Need a simple, easy-to-use drop chart for your rifle? Something you can tape right to the buttstock? Then check out Hornady’s handy Online Ballistics Calculator. This user-friendly calculator will compute your drops accurately, and output a handy “Cheat Sheet” you can print and attach to your rifle.
Here’s how it works. From the Ballistics Calculator Page, simply input G1 or G7 BC values, muzzle velocity, bullet weight, zero range, and a few other variables.
Click “Calculate” to view the full chart (shown below). Then click “View Cheatsheet” and the simpler, 4-line Drop Chart (shown above) appears. Click “Print” and you’re done!
Choose Basic Table or Advanced Version with More Variables
The online ballistics caculator is easy to use. You can select the basic version, or an advanced version with more data fields for environmental variables (altitude, temperature, air pressure, and humidity). You can also get wind drift numbers by inputing wind speed and wind angle.
Conveniently, on the trajectory output, come-ups are listed in both MOA and Mils — so this will work with either MOA clicks or Mil-based clicks. There are more sophisticated ballistics solvers available on the web (such as the outstanding Applied Ballistics Online Calculator), but the Hornady Calculator is very simple and easy to use. If you just want a basic drop chart, you may want to check this out.
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. Cabela’s — Savage Axis XP Rifle with 3-9X Scope, $359.99
⏺ $309.99 after REBATE complete with Weaver 3-9x40mm scope
Looking for a solid, reliable hunting rifle for under $400? Head to Cabela’s for this Savage Axis XP Bolt-Action Rifle in TrueTimber Strata camo. Available in a wide range of calibers/chamberings, including .223 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, 7mm-08, .308 Win and .30-06, this Axis XP includes a mounted Weaver 3-9x40mm scope. NOTE: There is currently a $50.00 Savage Factory Rebate on this Axis XP rifle. That lowers your net cost to just $309.99! (Rebate 8/15/21 through 9/8/2021.)
Savage Axis XP Features:
TrueTimber Strata camo synthetic stock
Factory mounted Weaver 3-9x40mm scope
Many available chamberings
Detachable box magazine
2-position tang safety
⏺ Just add primers/powder — great value for 1000 bullets and 500 cases
If you load for 9mm Luger (aka 9x19mm), and need brass and bullets, head over to Midsouth for this 9mm Brass & Bullets Loader Pack. You get 1000 115gr FMJ bullets and 500 pieces of JAG Headstamp 9x19mm brass. This is a great way to get started or beef up your 9mm reloading components. We recommended Vihtavuori powders, and Federal or CCI primers for the 9mm Luger cartridge.
3. Bruno Shooters Supply — Kelbly Actions In-Stock
⏺ Superb actions for match rifles available now (no wait)
The thought of building a new rig can be daunting in today’s economy with massive wait times and out of stocks everywhere. One bright light in an otherwise dark world of parts availability are the Kelbly actions currently IN-STOCK at Bruno Shooters Supply. These won’t last long but if you’re planning a new custom rifle build, Kelbly actions are an outstanding option. No wait time is a big plus.
4. KYGUNCO — Anderson AM-15 Lower Receiver, $38.99
⏺ Quality 100% reliable lower at lowest price anywhere
The AR-15 has definitely become America’s rifle — good for action sports, home defense, and varmint hunting. If you’re planning to build a new AR-platform Modern Sporting Rifle, start with a good lower. And right now you can get a quality Anderson Mfg. ANDERSON AM-15 Lower Receiver for just $38.99 — the lowest price we’ve seen in LONG time. This lower has milspec dimensions and will accept standard lower parts kits, trigger sets, and grips. Getting a good, name-brand lower for under $40 is tough to beat.
5. PMA Tool — Ball Bearing Priming Tool, $135.95
⏺ Outstanding Tool — Great Reviews from our Forum members
This is one of the best priming tools you can buy — at any price. Forum members have given high praise to the PMA Ball Bearing Drive Priming Tool. This advanced tool offers super-smooth operation with excellent “feel”. The innovative ball bearing drive system complements high quality stainless construction. It is offered with no shell holder for $125.95, or with shell holder of your choice for $135.95. Grab one to start priming like a pro.
