Berger Ballistics Experts in 10-Part Podcast Series
Bryan Litz and Emil Praslick III will be featured guests on a 10-part Sniper’s Hide Podcast series about Ballistics. These 10 Podcasts will be delivered through The Everyday Sniper podcast platform. The series will help listeners learn more about Ballistic Coefficients (BCs), why BC consistency is important, and how BC effects both accuracy and precision.
In this 10-part series, Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics and Wind Wizard Emil Praslick talk with Sniper’s Hide head honcho Frank Galli. Along with Ballistics, the ten podcasts will cover a variety of shooting-related topics including: long range shooting, precision rifle builds, training, wind effects, industry updates, and more.
The 10-part podcast series begins May 1, 2020. Each podcast is an in-depth discussion of Berger’s bi-weekly “No-BS BCs” ballistics articles, penned by Bryan Litz, Berger’s Chief Ballistician. In Episode One Litz defines BC and its purpose. Episode Two explains how BC can vary with velocity (and why that’s important). As the series continues, examining the key requirements for successful long range shooting, the experts explain why BC consistency is the most important factor in long-range bullet performance. Learn more about “The Everyday Sniper” BC podcast series at NoBSBC.com.
“This is a great opportunity to open up our platform to Berger with Bryan and Emil. Giving people this kind of access through the partnership is a Masterclass opportunity for anyone interested in long range shooting”, stated Frank Galli.
Podcast Schedule and Topics
5/1 What is a Ballistic Coefficient?
5/15 Variation in BC with Velocity
5/29 BC Effect on Accuracy, Short and Long Range
6/12 BC and Performance
6/26 Shot to Shot Consistency – Sources of BC Inconsistency
7/10 BC Effect on Precision, Short and Long Range
7/24 Comparing BCs
8/7 SC of BC, Bell Curve
8/21 Mfg. Effects on BC, Accuracy and Precision
9/4 MV-BC Trade Off and Different Brands
Here are some of the Ballistics Topics available on the Berger Website:
To learn more about Berger’s No-BS BCs and to read Bryan Litz’s bi-weekly articles, visit NoBSBC.com and Bergerbullets.com.
Lapua Re-Opens Ohio Rimfire Performance Center Capstone Precision Group has announced the re-opening of the Lapua Rimfire Performance Center (LRPC) at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio. Due to Covid-19 restrictions enacted in Ohio, the LRPC has been closed since March 23, 2020.
Patterned after the world-renowned Lapua Performance Center in Germany, both the Cardinal and existing location in Mesa, AZ give shooters the opportunity to test various types, and lots of Lapua ammunition, under tightly controlled conditions. Fully instrumented, with state of the art Meyton/Bollman electronic targeting systems, the centers offer the unique ability to test ammunition at both 50 and 100 meters, simultaneously with a single string.
Testing Resumes Monday May 4, 2020 | Customer Visits Begin May 11, 2020
Beginning May 4, 2020, Lapua will test customer rifles that are shipped to the LRPC. The following Monday, May 11, 2020, the Performance Center will open for customers with appointments to bring their firearms on site with safety restrictions in place.
“We’re extremely excited to re-open our second Performance Center, and the safety of our customers is our first priority. We have placed safety measures in place to keep our customers safe while we provide them with world class service”, said Adam Braverman, Director of Sales and Marketing.
Luke Johnson, Rimfire Test Center Manager, stated, “Lapua’s Second Performance Center in the United States will provide increased opportunity for competitors to find some of the highest quality rimfire match ammunition. We are eager to have our customers see our new facility, and are taking precautions to keep them and our employees safe.”
Customers interested in testing at the new Lapua Rimfire Performance Center, may call (480) 695-0744, email rimfiretesteast@capstonepg.com , or fill out an appointment request at www.capstonepg.com/rpc/.
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.
Berger Ballistics Experts in 10-Part Podcast Series
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.
