The Hornady Lock N Load AutoCharge Electronic Scale/Dispenser is now on sale for under $200.00. Grafs.com has the Hornady AutoCharge for $194.99 (with $5.95 flat sh/h) and Amazon.com offers the AutoCharge for $195.00 with FREE ‘Super-Saver’ shipping. If you are looking for an affordable combination digital scale and powder dispenser, this is very attractive pricing. By comparison, the RCBS ChargeMaster is currently on sale for $299.99 at Sinclair International. So you can save at least $105.00 by buying RED instead of GREEN.
While we have a lot of positive experience with the RCBS Chargemaster, we haven’t done any long-term testing of the Hornady AutoCharge. However, user reviews have generally been positive. We suggest you do your own research and then make your own decision. Both the Hornady LnL AutoCharge and RCBS ChargeMaster offer load precision to ±0.1 grains. Both the Hornady Autocharge and the RCBS ChargeMaster are sold with a one-year manufacturers warranty.
Features and Specifications:
Scale capacity of 1000 grains
Easy-to-operate keypad
Large backlit display
Automatic and manual dispense options
Trickle function
Three speed settings
Easy Outflow Powder Drain
Overcharge protection
One-year manufactuer’s warranty
This Youtube video shows the Hornady Lock-N-Load AutoCharge in action.
If you want to learn more about the Hornady AutoCharge, there is a detailed review in Shooting.com.au, a popular Aussie gun forum. This product review features actual test results along with lots of sharp, jumbo-sized photos. Here is the summary of the reviewer’s test results: “Weighing [20 charges of a stick powder] on a Redding beam scale (the only other scale I have) showed that 12 were spot on and the remainder we fairly equally split between 0.1 grain under and 0.1 grain over according to this scale. I consider this to be more than adequate for me.”
Carl Zeiss Sports Optics has some very attractive promotions in place right now — with rebates from $50 to $500.00. With Zeiss Field Days mail-in rebates you can save money on premium rifle scopes, spotting scopes, laser rangefinders, and rangefinding binoculars. But time’s running out. The 2012 Carl Zeiss Field Days Promotion runs out on December 31, 2012. CLICK HERE for Field Days Rebate Coupon.
Save $500.00 on Zeiss Diascope Spotting Scopes
Zeiss produces a very high-quality spotting scope. We did a three-way test with a Pentax PF-100ED, 2010-model (one piece) Swarovski 80mm, and 2012 Zeiss 85mm Diascope. Compared to the big Pentax, the Zeiss could resolve very fine lines better and the Zeiss had less chromatic aberration. The Diascope was very, very close to the Swaro in resolution, but it had a slight edge in low light given its larger front objective. Most of our testers gave a slight edge to the Swaro for contrast. The dual-rate focus system on the Zeiss does take a while to master, but it allows faster focusing than either the Pentax (which uses two separate knobs for course and fine focus), or the Swaro (which has one large full-diameter focusing ring). If you’re choosing between the Swaro and the Zeiss, the $500.00 rebate can easily settle the argument. Street price for the Zeiss Angled 85mm Diascope (before rebate) is $2999.99 including Vario 20-60x Eyepiece. Do note, however, that anyone considering a high-end spotting scope should also look at the Kowa 88mm TSN-88X Prominar HD series ($2310.00 street price for TSN-883 Angled, BODY ONLY).
How to Get Your Discounts
All purchases must be made from a Carl Zeiss Authorized Dealer in the United States and rebate request forms must be completed and postmarked within 30 days of purchase. Payment will be made by a ZEISS Prepaid Reward Card by American Express. For promotion details, visit the Field Days Promo Page. For faster payment and real-time tracking, register on-line at Zeiss.4myrebate.com. After submitting your rebate forms, check the status of your rebate with the Zeiss Online Rebate Tracker.
$500 rebate on the 65mm and 85mm VICTORY DiaScope (plus free tripod).