.223 Rem (5.56×45) ammo has been hard to find at decent prices. Now you can get 300 rounds of good Winchester 5.56 ammo, plus ten (10) excellent PMAG 30rd magazines, all for just $359.99. This is a good package for someone getting started with an AR-15. This 5.56 Winchester Ammo and PMAG Gen2 30rd Magazines combo pack is a very good deal. Heck you could pay $190.00 for the ten mags alone. You get 10 high quality PMAGs plus 300 round of Winchester M193 NAT0 5.56×45 ammo.
7. Natchez — Caldwell DFT2 Lead Sled Shooting Rest, $159.99
⏺ Great price — costs up to $220 elsewhere; good for sight-in tasks
When sighting-in or practicing with a large-caliber hunting rifle, a Lead Sled can provide a solid and stable platform. With heavy bags in place, Lead Sleds stay put even when shooting heavy loads. If you’ve been looking to add a Lead Sled to your range gear, here is a great deal. Right now Natchez has the top-of-the-line Caldwell Lead Sled DFT 2 Shooting Rest for just $159.99. NOTE: You must add to cart to see this great price (this sled sells for $200+ elsewhere). Caldwell’s DFT 2 Lead Sled features a dual frame design that disperses the maximum amount of recoil energy, and can hold up to 100 pounds of lead shot for stability. (Bags sold separately.)
8. Amazon — AILEMON 6X Laser Range Finder, $69.99
⏺ Budget LRF does the job, and it can be recharged via USB
Every hunter should have a rangefinder to accurately determine range to your target. Here is a good basic 6-power Laser Rangefinder that fits the budget of any hunter and is RECHARGEABLE. The AILEMON 6X Laser Range Finder can range out to 1200 yards, with a high-precision continuous scan for fast, accurate results. Unlike most LRFs, which require replaceable batteries, the AILEMON features a rechargeable battery that can be charged with a standard USB cable. Many vehicles now have USB outlets.
⏺ Self-resetting Poppers are fun, everyone should have a couple
Nobody likes getting up to reset targets, or worse yet, having to replace targets that break or wear out easily. If you’re looking for a sturdy target that resets itself, check out the Highwild AR500 12″ Classic Popper Steel Shooting Target. Made from 3/8″-thick AR500 steel, this Popper can take hit after hit. Since it resets on its own all you need to worry about is keeping your magazines loaded.
10. Amazon — Front and Rear Shooting Bags Set, $12.92
⏺ Handy low-cost bags for varmint work or NRL22 competitions
Sometimes all you need is a simple front bag rest and squeeze bag in the rear and we found a great deal. These bags will suffice for basic varmint duties, sight-in for a hunting rifle, or barricade work in an NRL22 match. The Ace Hunter Front and Rear Bag Combo is available in 3 colors (Black, Green, and Camo). For just $12.92 you get both front and rear bags, which can be linked for transport.
These bags ship unfilled so must add your preferred fill material (depending on application) — try lighter fill such as rice for field carry, with heavier sand for bench work.
Berger Twist-Rate Stability Calculator On the Berger Bullets website you’ll find a handy Twist-Rate Stability Calculator that predicts your gyroscopic stability factor (SG) based on mulitiple variables: velocity, bullet length, bullet weight, barrel twist rate, ambient temperature, and altitude. This cool tool tells you if your chosen bullet will really stabilize in your barrel.
How to Use Berger’s Twist Rate Calculator
Using the Twist Rate Calculator is simple. Just enter the bullet DIAMETER (e.g. .264), bullet WEIGHT (in grains), and bullet overall LENGTH (in inches). On its website, Berger conveniently provides this info for all its bullet types. For other brands, we suggest you weigh three examples of your chosen bullet, and also measure the length on three samples. Then use the average weight and length of the three. To calculate bullet stability, simply enter your bullet data (along with observed Muzzle Velocity, outside Temperature, and Altitude) and click “Calculate SG”. Try different twist rate numbers (and recalculate) until you get an SG value of 1.4 (or higher).
