Figure 1. When the bullet is seated farther out of the case, there is more volume available for powder. This enables the cartridge to generate higher muzzle velocity with the same pressure.
Effects Of Cartridge Over All Length (COAL) And Cartridge Base To Ogive (CBTO) – Part 1 by Bryan Litz forBerger Bullets.
Many shooters are not aware of the dramatic effects that bullet seating depth can have on the pressure and velocity generated by a rifle cartridge. Cartridge Overall Length (COAL) is also a variable that can be used to fine-tune accuracy. It’s also an important consideration for rifles that need to feed rounds through a magazine. In this article, we’ll explore the various effects of COAL, and what choices a shooter can make to maximize the effectiveness of their hand loads.
Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI)
Most loading manuals (including the Berger Manual), present loading data according to SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute) standards. SAAMI provides max pressure, COAL and many other specifications for commercial cartridges so that rifle makers, ammo makers, and hand loaders can standardize their products so they all work together. As we’ll see later in this article, these SAAMI standards are in many cases outdated and can dramatically restrict the performance potential of a cartridge.
Bullet seating depth is an important variable in the accuracy equation. In many cases, the SAAMI-specified COAL is shorter than what a hand loader wants to load their rounds to for accuracy purposes. In the case where a hand loader seats the bullets longer than SAAMI specified COAL, there are some internal ballistic effects that take place which are important to understand.
Effects of Seating Depth / COAL on Pressure and Velocity
The primary effect of loading a cartridge long is that it leaves more internal volume inside the cartridge. This extra internal volume has a well known effect; for a given powder charge, there will be less pressure and less velocity produced because of the extra empty space. Another way to look at this is you have to use more powder to achieve the same pressure and velocity when the bullet is seated out long. In fact, the extra powder you can add to a cartridge with the bullet seated long will allow you to achieve greater velocity at the same pressure than a cartridge with a bullet seated short.
When you think about it, it makes good sense. After all, when you seat the bullet out longer and leave more internal case volume for powder, you’re effectively making the cartridge into a bigger cartridge by increasing the size of the combustion chamber. Figure 1 illustrates the extra volume that’s available for powder when the bullet is seated out long.
Before concluding that it’s a good idea to start seating your bullets longer than SAAMI spec length, there are a few things to consider.
Geometry of a Chamber Throat
The chamber in a rifle will have a certain throat length which will dictate how long a bullet can be loaded. The throat is the forward portion of the chamber that has no rifling. The portion of the bullet’s bearing surface that projects out of the case occupies the throat (see Figure 2).
The length of the throat determines how much of the bullet can stick out of the case. When a cartridge is chambered and the bullet encounters the beginning of the rifling, known as the lands, it’s met with hard resistance. This COAL marks the maximum length that a bullet can be seated. When a bullet is seated out to contact the lands, its initial forward motion during ignition is immediately resisted by an engraving force.
Seating a bullet against the lands causes pressures to be elevated noticeably higher than if the bullet were seated just a few thousandths of an inch off the lands.
A very common practice in precision reloading is to establish the COAL for a bullet that’s seated to touch the lands. This is a reference length that the hand loader works from when searching for the optimal seating depth for precision. Many times, the best seating depth is with the bullet touching or very near the lands. However, in some rifles, the best seating depth might be 0.100″ or more off the lands. This is simply a variable the hand loader uses to tune the precision of a rifle.
Are you feelin’ lucky? Well here’s your chance to win. For 12 Days in December (Dec. 9-20), Powder Valley is giving away thousands of dollars worth of products from big name suppliers. This is top-of-the-line stuff, including Powder from Accurate, Alliant, Hodgdon, Ramshot, and Vihtavuori, Bullets from Berry’s, Lapua, Nosler, Sierra, Speer, and Zero, Ammunition from Hornady, Nosler, and Zero, plus Reloading Hardware from Hornady. Each day there will be a new set of prizes.
On the first Day of Christmas this year (12/9/2019) Powder Valley offered FREE Shipping on orders over $49.00, plus a free “Koozie” gift. Today, December 10th, the Second Day of Christmas, you’ll have a chance to win a Hornady LNL Classic Kit or Hornady Ammunition.
To enter the give-away contest, you need to visit Powder Valley’s Facebook Page and post a comment. Winners will be selected by lottery from those who comment as instructed. Each successive day, through December 20th, there will be another product giveaway post. On some of the 12 days Powder Valley will have additional discounts and/or FREE HazMat offers.
Powder Valley Daily Giveaway — New Prizes Every Day
For the Daily Powder Valley Contests, you need to go to the Powder Valley Facebook Page and post a Facebook Comment for the Daily Prize story. You don’t have to fill out any forms, but you must have a Facebook account so you can comment. You can enter multiple times by commenting on multiple days, but sorry, if you win, you are no longer eligible.
