Can you form a wildcat cartridge such as the 6 Dasher without expending primer, powders, and bullets? Absolutely. Using the hydro-forming method you can form improved cases in your workshop with no firing whatsoever, so there is no wear on your precious barrel. Watch this video to see how it’s done:
6 Dasher Case Hydro-Forming Demonstration:
Forum member Wes J. (aka P1ZombieKiller) has produced a helpful video showing how to form Dasher cases use the Hornady Hydraulic forming die kit. This includes a two-part die (body and piston), and a special shell holder. To form the case, you insert a primer in your virgin brass, top the case off with with a fluid (water or alcohol), then run the case up into the Hydro-forming die. A few stout whacks with a hammer and your case is 95% formed.
This same procedure can be accomplished with a Whidden Gunworks 6mm Dasher hydraulic form die. We like the Whidden hydro-forming die for its production quality and consistent results. This Whidden system works great according to our Forum members.
Hydro-Forming Procedure Step-by-Step:
1. Insert spent primer in new 6mmBR brass case.
2. Fill with water or alcohol (Wes prefers alcohol).
3. Wipe excess fluid off case.
4. Place case in special Hornady shell-holder (no primer hole).
5. Run case up into Hydraulic forming die.
6. Smack top piston of forming die 3-4 times with rubber mallet or dead-blow hammer.
7. Inspect case, re-fill and repeat if necessary.
8. Drain alcohol (or water) into container.
9. Remove primer (and save for re-use).
10. Blow-dry formed case. Inspect and measure formed case.
Wes achieves very uniform cartridge OALs with this method. He measured ten (10) hydro-formed 6 Dasher cases and got these results: two @ 1.536″; 2 @ 1.537″; and 6 @ 1.538″.
Three or Four Whacks Produces a 95%-Formed Case
With a Whidden or Hornady hydro-forming die, hydraulic pressure does the job of blowing out the shoulders of your improved case. The process is relatively simple. Place a spent primer in the bottom of a new piece of brass. Fill the case with water, and then slip it into a special Hornady shell-holder with no hole in the middle. Then you run the case up into the forming die. Now comes the fun part. You gently insert a plunger (hydraulic ram) from the top, and give it three or four stiff whacks with a mallet (or better yet, a dead-blow hammer). Remove the plunger and you have a 95% formed case, ready to load.
Special Shell-Holder
Hornady supplies a shell holder made specifically for the hydro die; there’s no hole in the bottom of it. Just insert a spent primer into the primer pocket and you’re ready to go. The spent primer, combined with the solid shell holder, keeps the water from seeping out of the primer pocket. The primer pushes out a little bit during this process, but it’s impossible for it to come out because of the way the shell holder is designed. The shell holder has a grove which allows the case to slide out of the shell holder even when the primer protrudes a bit.
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. Sportsman’s Warehouse — FREE Shotgun with AR15
⏺ Get FREE 12ga shotgun with purchase of F1 Firearms AR-15
Get two guns for the price of one. Buy a F1 Firearms FDR AR-15 for $899.99 at Sportsman’s Warehouse and get a FREE Citadel Boss Hog 12ga Shotgun. That’s right — you get the Shotgun for FREE! The FDR AR-15 is chambered for the .223 Wylde chambering favored by match shooters (you can still shoot .223 Rem in the Wylde chamber). It has a M-LOK free-float handguard over 16″ barrel with fitted A2 flash hider.
2. Bruno Shooters Supply — Bartlein Match Barrels in Stock
⏺ Top-quality barrels, many calibers, avoid months of waiting
You’ll typically wait months to get a quality custom barrel from a top barrel-maker such as Bartlein. However, Bruno’s now has a good selection of Bartlein barrels in stock. You’ll find a variety of calibers, lengths, and contours. But act soon — we expect these to sell out fast.
3. Creedmoor Sports — Trieble Reloading Dies
⏺ Very high quality precision dies from Germany
If you’re looking to produce more precise handloads, then consider upgrading your dies. New to the market are Triebel dies that feature incredible tolerances, are available for a wide variety of cartridges, and are machined from the highest-grade materials.
4. KYGUNCO — Remington .223 Rem Ammo, $569.99/1000
⏺ Exceptional deal — just $0.57/round or $11.40/20 rounds
If you want American-made, name-brand .223 Rem ammo, you can’t beat this deal. Get 1000 .223 Rem rounds for $569.99 with this Remington bulk pack with 55gr FMJ bullets. That works out to just $0.57 per round — HALF what you might pay for other .223 Rem ammo.
