Sinclair International has created a series of instructional videos illustrating the basics of metallic cartridge reloading. The 8-Part series starts with reloading basics and provides step-by-step, how-to instructions that will help new reloaders get started. Detailed, animated illustrations show you what happens inside the chamber when shooting, and inside the dies during each step of reloading. The videos can be viewed on Sinclair International’s YouTube channel. Shown below is the first video in the series:
Each of the Sinclair videos is hosted by then Sinclair Int’l President Bill Gravatt (now with Creedmoor Sports). Bill doesn’t just show you “how”, he tells you “why”. The how-to segments cover case inspection, proper die set up, case sizing, primer installation, powder measuring, bullet seating, crimping, and even goes into the record keeping needed for the handloader. “We wanted to give shooters who haven’t reloaded a look at all the advantages of creating your own ammo and how easy it is to get started,” said Gravatt, “without telling them they had to have any certain brand or type of equipment to do the job.”
The Eight Video Topics Are:
Part 1 — Intro to Video Series
Part 2 — Intro to Reloading Safety
Part 3 — Metallic Cartridge Components
Part 4 — The Firing Sequence
Part 5 — Tools for Reloading
Part 6 — Loading Bottle-Neck Cartridges (2 videos)
Part 7 — Loading Straight Wall Cartridges
Part 8 — Reloading Series Conclusion
Reloading Tools
Shown below is Part 5 of the video series, covering the tools used for precision reloading.
We also strongly recommend the Part 4 Video to readers who are getting started in reloading. This “How Things Work” segment covers the sequence of events inside the chamber (and barrel) when the cartridge is fired. The video includes helpful graphics that show what happens to the primer, powder, cartridge, and bullet when the round is fired. The video also illustrates “headspace” and explains how this can change after firing. We think this video answers many common questions and will help reloaders understand the forces at work on their brass during the firing process.
SHOT Show 2023 takes place January 17-20, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can get a sneak peek of new-for-2023 products on the official SHOT Show New Products webpage.
As of this morning November 30, 2022, there are 149 products featured on the New Products site. Here are six notable new items. CLICK HERE to view 143 more.
Bilson Arms Pivotal Buttstock
The Patent Pending Bilson Arms Pivotal Buttstock is a unique design that allows the rear buttpad section to revolve around its axis. This allows a more comfortable hold in a variety of shooting positions. It also permits a rapid change from primary to secondary sights. For example you can rotate the rifle to move from a top-mount telescopic sight to a side mount red dot. Bilson Arms says: “During tactical shooting, it allows the butt end to stay stationary and not be affected by your protective vest. In competition shooting, it allows the shooter to move through the targets, twisting the gun as you move, but allowing the butt end to stay firm against your shoulder.” The Bilson Arms Pivotal Buttstock is manufactured from 6061-T6 billet aluminum. Price: $239.00
Real Avid Master Gun Workstation
New from Real Avid, the Master Gun Workstation is a versatile, sturdy, and effective firearm workstation. The workstation secures rifles for cleaning, scope mounting, and basic gunsmithing tasks. The clever design allows one-handed setup for firearms. And there is built-in storage for chemicals, brushes, jags, and cleaning rods. This is not yet on Real Avid website. Price: $199.99
Advantage Arms .22 LR MOD Optics-Ready Glock Conversion Kit
Advantage Arms has been the top-selling .22 LR Conversion Kit for the Glock, XD, and 1911 since 1998. Advantage Arms recently introduced its new MOD kits, all of which come optics-ready with a threaded barrel and 15-rd magazines. MSRP is $395.00. Advantage Arms also has .22 LR conversion kits available for other pistols — XDs, 1911s, and the PSA Dagger.
