Winchester’s new “Introduction to Ammunition — Ammo 101” is a four-part series including custom illustrations and information for four major ammunition categories: rifle, pistol, rimfire, and shotshell. The Ammo 101 series provides a detailed overview of centerfire rifle, centerfire pistol, rimfire, and shotshell ammunition, showcasing ammunition construction, components, calibers, and common usage. The Ammo 101 resource is free to download from Winchesters.mediaassets.com. Or, simply click one or more diagrams below. Each image will launch a large PDF which you can print or download.
TIP: Click Each Image for Full-Screen Printable PDF
Shown below are the first four ammunition information sheets prepared by Winchester. These show all the key components of cartridges and shotshells, and explain the functions. These diagrams are useful for training, and for persons getting started in reloading.
Ammo 101 Centerfire Rifle Cartridge Diagram (click for PDF)
Ammo 101 Rimfire Cartridge Diagram (click for printable PDF)
Ammo 101 Pistol Cartridge Diagram (click for printable PDF)
Ammo101 Shotshell Diagram (click for printable PDF)
About the Ammo 101 Series
The FREE Ammo 101 resources can help instructors nationwide who introduce new entrants to the shooting sports and hunting. Instructors can incorporate these resources into their training presentations, use them as handouts, or have them printed locally.
“The basics of ammunition… is what we want to deliver with the Ammo 101 series,” said Matt Campbell, Winchester V.P. of Sales & Marketing. “With millions of people across the United States starting their journey in the shooting sports as new firearm owners, providing easy-to-understand information on ammunition types is one way we can help educate our customers.”
Can you form a wildcat cartridge such as the 6 Dasher without expending primer, powders, and bullets? Absolutely. Using the hydro-forming method you can form improved cases in your workshop with no firing whatsoever, so there is no wear on your precious barrel. Watch this video to see how it’s done:
6 Dasher Case Hydro-Forming Demonstration:
Forum member Wes J. (aka P1ZombieKiller) has produced a helpful video showing how to form Dasher cases use the Hornady Hydraulic forming die kit. This includes a two-part die (body and piston), and a special shell holder. To form the case, you insert a primer in your virgin brass, top the case off with with a fluid (water or alcohol), then run the case up into the Hydro-forming die. A few stout whacks with a hammer and your case is 95% formed.
This same procedure can be accomplished with a Whidden Gunworks 6mm Dasher hydraulic form die. We like the Whidden hydro-forming die for its production quality and consistent results. This Whidden system works great according to our Forum members.
Hydro-Forming Procedure Step-by-Step:
1. Insert spent primer in new 6mmBR brass case.
2. Fill with water or alcohol (Wes prefers alcohol).
3. Wipe excess fluid off case.
4. Place case in special Hornady shell-holder (no primer hole).
5. Run case up into Hydraulic forming die.
6. Smack top piston of forming die 3-4 times with rubber mallet or dead-blow hammer.
7. Inspect case, re-fill and repeat if necessary.
8. Drain alcohol (or water) into container.
9. Remove primer (and save for re-use).
10. Blow-dry formed case. Inspect and measure formed case.
Wes achieves very uniform cartridge OALs with this method. He measured ten (10) hydro-formed 6 Dasher cases and got these results: two @ 1.536″; 2 @ 1.537″; and 6 @ 1.538″.
Three or Four Whacks Produces a 95%-Formed Case
With a Whidden or Hornady hydro-forming die, hydraulic pressure does the job of blowing out the shoulders of your improved case. The process is relatively simple. Place a spent primer in the bottom of a new piece of brass. Fill the case with water, and then slip it into a special Hornady shell-holder with no hole in the middle. Then you run the case up into the forming die. Now comes the fun part. You gently insert a plunger (hydraulic ram) from the top, and give it three or four stiff whacks with a mallet (or better yet, a dead-blow hammer). Remove the plunger and you have a 95% formed case, ready to load.
Special Shell-Holder
Hornady supplies a shell holder made specifically for the hydro die; there’s no hole in the bottom of it. Just insert a spent primer into the primer pocket and you’re ready to go. The spent primer, combined with the solid shell holder, keeps the water from seeping out of the primer pocket. The primer pushes out a little bit during this process, but it’s impossible for it to come out because of the way the shell holder is designed. The shell holder has a grove which allows the case to slide out of the shell holder even when the primer protrudes a bit.
