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).
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.
So how does the 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.
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. Camera Land — Kestrel Sportsman Weather Meter, $249.99
All shooters need accurate wind velocity and direction info. One of the best wind tools is the Kestrel. Forum member Knotwild found an amazing deal on the excellent Kestrel Sportsman Ballistics Weather Meter. This unit features the enhanced Applied Ballistics G1/G7 solver, including Aerodynamic Jump, Spin Drift, and Coriolis corrections for accurate long-range shots. Grab the Kestrel Sportsman for just $249.99. This same Kestrel Sportsman costs up to $500 elsewhere.
2. MidwayUSA — Swarovski – Kahles Demo & Refurbished Sale
Swarovski and Kahles scopes are often considered top-of-the-line but are rarely found at a discount. Head over to MidwayUSA and check out the Swarovski & Kahles Demo and Refurbished Sale. There’s a great selection of rifle optics and spotting scopes for just about every discipline. If you’re looking to save serious $$ on top-notch glass for that new rig you’re building, here’s your chance.
3. Amazon — BOG DeathGrip Tripod, $124.99
Whether out in the field, at the range or shooting a PRS match, keeping your rifle stable in varying conditions is a must. If you’re tired of carrying a monopod and bags around, here’s your chance to replace them with something more practical and functional. Grab the BOG DeathGrip Tripod and you’ll have a stable platform to shoot from any position. It features a 3-position leg lock for use in prone, kneeling, sitting and standing positions. This stable shooting platform features an adjustment knob that controls up to 50 degrees of tilt and a clamping head that pans 360 degrees with tension adjustment.
4. Bruno Shooters Supply — Savage Action Sale
Many shooters want a custom gun but balk at the $1000+ cost of a custom action. They may settle for factory Rem 700 action but forget about Savage. Savage makes a really solid action on which you can build a very accurate varmint or match rifle. The founder of this site shot a Savage-action 6BR at 600-yard steel matches for many years. With a Pac-Nor barrel, that Poor Man’s Hammer 6BR delivered solid quarter-MOA accuracy and held a range record for many years. For a good price on a Savage Match action complete with trigger, check out Bruno’s Savage action sale.
5. Natchez and Midsouth– RCBS Reloading Kit Sale
Given pandemic concerns, many folks have decided to start loading ammo in larger quantities. For those just getting started in reloading, here are two excellent kits from RCBS. The RCBS AR Tactical Reloading Kit offers their Reloader Special 5 press and even comes with AR Series Dies: 5.56/.223, .308/7.62, .300 AAC Blackout, 7.62×39. Or you can choose the Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit if you’re looking for a stronger press and more commonly sought-after accessories. Either way these are excellent starter kits, offering great value for money.
6. Midsouth Shooters — Lee APP Press, $54.88
Sorry folks — this was such a great deal, the Lee APP Press sold out on Monday. However, the Deluxe version of the APP press, which includes a case-feeder, is still available for $75.49. The Deluxe APP Press features an innovative case/bullet feeder with Jaws that automatically open and grasp the bullet or case and move then into operating position.
Processing brass is a necessary evil in the reloading world. Many processing chores are best done with a dedicated press, but that can get expensive. Lee saw the need for a inexpensive yet efficient processing press and brought out the Lee APP Automatic Processing Press. This can efficiently handle tasks such as decapping, case sizing, and primer pocket swagging. Here are two videos that show how this unique Lee APP press operates.
7. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Vibra Prime, $56.19
Filling primer tubes can be time consuming and hard on the hands. If you’re looking to fill those tube faster and with less effort check out the Frankford Arsenal Vibra Prime. With the ability to fill just about any brand of tube in less than one minute, this is a great time saver. This editor uses this tool all the time — and considers it a “must have” for every reloading bench.
8. Powder Valley — CCI & Federal Rifle Primers
Reloading components have been a tough to find commodity lately especially primers. If you’re on the hunt for standard or magnum rifle primers we found CCI 450 Small Rifle Magnum primers as well as the Federal GM205M Small Rifle MatchGrade primers at Powder Valley and with a limit of 5 per person that’ll still get you more than enough primers for the rest of the year. Powder Valley also has large rifle primers in stock at good prices.