Otis Technology Shooting Bundle
This $99.99 Shooting Bundle from Otis includes everything you need at the range: Eye protection, 26 dB Ear Shield Ranger passive earmuffs, 10-pack of targets, gun cleaning mat, and a Tactical Cleaning Kit for proper Breech-to-Muzzle cleaning from .17 cal through 12 gauge. Price: $99.99
Target Tacks for Attaching Paper Targets to Various Materials
TargetTack’s patent pending Multi-Use TargetTacks allow paper or scroll targets to be secured to a variety of backers and supports. Available in 1″ and 3″ lengths, TargetTacks work great to attach paper-based targets to a variety of materials including cardboard, styrofoam blocks, polyfusion blocks, poly-wrap bags, foam blocks, and hay bale substrates. The TargetTack multi-use variety pack retails for $27.95.
Non-Lethal 12 Gauge Shotgun Ammunition
The new 12-gauge “less-lethal” shotgun rounds from Byrna Technologies are a significant innovation in shotgun ammo. Designed for self-defense, crowd-control, and training, the Byrna 12-gauge round provides defensive stopping power with non-lethal effect. Effective range is listed as 75 feet (23 meters). These rounds are compatible with most 12-gauge shotguns with standard Cylinder Bore Choke. Byrna also produces “less-lethal” guns and launchers.
With December just two days away, winter is here. For many Americans that means indoor training if they want to maintain their shooting skills. Even if you can shoot outdoors all year long in your location, it makes sense for position shooters to work on their rifle holds. The Mantis systems help with that. These advanced smart devices record and plot the movement of your firearm as you aim and then break the shot. There are systems for both dry-fire and live-fire training, starting at $99.99. Considering the cost of bullets these days, and the difficulty of finding primers, it makes sense to increase your dry-fire training.
Mantis X2 for Dry-Fire, $99.99
Built for dry-fire use only, the Mantis X2 ($99.99) provides real-time, shot-by-shot feedback for both pistol and rifle users. You can track multiple training sessions with data-driven insights, and monitor your progress. This unit has earned high user reviews such as: “As a new gun owner the Mantis X is a game changer for me. I have not been able to get to the range during the lockdowns and being able to practice at home [is great].” And another: “Easy to install[.] The App is free and easy to use.”
The Mantis X2 is a good value. The manufacturer states: “There is nothing at this price point that will give you this level of feedback for dry fire.” There are actually four Mantis models: X2 ($99.99), X3 ($169.99), X7 Shotgun ($199.99) and X10 Elite ($249.99). The X3 adds live fire functionality. MORE INFO HERE.
Mantis X10 Elite– Advanced Training System
The advanced Mantis X10 Elite ($249.99) is 50% lighter and 40% smaller than the original Mantis, with three times the battery life and four times the data transfer rate. This new quick-detach X10 system offers all X2 and X3 functions PLUS recoil analysis and software support for all shooting sports (pistol, rifle, shotgun, archery). Collecting thousands of data points per second, the X10 works with dry fire, live fire, airsoft/CO2, and simulated firearm systems.
Mantis Blackbeard Trigger Reset System for AR-Platform Rifles
If you compete with an AR-platform rifle, you can definitely benefit from the Mantis Blackbeard system, a drop-in Bolt Carrier + Magazine replacement that works with your existing trigger. Using electromechanical wizardry, the $199.00 Blackbeard quickly resets the hammer between each shot, so you can stay in position through multiple practice shots. Installation takes less than a minute — remove the bolt carrier group, drop in the red upper unit, place the red Mantis magazine and you’re good to go. All Blackbeards now support both direct impingement and piston-driven ARs. Guys we know say that a few sessions with this system delivered marked improvement in their service rifle scores.
Mantis X3 for Live-Fire or Dry-Fire, Rifle and Pistol
The Mantis X3 collects thousands of data points per second and analyzes your shooting in real-time. For both pistols and rifles, the X3 works with dry fire and live fire. It will also work with airsoft/CO2/compressed air, and simulated firearm systems. Priced at $169.99, the Mantis X3 mounts to standard universal accessory rails. (No Picatinny rail? Creedmoor Sports sells adapters). The X3 is part of the second generation of Mantis Shooting Performance Systems.
