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September 20th, 2007
Bottom Line: The declining U.S. Dollar will help American action, stock, and barrel-makers export more products. However, key imported components, such as Lapua and Norma brass, will become more expensive in the months ahead.
 Today, the Canadian dollar (known as the “Loonie”) reached virtual 1:1 parity with the U.S. Dollar. This will mark the first time since 1976 that Canadian currency has traded on equal terms with the American Greenback. As of today, one Canadian dollar was worth 0.9985 U.S. Dollars. The steady rise in crude oil prices, combined with the Fed’s recent interest rate cut, contributed to the slump of the U.S. Dollar.
Meanwhile the U.S. Dollar slipped to a record low against the Euro. One Euro now buys 1.4073 U.S. Dollars. The Euro, since it was first adopted, has gained over 50% in value against the U.S. Dollar.
The implication for the shooting sports is both positive and negative. First, U.S.-made goods, such as stocks, actions, and barrels, will be cheaper for Canadians and Europeans to buy. That should be a plus for companies like Krieger (barrels) and BAT Machine (actions). The folks at Kelbly’s and Sinclair Int’l have told us that their export sales have increased dramatically over the last three years, due in large part to the stronger Euro making American goods more of a bargain.
For American shooters, the negative aspect of the sinking U.S. Dollar is that the imported products we love, including Lapua and Norma brass, Zeiss Optics, and Robertson Composites stocks, will probably go up in price in the months ahead. So, if you are thinking of laying in a supply of Lapua brass, now is the time to buy. Experts predict that that U.S. Dollar will continue its slide against the Euro for the next 2-3 years.
September 18th, 2007
We recently spoke to Norma’s Anders Brolund. He confirmed that Norma is now producing 6XC loaded ammo for general distribution. This is loaded with Norma 203B powder (similar to Reloder 15) and a moly-coated Berger 105gr bullet. Velocity is 3026 fps from a 26″ barrel. Ultra-accurate, this ammo is already proven in competition. Using factory-loaded 6XC Diamond-line ammo, Anders Brolund, Michael Larsson, and Stefan Ahlesved of “Team Sweden” captured the 300m Prone event at European Championships. This week, Norma’s shooters will campaign the 6XC ammo in the European Cup, a prestigious individual event with 12,000 Euros of prize money up for grabs. The CIP max pressure rating for the 6XC cartridge is 63,844 psi (4400). However, we believe the factory ammo is loaded to a lower pressure level for greater brass longevity.
Anders told us: “The 6XC ammo is really good and the Europeans are buying all we can produce right now. But we hope to increase production so that you North Americans can get some before the end of the year.”
Norma has also enhanced its website with many great new features including cartridge profiles (with diagrams), load data, and an interactive Java-based ballistics calculator. Definitely visit Norma’s new home on the web, www.Norma.cc.
September 15th, 2007
We are often asked “what’s the difference between the 6×47 Swiss Match, the 6XC, and the 6.5×47 Lapua necked down to 6mm?” All three cartridges have 30° shoulders and fit a .308-sized boltface. However, alone among the three, the 6mm-6.5×47 has a small primer pocket and small flash hole. The 6×47 Swiss Match (made by RUAG), and the 6XC (produced by Norma), have a large primer pocket and large flash hole, just like a .308 Winchester.
Forum member DesertLefty has provided a line-up photo, with 6mmBR and .260 Rem cases provided for comparison. As you can see, the three mid-sized cases (6x47SM, 6.5×47 Lapua, and 6XC) are very similar. The Swiss Match has the longest neck, while the 6XC enjoys the highest capacity. But performance is very similar among the three cartridges (with the 6.5×47 necked down to 6mm), and the same powders, particularly H4350 and IMR 4007SSC, work well in the 6×47 SM, the 6XC, and the 6.5×47 Lapua necked down to 6mm. The parent 6.5×47 Lapua case is rated at 63090 psi, while the new CIP rating for the 6XC 63844 psi (4400 BAR). Though the 6mm-6.5×47 has slightly less powder capacity than the 6XC, max velocities with 105-108gr bullets are quite similar. However, you should not substitute loads from the 6XC directly to the 6mm-6.5×47 or vice-versa. Because of the different case capacities and primer sizes, you should work up loads separately for each cartridge.
