Bolt Action Reloading is a popular YouTube channel that has amassed nearly 75,000 subscribers. For this Saturday Video Showcase we’ve selected six interesting videos. If you’re getting started in reloading, definitely watch the video on Five Common Mistakes. And all handloaders can benefit from the videos which covers affordable tools, all under $50.00.
Five Common Mistakes Made by Novice Handloaders
This video spotlights five (5) common mistakes made by people when they get started hand-loading ammunition. These are some of the most common errors and misconceptions that affect “newbie” reloaders. Here are the five common problems encountered by folks getting started in handloading:
1. Not Using LOAD DATA from a Reliable Source — Use verified, properly developed load data from a powder maker or bullet maker. Don’t trust private social media posts. And always start conservatively.
2. Inconsistent Case Sizing — this can be the result of sloppy die set-ups or not knowing how to measure cases correctly.
3. Cartridge Overall Length (COAL) Variances — Don’t assume that COAL book values apply to your ammo. You should measure your own cases based on your chamber, headspace, and bullet choice. AccurateShooter.com recommends you use QuickLoad or Gordon’s Reloading Tool software to help adjust loads for different COAL.
4. Hand-Loading Is Not Always a Money-Saver — For a cartridge you don’t shoot much (say a .30-06 for hunting only), hand-loading might not save you money once you count the cost of dies and tools.
5. Reloading Kits Are NOT Complete — Don’t assume that the $500 reloading kit you acquired (with press, powder measure, scale etc.) has all the components and tools you actually need. You will still need dies, comparators, and many other tools.
Primer Pocket Uniforming — Is It Worth the Time and Effort?
With Lapua and Peterson brass we have had very good results — great accuracy and with low ES and SD — using brass that has NOT had the primer pockets uniformed with some kind of cutter. We always do check to make sure there are no flakes or obstructions in the flash holes, but we generally do NOT need to cut into the pockets. But with lesser brands of brass you can benefit from uniforming your primer pockets. And yes there are some top shooters who DO uniform pockets even on premium-brand brass. That is up to you. This video explains the process for primer pocket uniforming and looks at some test results.
Developing a Load — OCW vs. 10-Round Ladder
This video talks about two methods of determining an accurate load. We include this video here because many people are curious about Optimal Charge Weight (OCW) load development. Frankly, however, we believe there are better, more reliable ways to find a good load — many people have wasted many hours and much barrel life on the OCW quest. NOTE: With a good cartridge of known accuracy, such as a 6mmBR or 6mm Creedmoor using top-quality brass, we really do NOT advocate either method described in this video. We suggest you do a search to find the best bullet choice and powder choices. Then, if you are shooting from the bench with a custom barrel, consider starting in the lands, about .003-.005 past first touch. NOT full jam!! If you are shooting in conditions where you may have to unload a round during a match, start .020″ back from first touch. Chronograph every round. Shoot three-shot groups at 100 yards, looking to keep all shots touching. Many people doing OCW waste a ton of time (and barrel life). And one bit of advice for people with average factory barrels — it may be pointless to expect anything much under 1 MOA from that barrel no matter what you do.
Handloading Cool Tools — All Under $50.00
Along with powder measure, dies, and reloading press, there are a wide variety of tools that can help achieve good results when handloading ammo. This Bolt Action Reloading video identifies ten (10) tools that can be acquired for $50.00 or less. Here is the list:
1. Check Weights (00:20) — These help ensure your scale is measuring properly.
2. Digital Calipers (00:57) — You can spend $200+ on calipers, but you can get good results from caliper that cost less than $50.00, and every reloader should have a back-up set of calipers.
3. Comparator Sets (01:26) — These are fittings that attach to calipers. Bullet Comparators are sized to fit a bullet diameter to get reliable base-to-ogive measurements. Case comparators fit the neck of the cartridge, allowing you to measure shoulder bump.
4. Stock Case Remover (02:48) — This allows you to remove a brass case that may be stuck in a die.
5. Imperial Sizing Die Wax (03:20) — There are many types of case lubricants, but Imperial Die Wax is still a popular choice and very affordable.
6. LEE Cutter and Lock Stud (03:44) — This is a cheap way to trim cases. We prefer a Forster trimmer or a deluxe power trimmer but LEE system is inexpensive.
7. Chamfering and Deburring Tools (04:38) — After brass is trimmed to length you need to chamfer and deburr the case necks. Good chamfering/deburring tools are “must have” items for hand-loaders.
8. Case Neck Brushes (05:50) — If you don’t tumble your brass it’s a good idea to brush the inside of your fired cases before seating bullets. A couple swipes is all it takes — and you may find you get more consistent seating if you leave a bit of carbon in the necks.
9. Primer Pocket Swage Gauge (Ballistic Tool) (06:24) — These little tools let you check the dimensions of your primer pockets.
10. Decapping Die (06:57) — The decapping die removes spent primers without sizing the case. This is very handy if you want to remove primers before tumbling brass. NOTE: If your cases have small-diameter flash-holes you need to check the diameter of the decapping rod.
11. Powder Trickler (07:40) — A good trickler is an absolute “must have” when manually weighing each charge. The trickler allows you to add a couple grains at a time.