GunsAmerica Digest has just released a series of articles with some great gift suggestions for the holiday season. Five different writers have posted suggestions for particular gift categories — such as gifts for lady shooters, gifts for tactical shooters, or gifts for suppressor fans. The suppressor feature is by GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce. Here are links to the five articles:
Of the many items listed, here are three of our favorites. You’ll find many more in the five GunsAmerica Digest articles linked above.
Savage B22 FV-SR .22 LR Rifle
As noted by GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce, this little Savage is a good starter rimfire rifle: “Savage’s bolt action B22 FV-SR .22 is perfect for suppressing. They’re … accurate, reliable, come threaded for a suppressor, and with subsonic ammo, they’re … quiet[.] MSRP is only $359.”
Mantis Laser Academy Training Kit
The Mantis Laser Academy Standard Training Kit allows you to practice marksmanship indoors with wireless communication. This kit includes: laser training cartridge, adjustable tripods, smart targets, target stand holders, portable carrying case, and a Mantis Laser Academy access code — all for $149.00.
Silencer Central Banish Rimfire Suppressor
True Pearce notes: “Silencer Central’s Banish .22 is a great little suppressor that works on pretty much all rimfires including 17 HMR.” The Banish .22 suppressor is very light at just 4.1 ounces, and it can be easily taken apart for cleaning. MSRP is $499.00 and that fee includes a gun trust.
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 — Nightforce 10% OFF Sale Through December 31
⏺ Major savings on high-quality Nightforce NXS and SHV scopes
Nightforce Scopes are very popular with F-Class, Benchrest, and PRS competitors for good reason. Nightforce scopes are know for their sharp glass, good repeatability, and durability. Plus Nightforce has outstanding customer service. Right now at EuroOptic you can save 10% on most Nightforce NXS and SHV scopes. This 10% discount is effective through December 31, 2022.
2. Midsouth — Hornady ELD Match Bullet Sale
⏺ Hefty discounts for popular Hornady ELD bullets
Hornady ELD bullets are popular for many shooting disciplines — from varmint hunting to Long Range Tactical matches. If you like those ELDs, check out Midsouth’s Hornady ELD Bullet Sale this week. You’ll find a wide selection of calibers — .224, 6mm, 6.5mm, and .308 — wtih multiple bullet weights. These ELDs are in stock now and ready to ship. Get a good supply now before the predictable 2023 price hikes.
3. Graf & Sons — Hornady Ammo Plant, $1299.99 + FREEBIES
⏺ High-output progressive press plus free manual, range bag and DVD
Do you load large quantities of pistol and rifle ammo? It may be time to invest in a high-output progressive press with automated case feeding and bullet feeding. Check out the Hornady L-N-L AP Ammo Plant. This deluxe progressive press ships with just about everything you need except for shellplates and dies. And right now, the Hornady Ammo Plant at Graf’s comes with free extras: Hornady Reloading Manual, Reloading DVD, and Range Bag. Plus you get FREE Shipping for the Press Kit and accessories.
4. MidwayUSA — Combo Rifle Case and Shooting Mat, $93.74
⏺ Two in one — rifle case serves as a comfortable, padded shooting mat
MidwayUSA’s Pro Series Rifle Case and Shooting Mat does double duty. It carries your rifle securely, then unzips/unfolds to serve as a full-size, nicely-padded shooting mat. As a rifle case, it works great — there are two large (12″x11″) front pockets with MOLLE webbing inside. On the reverse side are padded (storable) backpack straps. Inside are a muzzle sleeve, a cleaning rod sleeve, and two smaller pockets for accessories. There is even a special pocket for ground stakes to secure the mat when deployed. Case internal length is 50″, long enough for big rifles.
5. Bullet Central — BixN’Andy Dakota Trigger, $140.00
⏺ Great trigger at a MAJOR discount — grab this deal
Every good rifle deserves a great trigger, and Bix’N Andy makes some of the best triggers you can buy. We found the Bix’N Andy Dakota trigger for just $140.00. That’s $59 off the regular price, a 29.6% savings! With the ability to adjust from 1 to 4.5 pounds this Rem 700-compatible Dakota trigger will work for both competitive shooters and hunters.