Gyroscopic Stability (SG) and Twist Rate
Berger’s Twist Rate Calculator provides a predicted stability value called “SG” (for “Gyroscopic Stability”). This indicates the Gyroscopic Stability applied to the bullet by spin. This number is derived from the basic equation: SG = (rigidity of the spinning mass)/(overturning aerodynamic torque).
If you have an SG under 1.0, your bullet is predicted not to stabilize. If you have between 1.0 and 1.1 SG, your bullet may or may not stabilize. If you have an SG greater than 1.1, your bullet should stabilize under optimal conditions, but stabilization might not be adequate when temperature, altitude, or other variables are less-than-optimal. That’s why Berger normally recommends at least 1.5 SG to get out of the “Marginal Stability” zone.
In his book Applied Ballistics For Long-Range Shooting (3rd Ed.), Bryan Litz (Berger Ballistician) recommends at least a 1.4 SG rating when selecting a barrel twist for a particular bullet. This gives you a safety margin for shooting under various conditions, such as higher or lower altitudes or temperatures.
Story idea from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Many of our readers have been interested in learning how modern bullets are made. While a “boutique” bullet-maker, supplied with appropriate cores and jackets, can craft bullets using relatively simple hand dies and manual presses, factory production is different. The major bullet-makers, such as Barnes, employ huge, complex machines to craft their projectiles on an assembly line.
Modern hunting bullets are made with a variety of sophisticated (and expensive) machines, such as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) lathes, giant multi-stage presses, and hydraulic extruding machines that draw lead ingots into lead wire. Barnes offers an “inside look” at the bullet production process in a series of videos filmed at its Mona, UT factory. We’ve embedded four videos from the series here. These videos can also be viewed on the Barnes Bullets YouTube Channel.
Milling Slots in TSX All-Copper Bullet
This video shows how the slots (between the drive bands) in the TSX all-copper bullet are cut. The slots reduce the bearing surface that contacts the rifling. This helps reduce friction and heat, extending the life of barrels used with all-metal, drive-band bullets:
Varminator Bullets Produced in Jumbo Transfer Press
Here is the transfer press used in the production of Varminator and MPG Bullets. The process begins with a giant spool of flat copper material. The copper is stamped into jackets and eventually the formed Varminator bullets are ejected one by one into a bucket.
CNC Lathe Turns Bullets Automatically
In the video below, a Bar-Feed CNC crafts mono-bloc bullets from metal bar stock. Barnes uses a small CNC lathe to turn .50-caliber bullets from brass bar stock. We’re not sure which bullet is being made in this video. The material looks to be sintered metal. In the close-ups you can gold-colored shavings from when the machine was previously used for CNC-turned brass bullets.
Accuracy Testing in 100-yard Tunnel
Barnes regularly tests bullet samples for accuracy. In the video below, a Barnes technician loads sample rounds and tests them for accuracy in a 100-yard tunnel. The rounds are shot through a special fixture — basically a barreled action connected to parallel rods on either side. This allows the testing fixture to slide straight back on recoil (see it move back at 1:07-08 minute mark).
Upside-Down Trigger — Application for Unlimited Benchrest Competition?
Note how the tester actuates the trigger, which points UPWARDS, just the opposite of a normal rifle. The technician lightly taps the upward-pointing trigger shoe with a metal rod. Could this upside-down trigger work in benchrest shooting — perhaps with railguns? It could make for an interesting experiment.
Story suggestion by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Here is a clever DIY tool we learned about from Frank Shuster, a Forum member, who, sadly, passed away in 2015. Frank was a very knowledgeable shooter who was always willing to help others. Here is one of Frank’s smart inventions. He devised a way to measure the length of a rifle’s chamber using a fired cartridge case. Frank’s system works by cutting a “collar” from part of the case neck. This then slips over a bullet seated in a case loaded without powder or primer. As you chamber the dummy round, the collar will move back to indicate the full length of the chamber. (Make sure the bullet is seated well off the lands so the dummy round can chamber fully.)