Here’s a very compact, easy-to-conceal carry gun that can fit in pants pockets and small purses. All edges are smooth and rounded for ease of carry, with minimal “printing”. These Taurus Spectrum .380 ACPs are available in four color combos: Black/gray, Black/tan, Black/green, and a stylish White/blue/gray combo. We tried these pistols at SHOT Show. They are comfortable in the hand and the trigger is decent. Right now this Taurus Spectrum pistol is just $179.99 at CDNN Sports, making it one of the least expensive handguns on the market.
10. Graf and Sons — Hinged Rifle Ammo Box Sale
It can be hard to find good compact ammo boxes for rifle ammo loaded with long match bullets. We like these Frankford Arsenal 50-round and 100-round hinged rifle ammo boxes. These are slightly taller than most plastic ammo boxes, so they are better suited for longer, match-length ammo. These Frankford boxes hold match ammo securely without taking up a lot of space like the big, green ammo carriers with handles.
There’s a new “top dog” in 6.5mm match bullets. Berger just released a new 153.5 grain 6.5mm bullet that offers impressive 0.694 G1 and 0.356 G7 BC numbers. The new bullet, which should be popular with PRS and F-Open shooters, features the latest Meplat Reduction Technology for ultra-consistent shot-to-shot BCs.
Berger’s new 6.5mm 153.5 grain Long Range Hybrid Target™ is the latest projectile offering in the Long Range Hybrid Target (LRHT) product line. The 6.5mm 153.5 Grain LRHT boasts a high-BC, jump-tolerant hybrid ogive profile that is Doppler Radar verified with less than 1% BC variation. Shot-to-shot BC consistency is vital when engaging long-range targets.
The 6.5mm 153.5 Grain LRHTs are ideal for long range disciplines that reach to 1,000 yards and beyond. The new 153.5s are tailored for cartridges such as the 6.5 Creedmoor, 26 Nosler, 6.5 PRC, 6.5 x 284, 6.5 SAUM, and 6.5 Weatherby RPM among others. With a complementary profile to Berger’s successful 6.5mm 156 Grain Elite Hunter projectile, the 153.5s require 1:8″ twist or faster.
Meplat Reduction Technology
Using proprietary processes, Berger’s Meplat Reduction Technology™ (MRT™) applies controlled pressure along the nose of each LRHT bullet, producing a homogeneous and repeatable profile for the industry’s most consistent Ballistic Coefficients (BC). Visit NoBSBC.com and learn “why BC consistency wins” vs. the “highest BC is best” myth.
“The new 6.5mm-153.5 grain LRHT’s push the limits of today’s performance standards. The drag reduction achieved with Meplat Reduction Technology contributes to their superior form factor and ballistic coefficient, offering minimal atmospheric influence during flight. The 153.5 is simply our highest performance 6.5mm projectile to date”, said Garett Stoddard, Berger’s Production Engineer.
Berger 6.5mm 153.5 Grain Long Range Hybrid Target™ Bullets are shipping now to Berger authorized retailers. Visit Bergerbullets.com/dealer-map to find nearby retailers.
Coming Soon – New Long Range Hybrid Target ammunition. Details will be provided on Berger’s Facebook Page and other social media.
We created this custom target in 5 minutes using PrintTargets.net. If you like it, DOWNLOAD HERE.
AccurateShooter.com has a HUGE collection of FREE downloadable PDF targets. We offer a very wide range of target designs: Load Development Grids, NRA Bullseye targets, Official-Size BR targets, Realistic Varmint Targets, Silhouette Shapes, Fun Plinking Targets, and even specialized tactical training targets. If our collection of free targets isn’t enough, or if you want to create a new kind of target — you’re in luck. The Australian-based interactive website, PrintTargets.net, allows you to create your own customized, printable PDF targets. Shown below are just a few of the target designs you can create in minutes:
CLICK Graphic to Create Your Own Targets.
Just follow the step-by-step instructions to set paper size, layout, bullseye color, line thickness, number of rings and diameter. You can even add Score Numbers to your target rings. PrintTargets.net is easy and fun to use. It’s much faster to create targets this way than to try to draw a series of circles with PowerPoint or MS Paint.
Power-User Tip: PrintTargets.net even offers a handy diamond-grid calibration diagram that you can add to your custom target designs. You’ll find the calibration grid as option #15 when you design your target — just scroll all the way down the PrintTargets.com home page.