5. MidwayUSA — Lee App Deluxe Press, $74.06
⏺ Unique Lee APP vertical feed press good for repetitive processes
Need a dedicated press for repetitive processes such as decapping (spent primer removal) or primer pocket swaging, but don’t want another heavy (and expensive) cast-iron press? Then consider the innovative Lee Deluxe APP (Automatic Processing Press) Reloading Press. With the ability to mount your dies either on the top or bottom, this press offers unique versatility. On sale at MidwayUSA for $74.06, the LEE Deluxe APP also offers a vertical feed function for cases or bullets. This is a great little workhorse for the $74.06 price. NOTE: Press does NOT include raised mount.
6. EuroOptic — SIG Sauer Optics on Sale
⏺ Quality scopes, Red Dots on Sale — Save up to $160
Currently EuroOptic is running a SIG Sauer Optics Sale . You’ll find Tango4 and Whiskey3 scopes on sale along with a variety of Red Dot (reflex) sight systems, including the Romeo5/Juliet3 combo red dot plus magnifier that is great for tactical rifles.
7. Amazon — Double Rifle Case with Shoulder Straps, $56.99
⏺ Versatile, 2-rifle case with comfortable shoulder straps
Here’s a good, affordable case for transporting ARs or tactical rifles. This case hauls two rifles in separate, well-padded compartments. Strong shoulder straps support the weight. For less than $70 you can choose either the 38″ or 42″ Double Rifle Soft Cases in one of several colors. This is a great way to protect two rifles during transport while carrying extra gear in the three outside pockets.
8. Midsouth — Tac-Pod Carbon Pro Bipod, $54.99
⏺ Nice light-weight bipod with versions for Picatinny and M-LOK Rails
If you’re looking for a new lightweight but strong bipod, check out the TruGlo Tac-Pod Carbon Pro Bipod series. These are versatile, with 6-9″ and 9-13″ leg size choices. Choose the Tac-Pod model with your preferred mounting option(s) — Swivel Stud, Picatinny Rail, and M-LOK/KMOD. Right now save $15 with this sale.
9. Amazon — KRATE AR500 Steel Targets, $17.99 and Up
⏺ Tough AR500 steel gongs, excellent user reviews, lifetime warranty
KRATE offers quality, durable AR500 steel targets, starting at just $17.99 for a 4″ Gong. KRATE AR500 targets have a lifetime warranty, and have earned good user reviews. These Tactical AR500 Steel Gongs are 3/8″ thick and come in various sizes set up for hanging chains (sold separately). And get this, right now if you spend at least $25, your Gongs ship for FREE! Along with Gong targets, KRATE also sells AR500 steel silhouette targets through Amazon.
10. Palmetto State Armory — CCI 40gr .22 LR 500 Rds, $54.99
⏺ Excellent price on quality ammo — just $5.50 for 50 rounds
Here’s good, USA-made .22 LR rimfire ammo good for plinking and rimfire tactical games. On sale this week at PSA, this CCI .22 LR Std. Velocity 40gr ammo is just $54.99 for 500 rounds. That works out to just 11 cents per round. That’s hard to beat these days for big-brand .22 LR ammo.
Ever wanted to see how Nosler bullets and cartridges are made? Here’s your opportunity. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) has produced a video (“Quality First”) that offers a behind-the-scenes look inside Nosler’s Oregon factory that produces bullets, brass, and ammunition.
Video Showcases Nosler Production Facility and Ballistics Lab
RMEF representatives were provided with unprecedented access into Nosler’s famously-guarded manufacturing plant to show the technology used by Nosler to produce bullets and ammunition. The “Quality First” video showcases Nosler’s complex production processes that include technologically advanced machinery, and stringent quality control measures.
After the intro, this video illustrates Nosler’s bullet construction techniques with a cool animation sequence. The video then showcases the Nosler ballistics lab, inspection room, and packaging line.
The “Quality First” video starts with the history of the company, tracking Nosler’s development from the 1940s. Then the video shows the bullet construction techniques followed by a ‘walk-though’ in the factory, showing the sophisticated machinery used to make bullets, brass, and ammunition. “‘Quality First’ isn’t just a saying that’s printed on our factory walls, it’s the guiding principle that affects every decision we make” says Mason Payer, Senior Marketing Manager at Nosler.
Nosler has completely upgraded its Nosler.com website that provides Nosler product information, online shopping, and customer service. The redesigned Nosler.com site now boasts improved e-Commerce functionality. This should allow faster order processing and shipping, and allow customers to get real-time order status, plus up-to-date tracking information.
