Sinclair International has created a series of instructional videos illustrating the basics of metallic cartridge reloading. The 8-Part series starts with reloading basics and provides step-by-step, how-to instructions that will help new reloaders get started. Detailed, animated illustrations show you what happens inside the chamber when shooting, and inside the dies during each step of reloading. The videos can be viewed on Sinclair International’s YouTube channel. Shown below is the first video in the series:
Each of the Sinclair videos is hosted by then Sinclair Int’l President Bill Gravatt (now with Creedmoor Sports). Bill doesn’t just show you “how”, he tells you “why”. The how-to segments cover case inspection, proper die set up, case sizing, primer installation, powder measuring, bullet seating, crimping, and even goes into the record keeping needed for the handloader. “We wanted to give shooters who haven’t reloaded a look at all the advantages of creating your own ammo and how easy it is to get started,” said Gravatt, “without telling them they had to have any certain brand or type of equipment to do the job.”
The Eight Video Topics Are:
Part 1 — Intro to Video Series
Part 2 — Intro to Reloading Safety
Part 3 — Metallic Cartridge Components
Part 4 — The Firing Sequence
Part 5 — Tools for Reloading
Part 6 — Loading Bottle-Neck Cartridges (2 videos)
Part 7 — Loading Straight Wall Cartridges
Part 8 — Reloading Series Conclusion
Reloading Tools
Shown below is Part 5 of the video series, covering the tools used for precision reloading.
We also strongly recommend the Part 4 Video to readers who are getting started in reloading. This “How Things Work” segment covers the sequence of events inside the chamber (and barrel) when the cartridge is fired. The video includes helpful graphics that show what happens to the primer, powder, cartridge, and bullet when the round is fired. The video also illustrates “headspace” and explains how this can change after firing. We think this video answers many common questions and will help reloaders understand the forces at work on their brass during the firing process.
When shooting targets, the closer to the center the better the result. But this is not necessarily true when it comes to using jags and patches. There are some good reasons to try spiking your patches away from the center. This Creedmoor Sports Tech Tip explains why you may want to spike (puncture) your patch away from the center. CLICK HERE to order patches and Swab-Its cleaning bore tips from Creedmoor Sports.
You begin to push your first patch down the barrel and you notice it is extremely tight and then it jams! How can this be? A commonly overlooked solution to remedy the frustrating occurrences of overly tight or jammed patches is what we like to call “Side-Spiking”. Side-Spiking is super simple and works!
“Side-Spiking”, as the words suggest, refers to moving your patch spiking position from the center of the patch towards the corner of a square patch or the edge of a round patch.
Moving From Center-Spiking To Side-Spiking
The closer toward the edge of the patch you spike your jag, the looser the patch will be when pushed down the bore.
Important: Be careful to not go to the very edge of the patch. Leave enough patch material to fully cover the first set of rings on your jag as this insures your jag is properly centered in the bore and that no contact with the rifling will occur.
Proper Side-Spiking Location Creedmoor Sports recommends side spiking all wet patches. This allows for a looser patch in the bore which removes gross powder fouling and leaves more cleaning solution behind to start working on the remaining fouling.
When a tighter patch is needed, simply move your spike closer toward the center of the patch. The closer to the center of the patch you get, the tighter the patch will become in the bore. The objective is to have a snug-fitting patch that allows you to smoothly push your rod down the bore. Remember you do not need to end up in the center of the patch!
Bore-Tech Patch Size Selection Chart Recommends Patch Sizes by Caliber:
With inflation, the increased cost of .223 Rem centerfire ammo has driven more folks to shooting .22 LR rimfire ammo, both for fun and practice. Thankfully, handy conversion kits will let you shoot .22 LR ammo from your existing .223/5.56 AR-15 platform rifle. This allows low-cost training with no change in rifle balance, ergonomics, and/or optics.
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 at Brownells for $179.99 with three 25-rd mags.
The CMMG Bravo conversion Kit comes with blowback-operated .22 LR bolt carrier, rubber protector for bolt carrier tip, and three 25-round polymer magazines. 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.
To use the CMMG Kit, simply remove the centerfire bolt/bolt carrier, and replace it with the CMMG silver colored bolt shown above. CMMG states: “For best performance use a round-style hammer as notched hammers can cause function issues.” Testers have stated that high-velocity .22 LR ammo works best, and CMMG notes that “36gr plated-nose bullets have proven to be the best choice for function.” The copper-plated bullets help reduce fouling.
