Our AccurateShooter.com Forum has an active section for hunting and varminting. One of the notable varminting threads in recent weeks was an account of a varmint hunt in Eastern Oregon. Forum member “Rick in Oregon” spent a week this past April nailing small varmints — known as “Sage Rats”, aka Belding ground squirrels (Urocitellus beldingi). Rick did most of his shooting with his handsome Cooper M38 rifle chambered for the 20 VarTarg wildcat, which is basically a .221 Fireball case necked down to .20 caliber. Here is Rick’s report on his successful Sage Rat Safari.
Forum member Rick in Oregon with his 20 VarTarg Cooper M38 rifle.
We just returned from a week-long sage rat shoot in the Orygun outback. Decent weather this time, no blowing snow, just plenty of sunshine and our buddy “Skippy the Flying Squirrel” to enhance our shooting enjoyment. Our rancher host refuses to use poison, so he welcomes us with the ability to hook our trailers to power and water, and a nice place to park them while we rid him of his sage rat problem. A true win-win situation for all. Out of respect for the rancher, we did not drive out into the fields. Instead we parked on the perimeter two-tracks, placed our portable benches, set up our windflags, then had at it.
For shooting these small critters, you need accurate rifles that shoot less than 0.5 MOA. The sage rats are small and they may be partially concealed inside their relatively flat mounds. I took my custom M700 .204 Match 1:11-twist rifle, but there were no long range opportunities to justify burning over 25 grains of powder, as no elevated positions were available to take advantage of it. Shooting from the flat terrain gets much mirage, making any hits past 350 yards virtually impossible, so my 20 VarTarg got the most action out to 350 yards. Then inside of 200 yards I used my Anschutz 1715D HB in .17 HMR which did a very fine job of rat launching.
Rick is a definite 20 VarTarg devotee: “For years I thought my .223 AI was the ideal Prairie Dog cartridge. It may well be, but for sage rats, the 20 VarTarg has few equals when efficiency and performance is considered. This makes 15 years of 20 VT sage rat medicine for me, and I do not see any changes on the horizon. It also works quite well on rockchucks!”
As usual when the “Eastern Oregon Raptor Feeding Society” shows up, so do the raptors. In fact bald eagles, golden eagles, hawks, and ravens all feast on the generous sage rat meals we provide. The terminal effects of the .20-Cal 32-grain bullets can’t be overstated. It sure makes it easy for the birds to do their thing. CLICK HERE for dead critter “blood and guts” close-up photo.
Above is Rick’s Cooper M38 chambered for the 20 VarTarg wildcat on his rotating field bench. Rick tells us: “My Cooper M38 VR 20 VarTarg is basically a stock offering from Cooper Firearms of Montana with a Jard 10 oz. trigger added. The barrel is a 1:12-twist 24″ Wilson chambered by Cooper. The bedding was perfect so I have not touched it in that regard.”
Rick’s load with Nosler 32gr Varmageddon bullets runs 3680 FPS — wicked fast. He loads Alliant Reloder 7 in Lapua or Nosler brass with Rem 7½ primers. Rick says this rig is VERY accurate, delivering groups in the sub-quarter-MOA range.
The scope is a Leupold VX3 6.5-20x40mm LR, with Varmint Hunter Reticle, factory-installed M1 elevation turret, EGW scope level, carried in Leupold rings. Rick notes: “My come-up chart in the scope’s ocular cover was developed using Sierra Infinity ballistics software based on my actual load. The chart has proven to be deadly spot-on at all suitable ranges I encounter the rats and rockchucks.”
EDITOR: The 20 VarTarg cartridge is based on the .221 Fireball case, necked down to .204 and slightly modified for extra capacity. This very efficient cartridge offers low recoil and great accuracy. It’s one of our first choices for ground squirrels and P-dogs out to 300 yards.
Tailgate Cleaning Set-Up — Brush That Barrel Back at Camp
Rick notes: “When the winds get up, cleaning in the field is problematic, blowing patches about, so cleaning back at camp on the tailgate is the hot setup.”
