Why is factory ammunition so hard to find? That’s the question on many gun owners’ minds. There are some crazy rumors — that production has been slowed on purpose — or that there is a secret warehouse somewhere, full of ammo. In fact, those rumors are nonsense — the major ammo production facilities of Vista Outdoor are running around the clock to meet demand.
That message was recently delivered in a video featuring Jason Vanderbrink, President of Vista Outdoor’s ammunition manufacturing division, which includes brands Federal, CCI, Speer, and Remington.
Millions of new gun owners have created an unprecedented demand for ammo in 2020.
Huge Demand from Millions of New Gun Owners
Vanserbrink points out some basic economics: “Seven million new shooters since March, times 2 boxes (a conservative estimate) is 700 MILLION new rounds of ammunition [that] our three factories have to produce. That is impossible to do in nine months.”
In this video, Vanderbrink asks for patience and seeks to quash rumors. While conceding that the pandemic has created challenges, Vanderbrink declares that the ammo plants are running at full capacity:
“We know, ammo seems hard to come by right now. But rest assured, we are building and shipping more and more every day[.] We are making ammunition every minute of every day … We are making more hunting ammo than we ever have. We are doing our damndest to meet the demand!”
Every year the NRA Publications group announces Golden Bullseye winners for various product categories (rifle, handgun, shotgun, optics, gear etc.). These awards are like the Oscars for the shooting industry. There are many Golden Bullseyes given out each year because there are separate awards given by different NRA Magazines — including American Rifleman, Shooting Illustrated, and American Hunter. Here are the 2021 Rifles of the Year (Golden Bullseye Winners) as chosen by each of those three publications.
American Rifleman 2021 Golden Bullseye Award Winner
Rifle of the Year — Benelli LUPO
The LUPO is Benelli’s first bolt-action rifle (“Lupo” is Italian for “wolf”). This new chassis-style hunting rifle allows for user fitting/customization out of the box. The LUPO design boasts no less than seven exclusive Benelli patents. It offers a built-in recoil reduction system, adjustable trigger plus grip-to-trigger “reach” customizable via receiver/stock spacers. The Airtouch Grip surfaces allow for a firm, comfortable hold on the rifle. The action comes with rails and an ambi-safety. Fort its innovative LUPO Benellit offers a 3-shot sub-MOA guarantee.
American Hunter 2021 Golden Bullseye Award Winner
Rifle of the Year — Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint
We’re in the thick of hunting season now, so we’re featuring an impressive new hunting rig from Springfield Armory. The new Model 2020 Waypoint rifles feature advanced carbon-wrapped barrels*, TriggerTech triggers, and carbon-fiber, hand-painted camo stocks. The actions are pretty impressive too — with precision machining, enlarged ejection port, and integral recoil lug. These Waypoint rifles rival full-custom hunting rigs, yet are reasonably affordable. Starting price is $1699.00 with stainless barrel, while the deluxe model with carbon-wrapped barrel and adjustable cheekpiece is still under $2,400.00.
Handsome Hand-Painted Carbon-Fiber Stocks
Minimum gun weight with carbon-wrapped barrel and fixed cheek is just 6.6 pounds.
Shooting Illustrated 2021 Golden Bullseye Award Winner
Rifle of the Year — Savage Axis II Precision
The Savage AXIS II has has been given a Precision Series upgrade with a MDT Chassis designed for Savage AXIS II platform. The MDT black aluminum chassis features an olive drab injection-molded skin. It has adjustable comb height while length of pull adjusts via spacers. An MLOK™ fore-end allows easy fitting of accessories. This rifle features a black-finished action fitted to 22″ carbon steel, button-rifled heavy barrel with threaded muzzle. The Savage AccuTrigger adjusts from 2.5 to 6 pounds pull-weight.
About the Golden Bullseye Awards
Now in their 19th year, the NRA Publications Golden Bullseye Awards acknowledge the finest products available in the shooting sports. The winners are selected by a seven-member committee consisting of editors, graphic designers and veteran NRA Publications staff, representing more than a century of collective experience in the shooting and hunting industry.
To qualify for consideration for a Golden Bullseye Award, a product must have been:
— Recently introduced and available to consumers.
