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April 18th, 2024

Cartridge Comparison Test — 6.5 Creedmoor vs. .308 Winchester

.308 win winchester 6.5 creedmoor cartridge ballistics terminal performance comparison talks test video series

A new Vortex video series, Cartridge Talks Comparisons, looks at multiple variables along with ballistics gel tests to determine the comparative performance of popular cartridge types. Each Month, Cartridge Talks will examine and test two popular cartridges, comparing their head to head performance. In Episode 1, Vortex Nation™ hosts Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn pit the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester cartridges against each other, examining projectile performance. Mark and Ryan then make conclusions about the applications best suited to each cartridge type.

Cartridge Comparison 14-minute video, Highlighting Ballistic Gel Testing

This first Cartridge Talks Episode pits the 6.5 Creedmoor against the .308 Winchester in a head-to-head, ballistics gel-induced bullet battle. Ballistics (drop/drift), penetration ability, terminal performance and other variables are tested with a variety of tools and tests. Viewers are invited to check out Episode 1, and suggest future cartridge battles in the comments section.

Here is the full 67-minute 6.5 Creedmoor vs. .308 Win Cartridge comparison video:

“With the myriad of cartridges available to the big game hunter, picking which chambering is best for you and your application can be a daunting task,” says Muckenhirn. “In Cartridges Talks, we put our biases on the shelf and put as much scientific process to this as possible. From ‘shootability’ and accessibility, to terminal performance as observed in ballistics gel, Cartridge Talks wades through the numbers and figures with you, loads you up with the pertinent information, and helps you select the ideal cartridge for your next hunt!”

Vortex Nation Has 10 MORE Cartridge Comparison Videos. Here are four we recommend. CLICK HERE to view all four videos.

.308 win winchester 6.5 creedmoor 7 PRC .30-06 cartridge ballistics terminal performance comparison talks test video series

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April 18th, 2024

Double Wooden Shooting Bench — Impressive DIY Project

do it yourself shooting bench 6.5 Creedmoor

We like well-executed DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects. You can save money with DIY projects, and often create something unique and special that can’t be purchased from any vendor. That’s the case with this very cool double shooting bench built by Jacob D., a pilot and 6.5 Creedmoor shooter. The design of the bench is smart — it allows two right-handed shooters, but it can also handle a right-hander and a left-hander. (The lefty sets up in the right half of the bench.)

Jacob, who flies for Arizona’s Mesa Airlines, built his own side-by-side benchrest shooting bench. He then posted photos of this on the 6.5 Creedmoor Group Facebook Page. We like this — very nice work Jacob!

do it yourself shooting bench 6.5 Creedmoor

Jacob writes: “Sighting in my new Ruger Precision Rifle with Leupold VX3i LRP 6.5-20x50mm and Burris tactical rings, using my benchrest table I built. Very happy with the combo!”

There is plenty of room for two shooters and two rifles on Jacob’s big and sturdy DIY shooting bench.

do it yourself shooting bench 6.5 Creedmoor
do it yourself shooting bench 6.5 Creedmoor

Permalink - Articles, Gear Review, Tech Tip 9 Comments »
April 17th, 2024

NOTICE: Replace the Batteries in Gun Safe Keypads Every Year

If the battery on your safe’s electronic lock is
more than a year old, or if it is not giving you
the right voltage, replace it today!

safe battery gunsafe sargent greenleaf

Gunsafe safe keypad control battery batteriesCheck Your Gun Safe Batteries
We’re into Q2 of 2024 already. Hey guys — when was the last time you replaced the batteries in your gun safe? Has it been more than a year? If so, it’s time you get a new battery (or two) for that safe. The electronic keypad won’t work with an insufficient charge, and the lock system could potentially lose its combination memory if you wait too long.

IMPORTANT: If you have a safe with an electronic keypad, you should replace the battery every year as a precautionary measure. Trust us, you don’t want to come back in a few months and find that the keypad memory is kaput, and you’re locked out. That can lead to frustration and an expensive locksmith visit.

