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. SIGHTRON — Holiday Instant Savings, $250 or $800 Off
⏺ Major savings on very high-quality scopes, proven in competition
Sightron is offering “instant holiday savings” on the SIII Precision Long Range (PLR) models as well as the SVIII ED FFP tactical scope. These are high-end optics, ready for competition. Save $250 on SIII PLR scopes and a whopping $800 on the SVIII ED. It’s rare to see these kind of discounts on high-end optics. Sightron’s 2021 holiday sales event runs through December 31, 2021. Visit an authorized Sightron retailer or online vendor such as Creedmoor Sports to take advantage of these big discounts. For more information visit: Sightron.com/collections/holiday-instant-savings.
2. Bullet Central — Lapua Brass in Stock, Many Types
⏺ Superb Lapua brass in stock for many popular case types
If you have a new rifle (or a barrel with a new chambering) you’ll need brass. Or perhaps your current brass is worn out. If you need brass, head over to Bullet Central. You’ll find that nearly every type of premium Lapua brass is in stock and ready to ship. From 6mm BR to .300 PRC, you’ll find what you need, with prices lower than most other vendors are charging now.
⏺ High-quality .22 LR with full-size AR ergonomics
Looking for an AR-clone .22 LR rimfire rifle for cross-training, NRL22 matches, and fun shooting? This .22 LR Walther Hammerli Tac R1 offers full-size AR ergonomics with good accuracy, and nice build quality. It features a 5-position adjustable stock, 10-rd magazine, aluminum upper and lower receiver, flip-up sights, and a matte black finish.
4. Tipton — Sitewide Sale Up to 45% OFF
⏺ Major savings on Gun Vises, Tools, Jag Kits, Bore Guides and more
Tipton gun cleaning products are some of the best out there. From gun vises to bore guides, Tipton has just about everything you need to get the job done. If you need cleaning/maintenance tools or supplies, then check out the Tipton sitewide sale. Everything on Tipton’s website is now on sale with discounts up to 45%. This is a once-a-year sale so grab what you need now before it’s all gone.
5. Amazon — Lyman 8-Station Turret Press, $219.99
⏺ Quality Turret press with 8 stations and handy priming system
If you need a new press to load multiple pistol and rifle cartridge types, consider a turret. With their ability to hold multiple dies, turret presses offer great flexibility and efficiency. One of the best, reasonably-priced turrets on the market is the Lyman All American 8 Turret Press. Boasting EIGHT stations, this press hold up to four 2-die sets or eight individual dies. The press features a heavy-duty, cast-iron frame, plus a straight-line primer feed system with large and small primer tubes.
6. Brownells — iGaging Digital Micrometer, $65.99
⏺ Save 39% on precision digital micrometer with data output
For precision reloading, a micrometer is important. A micrometer offers greater resolution than calipers and is ideal for measuring certain cartridge and brass dimensions. If you’ve been wanting to get a precision micrometer without breaking the bank, check out the iGaging SpeedMic Quick Action Micrometer from Brownells. This high-quality micrometer is now 39% off, making it an affordable addition to your tool kit. Equipped with a data-output module, this SpeedMic micrometer enables precision measurements to be ported instantly to any computer.
7. Midsouth — Hornady RFID Rapid Access Gun Safe Sale
⏺ Rapid Access handgun safes, vehicle lock boxes, gunlockers on sale
Gun safety is everyone’s responsibility and that starts with the gun owner. If you need an effective way to lock up your guns either at home or in your vehicle, check out the Hornady gun safe sale. For a limited time, you’ll find rapid access safes for the home, vehicle, or office at very good prices. NOTE, along with the handgun safes, Midsouth offers Hornady’s Rapid Access RFID AR GunLocker, which is great for home defense long guns. The wireless RFID technology allows you to instantly unlock the safe with a card or token you carry.
8. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Hand Deprimer Tool, $39.99
⏺ Deprime fired cartridge brass anywhere — no press needed
Decapping brass can be a tedious, time-consuming, and messy chore. Simplify the task (and avoid messing up your reloading area) with the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Hand Deprimer Tool. This device lets you remove spent primers anywhere — no press needed and all the mess (cups/anvils/residue) stays in the capture chamber. You can deprime cases while watching TV. This tool features a Universal collet that works with all case types. With good leverage, this tool is easy on the hands too.
