High-contrast targets make aiming (and seeing your bullet impacts) easier. EZ2C Targets, a family business in Pennsylvania, has developed a series of very bright, high-contrast targets printed with eye-popping fluorescent red/orange and Deep Black Inks. These are available from the EZ2C online store. A set of 11″x17″ Hi-Viz targets printed on quality white paper costs $13.95 for 25 or 40 sheets per pad. A wide variety of designs are available — Bulleyes, Grids, Silhouettes, and Diamonds as well as many specialty targets. There are also 20 types of 3.5″ x 3.5″ Mini stick-on targets. These are printed with deep Black Ink on Fluorescent Red Self-Adhesive Label Stock.
EZ2C Combo Pack of Targets
EZ2C currently offers 36 varieties of high-contrast targets. There are conventional bullseye and grid targets, plus a large variety of special fun targets. Choose among 36 different target styles, with special designs for pistols and rifles. If you want a variety of targets, EZ2C offers nine great combination packages. Get 200 11″x17″ targets for just $44.95 or 125 targets for $36.95. Choose Rifle Targets, Pistol Targets, or Game-Style targets with 5 or 8 different target formats in each combo pack. Here are three popular multi-target combo packs, with 4 examples of the 36 individual targets below:
Training Targets to Improve your Shooting Skills
Here are other EZ2C Targets that help build shooting skills. The pistol diagnosis target (second from left) shows how to correct your aim and hold, based on where your errant shots fall. The decreasing dots target is a fun challenge for rimfire cross-training. Set it at 200 yards for centerfire.
This coming week, July 7-9, 2025, the National 3PAR (Three-Position Air Rifle) Precision Championships take place at Camp Perry, Ohio. This 3-day event for junior shooters is the culmination of a series of shooting competitions organized by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). The annual CMP 3PAR competition begins with postal matches, followed by regional championships (in multiple states), and culminates in a national championship held at Camp Perry, Ohio. There will be both individual and team competition. All matches will be fired on electronic targets. CLICK HERE for Match Program PDF.
Prizes and Scholarship Awards for Top Competitors
This 3PAR Championship is an event for young shooters — qualifying juniors and high school seniors who have just graduated are eligible. There will be monetary awards for both individual and team winners. In addition, the top three competitors who just graduated from high school will each receive a $1000 CMP Scholarship award. In addition, USA Shooting will present a National Futures Team slot to the top male and female shooters in the precision class.
Precision Air Rifle is modeled after Olympic-style shooting and allows the use of very high-tech (and pricey) target rifles and equipment. By contrast, Sporter Air Rifle employ simple, much less expensive rifles. In both types of shooting, competitors fire at targets at a distance of 10 meters in three different positions, prone, standing and kneeling. The Sporter match took place June 21-25, 2025. The Precision match, with the high-tech, ultra-accurate rifles (like the Feinwerkbau shown below), kicks off tomorrow, July 7, 2025.
Location and Facilities: The championships will take place at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center, located at Camp Perry Training Site, 1000 N. Lawrence Road Bldg. #5042, Port Clinton, OH 43452.
Course of Fire: The course of fire will be one 3×20 three-position air rifle event on each competition day, with all events fired at 10 meters. Teams will be comprised of four members selected before the competition begins. A final will be fired for the top 8 individuals.
The modern Gary Anderson Competition Center boasts a long row of indoor electronic targets, which can provide multiple target distances from fixed firing points.
Electronic Targets with Results Streamed Online
The Gary Anderson Center boasts state-of-the-art electronic targets that record scores the instant each shot is fired. Shot-by-shot feeds (and scores) are then displayed on large screens. For some matches, live target images are uploaded to the web for display on mobile devices.
About the National 3PAR Championships — Key INFO
Phase 1 Postal Matches: Competitors shoot on their home ranges and submit scores to CMP.
Phase 2 Regional Championships: Top postal match shooters advance to regional competitions.
National Championship Finals: The final event, held at Camp Perry, features both precision air rifle competitions (July 7-9, 2025) and sporter competition (June 19-21, 2025).
3PAR Competition Classes: There are separate competitions for sporter (designed for new competitors) and precision (modeled after Olympic-style shooting) classes.
