Do you occasionally get completely unexplained flyers, or have a shot land straight down at 6 O’Clock, right below your point of aim? That could be caused by poor or inconsistent trigger technique. How you pull the trigger can and does affect your accuracy.
Many gun enthusiasts start with pistols. When they later start shooting rifles they may carry over some not-so-good practices acquired from shooting handguns with heavy 4 to 6-pound trigger pulls. You may want to “re-learn” your trigger techniques to get better rifle results.
Shooting Sports USA has a good article on trigger technique that offers many useful tips. That article also has many helpful illustrations, including the one shown above. Another illustration shows different types of trigger shoes (straight vs. curved) and explains how each makes a difference: “With a lightly curved trigger, the shooter’s finger can contact the trigger either high or low according to preference. Higher contact will increase the resistance.” READ ARTICLE HERE.
The article analyzes common errors, such as pulling the trigger with the very tip of the finger rather than the pad of the index finger: “Using the tip of the finger can lead to lateral pressure on the trigger, which throws off the shot.”
The article also explains that you should check your trigger regularly to make sure it is functioning properly and is not out of adjustment: “Just like any other moving part, the trigger can suffer from wear. In such a precise mechanism, tiny amounts of wear can cause major problems.”
The ergonomics of the Eliseo Tubegun allow a nice, straight trigger pull.
Trigger Tips
Six Suggestions for Making your Trigger Control More Consistent.
1. If your triggers are adjustable, set the pull weight appropriate to the discipline. For a hunting rifle, you don’t want an ultra-light trigger pull. For High Power, you may want a two-stage pull, while on a Benchrest rifle you may prefer a very light trigger.
2. If you have a two-stage trigger, experiment with different combinations of First Stage and Second Stage.
3. Have a friend watch you as you pull the trigger, and maybe even take a close-up video as you pull the trigger. This can reveal a variety of flaws.
4. Practice dry-firing to see if flaws in trigger technique are causing gun movement.
5. As an experiment, try pulling the trigger with your middle finger. Ergonomically, the middle finger has a more straight alignment with the tendons in your hand. This exercise can help you identify alignment issues with your index finger.
6. For stocks with adjustable Length of Pull you may want to set the LOP differently for bench shooting vs. prone or F-Class shooting.
When Only the Best Will Do…
German-made Bix’N Andy triggers, available from BulletCentral.com, are among the very best you can buy. Available in both single-stage and two-stage, Bix’N Andy triggers are extremely precise, repeatable and smooth. The unique internal, friction-reducing roller ball system allows for extremely low reset force, yielding an ultra-crisp let-off. Bix’N Andy triggers can be fitted with a variety of trigger shoes according to shooter preference.
In Service Rifle competition in the United States, scopes are currently limited to a maximum magnification of 4.5 power (4.5X). Both the NRA and CMP rulebooks stipulate that variable and fixed scopes cannot exceed this power, and the objective lens diameter must not exceed 34mm.
Service Rifle Scope Configuration Rules
Maximum Magnification: 4.5x power is the max magnification allowed for Service Rifles.
Variable Power Limit: If using a variable scope, it can have any magnification range as long as it cannot be dialed higher than 4.5X.
Lens Size: 34mm is the maximum allowed objective lens diameter.
Sight Consistency: The same optical sight must be used for all stages of a course of fire. Changing optics between slow-fire and rapid-fire strings is prohibited.
Mount Height: The scope centerline must be no higher than 3.5 inches above the barrel bore centerline.
Popular Service Rifle Optics
Because of the 4.5X power limit and 34mm max objective size, Service Rifle competitors typically run purpose-built AR-optimized service rifle optics or tactical low-power variable optics (LPVOs). The most popular service rifle optics include:
Sightron S-TAC 1-4.5X24mm SR-1/AR-1 Scope
Nightforce Competition SR Fixed 4.5x24mm
Leupold VX-4.5HD Service Rifle 1-4.5x24mm CDS-ZL2 HPR-1
Forest of Windflags at World Benchrest Championships in France in 2011
There’s a simple, inexpensive “miracle device” that can cut your groups in half. If you’re not using this device, you’re giving away accuracy. The “miracle device” to which we refer is a simple wind indicator aka “windflag”. Using windflags may actually improve your accuracy on target much more than weighing charges to the kernel, or spending your life savings on the “latest and greatest” hardware.