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. Midsouth — LEE Tools, Presses, Dies on Sale, 10%-30% OFF
⏺ Major sale on full range of LEE products — presses, dies, and more
LEE Precision makes a variety of very useful reloading tools at affordable prices. Some of the latest LEE priming tools and loading presses, with case feeders, are a great addition to your loading bench. In addition, LEE seating dies work great for pistol cases and the LEE collet dies offer unique functionality. Right now, at Midsouth, save 10%-30% on LEE Precision products.
2. MidwayUSA — 15% Off All Qualifying Vortex Optics
⏺ Major sale on scopes, spotters, LRFs, binoculars and more
Vortex offers a full range of scopes for hunters, tactical shooters, and long-range competitors. Right now you can save 15% on a wide range of Vortex products at MidwayUSA. That 15% savings is on top of significantly discounted prices. CLICK HERE to see featured Vortex rifle scopes, spotting scopes, laser rangefinders, and binoculars on sale. Use Code VTX0601023 for the 15% Off Savings.
3. Midsouth — Frankford Tumbler Lite + Depriming Tool, $119.99
⏺ Depriming Tool and Tumbler Work Great, save $45 with COMBO
The Frankford Arsenal Depriming Tool and Tumbler Lite are both excellent products. With the hand depriming tool you can knock out primers while watching TV. Spent primers are collected in the removable clear catch tube — so no mess on your press or loading bench. The Tumbler Lite is great for tumbling with liquid media to get your cases bright and shiny. Right now you can save $45 by getting the $119.99 Combo Pack from Midsouth.
4. Palmetto State Armory — 4th of July Sale, Save 30-50%
⏺ Major savings on 60+ items — lowers, optics, ammo and more
5. CDNN Sports — Winchester Wildcat with Optic, $249.99
⏺ Fun rimfire rifle complete with optic — good owner reviews
Here is a fun little semi-auto .22 LR rifle at a crazy low price — $249.99 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 rails, 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 with threaded barrel for $229.99 on sale.
6. Midsouth — 23% Off SnapSafe Pistol Vaults, $79.99/$99.99
⏺ Major savings on popular handgun safes for home and office
If you have a handgun for security of your home or office, you want it readily available but still ultra-secure. A quality pistol vault serves that purpose. Right now you can save $60 (27%) on the SnapSafe Dropbox Vault, or save $40 (23%) on the SnapSafe Two-Gun Vault. These handgun vaults feature a programmable keypad with back-up mechanical key access. Both vaults are made from strong 16ga steel.
7. Amazon — Allen Deluxe Rifle Case, $75.99
⏺ Quality case for long-barreled hunting rifles, PRS rifles, and shotguns
This Allen Long Gun Case in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo has three large external pockets. This case fits scoped rifles (and other long guns) up to 50 inches overall. Well-made, with lots of features, this gun case has earned 84% 5-Star ratings from verified purchasers. Right now this handsome case is $75.99 on Amazon, a 22% discount.
8. Academy Sports — Sports Afield 64-Gun Safe, $799.99
⏺ Excellent deal on big, 40″-wide safe with six looking bolts
Here’s an excellent, large gunsafe with good user reviews, priced at $799.99. That’s 33% OFF the regular $1199.99 price, a great deal. Rated for 64 guns, this Sports Afield safe measures 55″ high x 40″ wide and comes with a door organizer with 6 handgun pockets and long gun holder. Weighing 374 pounds, this safe rivals other safes costing $1400 or more. It is waterproof and has a 30-minute fire resistance rating.
9. Natchez — Frankford Quick-N-Easy Case Tumbler Kit, $79.99
⏺ Combo Kit works great and is very good value right now
Keeping your brass clean is important (and essential if you anneal). If you’re looking for a new, affordable setup to clean cartridge brass, consider the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler Master Kit. You get everything needed to dry-tumble your brass and remove the media. This is all available now for a very low $79.99. You could pay that much for a good vibratory tumbler alone, yet this combo kit includes tumbler, media separator, bucket, brass polish, and media.