— Used/tested by a staff member or magazine contributor.
— Reliable in the field, meeting or exceeding the evaluator’s expectations
— Innovative in design and function.
— Readily perceived as a value to the purchaser.
— Styled in a manner befitting the shooting and hunting industry.
“In the uncertain year of 2020, companies with in the firearm industry continued to innovate”, said American Rifleman Editor-in-Chief (EIC) Mark Keefe. American Hunter EIC J. Scott Olmsted added: “Companies in the firearm and outdoor trade industry continued to provide innovation, quality and value to us all. American Hunter is proud to honor these companies’ dedication to our pastime with 2021 Golden Bullseyes.”
With ammunition in short supply these days, we know ammo production is on people’s minds. Top industry leaders have said the USA will face ammo shortages well into 2021. So ammo-makers big and small are ramping up production to meet demand. If you’re curious how ammunition is created on the assembly by a relatively small, speciality manufacturer, watch the video below to see the entire process, start to finish.
This video from Fog Ammunition reveals how .223 Rem ammo is made. Starting with boxes of bullets and bags of cartridge brass, this video shows how components are bulk-sorted, then .223 Rem ammunition is produced on a modern, linear multi-stage loading machine. In assembly-line fashion, cases are primed, powder is added, bullets are placed, final seating depth is set, and then the case is crimped.
If you’ve never seen an automated loader in action you should definitely watch this video. With this kind of machine, a new round is produced every second or so (see video 1:15 to 1:55). The .223 Remington ammunition featured in this video is loaded with Sierra BlitzKing bullets. Fog offers both rifle and pistol ammo loaded with quality components.
Video Shows Automated Loading Process Start to Finish (Worth Watching):
Remember when primers were plentiful and priced affordably?
Nielsen-Kellerman, Inc. (NK) is acquiring the assets of MagnetoSpeed, LLC, leading manufacturer of barrel-mounted electromagnetic chronographs and other shooting accessories. MagnetoSpeed will join Kestrel Ballistics in NK’s Ballistics Division. With Kestrel and now MagnetoSpeed, NK has two very important product lines for precision shooters and competitors. And yes, NK anticipates that, in the near future, new software engineering will allow MagnetoSpeed chronos to communicate with Kestrels to provide faster ballistic solutions. NK CEO Alix James stated: “…We see exciting opportunities to improve the function of the chronograph line by connecting the chronographs directly to Kestrel Ballistics Weather Meters with Kestrel LiNK. The MagnetoSpeed founders are brilliant engineers and we are grateful for the opportunity to build upon their design innovations.”
NK CEO James added: “The MagnetoSpeed acquisition is a win for our companies, our customers, and the shooting community as a whole. The MagnetoSpeed brand is known for accuracy, durability, and innovation. This aligns with our commitment to producing extremely accurate, rugged, purpose-built ballistics tools for improving long-range precision and shooting performance. The move…supports NK’s commitment to expanding its offerings to the shooting, hunting, and outdoor users.”
NOTE: NK Ballistics Division will host a combined Kestrel/MagnetoSpeed Virtual Class training session on 12/23/2020. CLICK HERE to Register.
Nielsen-Kellerman Announces Acquisition of MagnetoSpeed LLC
The founders of MagnetoSpeed are proud their company is teaming with NK and Kestrel: “Ten years ago, three young engineers from Texas began work on a new kind of chronograph. It began with a crude prototype, but with the support of the shooting community, we were able to bootstrap those humble beginnings into a successful company[.] We see a great opportunity with Kestrel’s Ballistic division to take our products to the next level and to develop amazing new ones.”
MagnetoSpeed Product Line OverView
MagnetoSpeed has been manufacturing rugged chronographs, target hit indicators, and barrel coolers since 2013. The company’s signature V3 and Sporter barrel-mounted ballistic chronographs use patented electromagnetic sensors to measure bullet velocity with extreme precision and reliability. Other MagnetoSpeed products include the T1000 Hit Indicator, and the Riflekühl chamber flag + barrel cooler.
