Shown are funnel with ultra-long drop tube (which helps get more kernels in the cases), RCBS Chargemaster (in wood box), and Hood Press (similar to Harrell’s Combo press).
Loading at the range remains important in the Benchrest for Group discipline. In a Special Report below, IBS President Jeff Stover explains how loading methods (and hardware) have evolved over the years. The advent of accurate, affordable electronic powder dispensers, such as the RCBS ChargeMaster and Frankford’s new Intellidropper, have changed the game and made it easier to load efficiently at the range. And quality manual powder measures are fast and can be very consistent, with a little practice. Loading at the range permits competitors to tune their load to the conditions, change seating depths, or even choose different bullets to suit the barrel’s preferences on any given day.
Although pre-loading is not uncommon, most 100/200-yard group shooters usually load at the match, often between relays. The goal is to shoot smaller groups by staying “in tune”. In a game where 5-shot groups “in the 1s and Zeros” is the goal, tuning loads for the conditions helps deliver match-winning accuracy. Nearly all competitors in this short-range discipline shoot the 6mm PPC cartridge, or a PPC variant.
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. There’s even coverage of a controversial target that was argued over at the time. 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:
Modern loading bench set-ups shown in this Special Report belong to top shooters Howie Levy, Bob Hamister, and Kent Harshman.
The shooting sports are not a “man’s game” these days. Far from it. More and more women have taken up target shooting. A recent survey showed an 80% increase in the number of women target shooters from 2001 to 2016. In total, six million American ladies participated in target shooting in 2016. Likewise hunting has become more popular with American women. Female hunters in the USA numbered 1.1 million in 2016. That represents a 104% increase from 2001.
Recognizing that ladies are an ever-increasing part of the shooting sports, Shooting Industry Magazine just released its first-ever Woman’s Issue dedicated to female shooters and huntresses. This May 2019 special issue can be accessed for FREE online. CLICK HERE to READ.
While the issue is focused primarily on SELLING products to women, there is some very useful information that can help match directors and club officials. The magazine interviews many business owners and range directors who have developed female-focused shooting and training programs.
Above and below — the world’s best female Action Pistol shooter, Jessie Harrison.
Female Participation in Shooting Sports and Hunting
The Shooting Industry Woman’s Issue spotlights female participation in target shooting and hunting. One key article summarizes a nationwide survey conducted by Southwick Associates. One interesting finding was that much of the increase in female participation can be tracked to younger ladies: “Female participation in both hunting and shooting may be highest among younger women[.]” Notably, 16% of respondents among target shooters in the 16-24 age category were female. Southwick concludes: “Future generations of hunters and shooters will contain more women than ever before”.
The Shooting Industry Magazine Woman’s Issue has more than a dozen articles focusing on women in the shooting sports. We found some good advice from industry leaders and shop owners on developing products for women shooters, CCW holders, and hunters:
“When the ‘shrink it and pink it’ mentality is applied to hunting and outdoor gear, it can be perceived by some as an insult to a woman’s ability and competence. Women, expecially avid female hunters, want to be taken seriously.” –Brenda Weatherby, Weatherby Inc.
“I’m glad to bring a female perspective to a predominantly male industry. In general, men and women have different concerns/issues specifically when carrying a concealed handgun.” — Melissa Torres, Owner Scoots Place
“Seek a woman’s advice and input on any gear you want to bring to market for a female.” — Jessica Hazelaar, Owner Eclipse Holsters
H.R. 1222 will help States build and maintain shooting ranges with Federal funding assistance.
Great news from Washington for a change…
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 1222, the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act. This legislation, together with U.S. Senate companion bill S. 94, will help states access Federal funds to build and maintain shooting ranges and marksmanship training facilities.
The Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act, also known as the “Range Bill”, would allow states to use their allocation of Pittman-Robertson funds to begin construction of new ranges, or improve existing state-run public recreational shooting ranges. Currently, states are required to put up 25 percent of the cost of range construction projects to access the matching 75 percent of funds from Pittman-Robertson allocation. This legislation would allow states to access those funds with a 10 percent match and allow states five fiscal years to acquire land for range construction or expansion projects.
This legislation should definitely help states create new ranges and upgrade existing ranges. By reducing the state share from 25% to 10%, the Range Bill effectively lowers state costs of range projects by 60%. That’s a big deal says Lawrence Keane, NSSF Sr. VP and General Counsel: “This is crucial legislation that will give state fish and game agencies more flexibility to use Pittman-Robertson excise taxes dollars raised from the sale of firearms and ammunition to enhance existing public shooting ranges and to build new ones to meet the growing need for additional places for target shooters to participate in their sport.”