Remarkably, many shooters who spend $3000.00 or more on a precision rifle never bother to set up windflags, or even simple wood stakes with some ribbon to show the wind. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a varminter, or someone who just likes to punch small groups, you should always take a set of windflags (or some kind of wind indicators) when you head to the range or the prairie dog fields. And yes, if you pay attention to your windflags, you can easily cut your group sizes in half. Here’s proof…
Which Windflag to buy? For starters, MTM makes a simple, inexpensive flag sold on Amazon for $17.99. For more sophisticated flags CLICK HERE for Benchrest Central windflag vendors.
Miss a 5 mph Shift and You Could DOUBLE Your Group Size
The table below records the effect of a 5 mph crosswind at 100, 200, and 300 yards. You may be thinking, “well, I’d never miss a 5 mph let-off.” Consider this — if a gentle 2.5 mph breeze switches from 3 o’clock (R to L) to 9 o’clock (L to R), you’ve just missed a 5 mph net change. What will that do to your group? Look at the table to find out.
Values from Point Blank Ballistics software for 500′ elevation and 70° temperature.
Imagine you have a 6mm rifle that shoots half-MOA consistently in no-wind conditions. What happens if you miss a 5 mph shift (the equivalent of a full reversal of a 2.5 mph crosswind)? Well, if you’re shooting a 68gr flatbase bullet, your shot is going to move about 0.49″ at 100 yards, nearly doubling your group size. With a 105gr VLD, the bullet moves 0.28″ … not as much to be sure, but still enough to ruin a nice small group. What about an AR15, shooting 55-grainers at 3300 fps? Well, if you miss that same 5 mph shift, your low-BC bullet moves 0.68″. That pushes a half-inch group well past an inch. If you had a half-MOA capable AR, now it’s shooting worse than 1 MOA. And, as you might expect, the wind effects at 200 and 300 yards are even more dramatic. If you miss a 5 mph, full-value wind change, your 300-yard group could easily expand by 2.5″ or more.
If you’ve already invested in an accurate rifle with a good barrel, you are “throwing away” accuracy if you shoot without wind flags. You can spend a ton of money on fancy shooting accessories (such as expensive front rests and spotting scopes) but, dollar for dollar, nothing will potentially improve your shooting as much as a good set of windflags, used religiously.
New Wind Reading App — High Power Wind Lab
There is an innovative new Wind-Reading App, the High Power Wind Lab, that can help you figure your hold-offs in all wind conditions. This is available now for iOS devices, and an Android version is coming soon. In this video, our friend F-Class John reviews this sophisticated new Wind App:
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.
Palmetto SA — Hot Trending Sale on ARs, Optics, Ammo
⏺️ » Huge discounts on guns and optics
This week there is a Major Sale at Palmetto State Armory. You’ll find great deals on AR lowers, complete ARs, Vortex optics and more. If you are looking to build an AR-based service rifle or varmint rig, this is an excellent opportunity. And there are great deals on ammo also.
MidwayUSA — Case Cleaning & Preparation SALE
⏺️ » Big savings on case prep tools and products
Brass prep is one of the most critical steps when it comes to reloading. If you need to step up your prep game, check out the Case Cleaning & Preparation Sale over at MidwayUSA. A wide variety of quality case prep products are on sale at significant savings — 15% to 30%. From tumblers to trimmers you’ll find everything you need to get your brass in tip-top shape.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
With the 6mm Dasher cartridge becoming popular with PRS/NRL competitors as well as the benchrest crowd, we thought it was time to re-visit a special rifle chambered for the 6mm Dasher wildcat. This gun has a great story behind it. Forum member Bob A. (aka “Killshot”) used his “Forum Classifieds Special” to beat all comers in the F-Class Division in the American-Canadian Match and the Long Range Regional Match in 2013 in Sacramento, CA.
Bob’s 6mm Dasher sports a blue-printed Rem 700 action. Who says you need a high-dollar custom action to run with the big dogs? In fact, this same gun, built with components sourced from AccurateShooter Forum Classified Ads, set a Sacramento F-Class range record of 200-17X a few years back. In this story, Bob talks about the build, and he explains his methods for loading ultra-accurate Dasher ammo.