$300 rebate on the award-winning VICTORY RF rangefinding binoculars.
$50 rebate on the award-winning VICTORY 8×26 PRF laser rangefinding monocular.
$100 rebate on the NEW Conquest HD 42mm binoculars.
$100 rebate on the NEW Conquest 30mm Duralyt Riflescopes.
$100 rebate on all riflescopes that have any Rapid-Z reticle.
If you are looking for an affordable precision scale, the GemPro 250 scale is now on sale for just $145.00 at Amazon.com. This scale offers 0.02 grain resolution, good enough to trickle kernel by kernel. The GemPro 250 comes with a 30-year warranty for American buyers. As this scale weighs more precisely than popular digital powder scale/dispensers, you can use the digital dispenser to throw a “close” charge and then fine-tune your load with the GemPro, kernel by kernel.
by Bill Schnauffer (aka Cover Dog)
The Importance of Precise Loads for Long-Range Shooting
The reloading scale is the life blood of anyone’s loading bench. It’s used for everything from weighing powders to cases or bullets and yes even primers. I would have never considered weighing primers but that is one of the many things I learned the weekend of May 20-22, 2011 at The Original Pennsylvania 1000-Yard Bench Rest Club’s Bench Rest Instructional School. All aspects of reloading for 1000-yard BR have to be identical. Your brass, bullets, powder and primers all have to weigh the same, for all your sighters and your 10 record shots, if you want any chance of being competitive. This can only become a reality if your scale is up to the task. Everything you do when shooting at 1000 yards is magnified 10x and your scale needs to be above all else, accurate and repeatable.
I thought that a scale accurate to 1/10th of a grain was good enough. Not so in the long range BR game. Scales need to be accurate to at least 5/100ths of a grain or better if you can afford it. This prompted my search for such a scale.
GemPro Is Half the Price of Denver Instrument MXX-123
I have read reviews for several of the better scales used for reloading including the Accu-Lab VIC 123 (now replaced by the Sartorius Acculab AY123110V). The [AY123 seriess] scales are accurate to 2/100ths of a grain, but is also a scale that many felt was affected by RF interference and the slightest air movement made it drift. This was due in part because of the strain gauge technology that is used in the manufacture of this scale. And with parts not readily available, the lead time for one is you want it is over 20 weeks. The Denver Instrument MXX-123 also had a good review but the current version, [Sartorius Acculab AY123110V], is into the $320 price range. And this is out of reach for many reloaders.
This now brings me to the My Weigh GemPro 250. It uses True-Division German HBM sensors and professional components in the manufacture of this scale. It has a 50 gram weight capacity (771.72 grains) and accuracy down to 2/100ths of a grain. It features seven (7) weighing modes as listed below. And with a retail price in the $145.00 range, this is a scale that most reloaders could afford for their reloading bench. And you won’t be pressed for room on that bench. The scale is very compact, measuring 5.25″ X 3.75″ X 2.5″.
Product Sale Tip by Boyd Allen. We welcome Reader Submissions.
McMillan regularly offers a selection of inletted “Specials” stocks. You should check McMillan’s Specials Page regularly to set if there’s a stock that suits your next build. Not only can you save months of wait time, but you save on the cost of the stock. Many of the Specials stocks are priced $100.00 or more below normal retail. From the list on the Stock Specials Page, choose your action and find a great deal on a McMillan stock. (Once you are on the Stock Specials Page, move your mouse to the left and select action type from the list under the McMillan logo.)
Currently, there are a number of A-Series McMillan stocks on sale. There are currently a large supply of A3s and A5s, inletted for various actions including: Defiance, McMillan, Remington, Ruger, Sako, Savage, Stiller, and Surgeon.
McMillan A5
Hunting Stocks and Benchrest Stocks on Sale Also
In addition to the A-Series specials, McMillan has discounted hunting stocks for Browning, Mauser, Remington, Ruger, Sako, and Winchester actions. There is also currently a good selection of Benchrest Stocks on sale, including the popular McMillan Tooley MBR Stocks. CHECK HERE for availability of your action choice.