Better Search and More Detailed Product INFO
On the updated Nosler website, navigation is easier, and the search function is improved, allowing customers to search Nosler products by name, product line, cartridge, caliber, activity, and several other parameters. The updated product listings have more detailed specifications. For example the site now includes velocity, energy AND drop charts for all Nosler ammunition products.
Information Resources — Load Data and Nosler Blog
The enhanced Nosler website also features comprehensive LOAD DATA, plus informative content in the Nosler Blog. The Load Data page works well on smartphones. Go to the Load Data Index Page, then simply scroll down to a caliber. Then select your cartridge type and bullet weight(s). The rifle listings are quite comprehensive, covering .17 caliber up to .458 caliber. Here is a data example for the 6mm Creedmoor with popular 105-107gr bullets:
About Nosler and Support for Rocky Mtn. Elk Foundation
Founded in 1948, Nosler, Inc. is a family-owned company located in Bend, Oregon. Nosler is most known for hunting bullets such as the Partition®, Ballistic Tip®, AccuBond®, E-Tip® and most recently the AccuBond® LR and RDF. Nosler manufactures premium component bullets, reloading brass, ammunition and semi-custom rifles for domestic and international customers.
A long-time proponent of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Nosler donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of five Partition bullets to benefit RMEF’s mission and recently added proceeds from Trophy Grade® and Expansion Tip™ ammunition to increase support.
Video find by ELR Researcher. We welcome reader submissions.
Want to improve your understanding of Ballistics, Bullet Design, Bullet Pointing, and other shooting-related tech topics? Well here’s a treasure trove of gun expertise. Applied Ballistics offers dozens of FREE tech articles on its website. Curious about Coriolis? — You’ll find answers. Want to understand the difference between G1 and G7 BC? — There’s an article about that.
“Doc” Beech, technical support specialist at Applied Ballistics says these articles can help shooters working with ballistics programs: “One of the biggest issues I have seen is the misunderstanding… about a bullet’s ballistic coefficient (BC) and what it really means. Several papers on ballistic coefficient are available for shooters to review on the website.”
Credit Shooting Sports USA Editor John Parker for finding this great resource. John writes: “Our friends at Applied Ballistics have a real gold mine of articles on the science of accurate shooting on their website. This is a fantastic source for precision shooting information[.] Topics presented are wide-ranging — from ballistic coefficients to bullet analysis.”
Here are six (6) of our favorite Applied Ballistics articles, available for FREE to read online. There are dozens more, all available on the Applied Ballistics Education Webpage. After Clicking link, select Plus (+) Symbol for “White Papers”, then find the article(s) you want in the list. For each selection, then click “Download” in the right column. This will send a PDF version to your device.
The Biden State Department has banned imports of Russian-made firearms and ammunition. Russian firearms and ammo importation will be blocked for a minimum of 12 months starting September 7, 2021. The State Department Notice states:
New sanctions imposed today under the CBW Act include:
Restrictions on the permanent imports of certain Russian firearms. New and pending permit applications for the permanent importation of firearms and ammunition manufactured or located in Russia will be subject to a policy of denial.
Action Will Harm U.S. Firearms Owners
The Gun Owners of America (GOA) criticized the action, stating it will NOT achieve its stated purpose, but will only harm American hunters, shooters, and gun owners:
“It is clear to us that the intention is not to harm Russia but rather to hinder the acquisition of firearms and ammunition by American citizens.
Once again, the Biden Administration’s actions are misplaced. Ending imports by licensed importers will not stop drug dealers, murderers, and other assorted street criminals. It will, however, harm legitimate U.S. businesses while driving up the cost of other ammunition due to more buyers chasing a smaller supply.
We recognize the devastating implications these sanctions would have on individual gun owners amidst a national ammunition shortage. We are currently exploring administrative, congressional, and legal avenues to respond to these new sanctions.”
Ammo Shortages Will Worsen Dean Weingarten cautions that the new ban will lead to more ammo shortages:
“This is the second round of sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States over the Aleksey Navalny incident. The first round of sanctions did not ban the importation of Russian ammunition or firearms.
It is unclear how long supplies in the pipeline will last. The announcement is likely to rekindle the ammunition bubble for calibers commonly imported from Russia, such as 7.62×54, 7.62×39, 5.45×39, 5.56×45, and even match grade .22 ammunition.”
