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.
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.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
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).
Bryan Litz, founder of Applied Ballistics LLC, has a very informative Facebook page where he regularly posts useful ballistics info and shooting tips. We recommend that Facebook users check out the Bryan Litz Ballistics Facebook page. Here is one interesting example from that page. Bryan analyzes the Crosswind Weighting Factor (CWF). The Crosswind Weighting Factor (CWF) shows where a bullet’s trajectory is most susceptible to wind. By understanding CWF, shooters can better predict how wind affects bullet flight, especially at extreme ranges, when the projectile has gone transonic.
Crosswind Weighting Factor (CWF) graphs show where bullet trajectories are most susceptible to wind.
Where does the wind have the most effect?
At the shooter?
At the target?
Halfway?
Bryan Litz explains: “Out through the supersonic range, the CWF is maximum at the shooter. However as the trajectory extends into transonic, the max CWF gets pushed down range. That’s because the greatest segments of lag time in the bullets trajectory are at transonic where the drag coefficient is maximized around Mach 1.” [Editor: So if your bullet stays fully supersonic during its flight to your target, you can normally expect the CWF to be highest at your shooting station. But once the projectile drops into transonic speeds then the situation changes.]
Get More Tips on Bryan Litz Ballistics Facebook Page
This post is from the new Bryan Litz Ballistics Facebook page. You can bookmark that page at www.Facebook.com/BryanLitzBallitics. Facebook users will want to check that page regularly for other advice from Bryan, American’s leading Ballistics expert and founder of Applied Ballistics LLC.
Applied Ballistics also offers a noteworthy online training operation — The Science of Accuracy Academy. This will include podcasts, exclusive seminars, and access to the latest Applied Ballistics research.
For this Saturday Showcase, we feature some top-tier products that have set new standards for quality and effectiveness. First off is the impressive new NEXUS single-stage press from Short Action Customs. Then we feature Bix’N Andy triggers, which have found favor with competitors in many disciplines from short range Benchrest to ELR competition. Now that Jewell triggers are becoming harder to source, Bix’N Andy units will be seen on more rifles than ever. For those who turn case-necks, we feature the remarkable IDOD machine from F-Class Products — simply the best automated neck-turner ever created.
As a bonus we offer two very informative interviews from SHOT Show 2024. The first covers the product line at Bullet Central, while the second reviews the latest and greatest rifle actions from BAT Machine.
Short Action Customs NEXUS Press
One of the most notable new products at SHOT Show 2024 was an innovative single-stage press from Short Action Customs (SAC). The new $775 NEXUS press has impressive design features. The NEXUS Press boasts dual cam-over pucks, which precisely stop the movement of the floating die block. SAC explains: “We wanted to have the Nexus press cam-over independently of the shell holder. Every single cycle of the press, your hard cam-over pucks limits the travel, which gives you the same amount of cam over every single cycle.” The press can adapt to various diameter dies with floating inserts in the top section (see video). The NEXUS also has a floating shell holder system, which is quick change and tool-less. SAC states that this shell holder system “allows .010″ more sizing than all other shell holders on the market”.
Bix’N Andy Triggers
German-made Bix’N Andy triggers, available from BulletCentral.com, are among the very best you can buy. Available in both single-stage and two-stage designs, Bix’N Andy triggers are extremely precise, repeatable, and smooth. The unique internal, friction-reducing roller ball system allows for extremely low reset force, yielding an ultra-crisp let-off. Bix’N Andy triggers can be fitted with a variety of trigger shoes according to shooter preference. Bullet Central is currently the exclusive official USA importer for Bix’N Andy triggers.
Bryan Blake, a very clever machinist and gunsmith, has created an ultra-precise and speedy neck-turning machine. Bryan, who runs Blake Machine, Blake Barrel, and F-Class Products has created a system that uses twin precision cutter tips to turn case necks inside and out quickly and efficiently, with superior precision. This advanced IDOD Neck Turning Machine holds cases securely in a precision-machined spindle attached to an electric motor. Twin blades move precisely during the cutting process, milling the necks inside and out. The turned necks come out perfect every time, with the shoulders trimmed exactly (with doughnut removed) as well.
If you turn hundreds of cases during a shooting season, you may want to buy an IDOD from F-Class Products. The secret to the efficiency of the Blake IDOD is a vibration-free motor, high-mass case-holder, precision OD/ID-adjustable cutter, along with an advanced tracking system that moves the cutter heads towards the case neck (and back again) with absolute, 100% repeatable precision.