9. Palmetto State Armory — Taurus G3 Pistol, $279.99
⏺ Great price on reliable compact 9mm carry gun with comfortable grip
Palmetto State Armory is running a great special on the Taurus G3 9mm pistol. Priced at just $279.99, this Taurus G3 costs less than HALF what most dealers charge for a compact Glock 9mm. The grip ergonomics are (in our opinion) much superior to the Glock (for most people), and the Taurus G3’s 6-lb. trigger is better than that of many compact 9mm pistols. The Taurus G3 is a dual-stack 9mm with 17+1 capacity. With a strong warranty, the Taurus G3 offers great value for the price.
10. Amazon — Allen Window and Fence Gun Rest Bag, $10.99
⏺ Handy accessory for hunters and varminters
Sometimes you want to take a shot at a critter, but don’t have time to set up a shooting bench, a tripod, or a mat with bipod. With this simple bag you can make that varmint shot from the window of a vehicle. This cleverly-designed bag can also be used on a fence rail. The Allen Filled Window Mount Gun Rest is a great value at just $10.99. With its unique design you can easily flop it over just about anything to stabilize yourself or just lay it down flat on the floor. It features a textured top surface and non-slip bottom. It comes pre-filled with inert polyester beads.
When Annealing Made Perfect (AMP), a New Zealand-based company, first unveiled its original induction annealing machine at SHOT Show 2015, it was big news in the reloading world. This was a real breakthrough — an induction annealer running on electricity that was fully programmable. No more flames to fuss with. The advent of the AMP annealer was a true “game-changer” for the shooting enthusiasts who reloaded their ammo.
The AMP system is based on smart science and modern technology. Right from the start, AMP invested in advanced lab equipment (such as gear for Micro-Vickers hardness testing). AMP also worked with independent outside metallurgical laboratories. And AMP invited shooters from around the world to send in sample cartridge cases. AMP accumulated a huge archive of cartridges from .17 Hornet to an array of .50 BMG wildcats and everything in-between. AMP’s archive includes multiple brands and even different lot numbers of the same cartridge. AMP now offers the most highly developed and precise consumer annealing system on the planet. That is because of the amazing amount of R&D behind the product, plus the use of advanced technologies.
Annealing Under the Microscope — Informative Articles
Alex and Matt Findlay have produced a series of articles called “Annealing Under the Microscope”. The first of these was released in July 2017. Part 1 was a general explanation of annealing, and busted a number of myths. It examined the repeatability of annealing over multiple reloads, and conducted a series of tensile bullet pull tests.
Annealing Different Brands of Brass
Part 2 of Annealing Under the Microscope covered an important topic — annealing for different brands of brass. This article examines the reasons why different brands of the same cartridge can require different annealing settings. The article also reveals that lot to lot variations of the same brand of brass can make a big difference.
AZTEC Annealing System — AMP Annealers become Smart Machines
In late 2017, Alex and Matt started the development of their revolutionary AZTEC system, which in effect transformed AMP annealers into SMART annealers. It meant that individual customers could analyse their own cases with laboratory grade accuracy without the need to send samples to the AMP lab for calibration.
Part 3 of Annealing Under the Microscope was released in July 2018 after nearly 12 months of R&D on AZTEC. It focused on how to best utilize this new self-calibration capability. It also highlighted the difference between several “premium” brands of brass compared to cheaper alternatives.
Benefits of Precision Annealing — Accuracy and Repeatability
Part 4 of the series was released in September 2019. It focused on the true benefits of accurate annealing, and the arguments for annealing every reload. The study identified sizing accuracy and repeatability as the key factor. This article also revealed the first prototype of AMP’s new auto bullet seater with seating pressure data capture.
Proof on the Target — Down-Range Benefits of Annealing
In Part 5 of the series, AMP’s experts focus on the real world, down-range benefits of annealing, turned out to be a much more complex process than AMP initially planned. Accordingly, Part 5 was conducted in three stages, with three detailed write-ups.
The Part 5, Stage 1 paper examined sizing accuracy of annealed vs un-annealed cases, taking two sets of three identical Peterson Cartridge .308 Winchester cases through twenty (20) reloading cycles. For every cycle, cases were measured both fire-formed and as re-sized. With each cycle the cases were measured for case length, shoulder bump, neck OD, and head OD.