Here’s a true story. I have one safe with a Sargent & Greenleaf (S&G) keypad. A couple years back, in early December, I went to get into the safe. I punched in the correct combination, but all I got was a rapid “beep, beep, beep, beep” after I finished the last combination entry. I tried again to ensure I entered the combination correctly (I did). But again, the locking system responded with multiple rapid beeps indicating something was wrong. And the safe would not open. Now I was worried….

I popped out the battery holder (which slides in from the bottom of the keypad housing on the door). I removed the battery and tested it with a volt-meter. The 12-month-old Duracell 9-volt battery only registered 6.1 volts.

Low voltage was the problem. I went down to the store and got a couple new 9V batteries. I tested the new batteries and both measured 9.4 volts output. I slipped one of the new 9V batteries into the keypad housing, punched in the combination and everything worked OK again. Eureka.

Most electronic locks for safes WILL “remember” the combination for a period of time even when the battery is low (and the keypad’s “brain” should retain the combination when you remove the battery for replacement). However, a dead battery, or extended periods of low voltage can give you problems. Don’t rely on wishful thinking…

Permalink Gear Review, Tech Tip 1 Comment »
April 17th, 2024

How to Make Your Own Barrel Mirage Shield from X-Ray Film

mirage shield

Mirage shields are useful for all shooters, not just hard-core competitors. A mirage shield helps you see your target better, without distortion caused by heat waves coming off your barrel. This isn’t rocket science — it’s a simple, inexpensive way to see better and shooter more accurately. We’ve advocated that varmint shooters give mirage bands a try on those hot summer groundhog and prairie dog expeditions. And we observed that practically every shooter at the 2013 World F-Class Championship was using a mirage shield of some kind.

Forum member Fabian from Germany, whose Sako 6mmBR Rifle was featured many years ago as a Gun of the Week, has devised a clever and inexpensive mirage band option. Fabian is a radiologist by trade. He notes that many X-ray machines require a daily test film for calibration. These are normally just discarded in the trash, so you can get them for free.

mirage shield

Fabian explains: “I’m a radiologist, so I handle medical x-ray films every day. Modern X-ray machines use laser-based printers and they need to print a test-film every day. One x-ray film is about 43×35 cm (16.9″ x 13.7″). Made from polyester, the films are very stable and only 0.007″ inches thick. They are light-weight, semi-transparent, and very stable. Using normal scissors, you can easily cut four mirage shields from a single sheet of film. Then glue on some velcro to attach to your barrel. Try it, you will not be disappointed.”

Carbon Fiber Mirage Shield from Rodzilla
If you’re not into making your own mirage shield, aka “mirage band”, Rodzilla, makers of the superb Raptor front rest and 5-Axis rest tops, offers an excellent 3″ x 24″ carbon fiber mirage shield. This 1/32″-thick band is really a top-tier, state-of-the-art shield. Order it for $30.00 from TheRodzilla.com web store.

rodzilla mirage shield

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April 15th, 2024

.22 LR Rimfire Ammunition Comparison Test — 31 Ammo Types

Shooting Sports USA .22 LR 22LR Rimfire ammunition test subsonic hi-velocity lead-free hyper velocity suppressor match ammo plinking varmint hunting

Here’s a “must-read” article for .22 LR rimfire shooters. The October 2018 issue of Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA) includes a great article with data on thirty-one (31) different types of popular .22 LR rimfire ammunition. The line-up includes low-speed, standard, and Hi-Velocity types, plus choices for plinking, varminting, and target applications. Brands tested include: Aguila, American Eagle, CCI, Federal, Fiocchi, Lapua, Remington, and Winchester. The slowest ammo, CCI Quiet-22 Lead RN, clocked 727 FPS. The fastest ammo, CCI Short-Range Green Lead-Free HP, ran 1735 FPS, 2.4 times the speed of the Quiet-22.