Many shooters prefer to deprime their brass before resizing. That way they can tumble cases or keep primer debris off their main press. To deprime cases before sizing or cleaning you can use a Decapping Die. This pushes out the spent primer without changing the neck or body of a case. Such decapping dies work fine, but they do require the use of a press. Here is a handy alternative — a cool tool that allows you to deprime brass anywhere — no press needed.
Handheld Primer Removal Tool From Frankford Arsenal
This cleverly-designed Hand Deprimer Tool allows you to deprime cartridge cases without a press. This hand-tool from Frankford Arsenal will deprime brass and capture primers conveniently. You can deprime your cases while watching TV or relaxing in your favorite chair.
This device lets you remove spent primers anywhere — no press needed and all the mess (cups/anvils/residue) stays in the capture chamber. This tool comes works with nearly all common case types up to .338 Lapua Magnum. With good leverage, this tool does the job quickly and efficiently. Forum members have praised this handy tool, but recommend wearing a thick glove if doing more than 100 cases in a session.
This handy depriming tool is very versatile. With a universal, cylinder-style cartridge-holder, the tool can deprime a wide variety of cartridge types from .20 caliber up to .338 caliber. Three different plastic collets are provided to handle for different diameter cases. Spent primers are captured in a removable spent primer catch tube. Simply twist off the clear catch tube to dump the spent primers. With die-cast metal construction, this tool should last through many thousands of depriming cycles. MSRP is $54.99. Right now it is $47.98 on Amazon with 82% 5-star ratings.
User Modifications — Grip Padding and High-Volume Capture
Many users recommended putting some kind of padding on the grip and front lever to reduce pressure on the fingers. This can be done with a wrap or a rubber covering. In addition, users have adapted the unit with an attached hose and large primer capture jug. If you depriming hundreds of cases at a time, this hose conversion may make sense.
Review from actual owner: “I have owned one of these for about eight years and deprimed over 10,000 cases with this tool. I have never had to replace a single part on it. You will have to adjust the return spring every so often, but that is a very easy task. If you are depriming a LOT of brass, the handle can tear up your hand a bit. Solution: Wear a Mechanics Glove. Easy Peasy! You will NOT regret this purchase.”
How to Adapt Tool for Small Flash Hole Brass
The Frankford Arsenal Deprimer Tool was designed for LARGE flash-hole brass. To deprime brass with small (1.5mm/0.59″) small flash-holes, as found on Lapua .220 Russian and 6mmBR cases, you will need to reduce the pin diameter. Frankford Arsenal currently recommends purchasing a replacement pin and “sanding it down” to the smaller diameter. NOTE: This is NOT difficult — simply spin the stock pin in some sandpaper.
If you’ve considering a big purchase at Brownells, here are money-saving codes. Brownells is offering $140 Off a $1000+ purchase, $60 Off a $500+ purchase, $20 Off a $200+ purchase, 10% (or $15) Off a $150+ purchase, and $10 Off a $100 purchase. It’s simple to get these discounts — there are no buyers’ clubs to join, no forms to fill out. Just use the appropriate Discount Code during online check-out. You can also use CODE CARTSHIP to get FREE Shipping for orders over $149 (with some restrictions).
Listed below are the Codes to use. Simply use the appropriate Code for your purchase at Brownells.com. NOTE: Most of these codes have no listed expiration date, so Brownells could terminate them at any time. Accordingly, we recommend you do your shopping soon. Also if the highest value code no longer works, try a lesser value CODE.
Coupon Code: CART30 — $30 off $200
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Free Shipping with EDGE Program
NOTE: If you join the Brownells EDGE Program for $49.95 (12 months) you’ll get FREE 2-DAY SHIPPING on most orders. There is also discounted overnight shipping for many items.
With a $49.95 EDGE Membership, orders ship directly free of charge — every order, no matter how many. Most orders qualify for FREE 2-DAY SHIPPING. Your membership will pay for itself after only a few orders! Also Brownells typically charges a $10 processing fee on orders containing FFL items. However, with an Edge membership, the $10 FFL processing fee is waived every time.
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.
This RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit makes it easy to get started reloading — with everything you need into one package. The kit includes: RockChucker Supreme Master Reloading Press, Universal Case Loading Block, .17-.60 Debur Tool, M500 Mechanical Scale, Uniflow III Powder Measure, Hand Priming Tool, Hex Key Set, Case Lube Kit, Powder Funnel, and Speer Reloading Manual. Right now this kit is just $343.99, a 33% savings!
