At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every 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.
This being Cyber-Monday, we focus on a few more tech products than normal, understanding that today’s shooters also need advanced chronographs, battery packs, laser rangefinders, and other digital gadgets. Please note that many of the Black Friday deals we featured are still in effect through 11:59 pm Monday 11/26/2016. CLICK HERE for Black Friday FEATURE.
1. Many Vendors — LabRadar Chrono $60 Off through December 9
If you’ve been wanting to get a LabRadar Chronograph, here’s your chance. Now through Dec. 9th you can save $60 on this very advanced piece of technology — probably the most sophisticated chronograph system ever offered to the general public. That’s notable because you almost never see this discounted below the $559.95 MAP price. Recent updates also now allow you to operate your LabRadar with your mobile device making it that much more amazing. You can take advantage of this deal and grab one for $499.95 or $499.99 at Brownells (Code VB5 for FREE Shipping), Bruno’s Shooters Supply, Creedmoor Sports, or Midsouth Shooters, or MyLabRadar.com.
2. Sportsman’s Guide — 30%, 40%, 50% Off Today Only
Sportsman’s Guide is running a huge CYBER MONDAY SALE on hundreds of items. You’ll find them on the SALE PAGE grouped by discount — 30%, 40%, and 50%. We found scopes, gun cases, hunting gear, tools, and lots more. You should definitely check this out. Some incredible deals. Also, for other items, you can get double Buyers Club discount with CODE SH2625.
3. TargetVision — 15% Off All Camera Systems Through Nov. 30th
Now through November 30, 2018, save 15% on all TargetVision Camera systems. We think these are some of the most sophisticated wireless target imaging systems you can buy. These really do work at 1000 yards and below. The software is reliable and will display your shots on your favorite mobile device. In addition, you can get a TargetVision Cam + LabRadar bundle with 2-year “bullet proof” TargetVision warranty.
Versatile and totable, this compact Samsung Galaxy 7″ tablet computer is just what you need at the range to run your Ballistics Apps, get WiFi images from your target Cam, or “talk” to your LabRadar. The Galaxy Tab A 7.0 inch can also get internet weather reports and email. Heck you can even use it to post on our AccurateShooter’s Forum. This is a modern device with myriad capabilities — all for under $100.00. You won’t find more bang for the buck in a digital device. NOTE: This is WiFi only — it is NOT a like a cellphone. It works via an internet connection (and blue-tooth).
5. Graf’s — 25% Off All Sightron Scopes in Stock
If you need a good scope at a great price, now’s a great time to buy. This week Graf’s is running a Sightron Holiday sale with 25% off most Sightron scopes. For example, the Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm FCH scope is marked down from $1089.99 to just $817.49. That’s a killer deal on a scope that is good enough to win major matches. Many other products are on sale at Graf’s this week.
6. EuroOptic — 20% Off Sale on Sig Electro-Optical Products
Save 20% or more today on Sig Sauer Electro-Optical products. These include red dot sights, and conventional Sig “Tango” and “Whiskey” zoom scopes that have illumination or other electro-optical features. For example, the illuminated Tango4 6-24x50mm is marked down from $1099.99 to $869.00, a $230.99 savings. SIG SALE HERE.
7. McMillan and MC3 — 15% Off Stocks on Cyber Monday
Need a high-quality hunting, tactical, or target-shooting stock. Save 15% TODAY ONLY on McMillan and McCubed (MC3) stocks purchased online. This deal is ONE-DAY only, expiring at 11:59 PM MST on November 26, 2018. Here’s your chance to save $100 or more on a premium McMillan or MC3 stock. NOTE: To save 15% use CODE cybersale3 during check-out. SHOP McMillan HERE | SHOP McCubed HERE.
8. Natchez — Rock Chucker Supreme Reloading Kit, $269.99
Everything you see above can be yours for just $269.99. Great Deal. Right now, Natchez is selling the Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit for $269.99, a great price considering all the hardware you get: Press, Primer Tool, Scale, Powder Measure, Loading Tray, Reloading Manual and more. Heck, the Rock Chucker press alone is worth $160.00+. This is good starter kit for any reloader with sturdy items (like the Rock Chucker press), that will last a lifetime.
9. Midsouth — Hornady Auto Charge Scale/Dispenser, $147.99
The Hornady Lock N Load Auto Charge Electronic Scale/Dispenser is now on sale for just $147.99 at Midsouth Shooters Supply, discounted way down from the regular $228.98 price. That’s the lowest price we’ve seen on this product in a long time, making this a real bargain. If you are looking for an affordable combination digital scale and powder dispenser, this is very attractive pricing. By comparison, the new RCBS ChargeMaster Lite sells for around $250.00 and is back-ordered at most vendors. That means you can save at least $90.00 by buying RED instead of GREEN.
10. MidwayUSA — Sig Sauer 3-9x40mm Scope, $109.99
Here’s a stunning deal if you’re looking to build a budget varmint or hunting rifle. With MidwayUSA’s Cyber-Monday pricing, you can get a quality Sig Sauer 3-9x40mm scope for just $109.99 — less than some guys will pay just for a set of rings. This waterproof Sig scope features LD glass and 1/4-MOA clicks. It comes with full Sig Sauer warranty, so you can purchase with confidence.