SSUSA .22 LR Rimfire Ammo TEST | SSUSA October 2018 Issue

For each ammo type, SSUSA lists the bullet weight, velocity (FPS), and average of two, 5-shot groups at fifty yards. The most accurate ammo was Lapua Center-X LRN, with a 0.37″ average 50-yard group size. Second best was Lapua X-ACT LRN at 0.42″. Ammo was tested from a bench with a Cooper Model 57-M rifle fitted with 3-9x33mm Leupold VX-2 scope. The ammo offerings were grouped into three categories: (1) Varmints/Small Game; (2) Target; and (3) Plinking. (See ammo tables below.)

Shooting Sports USA .22 LR 22LR Rimfire ammunition test subsonic hi-velocity lead-free hyper velocity suppressor match ammo plinking varmint hunting
Click for larger page-view.

Different types of .22 LR (Long Rifle) rimfire ammo have different applications. Subsonic ammo, typically, is best for 25m to 50m target work with precision rimfire rigs. Hi-Velocity .22 LR ammo provides a flatter trajectory for longer ranges. SSUSA explains: “The array of .22 LR loads… turns a person’s head every which way. Subsonic target loads are the key to decisive accuracy on targets, while hyper-velocity cartridges provide striking bullet expansion on small varmints. In between, standard and high-velocity .22 LRs are loaded with a variety of bullet weights and styles for everything from small-game hunting to plinking[.]” READ Full SSUSA .22 LR Rimfire Ammo Story.

Rimfire Ammo Article tip from EdLongrange.
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April 10th, 2024

Henderson V3 Machine Trims and Chamfers Cases Efficiently

ultimate reloader henderson G3 trimmer gavin gear

Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com recently tested the impressive Henderson Gen 3 (V3) Trimmer. There is a full write-up on Gavin’s website, and you can watch Gavin’s 18.7-minute video review below.

Gavin states: “I met Todd Henderson at SHOT Show and it’s clear that quality control and customer experience are extremely important to him. The Henderson Gen 3 case trimmer is built on an adjustable tri-trim 3-way cutter with different pilots to accommodate different case necks. Three way cutters trim to length and chamfer the inside and outside all at once. This trimmer has a 1700 RPM spindle and a custom DC motor made in the USA. It is made of billet aluminum and has a taper-lock cutting head and is consistent to 0.002″” at least with the same brand of brass. The collets are Brown & Sharpe style collets and are interchangeable with Forster case trimmer collets. Henderson currently offers four collets, and one is supplied with each machine.”

Gavin explains the trimming process: “I had some 6mm Dasher brass I’ve fired a few times and wanted to take down 5-10 thousandths. The Henderson trimmer works much like a milling machine. You do not need much torque because of the way the taper works.”

The Henderson Gen 3 trimmer delivered outstanding cartridge length consistency after trimming: “I was careful to ensure my trimming process was as consistent as possible. I measured the first ten cases I ever trimmed on the unit and found a standard deviation of 0.00047. The extreme spread is actually less than advertised. This trimmer is fast and easy to use and most importantly, returns consistent results.”

ultimate reloader henderson G3 trimmer gavin gear

F-Class John Review of Henderson Gen 3 Trimmer

Our Editor F-Class John has also reviewed the Henderson Trimmer. He liked the product so much he purchased one, and he uses it regularly now to trim his .284 Win cases for F-Open competition.

John liked the precision of the Henderson trimmer and the overall design of the machine, which offers good ergonomics and very precise alignment of the cases. Cycling is smooth and positive, as you can see from the videos. Fit over the pilot was fine for John’s .284 Win brass, but he notes that other users may need to expand their case necks appropriately to fit their pilot.

Watch the video to see the Henderson trimmer in action. The dual, parallel horizontal support shafts provide precise alignment of the case as it moves inward toward the cutter blade. The Taper-Lock cutter provides a 14-degree inside chamfer and 30-degree outside chamfer. The trimming process is very consistent case after case, and the Henderson’s design captures brass shavings effectively.