National Matches: 2025 3PAR competitions at Camp Perry are held in conjunction with the larger National Matches, offering opportunities for additional shooting events.
National Championship Dates: The Sporter Championship was held June 19-21, 2025. The 3PAR Precision Championship takes place July 7-9, 2025 at Camp Perry.
Championship Rules: The 3PAR Championships are conducted under the 2024-2026 15th Edition National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules (NS3PC). CLICK HERE to download the rules from the CMP website.
About the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center
The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center in Ohio, is open to the public, year-round. This modern facility features an 80-point range equipped with the CMP’s own electronic targets. The facility also includes a retail center for equipment and memorabilia sales.
Today’s Movie Showcase features video reviews of the new Athlon Rangecraft radar chrono that offers exceptional performance for the price. At $399.99 MSRP, the new-for-2025 Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Chronograph is about $200 cheaper than the popular Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chrono, which costs $599.99. So far, most tests show that this compact Athlon Chrono works very well and its Doppler Radar system is accurate. Velocities may be a few FPS faster that with a Garmin, but the ES/SD values are very close. If you are in the market for a new chronograph, definitely watch these videos. And take note — right now, for the Independence Day weekend, Brownells is offering a 15% off discount that can reduce the price of a new Athlon Chrono to $339.99 (use Code USA15 at checkout). NOTE — this deal may expire very soon!
Ultimate Reloader Test of Athlon Rangecraft Chronograph
Athlon’s NEW Rangecraft Velocity PRO Doppler Radar Chronograph is impressive, and it is a genuine rival to the popular Garmin. In this video Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com walks through the features and specs, and the hardware. Then the video covers the testing process and shows the workflow with this high-value, compact chrono.
Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Chronograph, $399.99
The new Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph is an impressive and very affordable compact chrono, selling for $399.99 at most vendors. This employs Doppler radar allowing ultra-accurate velocity readings. Since the unit isn’t triggered by a muzzle blast, it can work with suppressors, muzzle brakes, and other muzzle devices. The Rangecraft Vel Pro reads velocities between 65 FPS and 5000 FPS. So far field tests have shown that the Athlon Rangecraft chrono is reliable and picks up all shots fired with all types of rifles and pistols (even airguns). However the listed velocities may be a few FPS different than a Magnetospeed or Labradar. Athlon also has a good Ballistics Lite App that works with this chrono — see video at 21:45 time-mark. The unit includes a compact tripod.
Athlon Rangecraft vs. Garmin Xero C1 — Chrono Comparison Test
Here are two short videos that show side-by-side comparison tests of the new Athlon Chrono with its main comparison, the Garmin. These vertical-format videos are easy to watch with your cell phone. The tester found the Athlon “had a faster calculation and refresh rate” than the Garmin. The Athlon also has “slightly larger display screen” and a two additional buttons for somewhat “easier ergonomics”. In this test the Athlon velocity readings were about 4 FPS faster than the Garmin.
Comparison Test: Athlon vs. Garmin vs. Magnetospeed
This 27-minute review by Full Circle Reloading starts with unboxing and set-up of the new Athlon Chrono. Then the video compares the features of the Athlon Rangecraft Chrono with the Garmin Xero C1 Pro chrono. Then, using a rifle fitted with a Magnetospeed barrel-mounted chrono, the host compares results from all three chronographs: Athlon, Garmin, and Magnetospeed. The results are very interesting. This is a “must-watch” video if you are considering upgrading from a Magnetospeed to a radar chronograph.
Field Test with 6mm ARC Rifle and 5.56 PSA Jackl and 9mm Pistol
This field test features two AR-type firearms (6mm ARC long barrel and 5.56 NATO 10.5″ barrel PSA Jakl) and a 9mm Springfield Echelon pistol. The tester says the fact that the Athlon is $200 less than the Garmin is “fantastic”. His Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Doppler Radar unit performed very well with all the guns tested, delivering reliable velocity read-outs “without the fuss of barrel attachments or bulky setups”.