Field Testing in Tennessee — Proof on Target
The Part 5, Stage 2 article covered detailed ballistic testing using multiple rifles, cartridges, and shooters at the Strategic Edge range in Tennessee.
The Tennessee testing sessions accumulated a wealth of data on velocity spreads and group sizes right out to 1,000 yards. The evidence showed a clear advantage for annealed brass, both for average group size and average Extreme Spread for the groups shot with AMP-annealed cases.
Underground Testing with Lou Murdica
Lastly, AMP’s Part 5, Stage 3 paper featured testing by Lou Murdica at an underground range in California. We have previously shown a video of Lou shooting one case, then reloading it and shooting the same case into the same hole at 100 yards.
This time he repeated the feat, shooting one un-annealed case twenty times into the one hole. Then Lou produced another even smaller 20-shot group, shot with a case which he annealed before every shot.
Enjoy These Technical Articles from AMP Annealing
Collectively AMP’s “Annealing Under the Microscope” series represents a remarkable body of outstanding work. Whether you anneal your cartridge brass now, or just want to learn more about the benefits of annealing, we recommend you take a look at this series of informative articles.
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. KYGUNCO — Savage Axis II Precision Rifle, $699.99
⏺ Good entry-level PRS rifle that also works for hunting
The Savage Axis II, on sale for $699.99 at KYGUNCO in 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 Win, offers good performance for the price. It can serve as a competent starter rig for PRS/NRL competition, and also function well for hunting, with a weight of 9.9 lbs without scope. The Savage Axis II combines an accurate barreled action with a nice MDT chassis with adjustable comb and adjustable length-of-pull. For more info, read the very thorough Savage Axis II review in Guns America Digest.
2. Scopelist (EuroOptic) — Nightforce Clearance SALE
⏺ Save HUNDREDS on Nightforce ATACR and other NF optics
Right now ScopeList (a EuroOptic.com partner) is running a big Nightforce Clearance Sale. You can save up to $515 dollars on demo Nightforce optics with full factory warranty. Chose from the popular ATACR series or the advanced NX8 model with MOA or MilRad clicks. There are a variety of good FFP and SFP Nightforce optics on sale now.
3. Bass Pro — Garmin GPSMAP 64SX, $219.99
⏺ $130 Savings on full-featured modern GPS with TopoActive Maps
This rugged handheld Garmin GPSMAP boasts reliable satellite connectivity with Altimeter and Compass features. This 64SX model also comes pre-loaded with TopoActive Maps, which are great for backcountry hunters. This water-resistant design features button operation with a sun-readable 2.6″ screen.
4. Midsouth — SIG Sauer Optics Sale
⏺ SIGnificant savings on BDX scopes, BDX rangefinders, and red dot optics
SIG Sauer makes excellent products with notable features. SIG BDX Laser Rangefinders can communicate (via Bluetooth) to BDX series scopes. This allows calculated hold-over points to appear in the scope reticle. In addition, the LRF communicates with Ballistics Apps on your mobile device. Right now Midsouth has SIG Sauer optics products on SALE including scopes, rangefinders, Red Dots, and binoculars. Along with BDX scopes, SIG’s Whiskey5 SFP scopes are on sale. Many items also qualify for FREE Shipping.
5. Palmetto SA — AR15 Complete Stealth Lower (Blem), $139.99
⏺ GREAT deal on complete lower with full trigger group and adjustable stock
With changes to Federal law looming on the horizon, it may be wise to get your Black Rifle now. Here is a great deal on a complete lower with stock. The PSA AR-15 MOE Stealth Lowers include full, installed trigger group, plus a nice, adjustable MagPul MOE buttstock. The price is just $139.99 because these “blem” lowers may have a small scratch or blemish somewhere. For the same $139.99 bargain price, chose the Black Stealth Lower or the Flat Dark Earth Model as shown above.
6. MidwayUSA — Hoppes Gun Vise and Cleaning Kit, $39.99
⏺ Good basic gun vise at great price with bonus cleaning kit
The Hoppe’s Gun Vise is a good basic support for working on your firearms. Clamping brackets in the front and rear hold your rifle or shotgun securely without scratching. The vise is made out of a durable, chemical resistant polymer and has multiple compartments for your cleaning chemicals, tools, and accessories. Included with this vise is a 12-piece Cleaning Kit for rifles, pistols, and shotguns. Features include: Dual lockable no-scratch brackets, multiple compartments for tools, and adjustable feet.
