jimenez had to compensate for a huge amount of bullet drop. His K31’s long-range military sights helped but he still had to aim well over the pink bison. To see how far that target is, watch the video at 14:30 — a camera at the firing line zooms all the way back until the bison is nothing but a tiny dot. The photo below show the target at 8X magnification, but it’s still barely visible.
Here’s the unmagnified, “naked-eye” view from the firing line. Can you see a pink buffalo at all?
Bullet Dropped Over 400 Feet along its Trajectory
To roughly gauge the bullet drop, we took a 7.5x55mm Swiss load from the Hodgdon Reloading Center. With max “book” load of H4350, a 168gr Sierra HPBT has a muzzle velocity of 2524 FPS. According to JBM Ballistics, that bullet will drop over 400 feet during its flight. That’s lot of hold-over! Assuming a 100-yard zero, 59° temp, and 5,600′ altitude, JBM calculates that the drop to 2250 yards is a stunning 210.9 MOA — that’s 4969.9 inches, or 414.15 feet!
In the first part of the video, shooter Ernie Jimenez talks about his hand-loads and his K31 rifle. Here is an example of the distinctive straight-pull K31 (Karabiner Model 1931). Image courtesy AIM Surplus.
Guns & Ammo has launched a 10-part Personal Defense Video Series in cooperation with Kahr Arms, Trijicon, InForce, and C&G Holsters. The first episode, “Drawing from Hip Carry”, was released this week at: gapersonaldefense.com. Viewers can also now watch all 10 episodes online to learn more about personal defense equipment, tactics, and strategies.
Nine more Personal Defense videos are available online. Click these links to access all NINE other videos:
Designed for both new and experienced firearm owners, these videos cover both handgun and rifle use for for personal protection. The producers state: “By tackling myths, addressing tough questions, and providing actionable guidance, this series equips viewers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about self-defense and responsible gun ownership.”
“Guns & Ammo Personal Defense is more than just a series; it’s a resource for individuals committed to protecting themselves and their loved ones,” said Tim Cremin, Head of Programming and Production at Outdoor Sportsman Group. “We’re eager to work with industry leaders to bring this comprehensive and educational program to our audience.”
Photo by Forum member GAT. Chambered in 6-6.5×47 Lapua, this rifle features a Stiller TAC30 action, Krieger barrel, Harrells brake, Konohawk Stock, and Sightron SIII 6-24x50mm scope.
Ryan Cleckner has created many good shooting videos for the NSSF, such as his excellent Understanding MOA Video. Ryan is noted for his ability to explain complex topics in an easy-to-comprehend manner. This video, covering the fundamentals of shooting, has been viewed over 1.6 million times. It’s worth watching, particularly for guys getting started in PRS/practical competitions.
In this video, Ryan Cleckner reviews proper technique for rifle shooters. A stable platform, sight alignment, sight picture, and trigger control are key fundamentals to shooting properly. This is basic stuff, but Cleckner presents it in a clear, logical fashion. This is a good video for novice shooters.
Tip on Viewing Your Reticle:
Cleckner: “Sometimes it can be difficult to focus between the target and the reticle, even with the parallax adjusted properly. I recommend you focus only on the reticle. Just like the front sight on a rifle or a handgun, that reticle is what you can control, and it’s what matters. Focus on a crisp, clear reticle, in a stable platform, and all that’s left is trigger control.”
Tip on Trigger Control:
Cleckner: “Trigger control is pretty straightforward, as long as you think about it as a continuous process, and not just one thing that happens. I like to think about it as drawing a line in the dirt. I like to think about this constant pressure that I’m adding as I draw this line straight back, and then… continuing to draw that line even as the rifle goes off. That’s the good follow-through you’ll need.”
Long Range Shooting Handbook — A Good Resource
Cleckner has authored a book, the Long Range Shooting Handbook, which expands on the topics covered in the above video. You can view Sample Chapters from Ryan’s Book on Amazon.com.
Ryan Cleckner’s LR Shooting Handbook is designed as an intro to important fundamental concepts such as MOA vs. Mils, External Ballistics, and Environmental Effects. Included are personal tips and advice based on Cleckner’s years of experience as a sniper instructor and special operations sniper.
The Long Range Shooting Handbook is divided into three main categories: What It Is/How It Works, Fundamentals, and How to Use It. “What It Is/How It Works” covers equipment, terminology, and basic principles. “Fundamentals” covers the theory of long range shooting. “How to Use It” gives practical advice on implementing what you’ve learned, so you can progress as a skilled, long range shooter.
As a long-range shooting expert, Ryan Cleckner has impressive credentials. Cleckner was a special operations sniper (1/75 RGR) with multiple combat deployments, and he has served a U.S. Army sniper instructor. Currently he works as a firearms industry executive and attorney.