Anschutz 1715D HB in .17 HMR
For shots inside 200 yards, the .17 HMR works well. Rick notes: “The little ones were out, so inside of 200 yards, my Anschutz .17 HMR was the perfect medicine for that work. It really thumps those guys [doing] a very fine job of rat-launching.”
The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) was introduced in 2002 by Hornady as a high-velocity, rimfire cartridge derived from the .22 Magnum case necked down to .17-caliber. The .17 HMR gained popularity among varmint hunters and target shooters for its good accuracy and hitting power out to 200 yards or more — all with low recoil and relatively low cost (compared to centerfire ammo).
Most .17 HMR ammo runs 17-grain or 20-grain hollow-point or plastic-tipped bullets at speeds around 2375-2550 FPS (lower for 20-grainers). Though lightweight, these small projectiles do deliver a powerful impact on small game while maintaining low recoil. Compared to the .22 LR, the .17 HMR offers superior ballistic performance, with flatter trajectories and higher energy at extended distances. It’s good for shooting prairie dogs, ground squirrels, sage rats, and other small critters.
During his sage rat safari in Oregon, Rick stayed in his trailer (see above). Rick noted that one critter “was frolicking about my trailer, so he made a good subject for a 300mm telephoto lens, shot out my dinette window. I can never get that close to them when in the field.”
Today’s Saturday Video Showcase features informative videos about loading at the range. AccurateShooter.com contributor F-Class John shows efficient procedures for load development at the range, testing both powder charge and seating depth. And Ultimate Reloader’s Gavin Gear shows how to load in the field with a mechanical powder dispenser, small scale, and a high-tech hand press. We also include a video from a benchrest competitor in France loading his 6PPC, plus tips for loading at the range by Glen Zediker, author of the Handloading for Competition book.
Reloading at the Range with F-Class John
This excellent 25-minute video covers all aspects of loading at the range — case sizing, powder measuring/dispensing, priming, bullet seating and more. In the video, F-Class John also talks about transport of tools and how to develop loads at the range, as you test different powder charges and seating depths. Viewers have praised this video as one of F-Class John’s best ever. John employs a compact RCBS Summit press and an RCBS ChargeMaster. Highlights by time: 6:14 powder test with grain increments; 14:30 setting depth test; 16:18 test fire seating depth; 18:31 refine seating depth; 20:52 refined seating depth firing; 22:32 “take away” commentary.
Design and Function of Open Front RCBS Summit Press
Unlike other presses, the open front RCBS Summit moves the die up and down while the cartridge case remains stationary. The ambidextrous open-front design allows great access to your cases, and you can quickly change dies very quickly. The Summit has an all-steel linkage and cast iron frame. The Summit also offers compound leverage, a massive 2-inch diameter ram, full access through the front, a press adapter bushing, spent primer catcher, and wide 4.5-inch operating window for convenient access.
Ultimate Reloader Video of Loading at the Range
Sometimes the ONLY practical solution for load development is loading ammunition at the range. In this video Ultimate Reloader’s Gavin Gear demonstrates the loading process from start to finish, and covers what gear is required to “load where you shoot”. This applies to both loading at a covered range and loading in the field. In the video Gavin employs a bench-attached powder thrower and the impressive ($300) Buchanan Precision Machine (BPM) hand press.
Loading Between Matches — Precision Loading at a Pace
In this video, French benchrest competitor Carlos Pacheco loads ammo efficiently between relays at a Benchrest for Group match. He has a single-stage press clamped to a bench, and has a separate arbor press for bullet seating. 6PPC group-shooting competitors commonly tune their loads during the course of the competition, adjusting powder volumes to keep their rifles in optimal tune. Some competitors may also change bullet seating depth, but “tuning” is most commonly done with powder charge. Some benchrest-for-group competitors also believe that best accuracy is achieve with freshly-made ammo loaded before the brass necks take a set.