2. MidwayUSA — Vortex Optics Sale with 15% Savings
⏺ Major Savings plus 15% Discount Code: VTX060123
If you’re in the market for a new scope, spotting scope, or red dot sight, check out the Midway Vortex Optics Sale. A wide variety of optics products are on sale this week with a special 15% Off promotion. Hunters should check out the Fury HD5000 Rangefinding Binoculars. These are now $1499.99 — $500 off MSRP. NOTE: Along with the discounted list prices, on qualifying Vortex optics you get an additional 15% Off with Discount Code VTX060123.
3. EuroOptic — Sako S20 Close-out Sale, Save $400-$600
⏺ Save HUNDREDS on outstanding SAKO S20 rifles, multiple calibers
The SAKO S20 is a truly outstanding hunting rifle. It offers a smooth action, great trigger, excellent accuracy, and a convertible stock. Right now at EuroOptic.com you can save $400-$600 on a new SAKO S20 in a variety of popular chamberings. 15 different caliber/stock combinations are on sale, with discounts from $450-$600. Shown above are six notable deals, but there are many more. CLICK HERE to see all S20 Close-out offerings.
4. Locked & Loaded — SAR USA 9mm Pistol w/optic, $319.99
⏺ Accurate, 9mm pistol with installed Red Dot at great price
Here’s a quality 9mm pistol with a slide-mounted red dot sight for under $320 — a truly great deal. This SAR USA Mete 9mm pistol comes complete with a modern red dot sight fitted on the slide. This pistol features a Safari tan frame, black slide, and 17-round magazine. If you want to get started in IDPA or action pistol competition, this is a great option. The SAR pistol grip is very comfortable with good ergonomics — better than Glock in our opinion.
5. Graf & Sons — Caldwell Accumax Carbon Fiber Bipod Sale
⏺ Save up to 23% on carbon-legged bipods
Caldwell Accumax Carbon Fiber Bipods offer excellent performance for the price — and you can save 13% to 23% right now at Grafs.com. Caldwell’s Carbon Fiber Bipods feature quick-deployment carbon fiber legs with 90-degree forward or backward locking with spring-loaded buttons. The Premium Carbon Fiber Bipod also features an omni-directional ball mount for 360-degree panning, a lever lock handle for fast adjustments, and twist-lock leg length adjustments. Seven different Caldwell carbon bipods are on sale.
⏺ New advanced turret with wedges to hold multiple die diameters
The T-7 Adaptive Press is the result of collaboration between Creedmoor Sports and Redding. The Creedmoor Sports T-7 Adaptive Press combines the time-tested Redding T-7 turret press with the precision-machined, stainless steel Creedmoor Sports Adaptive Press Head. The T-7 Adaptive Press incorporates an innovative Wedge die insert system. This allow handloaders to use more robust 1-1/4″ dies as well as standard 7/8″ dies.
7. Amazon — Digital Micrometer, $39.99
⏺ Very good unit for the price, with nice, large display
Want to upgrade to a digital micrometer? The REXBETI Digital Micrometer is a very good value at $39.99. With accuracy to 0.0001″, this will provide ultra-precise measurements. The unit is easy to use and has a large, clear LCD display. This comes with a nice hard case for storage and protection. NOTE — this type of micrometer does NOT work for measuring case-wall thickness. You’ll need a ball micrometer for that task.
8. Palmetto SA — Leupold Binoculars and Harness Kit, $119.99
⏺ Save 40% now on Leupold Binoculars and Harness
Hunters and varminters need binoculars. A great option is the Leupold BX-1 Timberline 10×42 Binoculars with Go Afield Harness. Right now this combo is just $119.99, a 40% savings off the regular $199.99 price. But act soon — we expect this deal to expire soon. These Leupold binoculars offer solid reliability and quality glass in a lightweight package. This combo includes the excellent, adjustable GO Afield binocular harness, that will hold your binocs and other items securely all day long.
9. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Brass Dryer, $54.49
⏺ Very good brass drying unit, now with a big discount
Do you wet-tumble your brass but hate drying it? For a fast and easy way to dry cartridge brass, we like the Frankford Arsenal Brass Dryer. The-top mounted fan and temperature adjustment of up to 160 degrees allows for quick drying of up to 1000 pieces of brass. There are 5 removable, internal trays. That makes it convenient to dry multiple types of brass at the same time.