Bob’s Budget-Build Dasher F-Classer
I wanted to build a proper rifle for F-Open but needed to keep it simple and, well, cheap. I found a solid “base” to build on in the form of a Dave Bruno-built, “pre-owned” 6-6.5×47 Lapua that I located in the AccurateShooter Forum classifieds in late 2011. The base action was a trued and blue-printed Remington 700 receiver circa 1971 with a spiral-fluted bolt. It was in a Shehane ST1000 stock painted sky blue and had a Jewell 1.5-oz BR trigger. I sent the bolt to Greg Tannel (Gretanrifles.com) to have the firing pin hole bushed and sleeved, the ejector removed and the hole filled and the face trued. I upgraded to Tannel’s Light Steel firing pin assembly while it was out.
Having the working bits completed, I needed a barrel. So I went to the AccurateShooter classifieds again and found a 1:8″-twist, 30″ x 1.25″ (diam.) Bartlein with a 0.236″-land bore. I called Dave Kiff and explained my pursuit and he recommended his PT&G “world record” 6 Dasher reamer (.2704″ no-turn neck and .104″ freebore). A month or so later the reamer and gauges arrived.
I had the barrel chambered by Marc Soulie of Spartan Precision Rifles (510-755-5293, Concord, CA). Marc is a great builder and I’m pleased to call him a friend.
The rifle got its good looks from a Pennsylvania artist named Kenny Prahl. His Prahl Designs shop (724-478-2538) added the white ghost-flames over the existing sky blue metallic paint.
Looks Great, Shoots Better
Fire-forming showed great promise — ten-shot groups of half an inch at 200 yards were typical. I lost only one case to a split neck and the “blow lengths” are good and consistent. This was followed up with load development which saw 100-yard, five-shot groups in the .1s and .2s as the rifle showed its preference for Reloder 15 over Varget powder, and for CCI 450s over all other primers. The bullet of choice was the ever-popular Berger 105gr Hybrid Target.
In February 2012 I began shooting the Dasher in monthly club matches at the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center, the home range of a number of excellent F-Class, Benchrest and High Power shooters. Using a Farley Coaxial rest up front (also picked up from a WTB ad on AccurateShooter’s Forum) and an Edgewood bag in the back, I gradually improved my gun-handling to the point where I could shoot a respectable score. This was very different from the bipod shooting I’d done in the past in F/TR.
Dasher Loading Tips
My chamber is set up for blue box Lapua 6mmBR brass. My case preparation is straight-forward. I fire-form with virgin cases right out of the box. I don’t size them but I will give the primer holes a good look and clean up the flash hole with a .058″ bit in a pin vise. To fire-form, I seat a Berger 108gr BT .030″ into the lands over a standard 6mmBR load of Varget.
For match loads, I use Alliant Reloder 15. While Varget is less sensitive to temp changes, RL15 has given me lower extreme spreads and better long range control. [Bob acknowledges that every barrel is unique, so a different powder, such as H4895 might work better for you.]
I clean my fired cases with stainless steel media in a Thumler’s rotary tumbler after every firing. I anneal after every other firing using a Bench-Source machine which is very well made and easy to operate. I use a Whidden full length bushing die with Redding bushings for sizing.
After sizing, I chamfer the inside of the neck with the K&M tool which has a pilot rod centered in the flash hole. Then I’ll give the neck and mouth a “once over” with some 0000 steel wool. I finish loading off with a Redding Competition Seating Die with the micrometer top.
I use a carbide ball on the expander rod of the full length sizing die. I use a .266″ TiN-coated bushing and the ball just kisses the inside walls of the sized neck. I get very consistent neck tension this way and have had no issue with split necks.
Seating Depth Considerations
With fire-formed brass, the junction of the bullet’s bearing surface and boat-tail is above the neck/shoulder junction of the case, so I have no issues with donuts. You can see how a loaded round looks in the photo at left. For occasional trimming, I use a very nice little Possum Hollow trimmer that indexes on the case shoulder.