NOTE: You MUST post your comment on Powder Valley’s Facebook Site, NOT HERE. And you need to comment each day on the featured Daily Giveaway Post to be entered in that particular day’s contest. To have repeat chances to win you need to comment on multiple days. Got it?
Each day the folks at Powder Valley will select winners from among the visitors who commented. In days ahead there can be multiple daily winners. And on Day 12 there will be very special prize give-aways including Powder Valley Gift certificates.
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. Walmart — 80th Anniversary Red Ryder BB Gun, $24.47
Who can forget the 1983 movie “The Christmas Story” which focused on young Ralphie Parker’s overwhelming desire for a Red Ryder BB gun. The year 2020 marks the 80th year in production for Daisy’s classic Red Ryder BB gun. And now it is available in an 80th Anniversary Special Edition for just $24.47 at Walmart. If you want one of these for a young shooter in the family, act soon — these are selling fast.
2. Amazon — Teslong Borescope $49.99 or NEW $74.99 WiFi Version (iOS Apple, Android, and Windows Capable)
Video Review of Teslong WiFi Version:
The impressive Teslong digital borescope has been a huge success. This compact, electro-optical, cable-type borescope outputs sharp, high-resolution images and VIDEO to desktop computers, laptops, as well as Android tablets and smartphones. Check out our Full Teslong Review complete with inside-the-barrel videos. NOTE: There is a NEW WiFi Version that works with Apple iPhones and iPads, as well as all other WiFi devices and tablets. Get the Wifi Teslong for $74.99.
3. Midsouth Shooters — Berger Bullets 10% Off Sale
Berger Bullets are proven winners for all forms of centerfire rifle competition and Berger hunting projectiles are also excellent. Now you can save on high-quality Berger bullets through the end of this December. Visit Midsouth Shooters this month to get 10% Off All Berger Bullets in stock. This sale covers both competition and hunting bullets.
The Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) is hard to beat for the price among entry-level chassis rifles. And here is one of the best prices for an RPR that we’ve ever seen. If you’re in the market for an RPR, grab this .308 Win RPR for a just $783.82. If you’re looking for a 6mm version, check out this Ruger Precision Rifle in 6mm Creedmoor for $995.99.
5. Tractor Supply — Cannon 40-Gun Safe $649.99
The Cannon TS5934 40-Gun Safe, has a large 19.1-cubic foot capacity with an impressive 45-minute fire rating. This beefy 497-lb safe features 8 locking bolts and TRUlock internal hinges. This safe includes a door organizer kit and attractive interior upholstery, adjustable shelving, and a chrome 5-spoke handle. This is a great value at $649.99. On the outside, the safe is 59″ high and 34″ inches wide.
6. EuroOptic.com — HUGE Nikon Scope Close-Out Sale
EuroOptic.com is running a huge close-out sale on quality Nikon riflescopes. This sale includes the excellent Black FX1000 (FFP), and Black X1000 (SFP) tactical scopes, plus the M-Tactical and P-Tactical series optics. If you are looking for a great tactical or hunting scope at a crazy low price, head over to EuroOptic this week. For example the 4-16x50mm FX1000 MRAD is marked down from $749.95 to just $369.95, a 50% savings! And the 2-7x32mm P-Tactical and M-Tactical series scopes are just $99.95! Nikon scope mounts are also discounted.
7. Amazon — RCBS Explorer Plus Reloading Kit, $373.99
Here’s a great Reloading Kit for someone getting started in reloading, or for folks who need a compact secondary press plus accessories. Right now you can get the RCBS Plus Reloading Kit for just $373.99 on Amazon.
8. Midsouth Shooters — Lyman Case Prep Center, $114.99
Case prep is key to consistent accuracy, so a powered prep center is a good investment. Midsouth Shooters now has the 5-station Lyman Case Prep Center for $114.99 on SALE. With this Case Prep Center you can save time, and reduce repetitive hand fatigue dramatically. This is a real bargain — this unit sells for up to $150.00 elsewhere.
9. Midsouth — Frankford Arsenal Perfect Primer Seater, $56.99
As part of its Christmas Sale, Midsouth has the Frankford Perfect Primer Seater Tool for $56.99 (21% Off). This is a GREAT primer seating tool. It has good feel, plenty of leverage, and the primer feed-from-tray works well. Importantly, it has a click-adjust wheel for precise primer seating depth control. Read our Frankford Primer Seating Tool Product Review by gunsmith Jim See. The tool comes complete with 12 precision shell holders.
10. Midsouth — Tipton 13-Piece Jag Kit, $11.99
The 13-piece Tipton Brass Jag Kit includes jags sized to fit all popular calibers from .17 to .45. Priced at just $11.99 at Midsouth, this handy Jag Kit is a perfect stocking stuffer for shooters in the family.