With a MagnetoSpeed barrel-mounted chrono you can quickly and easily record muzzle velocity (MV) without having to set up tripods or walk down-range. The compact MagnetoSpeed chronos are easy to set up and transport. With the full-featured V3 model, everything you need comes in a small fitted case. In the top photo are the components used with the MagnetoSpeed V3 Kit:
1. V3 Bayonet sensor
2. Display and control unit
3. Bayonet spacers (plastic and rubber)
4. Cords and mounting hardware (left), suppressor heat shield (right)
5. Alignment rod (square cross-section)
6. Rail adapter (sold separately)
If you are on a tighter budget, the MagnetoSpeed Sporter is a great option. This unit works on most rifles and offers the same reliable speed-measuring technology as the V3 model, but with fewer options and different display. Available for just $179.00 on Amazon, the MagnetoSpeed Sporter is perhaps the best value in chronographs on the market today.
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.
⏺ Great price for nice hunting rifle; many calibers, coated action + barrel
In today’s market, getting a quality hunting rig for under $450.00 is a very good deal. Add in a Permacote protective finish on both action and barrel and you have a true bargain. Right now Sportsman’s Warehouse is offering the Winchester XPR rifle in a variety of regular and magnum chamberings for just $449.99. Choose from 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Magnum, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Win Magnum. These guns have smooth feeding and good warranties. Notable features include:
Flat Dark Earth (FDE) Permacote Receiver Finish
Free-floating Button-rifled Barrel with FDE Permacote Finish
M.O.A. Trigger System with 2-Position Thumb Safety
Mossy Oak Elements Terra Bayou Camouflage Finish
2. Midsouth — Bullets IN STOCK from All Major Brands
⏺ Berger, Sierra, Hornady, Nosler, Barnes, Speer in stock
Reloading components are getting harder to find. Thankfully, Midsouth has a HUGE inventory of rifle bullets IN STOCK, from many makers, in a wide selection of calibers and weights. And many of these bullets are on sale right now. Choose your favorite projectiles from Berger, Sierra, Hornady, Nosler, Speer, and Barnes. You’ll find good prices on rifle match bullets as well as hunting bullets, with both tipped and conventional designs, as well as solids (from Barnes). Hornady A-Tips are on sale. CLICK HERE for Bullets.
⏺ Very high quality brass for popular mid-size accuracy cartridges
After Lapua and Peterson, USA-based Alpha Munitions makes some of the best cartridge brass available today. In stock now at Precision Reloading is Alpha brass for these popular cartridges: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6XC, and .308 Win. Notably, Alpha also makes 6mm Dasher brass, saving you a fire-forming step, and Alpha also produces the new 6GT case popular with PRS shooters. BIG NEWS: Alpha recently started producing 6mm BRA (6BR Ackley) brass. Alpha 6mm BRA and 6 Dasher brass are available directly from Alpha Munitions, but act soon — this will quickly sell out. Click links below:
⏺ Fast, programmable, accurate dispenser at great price
The Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper is a high-quality powder scale dispenser. It’s accurate to +/- one-tenth of a grain, dispenses in seconds, and can be controlled by a handy mobile App that can store various charges weights for different cartridges. This unit has a 7000-grain capacity with both Auto and manual trickle capability. IMPORTANT: This super-low Amazon price won’t last long. Act quickly to secure the Intellidropper for $179.95 on Sale.
5. All Dealers — Zeiss Conquest V4 $100 Instant Rebate
⏺ Instant $100 savings on outstanding Zeiss Conquest V4 Scopes
Calling all holiday shoppers! Looking for that perfect gift for the hunter or shooter on your list? Through December 31, 2020, ZEISS is offering a great deal through participating ZEISS authorized retailers. Customers looking to buy Conquest V4 riflescopes and Terra ED 42 mm objective binoculars will receive $100 off instantly at time of purchase. No Rebate forms to fill out, no waiting periods — you just save $100 instantly. CLICK HERE for ZEISS SALE INFO.
6. MidwayUSA — BOG Death Grip Tripod, $124.99
⏺ Versatile — use in all positions (even prone), secure top clamp
BOG makes very popular “long reach” shooting sticks/bipods for hunters. And now BOG has developed a clamp-style tripod that is great for hunters and PRS/NRL competitors. The BOG Death Grip Tripod has a rectangular-style padded clamp that will fit a wide variety of rifle fore-end styles (and widths).