Box to Bench Precision (B2B) has developed an oversize (23.5″ x 30″) precisely-scaled target designed for Load Development and Scope Testing. This waterproof target is very innovative. On the target you’ll find clusters of aim points for various tasks. Upper left are orange aiming spots for testing various powder charges. In the upper right quadrant are more red aim points to be used when testing bullet seating depth. Running down the center of the target is a vertical line with horizontal marks showing precise MOA and Mil heights at 100 yards — use this feature to verify your click values. ORDER HERE.
And there’s more. In the lower right quadrant (far right) are three black targets to be used for chrono work. With these you can record cold velocity, hot barrel velocity and a “Final Velocity”. Over in the lower left quadrant, in the left-most column, are three dot targets for zeroing and recording group size with load data. Finally, four more black/white targets can be used for a scope box test (aka “shooting the square”). With a box test, you move from target to target, clicking in sequence to each corner of the square in sequence, eventually returning to your original aim point. If your scope tracks correctly, the last box test shot should end up right on top of the first shot.
Record the Entire Load Development Process on One Target
For those used to shooting at conventional bulleyes or benchrest targets, this target may seem confusing, but it can really help organize and simplify the process of load development. We like the idea of having a single, durable target that performs double-duty — serving for load development as well as scope checking. And we like the fact that the target is pretty strong — the maker says: “The target is Tear-Resistant and Water-Proof”. We’d expect a maker based in the Pacific NW to design a target that can handle wet weather.
Previous version of target shown. Current version has some minor enhancements.
How to Order
So how much does all this target technology cost? A pack of three 23.5″ x 30″ targets costs $27.00, a five-target pack is $40.00, a seven-target pack is $49.00, while a ten-target pack runs $55.00. These targets ship FREE in a durable cardboard tube. To order these targets, visit the Box To Box Precision Online Store.
Are you looking to get started in tactical/practical competitions? Or perhaps you already have have some PRS/NRL experience but want to upgrade your equipment and enhance your match results. Here are eight videos that can help you improve your game. These videos feature top PRS/NRL competitors and knowledgeable manufacturers’ representatives. You’ll find other related videos on the Long Range Precision Shooters YouTube channel.
Shooting a PRS Match for the First Time
Here’s an amusing video from the land Down-Under — Australia. The video covers a club PRS match, showing various shooting positions. Around the world, the PRS discipline is growing rapidly, particularly with younger marksmen under 35. The matches are fun and fast-paced and the sport is much more dynamic and physically challenging than benchrest or F-Class competition.
Building a Custom PRS/NRL Rig
Action, trigger, barrel, chassis, rails, and optics — this video from Burris covers all the key components of the modern PRS/NRL rifle. This video discusses the pros/cons of various configurations and the explains what to look for in a PRS/NRL riflescope.
How Accurate Are the Top PRS Shooters?
In this video, MDT put three top centerfire PRS shooters to the test, running them through some of the most difficult stages. The goal? To showcase the level of accuracy and precision these top shooters can achieve. From shooting off barricades to hitting targets from rooftops and rocks, these shooters demonstrate why they are considered among the best in the world. Top-tier modern PRS/NRL rifles when shot prone from a bipod at 100 yards can do 1/3-MOA or better for three shots.
Cartridge Choice for PRS and Tactical Competition
This video reviews many of the different cartridge options popular for PRS-style competition. The video examines pros and cons of various cartridge choices, focusing on accuracy, recoil, mag-feeding, and value for money. This segment features G.A. Precision owner/founder George Gardner.
Most top PRS shooters are using 6mm cartridges these days. These deliver excellent accuracy with lower recoil and cheaper bullet cost. Popular choices include 6 Dasher, 6 BRA, 6mm Creedmoor, 6XC, and the new 6GT cartridge, which is sort of a stretched version of a 6mmBR. It has a bit more case length for better feeding, and greater case capacity than a 6BR so you can shoot 105-108 grain bullets at 2950 fps with ease. That’s a popular Dasher accuracy node that the 6GT can achieve at somewhat lower pressures.
CLICK HERE for a full write-up on a 6GT rifle build by Mike McCasland (Texas Precision). This includes load development suggestions and a 6GT reamer print. The popular 0.120″ freebore chamber allows for the majority of high-BC 6mm projectiles. Mike had good luck with the pointed 107gr Sierra Match Kings (SMK), as well as the 110gr Hornady A-Tips in his rifle.