Henderson case timer powered Gen 3 brass trimming machine

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April 8th, 2024

BargainFinder 446: AccurateShooter’s Deals of the Week

AccurateShooter Deals of the Week Weekly Bargain Finder Sale Discount Savings

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 — Razor Slim Electronic Muffs, $69.99

bartlein barrel sale
Good rechargeable electronic muffs with handy USB charging

Electronic Muffs let you hear range commands while providing vital hearing protection. These NRR21 Walker’s Razor Slim muffs are rechargeable, so you never have to worry about batteries — just charge using any USB port at home or in your vehicle. Now on sale for $69.99 at MidwayUSA, these muffs feature 40 hours rechargeable battery life, full dynamic range HD Speakers for clear and balanced sound, and 3.5mm audio jack (listen to radio or music). These muffs earned 85% 5-star ratings from verified MidwayUSA buyers. NOTE: If you spend at least $99 with MidwayUSA, these muffs SHIP FREE.

2. Palmetto SA — PSA Complete AR 5.56 Rifle, $579.99

 AR15 AR black rifle upper lowers triggers MLOK MOE EPT sale discount
Very good deal on complete 5.56 AR rifle with top rail

If you think it’s time to finally get that Black Rifle before ARs are outlawed in your jurisdiction, here’s a great deal from Palmetto State Armory. Get a complete modern PSA AR with 16″ barrel for $579.99, $420 off the regular price. This includes an adjustable stock plus flip-up MBUS sights. And you even get FREE Shipping to your FFL. This sale may expire soon, so grab this .223 Rem AR-platform rifle while you can.

3. Creedmoor Sports — 45th Anniversary Sales

creedmoor sports 45th anniversary sale discount
45 Days of discounts in April and May — major savings

Now through mid-May, Creedmoor Sports is running a major sale to celebrate its 45th year in business. You’ll find daily featured specials plus more sale items on the Creedmoor Sports Sale Page. Here are some of the best deals we found: Lapua 167gr .30 Cal Bullet, $139.95 ($40 Off); Sightron SIII 10-50x50mm Scope, $1179.99 ($670 Off); Berger 6mm 105gr BTHP Bullets, $49.95 (10% Off); Kowa TSN-601 Spotting Scope Angled Body, $399.95 ($100 Off). In addition to these sale items, you’ll find a bunch of bullet and brass bargains on Creedmoor’s Bargain Bunker page.

4. Amazon — Padded Gun Case, 36″, 42″, 46″, 51″, 55″ from $49.99

savior equipment gun case padded five sizes
Five sizes, discrete look, nice shoulder strap, 4 color choices

No matter what your rifle length, there is a Savior Equipment case to fit. Five different lengths are offered: 36″, 42″, 46″, 51″, and 55″. The big 55″ (price $84.99) is long enough to fit a long tactical rifle or F-Class rig. There are internal straps, three large internal pockets, and a handy shoulder strap. The 36″ case is $49.99 while the 42″ is $54.99. All sizes are offered in four colors: Gray, Black, OD Green, and Dark FDE.

5. Palmetto SA — SwissP 9mm 124gr Ammo, 1500 Rds, $399.99

swissp 9mm blackround 9x19 ammo can sale palmetto armory
Very good 9mm Luger ammo at $0.27 per round including metal box

Nearly everyone can use a good supply of 9mm ammo. Here’s a great deal on 124gr 9mm pistol ammo made by SwissP Defense AG in Switzerland. This quality, military-spec BlackRound 9x19mm FMJ ammo has cases with sealed case mouth and sealed primer. For $399.99, you get 1500 rounds plus a sturdy metal can. Buyer reviews are very positive: “Great ammo at a great price”; “So far it has been flawless”; “Everything you would expect from Swiss manufacturing — consistent and high quality ammunition”.

6. CDNN Sports — Walther PPQ .22 LR Pistol, $269.99

cdnn walther rimfire .22 LR 22lr pistol sale NRL22
Save $260 on very good rimfire pistol

We like Walther pistols — they have good ergonomics (better than Glock), nice standard triggers, and handy controls. It makes sense to have a rimfire pistol — .22 LR rimfire ammo is a small fraction of the cost of centerfire ammo. And rimfire matches are fun and popular. Right now you can get the excellent target model Walther PPQ M2 .22 LR Pistol for $269.99. That’s $279 OFF the regular price!