Watch the video above to see this tripod’s versatility and why it has earned rave reviews. Non-marring rubber jaw insert protect your rifle’s finish. The 3-position leg angle lock allows for secure shooting in standing, kneeling and prone positions. Tilt adjustment lever controls up to 25 degrees of cant forwards and back and the head pans 360 degrees. Right now the BOG Death Grip Tripod Aluminum version is on sale at MidwayUSA for $124.99, $25.00 off. NOTE: You need to place the product in MidwayUSA’s shopping cart to see this special price.
7. Focus Camera — Fujinon Scope Plus Binoculars, $149.00
⏺ Killer combo deal — great gift for someone getting started in hunting
Here is a killer deal on a hunting optics combo. Fujinon does make high quality optics but the company is not well known among American consumers so Fujinon optics have been deeply discounted. Right now you can get a good, light-weight 1.75-5x32mm hunting scope AND 10x32mm binoculars for just $149.00! The original MSRP on this combo was $499.99 so you’re saving over $350! The magnification level is ideal for a deer rifle scope. We think this would be a great gift item for a hunter in your family.
8. Midsouth — Great End-of-Year Target Sale
⏺ Dozens of Hi-Viz and Specialty Targets at Great Prices
Need targets for your range days next year? Midsouth Shooters has a huge selection of shooting targets at attractive prices. Choose from stick-on targets, target dots, splatter targets, grid targets, bullseye targets, and even Zombie fun targets, in various sizes and colors.
Midsouth also has a unique stick-on white benchrest target that comes on a handy roll. The 250 target roll is $12.49. This self-adhesive target is great for practicing for benchrest matches and load development. We use it because it has a nice grid and precise aim point.
9. MidwayUSA — Dual Gong Target System, 50% Off, $44.99
⏺ Great Price for twin AR500 system — just add wood beam and have fun
Who doesn’t like shooting steel? The “clang” of hitting a steel target at long range provides instant gratification. This Viking Solutions Gong Target System features two AR500 Steel Gongs (6″ and 8″) suspended by chains. All the hardware is supplied including chains, leg stands, and nuts and bolts — all you need is a length of 2×4 lumber. Setup time is less than two minutes. The gongs are manufactured from 3/8″-thick AR500 steel for long lasting durability! NOTE: User must supply lumber beam. This unit once sold for $89.99 so you save $45.00!
10. Amazon — Cleaning Kit with 1000 Patches, Swabs, Boresnake
⏺ Great bargain cleaning kit with swabs, 1000 patches, bottles and boresnake
This handy Gun Cleaning Kit is worth the $15.95 price for the 1000 cotton patches alone. But in addition to that you get a handy boresnake for barrel cleaning, 100 cotton, tipped swabs, two empty solvent bottles (needle-nose), along with a handy kit to carry all this gear. Buyer selects the boresnake size. Chose from: .223, .270/7mm, .308, .40, .45, and 12 gauge.
In our Shooter’s Forum there is a popular thread, Let’s See Those Hunting Rifles. This long-running thread features dozens of interesting hunting rifles of all varieties — from rimfires to big magnums. In that thread we found the focus of today’s story, a .221 Fireball. Now that we are in the thick of winter, with Christmas just two weeks away, we showcase this .221 Rem Fireball rifle from Norway. This rig belong to Thomas Haugland, aka “Roe” on our Forum. An avid backcountry hunter, Thomas also happens to be one of the best gun-content video producers on YouTube — check out Haugland’s THLR.NO YouTube Channel.
We’ll begin with two of Haugland’s remarkable videos — worth watching just for the stunning scenery. Thomas skis through the Norwegian Arctic backcountry, then successfully uses his suppressed, white-camouflaged .221 Fireball rifle to bag a Ptarmigan bird — bringing home a well-earned winter dinner.
NOTE: This is the short preview version. Watch the full hunt in second video.
The 7-minute video below shows the full ski hunt. The Ptarmigans are spotted at 4:30 time mark and Thomas takes the shot at 5:36. Great video — you feel like you are there in Norway’s white wilderness. The images above (including top photo) are pulled from this video.