We like Lyman’s Electronic Digital Trigger Pull Gauge, which is faster and more precise than the previous model. The latest Lyman Pull Gauge measures trigger pull weights from 1 ounce to 12 pounds with resolution of 0.1 ounces (2.8 grams). It features an adjustable, 4-position rod which retracts into the gauge body. We think that anyone running match triggers below 2.5 pounds pull weight should have a gauge like this. Among the pull gauges on the market, we think the Lyman unit offers great performance for the price.
Features: More Precise Strain Gauge | Improved Grip Shape | Adjustable Rod Lengths
Lyman’s Electronic Digital Trigger Pull Gauge is designed to be the fastest and most accurate trigger pull gauge available. State-of-the-art strain gauge technology allows for repeatable accuracy of 1/10 ounce (2.8 grams). The gauge features a large, easy-to-read LCD display and you can switch from ounces to grams with the push of a button. The gauge can also deliver a pull weight average of the last 10 readings. That’s very helpful when working with factory triggers that may not be very consistent.
The Lyman Trigger Pull Gauge features a solid, collapsible rod with four locking positions. Being able to adjust length makes it easier to use the gauge with a wide variety of firearms — pistols, rifles, and shotguns. The locking feature prevents the rod from flexing when applying pressure to the trigger. When not in use, the rod conveniently collapses into the gauge body, making the whole unit more compact. The new Trigger Pull Gauge comes in an internally-padded plastic case that can be easily stored in a drawer or on your work bench.
This coming week, July 7-9, 2025, the National 3PAR (Three-Position Air Rifle) Precision Championships take place at Camp Perry, Ohio. This 3-day event for junior shooters is the culmination of a series of shooting competitions organized by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). The annual CMP 3PAR competition begins with postal matches, followed by regional championships (in multiple states), and culminates in a national championship held at Camp Perry, Ohio. There will be both individual and team competition. All matches will be fired on electronic targets. CLICK HERE for Match Program PDF.
Prizes and Scholarship Awards for Top Competitors
This 3PAR Championship is an event for young shooters — qualifying juniors and high school seniors who have just graduated are eligible. There will be monetary awards for both individual and team winners. In addition, the top three competitors who just graduated from high school will each receive a $1000 CMP Scholarship award. In addition, USA Shooting will present a National Futures Team slot to the top male and female shooters in the precision class.
Precision Air Rifle is modeled after Olympic-style shooting and allows the use of very high-tech (and pricey) target rifles and equipment. By contrast, Sporter Air Rifle employ simple, much less expensive rifles. In both types of shooting, competitors fire at targets at a distance of 10 meters in three different positions, prone, standing and kneeling. The Sporter match took place June 21-25, 2025. The Precision match, with the high-tech, ultra-accurate rifles (like the Feinwerkbau shown below), kicks off tomorrow, July 7, 2025.
Location and Facilities: The championships will take place at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center, located at Camp Perry Training Site, 1000 N. Lawrence Road Bldg. #5042, Port Clinton, OH 43452.
Course of Fire: The course of fire will be one 3×20 three-position air rifle event on each competition day, with all events fired at 10 meters. Teams will be comprised of four members selected before the competition begins. A final will be fired for the top 8 individuals.
The modern Gary Anderson Competition Center boasts a long row of indoor electronic targets, which can provide multiple target distances from fixed firing points.
Electronic Targets with Results Streamed Online
The Gary Anderson Center boasts state-of-the-art electronic targets that record scores the instant each shot is fired. Shot-by-shot feeds (and scores) are then displayed on large screens. For some matches, live target images are uploaded to the web for display on mobile devices.
About the National 3PAR Championships — Key INFO
Phase 1 Postal Matches: Competitors shoot on their home ranges and submit scores to CMP.
Phase 2 Regional Championships: Top postal match shooters advance to regional competitions.
National Championship Finals: The final event, held at Camp Perry, features both precision air rifle competitions (July 7-9, 2025) and sporter competition (June 19-21, 2025).
3PAR Competition Classes: There are separate competitions for sporter (designed for new competitors) and precision (modeled after Olympic-style shooting) classes.
National Matches: 2025 3PAR competitions at Camp Perry are held in conjunction with the larger National Matches, offering opportunities for additional shooting events.
National Championship Dates: The Sporter Championship was held June 19-21, 2025. The 3PAR Precision Championship takes place July 7-9, 2025 at Camp Perry.
Championship Rules: The 3PAR Championships are conducted under the 2024-2026 15th Edition National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules (NS3PC). CLICK HERE to download the rules from the CMP website.
About the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center
The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center in Ohio, is open to the public, year-round. This modern facility features an 80-point range equipped with the CMP’s own electronic targets. The facility also includes a retail center for equipment and memorabilia sales.
There’s More to the Story…