12. Powder Funnel with Drop Tube (08:45) — While most folks have a basic funnel, a deluxe funnel with a drop tube helps to get a full charge and more consistent powder density.
13. Kinetic Bullet Puller (09:36) — This is like a hammer that holds a loaded round. Using kinetic energy this tool can unseat a bullet with a couple of whacks. However, if you must unload a large quantity of rounds you’ll want a cam-lock bullet puller (09:58) that works with your press.
14. Caliber Specific Reloading Trays (10:28) — These are handy if you are loading specific cartridges. There is less wobble for each round.
Setting Neck Tension with Expanders and/or Bushings
There are three main ways (in addition to collet dies), by which you can set the neck diameter on cartridge brass and thereby control neck tension or the “grip” on the seated bullet. First, the sizing die itself can reduce the neck diameter. This can be a fitted die with the neck honed to a precise diameter. Or, the die can take neck bushings, which allow a range of neck tensions via different bushing internal diameters. Because they allow a wide range of tension settings, bushing dies are popular and effective. You can also have a die that takes the neck dimension down a few thousandths, but then have an expander mandrel that brings the neck inside diameter to an exact dimension. This has the advantage of keeping the INSIDE of the neck perfectly round, with any variances in neck-wall thickness pushed to the outside. This Bolt Action Reloading video explains the use of neck bushings and expander mandrels.
Full-Length-Sizing vs. Neck-Sizing of Cases
NOTE: At AccurateShooter.com we recommend that handloaders always full-length size their brass for many important reasons. Virtually all champion shooters in multiple disciplines full-length size their brass. Full-length sizing can achieve record-setting accuracy, and, importantly, it offers consistent shoulder bump with each loading. But we know that people are curious about neck-sizing, so we are including this video.
This video compares identical charge-weight loads tested with full-length-sized 6.5 Creedmoor brass vs. neck-sized 6.5 Creedmoor brass. The tester states: “I use the 142gr Sierra Match King HPBT loaded with Alliant Reloder 16. There is velocity and group data at 150 yards. FYI, we recommend always full-length sizing most cartridge brass, bumping the shoulder about .003″ (or more if required in a semi-auto).”
For many Americans, real incomes have stayed flat in recent years, while inflation has increased the cost of living very significantly in the past three years. Accordingly, it’s important to save money whenever possible. Prices are going up, but wages aren’t following (for most of us). Here are seven ways shooters can save money on gear purchases and other shooting-related expenses.
1. Watch for Our Deals of the Week. Every Monday, in our Daily Bulletin, AccurateShooter.com offers some of the best deals to be found. We search the web to find great deals on ammo, reloading components, optics, tools, firearms, gun safes, electronics and more. It’s not unusual to find savings of 20-35% through our Deals of the Week. And many of our vendors are now offering special deals just for AccurateShooter.com readers.
2. Check Out the Forum Classifieds. There are great deals to be found every day in the AccurateShooter Shooters’ Forum. The latest deals are displayed in the right column of every Forum page. To see all the listings, browse through the Forum MarketPlace section which has four main categories:
Guns, Actions, Stocks, & Barrels
Tools, Dies, Rests, Reloading Components & Misc
Scopes, Optics, Sights, Rings, Bases Etc.
Commercial Sales by Paid Sponsors
3. Share a Ride to Matches. Fuel prices are on the rise — Regular-grade gasoline is over $5.00 per gallon in California now and around $3.50/gallon nationwide. With many shooters living 30-100 miles from the nearest range, fuel remains a big part of a shooter’s hobby budget. We’d say 90% of shooters drive solo to matches, often in large, gas-guzzling trucks. If you drive 200 miles round-trip to attend a match in a 20-mpg vehicle, you’ll burn over $35.00 worth of gasoline on your trip. That adds up. By simply sharing the ride with one fellow shooter you cut your fuel expenditures in half. And, if you alternate vehicles with a buddy from one match to the next, you save on vehicle wear and tear. At $0.55/mile (overall operating costs) consider the savings.
4. Use Discount Codes to Save. It’s always smart to check for discount codes before you buy. In the Daily Bulletin, we feature “Deals of the Week” every Monday morning, and we provide discount Coupon Codes when available. These can reduce the price substantially or lower shipping costs. Search codes for Brownells, Creedmoor Sports, EuroOptic, Graf’s, Midsouth, Powder Valley, Sportsman’s Warehouse, KYGUNCO, MidwayUSA, and Precision Reloading. Check your email also — some discount codes are only announced in email newsletters. If you can’t find a Coupon Code for your preferred vendor, visit Gun.deals and/or RetailMeNot.com. Both those sites list current coupon codes, and RetailMeNot.com covers thousands of vendors.
5. Shop for “Demo” Optics. Modern high-quality optics can easily cost $1500.00 or more, often exceeding the value of the rifle on which they are mounted. However, you can often save 20-30% by purchasing demo optics. These are normally display units used at trade shows. They may have slight ringmarks, but otherwise they are “as new”, having never been carried in the field or used on a rifle that has fired live ammo. When purchasing demo scopes, you should always ask about the warranty before consummating the sale. However, most demo scopes from name-brand manufacturers come with full factory warranties. EuroOptic.com and SWFA.com are two respected vendors that offer a good selection of demo optics.