Pittman-Robertson Funds Come from Gun and Ammo Taxes
Pittman-Robertson funds are derived from excise taxes paid through firearms and ammunition sales. Since 1937, the fund has generated more than $12.1 billion that has funded wildlife conservation and safety education programs in all 50 states. NSSF estimates more than 80 percent of Pittman-Robertson excise tax contributions are generated by sales attributed to recreational shooting.
H.R. 1222 Goes to Senate and Then to President Trump
The bipartisan H.R. 1222 was sponsored by U.S. Reps. Ron Kind (D-Wis.), Rob Bishop (R-Utah), and Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.). Companion legislation (S. 94) was previously passed by the Senate. H.R. 1222 will return to the U.S. Senate, but is expected to pass by unanimous consent as the bill language is identical. When approved, the bill goes to President Donald Trump for enactment.
A carpet is used up front for smoother tracking with the Joy-Pod’s flat, ski-style feet. The arms of the Joy-Pod were painted to match the stock. The rear bag features low-drag material on the ears.
On Sundays, we feature notable rifles that exhibit fine craftsmanship, quality components, and noteworthy shooting accessories. Today we are featuring an F-TR (F-Class Target Rifle) rig that showcases the types of components, and accessories used by top F-TR competitors — including a coaxial bipod and Labradar Chronograph. If you’re considering getting started in the F-TR game, take a close look at this modern F-TR build from Forum member DM.Oakes.
Modern F-TR Rig with Borden Action, Krieger Barrel, and SEB Joy-Pod
This handsome .308 Win F-TR rig features a smooth-running Borden BRM action, 30-inch 1:10″-twist Krieger barrel, and an X-Ring Laminated Wood stock. Up front is a coaxial “Joy-Pod” joystick bipod. This is a state-of-the art, wide footprint bipod used by many competitors at the Worlds in Canada. The long joystick allows the “driver” to quickly adjust both elevation and windage in a smooth, continuous motion. The Joy-Pod can be adjusted so it will hold setting during the shot — you don’t have to “hard-hold” the joystick. Many shooters let the joystick slide through their fingers as the rifle moves back on recoil. With a little practice (and careful placement of the rear sand-bag), the tracking is excellent and you can slide the gun right back to point of aim after each shot.
This F-TR rifle is shown during load testing with a LabRadar chronograph.
» Full LabRadar Field Test/Review by Ray Gross
If you are considering purchasing a LabRadar Chronograph system, we strongly suggest you read the very thorough and informative LabRadar Review by Ray Gross, past Captain of the USA F-TR team. Ray notes: “It takes me about 3 minutes to set up [my LabRadar] at the range. Because there are no downrange screens, I do not have to hold up other shooters on the range like I would when setting up a traditional chronograph. The convenience alone will mean that I will use it more often than my old chronograph. Every time I take it out, I enjoy it a little bit more.”
In connection with the 148th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, FMG Publications is offering FREE downloads of the July issue of GUNS Magazine and July/August issue of American Handgunner.
Looking for some nice gun-centric reading material? Here’s a cool, FREE offer from FMG Publications. Right now you can access free digital editions of the latest issues of GUNS Magazine and Handgunner Magazine. Both these magazines offer interesting stories and great gun photography. But there IS a catch. To access these digital editions, you must enter some name and an email address first. If you respect your email privacy you can be creative and figure out a simple solution for that. Click the links below to download these two issues for free.
Notable features in the GUNS Magazine July 2019 Issue include: 10/22 Collectibles (pp. 32-33), Ross Straight-Pull Rifle (pp. 34-35), T/C LRR 6.5 Creedmoor (pp. 44-48), Brownells BRN-10 Retro AR10 (pp. 50-52), Skinner Sights Bush Pilot .45-70 Survival Rifle (pp. 58-60), Eight Great Knives (pp. 60-62). Honest guys — there’s some good content here, worth reading.
“NRA’s celebration of freedom reminds all of us how important the Second Amendment is. We’re excited to share in the celebration by exercising our First Amendment rights of freedom of the press. In this case, free downloads of gun press to NRA members and non-members alike,” announced FMG VP of Business Development Randy Molde.
Among its feature highlights, American Handgunner’s July/August issue showcases one of Ruger Custom Shop’s debut offerings: The SR1911 Competition Pistol. Working closely with ace shooter Doug Koenig, the result is a beautifully fitted, accurate, easy-shooting American classic — built by a leading USA gun-maker.
It’s Friday, April 26, 2019 so the 148th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits opens today at 9:00 am! The event runs through Sunday, April 28th. The NRA Convention features over 800 exhibitors, along with seminars, workshops, special events, and an appearance by President Trump. The NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits takes place at the Indianapolis Convention Center, with some major events nearby at the Lucas Oil Stadium and J.W. Marriott Grand Ballroom.