The pictured gauge can be home made (for free) with components you already have on hand. Frank explained: “I used a Dremel cut-off wheel to cut the front half of the case neck off. A jewelers needle file to de-burr both rough-cut edges. The cut-off surface does not need to be perfectly square, because you are using the original straight mouth to make contact at the front of the chamber. Seat any old bullet to the approximate normal seating length. Next apply a tiny drop of oil on the ogive of the bullet, and slide the ‘collar’ over the bullet. Then chamber the dummy round and close the bolt. Extract the round slowly and carefully and take the measurement with calipers (see top photo).”
Frank’s DIY chamber length gauge works well. In a related Shooters’ Forum thread, Frank posted: “I’ve compared length dimensions doing it this way and with the chamber length shown on my chambering reamer drawings, and the Sinclair gauge, and they are all within .001″ or so.”
Commercial Chamber Length Gauges May Not Work with Custom Chambers
Frank did use Sinclair chamber-length gauges for some applications. These bullet-shaped gauges slip into a cartridge, but “it’s inconvenient to order that little gauge only… without spending $6 shipping for a $7 item.” Moreover, the Sinclair gauges may not fit a custom chamber with a tighter neck dimension because the diameter of the ring at the end is too large.
As an alternative to commercial gauges, the collar-type, homemade gauge will function properly in a custom chamber. The homemade gauge will work with smaller-than-standard chamber neck dimensions, as long as you use a piece of appropriately-turned fired brass that fits your chamber.
When we first ran this story a while back, it generated great interest among readers. By popular request, we’re reprinting this story, in case you missed it the first time around. — Editor
Precision Benchrest and F-Class shooters favor premium brass from Lapua, Norma, Peterson, or RWS. (Lake City also makes quality brass in military calibers.) Premium brass delivers better accuracy, more consistent velocities, and longer life. Shooters understand the importance of good brass, but many of us have no idea how cartridge cases are actually made. Here’s how it’s done.
The process starts with a brass disk stamped from strips of metal. Then, through a series of stages, the brass is extruded or drawn into a cylindrical shape. In the extrusion process the brass is squeezed through a die under tremendous pressure. This is repeated two or three times typically. In the more traditional “draw” process, the case is progressively stretched longer, in 3 to 5 stages, using a series of high-pressure rams forcing the brass into a form die. While extrusion may be more common today, RWS, which makes some of the most uniform brass in the world, still uses the draw process: “It starts with cup drawing after the bands have been punched out. RWS cases are drawn in three ‘stages’ and after each draw they are annealed, pickled, rinsed and subjected to further quality improvement measures. This achieves specific hardening of the brass cases and increases their resistance to extraordinary stresses.” FYI, Lapua also uses a traditional draw process to manufacture most of its cartridge brass (although Lapua employs some proprietary steps that are different from RWS’s methods).
After the cases are extruded or drawn to max length, the cases are trimmed and the neck/shoulder are formed. Then the extractor groove (on rimless cases) is formed or machined, and the primer pocket is created in the base. One way to form the primer pocket is to use a hardened steel plug called a “bunter”. In the photos below you see the stages for forming a 20mm cannon case (courtesy OldAmmo.com), along with bunters used for Lake City rifle brass. This illustrates the draw process (as opposed to extrusion). The process of draw-forming rifle brass is that same as for this 20mm shell, just on a smaller scale.
River Valley Ordnance explains: “When a case is being made, it is drawn to its final draw length, with the diameter being slightly smaller than needed. At this point in its life, the head of the draw is slightly rounded, and there are no provisions for a primer. So the final drawn cases are trimmed to length, then run into the head bunter. A punch, ground to the intended contours for the inside of the case, pushes the draw into a cylindrical die and holds it in place while another punch rams into the case from the other end, mashing the bottom flat. That secondary ram holds the headstamp bunter punch.
The headstamp bunter punch has a protrusion on the end to make the primer pocket, and has raised lettering around the face to form the headstamp writing. This is, of course, all a mirror image of the finished case head. Small cases, such as 5.56×45, can be headed with a single strike. Larger cases, like 7.62×51 and 50 BMG, need to be struck once to form a dent for the primer pocket, then a second strike to finish the pocket, flatten the head, and imprint the writing. This second strike works the brass to harden it so it will support the pressure of firing.”