6. Brownell’s — Major Magpul Sitewide Sale
⏺ Save on magazines, stocks, bipods, sights and more
Magpul makes great magazines, buttstocks, bipods, sights, grips and accessories for a wide variety of firearm types. Head over to Brownells for the sitewide Magpul Sale with a huge selection of deeply discounted Magpul products. If you have an AR-platform rifle, we recommend the Magpul buttstocks, which are offered in a variety of styles. And Magpul magazines are ultra-reliable — a top choice for your semi-auto rifle.
7. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Case Trimmer, $58.23
⏺ Handy tool trims many case sizes
Looking for a cheap, fast and effective way to trim your brass? Check out the Frankford Arsenal Universal Precision Case Trimmer. The built-in depth micrometer allows for micro-adjustments and the brass shaving ejection port ensures a clean trim. The universal, adjustable collet system works with all shouldered cases from .17 Remington to .460 Weatherby. This tool works with almost any 1/2 inch drill or drill press.
8. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Cyber Monday Gun Sale
⏺ Save on 9mm carry pistols, plus unique Trailblazer LifeCard in .22 WMR
For Cyber Monday, Sportsman’s Warehouse has discounted 30 popular guns, including some great handguns. Show above are our preferred Cyber Monday handgun selection — five 9mm pistols, plus a nice .22 LR Walther, and a .22 WMR Trailblazer LifeCard pistol, a unique firearm not much bigger than a wallet. CLICK HERE to see all Cyber Monday Sale Guns, including SAKO S20 rifles and Heritage rimfire revolvers.
9. Amazon — Savior Pistol Case, $24.99 or $25.99
⏺ Well-designed case hold two pistols and six magazines
The nylon Savior pistol case is one of the better soft cases we’ve found for pistols. It is big enough to handle two full-size pistols with optics, and the magazine carriers are well-designed and secure. The large front pocket is big enough to fit earmuffs, safety glasses, and ammo. Extra padding inside helps ensure your pistols and gear are protected. This case is available in six colors: Savior Teal (as shown), Black, Gray, OD Green, Dark FDE, and Sedona Red. Price is $25.99 for Teal and Red, while the other colors are $24.99. User reviews have been very positive. NOTE: The Amazon description incorrectly refers to a PVC hard shell — that is incorrect. This is a fabric case.
For centerfire ammo, you can choose from dozens of flip-top boxes, storage bins, or milsurp-style ammo cans. For rimfire ammo, there are not so many good choices. Our preferred rimfire ammo carrier is the MTM SB-200 Small-Bore Fitted Ammo Box. This flip-top plastic box holds 100 rimfire rounds in black grids on the left and right. Each side has five rows left to right, holding ten rounds per row front to back (for 50 rounds per side). In the center is a storage area that will hold another 100 rounds in factory boxes. Current price is $13.15 on Amazon.
Versatility for ALL Types of Rimfire Ammo
MTM’s SB-200 box is not just for .22 LR ammunition. This handy carrier will hold .17 HMR rounds, as well as .17 Mach 2, .22 Short, .22 Win Mag Rimfire, and of course .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR). This box is a winner — it has a low profile, holds rounds securely, and the center storage feature is smart.
MTM Case-Gard 200 Round Smallbore Box
This is really the only product of its kind on the market. It allows you to conveniently and securely hold 200 rimfire rounds, and also segregate your ammo by brand or bullet type. These boxes fit all types of popular rimfire ammunition. The vertical clearance of the lid is sufficient to hold the longer .22 WMR Rounds, and 17 HMR (as well as .22 LR naturally). The lid fits securely so you don’t have to worry about your rimfire ammo spilling out on the way to the range.
If you don’t have one of these boxes yet, we recommend you order one or two. They cost less than $15.00 and are available in Blue or “Rust” (a brick color).