The shape of powder grains has a profound effect on the performance of the powder charge, as it concerns both pressure and velocity. There are multiple powder shapes including flake, ball, and extruded or “stick” (both solid and perforated).
So how does powder grain shape affect pressure and muzzle velocity?
In general, it can be said that powder that burns progressively achieves a desired muzzle velocity at lower maximum pressure than a powder that burns neutrally, not to mention a degressive powder. As grain size increases, the maximum pressure moves towards the muzzle, also increasing muzzle blast. Muzzle velocity and pressure can be adjusted by means of the amount of powder or loading density, i.e. the relationship between the powder mass and the volume available to it. As the loading density increases, maximum pressure grows.
All Vihtavuori reloading powders are of the cylindrical, single-perforated extruded stick type. The differences in burning rate between the powders depend on the size of the grain, the wall thickness of the cylinder, the surface coating and the composition. Cylindrical extruded powders can also have multi-perforated grains. The most common types are the 7- and 19-perforated varieties. A multi-perforated powder grain is naturally of a much larger size than one with a single perforation, and is typically used for large caliber ammunition.
Other types of powder grain shapes include sphere or ball, and flake. The ball grains are typically used in automatic firearms but also in rifles and handguns. The ball grain is less costly to produce, as it is not pressed into shape like cylindrical grains. Flake shaped grains are typically used in shotgun loadings.
Web thickness in gunpowder terminology means the minimum distance that the combustion zones can travel within the powder grain without encountering each other. In spherical powders, this distance is the diameter of the “ball”; in flake powder it is the thickness of the flake; and in multi-perforated extruded powders it is the minimum distance (i.e. wall thickness) between the perforations.
The burning rate of powder composed of grains without any perforations or surface treatment is related to the surface area of the grain available for burning at any given pressure level. The change in the surface area that is burning during combustion is described by a so-called form function. If the surface area increases, the form function does likewise and its behavior is termed progressive. If the form function decreases, its behavior is said to be degressive. If the flame area remains constant throughout the combustion process, we describe it as “neutral” behavior.
The cylindrical, perforated powders are progressive; the burning rate increases as the surface area increases, and the pressure builds up slower, increasing until it reaches its peak and then collapses. Flake and ball grains are degressive; the total powder surface area and pressure are at their peak at ignition, decreasing as the combustion progresses.
With shortages of factory ammunition, many more gun owners are reloading their own ammo these days. Redding offers handy, printable files for load data records and box labels.
Redding Reloading offers a handy Handloader’s Data Sheet in printable PDF format. This FREE form allows hand-loaders to document their tool settings, bushing size, powder charge, load specs (COAL etc.), and case prep status. In addition, the form allows you to enter your load testing information, complete with chronograph data, group size, zero range, and wind/temp conditions. With this single, handy form you can document all the vital information for your particular cartridges and loads. We suggest you print these out, 3-hole-punch them, and then keep them in a three-ring binder.
We’ve seen various reloading log templates, but this Redding form (shown below) is better than most because it combines both reloading data AND range-test data in one place. You can see all key details of the reloading process (tool settings etc.) plus the end results — how the load actually performed over the chronograph and on paper. This form allows the user to capture a large amount of information for later use, while accurately track load development. Go to Download Page.
FREE Ammunition Box Label Template Redding Reloading has also developed a printable template for your ammo boxes (see photo at top of article). This lets you put all vital load info on your ammo boxes. There are fields for: Date, Cartridge, Powder, Grains, Bullet, Weight, Primer, Case type. Designed for Avery 5260 (or similar) label sheets, this label template allows you to print 30 labels at one time. You can purchase the Avery 5260 peel-off printable label sheets at office supply stores.
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. Midsouth — Major RCBS Product Sale
⏺ 13 popular items and reloading kits on sale this week
Midsouth is running a huge sale this week on 13 of the most popular (and useful) RCBS tools, Powder Dispensers, and Reloading Kits. You can save up to $100 on popular items such as the ChargeMaster Scale/Dispenser, and the Rockchucker complete Reloading Kit. Go to Full RCBS Sale Page or click individual products below.
2. Amazon or Champion’s Choice — Plano AirGlide Case, $58.00
⏺ Get the last ones! Great range case, but no longer in production
The Plano Airglide is a unique, vertical-loading rifle case. The rifle is supported by foam blocks so there is no side-pressure on your scope turrets. The AirGlide’s hinged top-opening lid provides clearance for all but the most massive target scopes. Airglides are VERY popular with our Forum members, and this Editor uses Airglides to transport his own rifles to the range. Unfortunately, Plano has halted production of the AirGlide case. However, there are still a few available from Champion’s Choice for $58.00 (plus shipping) or from Amazon for $71.75 (free shipping). Grab one while you still can!