10. Amazon — Walker’s Slim Electronic Muffs, From $39.99
⏺ These NRR23 muffs have earned excellent customer reviews
All shooters need quality ear protection — and electronic muffs are a good option. The Walker’s Slim Electronic Muffs, with 23 dB Noise Reduction Rating, offer excellent performance for the price. These ear muffs protect against hazardous noises, while still letting you hear range commands. These comfortable, low-profile design muffs have earned an 86% 5-star rating among buyers. A number of color options are offered, starting at $39.99. One recent buyer posted: “At this price point, these are as good as it gets. They do a great job at the gun range and allow you to still talk to people at a normal conversational level.”
Here’s an positive report about a major gun industry company giving back to the shooting sports community. Winchester has shown its support for the First Shots training program by donating 40,000 rounds of rimfire ammunition. That .22 LR ammo will help thousands of new shooters hone their skills. “We fully support the mission of the program, and this ammunition donation will allow for new participants to engage and learn”, said Jason Gilbertson, Director of Marketing for Winchester Ammunition.
NSSF’s First Shots is an introductory and refresher program made available through host ranges across the country. By providing educational experiences that are safe and fun, host ranges are attracting first-time shooters and bringing back folks who have not shot in some time. Surveys show that more than 43% of First Shots participants become regular shooting sports participants. CLICK HERE to find a First Shots program near you (state by state searchable directory).
NSSF provides host ranges with program materials and promotional resources to help offset overall event expenses. Shooting range operators and firearm instructors can learn how to get involved with First Shots by visiting the NSSF First Shots webpage, or clicking the graphic below:
“NSSF’s First Shots program is grateful to Winchester for its generous donation of ammunition,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Member Development. “As a result of Winchester’s support of First Shots, many first-time and novice target shooters will gain experience in handling and using firearms safely. Americans in growing numbers are eager to learn about firearm ownership, and First Shots has been designed to assist them by providing education in the classroom and experience on the firing line.”
Birchwood Casey Donates 10,000 Targets to First Shots Program
Along with Winchester providing ammunition, Birchwood Casey has provided 10,000 targets to the First Shots Program. Along with the donated targets, NSSF provides First Shots host ranges with program materials and promotional resources. Participants are provided handbooks, safety literature, plus hearing and eye protection for their time spent on the range.
This video features the Shoot-N-C Handgun Training Target. This target’s labeled impact zones help diagnose hold/sighting/trigger issues. Pistol shooters can improve their skills quickly using such targets. Birchwood Casey also makes excellent rifle targets.
What’s better than a super-accurate 6BR rifle? Well, two super-accurate 6BRs. This week we feature a pair of tack-drivers owned Forum member Mark Schronce. These “Brothers in Arms” share similar stocks, but otherwise the components are different. Mark’s 17-lb gray laminate Light Gun features a Hall action, HV taper barrel, and muzzle brake. The 21-lb Heavy Gun, in “Desert Camo” laminate, boasts a trick dual-port BAT action, and full-contour 30″ barrel without brake. Both guns shoot tiny groups, track like they’re on rails, and give Mark a serious hardware advantage in club competition.
Mark provides this report: “The Light Gun started as my 22-250 AI varmint gun, with a Hall action and McMillan Hunter Benchrest stock. I wanted to build a proper Egg Shoot gun, so I had Richard Franklin (Richard’s Custom Rifles) chamber a Lilja 12-twist in 6mm BR Norma, with a .262″ neck. Using Fowler 80gr FB bullets, the gun shot great right out of the gate. (See my report, Egg Shoots and 600-yard 6 BR). I was curious about the heavier 6mm bullets, so I had Richard chamber and fit a 1:8″ Krieger in 6BR. But this time we went with a .271″ no-turn neck. The Krieger holds quarter-MOA with the heavy bullets, and, to my surprise, it shot the 80s as well as the 12-twist Lilja did. For the 2005 season, I ordered one of Richard’s latest 008 F-Class stocks. This new design is very comfortable to shoot and it’s much more stable in the bags than my old Hunter stock. That added stability will be a big plus for 600- and 1000-yard benchrest matches.