Interviews from SHOT Show 2024
Bullet Central — Major Product Lines
This F-Class John video features a lengthy interview with Bullet Central representative Zachery, covering the many products Bullet Central offers. Products featured include Bix’N Andy triggers (0:55 time-mark), Micron Dies (5:20); Dual-Ram Press (8:08); Custom Barrels (12:00); BAT Actions (14:57). During this video Zachery also explains the wide range of rimfire ammo Bullet Central carries.
BAT Machine Actions — Showcasing Different Sizes and Features
This video features the impressive, latest generation BAT Machine sctions. The video covers the full range of actions from the smaller SV/DS actions, to Model B, then Model M with integral lug and Picatinny Rail. The BAT representative then explains the features of BAT’s Nuevo actions (2:28 time-mark), which BAT builds for Bullet Central. For ELR and large Magnums BAT makes the model L and Model EXS. You can see all the current BAT actions at BatMachine.com/bat-actions. NOTE: From that page, scroll down and then select your particular discipline, such as Short-Range Benchrest, F-Class, Long-range Benchest. You can also select repeater actions for hunting and/or PRS/NRL.
Are you feeling lucky? Well Remington has one of the best contests we’ve seen in quite some time. Remington Ammunition has officially kicked off the Full Safe Sweepstakes — Remington’s biggest consumer sweepstakes yet.
Featuring a prize assortment from leading industry brands including Remington Arms, Remington Safes, Nighthawk Custom, Leupold Optics, Silencer Central, and Remington Ammunition, sweepstakes entrants can win one of two prize packages, detailed below. Note that the 36-gun safe comes with the Second Place Prize, NOT the Grand prize.
NOTE: NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY for a chance to win — you don’t have to spend a penny.
·RemArms Model 700 SPS Tactical Rifle in .308 Winchester
·Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Scope
·Silencer Central BANISH Backcountry Suppressor, with Tax Stamp
·Remington Ammunition Core-Lokt Tipped four boxes .308 Win
NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE CHANCES OF WINNING. OPEN TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 48 CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES, 21+. VOID in HI, AK, CA, MA, DE, RI, IL, NJ, NY, DC, CT, MD, WA, VA, CO & WHERE RESTRICTED OR PROHIBITED. FULL SAFE SWEEPSTAKES (“Sweepstakes”) starts at 8:00AM CT 2.15.24 and ends at 8:00AM CT 3.11.24. For How to Enter, Complete Eligibility Requirements, Prizes, Odds of Winning, and Full Official Rules, visit SWEEPSTAKES WEBSITE. Sponsor: Ammunition Operations LLC d/b/a Remington Ammunition, 2592 AR-15 N Lonoke, AR 72086.
Story by Boyd Allen
While many top competitive shooters trickle their stick powder charges to a kernel or two, that would be impractical when loading charges for giant naval guns. You may be surprised, but the shells fired by the U.S. Navy’s massive 14″ and 16″ naval guns were also propelled by stick-type extruded powders. You couldn’t trickle these ‘kernels’ though — a single stick or ‘grain’ can be over 2″ long.
The U.S.S. Iowa fires her massive 16″ main battery. The U.S. Navy’s Iowa-class battleships carried nine huge 16-inch Mark 7 cannons in three turrets. The big naval guns were 50 calibers long, i.e. 50 times bore diameter, making the barrels 66.7 feet long from chamber to muzzle.
In connection with a Benchrest Central discussion that drifted to the subject of powders used in large naval guns, I heard from Joe McNeil, whose father was involved in manufacturing those very propellants as a DuPont employee. Joe writes:
“My Dad worked for the DuPont company for over 40 years. Every time the nation went to war he was assigned to the gun powder plants which DuPont ran for the government for $1.00 per year! His last assignment was at the Indiana Ordnance Plant in Jefferson, Indiana from 1952 through 1958. He had a display case made of all of the different powders made at the plant and left it to me. That’s why I have a grain of 16″ gun powder. He took me out to the Jefferson proving grounds once when they tested the powder in a 16″ gun. We watched from a half-mile away but it left a lasting impression when they fired that gun. They actually had a set of rings they fired through to test the performance of the powder and shell. This was a truly fond memory of my Dad and his work.”