7. Natchez — Bushnell Optics Sale, Save 35%
⏺ Great prices on hunting scopes and Red Dot optics
Hunting season is in full swing. If you need an affordable optic for your hunting rifle, check out the Bushnell Optics Sale at Natchez. A variety of scopes are 35% off. In addition, there are great prices on Red Dots you can use on a shotgun, pistol, or tactical rifle. And prices have been slashed on Bushnell binoculars and spotting scopes as well. Act soon — these Natchez sales don’t last long.
8. Midsouth — Forster Accu-Ring, $14.99
The new Forster Accu-Ring has precise markings so you can set your sizing dies with extreme precision in your press. The anodized ring has laser-etched precision markings in .001″ increments. This allows you to more easily set the amount of sizing and shoulder “bump” you get when you move a die up or down in your press. In addition, if you have a conventional seating die without a micrometer adjustment, this new Forster Accu-Ring can help you achieve more precise bullet seating. SEE Ultimate Reloader Review.
⏺ Owners say it is sharp with good features for price
This Sawback Bowie spring-assisted folding knife, just $9.70 on Amazon, has a 3.5″ blade. There is a curved cutting edge with a serrated section near the handle. Actual purchasers state: “This knife is very well made with a tight feel. No play at all. The assisted open is excellent [and] they come very sharp too”, and “This is a good quality knife. It’s solid and a bit heavy, really good looking and comes pretty sharp. Overall its a great knife.”
⏺ Quality name-brand shooting eyewear — buy multiples at this price
Every shooter needs eye protection EVERY TIME you go to the shooting range. Right now Midsouth has the good Radians clear Lens Outback Shooting Glasses for just $5.88. These ANSI Z87.1 Radians Shooting Glasses provide 99.9% UVA/UVB protection with the coated lenses. These offer excellent wrap-around protection and are fairly light and comfortable. A handy neck cord is included. With this low $5.88 price, you can buy 3 or 4 sets and keep spares for yourself and your shooting buddies.
Photo 1: Three Near-Equal-Weight 7mm Bullets with Different Shapes
TECH TIP: Bullets of the same weight (and caliber) can generate very different pressure levels due to variances in Bearing Surface Length (BSL).
Bullet 1 (L-R), the RN/FB, has a very slight taper and only reaches its full diameter (0.284″) very near the cannelure. This taper is often seen on similar bullets — it helps reduce pressures with good accuracy. The calculated BSL of Bullet 1 was ~0.324″. The BSL of Bullet 2, in the center, was ~0.430”, and Bullet 3’s was ~ 0.463″. Obviously, bullets can be visually deceiving as to BSL!
This article from the USAMU covers an important safety issue — why you should never assume that a “book” load for a particular bullet will be safe with an equal-weight bullet of different shape/design. The shape and bearing surface of the bullet will affect the pressure generated inside the barrel. This is part of the USAMU’s Handloading Hump Day series, published on the USAMU Facebook page.
Beginning Handloading, Part 13:
Extrapolating Beyond Your Data, or … “I Don’t Know, What I Don’t Know!”
We continue our Handloading Safety theme, focusing on not inadvertently exceeding the boundaries of known, safe data. Bullet manufacturers’ loading manuals often display three, four, or more similar-weight bullets grouped together with one set of load recipes. The manufacturer has tested these bullets and developed safe data for that group. However, seeing data in this format can tempt loaders — especially new ones — to think that ALL bullets of a given weight and caliber can interchangeably use the same load data. Actually, not so much.
The researchers ensure their data is safe with the bullet yielding the highest pressure. Thus, all others in that group should produce equal or less pressure, and they are safe using this data.
However, bullet designs include many variables such as different bearing surface lengths, hardness, and even slight variations in diameter. These can occasionally range up to 0.001″ by design. Thus, choosing untested bullets of the same weight and caliber, and using them with data not developed for them can yield excess pressures.
This is only one of the countless reasons not to begin at or very near the highest pressure loads during load development. Always begin at the starting load and look for pressure signs as one increases powder charges.