McMillan Tooley MBR
Tooley MBR Stocks Available Now: #2924 MBR 70% WHITE 30% BLACK MARBLE, LBRP STILLER PYTHON, SINGLE SHOT, REM ADL T/G, NO FRONT SCREW HOLE, 1.375" STRAIGHT B/C, 1" DEC PAD, 13.5" LOP. $275.00
#3001 MBR 70% TURQUOISE 30% BLACK MARBLE, RBLP, LAWTON 7500 LA, 1.36" DIA, SINGLE SHOT, REM ADL T/G, KRIEG HV B/C WITH 4" CYL, 1" DEC PAD, 13.5" LOP, ALUM. PILLARS INSTALLED. $350.00
#3034 MBR 70% ORANGE 30% YELLOW MARBLE, RH XP100, SINGLE SHOT, BAT T/G, #7 LILJA B/C W/ 4.5" CYL, 1" DEC PAD, 13.5" LOP, ALUMINUM PILLAR INSTALLED. $425.00
#3035 MBR 70% GRAY 20% BLUE 10% LT GRAY MARBLE, RBLP, BAT M 1.53X8.5", SINGLE SHOT, BAT T/G, HV B/C W/ 5" CYL, 1" DEC PAD, 13.5" LOP, 3 ALUM. PILLARS INSTALLED. $475.00
#3078 MBR YELLOW, ORANGE, BLUE FLAME PATTERN, LEAD ADDED, STOCK WEIGHS 15.75 LBS, RH SAVAGE 210, SINGLE SHOT, FAC SAV T/G, 1.5" STRAIGHT B/C, 1" DEC PAD, 13.5" LOP. $473.00
The new 829-page Berger Reloading Manual is now on sale at MidwayUSA.com for $24.99. This is a very good deal. This impressive new resource sells elsewhere for $29.00. At this price, you may want to pick up a couple and give one as a gift.
Book Sale Tip by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
In light of the tragic events in Connecticut, we strongly urge all readers to secure their firearms so they cannot be accessed by juveniles or mentally unstable persons in the household. If you don’t have a gun safe, get one. Don’t procrastinate because of cost factors — here is an affordable option you can get from Walmart. The $597.00 24-gun Cannon Safe is big enough to hold a large collection of arms and heavy enough that it would be difficult to remove — particularly if it is bolted down. Yes, there are better-built safes. But this $597.00 Cannon is a viable option if you can’t afford anything of higher quality. You want a safe that is big and heavy enough that it can’t be easily hauled off with a hand truck. For more information on Gun Safes, read our Gun Safe Buyers’ Guide
The Cannon Safari Series 24-Gun Capacity gun safe comes with a built-in door panel organizer, electronic lock, and a 30-minute fire rating. The interior is fully lined with lint-free fabric and the bottom is pre-drilled for bolting the safe to the floor. The electronic lock allows the owner to change the combination and a 9-volt battery is changed from the outside. Its door is locked with steel-active locking bolts on the left side and door wraps around the inside right side.
30-minute fire protection rating
Internal hinges and expandable smoke seal
Adjustable shelving
Dimensions: 59″H x 26″W x 22″D (depth includes handle and lock)
Model# 5926BLKEDOK
UPDATE: Bulletin Reader Michael found that TractorSupply.com has a similar 60″ x 26″ x 20″ Cannon TS6026E Challenger Gun Safe on sale for just $449.99 through December 18th, 2012. That’s the web price, but if you need delivery you have to add $100.00 for oversized shipping. If you can get to a local Tractor Supply Co. outlet near you and pick the safe up yourself, this may be an amazing deal if the store honors the web price. Don’t dawdle — Sale ends December 18th!