Here are some pictures of the gun powder “grains” made during the Korean War at the Indiana Ordnance Works where Joe McNeil’s father worked.
Above is the display case with the different powders manufactured at the DuPont plant. They include: 37 MM/AA, 75MM Pack Howitzer, 50 Cal. 5010, 20 MM 4831, 30 Cal. 4895, 76 MM, 3″, 5″, 90 MM, 4.7″, 240MM, 8″, 280 MM, 175 MM, 155 MM Howitzer, 155 MM Gun M.P., 8″ Gun M.P., 12″, 14, 16″. There are different-sized ‘grains’ for specific rounds.
16-inch/50-caliber gun projectile plus six propellant bags. Display mockup aboard U.S.S. Iowa (BB-61) in San Pedro, CA. Photo by James Madison per Creative Commons CC-BY-SA-4.0 license.
Hornady is now the official Title Sponsor of the Precision Rifle Series. This is a major step up in sponsorship levels for Hornady. Previously Hornady sponsored special events such as the Precision Rifle Challenge. Now Hornady will be the lead sponsor of all PRS centerfire events. Hornady Marketing Director Neil Davies stated: “We are excited for the opportunity to be the Title Sponsor of the Precision Rifle Series. Being the Official Bullet and Official Ammunition of the PRS and becoming the Title Sponsor solidifies our commitment to the sport and the PRS as an organization.”
Ken Wheeler, PRS Director, stated: “We are beyond thrilled to officially announce our 2024 partnership with Hornady as our Title Sponsor and the Official Bullet and Ammunition of the Precision Rifle Series. Hornady is an industry leader and very involved in the PRS community, their … award-winning match bullets and ammunition make them exceptional partners of the largest precision rifle organization[.]”
Hornady A-Tip Match Is Official Bullet of PRS
In connection with Hornady’s sponsorship, the Hornady A-Tip® Match has been named the official bullet of the PRS centerfire series. And Hornady MATCH ammo has been listed as the official PRS factory ammunition. NOTE: This does not make the use of A-Tips or Hornady Ammo mandatory in any respect, but these products will be promoted in connection with Hornady’s PRS sponsorship efforts.
We have shot Hornady A-Tip bullets in various platforms and have been impressed. The BCs are very good and A-Tips are capable of excellent accuracy if you inspect the tips for imperfections and sort the bullets by weight and base-to-ogive measurement. These A-Tips represent a significant design effort by Hornady: “Years of research and testing by the Hornady Ballistic Development Group, combined with advanced manufacturing processes and quality control measures, have led to the creation of the ultimate low-drag, high-performance A-Tip® Match bullet.”
In recent seasons, Hornady has sponsored PRS events such as the Precision Rifle Challenge.
Founded in 1949, Hornady Manufacturing Co. is a family-owned business based in Grand Island, Nebraska. Proudly selling Made-in-USA products, Hornady Manufacturing is a world leader in bullet, ammunition, reloading tool, accessory, and security product design and manufacturing.
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. Bullet Central — Berger Bullets Promo, All Calibers
⏺ Great bullets in stock at very competitive prices
Bullet Central has a very large selection of Berger bullets in stock right now. You’ll find great prices on match bullets in popular .224, 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm, and .30 Calibers, starting at just $37.99 for 80gr 22-Cal VLDs. If you shoot a 6mmBR, Dasher, or 6GT, grab some 105gr Hybrid targets for $56.99. In addition, Berger hunting bullets — such as the 185gr .30-Cal Classic Hunter — are offered at good prices.
⏺ Fast, programmable, accurate dispenser at great price
The Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper is a high-quality powder scale/dispenser. It’s accurate to +/- one-tenth of a grain, dispenses in seconds, and can be controlled by a handy mobile App that stores charge weights for different cartridges. This unit has a 7000-grain capacity with both auto and manual trickle capability. This is a fine deal now at Natchez — you save $50 (22%) off the regular $229.99 price. The same Intellidropper is currently $199.02 on Amazon.
3. Midsouth, Powder Valley, Graf’s — Rifle Primers in Stock
⏺ Get Small Rifle Primers including popular CCI, Federal, and Remington
For the past few years, primers have been hard to find at reasonable prices. Now we are finally seeing ample inventory. Right now you can get a wide range of Rifle, Pistol and Shotshell Primers at Midsouth starting at $69.99/1000. In stock now are leading US-made brands CCI, Federal, and Remington. In addition, Midsouth has large inventories of Aguila, Fiocchi, and Unis primers. Another option are RUAG Small Rifle Primers at Powder Valley, priced at $184.99 for 2500, which works out to $75.00 per 1000. If you need large rifle primers, Graf’s has Unis Ginex large rifle, 5000 for $535.00.