Athlon Chrono Integration with Athlon Ballistics Lite App
This 12.5-minute video shows how the Athlon Ballistics Lite App works with the new Athlon Rangemaster Chrono. The App “talks” to the unit via Bluetooth and so can then record the details of each shot including speed, deviation from average, Extreme Spread (ES), Standard Deviation (SD), and kinetic energy (after you’ve entered bullet weight). This information can be scrolled shot-by-shot as well as viewed in tables. You can create separate record for different firearms and different bullet types.
Brownells Athlon Chrono Feature and 15% Off Discount Code
As part of its July 4th weekend promotion, Brownells is offering 15% Off orders of $200 or more. To get this 15% discount, use Promo Code USA15 during checkout. And yes you can get a 15% discount on the popular new Athlon Rangecraft Radar Chronograph, with a $339.99 price after 15% discount. NOTE: This 15% discount may expire very soon.
Many leading vendors are running sales for the 4th of July, with some sales extending through the 5th or 7th of July. You’ll find sitewide discounts plus significant additional savings on select products. In addition some vendors are now offering FREE Shipping. Here’s a quick summary of notable Independence Week Sales Events from leading online retailers.
Brownells 15% OFF Savings with Code USA15 on $200+ Orders
As part of its July 4th promo, Brownells is offering 15% Off orders of $200 or more. To get this 15% discount, use promo Code USA15 during checkout. Along with this 15% OFF deal, there are many items on sale, including Banish suppressors, Colt revolvers, Howa barreled actions, Daniel Defense AR uppers, Geissele triggers, Magpul hardware, and more. And yes you can get a 15% discount on the popular new Athlon Rangecraft Radar Chronograph, with a $339.99 price after 15% discount.
Powder Valley Outdoors — Up to 42% Off July 4 Sale
Leading vendor Powder Valley Outdoors has put dozens of popular items on sale for July 4th. You’ll find huge savings — up to 42% — on a wide variety of products including powder, primers, loaded ammunition, cartridge brass and more. There are big discounts on products from leading brands including Lapua, Federal, CCI, Hornady, Speer, Sellier & Bellot and more. Yes superb Lapua brass is on sale, and there are big discounts on Hornady loaded ammo.
Midsouth — FREE Shipping with 99+ Order or FREE Hazmat with $149+ Order
Midsouth Shooters Supply is running a major 4th of July sales promotion. For in-stock merchandise orders of $99.00 or more, with shipping weights up to 49 pounds, you can get FREE Shipping with Code 7425FS. Alternatively, you can get FREE HazMat with $149+ orders of in-stock HazMat items (i.e. powder, primers). To get free HazMat, use Code 7425FH. These promos are for Ground Shipping only in the lower 48 states. These discounts are available through 7/7/2025 at 11:59 pm CST.
Palmetto State Armory — Guns, Ammo, Optics on SALE
Palmetto State Armory (PSA) is running a major sale with significant discounts on hundreds of products including firearms, optics, ammunition, and magazines. If you’re looking to pick up AR-platform upper or lower, or a carry pistol, now’s a great time to shop at PSA.
Precision Reloading — 10% Off Orders Over $99
Here’s a great deal from Precision Reloading. For orders over $99.00, you get 10% Off by using Code FREEDOM during checkout. This applies to in-stock merchandise and some items are excluded. But it’s still a great promotion — you can save on bullets, brass, loaded ammo, tools, dies, accessories and more.
Creedmoor Sports — FREE Shipping with Orders over $99
To mark Independence Day, Creedmoor Sports is offering FREE shipping with orders over $99.00 with Code CS1776. This deal is good through noon on 7/5/2025. NOTE: There are quite a few exclusions which may include ammunition, tumbler media, plastic beads, portable air gun ranges, firearms, air rifles, targets, and posters. And drop shipped items are exempt.
Natchez — $5.00 Flat-Rate Shipping on 4th of July
Natchez is offering $5.00 Flat-Rate Shipping on orders $99.99+ through 11:59 pm EST on 7/5/2024. Use Code FR250702. In addition, Natchez is currently running an Ammo Promo with up to21% Off PMC ammunition. And Natchez is offering up to 20% Off Lee Products.