6. Train with Rimfire Rifles. Good match-grade centerfire, hand-loaded ammo, counting premium bullets, powder, primers, and brass (figuring 10X loads), can now exceed $1.50 per round. And if your $600 (as chambered and fitted) competition barrel is toast after 1500 rounds, add $0.40 for barrel deprecation per shot. So you’re approaching two bucks a round total! By contrast, you can get quite good .22 LR target ammo for under $0.18 per round. Good rimfire barrels last a long, long time, so you don’t have to be concerned about wearing out your barrel quickly. A quality rimfire barrel can retain its accuracy for 7,000 rounds or more. If you run the ballistics, a .22 LR round at 100 yards can emulate the wind drift experienced by a centerfire cartridge at long range. This allows for effective cross-training with much less expensive ammo.
7. Take Advantage of Factory Rebates. There are some attractive rebates available right now from quality manufacturers such as Hornady, Smith & Wesson, Beretta, SIG Sauer, Walther, Winchester, and more. You have to be a bit wary because rebates are typically used to move less-popular merchandise. But some rebates apply to very wide range of merchandise, so it’s hard to go wrong. The current Smith & Wesson rebate is up to $100 and applies to rifles as well as some of the most popular S&W semi-auto pistols. Just make sure that, when you buy a product, you retain the sales slip and the original packaging (it’s also wise to print out online orders). To qualify for the rebate, you may need to mail in a product identification code found on the box, along with your original sales receipt.
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. 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 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.
Here’s an excellent reloading package with everything you need to start handloading cartridges. And right now you can save 21%. With this Hornady Lock N Load Deluxe Classic Reloading kit you get the Classic single-stage press, powder measure with stand, digital scale, hand priming tool, OAL gauge tool, calipers, loading block, bullet release “hammer”, powder trickler, funnel, chamfer/debur tool, shellholder pack, die bushings, lock rings, Hornady Reloading Manual and much more. Folks, this is a great bargain at $319.99! The same Hornady L-N-L Classic Press Kit is $369.97 on Amazon, fifty bucks more. Plus you get 500 Free bullets from Hornady with the purchase of this kit.
3. Brownells — Rock Chucker Reloading Kit, $269.99 with CODE
⏺ Kit includes press, powder measure, scale, manual and many tools
Here’s a great starter kit for any reloader, with sturdy items — such as the Rock Chucker Supreme press — that will last a lifetime. Everything you see above can be yours for just $319.99. And, with discount code “MARCH50″ you can save another $50, for a net price of just $269.99. That makes this Kit an absolute steal! The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit includes Rock Chucker Supreme Press, Primer Tool, Scale, Powder Measure, Loading Tray, Reloading Manual and more. Be sure to use the “MARCH50″ Code during checkout to lower your net cost to $269.99, making this one of the best deals of the year.
4. Winchester Wildcat with Optic, $244.99 with Rebate
⏺ Fun rimfire rifle complete with optic — rebate through 3/26/23
Here is a fun little semi-auto .22 LR rifle at a crazy low price — $244.99 complete with a mounted Red Dot Reflex optic. That includes a $25 factory rebate — the list price is $269.99. 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. The lower receiver assembly is easily removed from the upper assembly by pushing a button — no tools required. If you don’t need the optic, you can get a basic Wildcat with threaded barrel for $229.99 on sale.
Winchester Rebate: Purchase any Winchester Wildcat rifle and get $25 back via mail-in rebate. Offer valid February 23 through March 26, 2023. Go to Rebates.winchesterguns.com.
5. KYGUNCO — M&P Shield EZ or M&P9 M2.0 Laser/Light Shield
⏺ S&W carry pistols Shield EZ and M2.0 with laser/light option, $75 Rebates
KYGUNCO is running some great S&W Pistol deals this week. When you combine KYGUNCO’s price reductions with the current S&W $75 factory rebates, you can save over $120.00. Here are two impressive 9mm pistol options. We like the 9mm Shield EZ for $449.00 or just $374.00 after $75.00 S&W Rebate. Or get the 9mm Shield compact with Green Laser/Light combo for $423.87, or just $348.87 after rebate. That’s a very nice carry gun.
6. Brownells — Tax Time Bipod Sale
⏺ Major savings on wide selection of big brand optics
Now through mid-April, Brownells is featuring a large selection of bipods from four leading brands: Harris, Magpul, Accu-Tac, Atlas, and MDT. You’ll find special sales on some bipods, and a wide selection of options for others. If you need a new bipod for your tactical, hunting, or varminting rifle, check out these offerings at Brownells.
7. Graf’s — Sightron SIII LR 6-24x50mm, $849.99 (23% Off)
⏺ Major savings on wide selection of big brand optics
This is a great scope for varmint rifles. It has an MOA-2 reticle that allows easy hold off. Because it is Second Focal Plane, the reticle doesn’t enlarge with magnification so you are not obscuring small critters at distance. This scope features Sightron’s unique ExacTrack windage and elevation adjustment system, and it has a rock-solid warranty. For a SFP varmint scope, this would be one of our top choices. And now you can get significant savings at Grafs.com. This scope is now $849.99 on sale, a 23% savings. The same scope sells for $1099.99 elsewhere. If you often shoot in low light, there is a also a fully illuminated 6-24x50mm Sightron SIII with the MOA-H reticle for $999.99.