Thanks to Guy Hildebrand, of the Cartridge Collectors’ Exchange, OldAmmo.com, for providing this 20mm Draw Set photo. Bunter photo from River Valley Ordnance.
We know our readers like gun-related bargains. Our Monday Deals of the Week story is usually the most popular article of the week. Well we’ve found another internet resource that can steer you to bargains on firearms, optics, reloading tools, ammo, bullets, brass and more. That resource is GunDelio.com.
The folks at GunTalk created GunDelio.com to help you save money when purchasing guns, ammo, and accessories. GunDealio.com finds current special offers, discounts, and promotions.
Here are six current bargains valid this week. There are dozens of more deals on the Gundelio.com website. You’ll want to check back regularly to find up-to-date listings of the best current bargains.
Gundelio Smartphone App is Available
There is also a Gundelio APP available for both Android and iOS smartphones. This can send current deals directly to your smart phone. And it can target regional deals that may be available exclusively at local stores in your area. More information can be found at GunDelio.com/get-app.
So, are you feeling lucky? If so, head over to the NSSF’s Gearbox Giveaway webpage. To celebrate National Shooting Sports Month (NSSM), gun and gear manufacturers are offering big prize packages — the Gearbox Giveaways. Enter to win rifles, pistols, ammo, and other valuable prizes. Total Product Value is over $15,250! Many of the Gearbox packages are worth over $2500. Enter as many of the Gearbox Giveaways as you like, but time’s running out — the last day to enter is August 31, 2021.
Shown below are the 6 Gearbox Giveaways starting with the most valuable products offered in the prize packages. You’ll find more details of the prize packages on the NSSF website. NOTE: You need to enter separately for each Gearbox Giveaway prize package. Good luck!
1. SIG Sauer Gearbox GiveAway — Total MSRP: $3638.98
What’s in the Gearbox:
SIG SAUER CROSS (.308 Win or 6.5 Creedmoor): $1,649.99
SIERRA3 BDX KIT (includes scope and rangefinder): $1429.00
This combo kit includes:
– SIERRA3 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope
– KILO1800 Rangefinder
– Features BDX 2.0 for app-free pairing
– Smart BDC reticle with pre-loaded ballistic groups
ELITE HUNTER TIPPED Ammo (10 boxes): $459.99
SIG SAUER GEAR: $100.00
Total MSRP: $3638.98
2. Mossberg Gearbox GiveAway — Total MSRP: $2,695.97
What’s in the Gearbox:
Mossberg MC2c Compact 9mm, w/ Night Sights ($613)
Mossberg 500 12 Gauge Retrograde ($553)
Mossberg MVP Precision Bolt Action, 6.5 Creedmoor ($1,450)
Mossberg Soft Case ($24.99)
Mossberg Aluminum Water Bottle ($19.99)
Mossberg T Shirt ($19.99)
Mossberg Baseball Hat ($15)
Total MSRP: $2,695.97
3. Primary Arms Gearbox GiveAway — Total MSRP: $2,863.90
What’s in the Gearbox:
Geissele Automatics Super Duty Rifle Gray 16″ ($2,225.00)
Primary Arms SLx Advanced Rotary Knob Microdot Red Dot Sight ($129.99)
Reptilia Corp DOT Mount for Aimpoint Micro Black ($98.96)
SureFire M640DF Scout Light Pro Dual Fuel Weapon Light 1500 Lumens ($296.00)
Arisaka Defense M-LOK Indexer ($30.00)
Blue Force Gear Vickers Push Button Sling Wolf Gray ($83.95)
DURAMAG .223 Steel Magazine Orange Follower 30 Round ($81.50)
Tru-Spec 24/7 Series Original Tactical Pant ($49.95)
Primary Arms Logo T-Shirt ($24.99)
Total MSRP: $2,863.90
4. Bear Creek Arsenal Gearbox GiveAway — MSRP: $1,418.89
What’s in the Gearbox:
AR15 16″ bbl 5.56×45 complete rifle ($639.99)
5.56 Gen 2 16″ upper ($264.99)
7.62 gen 2 10.5″ upper ($233.99)
Canted Flip up sights ($39.99)
Standard Scope ($129.99)
BCA Trucker Hat ($11.99)