Ultimate Reloader Tests CMMG .22 LR Conversion Kit
Our friend Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com recently tested the CMMG .22 LR AR Conversion Kit. He observed that installation was very straight-forward and the CMMG magazines worked well. He and fellow tester Travis Fox shot the unit both slow-fire and rapid-fire successfully.
Gavin and Travis found the CMMG Kit easy to install and fun to use. With an AR that can shoot both .223 Rem and .22 LR, it’s like having “two guns in one”. Travis was impressed with the ease of use: “It is so simple to change over to the CMMG .22 LR AR kit! It took me about 68 seconds the very first time I tried. Each time after that it took me about 40 seconds — it’s that simple. It takes longer to fully load one of the mags than it does to switch over from .223/5.56 to .22 LR and back.”
The AR shot very well with the higher-velocity ammo types. 100% functioning was achieved with both 40gr Federal Game Shok ammo and American Eagle High Velocity 38gr Copper-plated HP ammo. NOTE: CMMG does recommend high-velocity Copper-plated rimfire ammunition.
Maintenance Tip — After converting back to your centerfire .223 Rem (5.56), Travis says “make sure to clean the gas tube and components as .22 LR tends to run dirty”. READ Full Test on UltimateReloader.com.
CMMG Bravo Conversion Kit Gets Thumbs Up from Gavin and Travis
“Does this conversion kit get the Ultimate Reloader stamp of approval? Absolutely! In these times of ammunition/component scarcity this gives options to shooters. Finding bulk .22 LR can sometimes be easier than 223/5.56. This kit gives that option at a great price. Any chance to keep skills up and familiarize new shooters to a platform is a good thing. Basically two rifles for a lot less than another rifle.”
How to Install CMMG Bravo .22 LR Conversion Kit
The Brownells video below shows the installation process step-by-step:
In this instructional video, a Brownells gunsmith demonstrates (step by step) how to install, disassemble, clean, lubricate, and reassemble the CMMG AR-15 .22 LR Conversion Kits. Clear the rifle and make safe before you start the conversion. Separate the upper and lower, remove the standard bolt carrier group. You then install the conversion bolt and connect the upper and lower as normal.
Details of CMMG .22 LR Conversion Kit
“For years I’ve had a CMMG conversion kit. It’s a drop-in system that’s … very reliable and it’s accurate. The [CMMG conversion] has lower recoil [and is] great for training. Even though ammo prices have gone through the roof, .22 LR is still cheaper to shoot than anything else.” — SootchGear
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. Graf & Sons — Major Sightron Sale, Save 25%
⏺ SAVE big bucks on competition and hunting scopes
If you’re looking for new optics consider the Sightron Optics Sale at Graf’s. You can find everything from red dots to hunting scopes to high-magnification competition scopes at huge discounts, mostly 25% off the regular price. Long-Range Benchrest and F-Class shooters should check out the Sightron SIII 10-50x56mm Long Range Scope, now just $997.49, a $332.50 savings!
2. Powder Valley — Hodgdon and IMR Powders in Stock
⏺ Ultra-popular Hodgdon powders now available at good prices
This is your lucky day — the super-popular Hodgdon powders are in stock right now at Powder Valley. That’s right, you can order Hodgdon Varget, H4350, and H4831SC right now for $48.99/lb. And other Hodgdon powders are available starting at $27.99/lb. Plus many popular IMR powders are in stock at Powder Valley including IMR 8208 XBR, IMR 4064, and IMR 4350. NOTE: If your favorite powder sells out, Midsouth also has Varget, H4350, and other top choices at $50.99/lb.
⏺ Best price on excellent electronic scale/dispenser
The Hornady Auto Charge Pro provides precise, customizable powder dispensing in an easy-to-use, space-saving unit. Precise to within 0.1 grain, the Auto Charge Pro offers customizable trickle speeds for various powders, as well as custom time settings. Store settings for up to four custom loads or use the factory setting. The backlit touch screen is easy to read, while a large knob on the side simplifies powder emptying.
4. Sportsman’s WH — Maverick Arms Mossy Oak 12ga, $219.99
⏺ Get a 12ga shotgun for crazy low price — under $220
For shooting sporting clays or duck hunting, it’s nice to have a classic long-barrel pump shotgun. One very affordable option is the Maverick Arms 88 Mossy Oak 12 gauge shotgun, right now just $219.99 on sale at Sportsman’s Warehouse (19% off). This shotgun features dual extractors, twin action bars, positive lock-up, and an anti-jam elevator for trouble-free operation.