8. EuroOptic — Leica 6X Zoom Scopes, 40-42% Off
⏺ Great deal on superb long-range hunting/varminting scopes
Here are two very high-quality Leica riflescopes at big discounts. These are SFP optics with 0.1 Milrad clicks. With an amazing 6X zoom ration, there is a huge field of view at the 2.5X base magnification. Then you have 15X on the other end for long shots. The 56mm objective version is now $919.99 on sale, a 42% savings off the $1599.99 price, while the version with a 50mm objective is $899.99, a 40% discount off the regular $1499.99 price. With these deals you can save over $600 — enough to buy a rifle.
⏺ Excellent scope for varminters and grounghog matches
Looking to clean your brass and/or gun parts? The H&B Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine is a bargain at just $84.48 on Amazon. This unit features a heated tank for cleaning of cartridge brass and metal parts. The ultrasonic cavitation lifts and dissolves carbon, dirt, and any residue left on fired cases. Chose cycles from 90 to 480 seconds. Not only can you clean brass, but this unit can clean pistol slides, magazines, jewelry, and silverware. Note: This unit, an “Amazon Choice” with 84% 4- or 5-star reviews, is nearly identical to the unit Lyman has sold for $120+.
10. MidwayUSA — Real Avid AR-15 Cleaning Kit with Mat, $28.22
⏺ Great accessory for AR15s, cleaning kit and mat with diagrams
We can recommend the Real Avid AR-15 Cleaning Kit/Smart Mat for all AR owners. This includes a large, padded, oil-resistant mat with printed AR parts diagrams and a built-in parts tray. The tool kit, in zippered pouch, has key tools needed to disassemble and clean your AR. The kit also includes the Real Avid Field Guide. At $28.22, this combo set costs less than the Real Avid Cleaning Kit by itself.
Berger bullets are in high demand. It’s pretty rare to find a large inventory of Berger bullets, and even more rare to find popular Berger bullets at a significant discount. But count your blessings — right now at Precision Reloading, a wide selection of Berger bullets are on sale, with savings up to 20%. There are currently 58 Berger bullet offerings ON Sale now. Check out some of the samples below. CLICK HERE to view ALL the Berger bullets on sale. The available calibers include: .224, .243 (6mm), .257, .264 (6.5mm), .270, .284 (7mm), .308, .338, and .375.
But don’t delay — you need to act quickly. This Berger Bullets Sale concludes at 11:59 PM central time on Thursday, March 16, 2023. So you’ve got three and a half more days to grab the deals. Here are some of the most notable Berger bullet offerings, but there are dozens more deals!
NOTE: This is a PARTIAL LIST! 49 Other bullet offerings (50, 500, and 1000 ct) are on sale.
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. Brownells — Tax Time Riflescope Sale
⏺ Major savings on wide selection of big brand optics
For the next few weeks, Brownells is running its annual Tax Time Sale. You’ll see substantial savings on a wide range of products, including dozens of riflescopes. With 25 brands and countless options there’s bound to be something that fits your needs. Here are six recommended scopes on sale:
2. Palmetto SA — AR Upper and Lower with Vortex Optic, $809.98
⏺ Great deal for AR upper WITH Scope and complete lower
Are you looking to build an AR-platform rifle but want better performance than a .223 Rem? If so, check out these AR bundle packages at PSA. For just $809.98 you get a complete upper, Vortex optic, and a complete lower (with adjustable buttstock). This AR bundle includes the PSA lower, .224 Valkyrie-chambered 20″ 1:6.5″-twist barrel, complete upper with M-Lok handguard, PLUS a Vortex Eagle 1-8x24mm scope with cantilever mount. You can also grab the 6.5 Grendel upper with Vortex 4-12x44mm riflescope (and mount) for only $539.99.
3. Creedmoor Sports — Radians Hearing Protection Sale
⏺ Quality muffs and electronic in-ear hearing protection
Radians makes fantastic eye and ear protection with some of the highest rating available. Check out the Radians sale at Creedmoor Sports where you can find everything from safety glasses to custom molded earplug kits all at incredible prices.
4. Graf’s — Leupold 15-45x65mm and 20-60x85mm Spotting Scopes, $599.99 and $799.99
⏺ Save 20-25% on excellent Leupold HD Spotting Scopes
Save big right now on excellent Leupold HD spotting scopes. Get the 20-60x85mm SX4 HD PRO angled model for $799.99, a 20% savings. Or get the smaller 15-45x65mm SX4 HD PRO angled spotter for $599.99 a 25% savings. These are great deals on very high quality optics. NOTE: Graf’s also has the straight body version of these two spotting scopes for the same prices: $799.99 for the 20-45x65mm straight model and $599.99 for the 15-45x65mm straight mail.