4. CDNN Sports — Winchester Wildcat with Optic, $229.99
⏺ Fun rimfire rifle complete with optic — good owner reviews
Here is a fun little semi-auto .22 LR rifle at a crazy low price — $229.99 complete with a mounted Red Dot Reflex optic. The Winchester Wildcat takes Ruger 10/22 mags, and has some great features, such as field-removable lower receiver, ambidextrous controls, integral Picatinny rail, and rear barrel access. It has a good trigger and shoots well. In many respects the Wildcat beats the Ruger 10/22 while costing a lot less. If you don’t need the optic, you can get a basic Wildcat for $219.99 with Strata camo stock or $234.99 with Strata camo stock and threaded barrel.
⏺ Very rugged, full-featured TSA-approved roller case
Whether flying or just transporting your rifles to the range it’s important to protect them with a rugged, quality gun case. The solidly-built HQ Issue 41″ Tactical Rifle Case (#ad) meets all the TSA requirements and can withstand tough treatment. Offered in Flat Dark Earth (tan), this waterproof case has rollers to ease movement through the airport. Handy pick-n-pluck foam allows a secure custom fit for your firearms. NOTE: This case is 41″ overall so it will NOT fit long-barrel competition rifles unless the action is separated from the stock/chassis. For larger rifles, one good option is the Eylar 53″ Protective Roller Rifle Hard Case priced at $199.99.
6. Palmetto SA — AR15 Complete Stealth Lower (Blem), $139.99
⏺ GREAT deal on complete lower with full trigger group and adjustable stock
With changes to Federal law looming on the horizon, it may be wise to get your Black Rifle now. Here is a great deal on a complete lower with stock. The PSA AR-15 MOE Stealth Lowers include full installed trigger group, plus a nice, adjustable MagPul MOE buttstock. The prices are super low because these “blem” lowers may have a small scratch or blemish somewhere. Get the Black Stealth AR Lower for $139.99 or select the Flat Dark Earth AR Lower for $149.99.
7. Bass Pro — 9mm FMJ Pistol Ammo, $0.30/Rd ($14.99/50)
⏺ Very good prices on good quality 9mm FMJ ammunition
Need 9mm ammo for practice or action pistol competition? Right now Bass Pro has some great deals on good quality, brass-cased FMJ 9mm Luger ammunition. Choose CCI 124gr FMJ at $14.99/50rds, Winchester 115gr FMJ at $14.99/50rds, or Herters 115gr FMJ at $26.99 for 100 rounds.
When traveling by air with a handgun, the pistol must be in a case with a TSA-approved lock. The Snapsafe Treklite XL Lock Box complies with TSA rules. It will hold two compact pistols or one larger pistol with magazing (which must be UNLOADED). Made with a strong polycarbonate case, This lightweight (2.2 lb) lock box is one-third the weight of a steel box. Right now the Treklite XL FDE Lock Box is just $29.99 at Midsouth, 25% OFF the regular price.
9. Amazon — KUBEI USB Rechargeable Digital Scale, $24.99
⏺ Compact scale with USB-rechargeable battery at great price
Everyone can use an inexpensive, compact scale for loading at the range or sorting bullets or maybe even primers. One very affordable option KUBEI USB Rechargeable Digital Scale (#ad). Unlike most other inexpensive digital scales, this comes with a large dust cover with a “window” for your powder pan. Notably, this scale can be conveniently recharged with a standard USB cable — no batteries to replace ever! We have heard positive reports from Forum members about this $24.99 portable scale, which offers 9 types of weight units, calibration weight, and fold-down protective lid.