This 608-page resource covers rifles, shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders, airguns, optics and more. We like the print edition, but there is also a Kindle eBook version for just $17.99 on Amazon. Both paperback and Kindle versions provide hundreds of photos plus new product roundups, in-depth product tests, and scores of articles and stories.
There are dozens of photo-illustrated feature articles. Among the notable stories are a detailed history of .270 Winchester rifles, SAKO rifle reviews, a guide to modern 1911 pistol, Tips on M1 Garand Restoration, and multiple field tests on rimfire and centerfire rifles.
Gun Digest 2025 Editor-in-Chief Phil Massaro has assembled a large team of respected industry authors for the new book, including Kristin Alberts, Joe Arterburn, Craig Boddington, Bill Gabbard, Thomas Gomez, Jim House, Trent Marsh, Robert Sadowski, Ron Spomer, Phil Shoemaker, Wayne van Zwoll, and many more.
Gun Digest 2025 covers hunting, personal defense, target shooting, gunsmithing, and collecting. There are Updated Ballistics Tables, and the catalog section shows off the newest offerings in rifles, handguns, shotguns, muzzleloaders and air rifles. The new 79th Edition has a vast collection of gun histories, in-depth reviews, and new product roundups. Written by top gun writers, the feature stories cover every aspect of guns and shooting — hunting, personal defense, target practice, gun making, and collecting. In addition to this, the Gun Digest 2025 book includes rifle field tests in the Testfire section, and a guide to buying optics and ammunition. Reports from the Field cover the newest firearms and accessories.
Other Good Books from Gun Digest Media
Gun Digest Media produces numerous other quality books for rifle, pistol, and shotgun owners. Here are four books we recommend. These are offered in both paperback and eBook versions:
MTM offers a black “tactical” Range Box for AR-type rifles. MTM’s model TRB-40 Tactical Range Box, currently $50.71 at Midsouth, includes a special bracket (aka “fork”) that supports AR-type rifles through the magazine well. This makes it easy to clean your Black Rifle — just slip your AR lower on the .223 Rem (5.56 NATO) size magwell fork. As shown below, this fork is red. However, some previous production models had black magwell brackets (see above). Along with the magwell bracket, this Range Box has two plastic cradles that can support the rifle by forearm and buttstock. The Range Box also offers plenty of storage for jags, brushes, solvents, ammo boxes and other miscellaneous gear you need for the range.
Among the many range boxes available, the TRB-40 Tactical Range Box makes sense for Black Rifle owners. It is rugged, it has plenty of storage space, and it doubles as a handy cleaning station. It’s a good product that does the job and stands up to rough handling. The MTM Range Box is secure enough to stay in place when you’re brushing the barrel and cleaning the upper’s innards.
Versatile Upper Tray with Dividers
The MTM Range Box has two major components — the box base (with cradles), and a large upper tray with hinged top and carry handle. This large upper tray clamps securely to the bottom unit for transport. The top tray has a long section that holds cleaning rod guides, long brushes, grease syringes and the like. There are two, clear-plastic fitted divider trays. These will hold your patches and jags, plus comparators, wrenches, and other small tools.
What Might Be Improved
Though we really like the MTM Range Box, we wish the box was a bit deeper, to have added carrying capacity. The dimensions of the MTM Range Box are: 24.6″ long x 11.3″ wide x 8.3″ high. We’d like to see it 12″ high/deep to allow larger solvent bottles to stand upright and to provide more space to carry tools, magazines, and shooting muffs. However, it is deep enough to hold the large 100-round MTM cartridge boxes that are popular with many shooters.
For many years, the Swarovski Optik website featured a blog with interesting technical articles. (Unfortunately some of these articles have been taken offline.) In the “On Target” series of blog stories, Swarovski provided a handy explanation of how optics systems work, with exploded diagrams of rifle scopes, spotting scopes, and binoculars. We’ve reproduced the key diagrams here. CLICK HERE for Swarovski On Target Archive.
Scope Terminology
Focusing Lens
The focusing lens is an adjustable lens inside the optical system for focusing the image at different distances…. In the case of rifle scopes, apart from focusing, the focusing lens also facilitates parallax compensation.