About the .221 Fireball Cartridge
The .221 Remington Fireball cartridge was developed by Remington in 1963 for the XP-100 bolt action pistol. Today the cartridge remains popular with hunters/varminters, both in the original version, and with wildcats such as the .20 Vartarg and .17 Fireball. Lapua started making superb .221 Rem Fireball cartridge brass starting in 2014. However, according to Lapua: “This case is no longer in active production.” But you can definitely still find it — Lapua .221 Fireball brass is in stock now at Grafs.com for $79.99/100. Lapua notes: “Fireball brass has recently seen a dramatic surge in popularity, due in large part to the efforts of wildcatters working with this versatile case. Whether used in its original form, or necked into one of the many cases that it serves as a parent for, the Lapua .221 Fireball brass is a sure winner[.]”
Haugland .221 Fireball with New Carbon Stock and Walther Barrel
Shown above is Haugland’s same .221 Rem Fireball from the videos, but with a new camo stock and new barrel. (The previous stock was painted white). Originally a Remington 700 Light Varmint, this was rebarreled to .221 Fireball with Lothar Walther 1:12″ barrel. Thomas admits he “Goofed a little on the barrel profile, so it is a tad heavier than I wanted.” The stock is a carbon-fiber Gunwerks ClymR and on top is a Leupold 3-18x44mm MK5 HD with Gunwerks RH1 reticle. Only the action and the trigger is left from the original rifle.
With the 1:12″ twist, this rifle is restricted to 55gr maximum bullet weight. Thomas posted: “Shoots well with Vihtavuori N130 and Norma N200 powders, not so good with RL7.” Due to lack of light in far-Northern Norway in winter (see photo above), Roe has not hunted with this rifle much since rebarreling, but as you can see, it’s very accurate — look at that group. Thomas says the gun shoots much better with the new barrel: “With the factory barrel (which I believe was 1:14″-twist) it didn’t shoot better than 1 MOA at 100 yards. Now it approaches half-MOA for three shots (see photo).”
And Thomas was successful with this rig as “reborn” with new stock and barrel. Here’s the gun and a Ptarmigan he shot in the Norwegian snow-covered backcountry.
If you like that Gunwerks ClymR carbon stock, here’s a Gunwerks video showcasing the ClymR Rifle System. A complete Gunwerks ClymR rifle with Titanium action and scope is a shocking $9734.99, so we can understand why Thomas went with the stock alone, paired with a older Rem 700 action.
Right now, with loaded ammunition and primers hard to find, many shooters are exploring air rifle options to enjoy target shooting and maintain their marksmanship skills. While air rifles don’t use powder and primers, there IS a propellant — compressed AIR, very highly compressed air. Some of the premium air rifles on the market now run at 4500 PSI. How do you get that kind of pressure safely? You need a very good air compressor, preferrably with smart technology to run to max without over-pressure risks. Thankfully, there are some very advanced air compressors on the market today, including a new ReadyAir “oilless” compressor from Umarex and the popular Air Venturi II portable sold by Pyramyd Air. Both electrically-powered units can safely fill airgun reservoirs up to 4500 PSI.
UMAREX ReadyAir Oilless Airgun Compressor
Umarex USA recently introduced a new oilless portable air compressor to fill high-pressure air guns. The innovative Umarex ReadyAir pump is a “smart device” with electronically-controlled fills up to 4500 PSI. It utilizes a patented oilless piston compression technology to fill PCP reservoirs up to a true 4500 PSI in a few minutes. The oilless design means less maintenance hassles.
“In a growing market of 3000 PSI and greater airguns, shooters need an easy, yet reliable and portable air source. The Umarex ReadyAir reliably fills … 4500 PSI airguns like that of our Umarex Hammer and other big game hunting air rifles in just minutes”, said Richard Turner, President of Umarex USA.
The oilless system is simple and requires less maintenance allowing shooters to spend more time shooting and less time maintaining their compressor. The ReadyAir is the only smart airgun compressor in its class engineered to be oilless AND control the extreme heat generated by the compression of air. Umarex claims “the heavy-duty quality components plus smart electronic governors increases its life expectancy and decreases maintenance while eliminating the need for liquid cooling or lubrication.”