5. Natchez — CCI and Federal Primers in Stock — Rifle and Pistol
⏺ Large quantities of hard-to-find primers in stock
Primers are difficult to source these days. And some sellers are asking crazy prices — up to $300 per thousand. If you need primers, Natchez currently has a large supply of CCI and Federal rifle and pistol primers IN STOCK at better-than-average prices. This Natchez primer sale includes a large variety of pistol and rifle primers, including high-demand CCI 450 ($92.99/1000) and CCI 400 ($89.88/1000) rifle primers. Grab these before Natchez sells out.
⏺ 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.
7. MidwayUSA — RCBS Brass Boss Case Prep Center, $139.99
⏺ Handy, multi-purpose case prep center now 20% off
Case prep is a time-consuming aspect of reloading. Save time with the RCBS Brass Boss Case Prep Center. This device allows you to do multiple operations efficiently. Six variable, high-speed rotating stations (four at <350 RPM; two at <550 RPM) offer everything from primer cleaning to chamfering necks. Right now this prep center is on sale at MidwayUSA for $139.99, a $50 discount.
8. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Brass Dryer, $54.49
⏺ Very effective case cleaner — use after wet tumbling
Wet tumbling gets brass completely clean (inside and out) but it takes time to dry those cases. You can speed up the drying process with the Frankford Arsenal Brass Dryer. Vented trays provide the best airflow and the heavy-duty 500-watt heating unit can dry brass in under an hour. Not only is it quiet but the top mounted fan and a temperature adjustment of up to 160 degrees allows for quick drying of up to 1,000 pieces of brass or utilize the 5 removable trays to dry multiple calibers at once
9. Amazon — RCBC Hand Primer Tool, $59.99
⏺ Handy tool primes all common rifle cases
Do you want to prime your brass without the hassle of something being mounted to a bench? Check out the RCBS Hand Primer and seat primers anywhere you want. The universal shell holder will accept cases from .32 ACP to .45-70 Government and the patented safety gate isolates the primer seating operation from the primer supply virtually eliminating the possibility of tray detonation.
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. To hear range commands clearly, the muffs have HD speakers. Plus there’s a handy audio jack. These muffs are comfortable and boast a 23 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR).
With the huge popularity of NRL22 and PRS rimfire matches, along with the growth of rimfire benchrest events and local rimfire fun matches, we’ve seen heightened demand for all types of .22 LR ammunition. Plus the high cost of centerfire bullets and limited availability of powders and primers has pushed many centerfire shooters into the rimfire ranks. But even with increased demand, we’ve seen ample supplies of rimfire ammo arriving at retailers, with some good deals on SK, Norma, CCI, and Aquila. Check our Deals of the Week every Monday. And definitely visit Ammoseek.com, a site that tracks dozens of vendors. With a click of a button, Ammoseek reveals the best current deals on all types of .22 LR rimfire ammunition, from bulk-pack plinking fodder to high-end Lapua, ELEY, RWS, SK, and Norma.
Find Rimfire Ammunition Fast with AmmoSeek.com
Ammoseek.com is great search service that can help you locate hard-to-find ammunition and reloading components — while saving money in the process. AmmoSeek.com monitors scores of online vendors — checking current pricing and available inventory, for pistol, rifle, and shotgun ammunition. Looking for .22 LR ammo for your rimfire trainer or NRL22 rifle? Just select “.22LR” from AmmoSeek’s “Quick Seek” menu. NOTE: In mobile view type “22LR” in the “Search Ammo by Caliber” field top center.
And here are the 3/10/2023 search results for .22 LR ammunition. Here are five of the 1000+ entries, starting with the least expensive, just 4.7 cents ($0.047) per round:
How to Search by Ammo Manufacturer and Bullet Weight
You can also search for a particular .22 LR ammunition manufacturer, and/or search by bullet weight. Just click on the “Modify Search Link”. Once you see the “Modify Search” column on the left, scroll down and you can sort by manufacturer, bullet weight in grains, price (cost per round), and/or shipping cost. Here are the first results of a search for SK .22 LR rimfire ammunition:
Midsouth Shooters has a large selection of Rimfire Ammunition in stock, including SK Ammo:
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 — Krieger and Bartlein Pre-Fit Barrels
⏺ Great quality pre-fit barrels, ready to mount to your rifle
Do you own a Kelbly, 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 Krieger or Bartlein Pre-Fit Barrel from Bullet Central. On BulletCentral.com you’ll find a wide range of barrels in various calibers for multiple action types. Place your order for professionally-chambered, custom-grade barrels that you can install yourself.
2. KYGUNCO — S&W M&P 15-22 Bundle, $414.99 with Rebate
⏺ Get 15-22 Rifle with $75 Rebate, plus S&W Carry Case, eye/ear protection
Smith & Wesson’s M&P 15-22 is a great rimfire AR clone — a good choice for NRL22 and/or rimfire 3-Gun games. Currently KYGUNCO is offering a great special bundle with 15-22 rifle, S&W logo carry case, Walker Sport Glasses, and Surefire EPE Ear protection. The rifle is complete with Magpul folding sights plus M-LOK handguard. Note the $489.99 S&W 15-22 Bundle price (before rebate) is listed on KYGUNCO’s Tax Time Sale Flyer. However the web site is still showing a $496.07 pre-rebate price. Either way this rifle bundle qualifies for FREE Shipping.