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. MidwayUSA — Cyber Week Sale, November 21-28
⏺ Major savings all week long on reloading gear, optics, tools, accessories
MidwayUSA’s big Cyber Week Sale kicks off Monday, November 21 and runs through Monday, November 28, 2022. There are deep discounts on popular shooting, hunting, and outdoor products. You’ll find really great deals on select shooting gear, ammunition, optics, hunting clothing and more from brands like Vortex, Sightron, RCBS, Browning, MidwayUSA, Magpul, and IMI just to name a few. Select products will also be eligible for FREE shipping. New products go on sale every day during the Cyber Week promo. On 11/21/2022, deals include Vortex Viper PST FFP Milrad 5-25x50mm scope at $649.99 (35% Off), and MidwayUSA Competition Shooting Mat at $29.55 (50% Off). CLICK HERE for ALL current specials.
2. Longshot — Bulletseeker Mach 4 Onboard Radar, $100.00 Off
The Bulletseeker Radar unit is a new radar chronograph that mounts directly to your rifle. The advanced Bulletseeker features 120 Ghz radar with a beam-forming lens. Developed in Europe, with made-in-Germany core components, this unit is sold in the USA by Longshot, trusted maker of long-range target cameras. Now through early December, as an intro promotion, the Bulletseeker is $100.00 off the normal $1000.00 price. You’ll see the discount when adding the item to your online cart. The price is for a bundle which includes the Bulletseeker Mach 4 Chronograph plus a Parabolic Mounting Bracket. We think this is a game-changer. You get advanced radar ON YOUR GUN, with no need to haul around a bulky LabRadar.
3. Midsouth — Rock Chucker Supreme Reloading Kit, $369.99
⏺ Kit includes press, powder measure, scale, manual and many tools
Everything you see above can be yours for just $369.99. Right now, Midsouth is selling the Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit for $369.99, a fine price considering all the hardware you get: Press, Primer Tool, Scale, Powder Measure, Loading Tray, Reloading Manual and more. This is good starter kit for any reloader, with sturdy items (such as the Rock Chucker press), that will last a lifetime.
4. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Pre-Black Friday Sale
⏺ Save on rifles, optics, hunting gear now through November 24, 2022
5. MidwayUSA — Electronic Muffs with Walkie-Talkie, $59.99
⏺ Dual-function electronic muffs — great for range communications
Electronic earmuffs protect your hearing while allowing you to hear range commands. With these Walkie-Talkie muffs you also get 2-way communication capabilities. That lets you talk to folks in the pits or at a different section of your shooting club. The Walker Razor Slim Low Profile Electronic Earmuffs (NRR 23dB) with Walkie Talkie allows you to communicate with other FRS radios. That lets you give range commands or talk with friends without the need for a second radio. If you don’t need the two-way functionality, MidwayUSA also has the NRR 26 Walker’s Alpha Power Electronic Muffs for $49.99, and the slimmer NRR 23 Razor Slim Patriot Electronic Muffs for $43.99. All these options are excellent bargains.
6. CDNN Sports — Crimson Trace Brushline Scopes, Save 45%
⏺ Save 45% on excellent hunting scopes with BDC reticles
Crimson Trace makes excellent riflescopes that perform way above their price categories. These scope have good glass, reliable turrets, and smart reticles. Right now you can save 45% on Crimson Trace Brushline SFP hunting scopes with lifetime warranty. Get the 4-12x40mm version for $199.99 or the 3-9x40mm model for $179.99. Both feature 1″ main tube, 1/4-MOA clicks, and custom BDC Predator reticle. These are great bargains.
7. Amazon — BOG Deathgrip Aluminum Tripod, $134.99
⏺ Versatile tripod mounts quickly, securely — use for PRS/NRL or hunting.
This is a great tripod for long-range hunters and PRS/NRL competitors. The Clamp-type head quickly secures to your rifle’s forearm for a secure shooting solution. The BOG Deathgrip Aluminum Tripod is on sale now on Amazon for $134.99. If weight is critical, there is also a lighter BOG carbon fiber tripod for $222.99. For the extra $88 you save a pound in total weight (7.5 lbs for carbon vs. 8.5 lbs for aluminum).