5. Brownells — LabRadar Chronograph, $499.95
⏺ Major price reduction on proven Radar Chronograph
LabRadar Doppler Chronographs are now on sale at Brownells. The LabRadar has been favored for many years by top benchrest, F-Class, and Long Range competitors. This radar chrono provides extremely accurate velocity data and the unit runs at your shooting station so you don’t have to place a tripod downrange. Brownell’s $499.95 price represents a significant discount on the LabRadar system. The LabRadar is now $100 less than the new Garmin Xero C1 PRO Chrono.
6. Bruno’s — PT&G Chamber Reamers, $159.95 and up
⏺ Great selection of quality reamers for 30+ cartridge types
To have a custom barrel crafted, you may need a chamber reamer for your gunsmith. However, good reamers can take months to get. But right now Bruno’s has a wide selection of quality PT&G reamers in stock. These are available for $159.95 (and up) in a wide assortment of chamberings including: .223 Rem, 22-250, 6 PPC, 6mmBR, 6 Dasher, 6GT, 6XC, 6.5×47, 6.5 PRC, .284 Win, .284 Shehane, 7 RSAUM, 7 PRC, 7mm WSM, 30 BR, .308 Win, 300 WSM, .338 Lapua and many more.
⏺ Popular modern Earbuds with good Noise Reduction Rating
Electronic earbuds provide hearing protection while still allowing you to hear range commands. And earbuds are more convenient than large, bulky ear muffs. Currently, Gloryfire Electronic Silencer Earbuds with a 26dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) are on sale for $135.99. These feature two noise level functions, indoor and outdoor mode, and the 26dB rating is better than some thin muffs. NOTE: Gloryfire also sells 26dB NRR Silencer Earbuds with BlueTooth capability for $169.99.
⏺ Quality forward-set mount for Service Rifles and ARs
If you shoot service rifle or have an AR that needs a forward-mounted scope check out the Creedmoor 30mm scope mount, now on sale for $59.95, a 47% savings off the regular $104.99 price. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, this light-weight but durable mount offers generous 2.5″ forward offset. That allows optimal scope placement for correct eye relief and proper arm/head position.
9. Amazon — MTM R-100 Ammo Box, $17.99
⏺ Best 100-round ammo box on the market, now on sale
For transporting ammo to the range, we like the MTM R-100 Deluxe ammo box (#ad). These durable R-100 flip-top ammo boxes provide excellent protection for your ammo. When rounds are in the nose-down position special fingers in each hole prevent bullets from hitting the bottom of the box, thereby preventing tip damage. You can also pick up a semi-transparent blue version for $16.99 at MidwayUSA. We like being able to see the cartridges inside the box.
10. Amazon — Ditron Waterproof Calipers, $39.99
⏺ Versatile calipers with waterproof feature
You can’t reload quality ammo without calipers to measure many key dimensions. A good, affordable option is the DITRON 6″ Electronic Caliper (#ad). The calipers’ components are made of hardened stainless steel for durability and rust resistance. There is a a handy thumb roller and the caliper shell is dustproof and waterproof, which helps ensure longevity.
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More and more shooters are “wet-tumbling” their brass (in liquid) with reusable polishing media, rather than using dry media in a vibratory tumbler. The “wet-cleaning” method works best with a rotary tumbler fitted with a water-tight, horizontal drum to hold your brass, cleaning solution, and stainless, pin-type media. The rotary tumbler of choice has been the Thumler’s Tumbler Model B Heavy-Duty. That is a great, sturdy machine, but now you have a more affordable option.
Frankford Arsenal offers “Platinum Series” rotary tumblers designed to clean cartridge brass with liquid and stainless media. The watertight, polymer drum rides on four rollers which rotate the drum around its horizontal axis. Two filters are provided so you can quickly separate your brass and media. A built-in timer allows you to set tumbling sessions up to three hours. There is a large, 7-liter unit and a smaller, 3.3-liter tumbler. Frankford Arsenal says the big version will clean up to 1000 cases of .223 Rem brass. That’s impressive capacity.
Rotary Tumbler Sources Online
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series rotary tumblers are sold by major retailers including Grafs.com, Midsouth, and MidwayUSA. Shop multiple vendors to find the best current pricing.