7. Academy Sports — Sports Afield 64-Gun Safe, $699.99

large sports afield safe gunsafe vault 64 gun pistol pocket sale
Excellent deal on big, 40″-wide safe with six looking bolts

Here’s an excellent, large gunsafe with good user reviews, priced at $699.99. That’s 42% OFF the regular $1199.99 price, a great deal. Rated for 64 guns, this Sports Afield safe measures 55″ high x 40″ wide and comes with a door organizer with 6 handgun pockets and long gun holder. Weighing 374 pounds, this safe rivals other safes costing $1400 or more. It is waterproof and has a 30-minute fire resistance rating.

8. Amazon — Deyace Extra Large Shooting Mat, $37.99

shooting mat sale
Nice, relatively big shooting mat with good padding

When shooting prone, you need a good shooting mat. The Deyace Extra Large padded shooting mat is a great value for just $37.99. Measuring a generous 78″x28.5″, this XL mat has nice padding for elbows and knees, and the mat folds up nicely for transport. This mat is offered in four colors: Green, Tan, Tan Camo, and Black. For transport, we like this mat’s integral straps and carry handle.

9. Amazon — Scope Turret Magnifying Glass with Level, $12.99

scope magnifier sale
Great, low-cost add-on allows confident elevation clicks

Making rapid, yet precise scope turret adjustments can be challenging, especially during fast, timed stages. Most scope turrets have small, thin markings that can be tough to see (particularly with older eyes). To see your elevation turret markings better, try the Monstrum Scope Turret Magnifying Glass with Level (#ad). This simple but effective tool places a magnifier on the shooter’s side of the turret allowing easy viewing. In addition, this handy unit includes a built-in bubble level to help the shooter avoid canting his rifle.

10. Amazon — 50-Pack Bullseye 17″x17″ Targets, $14.99

shooting targets sale
Colorful bullseye targets work for indoor pistol and long-range rifles

Here’s a good, highly-visible target for close-range pistol practice or longer-range rifle shooting. The colors stand out for indoor pistol shooting, while the rings are good for competition rifle shooters. This 50-Pack of Bullseye Paper Targets (#ad) features a 5-color, 10-ring bullseye target with scoring values from 1 to 10. The targets measure an ample 17″x17″ square and include a log box for name, scores, and distance.

As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.

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April 7th, 2024

Sunday Gunday: 6-6.5×47 Lapua BAT-Action LR Varmint Rifle

6mm 6.5x47 Lapua 6-6.5x47 varmint rifle mcmillan BAT action 6mmAI

Soon after Lapua released the 6.5×47 cartridge, wildcatters recognized the potential of a necked-down 6mm version of the case. The 6-6.5×47 has emerged as a great, do-it-all cartridge that performs well in High Power competition, 600- and 1000-yard benchrest, and PRS tactical matches. But the 6-6.5×47 is not just for paper-punching. An efficient cartridge with great inherent accuracy, the 6-6.5×47 can be an excellent, flat-shooting, long-range varmint round. Here we feature Stan Stewart’s BAT-actioned 6-6.5×47 varminter. Fitted with a Krieger 1:10″ barrel, Stan’s rifle excels with a wide variety of varmint bullets. Whether driving 70-grainers at 3700 fps, or pushing the Berger 88gr High-BC FB bullet at 3400 fps, this 6-6.5×47 delivers half-MOA (or better) accuracy, in a well-balanced, easy-handling rifle.

The 6-6.5×47 for Precision Long-Range Varminting

6mm 6.5x47 Lapua 6-6.5x47 varmint rifle mcmillan BAT action 6mmAI
The rifle carries a 12-42x56mm Nightforce NSX in Nightforce rings “hand-lapped for optimal fit/alignment”.

‘Seller’s Remorse’ Spurs 6mm Project
Report by Stan Stewart

After selling my 6mm Remington Ackley Improved a couple of years ago and wishing I hadn’t, I begun to think about a new custom rifle for work on Prairie Dog towns and New York wood chucks at 600+ yards. I have a .223 AR and 22-250 for medium ranges but I missed my 6mm AI for long-range work so I started asking questions.