11. EuroOptic — Leica CRF 2000-B, $399.00
This may be the best deal we’ve seen on the vaunted Leica 2000-B Laser Rangefinder (LRF) with 7-power optic. This unit is rated out to 2000 yards on reflective objects. The Leica 2000-B features air pressure and temperature sensors, plus on-board inclinometer. Angle correction works out to 1200 horizontal yards equivalent, with the true hold-over displayed in both MILs and MOA. The compact Leica CRF 2000-B weighs just 6.5 ounces and measures 4.5″ L x 2.25″ H x 1.25″ W. It has a waterproof outer shell.
As posted in the Calguns.net a few years back, there was a nasty out-of-battery firing incident involving a BOHICA Arms .510 DTC AR15 upper. The cause of the out-of-battery firing is not certain but it appears that the ammo was not sized properly and the firing pin may have been stuck in the extended position. As a result, the round went off before the bolt was closed with the lugs seated. In the process, the bolt handle broke off, as the bolt retracted violently, actually ending up outside the bolt raceway.
The shooter was badly injured, with broken bones and ligament damage to his left hand and tissue damage to his right hand. The shooter was holding the rifle with his left hand near the front of the chamber where a gas vent was located. Gas and shrapnel existed the vent hole causing the severe injuries to the left hand.
From range reports, it appears that the shooter had been struggling to chamber previous rounds, and was having trouble closing the bolt. After talking with one of the rangemasters, a poster on AR15.com reported: “The guy was using new reloads that weren’t exactly fitting well into his chamber. [The shooter] was slamming the bolt handle with his palm trying to get the cases to lock in. The guy was also slamming the bolt forward full force from the rearmost position back and forth trying to ram the cases into chamber in an attempt to squeeze the rounds in so the bolt could close. Finally, on one of the attempts … the possibly stuck firing pin rams into the primer and explodes the round when he slams the bolt forward (zero lug engagement hence the KB) and shooter puts himself into a world of hurt.”
Lessons Learned — Don’t Try to Force Oversize Ammo into a Chamber
By all reports, the shooter’s ammo wasn’t fitting his chamber properly. In an effort to force the ammo into the chamber, he worked the bolt with excessive force. That MAY have caused the firing pin to extend or the hammer to fall without the trigger being pulled. One theory is that the trigger system may have been modified, allowing the hammer to fall from the force of slamming the bolt forward. Others have speculated that the firing pin may have failed to retract because the bolt handle was over-torqued — a safety issue listed in the BOHICA manual.
Whatever caused the out-of-battery firing, it appears that improperly-sized ammo (or a poorly-cut chamber) was the root cause of the problems. If you go to a range and find your bolt does not close easily over the ammo — STOP SHOOTING — don’t try to force the issue. Disaster may result. To paraphrase Johnnie Cochran: “If the ammo doesn’t fit, it’s time to quit”.
Photos by Wildcard, originally posted on Calguns.net.
Looking for bulk ammo for your pistol or rifle? Right now Federal Ammunition is running a “Black Pack” promotion, just in time for the Black Friday/Cyber Monday Weekend. With this deal you get a direct Federal factory rebate up to $100.00 on Federal, Blazer Brass, or American Eagle Black Pack Ammo. The Rebate program is good through December 2, 2018. Combine this Factory Rebate with special Black Friday Weekend pricing from Brownells, and you can get reliable, brand-name USA-made ammo at bargain basement prices.
Here are some Federal Black Pack deals right now at Brownells (partial sample):
NOTE: These aren’t everything!! There are also Black Pack Rebates for .22 LR, 9mm, .40 SW, 12 gauge shells, and other ammo types. Just look for for Federal, Blazer, and American Eagle with Black Labels!
SPECIAL BONUS SAVINGS at BROWNELLS:
NOTE: If you purchase at least $200 before 11/25/2018 at 11:59 PM, you can get an additional $20 Off your order with Brownell’s Code FN2, or 10% Off your order over $300 with Code FN3! Remember though — this deal ends Sunday 11/25 at midnight!
How the Federal Black Pack Rebate Works:
Purchase ONE (1) case of Federal, Blazer® Brass or American Eagle® BLACK PACK bulk case or can ammunition and receive $20 back. Limited to FIVE (5) cases/cans or $100 per household. Valid manufacturer product numbers limited to: 5202BF350, 5200BF500, 5220BF350, 5230BF300, AE223BF300, 788BF and BF127 00AC1. Product must be purchased between 11/16/2018 through 12/2/2018. DEADLINE for mail-in or online submission 1/2/2019. See Terms and Conditions.
Today is Black Friday, the biggest SALE day of the year. We’ve scoured the internet to find killer deals from 12 vendors. You’ll find super deals on firearms, along with reloading tools, shooting accessories, and even gun safes. Check out these deals. Some of these special offers are for Friday only, November 23, 2018. Other promotions extend all weekend, all the way through Cyber-Monday, November 26, 2018.
Graf’s — Store Sale, 15% Off All Lapua Products, Sightron Sale
If you hand-load, you know Lapua is top tier stuff — great brass, great bullets, superior loaded ammo. As a Black Friday through Sunday special, Grafs.com is offering 15% off ALL Lapua products. In addition, Graf’s has some great deals on optics, running a Sightron Holiday sale with 25% off most Sightron scopes. Many other products are on sale at Graf’s this weekend.
21st Century Shooting — 15% Off and Free Shipping
21st Century makes some of the most sophisticated reloading tools on the planet. Our editors use 21st Century case lathes, concentricity gauges, and Hydro bullet seaters. These great tools will help you load better ammo, with more consistency, in less time. And now you can save money too. 21st Century Shooting will be offering 15% Off with FREE Domestic shipping Friday 11/23/18 through Monday 11/26/18 at 11:59 PM. To get the 15% savings use Coupon Code W9es52. For Domestic orders be sure to choose “FREE SHIPPING” at checkout.
Precision Reloading — 15% Off $100+ Orders CODE “PR18BLK”
Precision Reloading is running a compelling Black Friday promotion through Sunday 11/25/2017 at 11:59 PM. Here’s the deal — starting today you can save 15% off all orders of $100.00 or more. That means effectively that everything Precision Reloading sells is 15% off (as long as you spend at least $75.00). Yes that includes powder, bullets, dies, reloading tools and more. Get your 15% savings by using CODE “PR18BLK” during check-out.
McMillan and McCubed Stocks — Save 20% Today ONLY!
You can now get big savings on high-quality McMillan and McCubed (MC3) rifle stocks. Today, Black Friday, McMillan and McCubed are offering 20% OFF stocks purchased from the online stores. This Black Friday Special also includes FREE Shipping within the continental United States. Use promo code blackfriday3 at check out. NOTE: This is a ONE-Day sale ONLY! The sale ends today, November 23, 2018 at 11:59 PM.
Credit EdLongRange for finding this sale.
Brownells — Money Off Codes, Product Sales, Gun Gift Card
There are some killer Brownells discount codes now through 11/25/18 (Sunday) at 11:59 pm. These all use the FN prefix. Get Free Shipping with no minimum with Code FN4. Get $20 off $200 with Free S/H with code FN3. Get 10% Off $300 with Free S/H with code FN2. Along with this savings codes, Brownells has discounted many popular products for the Black Friday Cyber Monday weekend. For example, you can get the LabRadar Chrono for $499.99 ($60 Off), Howa 300 WM Barreled Action (with trigger) for $349.99, and Geissele Enhanced AR Trigger for $139.99 ($75 Off). There are also great savings on Nikon optics. Plus when you buy a complete firearm, you can get a Brownells gift card worth up to $100.00.
Bullet Central — Thanksgiving Weekend Sale
BulletCentral.com is running an attractive sale all Thanksgiving weekend, starting 11/22/2018 and running through 11/26/2018. Save on Sierra bullets, SK rimfire ammo, Lapua 6mm Creedmoor brass, ThoroughClean cleaning products. And you can also get FREE Shipping on Bix ‘N Andy triggers, and Kelbly Actions. CLICK HERE for Sale items.
Midsouth — Black Friday Sale and Hornady Prize Give-Aways
Partial Selection of Featured Sale Items
Midsouth Shooters Supply is running a big sale and Prize Give-Away for the full Black Friday through Cyber-Monday period. CLICK HERE to see SALE Items, discounted up to 50%. And are you feeling lucky? Midsouth will give away 12 Hornady Lock-N-Load Reloading Tools and Presses the day after Cyber Monday. Prizes include Lock-N-Load Progressive Press, Lock-N-Load Iron Frame press, Auto-Charge Powder Dispenser, and more. Come back every day for another chance to enter.
Natchez — Multiple Promotions Through Monday 11/26/18
Natchez Shooters Supplies posted a bevy of bargains this Black Friday Weekend. Choose your best deal with a variety of PROMO CODESs good through 11:59 pm November 26, 2018:
1. $25 Off all purchases over $200 with Code DOB181122
2. 10% Off products over $49.99 with Code PO181122
3. Free HAZMAT on purchases over $150 with Code FH181122
4. Free Shipping on Orders over $99.99 with Code FS181122
In addition to these savings Natchez has some great deals right now on Leupold scopes plus rebates on Federal Black Pack ammunition.
Credit EdLongRange for finding these promo codes and discounts.
MidwayUSA — Huge Black Friday Sale — Hundreds of Items
MidwayUSA is running an extended Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale. Dozens of items are deeply discounted, PLUS you get FREE Shipping on all $49+ orders with Code CyperFS49. Look for bargains on optics, accessories, reloading tools, hunting gear, and ammunition. Hundreds of items are on sale, including LabRadar Chronographs, TargetVision Target Cams, Vortex Scopes, Hornady Reloading Presses, Athlon Spotters and much more. SEE Sale Items HERE.
Davidson Defense — Black Friday Sale on AR Kits and Hardware
Black Rifles on Black Friday? You bet! Davidson Defense has you covered. Now through Monday, November 26, 2018, save on many products in Davidson Defense’s online store: complete uppers, stocks, buffers, handguards, trigger groups, muzzle brakes, parts kits and more — pretty much everything you need to build an AR but the lower. If you love tacticool products, you’ll like the Davidson’s store, and now is a great time to buy.
Gander Mountain — 15% Off Outdoor Inventory
While Gander Mountain is a general-market outdoor sports store, not a hunting/firearms-focused retailer, Gander still offers a wide selection of products for shooters. This weekend you can get big savings on a host of products. You can save 15% on rifles, pistols, ammo, gun safes, and more. To qualify for 15% Off your order (no minimum) with FREE shipping, use Code GO2018. CLICK HERE for Gander’s Sale Items.
SWFA — 15-20% Off Vortex, Burris, Timney, EoTech, and More
SWFA, a Texas-based retailer, is offering 15%-20% discounts off major product lines, including Vortex, Burris, EoTech, Leupold, Harris Bipods, and more. In addition, prices on SWFA’s “house-brand” SS scopes have been slashed up to 50%, so you can save $100 or more. CLICK HERE for all SWFA Black Friday Sale items.
MORE DEALS, MORE DEALS, MORE DEALS
If these dozen Black Friday vendors don’t provide enough temptation for your pocketbook, you’ll find yet more Black Friday specials on Gun.Deals a bargain-finder website. In addition, The Firearm Blog (TFB) has compiled a long list of select bargains — specific items on sale during the Black Friday/Cyber-Monday cycle. Highlighted Deals include AR Uppers, Geiselle Triggers, .22 LR Ammo, Ruger Rifles, Leupold Scopes, and MagPul magazines. CLICK HERE for TFB Deals, or select by category below:
It’s not Black Friday yet… but there are already some notable bargains to be had. Brownells has kicked off its Pre-Black Friday Sale today. Along with dozens of marked specials, you can get $10 Off $99+ with code NBM (plus FREE Shipping), $15 Off $150+ with code NCS (plus FREE Shipping), and $20 Off $200 with Code M8Y (plus FREE Shipping). Jump on those code deals — they may expire soon.
To make things even better, there are some MORE Brownells discount codes in play through 11/25/18 (Sunday) at 11:59 pm. These all use the FN prefix. Get Free Shipping with no minimum with Code FN4. Get $20 off $200 with Free S/H with code FN3. Get 10% Off $300 with Free S/H with code FN3. As Brownells says these are great deals.
OK, now here are the Brownells Product deals. NOTE: These are individually discounted prices in Brownells Pre-Black Friday sale. We can’t confirm how long the sale prices will last — but there are still some great deals to be had. Such as the LabRadar Chrono for $499.99 ($60 Off), Howa 300 WM Barreled Action (with trigger) for $349.99, and Geissele Enhanced AR Trigger for $139.99 ($75 Off). There are also great savings on Nikon optics. Plus when you buy a complete firearm, you can get a Brownells gift card worth up to $100.00 — Check it Out:
In addition, there are a variety of great deals on factory loaded ammunition, including up to $100 off on Federal “Black Pack” bulk ammo.
We’ve used a variety of target cam systems — When you get a good one, they are a great tool for training and load development, and just fun shooting.
Over the past five years we’ve tested many target cam systems. To be frank, some have been disappointing, but we think the Caldwell Target Cam System works well. A number of our Forum members have purchased this system and the reviews have been generally quite positive — image quality is good, reception is good, software is good, and storage cases work well. The only complaint is that the flexible camera arm can droop with time. READ Target Cam Forum Reviews.
Caldwell Target Cam Review by Nando-AS
“I have been using the Caldwell camera for over a year and it works great for me in every respect. I use it mainly at 600 yards, but I have also used it at 1000 yards successfully. In my case, as opposed to the experience posted by Snakepit (see below), the flexible arm that supports the camera is as tight as when it was brand new. The only thing that has broken so far is the plastic top on one of the two stakes supplied to steady the tripods to the ground. Instead of the stakes, I now use a couple of heavy shooting bags. I just place one bag over one of the legs of the tripod, and that is good enough.”
Target Cam Output with camera placed 600 yards from shooter:
Target Cam view at 600 yards: Blue ring is three inches, outer circle is six inches. I use a Samsung Tablet to display the image. I zoom in when actually shooting — so each target fills the screen.
Caldwell Target Cam Review by Shoot4Fun
“Caldwell Target Camera owner here. It comes neatly packed in a soft case and even has two stands for the camera/transmitter and the receiver units. I have only used it to 500 yards though they do call it a one-mile system. The resolution is very good and it has some neat features for capturing and labeling your targets. I did buy two Tallantcell USB packs to power it but it has internal batteries as well. The App works with my iPad or my iPhone and I’m sure there is an Android version too. I see them on sale from time to time at under $375 complete.”
Caldwell Target Cam Review by SnakePit
“I have the Caldwell Target Camera system and it works great. I mainly use it at 600 yards and the transmitter has enough power that I do not have to use the receiver at the bench for my tablet or cell phone. But Caldwell needs to do something with the flexible arm that holds the camera to the tripod. It becomes loose after a while and the camera wants to droop down. Caldwell sent me a replacement flexible arm but it is starting to have the same problem. You can get it to work when this happens but it can be a hassle. Other than that it is a great system for the price and I would buy another one.”
Important Features of a Target Cam System
Key qualities you’ll want in a target cam system are: ease of set-up, good video resolution, effective range (good signal quality/strength), good battery run-time, and the ability to use WiFi-enabled devices for viewing. Caldwell’s new Long-Range Target Camera offers all these things, making it an impressive new product for the price — $359.95 at Midsouth Shooters Supply. Some other target cam systems on the market cost twice as much, yet lack key features of the Caldwell system.
Watch Video, Record Video, Capture Stills, Measure Group Size and more…
The Caldwell LR Target Camera is very versatile, allowing you to both watch and record video and/or stills on any WiFi-enabled device. A free iOS/Android Mobile App allows you to record video, save still pictures, add notes, calculate group size, and save session info. This video shows the complete set-up process and how to use the free App. It shows actual Target Cam output on a WiFi-enabled tablet:
Caldwell LR Target Camera Features:
— High Definition (720p) camera delivers sharp image with good detail.
— WiFi output is compatible with Android, iPhone and most tablets.
— System can stream live HD video, record video, and save still images.
— Camera, transmitter, and receiver are contained in sturdy, waterproof housings.
— Breaks down into custom-fitted storage case for easy transport.
— Rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries run system for up to 6 hours continuously.
— External power jack for more permanent installation.
— Target Camera Mobile App for iOS and Android devices.
— Includes two collapsible, tripod-base Antenna/router stands.
— Positionable, spring-loaded camera clamp.
Many novice hand-loaders believe that neck bushing Inside Diameter (ID) size is the only important factor in neck tension. In fact, many different things will influence the grip on your bullet and its ability to release from the case neck. To learn more about neck tension and “case grip”, take the time to read this article carefully. We bet you’ll gain knowledge that will let you load more accurate ammo, with better ES/SD.
Neck Tension (i.e. Grip on Bullets) Is a Complex Phenomenon
While we certainly have considerable control over neck tension by using tighter or looser bushings (with smaller or bigger Inside Diameters), bushing size is only one factor at work. It’s important to understand the multiple factors that can increase or decrease the resistance to bullet release. Think in terms of overall brass-on-bullet “grip” instead of just bushing size (or the internal neck diameter in non-bushing full-length sizing dies).
Bullet grip is affected by many things, such as:
1. Neck-wall thickness.
2. Amount of bullet bearing surface (shank) in the neck.
3. Surface condition inside of neck (residual carbon can act as a lubricant; ultrasonic cleaning makes necks “grabby”).
4. Length of neck (e.g. 6mmBR neck vs. 6mm Dasher).
5. Whether or not the bullets have an anti-friction coating.
6.The springiness of the brass (which is related to degree of work-hardening; number of firings etc.)
7. The bullet jacket material.
8. The outside diameter of the bullet and whether it has a pressure ridge.
9. Time duration between bullet seating and firing (necks can stiffen with time).
10. How often the brass is annealed.
11. Amount (length) of neck sized (e.g. you can size only half the neck).
12. Interior diameter of bushing, or neck section of non-bushing die.
— and there are others…
One needs to understand that bushing size isn’t the beginning and end of neck tension questions, because, even if bushing size is held constant, the amount of bullet “grip” can change dramatically as the condition of your brass changes. Bullet “grip” can also change if you alter your seating depth, and it can even change if you ultrasonically clean your cases.
In our Shooters’ Forum a reader recently asked: “How much neck tension should I use?” This prompted a Forum discussion in which other Forum members recommended a specific number based on their experience, such as .001″, .002″, or .003″. These numbers, as commonly used, correspond to the difference between case-neck OD after sizing and the neck OD of a loaded round, with bullet in place. In other words, the numbers refer to the nominal amount of interference fit (after sizing).
While these commonly-used “tension numbers” (of .001″, .002″ etc.) can be useful as starting points, neck tension is actually a fairly complex subject. The actual amount of “grip” on the bullet is a function of many factors, of which neck-OD reduction during sizing is just one. Understanding these many factors will help you maintain consistent neck tension as your brass “evolves” over the course of multiple reloadings.
Seating Depth Changes Can Increase or Decrease Grip on Bullet
You can do this simple experiment. Seat a boat-tail bullet in your sized neck with .150″ of bearing surface (shank) in the neck. Now remove the bullet with an impact hammer. Next, take another identical bullet and seat it with .300″ of bearing surface in another sized case (same bushing size/same nominal tension). You’ll find the deeper-seated bullet is gripped much harder.
Neck-Wall Thickness is Important Too
I have also found that thinner necks, particularly the very thin necks used by many PPC shooters, require more sizing to give equivalent “grip”. Again, do your own experiment. Seat a bullet in a case turned to .008″ neckwall thickness and sized down .003″. Now compare that to a case with .014″ neckwall thickness and sized down .0015″. You may find that the bullet in the thin necks actually pulls out easier, though it supposedly has more “neck tension”, if one were to consider bushing size alone.
In practical terms, because thick necks are less elastic than very thin necks, when you turn necks you may need to run tighter bushings to maintain the same amount of actual grip on the bullets (as compared to no-turn brass). Consequently, I suspect the guys using .0015″ “tension” on no-turn brass may be a lot closer to the guys using .003″ “tension” on turned necks than either group may realize.
Toward a Better Definition of Neck Tension
As a convenient short-cut, we tend to describe neck tension by bushing size alone. When a guy says, “I run .002 neck tension”, that normally means he is using a die/bushing that sizes the necks .002″ smaller than a loaded round. Well we know something about his post-sizing neck OD, but do we really have a reliable idea about how much force is required to release his bullets? Maybe not… This use of the term “neck tension” when we are really only describing the amount of neck diameter reduction with a die/bushing is really kind of incomplete.
My point here is that it is overly simplistic to ask, “should I load with .001 tension or .003?” In reality, an .001″ reduction (after springback) on a thick neck might provide MORE “grip” on a deep-seated bullet than an .003″ reduction on a very thin-walled neck holding a bullet with minimal bearing surface in the neck. Bushing ID is something we can easily measure and verify. We use bushing size as a descriptor of neck tension because it is convenient and because the other important factors are hard to quantify. But those factors shouldn’t be ignored if you want to maintain consistent neck tension for optimal accuracy.
Consistency and accuracy — that’s really what this all about isn’t it? We want to find the best neck tension for accuracy, and then maintain that amount of grip-on-bullet over time. To do that you need to look not only at your bushing size, but also at how your brass has changed (work-hardened) with time, and whether other variables (such as the amount of carbon in the neck) have changed. Ultimately, optimal neck tension must be ascertained experimentally. You have to go out and test empirically to see what works, in YOUR rifle, with YOUR bullets and YOUR brass. And you may have to change the nominal tension setting (i.e. bushing size) as your brass work-hardens or IF YOU CHANGE SEATING DEPTHS.
Remember that bushing size alone does not tell us all we need to know about the neck’s true “holding power” on a bullet, or the energy required for bullet release. True bullet grip is a more complicated phenomenon, one that is affected by numerous factors, some of which are very hard to quantify.
In the “good old days”, if you needed rimfire ammo for fun shooting, you could just head over to Walmart (or a local sporting goods store) and find a wide variety of offerings, including low-cost bulk packs from Federal, CCI, and Remington. In recent years, affordable .22 LR has been harder to come by. But thankfully, starting in 2017, we have seen rimfire ammo supply catch up with demand. Plus there has been less hording by nervous buyers. That means .22 LR ammo prices have become more reasonable and much more product is on the shelves. Still, you want to comparison shop to get the best deals.
One of the most efficient ways to locate rimfire ammunition nationwide is to use Ammoseek.com, a specialized search engine. On its home page, Ammoseek has a handy 22LR PAGE link. With just one click you can search dozens of ammo vendors.
If you click Ammoseek’s 22LR Page link, Ammoseek instantly calls up current ammo inventories from dozens of vendors. Then Ammoseek plots ALL the available rimfire ammo, sorted from least expensive to most expensive. Here are search results from this morning, November 16, 2018. We found some Remington 40gr LRN for just 2.4 cents per round (in 500-rd bulk pack). That’s a heck of a deal.
SK Rebate Now Through December 31, 2018
SK makes excellent rimfire ammo, and now there’s a Holiday Special that makes SK even more attractive. Now you can get $5 cash back per 500-rd brick, up to $100. The offer is valid on qualifying SK rimfire ammunition brick purchases from November 15 to December 31, 2018.
To take advantage of this offer, get the REBATE FORM at your local SK retailer or download the rebate form at www.Capstonepg.com/skrebate. The clip the UPC/Lot codes from the SK ammo box and mail them, along with the original sales receipt, no later than January 31, 2019. This deal is good for purchases through the end of the year. Additional conditions apply — see Capstone website for details.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every 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.
How would you like to get a proper hunting rifle for $209.99? That’s not a misprint. Right now Kentucky Gun Company is selling Thompson Center (T/C) Compass rifles for $259.99 in seven popular chamberings: .204 Ruger, .223 Remington, .22-250, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08, .308 Winchester, and .30-06 Springfield. But it gets even better — these rifles qualify for a $50.00 T/C factory rebate. That lowers your net cost for the T/C Compass to $209.99 — less than you might pay for a barrel alone. This rifle is perfectly capable of harvesting game, and carries a strong factory warranty backed by Smith & Wesson. Put the dollars you save into optics and ammo.
The 6mm Dasher was originally a wildcat cartridge. To make Dasher brass you had to fire-form (or hydro-form) 6mmBR brass. That all changed a couple years ago when Shiraz Balolia (of Grizzly.com) signed a deal with Norma to produce rifle-ready 6mm Dasher brass. Norma’s Dasher brass features a longer neck offering more seating flexibility (and slightly more capacity). The latest Dasher brass is very good — capable of winning benchrest matches. If you have an older Dasher chamber, just trim the necks. Thanks to Lester Bruno, Norma Dasher brass is now available again. This is premium GEN 2 Dasher brass with the standard rim thickness. We believe Bruno’s is now the exclusive supplier of Norma Dasher brass. The brass is in the USA and will ship soon. Get this Norma-made 6mm Dasher Brass while you can. Price is $114.95 per 100 pieces. Factor in the savings (in bullets, powder, and time) by avoiding fire-forming, and you see why this brass is very popular.
If you’ve been wanting to get a LabRadar Chronograph, here’s your chance. Starting Thursday 11/15/2018, you can save $60 on this very advanced piece of technology — probably the most sophisticated chronograph system ever offered to the general public. That’s notable because you almost never see this discounted below the $559.95 MAP price. Get the LabRadar for $499.95 with this Special Sale which starts on November 15 and extends through December 9, 2018. NOTE: you may be able to get the same deal from other vendors such as Creedmoor Sports, Bruno Shooters Supply, and Midsouth Shooters Supply, but you need to check. Right now we can only confirm the deal through TCK LLC on BuyMyLabradar.com. Check with other vendors on 11/15/18.
4. 21st Century Shooting — 10% Off with Code FALLNOV10
21st Century Shooting offers some of the best precision loading tools on the market. Our editors own and use many 21st Century products, including neck-turning lathe, concentricity gauge, hydro bullet seater (arbor press), and priming tool. You’ll also see these tools in the reloading rooms of National and World Champion shooters. Now you can get this world-class 21st Century gear at a significant discount. Through the end of November, save 10% off many 21st Century products with CODE FALLNOV10. Use that code at check-out. When you’ve filled out your order, type the code in the Coupon Field, then click the button labeled “Redeem Coupon”. That will confirm “10% off all online orders”.
5. Field Supply — Nikon Refurbished Scopes up to 65% Off
You won’t find a better deal on Nikons anywhere. These are Nikon-certified, factory-refurbished scopes. This is a good choice if you’re looking for big-name quality at rock-bottom prices. Good option for a hunting or varmint rifle. The savings on Nikon optics are up to 65% off retail. NOTE: all these Nikon refurbs have been refurbished to Nikon Factory specifications by Nikon, Inc. and are covered by a 90-day limited warranty. Sale refurb optics start at under $80.00.
Right now you can get Lyman’s new All-American 8-station turret press for just $159.99. That’s a great price. This high-capacity turret press sells elsewhere for up to $229.99. The Lyman offers more die stations than the 6-station RCBS Turret and the 7-station Redding T-7. It also has a strong rear support that minimizes head flex. NOTE: Priming on the Lyman turret is done in the front; the image above shows the priming station but not the vertical tube which holds stacked primers.
7. RCBS — Save 25% on Select Dispenser/Scales, Progressive Presses, Prep Centers, and Ultrasonic Machines
RCBS wants you to “buy green” in November. Now through November 30, 2018 you can get 25% Instant Savings on a variety of RCBS’s most popular products, including the ChargeMaster Lite, ProChucker Progressive Presses, and both the Trim Mate and Universal Case Prep Centers. Ultrasonic cleaning machines are also discounted. This is easy-peasy — no forms to fill out and no waiting on rebates. Just shop at your favorite retailer, and you’ll find qualifying products 25% cheaper than last month.
Credit EdLongrange for finding this deal.
8. Midsouth — Tipton 13-Piece Jag set, $11.99
Here’s a great, budget-priced Jag Kit ideal for someone who shots many different calibers. This kit will cover just about any rifle or pistol bore size. Get 13 jags in a handy, clear-top fitted caddy for just $11.99. The kit covers everything from 17 caliber up to .45 caliber, with 17, 20, 22, 243/6mm, 25/6.5mm, 270/7mm, 30/32, 338/8mm, 35/9mm, 375, 40, 44, and 45 jags. The storage box features marked cavities for each caliber. The small .17 cal and .20 cal jags have a 5-40 threads, while all the remaining 11 larger jags have the standard 8-32 thread size.
A strong argument can be made that the best home defense firearm is a 12 gauge shotgun. This Mossberg 500 is a reliable 12ga pump-gun with useful upgrades including ghost-ring sights and barrel heat-shield. This Model 500 Tactical boasts an 8-shell capacity and weighs 7 pounds unloaded. Order now from GunBuyer.com for $299.00. Owners love this serious-looking shotgun: “This unit… fires smooth, and operates perfectly out of the box. There’s an odd beauty to the tactical pump that is hard to describe. The action is smooth and repeatable.”
Moly — yay or nay? Moly bullet-coating was all the rage in 1998 yet is all but dead in 2018. Glen Zediker, who has considerable experience with moly, provides some reasons why moly coating has fallen from favor.
The Pros and Cons of Moly Coating for Bullets
by Glen Zediker
In a way, I guess nothing really happened to molybdenum-disulfide-coated bullets (“moly-coated”). They’re still for sale, as are means to make up your own. What I mean is why didn’t they attain the sustained popularity they started with about 20 years ago, back when many forecasted they would virtually replace bare bullets? Here’s my take, from my experience, on “what happened.”
I don’t know any shooter who tried them and wasn’t excited about results. I sure was!
Performance-wise, moly has a lot of benefits. A lot. The first and most: take two bullets, one coated and one bare, put the same load behind them, then shoot and chronograph. The coated bullet goes slower. How is that a help? The reason it goes slower is because moly drops chamber pressure (into and through the bore easier). And! That velocity loss (at least 50 fps, usually more) is not, proportionately, nearly as much as the accompanying drop in pressure (usually ballpark 4000+ psi). (These figures vary with the cartridge, but all show similar universal influence.) So. The moly-load can be increased beyond previous “maximum” velocity: the idea is to take the coated load up to normal chamber pressure. It works! It’s common to need at the least 1+ grain more propellant to level the coated load with the original bare-bullet load.
Other advantages: Most see improved velocity consistency, evidently resulting from the coating alone. The coated bullets seem to have no limit to the number of rounds that can be fired with no change in accuracy or impact location. Of course there is a limit, but I knew many going beyond 500 rounds between cleanings. And when I say “many,” I’m talking about serious competitive shooters. Another benefit is increased barrel life (less rapid throat erosion), and this is, I think, due to a faster-accelerating bullet getting into and through the throat more quickly (less intense flame). Moly bullets also release easier from the case neck (additional “tension” is recommended).
I “switched.” (The motivation to write this came from a weekend shop-cleaning where I restacked many boxes of coated bullets, and wondered if I’d ever shoot them…)
I got more bullet speed and zero loss of zero — big benefits to an NRA High Power Service Rifle shooter. 88 rounds per day, and 80gr bullets through a 20-inch barrel trying their best to get to 600 yards in close proximity of one another.
Here was my solution to cleaning up after moly: Kroil penetrating oil and abrasive-type bore paste. This combination worked, and my zero didn’t change in the process.
Cleaning Barrels Used for Moly-Coated Bullets
What is bad, then, about moly-coated bullets? Moly itself! It coats the bore with a layer of residue. This layer traps moisture and will, not can, corrode the steel underneath it. More: molybdenum disulfide outgases (outgas is the release of an occluded gas vapor that was part of the compound; a state change, pretty much) at lower than firing temperatures. That creates a chemical that, when mixed with water (including post-firing condensation), becomes, pretty much, sulfuric acid. That meant that the whole “zillion rounds between cleanings” didn’t really work. I know many who “lost” barrels, expensive barrels.
If the barrel is cleaned (correctly) after each use, no problems. But then another advantage is lost because starting with a clean barrel it takes quite a few rounds to return to zero. The layer has to be recreated.
The residue is difficult to remove from the bore. It doesn’t respond to routine means for bore maintenance, mostly meaning brush-and-solvent. The only way I found to get it gone was using micro-penetrating oil in conjunction with an abrasive paste-type cleaner, such as USP Bore Paste or JB Bore Compound.
Hexagonal Boron Nitride (HBN) bullet coating is an alternative that functions, in my experience, well but with fewer drawbacks. First, BN is “clear”, not as messy. Bullet on the left is HBN coated. Still, though, I think that shooting coated bullets is an “all or nothing” proposition. Good groups are not likely to come “mixing” bare and coated bullets through the same barrel.
Using Coated Bullets Requires Commitment
I no longer use coated bullets. There are other coatings that have fewer disadvantages, such as Hexagonal Boron Nitride (doesn’t outgas). Some of the proprietary baked-on coatings a few major makers (such as Barnes and Winchester) use don’t exhibit the post-firing issues that “conventional” moly-coating creates (which usually was moly powder, followed by wax, which added to the tenacity of the residue).
However, another issue is that accuracy tends to suffer running bare bullets though a residue-coated bore (which results after only a few coated rounds, that are coated with anything). All that means, in short, is that running coated bullets is something that really has to be bought into. It’s a commitment, as I see it, and, as with many such things, pushing the limits on performance requires more attention to detail, more effort. It’s a matter of value.
Here’s an easy way to get bullets coated: Lyman’s Super Moly Kit. Just add a tumbler. The two bowls contain the media, moly, and bullets and then go into a vibratory-type tumbler. The 6 ounces worth of moly powder will coat thousands of bullets. It works well.
Deciding Whether to Use Coated Bullets
Weigh the pros and cons. I honestly cannot, and will not, tell anyone not to use coated bullets. Coating can provide a serious performance increase. I don’t use moly-coating anymore, but that’s because my shooting needs are not so “serious” as they once were. I, yes, have gotten a tad amount lazy. I want to go to the range and enjoy my rifles and not lose sleep over the possibility of creeping corrosion if I didn’t clean up. I also want to be able to shoot different loads, including factory ammo, and maintain accuracy.
CONCLUSION: IF you choose moly, take steps to protect the barrel bore against the potential for damage. At the least, run some petroleum-based oil through the bore after shooting if you can’t clean it soon.
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Neck-Wall Thickness is Important Too