Ever wondered what pistol, rifle, and shotgun ammo really looks like on the inside? Well, thanks to two clever friends, you can NOW see exactly what’s on the inside. Bernard Martinage and David Swanson, fellow NRA-certified firearms instructors, have created a new kind of training tool — cutaway ammo samples. The two men call their line of cutaways, AmVIEWnition. The sliced cartridges and shotshells are employed as visual/tactile training aids. These cutaways help new shooters understand ammo components and how cartridges and shotshells are engineered.
Bernard told the NRA Blog: “In order to make teaching easier and increase trainee comprehension, I simply decided to cut bullets lengthwise and show them [students] what’s inside. It certainly sped up their understanding and it was cool to look at! I always liked inventing and creating things that solved problems or made life easier. So, doing it with firearm training was no different.” To learn more about the history of AmVIEWnition, read the NRA Blog’s Interview with Bernard Martinage.
Bernard Martinage (L) and David Swanson (R) are the inventors of AmVIEWnition products — cutaway ammo samples for training.
Bernard and David also produce Barrel Cutaways and “Solo-Blast” 3-D Ballistics Models of projectile wound channels. Visit www.AmVIEWnition.com to see these products as well as the full line of pistol, rifle, and shotgun AmVIEWnition cutaways.
Bad news for California gun owners. On April 23, 2020 Judge Roger Benitez of the U.S. District Court issued an injunction blocking California’s ammunition background check system. That injunction held for just one day. California’s Atty. General Xavier Becerra immediately sought an emergency stay of the injunction, and a two-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals granted that request late on Friday, April 24, 2020. So, as of today, April 25, 2020, the California ammo purchasing restrictions REMAIN IN EFFECT.
The Truth About Guns website noted: “The California judiciary giveth and the California judiciary taketh away. As we expected, the state filed an emergency motion to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, asking the Judge Roger Benitez’s injunction be lifted.
Benitez’s injunction issued in response to a motion in Rhode v. Becerra, had stopped enforcement of California’s ammunition background check law. That injunction allowed Golden Staters to once again buy ammo freely and out-of-state retailers to ship directly to California buyers.
But late last night, the Ninth Circuit quashed the injunction. That means it’s back to asking state permission to buy .22 LR rounds for plinking or JHPs for personal defense. Ammunition Freedom Week turned out to last less than two days.
As we’ve said before, this case still has a long way to go. Watch this space.”
Breaking News April 25, 2020: There is a report that CA’s Attorney General has applied to the Federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for an Emergency STAY of the injunction issued by Judge Benitez blocking application of California’s ammunition background check system. We are working now to determine the status of the case.
Currently in California, citizens must go through a state background check to purchase ammunition — any ammunition. And for quite some time, California residents have not been able to purchase ammunition from out of state, unless the ammunition is first shipped to an approved California ammo dealer. All ammo sales must take place in-person through licensed ammunition vendors. This has all resulted in significantly increased ammo costs in California, and failure of the state’s computerized ammo check system has resulted in over 16% of legitimate purchasers being denied the right to obtain ammunition.
Now all that may change. In Rhode v. Becerra, Federal District Court Judge Roger Benitez has determined that the California ammo check system is fatally flawed and unconstitutional. On April 23, 2020, the Judge granted a temporary injunction which halts California’s ammo background check system and lifts California’s blockade of ammo imports from other states. Californians may now again purchase ammo directly from out-of-state vendors. READ Injunction Decision HERE.
Judge Benitez called California’s ammunition background check law “onerous and convoluted” and “constitutionally defective”. The Judge stated that: “The background check experiment defies common sense while unduly and severely burdening the Second Amendment rights of every responsible, gun-owning citizen desiring to lawfully buy ammunition”. Notably, the lead plaintiff in the case, Kim Rhode, is an Olympic Gold Medalist trap shooter, whose ability to obtain competition-grade shotshells was impaired by California’s “onerous” ammo purchase restrictions.
California’s ammo laws blocked sales to legitimate, law-abiding buyers about 16% of the time, the Judge noted. Moreover, in his 120-page Opinion, the Judge held that the state’s ban on importing ammunition from outside California violates federal interstate commerce laws.
As reported by the NRA-ILA: “The [court’s] Thursday’s injunction means the law cannot be enforced while the case is active unless the decision is stayed.”