3. Midsouth — SK Rimfire Ammo Sale
⏺ Very good ammo that works great for NRL22 and local fun matches
SK makes excellent .22 LR ammo. We have friends competing in NRL22 and SK is their top choice — as it offers great accuracy at an affordable price. Right now SK Ammo is on Sale at Midsouth. Get a 50rd box of SK Semi-Auto for $7.99 or choose SK High Velocity, just $86.99 for 500 rounds. We’ve found SK ammo performs better than some other brands at $10-$11 per box.
⏺ Great deals on durable AR500 steel targets — watch video below right
Caldwell’s new 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 are on sale now on Amazon, starting at just $19.99 for the 5″ Gong Target.
5. Amazon — Midland-EX37VP Radio Kit (Set of 2), $49.99
⏺ Quality Walkie-Talkies with good range and special Emergency functions
Having a good 2-way communication system is vital when hunting or wilderness hiking. And a pair of walkie-talkies really helps during shooting practices when a buddy goes downrange to set targets. A very good 2-Way radio system is the Midland-EX37VP E+Ready Emergency Two-Way Radio Kit. These walkie-talkies have a 26 mile range and feature 22 FRS (Family Radio Service) channels, along with channel scan. With this kit you get vital E+Ready Emergency functionality, plus NOAA weather alerts — important in the event of a natural disaster.
6. Dick’s Sporting Goods — Fortress Safes on Sale
⏺ Great prices on Fortress safes — the big safe is a real bargain
Here are two great gun safe deals. The jumbo-sized Fortress 64+4 Gun Safe will hold up to 64 guns in the main interior, plus four more on the door. It is currently $200 off, discounted to $999.98. With scoped guns, or those with wide forearms or pistol grips, knock that max number down to about 35 guns. That’s still an impressive capacity. This big Fortress-brand safe weighs 545 lbs., measures 56.5″ H x 41″ W x 25″ D, and is fire-rated at 1400°F for 30 minutes. If you are looking for a smaller, secondary safe, the Fortress 12-gun Fire Safe is currently $499.98 on sale ($100 off). This weighs 247 lbs. and is 55.1″ H x 19″ W x 15.3″ D. It is fire-rated at 1200°F for 30 minutes.
If you need a home defense shotgun, but have a tight budget, check out this TR Imports Silver Eagle Inertia One 12ga semi-auto with 18.5″ barrel. This has all the key features you need — fitted sights (adjustable rear, Fiber Optic front), Picatinny rail on top of the action, and pistol grip. This shotgun even comes with a convenient case with four choke tubes. Capacity is 4+1, Weight is 7.8 lbs, and OAL is 38.5″.
8. Grafs.com — Frankford Platinum Case Prep Center, $99.99
⏺ Versatile, easy-to-use unit with 4 powered heads
Grafs.com now has the Frankford Platinum Case Prep Center for $99.99 on SALE (19% Off). This aluminum-body unit features 4 powered tool stations and comes with: (1) inside chamfer tool; (1) outside deburring tool; (1) small primer pocket scraper; and (1) large primer pocket scraper. The machine’s 8-32 threaded output shafts accept a wide variety of aftermarket case prep tools. The 200 RPM shafts are efficient. NOTE: If you want a tool that can TRIM cases, as well as prep cases, check out the Frankford Case Trim & Prep Center for $60 more — $159.95 at MidwayUSA.
9. KYGUNCO — Rossi .22 LR Rio Bravo Lever Rifle, $289.17
⏺ Nice gold-finish lever-action rifle at great price
Classic .22 LR lever guns are fun and inexpensive to shoot. These rifles are great for reactive and steel targets. A lever gun is also an excellent training rig for new shooters. Right now the Rossi Rio Bravo .22 LR rifle is on sale for $289.17 at KYGUNCO. This rifle features a gold-tone steel receiver with dark wood stock + forearm. Capacity is 15+1 rounds of .22 LR. OAL is 36″ and weight is a modest 5.5 pounds.
10. Amazon — Motion-Sensor LED Interior Light, 2 for $24.99
⏺ Activates when door opens, Rechargeable, 3 LED Light Levels
Here’s a great accessory for your Gun Safe. This rechargeable LED Lamp turns itself on when you open the door, and off when you close the door. Select three brightness levels: 10LED, 20LED, 30LED. With the supplied 3M adhesive magnetic strip you can easily attach the light to the inner walls of your gun safe. And then quickly remove the unit for charging with a standard USB cord (no batteries to replace!). It works, it’s handy, and it’s affordable — get a twin-pack with TWO LED motion-sensor lamps $24.99 on Amazon. These LED lamps can also be used in garages, closets, or stairwells.
Every month Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA), an NRA publication, releases a new issue with a variety of feature stories on gun industry products and important pistol, rifle, and shotgun competitions. SSUSA also regularly posts valuable guides for handloaders, plus instructional articles that can help shooters improve their skills.
The March 2023 Digital Edition of Shooting Sports USA is packed with interesting content. There is a guide to Sighting in New Shooters which covers Eye and Hand Dominance. In addition, there is a big 6-page article on the Best New Products from SHOT Show 2023. But the feature that really caught our attention is a summary of new .22 LR rimfire ammunition.