10. Palmetto SA — Walker’s Muffs + Safety Glasses, $15.99
⏺ Killer deal on hearing and eye protection combo
Is it time to replace your hearing and eye protection? Or perhaps you could use an extra set for friends? Check out this Walker’s Ultra Slim Muff & Glasses Combo. You get good quality 27dB NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) muffs AND a set of ANSI Z87.1-rated shooting glasses — all for just $15.99. That’s a great price for essential safety items. Shooters should always have both eye and ear protection whenever at the range.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
Do you have .20-Cal fever? Do you yearn to see what a 4200+ fps projectile can do to an unsuspecting prairie dog? Well you could go out and purchase a 204 Ruger rifle, fork over the money for a new, complete die set, and hope that the brass is in stock. Warren B (aka “Fireball”) has a more cost-effective solution. If you have .223 Rem dies and brass, all you need to shoot the 20 Practical is a new barrel and a .230″ bushing to neck down your .223 Rem cases. Warren’s wildcat is simple, easy, and economical. And the 20 Practical matches the performance of the highly-publicized 20 Tactical with less money invested and no need to buy forming dies or fire-form cases. Warren’s cartridge was aptly named. Practical it is.
20 Practical Tikka Bolt Action for Varminting
by Warren B (aka “Fireball”) and Kevin Weaver
After building my 20 PPC, I wanted to do another .20 caliber, this time a repeater for predator hunting that could also serve as a gopher/prairie dog rifle. I wanted to use a Tikka M595 stainless sporter I had. This rifle is the ultimate repeater with an extremely smooth-feeding cycle from its single-column magazine. Since the Tikka was a .223 Remington from the factory, I first looked at possible case designs that would fit the magazine. The 204 Ruger was a very new round at the time and brass was scarce. I also didn’t care for the overly long case design or the standard throat dimensions of the cartridge. I then looked at the 20 Tactical. It was a nice cartridge but I didn’t like the fact that (at the time) an ordinary two-die Tac 20 set with just a plain full-length die and standard seater were $150. Not only did the costs bother me, but I was accustomed to using a Redding die set featuring a body die, a Type-S bushing neck die, and a Competition seater. To be honest, I also didn’t care for the 20 Tactical’s name–there is absolutely nothing tactical about the cartridge. I didn’t want to adopt a new cartridge based on what I perceived to be a marketing gimmick (that “tactical” title).
Warren B, aka “Fireball”, with his Tikka 595. With its smooth action and phenolic single-column mag, it cycles perfectly in rapid fire.
Simply Neck Down .223 Rem to Make a 20-223 Wildcat
I decided the best thing to do for my purposes was to simply neck down the .223 Rem case and make a 20-223. I already had the dies, the brass, and a rifle that would feed it perfectly. I decided to call the cartridge the 20 Practical because as you will see in this article, it truly is a very practical cartridge. In addition to the generous and inexpensive availability of brass and dies, the 20 Practical is an easy case to create, requiring no fire forming as a final step. Simply neck your .223 Rem cases down, load and shoot.
[Editor’s Note: Over the years, other shooters have experimented with .223 Remington cases necked down to .20 caliber, some with longer necks, some with different shoulder angles. Warren doesn’t claim to be the first fellow to fit a .20-caliber bullet in the .223 case. He gives credit to others who did pioneering work years ago. But he has come up with a modern 20-223 wildcat that involves no special case-forming, and minimal investment in dies and tooling. He commissioned the original PTG 20 Practical reamer design, and he and Kevin did the field testing to demonstrate the performance of this particular version.]
I chose Kevin Weaver at Weaver Rifles to fit and chamber the barrel to my rifle. Kevin does excellent work and is great to work with. Kevin liked the idea of the 20 Practical so much he agreed to purchase the project reamer. (BTW Kevin didn’t even need to purchase a Go/No-Go gauge, he just used an existing .223 Rem gauge.)
Before Kevin ordered the reamer, I talked over the reamer specs with him. My priorities were tolerances on the tight end of the .223 Rem SAAMI specification, a semi-fitted neck with no need for neck-turning, and a short throat so that we could have plenty of the 32gr V-Max in the case and still touch the lands. I also wanted this short throat in case [anyone] wanted to chamber an AR-15 for the 20 Practical. A loaded 20 Practical round will easily touch the lands on an AR-15 while fitting into the magazine with no problem. With its standard 23-degree shoulder, the 20 Practical case also feeds flawlessly through an AR-15.
As for the barrel, I only use Liljas on my rifles. I have had great luck with them. They have always shot well and they clean up the easiest of any barrels that I have tried. I had previously sent my Tikka barreled action to Dan Lilja so that he could program a custom contour into his equipment and turn out a barrel that would perfectly fit the factory M595 sporter stock. There isn’t much material on an M595 sporter stock so the contour had to match perfectly and it did. Dan Lilja now has this custom contour available to anyone who would like to rebarrel their M595 sporter with one of his barrels.