11. Amazon — Samsung 10.1″ Tablet plus 64GB card, $156.32
Need a budget-priced tablet for your TargetCam, Ballistics Apps, and Endoscope? Check out this Samsung 10.1″ Tablet Computer. It’s just $157.64 complete with 80GB of Ram (16GB onboard plus 64GB on MicroSD card). Or, if you don’t need the extra RAM, get the same tablet with 16GB onboard for $147.99. These are 2019 production tablets with modern Android OS.
Here’s a great “stocking stuffer” gift for your wife or girlfriend who enjoys shooting. For just $4.99 you can get a combo set of “high-fashion” ear muffs and ANSI-rated safety glasses. The comfortable, zebra-print muffs provide 21 dB of noise reduction. The stylish, tortoise-shell pattern Bella Ballistica™ shooting eyewear has passed MIL-PRF-31013 ballistic tests and meets ANSI Z87+ high-velocity requirements with a chic designer appearance. The lady in your life just might appreciate the stylish eyewear and distinctive muffs, earning you “bonus points”. And she’ll never suspect you only spent five bucks!
Here’s an early Christmas present to our readers — a selection of FREE printable precision and fun targets. You can download these targets as PDF files and then print them out on 8.5×11″ heavy paper.
AccurateShooter.com offers a cool page with over 50 FREE downloadable targets. You’ll find all types or FREE targets — sight-in targets, varmint targets, rimfire targets, bullseye targets, tactical targets, load development targets and more. CLICK HERE for all our free targets, including our LOAD DEV target.
We created the above target a decade ago. Since then it has been used by tens of thousands of shooters. It has proven very popular as a load development target, since all your load data fits neatly in the boxes under each target. In fact this target is being employed by both rifle-makers and barrel-makers (including Criterion) to test their products. The target was designed for aiming efficiency. The diamonds have 1/2″ sides and you can align your cross-hairs on the horizontal and vertical lines. It is a clean design that is easy to see even at 200 yards with a 20X scope. When we test, we usually crank in a little elevation, setting the point-of-impact higher, so that our shots fall in the gray circles. That way you leave the squares intact for precise aiming.
Versatile Targets with Multiple Aiming Points
We use the two targets below for load development and precision practice. For the left target, use the corners of the diamonds to align your cross-hairs precisely. The circle dot target (on the right) can also be used for informal rimfire competition at 50 yards. Right-Click Each Target to Download Printable PDFs.
Know-Your-Limits Target for Rimfire Training & Fun Matches
Here’s a rimfire training target with “big to small” target circles. Start with the largest circles, then move to the smaller ones in sequence. This systematic drill provides increasing challenge shot-by-shot. Novices often are quite surprised to see their accuracy improve as they move from bigger to smaller aiming points. That provides positive feedback — always a good thing.
Right Click and “Save as” to download printable PDF versions of target.
FREE NSSF Fun Targets — Dartboard, Golf, Billiards, Bowling Etc.
To help our readers have more fun during National Shooting Sports Month, here are a dozen FREE Targets from the NSSF. Along with Bullseye targets, there are some very cool specialty targets here, including a Golf Course Target, Baseball Diamond Target, Billiards Target, Light Bulb Target, Bowling Pin Target, and even a Windmill Target. Enjoy the myriad possibilities with these 12 fun targets.
Quality Paper Stock Is Important
If you want your self-printed targets to show shots cleanly (and not rip when it gets windy), you should use quality paper stock. We recommend card stock — the kind of thick paper used for business cards. Card stock is available in both 65-lb and 110-lb weights in a variety of colors. We generally print black on white. But you might experiment with bright orange or yellow sheets. Forum Member ShootDots report: “They sell cardstock at Fed-Ex Kinko! I use either Orange or Yellow. That makes it easy to see bullet holes clearly.”
Here are some Target-Printing Tips from our Forum members:
“Staples sells a 67-lb heavy stock that I have settled on. I use the light grey or light blue, either of these are easy on the eyes on bright days. I have used the 110-lb card stock as well and it works fine. It’s just a little easier to print the lighter stuff.” (JBarnwell)
“Cardstock, as mentioned, works great for showing bullet holes as it doesn’t tear or rip like the thin, lightweight 20-lb paper. I’ve never had a problem with cardstock feeding in the printer, just don’t stick too many sheets in there. If I need three targets, I load only three card stock sheets”. (MEMilanuk)
“20-lb bond works pretty well for me if I use a spray adhesive and stick the entire back of the paper’s surface to the backer board.” (Lapua40X)
There are hundreds of cartridge types capable of winning in F-Open. For F-TR you can shoot either the .223 Rem or .308 Win, but you have many load options. This article will focus on proven choices, currently used by the top F-Class shooters in the world. Our discussion will analyze cartridge selection based on the four different F-Class sub-disciplines: Open Mid-Range, Open Long-Range, F-TR Mid-Range, and F-TR Long Range.