Road to the PRS
This video from Kestrel offers good advice on getting started in PRS/NRL shooting. Experts demonstrate multiple shooting positions and offer advice on shooting from barricades. Topics covered include rate of fire, scope use, and equipment selection.
PRS Tactical Division Explained
In this video MDT Shooter Matt Stiner explains the basics of competition in the PRS Tactical division. The video covers rifle, cartridge choice, optics, and key accessories. He also explains how to set up your PRS Tactical rig for best results. In addition Matt talks about bullet and brass options.
Savage 110 Elite Precision — Good Production Class Choice
This Alabama Arsenal video shows the Savage 110 Elite Precision on PRS Match stages using bags, tripods, and bipods, firing from stone barriers, field frames, and wood platform supports. If you are in the market for a PRS rifle, this video, which now has 355,000 views, is well worth watching. It covers specific features including trigger, chassis, magazines, and Atlas attachment. NOTE: The price limit for Production Class has risen significantly over the years, with a current MSRP max of $3000 for the rifle and $2500 for the optic.
PRS on a Budget — Converting a Basic Rifle for PRS Use
Top of the line rifles for competition are exceedingly expensive, but there is another option if you have a rifle in the safe that doesn’t get much use. Top F-Class shooter and wind coach Keith Glasscock notes: “I converted my .223 Remington varmint rifle into a Tactical class/PRS training rifle to save costs on ammunition and barrels so I can get better, faster.” Keith shows a very logical way to get started in the PRS/NRL game.
This custom war wagon hauls varmint hunters around the Longmeadow Game Resort in Colorado.
Will you be heading to the varmint fields this summer? Proper planning is key to a safe, satisfying, and productive varmint holiday. Of course you’ll be busy reloading, but you should make a check-list of all the gear and supplies you need. Bring a variety of rifles if possible — you’ll need to switch off as one barrel gets hot, and the chambering that works best for your close shots may not be ideal for those longer shots out past 400 yards. Here are some tips from our Forum members that can help you shoot more effectively, and avoid problems on your varmint hunt. Here’s one key tip: at your shooting station, put a strip of surveyor’s tape on a tall stake to show the wind direction. Then shoot in the direction the wind blows. This will minimize the effect of cross-winds.
Varmint Safari Planning, Equipment, and Shooting Advice
From PatchHound: “The gear you bring will make or break a trip out to Prairie Dog land. A lot has to do with where you going and how far you are from [civilization]. For starters, bring lots of water. It will be hot in Wyoming in a few more weeks but it don’t hurt to bring warm clothes in case it snows. It’s best to wear leather boots unless you’re real good at dodging cactus while walking around. Good sunscreen [and a wide-brimmed hat] will save the day too. [What you need to bring] really depends on whether you’re shooting on some friendly ranch or 100 miles in the middle of [a wilderness area]. Good survival gear is a good thing to have for the latter!”
This photo is from a Dan Eigen TV Show video featuring a P-Dog hunt.
From Stoner25mkiv: “I’d suggest an adjustable bipod if you are going to do any walking. A laser rangefinder is a huge asset. Have a fanny pack or backpack for extra ammo, water, bore-snake, etc. when you go on your walkabouts. We also take a couple pivoting benches, heavy movers’ pad/blanket, sandbags (Uncle Bud’s Bulls Bag) for shooting from near the vehicle. Boonie hat for blocking the sun, sun glasses, sunscreen. High leather boots.
Anyway, on to the rifles…consider bringing a 17 HMR, .223 Ackley bolt gun, .223 Ackley AR, and a 243 WSSM. Some years the 17 HMR isn’t removed from its case. We had a couple windless days and the 17 was lots of fun. I’d walk into the dogtown and then lay down and wait. After five minutes or so I’d have dogs within easy rimfire range, and out to as far as I’d care to stretch the rimfire. 275 yards was about it.”
From CTShooter: “The .204 [Ruger] is a laser beam and good to 400 yards easy. Forget the rimfire! Do you have a portable bench that pivots? Bring bipod, binocs. Bring a LOT of water. I have a milspec sniper shooter’s mat/drag bag with shoulder straps. It is good to carry everything when you want to wander off and shoot prone with bipod. Here’s a view through my 6BR in ND.”