There Are Plenty of Good .204-Caliber Varmint Bullet Options
How to Form 20 Practical Cases — Simple and Easy
Forming 20 Practical cases is very easy. No fire-forming is required. Start with any quality .223 Rem brass. Then simply run the case into your bushing die with the appropriate bushing and call it done.
Project Componentry
My 20 Practical rifle started out as a Tikka Model 595 Stainless Sporter in .223 Remington. Though the M595 is no longer imported, if you shop around you can find M595 Sporters for bargain prices. Mine cost under $500. I think the action alone is worth that! The receiver has a milled dovetail for scope rings plus a side bolt release like expensive BR actions. The bolt cycles very smoothly. Ammo is handled with super-reliable 3- or 5-round detachable single-column magazines (FYI, Tikka’s M595 22-250 mags will feed a 6BR case flawlessly.) We kept the standard Tikka trigger but fitted it with a light-weight spring. Now the trigger pull is a crisp 1.8 pounds–about as good as it gets in a factory rifle. We replaced the factory tube with a custom, 24″, 3-groove Lilja 12-twist barrel. Dan Lilja created a special M595 sporter contour to allow a perfect “drop-in” fit with the factory stock. For optics, I’ve fitted a Leupold 4.5-14x40mm zoom in low Talley light-weight aluminum mounts. All up, including optics and sling, my 20 Practical weighs just under 8.5 pounds.
Test Report–How’s It Shoot?
I sent the barrel and barreled action to Kevin and in a very short time it was returned. Kevin did a perfect job on the rifle. I had asked him to try to match the bead blasted finish of the Tikka when he finished the new barrel. It came out perfect and the only way one can tell it is a custom is the extra two inches of length and the “20 Practical” cartridge designation.
So, no doubt you’re asking “how does she shoot?” Is my “prototype”, first-ever 20 Practical an accurate rig? In a word, yes. Even with the standard factory stock, and light contour barrel, it can shoot 3/8″ groups. Take a look at the typical target from this rifle. This is from an 8.5-pound sporter with a very skinny fore-end and a factory trigger.
Gunsmith’s Report from Kevin Weaver The 20 Practical: Origins and Development
Editor’s NOTE: We can’t say for sure who first necked down the .223 Rem to .20 caliber and chambered a rifle for that wildcat (as opposed to the .20 Tactical). But here is an account from way back in 2006 when the Warren B first came up with the idea of a .20 Practical cartridge, complete with reamer specs.
A year ago I received a call from Warren with a great idea. Warren asked “Why couldn’t we simply neck down the .223 Remington case to 20 caliber and get basically the same performance as the 20 Tactical? This way you can forgo the expensive forming dies that are needed for the 20 Tactical.” The idea made perfect sense to me, and I saw no major technical issues, so we got started on the project. I ordered a reamer from Dave Kiff at Pacific Tool & Gauge (PTG) with a .233″ neck. The .233″ neck should allow for a simple necking-down of the 223 Remington case to produce the 20 Practical in just one step. No fire-forming necessary! Furthermore, the PTG 20 Practical reamer Dave created should work with any available .223 Rem brass, commercial or military.
The first 20 Practical round was launched down range (through Warren’s Tikka) just a few months later. The brass formed as easily as expected. All one needs is a Redding type “S” bushing die with a .230 bushing and with just one step I had a .20 caliber case ready to shoot. Warren is brilliant. [Editor’s Note: We concur. For more details on Warren’s case-forming methods and his tips for adapting .223 Rem dies, read the technical sections further down the page.]
It would be almost six months later until I got around to building a dedicated test rifle chambered for the 20 Practical. I used a Remington 722 action, Remington synthetic semi-varmint stock, and a 24″ Douglas stainless steel XX 12-twist barrel. I formed and loaded about 30 cases using Remington brass in about 20 minutes. I used a .223 Rem seating die to seat the 20 Practical bullets. The .223 seating stem seated the small 20-Cal bullets just fine. The first loads sent the 40gr Hornady V-Max bullets down range at a modest 3500 FPS. I did not shoot for groups. I just wanted to use this load to sight in the rifle and break in the barrel. Load development was painless–I used reduced .223 Rem loads for 40gr bullets and worked up from there. In the table below are some of my preferred loads as well as Warren’s favorite recipes for his 20 Practical.
Bullet Wt.