Click image to view full-screen photo.
Mid-Range F-Open Cartridges
For starters, a .300 WSM is certainly capable of winning mid-range matches but it is not ideal. So what is ideal, and why? F-Class Mid-Range matches usually are usually shot at 300, 500, or 600 yards — or all three. At those distances the 6mm and 6.5mm cartridges rule. In moderate conditions, the 6mm Dasher is unbeatable. Its low recoil along with its super grouping ability and good ballistics make it my number one choice for Mid-Range.
Best bullets for the 6mm Dasher are: Vapor Trail 103gr, Berger 105 Hybrid, 108 BT, and 105 VLD (hunting). Best powders are: Varget, H4895, and Reloder 15.
Choices for Mid-Range in Tougher Conditions:
We all know that conditions are not always “moderate” that’s why something a little bit bigger will save you a “Nine” or two. The 6.5X47 Lapua was designed for 300-meter competition, but as soon as it was released, it was adopted by F-Class, benchrest, and tactical shooters. It offers great ballistics with very low recoil and big “accuracy window”. Lapua makes great brass for it (no surprise there) and Berger makes great bullets: 130gr VLD, 140gr VLD, 140gr Hybrids. Best powders in most barrels are Varget and H4350, I don’t use double-based powders such as Reloder 17 and the Vihtavuori N500 series because of their unpredictable performance day to day (greater temp sensitivity).
The 6.5X47 Lapua necked down to 6mm is also a great option for mid range matches. I was able to easily get 3200 fps with 105 hybrids and H4350.
Choice for Long-Range F-Open Competition
In Long-Range F-Open Class (out to 1000 yards), the big, high-BC bullets rule. If I had to pick one cartridge for F-Class (both mid- and long-range) I would pick the .284 Winchester or one of its variants. The .284 Win is currently dominating in F-Open competition. It offers great barrel life, it is super-easy to tune and its recoil is very manageable. The best bullets for it by far (in my opinion), are the Berger 180 Hybrids. But Sierra’s new 183gr MK bullet (with factory-uniformed meplats) seems to perform very well as does the Berger 180 VLD. Best powders for the .284 Win are H4350 and H4831SC.
Long-Range Only F-Open Cartridge
As much as I like the .284 Win, for long-range competitions I like the .300 WSM even more. If you look at a .300 WSM and a 6mm Dasher side by side, they appear almost identical in geometry — the .300 WSM looks like an “super-sized” Dasher. Both cartridges are currently the “darlings” of long-range benchrest due to their extraordinary grouping ability and huge “node’’ windows. Big accuracy windows allow loads to perform well in different conditions and geographical locations. That’s obviously very important if you travel to compete. The .300 WSM loaded with Berger 215gr or 230gr Hybrids is very tough to beat at long range, and it is currently my number one choice.
The 7mm RSAUM is another outstanding long-range round. It resembles a 6BR on steroids and it is almost as easy to tune. Best bullets for it are Berger 180gr Hybrids, 195gr EOLs, and Sierra’s 183gr MatchKing. Best powders for the 7mm RSAUM are: H4350, H4831SC, and VV N160.
Top Caliber/Bullet Combos for F-TR
In F-TR competition, the choice is clear — a .308 Win throated for Berger 185gr BTLRs and 200gr Hybrids will win in mid-range AND long-range comps. Many championships have been won, and many records set with those two bullets in the .308 Win. To quote Danny Biggs (a two times FTR National Champion) “The 185 BTLR is the best bullet for .308 Win ever made”.
The Berger 215gr Hybrids have been used to win many competitions including recently the 2015 F-Class Nationals. Bryan Litz won both the Mid-Range and Long-Range 2015 Championships using 215s. Bryan’s rifle is shown below:
I recommend chambers throated for the 185/200 grain projectiles over the 215/230 grain bullets. The reason is that if you have your barrel throated out for the 215s or the 230s, you could have a “slow” barrel and max out on pressure before the desired velocity is reached. Optimum freebore for the 230s is too long for the 185/200s, so you would be limited to using only 215/230gr bullets in that barrel.Furthermore, the recoil increase with heavier bullets is substantial, causing the rifle to be more difficult to shoot.
.223 Rem — Not A Competitive Option
I would stay away from the .223 Remington. On paper the 90gr VLD will shoot inside most .308 Win loads even at a 1000 yards. But in reality, on average, the .223 Rem, regardless of what powder/bullet combo is used, cannot compete with the .308 Win. [Editor: The equipment lists at major F-TR matches will confirm Kovan’s conclusion here.]