The 22-250 is a fine chambering, but it is hard on barrels, and I think the 6mms may have an accuracy edge out past 400 yards. Also, shooters today enjoy a vast collection of really great 6mm bullets. Barrel life and bullet options were two main reasons I decided to build a 6mm rather than another .224-caliber gun. But the question remained… what 6mm chambering to choose?

I started doing serious research on the 6-6.5×47. I received a lot of good advice from AccurateShooter.com and other websites on the pros and cons. I also talked to gunsmiths — quite a few recommended the new cartridge as well. Some of the cartridge attributes I liked was the small rifle primer, enough case capacity to efficiently reach 3700 fps with a 70gr bullet and 3400 fps with an 85-grainer without being terribly over-bore. Most important was the 6-6.5×47’s reputation for inherent accuracy without being finicky like my 6mm AI. So, having chosen my cartridge, I started asking for gunsmith recommendations. Again the folks on the AccurateShooter.com Forum were very helpful. After many conversations I settled on Dave Bruno in Dayton, Pennsylvania. He was a good choice.

Putting Together the New Rig with Premium Components
From the get-go, I knew I wanted a BAT action and Krieger barrel. BAT Machine and Krieger Barrels enjoy a great reputation in the shooting industry. BATs are beautifully-machined, smooth, and strong. Krieger cut-rifled barrels are known for dependable accuracy and long barrel life. While many 6-6.5×47 shooters choose an 8-twist barrel to shoot the 100-108gr bullets, I would be using smaller, varmint-weight bullets, so I selected a 1:10″ twist Krieger. This would allow me to shoot bullets from 60 grains up to 90 grains. Dave chambered the barrel with a .269″ neck and fluted the barrel to save weight. I also had Dave install a Vais muzzle brake. Dave fitted the BAT with a 2 oz. Jewell trigger, mounted a +20 MOA scope rail, then pillar-bedded the BAT into a McMillan Hunter-Class-style fiberglass stock.

6mm 6.5x47 Lapua 6-6.5x47 varmint rifle mcmillan BAT action 6mmAI

Load Development for Varminting

I had selected a few powders and bullets recommended by other 6-6.5×47 shooters and started by seating all the bullets .005″ off the lands. The powders I selected were Varget, Vihtavuori N-550, and Reloder 15.

6mm 6.5x47 Lapua 6-6.5x47 varmint rifle mcmillan BAT action 6mmAI

I was very pleased with the 88gr Bergers. In initial testing, they grouped well and I was able to drive them to 3400 fps easily. As I wanted a gun for long-range varmint work, I was hoping the 1:10″-twist barrel would provide enough stability for the heavier weight bullets. It did — the 10-twist worked great! I was able to shoot the lighter weight bullets and the 88s were superb. With a BC of 0.391, leaving the barrel at 3400, these bullets were still traveling at 2600 fps at 600 yards!

6mm 6.5x47 Lapua 6-6.5x47 varmint rifle mcmillan Berger BAT Action

I did a lot of testing, recording group sizes for a variety of different bullets (see below) and powders. With group size/velocity data in a spreadsheet I was able to “crunch the numbers” and choose my preferred loads. The data drew a clear picture of what the rifle shot best. Here is a chart showing comparative group sizes, arranged by bullet type. On the last three lines, powders are listed by average for all bullets.

Choosing a Varmint Bullet for Precision and Performance

Stan Stewart didn’t just grab a box of bullets off the shelf and head off to the varmint fields. He researched a broad selection of varmint bullets suitable for a 10-twist barrel. He did extensive group testing with a wide range of bullets from 70 grains to 90 grains. Shown below is a “line-up” of some of the bullets Stan tested in his gun.