Powder
Charge Wt.
Velocity FPS
Comments
32GR
H4198
24.1
4025
Warren’s lighter gopher load
32GR
AA2460
27.8
4154
Warren’s coyote/prairie dog load
32GR
N133
26.0
4183
Coyote/PD load, clean burn
33GR
H4198
26.0
4322
Hot Load. Use with Caution!
33GR
N133
27.0
4255
Kevin: 0.388” 5 shot group
40GR
H335
25.0
3583
Kevin’s barrel break-in load
40GR
H4198
24.0
3907
Hodgdon “Extreme” Powder
40GR
IMR4895
26.0
3883
Kevin: 0.288″ 5-shot group
40GR
N133
25.0
3959
Kevin: 0.227″ 5-shot group
Warren’s Load Notes: My pet loads are all with IMI cases, 32gr Hornady V-Maxs, and Fed 205 primers (not match). These are the most accurate loads in my rifle so far. I haven’t even bothered with the 40s as I have the 20 PPC and 20 BR for those heavier bullets. I prefer the lighter bullets in the 20 Practical because I wanted to keep speed up and recoil down in this sporter-weight predator rifle. Also, the 32gr V-Max is exceptionally accurate and explosive. I like N133 the best as it burns so clean. IMI cases are tough and well-made.
Kevin’s Load Notes: I used Remington 223 cases, Hornady V-Max bullets, and Remington 6 1/2 primers to develop the above loads. CAUTION: all loads, both Warren’s and mine, should be reduced 20% when starting load development in your rifle. All load data should be used with caution. Always start with reduced loads first and make sure they are safe in each of your guns before proceeding to the high test loads listed. Since Weaver Rifles has no control over your choice of components, guns, or actual loadings, neither Weaver Rifles nor the various firearms and components manufacturers assume any responsibility for the use of this data.
Comparing the 20 Practical and 20 Tactical
Kevin tells us: “The 20 Practical and the 20 Tactical are almost identical cartridges. There are only slight differences in case Outside Diameter, shoulder angle, and case body length. The neck length on the 20 Tactical is a bit longer, but there is still plenty of neck on the 20 Practical to grip the popular bullets, such as the 32gr V-Max. Here are some specs:
Cartridge
Bolt face to shoulder
Shoulder O.D.
Shoulder Angle
Total length
20 Tactical
1.5232″
.360
30°
1.755″
20 Practical
1.5778″
.3553
23°
1.760″
Both the 20 Tactical and the 20 Practical are fine .20 caliber cartridges. Early on, the 20 Tactical was the more popular of the two because it had more publicity. However, my favorite would be the 20 Practical. Warren’s 20 Practical gives the SAME performance as the 20 Tactical without fire-forming, or having to buy expensive forming dies. So with the 20 Practical you do less work, you shell out a lot less money, yet you give up nothing in performance. What’s not to like? To create 20 Practical cases, just buy a .223 Rem Redding Type “S” Bushing Die set with a .230 or .228 bushing and have fun with this great little cartridge.”
• 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.
• 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.
Hornady A-Tip Match Is Official Bullet of PRS
After building my 20 PPC, I wanted to do another .20 caliber, this time a repeater for predator hunting that could also serve as a gopher/prairie dog rifle. I wanted to use a Tikka M595 stainless sporter I had. This rifle is the ultimate repeater with an extremely smooth-feeding cycle from its single-column magazine. Since the Tikka was a .223 Remington from the factory, I first looked at possible case designs that would fit the magazine. The 204 Ruger was a very new round at the time and brass was scarce. I also didn’t care for the overly long case design or the standard throat dimensions of the cartridge. I then looked at the 20 Tactical. It was a nice cartridge but I didn’t like the fact that (at the time) an ordinary two-die Tac 20 set with just a plain full-length die and standard seater were $150. Not only did the costs bother me, but I was accustomed to using a Redding die set featuring a body die, a Type-S bushing neck die, and a Competition seater. To be honest, I also didn’t care for the 20 Tactical’s name–there is absolutely nothing tactical about the cartridge. I didn’t want to adopt a new cartridge based on what I perceived to be a marketing gimmick (that “tactical” title). 
Simply Neck Down .223 Rem to Make a 20-223 Wildcat
I chose Kevin Weaver at 
Project Componentry
Test Report–How’s It Shoot?
Comparing the 20 Practical and 20 Tactical