Conclusion (and Other Options)
This article covers only the (currently) most popular cartridge/bullet combos for F-Class (F-Open and F-TR). As I said in the beginning, many cartridge types are capable of winning but are not listed due to their low popularity, case design, or lack of quality components. All of the above information is based on my personal experience and it is meant to help new shooters choose the right cartridges for F-Class matches. Thanks for reading and good luck — Emil Kovan
Emil Kovan Competition History:
– 2014 F-Class Open National Champion
– 2015 F-Class Open National Championship, Silver Medal
– F-Class Open National Championship Teams, 2015, 2014, 2013, Shooting Team Member
– Over 15 wins in Regional and State Championships in Palma, F-TR, F-Open
Our friend Dennis Santiago is a talented Service Rifle shooter, who normally competes with an AR shooting the .223 Rem cartridge. Recently he decided to go over to the “dark side”, putting together a Palma (fullbore) rifle chambered for the .308 Winchester. Dennis selected a Competition Machine (Gary Eliseo) R1 Chassis for the project. Here’s Santiago’s account of his “true blue” Palma build…
Palma Rifle Report by Dennis Santiago
“Here’s my new project — a .308 Win Palma rifle with an Eliseo R1 chassis, Rem 700 action (blue-printed with PT&G upgrades), Jewell trigger, Boots Obermeyer 1:11″-twist barrel, and Phoenix sights holding Gehmann apertures. Next comes chassis and sling set-up, initial mechanical zeroing, and load development. Yup, I have a bunch of Peterson small primer .308 brass, Sierra #2156 155gr MKs, and Varget to get started with. I’m told I can drive 155gr pills to stay supersonic to 1K. Should make for an interesting 2020. My goal is to be cozy with this blue beast by the time the Berger Southwest Nationals kick off in February 2020. Hey, you gotta have goals!”
CLICK Imagefor full-screen photo with more detail.
Pinning the Picatinny — For a Super-Solid Mount
One of the key parts of the build, Dennis explains, is mounting the top rail with pins: “Once the rail is aligned using a spin-centered optic, it locks down with three 3/16″ roll pins. That way there is no reliance on screws that can come loose. Above is a photo of the top of the Eliseo tube chassis showing the three, 3/16″ roll pins that unitize the Picatinny rail. You can also see the four brass screws that just kiss the action to fully stabilize it in the tube. The recoil ring buttresses completely around the action with metal to metal contact. There are a million details hidden inside a Gary gun.”
Phoenix Sights Front and Rear
Rise of the Phoenix — Here are the sights for the Eliseo R1. There are very few manufacturers left making these kinds of ultra-precise and repeatable iron sights.
These Ray-Vin tools help set mechanical zero on the sights. Dennis notes: “Finally a reason to pull out the Ray-Vin calibration paraphernalia to set up a mechanical zero. This photo is for all of you who still remember that those barrel flats and screws in our sight towers actually had a purpose once upon a time.”
Sling ‘N Irons — Classic Palma Configuration Dennis plans to use an Eric Hollis sling with his new blue Palma rifle.
Peterson Small Primer .308 Win Brass for Santiago’s Rig
Dennis plans to use Peterson Cartridge Small Rifle primer .308 Win brass. Peterson offers a “Select” version weight-sorted and length-sorted at the factory. All Select casings (in a 50ct box) are guaranteed to be within 1 grain in weight and .001″ in OAL. Peterson Select brass is available for 20 different cartridge types, including .308 Win both small primer/small flash hole and large primer/large flash hole.
Getting the Blue Rifle Ready for the 2020 Berger SW Nationals
Dennis plans to campaign his rifle at the 2020 Berger Southwest Nationals (SWN). He may shoot iron sights, or fit a scope and shoot in the “Any Sights” category. That’s not yet decided. The week-long Berger SWN is the biggest rifle match in the Western United States. Hundreds of shooters compete in both individual and team events. The SWN begins with the Mid-Range Nationals at 600 yards. Then the Long-Range matches are held, with targets out to 1000 yards. Watch the video to see the Ben Avery facility, home of the Berger SWN:
Chassis-maker Gary Elesio at the 2017 Berger SW Nationals. Gary shoots what he sells:
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. Amazon — ADDTOP Power Bank with Solar Panels, $39.99
Power — modern shooters need mobile battery power to run a LabRadar, charge a Tablet monitoring a Target Camera, or charge you smartphone running a Ballistics App. Here’s one of the best compact USB-port batteries you can buy. This offers 25000 mAh of energy, PLUS it has four solar panels (one built-in, three external). This ADDTOP Power Bank is on sale now for $39.99 on Amazon, a good deal.
These days, every serious rifleman can really use a tablet computer. Use it with WiFi target-cam systems. Run Ballistics and Reloading Apps. And plug in a $49.99 Teslong endoscope to monitor your bore. This 10″ Samsung Galaxy Tab boasts a 2019 Android OS, long (13-hr) battery life, and easy MicroSD memory boosting. Right now this Samsung is on sale for $147.00 with Free Shipping, a great deal. Or order for $156.99 with 64GB MicroSD card (the BEST DEAL).