6-6.5x47 Varmint Rifle

6-6.5x47 Lapua VarminterStan logged all load data, velocities, and group sizes in a very detailed Excel spreadsheet. Stan’s testing revealed that the light bullets delivered superb accuracy, but they were less than ideal for long shots out past 400 yards. Stan tried the Bart’s 70, Sierra 70 BlitzKing, Berger 80, Hornady 87, Berger 88 Lo-Drag, and Berger 90. Among these choices the Berger 88-grainer was the clear winner for long range (see test targets at right). With an 0.391 BC, this unique “Match Varmint High-BC Flat-Base” offers good ballistics, and high velocities. Stan’s average group size with the 88s was 0.40 inches, bettered only by the Bart’s 70-grainer. Stan’s 6-6.5×47 can launch the Berger 88s at a healthy 3400 fps, providing a highly accurate, flat-shooting solution.

Initially, Stan had high hopes for the Hornady 87-grain V-Max. Stan told us “I also tried the 87 gr Hornady but they didn’t perform to expectations. I am a big Hornady fan but these bullets varied in weight and just didn’t want to group well.” [Editor’s Note: While many varmint shooters have had great luck with the Hornady 87gr V-Max, this is not the first report we’ve received of disappointing results with these bullets. In the Editor’s own 8-twist 6BR, the 87s never shot as well as Bergers, Lapuas, or Sierras in the 85-90 grain range.]

6-6.5x47 Lapua Varmint rifleFinal Thoughts on the 6-6.5×47 Lapua
I have owned three rifles chambered in 22-250 and will always own a rifle in this caliber because it is inherently accurate and drives a 50gr bullet at 3800 fps. No question the 22-250 can be deadly out to 500 yards. However, I’ve found that shooting past 400 yards with the light bullets is difficult if there is any wind at all. That’s why I liked my 6mm AI for those longer shots and why I decided on the 6-6.5×47 Lapua. I couldn’t be happier with my choice. The only thing that could make it better is if Lapua would produce the 6-6.5×47 as an “official” factory 6mm cartridge with 6mm necks right out of the box. But overall, I am very happy with the cartridge, and I thank Dave Bruno for producing a superbly accurate varmint rifle.

CLICK HERE for FULL Story with 6-6.5×47 Load DATA »

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Gear Review, Hunting/Varminting, Reloading No Comments »
April 6th, 2024

Saturday Movies: Precision Rifle Showcase from Alabama Arsenal

Alabama arsenal video showcase rifle review Barrett Savage CZ 457 suppressors

With over 340 shooting-related videos, the Alabama Arsenal YouTube Channel is a remarkable resource. This video channel provides detailed field tests of tactical-type rifles, ARs, and pistols. The testers have access to some very impressive ranges, and many of the tests are far more thorough than you’ll typically find with most gun magazines and gun-centric YouTube channels. For example, Alabama Arsenal (AA) has a series of 1000+ round pistol test videos. These are well worth watching if you are considering purchase of a defensive handgun.

Today we showcase multiple rifle videos covering two centerfire rifles, and three precision rimfire rigs. After these field test videos, you’ll find an interesting technical video which investigates how suppressors can affect muzzle velocity.

Barrett MRAD .300 PRC at 2200 Yards — Extreme Long Range

Here’s a rugged tactical rifle put to the test at Extreme Long Range. This video, featuring a Barrett MRAD chambered for the .300 PRC cartridges, features accuracy testing out to 2200 yards (1.25 miles). There is some good drone footage covering the long path to the target. The shooter noted that the bullets fired from his .300 PRC “go sub-sonic somewhere between 1800 and 1900 yards”, creating additional ballistics challenges at this yardage.

Savage 110 Elite Precision for PRS Production Class


Alabama arsenal video showcase rifle review Elite Precision 110 Savage PRS NRL suppressor

In this video AA’s team reviews the Savage Elite Precision Rifle with MDT ACC Chassis. Retailing for about $1810.00 in 6mm Creedmoor, this is one of the better production class options for PRS and NRL competition. Starting at the 3:10 time-mark, the video shows how all the adjustments function on the MDC ACC Chassis. Guns America Digest did a full review of this rifle, and was quite impressed.