The Umarex ReadyAir can run from standard 110-volt electrical outlets without an external converter box. Or it can run from a 12-volt vehicle battery with the included 8-foot battery cables. The ReadyAir can be electronically programmed to fill to any desired pressure up to 4500 PSI. It is managed by a smart on-board computer that automatically shuts the compressor off if the set running temperature is ever exceeded. It also features a compressed activated charcoal filter to prevent dirt and moisture from entering an airgun’s reservoir.
UMAREX READYAIR FEATURES:
Oil-Free: Requires no oil or water
Smart Digital Auto-Shut-Off Control: Stops at your Set Pressure
Temp Protection: Smart Auto Shut Off prevents over-heating
Legitimately Fills to 4500 PSI
Electric: Use standard 110 volt or 12 volts with no external converter
Dual Language Capability: English / Spanish
High-Pressure Hose, Long 12 volt cables and 110 volt power cable included
Maintenance Kit Included
The portable Umarex ReadyAir has an attractive $549.99 MSRP, half the price of some other 4500 PSI compressors. (Order from Pyramyd Air for $529.99). Each ReadyAir includes the compressor unit with carry handle, 110V power cord, 12V battery clamp cable, and a high-pressure hose with quick connect fittings.
Air Venturi Nomad II Electric Air Compressor
Another very good value in a 4500 PSI electric-powered air compressor, is the Air Venturi Nomad II 4500 PSI Portable PCP Compressor. Priced at $699.99, the Nomad II offers features and performance that could cost $1000.00 or more with other machines capable of quick air fills up to 4500 PSI. Weighing under 20 pounds, and sized just 10.6″ L x 8″ W x 7.9″, the fan-cooled Nomad II is truly a “portable” unit that even includes a travel bag and a converter so you can power this pump from your vehicle’s 12-volt battery. NOTE: This requires lubricant — you must use pure silicone oil with the Nomad II Compressor.
Pressures up to 4500 PSI
Integrated LED lights on underside of the unit for low light use
Capable of running off 110V or 220V outlet or 12V car battery
Fan-cooled power supply for electrical outlet use is built-in
External Lubrication Port (Use Silicone Lubricant only)
Hose with integrated moisture catch and female QD fittings
Noise level while running is 92 dB
Jumper cables included
Efficient High Pressure Hand Pumps
Have you ever wanted to shoot at a range or in the field where there is no electrical power and you don’t have a gas-fueled pump of some kind? There IS an human-powered way to fill your air rifles — if you’re willing to expend some energy.
For the money, we like the GX PCP 4500 PSI Hand Pump, $159.99 at Amazon (shown above). This well-designed pump features a 3.5 Stage high pressure fill function along with built-in Oil-Moisture Filters. The exclusive 3.5 Stage pump design compresses the maximum amount of air possible from each stroke. That means fewer strokes and less work to fill your air gun. The design also has a wide-spread base that keeps the unit nice and steady while you are pumping.
Umarex also offers a specialized hand pump rated for 4500 PSI — though a 3000 PSI fill is more common. The Umarex SuperFill High Pressure Hand Pump compresses the maximum amount of air possible from each stroke. About 150 strokes of the pump will fill a 13ci (200 cc) tank to 3000 PSI. For $49.99 you can add the patented Dry-Pac system that removes up to 90% of moisture in the compressed air. With this pump Umarex includes a female quick-disconnect fitting that threads onto the end of the hose. This SuperFill Hand Pump costs $179.99 from Umarex
In this video, Eydin Hansen explains how to use high-pressure hand pumps. The key is to use steady strokes both up and down. Use your body-weight on the down stroke, when there is the most resistance. Hansen also suggests pumping in stages — pump for 5 minutes, then let it cool down for 15. Them pump another 5. Hansen recommends keeping Keep your airgun’s cylinder topped off so that future pumping won’t require more than the one, 5-minute session. “Slow and steady wins the race”, says Hansen.
What kind of accuracy do you think is possible from a rimfire benchrest rifle? If we said 0.44 MOA you might not be surprised, thinking this was at 50 yards. But how about 0.44 MOA accuracy at TWO HUNDRED yards. Now that’s impressive. Consider this — at 200 yards, a 10 mph crosswind will push that little 40gr bullet 15.3 inches. Here’s the story, which comes from the Land Down-Under, Australia.