Amazon often has very competitive pricing on the Frankford Arsenal Tumblers, both the 7-liter unit and the smaller, 3.3-liter tumbler.
How to Wet-Clean Your Brass in a Rotary Tumbler On our main Accurateshooter.com website, you’ll find a comprehensive review of the STM system for cleaning cartridge brass with stainless media. To clean brass with stainless media, start with five pounds of small stainless pins sold by StainlessTumblingMedia.com. Place these along with a gallon of water, a little liquid cleaner, and two pounds of cartridge brass in a rotary tumbler, and run the machine for one to four hours. After cleaning be sure to inspect all your primer holes. CLICK HERE for Brass Cleaning System Review.
Forum Member Tests STM System
Our reviewer, Forum member Jason Koplin, purchased the STM media and a new Thumler’s Tumbler. He then tested the STM cleaning procedure on his own brass, including some extremely dirty and tarnished “range pick-up” brass. Jason was thoroughly impressed with how well the STM process worked — as you can see from the “before and after” photos below. Brass which looked like it was ready for the scrap heap was restored to “like-new” appearance. The process works equally well on both rifle brass and pistol brass. Jason observed that one surprise benefit of the STM cleaning procedure is a big reduction in noise. Jason said the water-filled rotary tumbler was much quieter than his vibratory tumblers. One tip though — you should always inspect every cartridge carefully after wet-tumbling with stainless media. With large-flash-hole brass it is possible to have a pin stuck in a flash hole. This is rare, but it CAN happen.
We are coming to the end of another fall hunting season. If you are pursuing big game, such as Elk in the Rockies, you want a powerful cartridge that is also highly accurate. We like the 7mm for big game hunting as there are a wide variety of options — from the 7mm-08 up to the very large 7mm magnums. And Hornady’s new 7 PRC has quickly earned a following among hunters. In today’s Saturday Movie Showcase, we feature seven videos covering a wide selection of 7mm cartridge types including: 7mm-08 Rem, 7×57 Mauser, 7mm PRC, 7mm WSM, 7mm SAUM (aka RSAUM), 7mm Rem Mag, and 28 Nosler.
7mm PRC in Custom Rifle
The 7mm PRC was created by Hornady as part of the PRC series which includes the 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC. With a modern, non-belted magnum case design the 7mm PRC offers excellent power with good ballistics. The 7mm PRC can drive high-BC 175 grain bullets at 3000 FPS, making it very effective at putting down large game. This Precision Rifle Network video features a high-end custom 7mm PRC rifle built with a Terminus Zeus action, 29″ barrel, Grayboe stock, Triggertech trigger and Athlon scope. This 7mm PRC rig shows impressive accuracy.
7mm Remington Magnum vs. 7mm PRC
In this video, UltimateReloader’s Gavin Gear tests the classic belted 7mm Remington Magnum vs. the relatively new 7mm PRC. Testing is done with two hunting-type rifles shot from bipod. Gavin notes that both cartridges shoot very well, with impressive down-range energy. But he concludes that the non-belted 7mm PRC does have some advantages.
7mm Remington Magnum SAKO S20
This rifle review video features real world testing of a SAKO S20 hunting rig chambered for the 7mm Remington Magnum cartridge. The SAKO S20 is offered with multiple stock types. Here the thumbhole Hunter version with slim fore-end is featured. The testers observe that the 7mm Rem Mag factory ammo shoots very well, making the cartridge a good choice for large game.
Most Popular 7mm Cartridges
This Ron Spomer Outdoors video covers a variety of the most popular 7mm cartridges. The video covers 7mm cartridge history, ballistics, and recommendations for hunting use. Starting at the 6:45 time-mark there is a detailed ballistics comparison of the Hornady 175gr ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag eXpanding) bullet in three different chamberings: 7×57 Mauser, 7mm-08 Rem, and 7mm Remington Magnum.
7mm SAUM vs. 7mm WSM
This 17-minute video compares two modern 7mm short magnum cartridges — the 7mm SAUM (Short Action Ultra Magnum) and the 7mm WSM (Winchester Short Magnum). Both these cartridges have been adapted for F-Class Open Division use over the years. In this video, factory ammo for both cartridge types was tested with a modern chassis rifle shot prone with bipod.
7mm-08 Remington
The 7mm-08 Rem is a popular cartridge derived from the .308 Winchester necked down to 7mm. In 1980, Remington Arms popularized the cartridge by applying its own name and offering it as a chambering for their Model 788 and Model 700 rifles. Of cartridges derived from the original .308 Win, the 7mm-08 is the second most popular after the .243 Winchester.