BCA Shirt ($14.99)
Oval BCA Bear Sticker, bumper sticker, BCA Decal ($10.00)
5.56 Cleaning Kit ($9.99)
Cerus Gear BCA Mat ($23.99)
Gat Monkey BCA Sling ($34.99)
BCA Slack Pack ($3.99)
Total MSRP: $1,418.89
5. Winchester Gearbox GiveAway — Total MSRP: $1,140.00
What’s in the Gearbox:
Choice of Winchester Ammunition (Subject to Availability) – $500
30” Red Swivel Bar Stool (2) – $190
Winchester Red Floor Mat (Choice of Vertical or Horizontal) – $79.95
Winchester Gun Cleaning Mat Only (Pistol & Rifle) – $27
Winchester Gun Cleaning Kit (Choice of Pistol & Rifle or Shotgun) – $23
Winchester Stormtech Duffle Bag – $70
Winchester Red Gun Case (2) – $96
Team Winchester Solar Charger – $20
Winchester Super X 100th Anniversary T-Shirt – $18
Winchester Super X 100th Anniversary Hat (2) – $36
Winchester Black Hoodie – $30
Winchester USA Valor T-shirt – $25
Winchester USA Valor Hat (2) – $50
Total MSRP: $1,140.00
6. Glock Gearbox GiveAway — Total MSRP: $3,500.00 claimed*
What’s in the Gearbox:
G43X 4 Pistol Range Bag MOS – $582
6 Multi-Mag Pouch
Quadcamo Hat
Carry Confidence Shirt
Training course from GLOCK’s Director of Training
All expenses paid trip to tour Glock USA factory
Personalized fan video from Chuck Norris: Priceless
Personalized letter from Mr. and/or Mrs. Glock with both autographs: Priceless
* This $3500.00 stated value is based largely on expenses-paid trip to U.S. Glock Factory. The actual retail value of good is less than $1000.00
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. Krieger Barrels — Overstock Barrels in Inventory Now
⏺ Great Krieger barrels with no waiting — overstock inventory
Since Krieger barrels are so highly sought-after, there can be a long lead time to get a made-to-order Krieger barrel. Here’a little known secret, Krieger Barrels has an overstock barrels section on its website. There you’ll find a wide selection of calibers, contours, and lengths, with inventory updated approximately once per week. In stock are many of the most popular barrel types for PRS, F-Class, Benchrest, High Power, Service Rifle and Hunting, centerfire and rimfire. Call Krieger at (262) 628-8558 for price and availability. There just may be a barrel you need, and you’ll have your barrel in days, not months.
⏺ Killer Deal — fine SFP varmint scope, 80 MOA windage and elevation
Looking for a great general purpose or Varmint hunting Second Focal Plane scope? This Vortex Strike Eagle 6-24x50mm scope is a great value. Our friend Jason at EuroOptics told us: “these were insanely popular before. This is a killer scope deal. We just got a large load of them after almost a year being out of stock.” Save $220 with this sale!
3. Amazon — Garmin Tactix GPS Watch with Applied Ballistics
⏺ Amazing tech packed in small package — Applied Ballistics Solver + GPS
This watch is one of the most amazing pieces of technology we have ever encountered. This watch has full Applied Ballistics solver capabilities so you can get drop and wind drift read-outs for your rifles. In addition, the watch is GPS-enabled so it displays navigation maps. In fact it can access multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo). And with solar charging you never have to worry about battery life.
Mind you, this technology is NOT cheap. The Garmin Tactix Delta Solar watch with Applied Ballistics is $1399.99 on Amazon. But for the guy who wants the ultimate ballistics-savvy watch, it may be worth it. Bryan Litz wears this watch every day, and he used it to help win the 2021 Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge. There is a lesser version with GPS but no Applied Ballistics for $1099.99 on Amazon.