Rimfire .22 LR Bergara B-14R in WOOX Furiosa Hybrid Chassis

Alabama Arsenal recently tested a .22 LR Bergara B-14R rimfire rifle fitted with the WOOX Furiosa hybrid chassis system, an Italian-made product featuring wood sections over a strong aluminum core chassis. The bolt operation and ergonomics of the B-14R simulate a Remington 700 very closely, making this rifle good for rimfire cross-training. The B14-R model tested was the version with carbon-wrapped barrel.

Bergara B-14R rimfire rifle woox furiosa chassis alabama arsenal

The WOOX Furiosa is an innovative, unique aftermarket replacement chassis. This high-tech hybrid stock/chassis combines wood sections over a full-length, aerospace-grade aluminum skeleton chassis, giving it the “feel” of a wood stock with the strength and stability of a metal stock. We like the way the stock feels on the trigger hand in particular and the smooth wood cheekpiece is also very nice. Made in Italy, the Furiosa is offered in three versions all with wood sections on the forearm, grip area, and cheekpiece. Choose natural Walnut Brown, Micarta Black, or Midnight Grey. Alabama Arsenal tested a B14-R fitted with the Micarta Black version. Below are photos of a centerfire rifle in a WOOX Furiosa hybrid chassis, with the Brown Walnut elements.

woox walnut hybrid skeleton furiosa chassis alabama arsenal
woox walnut hybrid skeleton furiosa chassis alabama arsenal
woox walnut hybrid skeleton furiosa chassis alabama arsenal

CZ 457 Varmint Precision Trainer and Chassis

In this video, Alabama Arsenal compares two higher-end versions of the popular CZ 457 rimfire rifle, a great choice for the NRL22 and PRS 22 disciplines. The test compares the CZ 457 in a Manners composite stock with a CZ 457 version in a Varmint Precision aluminum chassis. Right now basic CZ 457 rifles start at about $540.00, with the Varmint Precision models running $930 for the metal chassis version and $1130 for the Manners carbon-fiber composite stock model.

CZ 457 test rifle video chassis

Informational Video about Rifle and Pistol Suppressors

Alabama Arsenal regularly tests its firearms with suppressors. Over time, the testing team has leaned much about modern sound moderators, comparing features and learning how to install and maintain quality suppressors. Here is an interesting video that shows how suppressors affect shot velocities.

Field Testing — Do Suppressors Change Bullet Velocity

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Alabama Arsenal has nearly 300 videos on its YouTube channel. In addition, you’ll find dozens of firearms photos and other shooting-related content on Alabama Arsenal’s social media pages: Facebook; Instagram; and Twitter. You can support the Arsenal’s gun testing by subscribing to the Alabama Arsenal’s PATREON Page.

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April 5th, 2024

Gun-Making by Beretta — Artistry Combined with High Tech

Beretta shotgun technology robot video Human

Here’s a really great video about firearms crafting produced by Beretta, a legendary Italian gun-maker founded in 1526 — nearly 500 years ago. This movie, entitled “Human Technology”, is one of most impressive videos we’ve ever featured on this site. It’s that good. You’ll see an amazing blend of modern technology along with old-world artisanship — “a mesmerizing meld of the high-tech and the traditional”. (Daniel Xu, Outdoor Hub.)


Video set to auto-play. Click speaker icon to hear sound.

“Human Technology is a singular and symbolic movie, its cast entirely made up of Beretta workmen, thus illustrating the perfect synthesis between craftsmanship and technology,” Beretta writes. This artistic movie by Ancarani Studio illustrates all the aspects of the manufacturing of a high-end Beretta shotgun. This video is a study in contrast. The movements of robotic assembly machines are juxtaposed with the centuries-old craftsmanship of stock carvers. Beautifully filmed and edited, this video should amaze and entertain anyone who loves fine firearms. (Full-screen HD Recommended.)

Beretta shotgun technology robot video Human

Beretta shotgun technology robot video Human

Beretta shotgun technology video Human

Beretta — Incredible history. Beretta was founded in 1526, almost five centuries ago. Remarkably, the enterprise is still owned by the Beretta family.

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