Match Grade .22 LR Ammunition Offerings for 2023
With the rapid growth of NRL22, NRL22X, PRS 22 and other rimfire rifle sports, we were pleased to see a four-page SSUSA feature on match grade .22 LR ammunition offerings for 2023. This covers new (or notable) rimfire ammo from Lapua, ELEY, Norma, SK, RWS, Aguila, and Wolf.
New for 2023, Norma has released innovative XTREME LR-22 ammo, which features a unique, patented bullet design. This has a special base with a cone (see diagram). Norma claims that this “rocket tail” design reduces drag by creating less negative pressure at the back end of the bullet. It will be interesting to see how this new bullet design works in rimfire ELR competition.
Lapua recently introduced its impressive Super Long Range and Long Range rimfire ammunition. These two new ammo types are optimized for long range accuracy and consistency. The goal was to have extremely low extreme spread (ES) and standard deviation (SD), to yield the highest precision down range. Shooters competing in disciplines such as NRL22X and Rimfire ELR should benefit.
The RCBS Lock-Out Die can also be used with some Dillon and Hornady progressive presses.
If you load pistol or rifle ammo with a progressive press, we strongly recommend you get a Lock-Out Die from RCBS. This unique reloading die will prevent your progressive press from advancing if the dispensed powder charge is more or less than about 0.3 grains too high or too low. The Lock-Out Die really works. Your Editor uses it on his RCBS 2000 progressive press. I can affirm that a Lock-Out Die has “saved my bacon” a half-dozen times over the years when there was an over-charge (which could cause a Kaboom) or a low charge (which could cause a squib load).
The Lock-Out Die works by using a central die detection rod that sets its vertical position based on the height of the powder column in the case. Through an ingenious design, if the powder column height is too low or too high, the rod locks in place as you start to pull the press handle. This halts the press before the ram can lift and the cartridge plate can advance. Unlike a beeping alarm system (which can be ignored or defeated), the Lock-Out Die physically stops the movement of the press ram and prevents a bullet being seated in the “problem” case.
It takes a bit of tweaking to get the Lock-Out Die detection rod setting just right, but once it is correctly positioned, the Lock-Out Die works smoothly in the background. The Lock-Out Die won’t interfere with the loading process unless it detects a high or low charge — and then it positively stops the progressive loading cycle.
While crafted for use in RCBS progressive presses, the RCBS Lock-Out Die can also be used on a Dillon XL Progressive (see video below) or Hornady Lock-N-Load progressive — though it does take up one station which could otherwise be used for a final crimp die (after the seating die). The RCBS 2000 has one more station than a Dillon 550/650, so it’s an ideal platform for using the Lock-Out Die.
Learn More at UltimateReloader.com
On the UltimateReloader.com website, run by our friend Gavin Gear, you’ll find an excellent two-part series on the function and set-up of the RCBS Lock-Out Die. Part One explains how the Lock-Out Die functions, using cut-away illustrations. Part Two shows how to install and adjust the Lock-Out Die on various progressive presses. The Ultimate Reloader video at the top of this article shows setup of the RCBS Lock-Out Die on the Dillon XL-650 progressive press, while the Reloading Bench video below shows the Lock-Out Die on a Hornady LnL progressive.
While many AccurateShooter.com readers load their own competition centerfire rifle ammunition, we all still need factory ammo for our rimfire rifles in .17 and .22 calibers. And most of the 60+ million American handgun owners rely on factory-made ammunition for their pistols and revolvers.
Today’s video collection showcases state-of-the-art ammunition factories in Europe and the United States. You can see the extremely accurate Lapua .22 LR ammo being produced, as well as excellent centerfire ammunition being made by Norma, Remington, Sellier & Bellot and other makers.
From the creation of lead bullet cores to the final packing of ammunition, you can see it all in these videos. Watch primers being made, brass being annealed, bullets being jacketed, tips being inserted, and every phase of production. Weighing and testing procedures are also revealed.
Modern Ammo Production in Multiple Facilities
This 11.5-minute video shows highly automated bullet and ammunition production in multiple facilities in Europe and the USA. You can see bullets produced from start to finish beginning with lead smelting. Then watch pistol and rifle cartridges being made on modern, computer-controlled assembly lines. Watch from start to finish. Here are some notable highlights:
00:10 — Lead Melting Pots and Billet Caster
01:20 — Lead made into strings and then formed into bullets
01:50 — Brass alloy sheets fed into machine and then punched (2:10-2:35).
03:35 — Lead pistol cores being produced
04:15 — Pistol ammo being packaged
06:15 — Ammo loaded into belts
07:15 — Completed primers being shuttled then loaded into brass (Second factory)
07:20 — Bullets being seating into rifle ammunition
07:32 — Cartridge case-neck treatment
07:42 — Robot arm loads finishes cartridges into boxes
08:04 — Cups being pressed (Third Factory S&B)
08:45 — Cartridge case draw
09:06 — Priming pistol cases
09:20 — Bullet production and weight control (10:02)
10:08 — Cartridge assembly and cartridge sealing (10:38)
11:00 — Pistol ammo packaging
Lapua Rimfire Ammunition Production in Germany
This video shows Lapua rimfire ammo production in Schönebeck, Germany. The video shows quantities of the excellent X-ACT .22 LR ammunition being produced and packaged. Starting at the one-minute mark, you can see the ammo being inspected with advanced scanning machines. Then at 1:16 time-mark you can see the ammo accuracy-tested in a tunnel, with results displayed on a computer screen (1:27).