8. EuroOptic — ZEISS Terra ED 10×42 Binoculars, $349.99
⏺ Superb German Schott glass, great for low-light, distinctive orange body
These outstanding ZEISS Terra ED 10×42 binoculars are now $349.99 — $250.00 (40%) off the regular price! The ultra-sharp Schott Glass and multicoated lenses deliver superior optical clarity, and outstanding 88% light-transmission. These Terra ED binoculars feature comfortable ergonomics and a compact design for easy carry in the field. A recent purchaser declared: “The Zeiss Terra ED 10×42 is the best glass that I have ever looked through for its price range. And with EuroOptic having [these] on sale it was a no-brainer to buy another one.”
9. CDNN Sports — Grid Target Packs starting at $1.99/12
⏺ Great deals on colorful Champion grid target packs
10. Palmetto SA and MidwayUSA — Sierra Loaded Ammo REBATE
⏺ Quality Sierra-made ammo now with significant rebate
If you need defensive pistol ammo or .223 Rem ammo, Sierra is offering an end-of-year rebate of up to $5.00 per box (max rebate $50). This is a good way to get top-quality American-made 9mm Luger and .45 ACP ammo at Palmetto State Armory. Or get rebates on .380 ACP, .40 SW, and .223 Remington at MidwayUSA. SEE REBATE Details Page.
⏺ Versatile eye protection — 4 colors of lenses plus adjustable frame
Walker’s Adjustable Sport Glasses feature FOUR interchangeable lenses made of high-grade polycarbonate that exceeds ANSI 287.1-2003 High Impact Requirements. The interchangeable lenses come in four colors (Smoke Gray, Amber, Yellow, and Clear). The frames adjust for length and angle. These safety glasses ship with a soft carrying pouch that holds the extra lenses. This combo kit is on Amazon for $22.70.
In our Shooters’ Forum there is a popular photography thread. Along with some great nature and hunting images, you’ll find quality photos of handsome firearms. But the real head-turning gun pix were the pistols belonging to Forum member Beiruty from Texas. He has some of the most handsome mag-fed handguns we’ve ever seen. Here are six of his favorite semi-auto pistols from his collection. Yes he does have some impressive wheelguns as well, but we’re saving those revolvers for a future showcase.
FN Browning High Power Renaissance
This 9mm hand-engraved High Power with silver finish was made in Belgium in 1971:
NOTE: This is one of a near-matching pair of FN HP Renaissance pistols featured in the top photo.
Hämmerli .22 LR Model 208, Special Edition
This Special Edition, one of 500, marks 125 years of Hämmerli Sportwaffenfabrik (1863-1988):
The handsome grip is factory carved. This Model 208 pistol shipped in a fitted case, shown below.
Colt .45 ACP 1911 Commander
This 1975-vintage Colt Commander 1911 sports fully-engraved frame and slide:
Smith & Wesson .22 LR Model 41 Long Barrel
This target pistol features a 7-3/8″ barrel with factory compensator. Grip is custom:
Browning .22 LR Medalist Pistol
This handsome Browning Medalist, all factory standard, was made in Belgium in 1964:
The video below shows another Browning Medalist of the same design and relative vintage:
Stoeger Arms American Eagle Navy Model Luger
This stainless Stoeger Navy Model 6″ Luger Pistol is vintage 1978-1980:
Note: A similar pistol (below) sold on Cowan’s auction for $1320.00. One of these stainless Stoeger Lugers is offered right now on Gunbroker.
Most competitive shooters are pretty good about bore cleaning (some may even clean their bores too aggressively). However, we’ve found that many shooters neglect the chamber area and the bolt lug recesses. It’s too easy to clean the bore, slip out the guide rod and say “I’m done.” Sinclair Int’l explains why it’s important to clean the action interior: “Shooters use a lot of grease and oil on their bolts to reduce friction and to prevent wear[.] Unfortunately, both of these compounds attract grit, powder and primer residues. Cleaning your receiver is especially critical [with] custom actions where the fit between the action and bolt is held to very tight tolerances. Routine cleaning of the action will prevent unnecessary wear on the bolt body, locking lugs, and the action raceways/guide rails. Frequent action cleaning is also essential to keeping the trigger area free of debris which can cause trigger hang-ups and failures.”
Your rifle deserves a clean action and lug recesses. For action cleaning, our friend Danny Reever favors the PMA Action Cleaning tool. This handy tool speeds up the cleaning process, letting you do a better job in less time. Danny reports: “I’ve been using the PMA Action Cleaning Tool Kit for quite some time. Previously, I used one of the old style (round knob) action-cleaning tools with cylindrical cotton rolls. I think the PMA Action Cleaning Tool Kit is easier to use, and possibly achieves better results. Read Full Tool Review.
Cleaning the Chamber
Combustion by-products, lubricants, and solvent residues can collect in your chamber. Severe build-up of grease and carbon can interfere with chambering. Also some solvents will promote corrosion. You need to keep your chambers clean.
1) Install a clean cotton mop of the correct size on the end of a chamber rod and insert the mop into the chamber. Rotate the mop several times to remove any brush bristles left behind and any excess solvent that was between the rod guide snout and the end of the chamber. Make sure the chamber is dry. Prior to storing a rifle you can oil the chamber but make sure the oil is removed prior to firing the rifle.
2) Alternatively, install an old bore brush on a chamber rod, overlap a couple of patches on the brush bristles, and wrap them around the brush completely. Then insert the patch-covered brush into the chamber while rotating it to remove the excess solvent and debris. Push it firmly into the neck area of the chamber. A similar method is to pierce a large patch on the end of the brush loop and insert it into the action, again rotating the brush as you push the patch up against the breech.
Cleaning the Lug Recess Area
The action lug recess area is one of the dirtiest places on a bolt-action rifle. To properly clean this area, always use a tool designed for the task, such as the $32.99 Sinclair Action Cleaning Tool (part # ACT1) which is part of the full Sinclair Action Cleaning Tool Kit ($54.99, part #ACT2).
1) Insert a cotton roll or cleaning felt into your lug recess cleaning tool and wet both ends and the face of the cotton roll/felt with solvent.
2) Insert the tool into the action and push it forward until it is positioned fully in the lug recess area and rotate the tool head several times. Then reverse the rotation for another few turns. While rotating the tool move it slightly in and out to cover the entire recess area and to also clean the breech face.
3) Remove the tool from the action and inspect the surface of the felt or cotton roll. If there is quite a bit of residue on both sides of the felt/roll, then repeat with another wet felt/roll.
4) When you feel the recess area is completely clean, insert a dry cotton roll into the tool and rotate the tool head to remove any remaining solvent and debris. If necessary, use a second dry cotton roll.
5) You can follow this step up with another pass of a mop or patches into the chamber to get any debris or solvent that pushed forward out of the lug recess area.
Ever wonder how rifles, actions, stocks, optics, suppressors, and ammo components are produced in factories around the world? Today’s Saturday at the Movies installment features fascinating videos filmed inside major firearms industry factories including BAT Machine, ZEISS, Norma, SAKO, Nosler, CCI and Federal.
BAT Custom Rifle Actions — Factory Tour and Owner Interview
BAT Machine Co. makes some of the finest custom actions you can buy. Numerous national and world records have been set with BAT actions. To create this video, Ultimate Reloader’s Gavin Gear visited the BAT Machine production center in Post Falls, Idaho. Gavin talked with BAT’s founder Bruce Thom. The video features extensive footage of advanced CNC machines used to produce the superb BAT actions. If you own a BAT action, or hope to acquire one some day, definitely watch this video. CLICK HERE for Full Story.
Norma Ammunition Factory — Cartridge Creation Start to Finish
Norma has released a fascinating video showing how bullet, brass, and ammunition are produced at the Norma Precision AB factory which first opened in 1902. You can see how cartridges are made starting with brass disks, then formed into shape through a series of processes, including “hitting [the cup] with a 30-ton hammer”. After annealing (shown at 0:08″), samples from every batch of brass are analyzed (at multiple points along the case length) to check metal grain structure and hardness. Before packing, each case is visually inspected by a factory worker.