3. Cutting Edge Bullets — 25% Off $150+ Orders
Cutting Edge Bullets crafts some of the best-performing projectiles for extreme long range (ELR) shooting. Cutting Edge Solids have set many records. And now you can get these great bullets for 25% OFF. But act soon. This deal is for TODAY ONLY, December 2, 2019. Use Code CYBER19 to get25% OFF all orders over $150.00, with FREE Shipping.
4. 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!
5. Midsouth — Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor Brass and 140gr Bullets
Do you shoot a 6.5 Creedmoor? Well here’s the deal of the year on 6.5 Creedmoor brass and bullets. Get 100 pieces of Hornady 6.5mm Creedmoor Brass for just $34.99. Then add Hornady 6.5mm 140gr ELD Bullets at $64.99/250. That’s just $24.99 per 100, an awesome deal.
The LabRadar is arguably the most sophisticated consumer chronograph on the market. These units rarely go on sale — but here’s your chance. Right now you can now get a LabRadar for $499.95 — that’s $60 off the normal price. (Sale price good through December 2, 2019). Purchase direct from Mylabradar.com, or order for $499.95 from leading vendors Midsouth Shooters, Bruno’s, and Creedmoor Sports.
7. EuroOptic — 15% OFF Nightforce NXS and SHV Scopes
Nightforce Optics makes great scopes for all disciplines. You’ll see Nightforces on the rifles of top benchrest, F-Class, and PRS/NRL competitors. Right now EuroOptic is running a big Nightforce promo. Save 15% on Nightforce NXS or SHV scopes. No rebate forms needed — the 15% savings is processed when you buy.
8. Powder Valley — Free HazMat Through 12/2/2019 — All Brands
Need powder and/or primers? Then head over to Powder Valley. Starting November 29, 2019 (this coming Friday), you can get FREE HazMat for all brands of reloading powders and primers with orders over $179.00. And yes you can combine powder and primers in the same shipment. This FREE HazMat offer runs through December 2, 2019. Go to PowderValleyInc.com and select FREE HazMat during checkout, starting Friday November 29th.
9. SIG Sauer — Huge Optics Sale, up to 60% Off
Now through midnight December 2, 2019, save up to 60% on SIG Sauer riflescopes, red dot sights, rangefinders, binoculars and spotting scopes while supplies last. Choose from 58 different styles. There are some great deals to be had, with prices slashed up to 60%. But ACT SOON, this is a one-day-only sale!
10. Bushmaster Firearms — 50% Off Entire Site Today Only
Bushmaster Firearms is running a big sale today with 50% Savings on uppers, lowers, muzzle brakes, mags, cleaning supplies and more. There are some truly impressive deals. But you better jump on it — the Sale ends 12/2/2019 at 11:59 pm EDT.
11. AREA 419 — CZ 457 MTR Fully Loaded, $950
Tactical-style .22 LR rimfire rifles permit PRS/NRL shooters to cross-train effectively with low-cost ammo. The new CZ 527 MTR is a great platform for a rimfire precision custom. Area 419 has developed a cool 527 MTR-based rig with all the bells and whistles. Area 419’s fully loaded CZ 457 MTR comes complete with an ARCAlock rail, AREA 419 scope base, and Area 419 bolt knob. This is certainly a top choice for a sub-$1000, .22 LR PRS cross-trainer. Buy now and save $170.00.
12. Creedmoor Sports — $10 Off $150+ Orders and Ammo Sale
On Cyber Monday, Creedmoor Sports is offering $10 Off all orders over $150.00, with FREE Shipping. In addition, Creedmoor Sports has discounted its excellent 75gr .223 Rem Ammo. Get 50 rounds for just $30.00. That’s a 32.5% discount off the regular $39.75 price.
We bet most readers own at least one 9mm handgun. Here’s a killer deal on major-brand 9x19mm FMJ ammo — which is fine for general range use and training. The $8.49 price for 50 rounds works out to just seventeen cents ($0.17) per round. At that rate it’s not worth hand-loading, if you value your time at all. Act soon, this deal may expire on 12/2/2019 at 11:59 pm.
14. Palmetto State Armory — Taurus G2c 9mm Pistol, $179.99
This is a good little compact carry gun at a great price. Palmetto State Armory has the black-on-black Taurus 9mm G2c for just $179.99. But it gets even better — with Taurus Factory Rebate your net cost is just $154.99! That’s one of the lowest prices we’ve ever seen for a big name, reliable 9mm handgun. Buy soon before the Rebate Offer expires.