4. BarrelCool and RifleKuhl Portable Cooling Units
⏺ Get Barrel Coolers for hot summer months, extend Barrel Life
In summer it can be tough to keep your barrel at moderate temperatures. But a compact cooling fan device can really help. Two of the best barrel coolers on the market are the original yellow BarrelCool at $39.99 and the red Magnetospeed RifleKuhl at $54.99. Both cooler units double as empty chamber indicators, feature high power fans, and can cool your barrel down to a usable temperature in about 10 minutes.
5. KYGUNCO — Federal .22 LR Ammo, 800 rounds $89.99
⏺ Good quality .22 LR Ammo, $0.11 per round effective cost
Good, major-brand .22 LR rimfire ammo is still hard to find at a decent price. But KYGUNCO is offering a great deal on Federal 40gr .22 LR ammo. The $89.99 price for 800 rounds works out to just 11.2 cents a round or $5.62 for 50 rounds. That’s quite affordable. Grab a couple 800rd boxes for your rimfire training and plinking sessions. This ammo has earned very solid reviews from purchasers.
6. Amazon — Teslong Borescope with Monitor
⏺ Chose Rigid or Flexible model — every rifle shooter needs a good borescope
Seeing inside your barrel can provide clues to how well you’re cleaning and the bore’s overall health. One of the best tools we’ve found is the Teslong Rigid Borescope. This features a solid rod for easy use in barrels. It comes with an self-contained high-definition viewing monitor so no phones or pads are needed. If you’re looking for something more portable and a bit more versatile, try the Teslong Flexible Borescope, $99.99 including monitor. Our Forum members give high praise to both models.
⏺ Excellent hard case, $50 savings, great for air travel
This is one of the best large hardshell rifle cases on the market. The Pelican Vault V800 compares well to other hard cases costing up to $350.00 but right now it is just $149.96 at MidwayUSA. Choose Desert Tan or Black. NOTE: You must ADD TO CART to see this $149.96 price (same for either model). This case will hold two large match rifles securely. It features five layers of customizable foam, along with six (6) push-button latches. This same V800 53″ case sells elsewhere for $219.00, and is normally $199.95 at MidwayUSA. With this deal you save $50.00! Note you can also get the Black version on Amazon for $149.96, but the tan model is currently $199.95 on Amazon. Shipping should be cheaper with Amazon.
8. Midsouth — RCBS ChargeMaster Lite, $234.99
⏺ Best Deal on popular, speedy electronic Scale/Dispenser
Do you need an electronic powder scale/dispenser? Many vendors charge up to $289.00 for the popular RCBS ChargeMaster Lite. But now you can get it for just $234.99 at Midsouth. Or purchase from Amazon for $239.99 with Free Shipping. Either way it’s a good deal. The ChargeMaster Lite features an easy-to-use LCD touchscreen and claimed precision of plus/minus 0.1 grains. The unit comes with twin check weights and a convenient plastic cover for the powder pan.
9. Amazon — 10000mAh Dual USB Battery Charger Packs, $19.99
⏺ Recharge your smartphones and tablets — good for Labradar too
Do you have a cellphone, tablet, LabRadar, barrel cooler or other device that needs mobile power? If so, we found a killer deal on a pair of Miady 10000mAh Dual USB Portable Chargers. Yes you get TWO (2) charging packs for just $19.99 total! Featuring USB and USB-C ports and fast 2 amp charging capability, this pair of portable power banks is one of the best deals we’ve seen.
10. Amazon — The Wind Book for Rifle Shooters, $22.99
⏺ Best Wind-Reading Book — NEW Edition, Released May 2020
Readers often ask: “Is there a good, easy-to-comprehend book that can help my wind-reading?” Many of our Forum members have recommended The Wind Book for Rifle Shooters by Linda Miller and Keith Cunningham. Other books cover wind reading in a broader discussion of ballistics or long-range shooting. But the Miller & Cunningham book is ALL about wind reading from cover to cover, and that is its strength. The book focuses on real world skills that can help you accurately gauge wind angle, wind velocity, and wind cycles. Here’s a video review explaining what makes this book so good.