Objective Lens
The objective lens is the optical system’s front lens group facing the object and operates like a converging lens. Its purpose is to display an image which, at the image plane, appears upside down, laterally transposed and reduced, and which is subsequently displayed correctly again by the reversal system.
Diopter Adjustment
For rifle scopes, the reticle can be focused using the diopter adjustment on the eyepiece, thereby correcting any visual impairment. [Editor’s Note: Movable eyepiece diopter adjustment is not offered on all rifle scopes. It is a useful feature on Swarovski and other premium scopes. This allows shooters who need eyeglasses to get a sharply focus image even without wearing corrective lenses. Of course shooters should always wear ANSI-certified eye protection. With the diopter, folks who need correction can use inexpensive, non-Rx safety eyewear instead of expensive prescription safety glasses.]
Reversal System
The purpose of the reversal system is to reverse the image by means of prisms in binoculars and telescopes, and lenses in rifle scopes….The lens reversal system is needed in rifle scopes to control the variable magnification and move the exit pupil[.]
Resource tip by ELR Researcher. We welcome reader submissions.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Midsouth — RCBS Reloading Combos on Sale, $289-$489
⏺️ » Excellent Combo Reloading Kits with major savings
Midsouth is running a SALE on RCBS Reloading Press Combos. These include a single-stage press, powder measure, scale, priming tool, powder trickler, case prep tools, reloading manual and more. NOTE: The Rock Chucker combo kit has a balance beam scale, while other kits have a compact digital scale. Save up to $100 on these combo kits — e.g. the Rebel Master Combo Kit is marked down to $399.99 from $499.99.
2. Amazon — Frankford Intellidropper + Case Prep CTR, $379.94
⏺️ » Two excellent, advanced products with combo discount
Here’s a great Frankford Arsenal combo — the impressive Intellidropper powder scale/dispenser PLUS the Frankford Platinum Series Case Trim & Prep System. The Intellidropper is fast and reliable and can be controlled via a free smart-phone App. The Case Prep Center boasts four power stations with VLD chamfering tool, Outside Chamfer Tool, primer pocket uniformers, and Adjustable Collet System for cases from .17 Rem to .460 Weatherby. You get BOTH advanced products for $379.94 on Amazon (#ad). NOTE: If you do not need the Case Prep Center, you can get the Intellidropper Scale/Dispenser by itself for just $189.99 on Amazon, $64 less than it sells for elsewhere at $253.99.
3. EuroOptic — Leupold Optics Close-Out Sale, Huge Discounts
⏺️ » Save hundreds on excellent scopes, spotters, and binocs
EuroOptic is running a notable Leupold Close-Out Sale on Leupold Scopes, Spotting Scopes, and Binoculars. Discounts run from 20% to over 40% with typical savings 30-36% on riflescopes. That can save you hundreds of dollars on great optics, which includes the superb Leupold Lifetime Warranty.
4. KYGUNCO — Taurus TX22 T.O.R.O. with Optic, $329.99
⏺️ » Great value and stellar reviews from buyers
The .22 LR Taurus TX22 T.O.R.O. pistol is great for rimfire gun games. This ergonomic pistol features an enhanced Performance Trigger System plus the Viridian RFX11 Green Dot sight, and slide lightening cuts. This combo includes FIVE mags — two 22-rounders and three 16-rounders. NOTE: This pistol has earned 92% 5-star reviews from confirmed buyers. It represents a great value at just $329.99 — 38% off MSRP.
5. Amazon — Caldwell Stable Table Lite, $137.79
⏺️ » Good price on collapsible ambidextrous shooting bench
Every avid shooter should have some kind of portable shooting bench for practicing at undeveloped ranges, and/or for varmint safaris. Priced at $137.79, the Caldwell Stable Table (#ad) is a secure and affordable platform for practice, sight-in sessions, and varmint field trips. This table is fully collapsible for easy transport. Set-up is fast and simple with a right/left movable seat and height adjustments for maximum shooting comfort. This ambidextrous shooting table works for both right-handed or left-handed shooters.