Bullet bearing surface length (BSL) is often overlooked when considering maximum safe powder charges and pressures. In photo 1 (at top), note the differences in the bullets’ appearance. All three are 7mm, and their maximum weight difference is just five grains. Yet, the traditional round nose, flat base design on the left appears to have much more BSL than the sleeker match bullets. All things being equal, based on appearance, the RN/FB bullet seems likely to reach maximum pressure with significantly less powder than the other two designs.
Bearing Surface Measurement Considerations
Some might be tempted to use a bullet ogive comparator (or two) to measure bullets’ true BSL for comparison’s sake. Unfortunately, comparators don’t typically measure maximum bullet diameter and this approach can be deceiving.
Photo 2: The Perils of Measuring Bearing Surface Length with Comparators
In Photo 2, two 7mm comparators have been installed on a dial caliper in an attempt to measure BSL. Using this approach, the BSLs differed sharply from the original [measurements]. The comparator-measured Bullet 1 BSL was 0.694” vs. 0.324” (original), Bullet 2 was 0.601” (comparator) vs. 0.430” (original), and Bullet 3 (shown in Photo 2) was 0.602” (comparator) vs. 0.463” (original). [Editor’s comment — Note the very large difference for Bullet 1, masking the fact that the true full diameter on this bullet starts very far back.]
Lyman makes a very handy product for reloaders that can save space on your reloading bench and give you more efficient powder flow into your cases. With common plastic “one size fits all” type powder funnels, the powder sometimes sticks to the sides of the funnel. Or, the fit to the case mouth is less than ideal so some of the kernels end up on the bench.
Precision powder funnels solve those problems. But what if you shoot a wide range of calibers with big and small case mouths? Lyman has the answer: the Brass-Smith Precision Funnel set, now $28.99 on Amazon. This handy product combines a static-free cast aluminum funnel with a set of SIX (6) CNC-machined inserts that fit cartridges from .22 caliber all the way up to .338 caliber. It is easy to swap the inserts to match the particular cartridge you are loading. In this Ultimate Reloader video, our friend Gavin Gear shows how to use the Lyman Precision Powder Funnel Set with multiple neck-diameter inserts:
Product Description: “The Brass-Smith Precision Funnel set is made to be completely static-free, no more powder clinging to surfaces which can happen with lightweight plastic Funnel. This is no ‘one size fits all’ funnel — the Brass Smith Precision Funnel set uses precision-machined, caliber-specific inserts to properly fit the case neck. CNC-turned aluminum inserts to fit specific cartridge families for calibers 22 to 338. Inserts are laser-marked for caliber identification. The inserts can be quickly and easily installed by simply pushing them into place and then pulling them out when changing calibers. The Funnel comes with inserts for .22, .243/6mm, .25/6.5mm, .270/7mm, .30 and .338 caliber rifle cartridges. A padded storage case neatly stores the funnel and inserts when not in use.”
Forum Member Likes the Lyman Precision Powder Funnel Set
One of our Accurate Shooter Forum members, Garandman, purchased the Lyman Precision Funnel System. He has used it now for multiple cartridge types and is very pleased with the results. Here is his report:
“I wanted to share my good experience with the Lyman powder funnel. First off, with the funnels being aluminum / pot metal, no static charge forms and the powder kernels go right down the funnel into the case with no hang-up.
Also the funnel comes with interchangeable case neck dimension inserts so you get no powder loss outside the case neck. And the funnel is also is less likely to stick to the case neck and pull it out of your loading block. That could spill powder all over the place.”
Overall, the Lyman Precison Funnel Set with case neck inserts has done a great job for Garandman and he suggests you may want to add this tool to your reloading tool collection. Below is a Lyman Precision Funnel Set review from Johnny’s Reloading Bench. This video review has nice close-ups of the six precision inserts from .22 to .338 calibers.
Do you often load at the range? Or maybe you need to transport loading gear when you travel in your RV. Well here is a smart transport option — a metal box that holds tools, dies, arbor press, case-trimmer, even a ChargeMaster.
Some guys have built their own loading tool-boxes from wood. Other may stuff gear in a couple of plastic range boxes. But clever Chris Covell came up with an even better solution. Chris sourced a handsome, sturdy metal Horse Grooming Box from eBay. Chris reports the multi-feature metal box “works perfectly for reloading. My ChargeMaster is now out of the wind.”