11. MidwayUSA — Neon Green 1″ Target Dots, 1008 for $5.99
⏺ Incredible deal on stick-on targets, great for precision practice
Less than a penny a paster — now that’s a great deal. Right now you can get a pack of 1008 1″-diameter fluorescent lime green stick-on target dots for just $5.99 at MidwayUSA. NOTE: With such a low-priced item you may want to add it to a bigger order to save on shipping.
Here’s good news for 30BR shooters. Paul Parosky, maker of the excellent PRP Custom Bullets, is now offering 30BR neck-turned brass. This can save you considerable time and effort forming 30BR cases from Lapua 6mmBR brass. And the neck-turning is superb, again representing time save (and no tools to buy). You will soon be able to order this 30BR brass from Bruno Shooters Supply. If you communicate with Amy at Bruno’s, Paul may be able to neck-turn to your specific thickness. Paul notes: “Here are necks turned for a 0.330 neck. I’ll try my best to accommodate anyone’s neck dimensions as they wish. Just message Amy Bruno Parosky (at Bruno’s) for details.”
About this Neck-Turning set-up — Paul Parosky notes: “For neck-turning I’m using an old drill press that has been re-worked. The cutter and spindle are all indicated before neck turning to ensure no runout. The RPM is around 520. The lube I use is a mixture of royal and mystery oil.”
Why the 30 BR Dominates 100/200 Benchrest for Score Competition
The 30BR, along with some wildcat variants, remains the dominant cartridge in short-range (100/200) benchrest-for-score competition. The 30BR’s .308″-diameter bullets are larger than the 6mm bullets used by the 6PPC (which rules group BR competition). The bigger 30-Cal diameter has an advantage in touching scoring rings. In addition, the 30BR is also relatively easy to tune, and barrel life is considerably better than with smaller-caliber benchrest cartridges. For more information, see our AccurateShooter 30BR Cartridge Guide.
Cases are Expanded, Then Neck-Turned
To produce his 30BR brass, Parosky first uses a series of expander mandrels. Then he neck-turns with power using a converted drill press. Paul tells us: “This is done the old school way, I use three different tapered expander mandrels, then neck-turn it to the proper neck chamber, then run them up through a FL expander mandrel to ensure necks are straight. Then I clean all the cases.”
Paul Parosky Can Also Neck-Turn 6PPC Brass
Paul Parosky also expands and neck-turns 6PPC cases that are made from parent Lapua .220 Russian cartridge brass. Here, illustrating his 6PPC neck-turning operation, is a recent Paul Parosky post on the USA Benchrest & Extreme Precision Shooters Facebook page.
Need a simple, easy-to-use drop chart for your rifle? Something you can tape right to the buttstock? Then check out Hornady’s handy Online Ballistics Calculator. This user-friendly calculator will compute your drops accurately, and output a handy “Cheat Sheet” you can print and attach to your rifle.
Sometimes all you need is a simple front bag rest and squeeze bag in the rear and we found a great deal. These bags will suffice for basic varmint duties, sight-in for a hunting rifle, or barricade work in an NRL22 match. The 
Many of our readers have been interested in learning how modern bullets are made. While a “boutique” bullet-maker, supplied with appropriate cores and jackets, can craft bullets using relatively simple hand dies and manual presses, factory production is different. The major bullet-makers, such as 
Commercial Chamber Length Gauges May Not Work with Custom Chambers
Precision Benchrest and F-Class shooters favor premium brass from 
The headstamp bunter punch has a protrusion on the end to make the primer pocket, and has raised lettering around the face to form the headstamp writing. This is, of course, all a mirror image of the finished case head. Small cases, such as 5.56×45, can be headed with a single strike. Larger cases, like 7.62×51 and 50 BMG, need to be struck once to form a dent for the primer pocket, then a second strike to finish the pocket, flatten the head, and imprint the writing. This second strike works the brass to harden it so it will support the pressure of firing.”