A Heavy Gun for 1000-yard BR and “Belly Benchrest” (F-Class)
I’ve been active in 1000-yard Benchrest for a few years, shooting my 6mm BS and 6mm BR Light gun in both Light and Heavy classes. I wanted to build a rifle for the Heavy Gun Class yet stay within the 22-lb F-Class limit. And I wanted it to have the best hardware I could buy. On a BAT ‘MB’ action (with Jewell trigger) we fitted a 30″ 8-twist 3-groove Lilja, 1.250″ diameter, no muzzle brake. Richard cut the chamber for 6mm BR Lapua Brass, .271″ no-turn neck, throated for Sierra 107gr MKs, matching my current Light Gun. The stock is a pillar-bedded Richard’s 008 1000-yd/F-Class model, with 10 coats of auto clearcoat, all work by Richard. Burris Zee rings hold a Leupold 8.5-25×50 LRT mounted on a BAT one-piece Weaver base. The Heavy Gun weighs in at 21 lbs, much lighter than most Heavy Guns (50 to 100 lbs). But with the 6BR’s light recoil, it’ll do just fine for long range, yet still make weight for F-Class.
Why a 6mm BR Chambering in a Heavy Gun?
I toyed with the idea of going with a 6BR Improved for Heavy Gun, but I’m not convinced the Improveds are worth the extra hassle of fire-forming, not to mention the added cost of custom dies. By way of background, I used to have a Rem-actioned rifle chambered in 6BR BS (Bill Shehane), which is very similar to the 6BR Dasher. I found the 6BR BS was only about 100 fps faster than a standard 6BR. For the shooting I do, that extra 100 fps is not critical. If, in the future, I feel I need more speed, I will go to a .243 AI or a 6.5-284. To be honest, I love the 6BR cartridge. Barrels last forever, and the accuracy can’t be beat. Yes a 6BR is a little light for everyday 1000-yard shooting, but on good days it can set world records. I may move up to a 6.5-284 some day, but for now I will stay with the standard 6mm BR. If I ever do want to go to a bigger caliber, the 8.5-inch BAT Machine MB action gives me this option.
Hall vs. BAT Light vs. Heavy
Comparing the two actions’ bolt lift, lock-up, fit, and finish, I feel they are equally good. However, the BAT can run stout loads with Federal 205 primers — loads that cratered Fed 205s with the Hall. I don’t know if this is a function of the actions’ engineering, or the barrels. I’ve got a Lilja on the BAT, while the Hall wears a Krieger. I do know the BAT has a tight-fitting firing pin, and that might make a difference.
Both my actions have a built-in recoil lug — a really nice feature when you are changing barrels, and one of the main reasons I favor custom actions over a Remington. I think anyone would be pleased with either the BAT or the Hall.
There is a big difference in shooting a Light Gun vs. a Heavy Gun, as you might expect. The Heavy Gun is more stable and recoils straight back. However, even at 21 pounds, the Heavy Gun actually recoils harder into your shoulder than the muzzle brake-equipped Light Gun. But if you take the Light Gun’s brake off, and put the action back in the old Hunter bench stock, the gun would jump, torque and roll. It’s much better with the 008 stock now, but still not as rock solid as the Heavy Gun. On recoil the 21-pounder just tracks straight back, no jumping, no yaw, no rolling–very impressive.
Load Development and Accuracy Results
Developed last year, my favorite Light Gun load is 30.5 grains Varget, CCI BR4 primers, and 106gr Clinch River VLDs, running 2825 fps. The Light Gun shoots other bullets very well, but the Clinch Rivers performed best, with groups in the 0.1s to the low 0.2s at 100 yds. I use Lapua brass of course.
I began my load development for the Heavy Gun with components I had from last year: Varget, N140, and N540 powders, plus Fed 205, CCI BR4, and CCI 450 primers. I also had a good selection of bullets: 95gr and 105gr Bergers, 105gr Lapua Scenars, 106gr Clinch Rivers, and 107gr Sierra MKs.