Bullets, Trickler, and Priming Tool on Top
On top, below the hinged metal lid, is a large compartment that holds Covell’s funnels, scales, priming tool, trickler and other vital gear (photo on right). This top compartment is deep enough to handle wide-mouth funnels with no problem.
Slide-Out Drawer with Dividers
Below the top level is a handy sliding drawer with multiple dividers. This is perfect for holding Covell’s inline seating dies, case-neck deburring and chamfering tools, among many other smaller bits and pieces.
In the bottom of the Horse Grooming box is a large compartment that holds bigger gear. In the bottom section, Covell places his RCBS Chargemaster Lite, along with a case-trimming tool, an arbor press, and various other bulky tools. Check it out:
Folks who load at the range need to bring a lot of gear — reloading presses, powder dispensers, scales, funnels, sizing/seating dies, brass prep tools and more. And there may be other important items to transport — such as ammo caddies, LabRadar mounts, over-size rest feet, and even barrel fans. With this metal box you can easily organize (and protect) al that gear. This box was sourced affordably via eBay.
Chris Covell’s Range Box was featured on the Benchrest Shooting and Gunsmithing Private Group Facebook Page. You may want to sign up for this Group — with membership you can access a wealth of information for accuracy-oriented shooters.
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. Grizzly — Massive Site-Wide Shooting Products Blow-Out Sale
⏺ Big Blow-out Sale on Stocks, Tools, Safety Gear and more
Grizzly Industrial has long been known as a great resource for shooting-related supplies from barrels to gunsmithing tools. Now through October 31, 2021, Grizzly is running a major reloading, shooting and gunsmithing Blow-Out Sale. Save up to 80% on cleaning supplies, 68% on safety equipment, 30% on shooting gear and more. It took us nearly an hour just to go through all the deals and it’s not hard to fill up your shopping cart with many great bargains. There are also many specialized gunsmithing products on sale, including barrel vises and chamber reamers.
2. LockedLoaded.com — M&P 15-22 Sport .22 LR, $379.99
⏺ Accurate, reliable .22 LR rimfire AR-type rifle at excellent price
We like .22 LR AR-type rifles. With these rimfire “black rifles” you can enjoy NRL22 matches, and also cross-train with low-cost ammo. The popular Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport is now on sale for just $379.99 at LockedLoaded.com. This rifle has full-size AR15 ergonomics and boasts removable Magpul MBUS front and rear folding sights. With the 10″ M&P Magpul M-LOK handguard, you can easily fit lights, bipods, and other accessories. This is a fun gun at a very attractive price.
3. Natchez — Rimfire & Pistol Ammo Sale, Top USA Brands
⏺ Finally — good deals on a variety of USA-made ammo
Ammo is slowly showing up in stores and online but usually at increased prices. That’s why we were pleased to see a major ammunition sale over at Natchez. You’ll find a wide variety of rimfire and pistol ammo on sale from major U.S. manufacturers including American Eagle, CCI, Federal, and Remington. There are no quantity limits, and some ammo types qualify for FREE shipping (with $250+ order).
⏺ Enjoy extended hunting seasons with Crossbow, this is a fine example
Modern crossbows are accurate and effective. And in many areas, there is a special extended hunting season for bow hunters. A great option is the Wicked Ridge Invader X4 Crossbow Package. The Wicked Ridge Invader X4 Crossbow Package delivers excellent power and accuracy. This advanced crossbow can launch arrows at 360 fps with up to 107 ft/lbs of energy. With 11″ WRX laminated limbs, this bow gives hunters big performance from a compact design that measures just 15″ wide when cocked. Ballistics Guru Bryan Litz recently took a deer with a cross-bow — perhaps you can too.
5. EuroOptic — TriggerTech AR or Rem 700 Triggers, $139-$149
⏺ Popular AR and Rem 700 triggers at big savings
If you have a Remington 700-style bolt action or AR-platform rifle and are looking for a precision trigger, check out these TriggerTech Special Edition Triggers. Featuring TriggerTech’s Frictionless Release Technology™, this drop-in trigger has a true zero-creep break with extremely short over-travel. This trigger is extremely reliable because changing the pull weight does not affect hammer force so you get dependable primer strikes at every pull weight. TriggerTech’s Frictionless Release Technology provides very consistent pulls, shot after shot.