6. Palmetto SA — Walker’s Electronic Muffs and Glasses, $39.99
⏺️ » Great price on ear and eye protection — muffs and glasses
The Walker’s Patriot Electronic Ear Muffs and Glasses Combo Kit is a true bargain. For just $39.99 you get good electronic muffs plus eye protection. These Walker Patriot Series electronic muffs provide a 23dB Noise Reduction Rating, and ultra-fast reaction time. These electronic muffs also feature multi-directional microphones and Hi-Definition speakers. The shooting glasses feature high-grade polycarbonate lenses that meet and exceed ANSI requirement. This combo is now 33% off.
⏺️ » Versatile, well-designed gun vise with storage trays
Here’s an excellent gun vise on sale for just $35.99. The versatile MTM GV-30 CaseGard Gun Vise supports rifles and shotguns for cleaning/maintenance. High and low forks allow level or angled gun placement. The rubber-padded rotating stock clamp provides a firm hold. The base has 14 different compartments for tools/solvents, plus 11 slots for jags, brushes, and screwdrivers. On the side are tabs for two cleaning rods. This GV-20 vise is made from rugged, solvent-resistant polypropylene plastic. If this sells out on GunZoneDeals, Midsouth has the GV-30 Vise for $38.00.
8. MidwayUSA — Pro Series Competition Shooting Mat, $39.99
⏺️ » Excellent mat — good size with nice padding and carry handle
MidwayUSA’s Pro Series Competition Shooting Mat is on sale for just $39.99 — 20% off the regular $49.99 price. This mat is bigger and better than MidwayUSA’s basic shooting mat. The Pro Series mat measures a full 74″ x 35″ and the padding is thicker. A zippered pocket on the front extension flap holds ammo or log book. There are pockets for bipod feet so you can pre-load your bipod. At $39.99 on sale this Pro Series mat is an excellent deal. Choose either OD green as shown, or Coyote Tan.
9. Amazon — Digital Trigger Pull Gauge, $18.99
⏺️ Cool sub-$20 tool that works really well — great buy
The Pridefend Professional Digital Trigger Pull Gauge (#ad) offers great performance for a very low price. We’ve used this “smart” pull gauge with success on match rifle triggers. This gauge measures in 1 oz. increments from 0 to 12 pounds. The gauge display is easy to read and you can choose ounce, pound, or Kg units. Though it costs just $17.99, this digital gauge offers better consistency than many conventional spring-type gauges. Plus, when you do a sequence of multiple pull tests on one gun, the unit automatically calculates maximum, minimum, and average pull weights.
⏺️ » Handy Binder with Data Sheets and sample targets
The MTM HL-95 Handloader’s Log has targets and data shees for tracking group size, load data, and ammo performance. In the provided 3-ring binder this HL-95 LOG has 150 pages to record data, with four types of printed targets: 1) BR target page with 5 standard box + rings targets; 2) Large bullseye plus 4 small circles; 3) Large bullseye with scoring rings; 4) Quad bullseye page. CLICK HERE for MTM video showing the binder with all contents, page by page.
Data sheets include: MTM master log sheet, Benchrest shooting log, Standard shooting data sheet, Shotshell reloading data sheet, Firearms inventory sheet.
HL-95 Logbook Kit contents include: 3 ring vinyl pocket binder. 5 sets of data sheets, 4 sets of targets.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
We have all been there — you place a piece of tumbled brass in the shell-holder of your press, raise it into the die, and suddenly it is like somebody hit the brakes. The case is stuck in the die. Your first instinct is to reverse it out. You crank on the handle, and BANG! The rim rips off the case head and you are looking at a piece of brass stuck in the die.
A stuck case is one of the boo-boos that all of us reloaders have faced from time to time. If proper lubrication is applied, then it should not be a problem. No matter if you are a seasoned reloader or new to it, this situation can happen. Take your time, use the proper procedures, and you will be back in business in no time! This article explains how to avoid stuck cases (through proper lubrication) and how to use a stuck case removal system.