The video also shows how bullets are made from jackets and lead cores. Finally, you can watch the loading machines that fill cases with powder, seat the bullets, and then transport loaded rounds to the packing system. Guys, watch this video! You won’t be disappointed. The camera work and editing are excellent — there are many close-ups revealing key processes such as annealing and head-stamping.
SAKO Factory Tour in Finland
SAKO produces some of the best hunting rifles you can buy. SAKO, along with its sister company Tikka, operates sophisticated production facilities in Finland. In the video below, Canadian journalists visit the SAKO factory where rifles are made. It is interesting to see how stocks are made and barrels are bored and contoured. SEE More HERE.
Nosler Bullet Manufacturing
Ever wanted to see how Nosler bullets and cartridges are made? Here’s your opportunity. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) has produced a video (“Quality First”) that offers a behind-the-scenes look inside Nosler’s Oregon factory that produces bullets, brass, and ammunition. RMEF representatives visited Nosler’s famously-guarded manufacturing plant to show the technology used by Nosler to produce bullets and ammunition. After the intro, this video illustrates Nosler’s bullet construction techniques with a cool animation sequence. The video then showcases the Nosler ballistics lab, inspection room, and packaging line. SEE more HERE.
Video Showcases Nosler Production Facility and Ballistics Lab
ZEISS Sport Optics
ZEISS is a world leader in lens and optics technology. Along with ultra-high quality lenses used in production of computer chips and special optics for high-tech medical equipment, ZEISS produces great optics for hunters and shooters. ZEISS lenses are renowned for their sharpness, clarity, and high light transmission. ZEISS has a new series of LRP S3and LRP S5 First Focal Plane scopes which promise to be favorites among PRS/NRL competitors and long-range hunters.
Silencerco Suppressor Fabrication Start to Finish
Here’s a cool video that shows the entire production process for a SilencerCo Octane pistol suppressor start to finish. Beginning with the raw materials, this video shows a wide variety of cutting, milling, drilling, burnishing, fitting, metal bathing, surface finishing, and laser etching processes. If you have any interest in production methods you’ll want to watch this video all the way through, and maybe a second time.
Rimfire Ammo Production at CCI/Speer and Federal Factories
YouTube host 22Plinkster got a chance to tour the CCI/Speer production facility in Lewiston, Idaho. This large plant produces both rimfire and centerfire ammunition. While touring the plant, 22Plinkster was allowed to capture video showing the creation of .22 LR rounds from start to finish. This is a fascinating video, well worth watching.
This revealing video shows all phases of .22 LR ammo production including cupping, drawing, annealing, washing, drying, head-stamping, priming, powder charging, bullet seating, crimping, waxing, inspection, and final packaging.
Field & Stream Tours Federal Ammo Plant in Minnesota
A while back Field & Stream toured the Federal ammunition production facility in Anoka, Minnesota. This large plant produces both rimfire and centerfire ammunition. While touring the plant, the reporter was allowed to capture video showing the creation of .22 LR rounds from start to finish. This is a fascinating video, well worth watching. Click speaker icon for sound.
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The Manufacturing Process for .22 LR Rimfire Ammunition Shooting Sports USA explains: “Rimfire cartridge cases are the oldest self-contained cartridge in existence, having been in continuous production since the mid-1850s. Rimfire cases are drawn from a thin piece of brass and formed with a hollow rim. A priming compound is then forced into the case using centrifugal force, where it is charged with powder and a bullet is seated in the mouth of the case. The case is then crimped around the bullet to ensure sufficient push and pull when the round is fired. When the firing pin strikes the thin brass rim of the case, the hollow rim is crushed and the primer is ignited.” Source: SSUSA.org 9/2/2017.
Norma has released a fascinating video showing how bullet, brass, and ammunition are produced at the 