The Heavy Gun liked the Bergers right from the start. During break-in and fire-forming (with 95gr Bergers 0.20” into the lands, 30.0gr Varget and CCI 450s), the rifle shot in the low 0.2s at 100 yds, 0.3s at 200 yds, with a 0.182″ small group at 200 yards (see photo). I then moved up to the heavier bullets and again the Bergers stole the show. Best load for the Berger 105s (seated 0.15″ into the lands) was 30.5 grains Varget and Fed 205s at 2850 fps. At 100 yards, this recipe shot in the 0.1s to the low 0.2s with a small group of 0.089″. (By the way, this same load in my Hall Light Gun would crater the Fed 205 primers. I may have to change to CCI BR4 primers for the hot summer days.) After working with the 105s I wanted to see how the Heavy Gun performed with lighter bullets. I tried my favorite Egg Shoot and 600-yard load–80gr Fowlers pushed by 31.5 grains of Vihtavuori N135 with Fed 205 primers. The results were fantastic. The big BAT produced a 100-yard aggregate (five, 5-shot groups) in the 0.2s with an 0.129″ small group. Overall, at 200 yards, both guns could agg five 5-shot groups in the 0.3s and 0.4s. Eggs Beware!
Big, Strong, and Versatile ‘MB’ Action by BAT Machine
I looked at all the custom actions, and decided on a BAT model ‘MB’, configured Right Bolt, Left Port, Right Eject. The ‘MB’ action has some pretty unique features, including an integral recoil lug on the underside, and a recessed tenon (i.e. the threads start 1″ from the front of the receiver). The action is 8.5″ long, but with a 7.5″ bolt. The extra inch is added to the front. That provides extra bedding surface and room for a third pillar. The 8.5″ action length gives me the option to go up to a 6.5-284, while the dual ports should help give me the speed I need for the 10-round strings in Heavy Class. Also I can load from either side for F-Class.
Why did I choose a BAT? First, BAT quality is second to none. Moreover, BAT will custom-configure your port(s) and bolt for the same price, no added fees. Other action-makers charge extra for anything other than your basic Right Bolt, Right Port. This makes the BAT about the same price as a Stolle or Nesika, if you want a set-up like mine. The right-side ejection port is slightly smaller than the left feed port, but I can still feed 6BR cases from either side if I wish. The MB action is so big, the little BR case runs out of ejector as soon as the case leaves the chamber, so I push the case out to the right as I load the next round from the left. The BAT will eject a loaded 6BR round just fine, but a fired case only ejects sometimes. This action would work great with a longer round, such as a .243 AI or 6.5-284. If you want completely reliable 6BR ejection, you’ll need a smaller BAT action. But then, like my Hall standard action, the port would be too small for a 6.5-284.
Richard’s #008 Stock — How it Handles
The 008 stock is the best design I’ve ever shot off the bench. I like to hold my guns, and the 008’s grip profile gives me the control I like. The trigger is close enough for my short fingers. The underside of the buttstock is flat and completely straight (parallel to the barrel), so the gun tracks straight back. During recoil, the scope stays on target, making for quicker recovery time. In the picture at left, you can see that the underside of the fore-arm is relieved in the middle with raised strips on the left and right. These “rails” make for less surface area contacting the bags, less friction, and more consistent recoil. The high comb on the stock allows better prone shooting. For now, the stock is fine for what prone shooting I do. But if I do get seriously into into F-class I may want to add an adjustable comb or cheekpad. We’ll see.
Plans for Competition — The Lure of Hickory Groundhog Shoot Dollars
Some years ago, after building this pair of accurate 6mmBR rifles, Mark Schronce told us: “I can’t wait to see how this pair perform at long range. I will also take the Light Gun to the big Hickory GroundHog match in April, but I may put the barreled action back in the Hunter stock. This year you have to use bipods or sand bags, no front rest. [Editor: that is no longer the rule.] I don’t know if want to drill into my pretty new 008 stock for a bipod mount. I’ll let you know how it goes, and hopefully I’ll come back with some loot from the Shoot.” NOTE — that year Hickory offered about $8000 worth of prizes.
Talented shooter Mitchell Fitzpatrick of Applied Ballistics topped a field of over 280 competitors to win the 2023 Nightforce Extreme Long Range (ELR) Steel Challenge in Wyoming last week. The prestigious Nightforce ELR match was held June 9-11 in Glenrock, Wyoming, at the Tillard 55 Ranch. During the three-day match competitors shot 20 different stages with targets placed from 725 yards to 2125 yards. Awards were given for both individuals and teams.