15. Amazon — Jialitte Scope Bubble Level, $10.99
All serious rifle shooters need a scope level. This nicely designed Jialitte Scope Bubble Level features a 30mm milled inside diameter, plus an inner insert ring so it will also fit 1″-diameter main tubes — that dual-diameter versatility is a nice feature. We also like the way the unit is nicely radiused, and has a low profile in the middle. Price is just $10.99 with free shipping. User reviews have been very positive. You could easily pay $35.00 or more for a 30mm scope level.
Based on the questions we get on a daily basis on our 800 (Customer Support) line, twist is one of the most misunderstood subjects in the gun field. So let’s look deeper into this mystery and get a better understanding of what twist really means.
When you see the term 1:14″ (1-14) or 1:9″ twist, just exactly what does this mean? A rifle having a 1:14″ twist means the bullet will rotate one complete revolution every fourteen inches of the barrel. Naturally a 1:9″ turns one time every nine inches that it travels down the barrel. Now, here’s something that some people have trouble with. I’ve had calls from shooters thinking that a 1:14″ twist was faster than a 1:9″ because the number was higher with the 1:14″. The easiest way to remember this is the higher the number, the slower the twist rate is.
Now, the biggest misconception is that if a shooter has a .223 with a 1:8″ twist, his rifle won’t stabilize a 55gr bullet or anything lighter. So let’s look at what is required. The longer a bullet is for its diameter, the faster the twist has to be to stabilize it. In the case of the .223 with a 1:8″ twist, this was designed to stabilize 80gr bullets in this diameter. In truth the opposite is true. A 1:8″ will spin a 55gr faster than what is required in order to stabilize that length of bullet. If you have a bullet with good concentricity in its jacket, over-spinning it will not [normally] hurt its accuracy potential. [Editor’s Note: In addition, the faster twist rate will not, normally, decrease velocity significantly. That’s been confirmed by testing done by Bryan Litz’s Applied Ballistics Labs. There may be some minor speed loss.]
Many barrel-makers mark the twist rate and bore dimensions on their barrel blanks.
Think of it like tires on your truck. If you have a new set of tires put on your truck, and they balance them proper at the tire shop, you can drive down a street in town at 35 MPH and they spin perfect. You can get out on the highway and drive 65 MPH and they still spin perfect. A bullet acts the same way.
Once I loaded some 35gr HP bullets in a 22-250 Ackley with a 1:8″ twist. After putting three shots down range, the average velocity was 4584 FPS with an RPM level of 412,560. The group measured .750″ at 100 yards. This is a clear example that it is hard to over-stabilize a good bullet.
Twist-rate illustration by Erik Dahlberg courtesy FireArmsID.com. Krieger barrel photo courtesy GS Arizona.
Here are fifteen (15) of the best individual bargains we found for the Black Friday/Cyber Monday Cycle. We shopped dozens of sites and looked for popular, quality items listed at significant savings — over 70% off in some cases. But don’t hesitate, some of these deals expire tonight. Others are good for four days, through Cyber-Monday at 11:59 pm.
Tomorrow is Black Friday, the biggest SALE DAY of the year. We’ve scoured the internet to find great promotions and discount offers. You’ll find super deals on firearms, reloading tools, optics, shooting accessories, ammo and more. Check out these deals. Many of the offers commenced on Thanksgiving Day. Some of these special offers are for Friday only, November 29, 2019. Other promotions extend all weekend, all the way through Cyber-Monday, December 2, 2019.
Midsouth Shooters — Black Friday Extravaganza
Midsouth Shooters has discounted some of the most popular products for its big Black Friday Extravaganza. There are big savings on RCBS, Lyman, and Hornady reloading hardware. You’ll also find great deals on scopes, ammo, and even the advanced LabRadar chronograph. These deals commence at 6:00 pm on Thursday November 28 (Thanksgiving) at 6:00 pm ET.
Precision Reloading — 10% Off All Products
Precision Reloading is running a compelling Black Friday Promo through Sunday 11/31/2019 at 11:59 PM. Here’s the deal — starting today you can save 10% on ALL orders, including sale/clearance items. That means effectively that everything Precision Reloading sells is 10% off. Yes that includes powder, bullets, dies, reloading tools and more. Get your 10% savings by using CODE “BLACK19″ during check-out.
Whidden Gunworks — Week of Deals
Whidden Gunworks makes outstanding reloading equipment and also does great gunsmithing work. Whidden Gunworks products rarely go on sale, but right now you can save 10% on purchases of $50 or more (CODE WGWBLACK10) or save 15% on $250+ purchases (CODE WGWBLACK15). You can also save $100 on gunsmithing services with the purchase of any Whidden die set — use CODE WGWBLACKRIFLE.
Powder Valley — Free HazMat Starting 11/29/19 — All Brands
Need powder and/or primers? Then head over to Powder Valley. Starting November 29, 2019 (this coming Friday), you can get FREE HazMat for all brands of reloading powders and primers with orders over $179.00. And yes you can combine powder and primers in the same shipment. This great FREE HazMat offer runs through December 2, 2019. Go to PowderValleyInc.com and select FREE HazMat during checkout, starting Friday November 29th.