Other than neck diameter, the 7mm-08 is virtually the same dimensionally as the .308 Win. But when you compare heavy bullets, grain for grain, the 7mm-08 offers better ballistics. Thus a 168-grainer fired from a 7mm-08 has less drop and less windage than a 168gr bullet fired from a .308 Win. The 7mm-08 enjoys most of the advantages of the .308 (inherent accuracy, long barrel life, great terminal performance) while offering better ballistics grain for grain. These qualities make the 7mm-08 a very popular deer-hunting round.
7mm Multi-Cartridge Comparison
Do you want a 7mm rifle, but haven’t chosen a cartridge yet? This lengthy 30-minute Ron Spomer video looks at a host of 7mm cartridge types. There is special emphasis with comparison data for the 7mm-08, 7mm Rem Magnum, and 28 Nosler (see 19:40 time-mark). Ron explains how to efficiently zero a rifle with these 7mm cartridges and how hunters can evaluate Maximum Point Blank Range (MPBR).
Above is a sectioned barrel showing an 80gr Sierra that was fired in a .223 bolt action with a cleaning rod in the bore. Both the bullet and the rod are still in the bore.
A Negligent Shooter Gets Lucky
“Here we have a story so filled with negligent acts that I can only marvel that the shooter survived the experience. The photo and narrative were provided by the gunsmith who took in the repair job, my comments are in italics. It’s worth reading, we can’t get enough safety warnings in our hobby.” — GS Arizona, Rifleman’s Journal
Description of Incident (with Commentary)
The shooter had a stuck case in his .223 chamber. The stuck case was actually a loaded round that didn’t fire. It wouldn’t extract because it was a .222 case that got mixed in with his .223 brass. [He had loaded the wrong brass.] I saw the loaded round with an 80gr bullet in it and a light primer strike. Negligent Act #1: Wrong brass was mixed in with the brass being reloaded.
The shooter removed the stuck case with a 3-piece aluminum rod. Negligent Act #2: Hammering out a loaded round with a cleaning rod. People have been killed doing this as the round can fire and drive the cleaning rod right into you. I remember one such incident about 5 years ago, the shooter was pounding out a stuck round, the cleaning rod went right through him, he didn’t survive.
The shooter didn’t notice only two segments of the cleaning rod came out when he removed it. Negligent Act #3: If you put anything at all down the barrel of a rifle you’d better make darn sure you got it all out before doing anything else!
He then chambered another round and fired it. Negligent act #4: If you’ve had a barrel obstruction of any kind, and if you’ve put something in the barrel, look through the barrel before proceeding! Within the past two years I know of an incident in which a benchrest shooter was killed in exactly this manner. The pressure built up and the rifle bolt came out of the receiver and into his chest.
The shooter is ‘OK’, but did not escape unscathed. He said there was a huge explosion and after regaining his senses found he was bleeding heavily from his forehead. The blood was thick enough that it ran in his eyes and he couldn’t see. In his words “I thought I was going to die”.
He has what looks like a pretty deep cut about an inch long on the side of his head, right in line with his right eye starting where the eye socket turns out to the side of the skull. And no telling what he’s got in the way of brass particles embedded in his forehead.
He was shooting on private property, and was alone when this happened. Negligent Act #5: Don’t shoot alone! Accidents happen, this is just one more example. If we could predict accidents, we wouldn’t have them. Always shoot with at least one other person.
He managed to get the bleeding stopped, or at least under control, packed his car and drove himself home without seeking immediate medical attention. Negligent Act #6: This one could have cost him his life after being lucky enough to survive the incident. There’s no way to know what’s happened just after an incident like this. He should have been at a hospital getting checked for shrapnel in the head.
The rod and slug could not be driven out. Since the barrel had a high round count there was no point in trying to salvage it. Note that the aluminum rod is expanded to a tight fit in the bore for the first couple inches. The base of the bullet is a little over 2″ from the mouth of the chamber.
What we’ve seen here is negligence and an absolute indifference to the established rules of safe reloading and gun handling, from start to finish, capped off with the shooter’s foolish avoidance of medical treatment. This shooter is lucky to be alive, but he’s surely used up all his luck. Don’t assume you’ll be so fortunate.
This article originally appeared in the Rifleman’s Journal website, which is no longer available.
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. MidwayUSA — Free Binocs with Leupold VX-5HD Scope Buy
⏺ SAVE $200 on scopes PLUS get FREE $210 Binoculars
⏺ Nice, compact 9mm complete with integrated laser — great carry gun
Here is a great value in a 9mm carry/defense pistol. The Smith & Wesson SD9VE 9mm features a comfortable grip, high visibility sights, and a built-in laser. The Crimson Trace LG-457 Laserguard is a powerful red laser designed specifically for Smith & Wesson SD/SD VE pistols. Featuring Crimson Trace’s Instinctive Activation system, the laser system can be set to activate instantly when the pistol is gripped, via a button on the grip front. This two-tone pistol has a black polymer frame and stainless slide. Priced at just $329.99 on sale, this S&W handgun is $220 less than a similar-sized Glock 19 without a laser.
3. Midsouth — Aguila .22 LR Ammunition, $28.99 500 rounds
⏺ Large variety of Aguila rimfire ammo at great prices
With the high cost of centerfire components (bullets, brass, primers, powder), more folks are shooting rimfire rifles and pistols. Right now, Midsouth is running a major sale on Aguila rimfire ammo. Choose standard velocity (1130 fps) or high-velocity (1255 fps), solid point or hollowpoint. Ammo starts at just $28.49 for 500-ct boxes of 38gr or 40gr ammo — that’s just six cents per round. And if you need large quantities, grab a 2000-round bulk pack for just $114.99, again just $0.06 per round. For varmint work, consider Aguila’s 1700 fps Hyper Velocity SuperMaximum 30gr ammo, priced at $7.49/50 rounds.
4. Grafs.com — Frankford Arsenal F-1 Press, $122.99
⏺ Versatile press, good primer exit, plus built-in light
Here’s a handy, single-stage press with some cool features. The new Frankford Arsenal F-1 press has an open front for easy case placement, plus a built-in LED lamp at the top (great for inspecting cases). And after decapping, spent primers go straight down a tube into a handy, clear, twist-off catch cylinder (as on a Forster Co-Ax). We think this would be an excellent secondary press used for decapping or bullet seating. This intro price — just $122.99 at Graf & Sons — is a great deal. NOTE: This press does NOT have priming capability — you must prime cases with a separate tool. Also, the power cord for the LED light is NOT included. For more details see Frankford Arsenal F-1 Press Review.
5. Bullet Central — Brux, Bartlein, and Lilja Pre-Fit Barrels
⏺ Great quality pre-fit barrels, ready to mount to your rifle
Do you own a BAT or Impact action and need a new barrel but don’t want the hassle (and cost) of having a smith chamber and headspace the barrel? Consider a Brux or Bartlein Pre-Fit Barrel from Bullet Central. Current options in stock include 6mm Dasher, 6mm GT (6GT), 6mm Creedmoor, and 6.5×47 Lapua — all popular competition chamberings. There are also Pre-Fit Lilja rimfire barrels for CZ 455/457 rifles in stock. Place your order for professionally-chambered, custom-grade barrels that you can install yourself.
6. Amazon — Caldwell AR-500 Steel Targets, starting at $16.99
⏺ Great deals on durable AR500 steel targets — watch video below right
Caldwell’s bright, easy-to-see steel targets come in multiple shapes and sizes for competition, training, and recreational use. Made of AR-500 grade hardened steel, these bright yellow targets can withstand thousands of rounds. Rated up to a 3000 fps impact velocity and a 3500 ft-lb impact energy, these targets come in seven styles and sizes with three hanging solutions. These bright yellow Caldwell AR500 Steel Targets (#ad) are on sale now on Amazon, starting at just $16.99 for the 5″ Gong Target.
⏺ Great price on versatile, well-designed gun vise
Here’s an excellent gun vise on sale for just $39.99. The versatile MTM GV-30 CaseGard Gun Vise supports rifles and shotguns for cleaning/maintenance. High and low forks allow level or angled gun placement. The rubber-padded rotating stock clamp provides a firm hold. The base has 14 different compartments for tools/solvents, plus 11 slots for jags, brushes, and screwdrivers. On the side are tabs for two cleaning rods. This GV-20 vise is made from rugged, solvent-resistant polypropylene plastic. If this sells out on GunZoneDeals, Midsouth has the GV-30 Vise for $41.58.
⏺ Excellent 9mm Luger ammo at just $0.23 per round
The 9mm Luger (9x19mm) is the most popular centerfire pistol cartridge. And now there are some great new 9mm carbines like the cool, folding S&W M&P PRC. So it’s wise to keep good supply of 9mm ammo on hand. Here’s a great deal on quality, major-manufacturer 9mm FMJ pistol ammunition. Get 1000 rounds of Fiocci 9mm ammo for just $229.99. That works out to just $11.50 per 50 count box, or $0.23 per round — a great deal.
9. Amazon — MOZETO Shooting Mat, $39.99
⏺ Nice 78″-long padded nylon mat stows conveniently
Whether in the field or at the range, having a comfortable mat to keep you and your gear dry and clean is critical. The Mozeto XL Shooting Mat (#ad) is made from durable 1000D nylon with EPE padding fabric for long-lasting durability. There is an extra-thick padded section for elbows and knees. This big 78″ x 28.5″ mat has convenient straps and carry handle, plus storage pockets. To transport, just roll it up, fold it over and attach the quick release plastic snap buckles. BONUS: Amazon offers a clickable 5% Off coupon.
How many times have you grabbed your electronic earmuffs only to find the batteries are dead. To avoid the hassles (and cost) of battery replacement, consider Walker’s Rechargeable Razor Ear Muffs. These rechargeable muffs have an estimated 80 hours of run time. That’s enough to get through several DAYS at the range. Then you can recharge the muffs conveniently at home or in your vehicle using the included USB charging cable. To hear range commands clearly, the muffs have HD speakers. These muffs are comfortable and boast a 23 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR).
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November 5th is the final day of the 2023 NRA F-Class National Championships at the Ben Avery shooting facility in Phoenix, Arizona. Along with America’s ace F-Open and F-TR shooters, there are many top foreign shooters at the Nationals, including Sebastian (“Seb”) Lambang, creator of the outstanding SEB Rests and SEB Joystick bipods. For this Fall 2023 event, Seb commissioned a handsome new, state-of-the-art F-Open rifle built by Blake Barrel and Rifle. Above is Seb’s F-Open rifle on the firing line this week at Ben Avery. For full results from the F-Class Nationals, click the link below:
Seb Lambang’s impressive new 7 FCP rig was crafted by Blake Barrel and Rifle using a 7mm, 1:8.5″-twist Blake barrel chambered in 7 FCP fitted to a Borden Accuracy BRMXD action. Mated to the Borden action is a Bix’N Andy Competition Benchrest trigger. On top is a March 10-60x56mm HM scope.
The handsome laminated wood XR stock is made by Cerus Rifleworks. The XR stock boasts a R.A.D. recoil reduction system in the rear, and a metal bag-rider system at the forward end of the stock. The rig employs an adjustable F-Class Products F-Open Barrel Tuner.
Seb Lambang is a talented shooter as well as a great craftsman. On the side of his March X scope it states: “Sebastian Lambang, QRA Queens 2022, F-Open Winner”.
Sebastian Lambang — Founder and Chief Designer of SEB Rests
When he is not competing, Seb works hard producing SEB Front Rests, SEB Neo-X Rests, SEB Mini-X tripod rests, and the class-leading SEB JoyPod-X joystick bipod, favored by F-TR shooters worldwide. Here are products at Seb’s warehouse, getting ready to be shipped out.
About the 7 FCP — New 7mm Cartridge Derived from 6.5 PRC
The 7 FCP was a cartridge designed from the ground up by F-Class Products out of Phoenix, Arizona in the fall of 2022. The developers believe it is the “ultimate cartridge” for the F-Class Open Division competition. F-Class Products notes: “We wanted a cartridge that [had] an efficient case capacity [matching] the 7mm Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum. The 7 RSAUM has proven to be the most winning cartridge in world F-Class competitions and many nationals and finale events. The problem with the RSAUM is brass availability. Remington stopped making brass for the RSAUM years ago and recently Norma has also stopped producing brass for it. The only option now is ADG. While the ADG brand of brass is good, it is quite expensive and also is only run in short runs and is hardly ever available.”
So the 7 FCP was developed from the 6.5 PRC, which has high-quality Lapua brass available. The 7 FCP was designed to shoot the 180 grain Berger Hybrid bullet at 2960 FPS out of a 30″ barrel without excessive pressure. SEE: 7 FCP Cartridge INFO FAQ Page.
7 FCP Cartridge — Wildcat Based on 6.5 PRC Necked up to 7mm
How Does the 7 FCP’s Case Capacity Compare?
F-Class Products states: “The parent case of the 7 FCP is a 6.5 PRC. The 6.5 PRC is a magnum case that has a head diameter of 0.532″ and has a overall length of 2.020″. It is the same overall length as the 7 RSAUM but with a smaller diameter body. Hence, without improving it, you will get not get the case capacity of a 7 RSAUM case, and therefore you will not get the velocities that the 7 RSAUM produces either.” F-Class Products has compared the capacity of cases commonly used in F-Open competition:
.284 Winchester = 63 grains of water capacity
.284 Shehane = 66.5 grains of water capacity
6.5 PRC = 65 grains of water capacity
7-6.5 PRC = 66.5 grains of water capacity
As you can see by the data above, the 6.5 PRC that is simply necked up to a 7mm does not provide more case capacity than the .284 Shehane. That is why the PRC has the shoulder moved forward.
What Powders Work Well in the 7mm FCP?
F-Class Products has tested many powders with the 7 FCP: “Any powders that work well in a .284 Win, a .284 variant or a 7 RSAUM and/or variant, can work well in the 7 FCP. We have tested many different powders and many show to work excellent. Here is a list of the powders we have tested that work well in our testing and in our customers’ testing:
Hodgdon H4350
Hodgdon H4831
Hodgdon H4831 SC
Alliant Reloder 16
Alliant Reloder 23
Vihtavuori N160
Vihtavuori N550
Vihtavuori N555
This is just a short list of what we believe are the core powders that will burn and work efficiently in the 7 FCP. There are plenty of other powders that also can work, yet they may be temperature sensitive and or not burn efficiently in the case.”
What Velocities Are Optimal?
F-Class products observes: “With the 180 grain Berger bullet we see accuracy from 2920-2980 FPS muzzle velocity. With the 190 grain Hornady A-Tip bullet we see accuracy from 2860-2900 FPS.”
What Twist Rates Do You Recommmend?
F-Class Products recommends a 1:8.5″-twist barrel. An 8-twist can work, yet the accuracy nodes may be narrower than the 8.5 twist. A 9-twist barrel can also work if you are shooting a 184 grain bullet or less. These twist rates are recommended for lead cored bullets. If you are planning on shooting a solid copper bullet, consult the bullet manufacture for recommended twist rates for that particular bullet.
What Is the Parent Case?
The parent case of the 7 FCP is a 6.5 PRC. The 6.5 PRC is a magnum case that has a head diameter of 0.532″ and has a overall length of 2.020″. It is the same overall length as the 7 RSAUM but with a smaller diameter body, hence without improving it, you will get not get the case capacity of a 7 RSAUM case, and therefore you will not get the velocities that the 7 RSAUM produces either.
Hornady 7mm PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) ammo has been recognized as Best New Ammunition by the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) in partnership with the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA). Hornady received the award on October 24, 2023, at the Annual Appreciation and Caliber Awards during the NASGW Expo and Annual Meeting.
About the 7mm PRC Cartridge
Hornady states: “The 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge …delivers long, heavy for caliber bullets in a standard long action. Fitting the niche between the 6.5 PRC and the 300 PRC, the 7mm PRC features temperature-stable, magnum speed propellants for consistent velocity and longer barrel life. Factory rifles are available or simply swap the barrel on your 7mm Rem Mag or 300 Win Mag and reap the benefits of this long-action, centerfire rifle cartridge.”
Hornady 7mm PRC loaded ammunition is currently available in three load types:
7mm PRC 160 gr CX Outfitter
7mm PRC 180 gr ELD Match
7mm PRC 175 gr ELD-X Precision Hunter
“We are honored to receive the Caliber Award for Best New Ammunition,” stated Seth Swerczek, Hornady Communications Manager. “The 7mm PRC was a passion project for us and the success of this cartridge is truly gratifying,” he added.
“Side-Spiking”, as the words suggest, refers to moving your patch spiking position from the center of the patch towards the corner of a square patch or the edge of a round patch.
On our main 
The 7mm-08 Rem is a popular cartridge derived from the .308 Winchester necked down to 7mm. In 1980, Remington Arms popularized the cartridge by applying its own name and offering it as a chambering for their Model 788 and Model 700 rifles. Of cartridges derived from the original .308 Win, the 7mm-08 is the second most popular after the .243 Winchester.
How Does the 7 FCP’s Case Capacity Compare?