September 13th, 2007
As promised, here are specifics on the new 95 grain Sierra MatchKing bullet. As you can see below, it looks very similar to the Sierra 107 MatchKing, but it’s just a bit shorter, with a bit more curve in the top quarter. Our samples measured 0.2433 at the pressure ring — same as the current Sierra 107 MKs. Jason Baney provides this info:
95 SMK OAL: 1.182″ | 107 SMK OAL: 1.216″ | 105 Berger OAL: 1.235″
Shown below is Jason’s group from long-range testing. Jason tells us: “I had 8 shots group 2.75″ high x 3.5″ wide, with nine shots in just 4.2″–that’s excellent. One shot went high, opening it up to 6.9″. Keep in mind a 4.2″ is considered pretty spectacular at Williamsport. And a 6.9″ is a very competitive group that will win many relays. I shot this group in decent, but nowhere near perfect, conditions at 1025 yards. These new 95s definitely have some potential at 1000. . . and even more at 600 yards.”
September 12th, 2007
EXCLUSIVE AccurateShooter.com Report
Sierra Bullets has a new 95gr, 6mm boat-tail MatchKing bullet. It is optimized for 1:10 (or faster) twist rate barrels. Jason Baney has tested prototypes of the new Sierra 95 MK and it has shot very well at 1000 yards. This should be an excellent bullet for both match shooters AND varminters. It can be driven much faster than a 105-107 grain bullet from a 6BR–3050 fps is doable with a 27″ or longer barrel. This bullet should be a screamer in a 6XC, 6-6.5×47, or .243 Win. The Ballistic Coefficient (BC) hasn’t been calculated yet, but Sierra’s engineers believe it will be “around 0.500″. The bullet diameter is spec’d at .2432″-.2434″ at the junction of the shank and boat-tail (pressure ring).
Sierra is drawing jackets for the new 95gr SMK right now, and it anticipates the first lots will be delivered to retailers “after Thanksgiving”, if not sooner.
Sierra had asked us to keep this bullet under wraps until a final decision was made to put the new projectile in production. According to Rich Macholz of Sierra, “We’ve been very happy with our test results and we know there’s a need for a bullet in this weight range. We see the 95 as ideal for guys with factory .243s and the like who want a super-accurate bullet that works in a 10-twist barrel. It should also work great at 300 meters with a 6BR or 6XC. I’ve shot the 95s in my own 243 and won a match with it. As with all MatchKings, the new 95 has a strong jacket and this bullet can be pushed to 3400 fps and beyond without problems. If you want a bullet for a .243 Ackley or 6-284, this 95 SMK can handle the velocity. It should be a great choice for the Varmint Jamboree and similar competitions.”
Stay tuned to the Daily Bulletin. Jason has a supply of the new 95-grainers and he will supply close-up photos and further specifications very soon. For more info on the new 95 Sierra MK, call 1-800-223-8799 to speak with a Sierra Bulletsmith.
August 25th, 2007
 After some delays associated with licensing issues, Whidden Gunworks has resumed production of its bullet-pointing tool. Whidden’s Pointing Die System narrows the diameter of bullet meplats. This also makes the bullet tips more uniform by smoothing the ragged edges. The result is higher Ballistic Coefficient (BC), and, potentially, more consistent BC.
Our 1000-yard Editor, Jason Baney, has used the tool and he reports it performs as advertised. Jason noted a significant difference in 1000-yard vertical impact when he compared pointed and un-pointed 106gr and 105gr 6mm bullets. The bullets which were pointed-up with Whidden’s tool consistently hit higher on the target, indicating they flew with less drag to the target. Jason reports: “Shot round-robin, with my 6BR, 5-shot group centers were 18+ inches apart vertically. In other words, the pointed bullets flew 1.75 MOA flatter to 1025 yards. This number has been repeated in matches at Williamsport.”