Seminars, Workshops, and Special Presentations
This is a partial list.
10:00am – 12:00pm, Room 234 – NRA Clubs and Associations Workshop
10:30am, Room 232 – Refuse to be a Victim: Crime Prevention Strategies
11:00am, Rooms 140-142 – Current and Emerging Threats: How it Affects You!
11:00am, Room 233 – What You Need to Know About NRA’s Collegiate Program
11:30am, Rooms 132-133 – You’re the First Responder: Whether You Know It or Not!
11:30am – 1:30pm, Room 131 – Hornady Reloading for Accuracy
12:30pm – 1:30pm, Room 231 – Concealed Carry Facts
1:30pm, 237-239 – 15 Factors Impacting your Shooting Performance under Duress
1:30pm – 3:00pm, Rooms 235-236 – Mental Dynamics of Target Shooting
2:00pm, Room 232 – Refuse to be a Victim: Crime Prevention Strategies
2:00pm, Rooms 140-142 – The Guns of Omaha: D-Day Plus 75 Years
2:30pm – 3:30pm, Rooms 134-135 – Medical Mindset: Are you Prepared?
2:30pm – 4:30pm, Room 131 – Hornady Ballistics
3:30pm, Room 233 – Friends of NRA Workshop
Click here for a complete list of seminars, workshops, and special presentations.
Major Special Events Friday, April 26
NOTE: Tickets are required for ALL these events. For more information visit NRAam.org.
22nd Annual National Firearms Law Seminar
Hyatt Regency, Cosmopolitan Ballroom > Event starts at 8:00 am
Women’s Leadership Forum Luncheon & Auction
J.W. Marriott, White River Ballroom > Event starts at 9:30 am
NRA-ILA Leadership Forum
Lucas Oil Stadium > Event starts at 11:00 am
President Donald J. Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and other notable spearkers will address NRA members at the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) Leadership Forum on Friday, April 26, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana
NRA-ILA Dinner and Auction
J.W. Marriott, Grand Ballroom > Event starts at 6:00 pm
NRA Country Jam featuring Jacob Bryant and Payton Taylor
8 Seconds Saloon > Event starts at 8:00 pm; Door Open at 6:00 pm
Celebrity Appearances
CLICK HERE for a complete list of celebrity appearances. Top names include: Jerry Miculek, Doug Koenig, Max Michel, Jessie Harrison, Sheriff Jim Wilson, Tom Gresham, Lanny Barnes, Colion Noir, and Eva Shockey.
The world’s best female Action Pistol shooter, Jessie Harrison.
Major Everyday Events (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Wall of Guns, Crossroads Hallway at Hoosier Hallway
Pyramid Air® Air Gun Range, Rooms 143-144
NRA Booth, Booth #3639
NRA Store, Rooms 136-139
Eddie Eagle, Crossroads Hallway – Booth #15
NRA Hunter Education – Booth #3838
NRA Country Sound Stage, Wabash West Lobby
Map for Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN
The Indiana Convention center is in the heart of Indianapolis, so it’s easy to find. However, events are spread out over multiple facilities, so you’ll want to study this map when you get to your hotel.
The Remington 700 is the most popular bolt-action rifle in America, at least according to Gunbroker.com sales figures for new and “previously-owned” rifles. So, chances are that you (or a close family member) may have a Rem 700 of some vintage sitting in the gunsafe. But do you have a copy of the official Remington 700 product manual in digital PDF format? Probably not.
To get you squared away, CLICK HERE for a PDF version of an official Remington 700 Owner’s Manual (also covers models Seven, and 673). CLICK HERE for the complete Remington Owner’s Manuals Archive.
Perhaps you own other Remington firearms as well. Here are links for other Remington Manuals. For each model, click the link and the manual should appear in your download folder as a PDF file. If that doesn’t work, then Right Click and “Save As” to Download.
The 2019 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, April 25-28, 2019. At this event, the NRA’s 148th annual convention, you’ll find 15 acres of guns and gear. There will be plenty to see and do — you can talk to hunting outfitters, attend seminars, dine at banquets, listen to top national political leaders, and enjoy country music concerts. If you’ve never been to an NRA Convention before, it’s worth going — just to see all the rifles, pistols, optics, and shooting accessories. Everything else is a bonus. The venue is the Indianapolis Convention Center at 100 South Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, IN 45225.