Hearing protection is essential, but so is communicating with those around you. You get vital audio protection plus communication capability with these Walker’s Razor Earmuffs with Free Walkie Talkie. With a 23 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), these Walker’s Razor earmuffs offer a low-profile design and handy sound controls. Along with the muffs, right now you get a BONUS full-featured walkie talkie unit allowing you to communicate via wireless radio. This handy transceiver boasts 22 channels and features Push-to-Talk (PTT) technology.
7. Amazon — Plano 52″ All Weather Rifle/Shotgun Case, $124.32
⏺ Very sturdy, weatherproof, wheeled gun case
Traveling with a shotgun or rifle means having a quality case that protects your valuable firearm. If you’re in need of a new case for your next hunting or match trip check out the 52″ Plano All Weather Rifle/Shotgun Cases. With a 51.5″ internal length, this is long enough for many benchrest, F-Class and PRS rifles. You can also fit two hunting rifles inside (see photo). This all-weather case is strong, tough, and seals out moisture. With a Durashell Plus outer shell, this case is relatively lightweight yet durable. If you need a shorter case check out the 36″ Plano All Weather Rifle/Shotgun Case for $76.90, a very good deal.
8. Amazon — Caldwell Lead Sled 3, $99.99
⏺ Good for hunting rifle Sight-In, now $60 less than other vendors
You need a stable platform for sighting in that hunting or varmint rifle, and then testing loads. For decades folks have used one-piece metal rests for this task. One of the more affordable, yet functional options is the Caldwell Lead Sled 3. This Sled is designed to hold sandbags, making it very stable even with heavy recoiling big game loads in light rifles. The Lead Sled 3 fits hunting-style fore-ends in front and has a shock-absorbing pad in the rear. Nice features include 4″ of front elevation adjustment, a micro rear elevation adjustment, and non-skid feet. The $99.99 sale price is a great deal — this very same Lead Sled 3 costs $159.99 at MidwayUSA. The weight sack shown in photos sells separately for $16.99 on Amazon.
9. Creedmoor Sports — Hi-Lux XTC Service Rifle Scope, $475.00
⏺ Top choice for Service Rifle optic now on sale
Specifically designed for CMP and NRA Service Rifle competition, the Hi-Lux XTC 1-4x34mm Service Rifle Scope boasts sharp, bright lenses and very reliable scope clicks. This optic conforms to all CMP/NRA Service Rifle rules. The Hi-Lux XTC features a front objective parallax control that adjusts from 15 yards to infinity. Having adjustable parallax is critical in minimizing parallax error, making this a good choice for AR platform Service Rifles shooters.
10. Midsouth — Berry’s Tri-Can Ammo Carrier, $21.99
⏺ Very Handy New Product has Three Clear-Top Compartments
The Tri-Can Utility Box Carrier is on sale now at Midsouth. Choose either black containers or tan containers for the same $21.99 price (31% off the previous price). This Berry’s Tri-Can is a handy, versatile organizational tool that simplifies range trips. The tough injection molded plastic base and lids, rubber seal gaskets, and cam-lock latches keep contents safe. The Tri-Can boasts a strong, handy carry handle. The Tri-Can is made up of three translucent-lid containers with three internal compartments. If you need even more capacity, MTM offers a 5-can Ammo Crate system for $35.66.
Shown is the Redding Model 15-P Competition Piloted Inside Chamfering Tool with pilot rod that centers in the case flash hole. Also shown is a Forster 45° Rocket Tool.
There are a wide variety of reloading tools designed to cut a slight chamfer in case necks and deburr the edge of the case mouth. You don’t need to spend a lot of money for an effective tool. A basic “rocket-style” 45° chamfering tool, such as the Forster, actually does a pretty good job taking the sharp edge off case mouths, particularly if you use a little scotch-pad (or steel wool) to smooth the edge of the cut. The Forster chamfer tool, shown below, is a nicely-made product, with sharper cutting blades than you’ll find on most other 45° chamferers. It costs $24.99 at Brownells.com.
Redding sells a handy piloted chamfering tool with a 15° inside cutting angle and removable accessory handle. This Redding Model 15-P chamferer works really well, so long as you have consistent case OALs. The pilot rod (which indexes in the flash hole) is adjustable for different cartridge types (from very short to very long). This ensures the concentricity of the inside neck chamfer to the case mouth. This quality tool works with cases from .22 to .45 Caliber, and retails for $36.99.