NOTE: Despite the name, AirGlides are NOT recommended for airline transport, but for regular range use AirGlides are a great option. Another advantage is the AirGlide holds your rifle in a muzzle-down orientation so any residual solvents drain OUT the muzzle, not back into the action.
3. Brownells — Smith & Wesson Bullpup 12ga Shotgun, $999.00
⏺ Brand new pump-action, home defense 12 gauge 14 shell capacity
Smith & Wesson just introduced a brand new home-defense shotgun. The all-new S&W M&P12 Shotgun is a compact (28″ OAL) pump shotgun with ergonomics familiar to AR owners. With two shell tubes, the gun holds 14 rounds of standard 2-3/4″ shells. You can put slugs in one tube and regular shells in the other, and switch quickly. The new M&P12 features ambidextrous controls, with an action release that can be engaged from either side, and a familiar AR-style ambidextrous safety selector. There are interchangeable palm-swell grips and M-LOK® slots for lights and lasers. Use Brownells code SRJ at check-out to save $100, lowering net cost to $999.00. This is a good deal for a new product with a $1165.00 MSRP.
4. EuroOptic — Free Extra Stock/Fore-end with Sako S20
⏺ Free factory stock and fore-end with Sako S20 Purchase
Here’s a great deal from Sako. Purchase a new Sako S20 Hunter Rifle and receive a free S20 Precision Stock and S20 Precision Forend. OR purchase a new Sako S20 Precision Rifle and receive a free S20 Hunter Stock and S20 Hunter Forend. Eligible guns include all new Sako S20 Precision and Hunter rifles purchased from July 31st through October 15th, 2021. Stocks and fore-ends are delivered by Sako 10-12 weeks after submission (deadline 11/15/2021). Click this link to REDEEM Sako Promotion.
5. Midsouth — RCBS Rotary Case Tumbler with SS Media, $169.99
⏺ Wet tumbling works great, big capacity kit includes SS Pins
Want to get your old, used brass looking like new again? Try wet-tumbling your cases with stainless media. You’ll be impressed. For wet-tumbling, a good option is the RCBS Rotary Case Tumbler. On sale now for $169.99, this comes with everything you need to get started including 5 pounds of stainless steel pin media. This is a good unit with plenty of capacity.
6. Amazon — Tipton Best Gun Vise, $84.95
⏺ Versatile, stable, works with all rifles, including ARs
When cleaning long guns, you need a secure, stable platform. We recommend the Tipton Best Gun Vise, now $84.95 on Amazon. This vise was designed to accommodate the widest possible array of firearms for cleaning, maintenance, or gunsmithing. This vise is easily configurable to handle bolt-action rifles, break-open shotguns, AR-15s, and handguns. You can also purchase the Best Gun Vise for $89.99 at Midsouth.
Need a varmint rifle scope? Here’s a killer deal on a 5-20x44mm Bushnell Nitro. This second focal plane scope boasts a handy Deploy reticle with MOA hashmarks for hold-overs/hold-offs. With this $219.49 deal you can save 56% off the regular $499.99 price. If you are looking for a lower-magnification scope, consider the 2.5-10x44mm Nitro for just $149.49 a $180 savings.
There are many other great deals on Bushnell products at Natchez, with 15 different products on sale up to 57% OFF. For example, the Bushnell 1300 Laser Rangefinder is marked down to $119.49 from $199.99, while the price of the Bushnell Tac Optics Red Dot has been slashed from $299.99 to $127.50.
8. Amazon — BOG Deathgrip Aluminum Tripod, $139.13
⏺ Versatile tripod mounts quickly, securely — use for PRS/NRL or hunting.
This is a great tripod for long-range hunters and PRS/NRL competitors. The Clamp-type head quickly secures to your rifle’s forearm for a secure shooting solution. The BOG Deathgrip Aluminum Tripod is on sale now on Amazon for $139.13. If weight is critical, there is also a lighter BOG carbon fiber tripod for $199.99. For the extra $60 you save a pound in total weight (7.5 lbs for carbon vs. 8.5 lbs for aluminum).