EuroOptic — 15% OFF Nightforce NXS and SHV Scopes
Nightforce Optics makes great scopes for all disciplines. You’ll see Nightforces on the rifles of top benchrest, F-Class, and PRS/NRL competitors. Right now EuroOptic is running a big Nightforce promo. Save 15% on Nightforce NXS or SHV scopes. No rebate forms needed — the 15% savings is processed when you buy.
AMP Annealing– AMP MK II Annealer $200 OFF Plus Free Pilots
AMP Annealing is running its first-ever sale in the USA, and it’s a good one. Save two hundred bucks! Buy now and get the Mark II annealer for $200 off PLUS three FREE pilots. YOu even get FREE SHIPPING. That’s a combined savings of nearly $300 on what is regarded as the best annealer made.
Grafs.com — Extended Black Friday Sale through 12/31/2019
Grafs.com is running an extended Black Friday sale for an entire month. Starting on Thanksgiving Day (11/27/19), you’ll find dozens of great deals, with the bargains lasting through 12/31/2019. Above are some of the best bargains. CLICK HERE for more great products on sale now through the end of 2019.
21st Century Shooting — 15% OFF Entire Online Order
Whether it’s neck-turning equipment, custom dies, presses, expander mandrels or other reloading gear 21st Century Shooting has top-of-the-line products to offer. Spend at least $50 to enjoy 15% savings on ALL the great 21st Century equipment. Essentially everything in stock is on sale now through Monday 12/2/2019 at 11:59 pm. NOTE: To get the discount enter THANKYOU in the Redeem Coupon Box.
Brownells — Black Friday Sale on Guns, Ammo, Accessories
Brownells is running a HUGE Black Friday Sale with a vast collection of items deeply discounted. You’ll find big savings on AR receivers, AR parts, Federal ammo, Howa barreled actions, gunsights, triggers, magazines and more. There’s really something for everyone. Plus get free ground shipping on Ammo if you sign up for Brownells Edge program.
LongShot Cameras (TargetVision) — CyberSale Save Up to $100
Longshot (TargetVision) is running a big CyberSale right now. Right now you can save on ALL LongShot Camera products. The superb LongShot LR-3 2-mile UHD (Ultra-High-Definition) is now just $699.00 on sale, while the 300-yard UHD Marksman is on sale for $349.00. The new Hawk Spotting Scope camera is a steal at $249.00, marked down from $299.00. Act soon — these deals expire 12/2/2019.
Palmetto Armory — Major Black Friday Sale on Guns and Ammo
Palmetto State Armory (PSA) has some amazing deals right now on rifles, pistols, gun parts, and ammunition. You’ll find AR uppers, lowers, build kits, parts, ammunition, and more at the lowest prices of the year. Palmetto is one of the leaders in AR builds so if you’ve been holding out to get your hands on a nice AR now is your chance to get one. Right now a PSA complete AR lower is just $129.00!
MidwayUSA — Huge Black Friday Sale and Free Shipping $49+
If you’re shopping for optics, tools, reloading gear and more, check out MidwayUSA’s Black Friday Sale. Select products from top brands such as Vortex, Leupold, Remington, and Hornady are on sale for up to 50% off. You can also get FREE Shipping on all orders over $49 with CODE GREATDEAL49.
AREA 419 — Black Nitride Friday Sale
Area 419 makes some of the finest aftermarket accessories on the market. Right now Area 419 is running a Black Nitride Friday Sale with a selection of black nitrided products. These include muzzle brakes, suppressor mounts, thread caps, and Defiance nitrided actions. You can even order a complete custom rifle with Defiance action and other black components. Prices are very attractive.
PMA Tool — 10% Off Orders Over $150
PMA Tool carries a wide variety of very high-quality products for precision shooters — Lenzi rear bags, micro click-adjusters for dies, cleaning cradles, neck-turners, action wrenches, just to name a few. Right now, during PMA’s Black Friday Sale, you can save on PMA’s full selection of items. Get Free Shipping with a $100 order, or save 10% with orders over $150.00. These promos apply through 1/2/2020.
Bullet Central — Secret Reward Code Giveaway
This year, Bullet Central has a secret reward program. If you place an order during this Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend you have a chance to win one of 250 Secret Reward Codes. Each Reward Code is worth at least 5% off a Bix’n Andy TacSport trigger, and the Code MIGHT be worth much more. There will also be at least Reward Code good for a FREE Bix’n Andy TacSport trigger.
Effects Of Cartridge Over All Length (COAL) And Cartridge Base To Ogive (CBTO) – Part 1
.223 Rem — Not A Competitive Option
Emil Kovan Competition History:
