Sierra Bullets has released extensive load data for the popular 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. This medium-sized cartridge has become one of the most popular chamberings for tactical and PRS shooters. The 6.5 Creedmoor combines excellent accuracy, good mag-feeding, good barrel life, moderate recoil, and reasonable component cost. That’s why this cartridge has caught on quickly, and is now one of the most popular chamberings in factory rifles.
Developed in 2007 by Dennis DeMille and Dave Emary, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a shortened and improved 30 TC cartridge case that was inspired by the .308 Winchester design. This short action design was created to maximize case capacity and a wide range of loading lengths, while still fitting in standard short action magazines. With the correct twist barrel, the versatile 6.5 Creedmoor can take advantage of the wide range of bullet weights available in 6.5 mm (i.e. .264 caliber). Reloaders should keep in mind that the 6.5 Creedmoor works best with medium to medium-slow powders such as H4350, Varget, Win 760, and RE-17. The light recoil and adaptability of the efficient 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge has already proven itself in high power, precision rifle series and benchrest competitions. Couple that with respectable barrel life and its intrinsic accuracy potential and you have a recipe for success which should insure its legacy for decades to come.
Here are three tables from the Sierra Bullets Reloading Manual (5th Edition). IMPORTANT — This is just a sample!! Sierra has load data for many other 6.5mm bullet types, including FB, Spitzer, SBT, HPBT, and Tipped MK from 85 grains to 142 grains. To view ALL 6.5 Creedmoor DATA, CLICK HERE.
INDICATES MAXIMUM LOAD – USE CAUTION
LOADS LESS THAN MINIMUM CHARGES SHOWN ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.
INDICATES MAXIMUM LOAD – USE CAUTION
LOADS LESS THAN MINIMUM CHARGES SHOWN ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.
INDICATES MAXIMUM LOAD – USE CAUTION
LOADS LESS THAN MINIMUM CHARGES SHOWN ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.
Two More Great 6.5 Creedmoor Reloading Resources
Want More 6.5 Creedmoor Load Info? View Starline’s 6.5 Creedmoor Guide by Gavin Gear:
PRB 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor Load Survey
The Precision Rifle Blog compiled Load Data from PRS Competitors, for both 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor. This is a good place to start. PRB surveyed the match loads for “173 of the top-ranked precision rifle shooters in the country”. CLICK HERE.
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The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) fields pistol teams as well as rifle and shotgun competition squads. Consequently the USAMU’s Reloading Shop loads tens of thousands of pistol rounds every year. In this article, the USAMU’s handgun experts talk about reloading for handguns — with smart tips on how to achieve superior accuracy with 100% reliability. This article, which offers important insights on COAL, primers, crimps and more.
Precision Pistol Reloading — Recommended Methods
Optimize the Taper Crimp
One often-overlooked aspect of handloading highly-accurate pistol ammunition is the amount of crimp and its effect on accuracy. Different amounts of taper crimp are used with various handloads to obtain best accuracy. The amount is based on bullet weight, powder burn rate and charge, plus other factors. It is not unusual for our Shop to vary a load’s crimp in degrees of 0.001″ and re-test for finest accuracy.
Use Consistent Brass
Brass is also important to pistol accuracy. While accurate ammunition can be loaded using brass of mixed parentage, that is not conducive to finest results, particularly at 50 yards. It is important for the serious competitor/handloader to use brass of the same headstamp and ideally one lot number, to maximize uniformity. Given the volumes of ammunition consumed by active pistol competitors, using inexpensive, mixed surplus brass for practice, particularly at the “short line” (25 yards), is understandable. However, for the “long line” (50 yards), purchasing and segregating a lot of high-quality brass to be used strictly for slow-fire is a wise idea.
Importance of Uniform COAL
Uniformity of the Case Overall Length (COAL) as it comes from the factory is also important to achieving utmost accuracy. More uniform case lengths (best measured after sizing) contribute to greater consistency of crimp, neck tension, ignition/burn of powder charge, and so on. Cartridge case-length consistency varies from lot to lot, as well as by maker. Some manufacturers are more consistent in this dimension than others. [Editor’s note: It is easy to trim pistol brass to uniform length. Doing this will make your taper crimps much more consistent.]
Primers and Powders — Comparison Test for Accuracy
Pay attention to primer brands, powder types and charges. Evaluating accuracy with a Ransom or other machine rest at 50 yards can quickly reveal the effect of changes made to handload recipes.
This animation showing 1911 Pistol operation has over 30 million YouTube views:
Bullet Selection — FMJ vs. JHP
Bullets are another vital issue. First, there is the question of FMJ vs. JHP. A friend of this writer spent decades making and accuracy-testing rifle and pistol bullets during QC for a major bullet manufacturer. In his experience, making highly-accurate FMJ bullets is much more difficult than making highly-accurate JHPs, in large part due to the way the jackets are formed. Small die changes could affect accuracy of FMJ lots dramatically.
The CMP now allows “safe, jacketed ammunition” in Excellence-in-Competition (EIC) Service Pistol matches, although wadcutter ammunition is prohibited. Thus, the option to use very accurate JHP designs simplifies the life of CMP Service Pistol shooters in pursuit of the Distinguished Pistol Shot badge.
Hopefully, these tips will be helpful to any pistol shooters interested in accurate handloads, not just “Bullseye” shooters. Small tweaks to one’s normal routine can pay big dividends in improved accuracy and make practice and competition more rewarding.
Stay safe, and good shooting!
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Need high-quality reloading powder for your rifle or pistol? Now is a great time to order VihtaVuori powder from Midsouth Shooters Supply. If you purchase in-stock VihtaVuori powders, you will receive, at no charge, TWO VihtaVurori print reloading manuals. That’s right you get both VihtaVuori 2023 & 2024 Reloading Guides for FREE while supplies last. This deal is limited to one set of two VV manuals per order.
Receive both 2023 & 2024 Reloading Guides for FREE with purchase of any In-Stock VihtaVuori Powders! Offer is valid on qualifying purchases while supplies last! Start Date: 2/14/2024 End Date: 12/31/2024
Learn About VihtaVuori Powders with Informative Videos
This video shows how VihtaVuori powders are produced. The video covers the multiple production phases and the sophisticated testing procedures.
VihtaVuori marked its 100th Anniversary in 2022. Today, VihtaVuori Powders is stronger than ever and is respected by serious competitive shooters, accuracy enthusiasts, and hunters. In this video, Team VihtaVuori shooter Ian Klemm shows how he loads with VihtaVuori powder. One of the best F-TR shooters on the planet, Ian is a 4-time F-class National Champion.
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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.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Creedmoor Sports — Sightron Scope Sale
⏺ Save hundreds on excellent Sightron competition scopes
Sightron offers excellent optics with great performance for the price. We like Sightron Optics for their quality competition scopes at affordable prices. Right now, through 2/29/2024, Creedmoor Sports is running a big Sightron Scopes SALE including the popular SIII LR and the advanced EV SD series. NOTE: If any of these sell out, you can get most of these models on sale direct from Sightron this month. Act soon — this Creedmoor Sports Sale ends 2/29/2024 at the end of February.
2. KYGUNCO — Charles Daly 335 Pump Action Shotgun, $327.63
⏺ Great deal on nice camo hunting shotgun with optic
Do you plan to go turkey hunting this spring but need a new gun? Here’s a handsome, pump-action shotgun with optic at a great price. Right now, at KYGUNCO, the Charles Daly 335 Field 12ga pump shotgun is on sale for just $327.63. This features a 26″ barrel, full Mossy Oak Camo finish, and it comes complete with a 4 MOA Red Dot optic. A real bargain, this is a good choice for spring turkey hunting.
3. Bullet Central — $30 off Bix’N Andy Triggers
⏺ Superb Bix’N Andy Triggers with $30 Off Code
Bix’N Andy triggers work great for PRS, F-Class, silhouette, and Palma competition rigs, and they also work well for hunting rifles. Right now Bullet Central has Bix’N Andy Triggers on sale. Use Code FCJ30 to Save $30 on any purchase of $300 or more including Bix’N Andy triggers. With a wide selection, you’ll find a Bix’N Andy trigger that fits your needs.
4. Graf’s — Ginex Primers in stock including Large Rifle
⏺ Large rifle primers IN STOCK plus other primers at good prices
We’ve seen plenty of small rifle primers but large rifle primers have been very hard to find recently. Graf’s has what you need. Right now Graf’s has GINEX LARGE RIFLE Primers and Small Rifle primers in stock, as well as Large Pistol and Small Pistol primers in stock. All these Unis GINEX primers are available now and ready to ship. User reports on Unis GINEX primers have been very positive.
5. Natchez — Leupold Optics Sale
⏺ Large Leupold sale — riflescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, LRFs and more
If you need a new scope check out the Leupold Optics Sale over at Natchez. Save up to $600 on scopes for hunting rifles, service rifles, varmint rigs, and long-range target rifles. In addition to riflescopes, Leupold spotting scopes, Laser Rangefinders, and Red Dot optics are on sale with big discounts.
6. Amazon — LEE Breech Hand Press Kit, $71.33
⏺ Compact hand press can do a number of key tasks — Great Sale
The LEE Breech Lock Hand Press Kit combines the popular LEE Hand-Held Press with a LEE Breech Lock System that allows reloaders to quickly change dies without having to readjust dies. This hand-held reloading press weighs only 1.5 lbs and works well for depriming tasks or bullet seating at the range. This kit, now just $71.33 on sale, includes Hand Press, Ram Prime Unit, Powder Funnel, and Resizing Lube.
7. Sportsman’s WH — Kel-Tec SUB2000 9mm, $499.99
⏺ Get $100 back from Kel-Tec with Purchase of handy SUB2000 rifle
The Kel-Tec SUB2000 rifle is a semi-auto rifle chambered in 9mm Luger (9x19mm). It can be quickly and easily reduced in size to 16.25 inches for easy transport/storage by simply rotating the barrel up and back. Price after $100 Manufacturer’s Rebate is now just $399.99. Make the $499.99 purchase before 3/1/2024 and Kel-Tec will send out a $100 check. For mounting accessories, the SUB 2000 has two Picatinny fore-end rails plus five M-LOK mounting slots on the fore-end sides.
8. Amazon — Plano 50″ Rifle Case, $47.02
⏺ Good basic case big enough for long-barrel rifles
Protect your firearms from damage with this hard-shell gun case. The Plano Protector Series rifle case is designed to accommodate a single scoped rifle or two non-scoped rifles or shotguns up to 50″ long. This case has heavy duty latches for secure transport. Padlock tabs offer additional security to guard your gear. This Plano gun case is TSA/Airline approved.
9. KYGUNCO — Blazer Pistol Ammunition Sale
⏺ Discounted USA-made 9mm, .38 SPL, .40 SW, 10mm, and .45 ACP ammo
CCI Blazer Pistol Ammunition is quality, made-in-USA pistol ammo that we have used with great success. NOTE: The 9mm ammo has brass cases while the .38 SPL, 10mm, 40 S&W, and .45 ACP Blazer ammo has NON-reloadable aluminum cases to keep price to a minimum. We have found, in most pistols, this ammo functions very well and is just as accurate as CCI brass-cased pistol ammo. With 50ct boxes on SALE now in 9mm, .38 SPL, 10mm, 40 S&W, and .45 ACP, you can save money and practice more often. The 9mm is a steal at $12.49/50 while the 230gr .45 ACP is a very good deal at $19.45/50.
10. Amazon — Splatterburst Targets 50pk, $39.99
⏺ Targets have fifteen 3″ bulls per sheet — bullet impacts show bright yellow
Splatterburst Targets make spotting bullet impacts easy, with hi-viz, bright yellow shot marks. With fifteen 3″ bullseyes, this Splatterburt target sheet is great for rimfire or centerfire practice. And you can see bullet impacts out to 400 yards. And right now you can get FIFTY (50) of these 15-bull target sheets for just $39.99 on Amazon — that’s just 80 cents per target sheet. The BRIGHT yellow bullet holes are visible in all light conditions, great for people with weak vision.
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Berger Twist-Rate Stability Calculator
On the Berger Bullets website you’ll find a handy Twist-Rate Stability Calculator that predicts your gyroscopic stability factor (SG) based on mulitiple variables: velocity, bullet length, bullet weight, barrel twist rate, ambient temperature, and altitude. This cool tool tells you if your chosen bullet will really stabilize in your barrel.
How to Use Berger’s Twist Rate Calculator
Using the Twist Rate Calculator is simple. Just enter the bullet DIAMETER (e.g. .264), bullet WEIGHT (in grains), and bullet overall LENGTH (in inches). On its website, Berger conveniently provides this info for all its bullet types. For other brands, we suggest you weigh three examples of your chosen bullet, and also measure the length on three samples. Then use the average weight and length of the three. To calculate bullet stability, simply enter your bullet data (along with observed Muzzle Velocity, outside Temperature, and Altitude) and click “Calculate SG”. Try different twist rate numbers (and recalculate) until you get an SG value of 1.4 (or higher).
Gyroscopic Stability (SG) and Twist Rate
Berger’s Twist Rate Calculator provides a predicted stability value called “SG” (for “Gyroscopic Stability”). This indicates the Gyroscopic Stability applied to the bullet by spin. This number is derived from the basic equation: SG = (rigidity of the spinning mass)/(overturning aerodynamic torque).
If you have an SG under 1.0, your bullet is predicted not to stabilize. If you have between 1.0 and 1.1 SG, your bullet may or may not stabilize. If you have an SG greater than 1.1, your bullet should stabilize under optimal conditions, but stabilization might not be adequate when temperature, altitude, or other variables are less-than-optimal. That’s why Berger normally recommends at least 1.5 SG to get out of the “Marginal Stability” zone.
In his book Applied Ballistics For Long-Range Shooting, 3rd Ed., Bryan Litz (Berger Ballistician) recommends at least a 1.4 SG rating when selecting a barrel twist for a particular bullet. This gives you a safety margin for shooting under various conditions, such as higher or lower altitudes or temperatures.
Story idea from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
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In the ELR game, particularly the King of 2 Miles (KO2M), it’s “go big or go home”. The top shooters run large-capacity cartridges that push large-caliber, ultra-high BC bullets at very high velocities. Bullets launched by cartridges such as the .416 Barrett can sustain supersonic velocities at Extreme Long Ranges — and that’s what it takes to win. The .416 Barrett can launch a 550-grain solid bullet at 3000+ FPS.
Photo from ELR Competitor Corbin Shell.
2018 and 2019 Kings of 2 Miles Loaded on RCBS Presses
So how do you load jumbo cartridges such as the .416 Barrett? It takes a big, heavy, super-strong reloading press. We’ve learned that two recent King of 2 Miles champions, Paul Phillips (2019) and Robert Brantley (2018) both loaded their KO2M ammo on RCBS AmmoMaster .50 BMG presses. Phillips loaded .416 Barrett ammo, while Brantley loaded a similar .416 MCS cartridge.
In 2018, Robert Brantley topped the field using his custom .416 MCS cartridge. Then in 2019, Paul Phillips won the K02M competition shooting a .416 Barrett, with Brantley a close second. Both Phillips and Brantley use the RCBS AmmoMaster .50 BMG single stage press kit and RCBS .416 Barrett dies to hand-load for extreme long-range. “My ammo has been much more consistent after switching to the RCBS press and dies,” remarked Phillips, who runs the Global Precision Group. Brantley said he uses RCBS products for most of his reloading needs — from the dies and AmmoMaster, to the ChargeMaster and Brass Boss. His custom .416 MCS loads launch a 550-grain bullet more than 3,100 fps.
Loading with RCBS AmmoMaster .50 BMG Press
This video shows reloading with the RCBS AmmoMaster .50 BMG press. While this video shows .50 BMG cases being loaded, the principles are the same for loading the .416 Barrett cartridge or other big rounds. Big cases need big presses!
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Want to see a bullet hit a target in ultra-slow motion? Watch this video to witness some amazing things — such as a bullet jacket peeling back like a banana-skin (at time-mark 7:30). A while back, Werner Mehl of Kurzzeit.com produced a 10-minute video for the SHOT Show. This video has has been watched over 10.6 million times, making it one of the most popular shooting-related videos in history. Employing cameras recording at up to 1,000,000 (one million) frames per second, Mehl’s bullet flight video has been called “astounding” and “mesmerizing”. If you haven’t seen it yet, sit back and enjoy!
Watch This Video! It’s Really Something Special…
LINK: Kurzzeit.com Video System and PVM-21 Chronograph
Click the link above to learn more about Werner Mehl and his super-sophisticated camera systems that can record at 1,000,000 frames per second. On the same linked page you can learn about the advanced PVM-21 chronograph (now sold as the BMC-19) designed by Werner. Operating “all-infrared, all the time”, the PVM-21/BMC-19 is the best optical chronograph we have tested for very low light conditions, or very tricky light conditions.
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The team from Applied Ballistics will offer ballistics services at major matches in 2024. The team will have its advanced Doppler Radar unit which can provide ultra-precise custom ballistic profiles.
Applied Ballistics (AB) has announced the initial deployment schedule for the Applied Ballistics Mobile Laboratory during the 2024 shooting season. The Applied Ballistics Crew will be driving the Mobile Lab Truck and Trailer to a number of important shooting events in 2024. At these events you can get a Personal Drag Model (PDM) for your rifle/load based on Doppler Radar testing. NOTE: You must be actually competing at one of the listed events in order to participate and get a PDM. The first listed deployment will be at the NRL Hunter match in Montana on May 17, 2024. Here is the initial 2024 schedule:
May 17, 2024: Belt, Montana – NRL Hunter
June 7, 2024: Casper, Wyoming – Nightforce ELR
September 11-12, 2024: Grand Junction, Colorado – IPRF World Championships
The Applied Ballistics Mobile Lab trailer carries a vast array of equipment including computers, sensors, and advanced Doppler Radar equipment. The Doppler Radar is employed to create custom ballistic profiles (aka “Personal Drag Models”) for shooters at major matches.
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The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit published a series of reloading “how-to” articles on the USAMU Facebook page. A while back the USAMU’s reloading gurus looked at the subject of cartridge run-out and what can be done to produce straighter ammo. Tasked with producing thousands of rounds of ammo for team members, the USAMU’s reloading staff has developed smart methods for improving concentricity, even with budget-priced dies. For other hand-loading tips, visit the USAMU Facebook page.
Minimizing Runout with Standard Seating Dies
This USAMU article explains how to set up standard bullet seating dies dies to minimize Total Indicated Run-out (TIR). The loading process is described using a single-stage press since most handloaders have one. A high-quality run-out gauge is essential for obtaining consistent, accurate results.
Having sized, primed, and charged our brass, the next step is bullet seating. Many approaches are possible; one that works well follows. When setting up a standard seating die, insert a sized, trimmed case into the shellholder and fully raise the press ram. Next, back the seating stem out and screw the die down until the internal crimping shoulder touches the case mouth.
Back the die out ¼ turn from this setting to prevent cartridge crimping. Next, lower the press ram and remove the case. Place a piece of flat steel (or window glass, which is quite flat) on the shellholder and carefully raise the ram.
Place tension on the die bottom with the flat steel on the shellholder. This helps center the die in the press threads. Check this by gently moving the die until it is well-centered. Keeping light tension on the die via the press ram, secure the die lock ring. If one were using a match style, micrometer-type seating die, the next step would be simple: run a charged case with bullet on top into the die and screw the seating stem down to obtain correct cartridge OAL.
However, with standard dies, an additional step can be helpful. When the die has a loosely-threaded seating stem, set the correct seating depth but don’t tighten the stem’s lock nut. Leave a loaded cartridge fully raised into the die to center the seating stem in the die. Then, secure the stem’s lock nut. Next, load sample cartridges and check them to verify good concentricity.
One can also experiment with variations such as letting the seating stem float slightly in the die to self-center, while keeping correct OAL. The run-out gauge will show any effects of changes upon concentricity. However, this method has produced excellent, practical results as evidenced by the experiment cited previously. These results (TIR Study 2) will reproduced below for the reader’s convenience.
First, however, let’s examine run-out figures of some factory-loaded match ammunition. This should give readers who are new to TIR gauges some perspective about the TIR ranges one might encounter.
TIR Study 1: 50 rounds Lake City M852 Match 7.62mm
(168 gr. Sierra MatchKings)
0.000” – 0.001” = 2%
0.001” – 0.002” = 30%
0.002” – 0.003” = 16%
0.003” – 0.004” = 22%
0.004” – 0.005” = 14%
0.005” – 0.006” = 14%
0.006” – 0.007” = 0%
0.007” – 0.008” = 2%
TIR Study 2: 50 rounds of .308 match ammo loaded using carefully-adjusted standard dies, vs. 50 using expensive “Match” dies from the same maker.
Standard dies, TIR:
0.000” — 0.001” = 52%;
0.001”– 0.002” = 40%;
0.002”– 0.003” = 8%.
None greater than 0.003”.
Note: both samples were loaded using the O-Ring method, i.e. with a rubber O-Ring placed under the locking ring of the Full-length sizing die to allow that die to float.
These tips are intended to help shooters obtain the best results from inexpensive, standard loading dies. Especially when using cases previously fired in a concentric chamber, as was done above, top-quality match dies and brass can easily yield ammo with virtually *no* runout, given careful handloading.
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Winchester’s new “Introduction to Ammunition — Ammo 101” is a four-part series including custom illustrations and information for four major ammunition categories: rifle, pistol, rimfire, and shotshell. The Ammo 101 series provides a detailed overview of centerfire rifle, centerfire pistol, rimfire, and shotshell ammunition, showcasing ammunition construction, components, calibers, and common usage. The Ammo 101 resource is free to download from Winchesters.mediaassets.com. Or, simply click one or more diagrams below. Each image will launch a large PDF which you can print or download.
TIP: Click Each Image for Full-Screen Printable PDF
Shown below are the first four ammunition information sheets prepared by Winchester. These show all the key components of cartridges and shotshells, and explain the functions. These diagrams are useful for training, and for persons getting started in reloading.
Ammo 101 Centerfire Rifle Cartridge Diagram (click for PDF)
Ammo 101 Rimfire Cartridge Diagram (click for printable PDF)
Ammo 101 Pistol Cartridge Diagram (click for printable PDF)
Ammo101 Shotshell Diagram (click for printable PDF)
About the Ammo 101 Series
The FREE Ammo 101 resources can help instructors nationwide who introduce new entrants to the shooting sports and hunting. Instructors can incorporate these resources into their training presentations, use them as handouts, or have them printed locally.
“The basics of ammunition… is what we want to deliver with the Ammo 101 series,” said Matt Campbell, Winchester V.P. of Sales & Marketing. “With millions of people across the United States starting their journey in the shooting sports as new firearm owners, providing easy-to-understand information on ammunition types is one way we can help educate our customers.”
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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.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. CDNN Sports — Ruger American Gen II with Scope, $649.99
⏺ Great deal on popular product
Ruger has released a Ruger American Rifle “Generation II” edition, featuring a spiral-fluted barrel and muzzle brake. As sold by CDNN Sports for $649.99, this rifle comes complete with a 4-12x40mm Bushnell hunting scope, 20″ fluted barrel, and gray stock. Many chamberings are offered: .223 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08, and .308 Winchester. In addition, for the same $649.99 price, there are versions with FDE tan stock and 16.1″ barrel offered in .223 Rem, 7.62×39, and 300 Blackout. All these Ruger American Gen II rifles come with 4-12x40mm Bushnell scope and rings, adjustable trigger, and Cerakote metal finish.
2. Natchez — Frankford Arsenal Sale, Up to 42% Off
⏺ Great Reloading Kit and save $20-$50 on Frankford Arsenal products
Natchez is running a major Frankford Arsenal Sale right now. If you’re getting started in reloading, the Frankford Arsenal Essential Reloading Kit is a great package for $349.99 ($60 off). This includes the outstanding F-1 Single Stage Press, along with Perfect Seat Hand Primer, Bench Top Powder Measure, Aluminum Powder Funnel Kit, Electronic Calipers, DS-750 Powder Scale, Powder Trickler, and Universal Reloading Tray. This very same Kit is $419.99 at MidwayUSA, $70 more! NOTE: You can also get the very good F-1 Reloading Press by itself for $114.99 at Natchez.
3. Smith & Wesson, Wheelgun Wonderland Rebate, $50 or $75
⏺ Significant rebate on high-quality revolvers
We think every gun fan should have a Smith & Wesson revolver. Right now you can get a significant S&W Rebate on both compact carry revolvers and full-size wheelguns. For the smaller J-Frame (with $50 rebate), we like the Model 638 with alloy frame and shielded hammer. You can also get a big $75 rebate on the bigger K-, L-, or N-frame revolvers. In .357 Magnum, we like the modern L-Frame Model 686.
4. Powder Valley — Popular Alliant Powders IN STOCK
⏺ Grab these great Alliant powders before they sell out
Many of the most popular powders from Alliant and Hodgdon have been very hard to find over the last couple of seasons. Thankfully a huge new shipment of Alliant Powders has been received by Powder Valley. Order your favorite Alliant powders now. Among the many Alliant powders in stock now are: AR-Comp, Power Pro 2000-MR, Reloder 10X, Reloder 15, Reloder 16, Reloder 22, Power pistol and many more. Reloder 15 is a great choice for 6mmBR and 6BRA. With burn rate very similar to H4350, temp-stable Reloder 16 works well in the 6mm Creedmoor, 6XC, and 6GT cartridges while Power Pro 2000-MR works well in .308 Win rifles.
5. Palmetto SA — Rock Island Armory TM22 Rifle, $199.99
⏺ Slick, AR-style rimfire rifle with new features
Looking to get started in NRL22 competition, or want a rimfire varmint rifle with familiar AR look and feel? Then check out the Rock Island Armory TM22. This handsome semi-auto .22 LR rimfire rig weighs 6.5 lbs. with its 18″ barrel. Now just $199.99 on sale, the TM22 sports an AR-type grip, commercial buffer tube adapter, top rail, and M-LOK fore-end. The rifle is set up with right-handed controls, but the TM22 can easily be modified for left-handed operation. The TM22 ships with two 10-rd aluminum magazines with aftermarket 15- and 25-round magazines available.
6. Sportsman’s Guide — CMMG AR Conversion Kit, $169.99
⏺ Save money with rimfire ammo for AR cross-training
The CMMG Bravo .22 LR Conversion Kit provides a replacement bolt/bolt carrier along with three 25-round magazines with special .22 LR-fitted followers and ammo slots. This allows you to shoot rimfire ammo from any AR-15 chambered for the .223 Rem (5.56×45). The CMMG Bravo has an integrated extension that fits into your current chamber. The rimfire bullet passes through this extension and then enters the barrel. This conversion kit is now on sale for $169.99. To use, simply replace the rifle’s .223 Rem bolt and carrier with the Bravo .22 LR conversion unit and load up the included magazine(s) with rimfire ammo.
7. MidwayUSA — Electronic Muffs with Walkie-Talkie, $59.99
⏺ Dual-function electronic muffs — great for range communications
Electronic earmuffs protect your hearing while allowing you to hear range commands. With these Walkie-Talkie muffs you also get 2-way communication capabilities. That lets you talk to folks in the pits or at a different section of your shooting club. The Walker Razor Slim Low Profile Electronic Earmuffs (NRR 23dB) with Walkie Talkie allows you to communicate with other FRS radios. That lets you give range commands or talk with friends without the need for a second radio. If you don’t need the two-way functionality, MidwayUSA also has the NRR 26 Walker’s Alpha Power Electronic Muffs for $69.99, and the slimmer NRR 21 Razor Slim XTRM Muffs for $49.99, $20 off.
8. Natchez — .22 LR Ammo Five to Six Cents Per Round
⏺ Big savings on .22 LR ammo from Federal, CCI, Aguila and more
Right now, at Natchez, you can save big on .22 LR rimfire ammunition. Choose among many leading brands including Federal, CCI, SK, Winchester, Remington, and Aguila, with prices starting at just 5.5 cents per round ($27.49 for 500 rd box).
9. Amazon — ShootingTargets7 AR500 Steel Targets
⏺ Good selection of AR500 steel targets with durable zinc coating
Steel targets are great for fun shooting and tactical training. Right now Amazon offers a line of USA-made Zinc-plated, laser-cut AR500 Steel Targets (#ad) starting at just $7.97 for 3″ diameter gong. Choose from a variety of sizes ranging from 3″ to 16″ diameter and thicknesses 1/4″, 3/8″, or 1/2″. There’s also a 12″x23″ torso target. The Zinc plating on the steel helps prevent rust. The maker says the zinc “is far more durable than paint or powder coat.”
⏺ Essential leveling accessory for 1″ and 30mm scopes — real bargain
Avoid bad rifle canting by using a bubble level fitted to rail or scope. One very affordable option is the Jialitte Scope Bubble Level (#ad). This features a 30mm diameter ring, plus an inner insert ring so it will also fit 1″-diameter main tubes. The Jialitte unit, just $10.99 on Amazon, is nicely radiused with a low profile. User reviews have been very positive. You could easily pay $35.00 or more for a 30mm scope level.
BONUS: FREE Shipping $99+ Orders with Creedmoor Sports
Here’s a nice President’s Day special from Creedmoor Sports. Now through 12:00 pm CST on February 20, 2024 you can get FREE Ground Shipping on most products with an order over $99.00. Use Code PRES24. Creedmoor Sports is also running a big sale right now on Sightron Scopes.
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Useful reloading gear does not have to be costly. Here are ten handy (and very inexpensive) items that belong on your loading bench or in your range kit.
• Magnifying Glass – We use a flat, 2″x2″ pocket 4x-8x magnifier. This folds up on itself. Very handy, we use it to inspect bullets and brass. Use this to check your flash holes for burrs, and check the meplats of your bullets before loading.
• Clear 35mm Film Cannister – Use this to transfer the thrown powder charge to the little measuring cup that sits on your scale. That way you don’t get any kernel splash. Also if the charge weight is obviously off, it’s easy to dump back in the measure. A film canister works pretty well as a trickler too.
• Compressed Air in a Can -- Get these at office supply stores. Use the can (with tube attached) to blow crud out of cases after cleaning the neck with a brush, and blast loose debris out of primer pockets.
• Pin Vise – A simple pin vise with a #53 bit is perfect for deburring small PPC and BR flash holes without reaming the flash-holes any larger. The Lapua PPC/BR flash-hole diameter is 1.5 mm, or 0.059″. Amazon.com sells a handy $8.29 pin vise kit with 10 bits, including the ideal 1.5mm bit. Other vendors offer a #53 pin vise bit that measures .0595″ or .060″ (depending or source). You can find pin vises and bits at hobby stores — here’s an example below with ten bits including 1.5mm. Pin vise sets can be found from $7 to $15.
• Bounce Dryer Sheets – The common dryer sheets eliminate “static cling” on your plastic reloading parts such as powder measure cylinders, powder funnels, and reloading press plastic bins. Thanks to Doc76251 for this tip.
• Ballistol Aerosol – Try using this versatile lubricant/solvent for full-length sizing. Spray some on a patch and you can wipe the carbon off your case necks. Then, continue to apply a very small amount of Ballistol on the case bodies — just thin sheen is all you need. Ballistol is super slippery, and easy to remove. For general full-length sizing (on small cases) it works great and doesn’t leave a gooey, waxy, or chalky residue. For heavier case-forming jobs, we recommend Imperial Die Wax.
• Shotgun Mop – Stick this in the chamber when using Wipe-Out foaming bore cleaner. This will seal off the chamber so the foam doesn’t flow into your action. For long chambers screw on one section of cleaning rod to aid extraction.
• Colored Sharpie Marking Pens – Mark your bullets ahead of the bearing surface, and the color transfers to the target. This way you can shoot multiple loads at the same point of aim and discern which load shoots the tightest. (Recommended for 300 yards and beyond). With colored bullet tips you can test multiple loads “round robin” to equalize wind effects. When testing seating depths for example, you can mark the longer-seated set of bullets red and the shorter-seated set green and shoot them during the same sequence. Just look at the colored marks on the target to see which grouped better.
• Thin Latex Gloves – You should keep a box of inexpensive, disposable latex gloves (the kind doctors use) in your loading room. These will prevent contamination of primers or powder kernels that you handle directly. Also, use the gloves when handling fine blued tools or firearms to prevent transfering body oils and salts that promote rust.
• Plastic Washers for Neck Mic – If you use a Sinclair Neck-wall Micrometer Gauge with integral stand, you can use thin plastic washers to adjust the height of the case on the mandrel. This makes it much easier to measure the same point on the case neck every time. Thanks to MikeCR for this tip (and photo).
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