⏺ Sweet deal on Ear and Eye Protection — good spare set for friends
Every shooter needs good eye and ear protection. Get BOTH the E-Max Muffs and Shooting glasses for just $28.10 on Amazon with free shipping. This combo can be an affordable spare set for yourself or to have on hand for your guests. The E-Max earmuffs offer a 23 dB Noise Reduction Rating while allowing you to hear range commands.
10. Amazon — Allnice Digital Calipers, $19.99
⏺ Effective digital read-out calipers at bargain price
Every handloader needs a set of calipers for multiple reloading/measurement tasks. In fact we recommend you have at least two sets of calipers, one being an inexpensive unit that you can take to the range. These $19.99 Allnice Digital Calipers fill the bill. These calipers have a stainless steel construction and a large digital readout. User reviews have been quite positive, with 88% four- or five-star ratings.
Believe it or not, here is a cartridge that makes a .338 Lapua Magnum look like a toy. The 14.5x114mm cartridge was designed as a MG and rifle-fired anti-materiel round. To translate from the metric system to caliber and inches, the round is a mammoth .57 caliber which measures 4.49 inches to the case mouth, and 6.13 inches overall. That jumbo-sized case holds a whopping 655 grains of powder. Commonly-loaded projectiles weigh 920-1030 grains. The 993gr armor-piercing projectile has a muzzle velocity of approximately 1006 meters per second (3300 fps) and can penetrate 30-32 millimeters of RHA steel at a range of 500 meters.
The top photo comes from Elardus De Lang, a Forum member who works at the Truvelo Manufacturers Armoury in South Africa. Elardus also provided an impressive video showing the massive 14.5x114mm being shot from prone with a Truvelo-built bolt-action rifle. Elardus tells us: “Here is a video, with a slow-motion ending, of our 14.5x114mm anti-materiel rifle being fired in our indoor testing facility. This caliber is a true beast! It propels a 993gr Armor-Piercing Incendiary bullet to 3300 fps, burning 480 grains of powder in the process. [This shows] that rifles of that power level can actually be shootable. The concussion indoors is something to experience……every shot feels like you are being punched in the face, and the heat from the muzzle flash actually hits you like a wave!”
14.5x114mm Cartridge Design and Dimensions
The 14.5×114mm has 42.53 ml (655 grains H2O) cartridge case capacity. The exterior shape of the case was designed to promote reliable case feeding and extraction in bolt action rifles and machine guns alike, under extreme conditions. Cartridges typically use lacquered steel cases, but some countries also use brass cases for the 14.5x115mm.
All dimensions are in millimeters (mm). Americans would define the shoulder angle at alpha/2, or 22.5 degrees. The common rifling twist rate for this cartridge is 455 mm (1:17.91″) with eight lands/grooves. According to official guidelines, the 14.5×114mm can handle up to 360 MPa (52,213 psi) piezo pressure.
14.5x114mm Cartridge History
The 14.5×114mm (.57 Cal) is a heavy machine gun and anti-materiel rifle cartridge used by the Soviet Union, the former Warsaw Pact, modern Russia, and other countries. It was originally developed for the PTRS and PTRD anti-tank rifles, but was later used as the basis for the KPV heavy machine gun that formed the basis of the ZPU series anti-aircraft guns that is also the main armament of the BTR series of armoured personnel carriers from the BTR-60 to the BTR-80 and for heavy anti-material sniper rifles. The cartridge was designed in 1939 and first issued in 1941.
Berger Issues Safety Notice for .223 Remington 77 grain OTM Tactical Ammunition
Berger’s Load Development Team has determined that some .223 Remington 77 grain OTM Tactical (Product # 65-23030) cartridges from Lot # P002745, P002745-1, P002745-2, and P002745-3 may cause function/ignition issues with AR-style gas operating platforms. Bolt action rifles are NOT affected.
Berger Ammunition Lots # P002745, P002745-1, P002745-2, and P002745-3 .223 Remington 77 Grain OTM Tactical ammunition, Item #65-23030 was shipped to retailers on April 2nd, 2021 to April 22nd, 2021.
If you own Berger ammunition from Lot # P002745, P002745-1, P002745-2, and/or P002745-3 or have questions regarding this notice, please contact Berger Customer Support at 660-460-2802 or support@capstonepg.com to arrange replacement of the product.
EDITOR: Once again, if you are running this ammo in a bolt-action rifle, there should be no issues according to Berger. If you had intended to use the ammunition in an AR-platform rifle, contact Berger for further information.
Recall is for Berger 77gr .223 Rem Ammunition when used in AR-Platform Rifles
Story notice from ELR Researcher. We welcome reader submissions.