Judge Benitez slammed California’s Ammo Check law: “The experiment has been tried. The casualties have been counted. California’s new ammunition background check law misfires and the Second Amendment rights of California citizens have been gravely injured.
These new laws are constitutionally defective for several reasons. First, criminals, tyrants, and terrorists don’t do background checks. The background check experiment defies common sense while unduly and severely burdening the Second Amendment rights of every responsible, gun-owning citizen desiring to lawfully buy ammunition. Second, the implementing regulations systematically prohibit or deter an untold number of law-abiding California citizen-residents from undergoing the required background checks. Third, in the seven months since implementation, the standard background check rejected citizen-residents who are NOT prohibited persons approximately 16.4% of the time. Fourth, the ammunition anti-importation laws directly violate the federal dormant Commerce Clause.”
This Video analyzes the decision in Rhode v. Becerra
Constitutional Rights Must Be Preserved Even in Times of Crisis
The Judge stressed that Constitutional rights should not be sacrificed, especially in these challenging times: “Law-abiding citizens are imbued with the unalienable right to keep and bear firearms along with the ammunition to make their firearms work….. Presently, California and many other states sit in isolation under pandemic-inspired stay-at-home orders…. Maintaining Second Amendment rights are especially important in times like these. Keeping vigilant is necessary in both bad times and good, for if we let these rights lapse in the good times, they might never be recovered in time to resist the next appearance of criminals, terrorists, or tyrants.”
How did California politicians react to their defeat in Court? Read comments from CA Attorney General Xavier Becerra and other state officials in Associated Press Report reprinted by NBC Los Angeles.
Problem: NRA Meetings cancelled due to COVID-19 | Solution: RECOIL’s NRA ROADSHOW
RECOIL Magazine has collected dozens of new product videos on its website. This product showcase features many products that were to be unveiled at the 2020 NRA Convention. Right now there are 45 videos on RECOIL’s 2020 Product Showcase, and we expect many more to be added. You’ll find Rifles, Pistols, Optics, Holsters, Ammo, Hearing Protection, and much more. Noteworthy products include the AMP Annealing System, Timney Triggers, Trijicon Optics, and Alien holsters.
Here is one of the Featured Videos, showcasing AMP Annealers…
RECOIL has created a channel on RECOIL-TV to showcase products originally intended to be featured at the 2020 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Nashville. Unfortunately the NRA event was cancelled due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. RECOIL-TV’s NRA ROADSHOW channel is currently presenting 45 different new product videos from one to four minutes in length. This should provides some firearms-focused entertainment for our readers stuck at home under Executive health orders.
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.
The Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) is popular with hunters, varminters, and tactical/practical competitors. For RPR fans we’ve found a very good deal — Cabela’s is selling the RPR in 6mm Creedmoor for just $999.97, hundreds less than the rifle sells for at other vendors. This is the latest Gen 3 RPR model with 24″ barrel and hybrid muzzle brake. Right now the 6mm Creedmoor is one of the hottest factory chamberings for PRS and tactical matches.
2. Precision Reloading — All Berger Products on Sale
It’s time to stock up on bullets. Precision Reloading is now discounting ALL Berger products in stock. This sale covers both competition and hunting bullets as well as Berger loaded ammo. Berger bullets are proven winners for all forms of centerfire rifle competition and Berger hunting projectiles are also excellent. Visit Precision Reloading for great deals on Berger products. Sale pricing good through 4/30/2020.
This impressive Weatherby pump-action 12ga shotgun features an 18.5″ barrel, with Fiber Optic front sight and Ghost Ring rear sight. There’s a Picatinny-type rail on top to fit a red dot sight (recommended) or other optic. The Threat Response shotgun holds 5 rounds. With pistol grip stock, good tactical sights, and a rail, this is a great value in a defensive shotgun from a quality company. NOTE: An extension tube (shown in video) can be fitted to increase capacity.
4. Amazon — Wheeler Digital Trigger Pull Gauge, $55.99
Every serious shooter should have a good trigger gauge. The Wheeler digital trigger gauge is precise and repeatable, measuring pull weights up to 12 pounds, making it suitable for all types of firearms. The load cell directly contacts the trigger making it extremely accurate with +/- 0.2 ounce precision. There are two modes: “Peak” and “Live.” Peak mode shows max force for each pull and calculates the minimum, maximum and average pull weights. Live mode continuously shows the force on the sensor. It even has a special adapter for Savage-style triggers with bladed inserts.