Sinclair International offers a 28° carbide chamferer with many handy features (and sharp blades). The $28.99 Sinclair Carbide VLD Case Mouth Chamfering Tool will chamfer cases from .14 through .45 caliber. This tool features a removable 28° carbide cutter mounted in the green plastic Sinclair handle. NOTE: A hex-shaft cutter head power adapter can be purchased separately for $14.99 (Sinclair item 749-002-488WS). This can be chucked in a power screwdriver or used with dedicated power drives when doing large volumes of cases.
Many folks feel they can get smoother bullet seating by using a tool that cuts at a steeper angle. We like the 22° cutter sold by Lyman. It has a comfortable handle, and costs just $12.99 at MidsouthShooterssupply.com. The Lyman tool is an excellent value, though we’ve seen examples that needed sharpening even when new. Blade-sharpening is easily done, however.
K&M makes a depth-adjustable, inside-neck chamferer (“Controlled Depth Tapered Reaper”) with ultra-sharp cutting flutes. The latest version, which costs $54.85 at KMShooting.com, features a central pin that indexes via the flash hole to keep the cutter centered. In addition, the tool has a newly-designed handle, improved depth-stop fingers, plus a new set-screw adjustment for precise cutter depth control. We caution, even with all the depth-control features, if you are not careful, it is easy to over-cut, slicing away too much brass and basically ruining your neck. We think that most reloaders will get better results using a more conventional chamfer tool, such as the Forster or Redding 15-P.
One last thing to note — tools like the K&M and the Sinclair chamferer are often described as VLD chamferers. That is really a misnomer, as bullets with long boat-tails actually seat easily with very minimal chamfering. In reality, these high-angle chamferers may be most valuable when preparing brass for flat-base bullets and bullets with pressure rings. Using a 22° or 28° chamferer can reduce the risk of cutting a jacket when using VLD bullets though — so long as you make a smooth cut.
If you’ve been thinking about a big purchase at Brownells, here are some money-saving codes. Brownells is currently offering $85 Off an $875 purchase, $55 Off a $575 purchase, $25 Off a $275 purchase, $15 Off a $150 purchase, and $10 Off a $100 purchase. It’s simple to get these discounts — there are no buyers’ clubs to join, no forms to fill out. Just use the appropriate Discount Code during online check-out.
Listed below are the Codes to use. Simply use the appropriate Code for your purchase at Brownells.com. Three of these codes expire at the end of this month (10/31/21). And other codes have no listed expiration date, so Brownells could terminate them at any time. Accordingly, we recommend you do your shopping soon. Also if the highest value code no longer works, try a lesser value CODE.
Coupon Code: FR6 — $85 off $875
Expiration date: 10/31/2021
Coupon Code: FR5 — $55 off $575
Expiration date: 10/31/2021
Coupon Code: FR4 — $25 off $275
Expiration date: 10/31/2021
Coupon Code: TAG — $15 OFF $150
Expiration date: Unknown expiration
Coupon Code: PTT — $10 OFF $100
Expiration date: Unknown expiration
NOTE: None of the above codes include FREE or Discounted Shipping. But Code Q63 offers Free Shipping/Handling for orders over $99.00 (with no other discounts). Depending on the weight/size of the item, this might be a better deal than saving $10-$20.
Happy Halloween
Hickok45 Carves Pumpkins with Handguns
To celebrate Halloween, here’s an example of master wheelgun marksmanship. Popular YouTube host Hickok45 skillfully creates a smiling face on a pumpkin using a S&W Model 29 .44 Magnum revolver. This is the classic blued, double-action revolver popularized by Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry. This has become a tradition for Hickok 45 — every year he puts a face on a pumpkin using a different firearm, typically a pistol, but he’s used a couple rifles as well. The latest pumpkin-carving effort, in October 2020, was done with a SIG M17 pistol. SEE PUMPKIN Shooting Playlist. Happy Halloween to all our readers.
Want to see more? Hickok45 has also carved pumpkins with a dozen firearms. Here is a pumpkin carved with a genuine, WWI-era Colt 1911 carried by an American soldier in the Pacific theater.
And here is a rather grim-looking face applied using the .40 SW Glock 23.
Bullets, Trickler, and Priming Tool on Top
Happy Halloween