Norma Ammunition Production in Sweden
In this video, the RecoilTV team lead by EIC Iain Harrison ventures to Sweden to visit the Norma ammunition production plant in Huvudentré, Sweden. Demand for Norma ammo has risen dramatically. A Norma marketing manager notes that production has doubled in the last three years.
This second Norma ammunition video shows close-ups of the production process and the machinery used for centerfire ammo. This was filmed at the Norma factory in Åmotfors, Sweden, which has operated continuously for over 120 years. Among the many interesting highlight is a sequence showing how polymer bullet tips are inserted. See 6:50 time-mark.
Sellier & Bellot Ammunition Factory in Czech Republic
In this video, Larry Vickers of Vickers Tactical tours a Sellier & Bellot ammunition plant in the Czech Republic. This video shows details of primer production as well as bullet-making, brass-making, and production-line cartridge manufacturing.
Remington Ammunition Plant Re-Opened by Vista Outdoors
This video shows ammo production at the re-opened Remington ammunition plant in Lonoke, Arkansas. “This is one of the largest ammunition manufacturing plants in the world” said Mark Keefe, NRA Publications editorial director. “It was set up in 1969 by DuPont, who owned Remington at the time. They do it all here. Cases, bullets, centerfire rifle, centerfire pistol, rimfire and shotshell.” It’s great to see this plant back in production after Remington Ammunition filed for bankruptcy in 2020 and the assets of the Remington conglomerate were auctioned off. Ultimately, Vista Outdoor, owner of Federal, CCI and Speer, purchased the assets of Remington Ammunition and got the Lonoke plant running again, better than ever.
This article is Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. Republication on any other site gives rise to statutory penalties and compensatory damages.
2. Check Out the Forum Classifieds. There are great deals to be found every day in the AccurateShooter 
3. Share a Ride to Matches. Fuel prices are on the rise — Regular-grade gasoline is over $5.00 per gallon in California now and around $3.50/gallon nationwide. With many shooters living 30-100 miles from the nearest range, fuel remains a big part of a shooter’s hobby budget. We’d say 90% of shooters drive solo to matches, often in large, gas-guzzling trucks. If you drive 200 miles round-trip to attend a match in a 20-mpg vehicle, you’ll burn over $35.00 worth of gasoline on your trip. That adds up. By simply sharing the ride with one fellow shooter you cut your fuel expenditures in half. And, if you alternate vehicles with a buddy from one match to the next, you save on vehicle wear and tear. At $0.55/mile (overall operating costs) consider the savings.
4. Use Discount Codes to Save. It’s always smart to check for discount codes before you buy. In the Daily Bulletin, we feature “Deals of the Week” every Monday morning, and we provide discount Coupon Codes when available. These can reduce the price substantially or lower shipping costs. Search codes for Brownells, Creedmoor Sports, EuroOptic, Graf’s, Midsouth, Powder Valley, Sportsman’s Warehouse, KYGUNCO, MidwayUSA, and Precision Reloading. Check your email also — some discount codes are only announced in email newsletters. If you can’t find a Coupon Code for your preferred vendor, visit 
5. Shop for “Demo” Optics. Modern high-quality optics can easily cost $1500.00 or more, often exceeding the value of the rifle on which they are mounted. However, you can often save 20-30% by purchasing demo optics. These are normally display units used at trade shows. They may have slight ringmarks, but otherwise they are “as new”, having never been carried in the field or used on a rifle that has fired live ammo. When purchasing demo scopes, you should always ask about the warranty before consummating the sale. However, most demo scopes from name-brand manufacturers come with full factory warranties. 
6. Train with Rimfire Rifles. Good match-grade centerfire, hand-loaded ammo, counting premium bullets, powder, primers, and brass (figuring 10X loads), can now exceed $1.50 per round. And if your $600 (as chambered and fitted) competition barrel is toast after 1500 rounds, add $0.40 for barrel deprecation per shot. So you’re approaching two bucks a round total! By contrast, you can get quite good .22 LR target ammo for under $0.18 per round. Good rimfire barrels last a long, long time, so you don’t have to be concerned about wearing out your barrel quickly. A quality rimfire barrel can retain its accuracy for 7,000 rounds or more. If you run the ballistics, a .22 LR round at 100 yards can emulate the wind drift experienced by a centerfire cartridge at long range. This allows for effective cross-training with much less expensive ammo.
If you load pistol or rifle ammo with a progressive press, we strongly recommend you get a Lock-Out Die from RCBS. This unique reloading die will prevent your progressive press from advancing if the dispensed powder charge is more or less than about 0.3 grains too high or too low. The Lock-Out Die really works. Your Editor uses it on his RCBS 2000 progressive press. I can affirm that a Lock-Out Die has “saved my bacon” a half-dozen times over the years when there was an over-charge (which could cause a Kaboom) or a low charge (which could cause a squib load).