Loading at the Range — Then and Now
In benchrest shooting for Group, loading at the range has been de rigueur for decades. In the Score discipline, preloading is usually the custom. The main reason is that, in Score competition, only one Aggregate (warm-up match and five record targets) per day is usually shot. That would be less than 50 shots, assuming a few sighter shots. Also, the 30BR, the dominant Benchrest-for-Score cartridge, is very amenable to pre-loading.
By contrast, the Group discipline includes 21 targets (two warm-ups and twenty record targets) over a weekend, usually shot with 6PPC-chambered rifles. Many times, the 6PPC shooters may tweak their loads through the day given changing atmospheric conditions or simply trying to find the correct tune to “dot up”. This term, “Dot up”, means the shots are essentially going through the same hole, or closely so.
Loading at the range was a bit different when benchrest competition was in its infancy. The 1951 book, Modern Accuracy by Bob Wallack, is the best of the early benchrest books. Copies can be found, from time to time, on eBay or Alibris. It is a fascinating survey of benchrest as it existed more than six decades ago. In it, there is a photo of Wallack using the rear bumper of a car at the bench to clamp his reloading tools. Things have come a long way compared to the range loading set-ups of modern shooters. Here you can see Bob Wallack way back in 1950:
Good Article on Reloading at the Range by Glen Zediker
The February 2013 edition of Shooting Sports USA magazine has an interesting feature by Glen Zediker, who sadly passed away in October 2020. In this Transporting Success, Part I article, Zediker explains the advantages of loading at the range when you are developing new loads or tuning existing loads. Glen, the author of the popular Handloading for Competition book, discusses the gear you’ll need to bring and he explains his load development procedure. In discussing reloading at the range, Glen focuses on throwing powder and seating bullets, because he normally brings enough sized-and-primed brass to the range with him, so he doesn’t need to de-prime, re-size, and then re-prime his cases.
Zediker writes: “Testing at the range provides the opportunity to be thorough and flexible. You also have the opportunity to do more testing under more similar conditions and, therefore, get results that are more telling. Once you are there, you can stay there until you get the results you want. No more waiting until next time.”
Zediker starts with three-shot groups: “I usually load and fire three samples [with] a new combination. I’ll then increase propellant charge… based on the results of those three rounds, and try three more. I know that three rounds is hardly a test, but if it looks bad on that few, it’s not going to get any better.”
Glen reminds readers to record their data: “Probably the most important piece of equipment is your notebook! No kidding. Write it down. Write it all down.”
There’s More to the Story…
Editor’s Note: In Zediker’s discussion of loading at the range, he only talks about throwing powder and seating bullets. In fact, Glen opines that: “there is little or no need for sizing.” Well, maybe. Presumably, for each subsequent load series, Zediker uses fresh brass that he has previously sized and primed. Thus he doesn’t need to de-prime or resize anything.
That’s one way to develop loads, but it may be more efficient to de-prime, re-size, and load the same cases. That way you don’t need to bring 50, 80, or even 100 primed-and-sized cases to the range. If you plan to reload your fired cases, you’ll need a system for de-priming (and re-priming) the brass, and either neck-sizing or full-length sizing (as you prefer). An arbor press can handle neck-sizing. But if you plan to do full-length sizing, you’ll need to bring a press that can handle case-sizing chores. Such a press need not be large or heavy. Many benchresters use the small but sturdy RCBS Partner Press, an “O-Design” that costs about $119.99 on Amazon. You may even get by with the more basic Lee Precision Compact Reloading Press, shown in Zediker’s article. This little Lee press, Lee product #90045, retails for under $50.00.
Wind Box Shelters Scales When Reloading at Outdoor Ranges
Beat the Breezes with a Wind Box for your Scale
Forum member Boyd Allen has come up with a smart solution for reloaders who use scales outdoors — a windproof scale enclosure, aka “Wind Box”. Boyd explains: “Many guys have good set-ups for loading at the range, with clamping mounts for powder measure and press. But they lack a good enclosure for a scale. This is vitally important with beam scales because they have a lot of surface area to catch the wind. With much wind at all, the beam can oscillate to the point that is not really very usable. While a low-profile electronic scale may be less wind-sensitive, breezes DO affect weight read-outs on digital scales. And of course you always have the issue of blowing powder particles.”