From RJinTexas: “In most of the locations that we’ll be shooting we’ll usually set up a minimum of 200 yards from the edge of a major dog town. We’ll start by working over the close-in dogs and shooting our way out, some of these towns may run in excess of 500/600 yards deep. I believe that a rimfire will put you at a distinct disadvantage. The only rimfire that will somewhat work is the 17 HMR and you can reload for your 204s for close to the cost of HMR ammo and you’ll be less apt to be under-gunned. Your 204 will work well out to 300/400 yards unless the wind is blowing hard. We classify a 10-mph crosswind as a very calm day and what makes it a little more challenging is that it is usually also gusting.”
From Wes (P1ZombieKiller): “[For my first PD trip] there are so many things I was not ready for. The one thing that I did bring (that no one told me about) was a canopy. I’m glad I did. Even though the weather was [near perfect], I know that sun can humble you real fast. With my pop-up canopy, I could shoot all day without getting killed by the sun. You had to tie the canopy down real well or the wind would blow it across the pasture.
We sat on shooting benches that pivot 360°, and are fast and easy to set up. Most all shots were 175-250 yards. I just felt comfortable at that range. It was more fun for me to be able to film the hits, and the camcorder I was using just did not get good video past 350 yards. The digital zoom distorted the image too much. I knew I would only get this one chance to film my first P-dog outing, and I wanted to get it on film for [posterity].”
Bring Multiple Rifles on Your Varmint Adventures
On our P-Dog adventures, we like to have multiple rifles — a .17 HMR for close work, then maybe a .20 Practical AR for 150-250 yards, then a larger caliber such as 6BRA, 6 Dasher or 6XC for those long shots. The classic 22-250 is also a wickedly effective varmint cartridge.
.20 Practical (20-223 Rem) AR-Platform Varminter
Here is a .20 Practical built by Robert Whitley. Whitley’s Ultimate Prairie Dog Rifle (PDR) features a 24″ Bartlein 11-twist cut-rifled barrel, DPMS side-charging upper, and a Jewell trigger. It is chambered in 20 Practical, a cartridge popularized by Warren “Fireball” Brookman.
This .20 Practical cartridge is simply the .223 Remington necked down to .204. You can use your existing .223 Rem brass — no special case-forming required! The 20 Practical is accurate, flat-shooting, and has almost no recoil. The advantage over the standard .223 Remington is that, grain for grain, the bullets have a higher BC and travel at a higher velocity for more dramatic effect on a small varmint. The ultra-low recoil allows you to easily see your hits, even without a muzzle brake. The 20 Practical, launching 40-grainers at about 3750 fps, shoots flatter than a .223 Rem with 55gr hollowpoints.
.17 HMR Savage A17 Varmint Rifle
We also like to have a Rimfire for the closer shots, inside 150 yards. The .17 HMR or .17 WSM are good choices. With a rimfire you save on ammo costs and you don’t waste precious centerfire barrel life.
This video shows a successful Prairie Dog hunt with a .17 HMR. Watch and you’ll see hits out to 160 yards (00:50), proving the effective range of the .17 HMR cartridge. The host is shooting a Savage A17 semi-auto .17 HMR rifle in a Boyds laminated stock.
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.
Palmetto SA — Memorial Day Sale
⏺️ » Great deals on rifles, AR components, ammo
Many leading vendors are running major Memorial Day Sales. Palmetto State Armory has hundreds of popular items on sale this week. Enjoy major discounts on AR components, complete rifles, handguns, optics and more.
Midsouth — Primers Sale and Free Shipping or Free Hazmat
⏺️ » Primers SALE plus Free Shipping or Free Hazmat on powder/primers
Midsouth is running notable promos right now with significant discounts on primers plus savings on powder shipping and hazmat. This sale includes major brands including Hodgdon, CCI, Winchester, Accurate, Remington, Ramshot and many others. Choose FREE Shipping or FREE Hazmat on orders over $99! Use Code MD26FS for Free Shipping on orders over $99 or use Code MD26FHM for Free Hazmat on orders over $99. Order Must Include $99 of In Stock Items – Up to 49lbs. NOTE: These codes expire Monday 05/25/26 at 11:59pm CST.
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Kulzer Sets Eight IBS 1000-Yard IBS Benchrest Records with 6 BRA Rifle Report by Alex Wheeler
In 2021, Glenn Kulzer of Dillon, Montana had a season that will go down in 1000-Yard Benchrest history. Glenn set eight IBS records in 2021 at the Deep Creek range in Missoula, and then was named IBS 1K Shooter of the Year. What makes this so incredible is not just the number of records but the records themselves. Normally when a world record small group is shot that’s a singular event — never accompanied by Aggregate records set by the same shooter. Glenn’s IBS record small group wasn’t a one-time lucky string. Consider this — Glenn nailed that historic small group, but also recorded multiple IBS Aggregate records in 2021. And Glenn set these IBS Heavy Gun records actually using his 6 BRA (6mmBR Ackley) Light Gun! Mighty impressive.
[Editor: These were impressive records that have stood the test of time. A quick search of the IBS record site shows Glenn Kulzer still holds six of the ten listed IBS 1000-yard Heavy Gun records. Plus, Glenn broke the Light Gun 20-Target Agg group record, but that was later bettered by Tom Mousel.]
1000-yard Benchrest Aggregate records represent a series of targets shot over the course of multiple matches during a season. That really takes any luck out of the equation. You have to keep the rifle shooting at its peak all year long. It’s the ultimate test of accuracy. But the small groups do get the most notice and Glenn also broke the small group record with a remarkable 2.6853″ 10-shot group (photo below).
Eight IBS Records Set by Glenn Kulzer in 2021
Date: 06/13/2021
Class: Heavy Gun
Record: 10-Shot Group, 2.6853″
Date: 06/13/2021
Class: Heavy Gun
Record: 10-Shot Score 100/2.6853″
Date: 2021
Class: Heavy Gun
Record: 6-Match Group Aggregate, 4.349″
Date: 2021
Class: Heavy Gun
Record: 6-Match Score Aggregate, 99.167/4.679″
Date: 2021
Class: Heavy Gun
Record: 12-Target Group Aggregate, 4.529″
Date: 2021
Class: Heavy Gun
Record: 12-Target Score Aggregate, 98.583/5.058″
Date: 2021
Class: Heavy Gun
Record: 20-Target Score Aggregate, 95.2/6.422″
Date: 2021
Class: Light Gun
Record: 20-Target Group Aggregate, 5.202″
NOTE: Most of these records have been broken. In 2025 talented Montana shooter Tom Mousel set 8 multi-match and multi-target records, including an amazing 12-target Group Agg of 3.8790″ and 12-target Score Agg of 99.5.
This IBS record 1000-yard group, and Glenn’s other IBS records, were shot with Roy Hunter’s 103gr “A” bullet, Hodgdon H4895 powder, CCI BR4 primers, and Alpha Munitions 6 BRA brass. However, Glenn does use Lapua brass for some other 6 BRA rifles.
Glenn’s record-setting rifle is a Light Gun with a common setup used in long range Benchrest. The rig features a Borden BRM drop-port action with a Bix’n Andy trigger. The action is glued and screwed into a industrial wood laminate Deep Creek Tracker stock, a predecessor of the McMillan LRB. The Krieger barrel is a 4-groove, 1:8″-twist Heavy Varmint contour chambered for the 6 BRA (6mmBR Ackley) cartridge. All of Glenn’s rifles are topped with Vortex Golden Eagle scopes. Glenn notes that his Vortex Golden Eagles have show excellent point-of-aim stability when tested with a scope checker. The front rest was a Sinclair competition with Edgewood front bag, Field & Cave outfitters front rest plate, and speed screw. For rear support Glenn uses an Edgewood LRB rear bag.
Loading Procedures for Record-Setting 1000-Yard Shooting
Glenn’s loading process is pretty simple. He full-length sizes every time, bumping the shoulders back about .003″. Powder is weighed to the kernel, and bullets are seated with a Wilson seater. NOTE: Glenn does does not anneal his brass. He sorts primers by weight but does not otherwise measure them by dimensions. He seats the primers by feel using a relatively inexpensive primer seating tool — nothing fancy.
Glenn worked up a trim-and-point recipe for this lot of bullets based on group size. Load development is all performed at 1000 yards using the group ladder method. Glenn’s record load ended up being 30.3 grains of H4985 powder with the 103gr bullet seated very far into the rifling with .005″ of neck tension. This gave a velocity of 3030 fps in the 28″ Krieger.
Glenn shot Alpha Munitions 6 BRA brass all year with the .080″ flash hole. This year he shot Roy Hunter’s 103gr “A” bullet set quite deep into the rifling. NOTE: This deep jam has proven to be very stable IF you barrel likes it. Glenn used CCI BR4 primers and Hodgdon H4895 with .005″ of neck tension. His load delivered 3030 fps out of a 28″ barrel. NOTE: This is a “HIGH NODE” that may not be possible in an average barrel with different brass. Many 6 BRA shooters are reaching a 3000+ fps node, but you should always start low and work up. Some 6 BRA barrels will max out at 2950 FPS with 103-108gr bullets.
Glenn Interview Part I — All About the Rifle that Set Eight 1000-yard Records
Glenn Interview Part II — Load Development Process and Loading Methods
Glenn Interview Part III — Barrel Cleaning Discussion
Glenn Kulzer also shot his impressive 6 BRA at the 2021 IBS Nationals at Deep Creek (shown above). This Deep Creek range photo is by Forum member Dave Way.
Setting Records in June 2021 Report by Alex Wheeler
It was a typical match for June, nothing unique about it. Saturday was actually looking to be a really great day. Overall it was good but not great. Sunday had a clear blue sky with bright sun. I looked through a couple of scopes before the match and it was milky. I probably would have shot that relay at 30-35 power. But somehow Glenn Kulzer was able to pull off the best heavy gun group ever shot in 1000-yard IBS competition. With that group Glenn also broke the 6-match IBS Group Aggregate record (which was later broken by Tom Mousel in 2025). The group was no fluke, this rifle also shot great in previous matches with small groups at 1000. To my knowledge this may be the only time a small group record AND an Aggregate record were broken in the same season by the same gun. The ultimate achievement.
On June 13, 2021, Glenn shot a 2.6583″ 10-shot group, all shots in the 10 Ring for a 100 score. This group still stands as the current IBS Heavy Gun 1000-Yard 10-shot group record AND score record. It was also part of Aggregate Records listed above.
About Glenn Kulzer — Rising Star in the Long-Range Benchrest Game by Alex Wheeler
Kulzer is a pharmacist in Dillon, Montana. The attention to detail required for his job crosses over to Long-Range Benchrest. He started off a very competitive shooter right from the start. I have said it many times, but benchrest is not an elitist sport. Hard work and dedication will always rise to the top. Glenn took the sport seriously from the beginning. Accordingly, he displayed a rapid learning curve and quickly surpassed some of his mentors in match results. Glenn tunes mostly at 1000 yards using the Deep Creek variation of ladder testing. He will also load and tune at the range to try and nail the best tune for the conditions. Again, it all about the work done by competitors. But Glenn’s success shows that a bright, hard-working shooter can rise to the top of the game in just a few seasons.
There’s a simple, inexpensive “miracle device” that can cut your groups in half. If you’re not using this device, you’re giving away accuracy. The “miracle device” to which we refer is a simple wind indicator aka “windflag”. Using windflags may actually improve your accuracy on target much more than weighing charges to the kernel, or spending your life savings on the “latest and greatest” hardware.
Dasher Loading Tips
I use a carbide ball on the expander rod of the full length sizing die. I use a .266″ TiN-coated bushing and the ball just kisses the inside walls of the sized neck. I get very consistent neck tension this way and have had no issue with split necks.
From Wes (P1ZombieKiller): “[For my first PD trip] there are so many things I was not ready for. The one thing that I did bring (that no one told me about) was a canopy. I’m glad I did. Even though the weather was [near perfect], I know that sun can humble you real fast. With my pop-up canopy, I could shoot all day without getting killed by the sun. You had to tie the canopy down real well or the wind would blow it across the pasture.
Glenn worked up a trim-and-point recipe for this lot of bullets based on group size. Load development is all performed at 1000 yards using the group ladder method. Glenn’s record load ended up being 30.3 grains of H4985 powder with the 103gr bullet seated very far into the rifling with .005″ of neck tension. This gave a velocity of 3030 fps in the 28″ Krieger.