KEY THING #1 — List of Events
The National NRA Foundation BBQ & Auction will be held Thursday, April 25 at 5:00 pm in the Lucas Oil Stadium. The NRA-ILA Leadership Forum take place April 26th also in the Lucas Oil Stadium. The Annual National Firearms Law Seminar, the largest gathering of Second Amendment attorneys in the country, runs Friday morning, April 26 at the Hyatt Regency. The NRA-ILA Banquet and Auction runs Friday night at the J.W. Marriott. The popular NRA Country Jam will be held April 26 from 8-10:00 PM. CLICK HERE for complete Event Schedule.
KEY THING #2 — Show Floor Plan
Make the most of your time at the NRA Convention by finding your favorite exhibitors on this floor plan. Then you can map out an efficient plan for each day. The Floor Plan lists all exhibitor booths, and it shows food courts and restroom facilities.
KEY THING #3 — Exhibitor List
Nearly 900 manufacturers, vendors, and guide services will have booths at the NRA Convention. To make the most of your time, and ensure that you get to see your favorite companies, check out the Exhibitor List, and then plan your schedule.
KEY THING #4 — FREE Mobile APP for NRA Convention
If you plan to attend the 2019 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, you should get the official Mobile APP. This will help you access Convention info quickly and easily. You can search for exhibitors, tag your favorites, request meetings, add notes, and map booth locations. Key APP features include: Event Floorplan, Searchable Directory of Exhibitors, Event and Seminar Schedule, New Products Info with Product Photos.
KEY THING #5 — Map to Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN
The Indiana Convention center is in the heart of Indianapolis, so it’s easy to find. However, events are spread out over multiple facilities, so you’ll want to study this map when you get to your hotel.
KEY THING #6 — Pyramid Air Gun Range
Pyramyd’s Air Gun Range was a hit last year in Dallas and is set to be a top destination for the entire family at the 148th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Indianopolis. With 16 stations and more than 200 hundred interactive targets, the range will provide shooters of all ages the chance to try out some of the newest and best airguns available. One NRA range officer noted: “If you see a long line there [at the Indiana Convention Center], odds are that it’s for the air gun range. We have boys and girls, moms and dads, everyone waiting to plink the day away.”
The .260 Remington and the 6.5×55 Swedish (aka 6,5x55mm SE) are both very popular cartridges with hunters and target shooters. The 6.5×55 has a long military heritage and a great record as a hunting round. The .260 Rem, essentially a .308 Win necked down to .264 caliber, is a more recent cartridge, but it grows in popularity every year, being one of the top cartridges for tactical/practical competitions. It offers better ballistics and less recoil than the parent .308 Win cartridge. In our Shooter’s Forum, respected UK gun writer Laurie Holland provided a good summary of the differences between the two chamberings. Laurie writes:
The 6.5×55 case has 6 or 7% more capacity than the .260s, even more in practice when both are loaded to standard COALs with heavy bullets, which sees them having to seated very deep in the .260 Rem using up quite a lot of powder capacity. So loaded up for reasonable pressures in modern actions, the 6.5×55 will give a bit more performance.
The issue for many is what action length is available or wanted, the 6.5×55 requiring a long action. So sniper rifle / tactical rifle competitors will go for the .260 Rem with the option of the many good short-bolt-throw designs around with detachable box magazines (DBMs). If a bit more performance is needed, the .260 AI (photo right) can yield another 100-150 fps velocity, depending on bullet weight.
Will you be traveling to other states this winter? Are you concerned about the laws that might apply when you are transporting firearms across state lines? Or are you puzzled about the requirements for obtaining a carry permit in your own state? If you have any of these (and related questions) you should definitely get some expert guidance on State statutes and regulations controlling firearms. To do that, you can purchase Attorney Bryan Ciyou’s comprehensive Gun Laws by State reference book. This is worth the money, and the $20 cost also includes access to an online legal database and other services.
If you don’t want to spend the twenty bucks, there is a good FREE alternative. There’s a very helpful set of State Law Summaries on the web, presented by PewPewTactical.com. Despite the silly name, the PewPewTactical website has an abundance of information that is particularly beneficial for pistol shooters and CCW holders.
One of the best features of PewPewTactical.com is the Gun Laws by State online reference guide. We looked through four of these State Law Summaries and were impressed by the depth of the coverage. But we caution — if you have specific legal questions, particularly with recently-enacted statutes, you should consult a licensed attorney for your state (or the state to which you will travel). In addition, some of the State Law Summaries have not been updated for a year or two. But they are still a good place to start. Below are links to state law articles from PewPewTactical.com. To access any State summary, simply click the State name below:
Great news from Washington for a change…
The 6.5×55 case has 6 or 7% more capacity than the .260s, even more in practice when both are loaded to standard COALs with heavy bullets, which sees them having to seated very deep in the .260 Rem using up quite a lot of powder capacity. So loaded up for reasonable pressures in modern actions, the 6.5×55 will give a bit more performance.