Boyd Allen has used his Wind Box successfully for many seasons. He explains: “The essence of the idea is to have a scale set up in a box with a clear cover that can be opened and closed. On one side the trickler handle/control emerges through a ‘just big enough’ hole. You raise the cover, add a sub-target-weight thrown charge to the pan, and then close the cover. With the cover secure, the set-up is protected from the wind, and you can now trickle up to your desired charge. It works very well. The scale in the photo is an old Ohaus that I picked up. You can adapt this Wind Box design to any beam scale, or portable electronic scale. Simply adjust the dimensions to fit your particular scale and trickler.”
Saturday Movies range loading story concept and video links by Boyd Allen
Are you getting started in .22 LR rimfire shooting? Or perhaps you just got a new rimfire rifle and want to find the most accurate and consistent ammo for your new rig? Well, here’s good news. ELEY has started selling 5-packs of select ammunition samples that let you easily acquire five different ammo types for testing and evaluation. This allows you to easily find optimal ammunition for their firearm. There are six different five-pack variations, created to make particular disciplines and budget levels. ELEY says: “Whether you’re an elite competitor, club shooter, or hunter, there’s a pack curated just for you.”
These 5-pack sets are offered online at Killough Shooting Sports. Three trial pack types are available currently, with the others to come very soon. Prices range from $42.00 ($8.40 per 50ct box) to $80.00 ($16.00 per 50ct box). See the current Trial Pack offerings at Killoughshootingsports.com.
TENEX Signature Pack
This premium pack features a range of velocity variants from ELEY Tenex, the world’s leading .22LR cartridge. Designed for athletes at the highest level, it allows competitors to match their firearm with the exact performance characteristics required for podium-winning precision.
Elite Pack
Premium Accuracy Showcase — This 5-pack has five of ELEY’s most trusted performance rounds: Tenex, Match, Team, Tenex Pistol, and Semi-Auto Precision. Ideal for competitive shooters seeking to refine their ammunition choice across disciplines.
Target & Club Pack
Choice for New Shooters and Clubs — This versatile 5-pack features ELEY entry-to-intermediate level ammunition at great value. Ammo types are: ELEY Club, Bullseye Pistol X, Semi-Auto Outlaw, ELEY Ultra, and ELEY Target.
Semi-Auto Precision Pack
For semi-auto firearm users — This specialized 5-pack includes ELEY Club, Force, Semi-Auto Outlaw, Contact, and Semi-Auto Precision. These ammo types are engineered for reliability and accuracy in semi-automatic platforms.
Hunting & High Energy Pack
For the field and beyond. This pack delivers good stopping power and performance, with Subsonic Hollow, High Velocity Hollow, Contact, Force, and ELEY Ultra included. These ammo types are optimized for hunters, steel shooters, and shooters seeking maximum energy transfer.
ELEY has a been a trusted rimfire provider for 198 years. “These packs were designed to give consumers an accessible way to explore all levels of the ELEY range, without committing to large case quantities,” said Michael Atkinson, Director at ELEY. “We’re confident that once a shooter finds the round that matches their firearm, they’ll experience the ELEY difference first-hand.”
Shown is the Redding Model 15-P Competition Piloted Inside Chamfering Tool with pilot rod that centers in the case flash hole. Also shown is a Forster 45° Rocket Tool.
There are a wide variety of reloading tools designed to cut a slight chamfer in case necks and deburr the edge of the case mouth. You don’t need to spend a lot of money for an effective tool. A basic “rocket-style” 45° chamfering tool, such as the Forster, actually does a pretty good job taking the sharp edge off case mouths, particularly if you use a little scotch-pad (or steel wool) to smooth the edge of the cut. The Forster chamfer tool, shown below, is a nicely-made product, with sharper cutting blades than you’ll find on most other 45° chamferers. It costs $26.99 at Brownells.com.