TEKMAT makes great products for cleaning long guns. This large 36″ x 12″ vulcanized rubber mat includes a full parts diagram for AR-platform rifles, available in gray, black, and green. Or choose a cool-looking cutaway AR15 illustration on black background. Get either type of 36″ x 12″ mat for just $9.99!. That’s 50% OFF the normal $19.99 price — a GREAT Deal. The oil- and water-resistant surface helps protect your firearm from scratches while the diagrams help with take-down and reassembly. This deal won’t last long.
If you’re looking for a versatile, stable and easy-to-carry field support, check out the BOG-POD SB-2 Bipod. Featuring 21″-40″ adjustable legs, the BOG-POD Bipod can be used while sitting, standing, or kneeling. This really helps when shooting on downslopes or when there are terrain obstacles between you and your target. This unit has a 360° swivel head. The legs adjust independently out to a 60-degree angle with adjustable tension. We’ve used this SB-2 Bipod on ground squirrel hunts and it worked well. Right now MidwayUSA offers the BogPod SB-2 Bipod for just $19.99 — that’s 45% OFF the regular $36.99 price.
7. Brownells — Electronic Muffs, $24.99 (40% Off)
Brownells new, Second Generation Premium Electronic Earmuffs incorporate dual microphones that let you hear range commmand while suppressing harmful noises. These affordable muffs fold for easy storage, and you can plug your smartphone into the 3.5mm input jack. Right now these muffs are discounted from $41.99 to $24.99 — a 40% savings!
8. Brownells — Sellier&Bellot 6.5 Creedmoor Ammo $14.49/20rds
We know many PRS and tactical shooters don’t have time to load large quantities of 6.5 Creedmoor ammo for practice sessions (or even a match). Right now you can purchase 20 rounds of reliable 6.5 Creedmoor loaded ammo for just $14.49 at Brownells. That’s just $0.72 per round. These days you can pay $1.00 or more just for 6.5 Creedmoor brass. This Sellier & Bellot 6.5mm Creedmoor ammo drives 140gr FMJ bullets at 2500+ FPS muzzle velocity.
9. Amazon — 30000 mAh Battery Pack Power Bank, $36.99
These days, we use mobile devices more than ever. It’s easy to run your smart-phone down in a few hours so you should have a back-up USB battery pack. We recommend this Bextoo USB Power Bank, rated at 30000 mAh. We like the red case, which is easy to find in luggage. This $36.69 unit boasts a handy LCD read-out showing remaining capacity. When fully charged, this Bextoo Battery Pack should provide 9 charges for iPhone 11, almost 7 charges for Samsung Galaxy S10, and 2.5 charges for an iPad Mini.
Did you know that target shooting (pistol, rifle, shotgun) represents a $16.9 Billion per year industry in America? Or that 20 million Americans enjoy target shooting regularly? In fact, target shooting-related spending contributes more than $46 million per day to the U.S. economy. Plus an estimated 329,000 American jobs are supported by target shooting in the USA. These and other remarkable facts were revealed in a 2019 NSSF report from Southwick Associates.
Not surprisingly, pistol shooting is the most popular form of target shooting, with 13.8 million handgun shooters. The number of rifle target shooters is about 12% less — 12.2 million enthusiasts. Just over 10 million people take part in shotgun sports, and 3.3 million shoot muzzleloading firearms.
Firearms Excise Taxes Support Conservation
Target shooting activities not only support local and national business, but the transactions generate vital revenues for federal, state, and local governments. In fact, target shooting generates, on average, over $14 million dollars per day in total tax revenues (i.e. federal, state, and local). Excise taxes on gun and ammo sales are also key to conservation. 2016, the total excise taxes returned to state wildlife agencies through fireams and ammunition sales totaled over $780 million.
Judge Benitez called California’s ammunition background check law “onerous and convoluted” and “constitutionally defective”. The Judge stated that: “The background check experiment defies common sense while unduly and severely burdening the Second Amendment rights of every responsible, gun-owning citizen desiring to lawfully buy ammunition”. Notably, the lead plaintiff in the case, Kim Rhode, is an Olympic Gold Medalist trap shooter, whose ability to obtain competition-grade shotshells was impaired by California’s “onerous” ammo purchase restrictions.