John Whidden tells us: “Tests have shown pointed bullets to have a typical BC increase of about 35 to 40 points as compared to bullets right out of the box. At 1000 yards, we usually see them impact about 1-1.5 MOA higher.” The pointing die costs $250.00 plus $40 for each caliber-specific insert. For more info, call Whidden’s shop at (229) 686-1911 or visit WhiddenGunWorks.net.
August 23rd, 2007
Forum regular Al Nyhus has recently tried his hand at bullet making, producing custom 30-caliber projectiles for his 30 BR match rifles. With help and guidance from his “guru”, bullet-smith Randy Robinett, Al has produced some very impressive bullets. This demonstrates that with patience, determination, and the right tools and components, amazing results are possible, even for a novice bullet-maker.
Al writes: “Thought I’d post some updated info on my 30 Caliber bullet making adventure. It’s been a lot of fun and a real learning experience. I’d like to thank Randy Robinett for all his patient teaching and guidance. The bullets have been working well in competition, being used in the Varmint for Score portion of the IBS Wisconsin State Two Gun Championship win a few weeks back.
Here are two photos from recent testing. In the 100-yard, 15-round target, the wind velocity was purposely ignored and the group was fired only with the same flag angle, trying to determine how they worked in the wind. Winds were 12-18 mph from 4 o’clock.
This 200-yard group was fired in near perfect test conditions — overcast, early in the morning, with no mirage. We usually have a small window of what I call ‘Happy Hour’ before the winds crank up.” NOTE: Al’s 30 BR rifle was smithed by Stan Ware of SGR Custom Rifles.
Measuring Group Size
Note how Al measures his groups. Look at the top photo. You’ll see Al starts with the extreme outside edge of the hole, including the gray edge or ring. Then Al subtracts .290″, the TRUE size of one bullet-hole in the paper, as opposed to .308″, the nominal bullet diameter. If you simply subtract a full bullet diameter you will get a smaller number for your group size. That is good for the shooter’s ego, but Al’s method is more accurate because a bullet normally will cut a hole that is smaller than the actual bullet diameter.
August 22nd, 2007
 Back in the spring we first reported that Wideners.com was stocking the excellent Guatemalan IMG brass. We’ve confirmed that supplies of BRAND NEW IMG .223 brass are still available for the very low price of $49/500 or $95/1000, item 556GUPB. IMG brass is quality stuff. This editor has personally put thousands of rounds of IMG ammo through ARs without no failures.
IMG brass is made on American (Olin) machinery that was transported to Guatemala to provide ammunition for the military. This is a great choice for varminters who need large quantities of uniform, low-cost brass. The case mouths are even chamfered. Average case capacity of IMG brass is 30.1 grains, the same as Hornady and Winchester commercial. The IMG brass is brand new 5.56 NATO-spec brass (not seconds). However, please note the flash holes are slightly smaller than domestic brass. You should have no issues with ignition (since the flash hole is still larger than 220 Russian or 6BR brass), but you may have to adjust your load slightly.
August 12th, 2007
Natchez Shooters Supplies has advised its customers to complete purchases of loaded factory ammo prior to September 1, 2007. This is because ATK (CCI and Federal), Remington, and Winchester have all distributed notices of major ammunition price hikes to take effect Sept. 1st.
ATK Price Increase Notice (.pdf)
Remington Price Increase Notice (.pdf)
Winchester Price Increse Notice (.pdf)
If you want to purchase .223 Rem ammo before the price hike, Natchez has placed 55gr FMJ from Federal, Sellier & Bellot, PMC and Remington on sale. The Federal American Eagle 55gr ammo is marked down from $13.97 to $7.49 per 20-round box. We’ve shot a ton of American Eagle .223 through AR15s. It is ultra-reliable and as accurate as any of the bargain-priced ammo with FMJ bullets.
August 5th, 2007
 People have been asking, “Where can we get the new Berger 108gr 6mm bullets?” Well, log on to Grafs.com. The new 108s have arrived and Graf & Sons has them for $25.99 per box (shipping included), item BG24031. Scroll down this page to read our Bulletin report (8/4/2007) on these super-accurate new bullets.
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