Redding sells a handy piloted chamfering tool with a 15° inside cutting angle and removable accessory handle. This Redding Model 15-P chamferer works really well, so long as you have consistent case OALs. The pilot rod (which indexes in the flash hole) is adjustable for different cartridge types (from very short to very long). This ensures the concentricity of the inside neck chamfer to the case mouth. This quality tool works with cases from .22 to .45 Caliber, and retails for $41.49 at MidwayUSA.
Sinclair International offers a 28° carbide chamferer with many handy features (and sharp blades). The $29.99 Sinclair Carbide VLD Case Mouth Chamfering Tool will chamfer cases from .14 through .45 caliber. This tool features a removable 28° carbide cutter mounted in the green plastic Sinclair handle. NOTE: A hex-shaft cutter head power adapter can be purchased separately for $20.99 (Sinclair item 749002690). This can be chucked in a power screwdriver or used with dedicated power drives when doing large volumes of cases.
Many folks feel they can get smoother bullet seating by using a tool that cuts at a steeper angle. We like the 22° cutter sold by Lyman. It has a comfortable handle, and costs $17.89 on Amazon. The Lyman tool is an excellent value, though we’ve seen examples that needed sharpening even when new. Blade-sharpening is easily done, however.
K&M makes a depth-adjustable, inside-neck chamferer (“Controlled Depth Tapered Reaper”) with ultra-sharp cutting flutes. The latest version, which costs $64.40 at KMShooting.com, features a central pin that indexes via the flash hole to keep the cutter centered. In addition, the tool has an enhanced handle, improved depth-stop fingers, plus a new set-screw adjustment for precise cutter depth control. We caution, even with all the depth-control features, if you are not careful, it is easy to over-cut, slicing away too much brass and basically ruining your neck. We think that most reloaders will get better results using a more conventional chamfer tool, such as the Forster or Redding 15-P.
One last thing to note — tools like the K&M and the Sinclair chamferer are often described as VLD chamferers. That is really a misnomer, as bullets with long boat-tails actually seat easily with very minimal chamfering. In reality, these high-angle chamferers may be most valuable when preparing brass for flat-base bullets and bullets with pressure rings. Using a 22° or 28° chamferer can reduce the risk of cutting a jacket when using VLD bullets though — so long as you make a smooth cut.
We like Lyman’s Electronic Digital Trigger Pull Gauge, which is faster and more precise than the previous model. The latest Lyman Pull Gauge measures trigger pull weights from 1 ounce to 12 pounds with resolution of 0.1 ounces (2.8 grams). It features an adjustable, 4-position rod which retracts into the gauge body. We think that anyone running match triggers below 2.5 pounds pull weight should have a gauge like this. Among the pull gauges on the market, we think the Lyman unit offers great performance for the price.
Features: More Precise Strain Gauge | Improved Grip Shape | Adjustable Rod Lengths
Lyman’s Electronic Digital Trigger Pull Gauge is designed to be the fastest and most accurate trigger pull gauge available. State-of-the-art strain gauge technology allows for repeatable accuracy of 1/10 ounce (2.8 grams). The gauge features a large, easy-to-read LCD display and you can switch from ounces to grams with the push of a button. The gauge can also deliver a pull weight average of the last 10 readings. That’s very helpful when working with factory triggers that may not be very consistent.
The Lyman Trigger Pull Gauge features a solid, collapsible rod with four locking positions. Being able to adjust length makes it easier to use the gauge with a wide variety of firearms — pistols, rifles, and shotguns. The locking feature prevents the rod from flexing when applying pressure to the trigger. When not in use, the rod conveniently collapses into the gauge body, making the whole unit more compact. The new Trigger Pull Gauge comes in an internally-padded plastic case that can be easily stored in a drawer or on your work bench.
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:
The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) was introduced in 2002 by Hornady as a high-velocity, rimfire cartridge derived from the .22 Magnum case necked down to .17-caliber. The .17 HMR gained popularity among varmint hunters and target shooters for its good accuracy and hitting power out to 200 yards or more — all with low recoil and relatively low cost (compared to centerfire ammo).
There’s More to the Story…