What Causes Stuck Cases
One of the first common mistakes reloaders face is the stuck case. It can be caused by too much or too little lube. Too much and a vacuum can be formed causing the case to become suctioned into the die. Too little lube and friction is the culprit. So what is the cure? There is no exact cure, but the best lube that we have found so far is just a dab of Imperial Sizing Die Wax on your fingers and applied in a thin coat on the body of the case, not the shoulder or neck. Too much of this wax can cause the vacuum effect, or can eventually load your die up with gobs of residue. If it is applied to the shoulder area, or the leftover wax moves up into the shoulder region of the die, you will see dents or dimples in the shoulder. [AccurateShooter.com Editor’s Note: For normal full-length sizing of small cases such as 220 Russian/PPC, 6mmBR, 6.5 Grendel, or 6.5×47 Lapua we recommend Ballistol (aerosol) lube. It is very slippery, goes on very thin, and does not gum up the die.]
A great way to ensure that your dies are clean is to use a simple chamber mop with a dab of your favorite solvent on it and clean out the die. Be sure all of the solvent is out after cleaning by spraying the die out with Quickscrub III or use a clean chamber mop. If you are storing your dies, you can apply a thin coat of a good oil to protect the steel such as TM oil or Starrett M1 Spray.
This video shows how to use an RCBS Stuck Case Removal Kit:
Using a Stuck Case Removal Kit
If you do stick a case in your die there are a few good stuck case removal kits available. Each one works in a similar fashion. I have found the Hornady kit very effective and easy to use. [Editor: Forster, Lyman, and RCBS also make good kits for removing a case stuck in a die.]
Basically what you do is remove the die from the press. Unscrew the decapping assembly and pull it out as far as you can. You then need to drill/tap threads into the stuck case head (this is why it is suggested to unscrew the decapping assembly as far as you can to get it clear of the drill bits). Once this is done screw the die back into the press. You then install the included shellholder attachment on the shellholder ram, and thread it into the case via a small wrench. With some elbow grease you can reverse the stuck case out of the die with the leverage of the press, and not damage the die.
However if the case is stuck… REALLY stuck, you may pull out the threads on the case and you are still left with a stuck case in the die without any way to pull it out. If the case is really difficult to remove even with the use of a stuck case removal kit, do not try to be Hercules with the press ram. Here is a trick that may work. Take the die with the stuck case and place it in your freezer for a couple of hours. Then repeat the removal with the cold die. The freezing temperatures may cause the brass to contract, and make removal easier. If this does not work it is recommended to send it to the die manufacturer. They will be able to remove the case without damaging the die.
Another fix if you can remove the decapping assembly completely is to use a tap hammer and a punch or small wooden dowel to knock the stuck case out. This isn’t the best way since it is very possible that you will damage the die internally or externally on the threads, or both. Send the die to the manufacturer to have this done properly. You will be happier in the long run.
This article appears courtesy Sinclair International. It first appeared in Sinclair’s Reloading Press Blog.
Here’s a handy invention by Forum member RayJay from Georgia. It’s a simple wire clip that will hold the lid of your plastic ammo box fully open during use. RayJay explains: “Everybody probably uses the cheap plastic cartridge cases. The only problem I have with them is the lid is always in the way and sometimes when trying to open the lid farther the cartridge box tips and you can dump out the cases. I did some cogitating and came up with these .061″ music wire clips. They work great and the unexpected benefit is that the cases are more stable while sitting at the bench.”
RayJay adds: “The round wire is ideal because it still allows a cartridge to fit in the hole where the clip is placed. Now all I need to do is make another 15 or 20 so I can have one in every case I own.”
Another Answer — Buy Better Ammo Boxes with Mechanical Hinges
Many common types of ammo boxes do have this annoying issue of the lids resisting opening and not staying fully open. However, some of the better boxes from Plano and MTM now have a proper hinge, so that the lid lies flat. Shown below is the MTM #17 100rd box for .223 Rem ammo, which has a nice mechanical hinge so the top lies flat when open.
Even the basic MTM P50 boxes now have a Mechanical Hinge so the lid opens all the way and lies flat when open (see video at 00:56):
A stuck case is one of the boo-boos that all of us reloaders have faced from time to time. If proper lubrication is applied, then it should not be a problem. No matter if you are a seasoned reloader or new to it, this situation can happen. Take your time, use the proper procedures, and you will be back in business in no time! This article explains how to avoid stuck cases (through proper lubrication) and how to use a stuck case removal system.