A couple seasons back, Australian John Lavaring shot a group at 200 yards that would make most centerfire shooters proud. The five-shot group, with all shots in the center 10-ring, measured just 0.93 inches. That works out to 0.44 MOA at 200 — mighty impressive for a .22 LR. Recorded at a Rimfire Fly Shoot benchrest event in Canberra, Australia, this 200-yard target set two new Australian SSAA National records! John was using ELEY Tenex ammunition.
Congratulations to John Lavaring for a spectacular demonstration of how well a rimfire rig can shoot — even at 200 yards. We rarely shoot our .22 LR rifles past 50 meters. Maybe it’s time to start a Rimfire ELR series, with targets at 200 or even 300 yards. What do you think of the Rimfire ELR idea? Leave comments below.
Anschutz 54 Benchrest Rig
The rifle was a Anschutz model 54 Match in a custom benchrest stock. John’s record-setting rig features a barrel block, which you can see forward of the action. Scope is a Bausch & Lomb BR model. We don’t have the round count on Lavaring’s barrel, but good rimfire benchrest rifles can often get 10,000 rounds (or more) of accurate life.
Rimfire Ballistics at 200 Yards
Some folks may be wondering about .22 LR ballistics at 200 yards. Well, with a 25-yard zero, the 200-yard drop for John’s 40gr Tenex ammo is 54 inches, assuming 0.145 G1 BC and 1085 fps muzzle velocity per ELEY website. And at 200 yards, a 10 mph crosswind will push that little bullet 15.3 inches! We’re told the winds were pretty tricky when Lavary shot his record group. This makes his achievement all the more impressive — we have to admire John’s wind-reading ability.
This ELEY ammo has proven to be exceptionally accurate. Here is a short video showing TEN rounds of Tenex shot from a machine rest with target at 50 meters.
Lyman’s Auto Advance Target System is an innovative product for rimfire shooters. Shoot more, with less time wasted changing targets. The Auto Advance features a motor-driven roll of targets that can be “refreshed” with a radio remote-control. Here’s how it works — a 50-foot-long target roll is mounted in the top on the target stand. When you’re ready for a new target, push a button and a fresh target rolls into place. The radio remote-control activates a battery-powered electric motor that conveniently rolls a new target into place after the current target is shot out. The remote-control works at distances up to 200 yards. NOTE: This target system is rated for rimfire and air rifle use only — no centerfire.
There are currently four (4) target roll options: Five Bullseye Target, 11-Bull Smallbore Target, Silhouette Target, and Varmint Target. MSRP is $149.95; street price is currently $112.99 on Amazon.
This helpful Lyman video shows all the features of the Auto Advance, with instructions for frame assembly, target-roll loading/removal, and use of the remote control.
Lyman states: “The new Lyman Auto-Advance Target System offers shooters the ability to change targets at up to 200 yards with the press of a button! No more walking downrange to replace targets, or waiting for cease-fires! The Auto-Advance Target System is battery-operated, so there is no need for wires and power outlets, plus it disassembles easily for transportation back and forth to the range. The Auto-Advance Target System has steel protection plates that are rated for use with all rimfire calibers. The Auto-Advance Target System comes with a roll of standard bullseye targets. Additional 50-foot target rolls are available with bullseye, animal and silhouette designs.”
With the current acute shortages of ammo and reloading components (particularly primers), many shooters are doing more dry-fire training. This method allows you to practice your hold, aiming, and trigger-pulling skills without using precious components and/or barrel life. Here are three systems employed for Dry Fire Training. The first device, the Mantis X Series, fits on a Picatinny rail and has a full-featured App that records your sessions and offers training tips. The Strikeman, used primarily by pistol shooters, features an in-chamber laser and a smartphone App that “reads” a proprietary target. The third device, the SCATT MX-02, is favored by top air rifle Olympic shooters and smallbore marksmen, but it can also be effectively used with centerfire rifles also. AND it can work for LIVE-fire as well as dry-fire training.