Finishing third overall was Team Vihtavuori member Francis Colon who stated: “Not all challenges are created equal — in this case it was a last minute need for some extra help to run the Applied Ballistics LLC Mobile Lab at the Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge in Wyoming. Normally, I have months of advance notice to prep a rifle, barrels, and ammo for matches. However, in this case, I had less than a week and half to get a new rifle built, broken in, and begin learning to shoot a Barrett MRAD in .300 Norma Magnum[.] ”
Colon explained: “With an average target distance of 1200+ yards and 10-25 mph winds, I was definitely out of my element. But the AB solver on my Kestrel 5700 continued to help me make solid solutions at all ranges. The resulting success — finishing 3rd of more than 280 shooters — [with] my friend Mitchell Fitzpatrick (below) taking first place overall, is truly incredible and humbling.”
Colon observed: “The nerve-racking uncertainty of maintaining first round impacts on 1.5-2MOA targets at distances from 800 to 2200+ yards cannot be captured in words. It was exhilarating and gratifying. Thank you to Nightforce Optics, Barrett… and thank you to SIG SAUER for the Sig Kilo 10K with Applied Ballistics Rangefinding Binos!”
Following the match, Colon commented, “I had less than a week and half to get a new rifle, break it in, and learn to shoot the heavy-recoiling .300 Norma Magnum. I used Lapua .300 NM brass and Berger .30 Cal 215gr Hybrids powered byVihtavuori N565 to create a consistent, high-performance load and it worked exactly as expected. With an average target distance of 1200+ yards and 10-25 mph winds, it was imperative that my powder and projectile be as consistent as possible to make wind calls more successful.”
“This was my first ELR match and the first time shooting this rifle beyond 100 yards. To achieve that level of performance with those hurdles to overcome is testament to the quality of the Vihtavuori, Lapua, and Berger products working together to create an incredible system,” stated Colon, who is a top ranked Precision Rifle Series (PRS) shooter.
Rimfire Varmint Adventure
Can you shoot prairie dogs with a .22 LR Rifle? The answer is yes, if you have an accurate rifle, know your drops, and keep your targets within a reasonable distance (inside 240 yards). While the .17 HMR and .17 WSM are much more potent, flat-shooting, and effective P-dog slayers, a talented marksman CAN get good results with a .22 LR rimfire rifle, as ace PRS shooter and gunsmith Jim See recently proved.
Posting on his Facebook Page on 7/9/2020, Jim wrote: “Took out the .22 LR for some LR prairie poodles, there were not many in this town, but it gave me a chance to get some impressive hits. Norma TAC-22 ammo put the smack down on a first-round hit, called head shots at 189 yards. The body-shot dog was a first-round kill at 240 yards. I had one more head shot with a second round hit at 163. The nice part about using the .22 Long Rifle ammo is the [critters] don’t spook too bad, so a follow-up shot with a correction is usually available to get a better wind hold.” Even unsuppressed, a .22 LR rimfire shot makes much less noise than a centerfire round.
NOTE: The Norma TAC-22 .22 LR ammo used by Jim See offers great bang for the buck. It is quite affordable — a 50rd box is just $4.99 at MidwayUSA. Some lots have show outstanding accuracy. These target photos (below) come from Champion Shooters Supply which may have gotten an exceptional lot. This vendor tells us: “We have found this to run very well in Ruger rifles, handguns, and target pistols. These are 5-shot groups at 50 yards with an Anschutz 1913 rifle. This is an incredible value.” Jim says the TAC-22 ammo delivers 1″ groups at 100 yards in his rifle.
Sierra Bullets has introduced a new line of loaded centerfire varmint ammunition, the Prairie Enemy series of cartridges. Sierra currently offers Prairie Enemy ammo for six cartridge types: .204 Ruger, .223 Rem, .224 Valkyrie, .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, and 6.5 Creedmoor. To celebrate this new ammo line, Sierra created a colorful Prairie Enemy P-Dog target. Click the image below to download the PDF target.
Hydro-Forming Procedure Step-by-Step:
Special Shell-Holder
Hall vs. BAT
Load Development and Accuracy Results
Big, Strong, and Versatile 
Rimfire Varmint Adventure