Mantis Systems — X2 for Dry-Fire, $99.99
Built for dry-fire use only, the Mantis X2 ($99.99) provides real-time, shot-by-shot feedback for both pistol and rifle users. You can track multiple training sessions with data-driven insights, and monitor your progress. This unit has earned high user reviews such as: “As a new gun owner the Mantis X is a game changer for me. I have not been able to get to the range during the lockdowns and being able to practice at home [is great].” And another: “Easy to install[.] The App is free and easy to use. I can’t make it to the range very often so I love being able to improve at home. It holds its charge for a long time.”
Guns America Digest has reviewed the Mantis X2. Tester Edgar Sherman says it offers good functionality for the $99.99 MSRP: “[The X2] is a clip-on attachment you can put on your handgun or rifle to test your accuracy [and see] how much movement you produce when breaking your shot. I use this system for myself to check my grip and trigger press [and] help new shooters eliminate variables. This tool will link up to your phone via Bluetooth and a free [Android App].” The Mantis X2 is a good value. The manufacturer states: “There is nothing at this price point that will give you this level of feedback for dry fire.”
There are actually four Mantis versions for firearms: X2 ($99.99), X3 ($169.99), X7 Shotgun ($199.99) and X10 Elite ($249.99). The X3 adds live fire functionality, allowing you to delve into and compare performance improvements between dry and live fire sessions. The capabilities of each system are found on the Mantis Model Comparison Page. NOTE: If your pistol/rifle lacks a standard accessory rail, Mantis offers a variety of Clamp-on Rail Adapeters.
Strikeman Training System
In this video Dustin Ellerman shows how to use the Strikeman Dry Firing System.
The Strikeman system is designed for dry-fire training primarily with handguns. This $99.99 system has four components: 1) a laser cartridge (similar to a bore-sighter) that fits in your chamber; 2) a special target; 3) a mount for your smartphone; and 4) a smartphone App that records your aiming. During practice, you set up your smartphone to point at the target, and the App record the laser movement, effectively tracking your muzzle movement. The manufacturer explains: “By using our signature target, laser cartridge and smartphone holder in unison with our phone App, you can safely practice your shot in the comfort of your home. The target includes a removable mount and suction cups. Our custom designed smartphone holder allows you to adjust your smartphone effortlessly.” Users seem to like this system, and Strikeman even offers a 15-day sastisfaction guarantee: “The Strikeman Training System is guaranteed to improve your shot accuracy, or your money back. Try it risk free for 15 days!”
The Strikeman is currently offered for seven (7) different cartridge types: .380 ACP, 9x19mm, .357 SIG, .38 SPL, .40 SW, .45 ACP, .223 Rem/5.56. The manufacturer’s video below shows how to place the Strikeman laser cartridge in your pistol and set up your smartphone and the special target:
SCATT MX-02 for Dry-Fire and Live-Fire
The SCATT MX-02 ($1799.99) is an electronic shooter training system that can be used effectively for dry-fire training. However, it it is also capable of operating outdoors with live, centerfire ammunition, at distances from 25 yards to 600 yards. Tony Chow tested this product for AccurateShooter.com. As fitted to his AR-15 Service Rifle, Tony found this is a very useful tool that can help High Power competitors refine their technique and shoot higher scores. CLICK HERE for MX-02 3000-word Review. There is a newer SCATT MX-W2 model ($1899.00) that offers all the same capabilities with a Wireless configuration.
How the SCATT MX-02 Works
The SCATT sensor mounted on the end of the barrel has a digital camera that recognizes the black bullseye in the target, even in broad daylight outdoors. Using the bullseye as a reference, the SCATT software tracks the movement of the muzzle relative to the center of the target. The unit can plot these movements as a continuous trace, which appears on a monitor as a squiggly, colored line. By sensing the exact moment of shot release, the SCATT can also interpolate relative shot placement (for a single shot or series of shots) — but this is not the same as an electronic target which actually records the exact shot impact location on the target.
Every year the NRA Publications group announces Golden Bullseye winners for various product categories (rifle, handgun, shotgun, optics, gear etc.). These awards are like the Oscars for the shooting industry. There are many Golden Bullseyes given out each year because there are separate awards given by different NRA Magazines — including American Rifleman, Shooting Illustrated, and American Hunter. Here are the 2021 Rifles of the Year (Golden Bullseye Winners) as chosen by each of those three publications.
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