Only 13 more shopping days before Xmas, boys and girls. If you’re getting desperate, as time runs out for buying, packing, and shipping, consider giving an Electronic Gift Card from Sinclair Int’l or Brownells. eGift Cards can be sent at the last minute, and they are as good as cash for shopping with Sinclair Int’l or Brownells. If you prefer the hands-on approach, you can purchase a conventional Sinclair Int’l Gift Card and have it mailed to you or directly to the lucky recipient. CLICK HERE for more details.
Bryan Litz, Ballistican for Berger Bullets, is actually a trained rocket scientist, not to mention a skilled long-range shooter. Bryan’s books on Ballistics and Precision Long Range Shooting have been recognized as the leading resources of their kind in print. Now you can save money on Bryan’s highly-regarded books through a special holiday promotion.
Bryan tells us: “For a limited time, we are taking an additional $5 off the retail price of our titles Applied Ballistics for Long Range Shooting 2nd Ed. (regularly $49.95, $44.95 on sale) and Accuracy and Precision for Long Range Shooting (regularly $34.95, $29.95 on sale). And, by purchasing direct from Applied Ballistics you can get your copy autographed by the author”.
Here are what others are saying about these books.
“Got my copy of Accuracy and Precision for Long Range Shooting and can’t put it down! Exceptionally well done! Both this and Applied Ballistics for Long-Range Shooting” are definite requirements for all long range shooters!” — Eric K.
“Thanks, Brian. You have opened up a whole new ‘world’ in shooting, for those of us who love shooting and hunting, but don’t have the academic background to really appreciate the intricacies of science.” — Terje N.
The MidwayUSA Competition Shooting Mat is on sale for just $29.99, forty bucks off the regular $69.99 price. The $29.99 sale price is good now through December 31, 2012. Sized 67″ Long x 27″ Wide, this mat rolls up into a 6.5-inch diameter “sausage” for transport or storage. While we prefer a wider mat (with more room for ammo boxes and shooting accessories), this mat has many nice features. Grommets on the corners allow the mat to be staked down in high winds. The mat has rubberized elbow and knee pads, and it comes with both a carry handle and a convenient shoulder strap.
This would be a useful, inexpensive holiday gift for a junior shooter, or anyone who needs a basic mat for High Power, tactical, or F-Class competition.
Material: 600 Denier PVC Coated Polyester
Unrolled Dimensions: 67″ Long x 26-3/4″ Wide (not including front flap)
Rolled Dimensions: 6-1/2″ Diameter x 26-3/4″ W
Elbow Pad Dimensions: 22-1/2″ Long x 25-1/2″ Wide
Knee Pad Dimensions: 12-1/2″ Long x 7″ Wide
Front Flap Dimensions: Tapers from 27″ to 48-1/2″ wide extending 11-1/2″ from front of mat
Padding Thickness: Roughly .25″ thick, plus .335″ thick at the elbow and knee pads
If you’re looking for an affordable holiday gift for a shooting buddy or family member, a gift that will be appreciated month after month, consider a magazine subscription. Every month your buddy or relative will get something new in the mail — so it’s like sending a dozen gifts over the course of the year. Your Editor receives a couple magazine subscriptions that were gifts from my brother, and I really do look forward to the magazines’ arrival in my mailbox each month. And each time I open up a new issue of Nat Geo or Shooting Times I think, “Thanks Bro — that was a thoughtful gift — you made my day.”
The Hornady Lock N Load AutoCharge Electronic Scale/Dispenser is now on sale for under $200.00. Grafs.com has the Hornady AutoCharge for $194.99 (with $5.95 flat sh/h) and Amazon.com offers the AutoCharge for $195.00 with FREE ‘Super-Saver’ shipping. If you are looking for an affordable combination digital scale and powder dispenser, this is very attractive pricing. By comparison, the RCBS ChargeMaster is currently on sale for $299.99 at Sinclair International. So you can save at least $105.00 by buying RED instead of GREEN.
If you are looking for an affordable precision scale, the GemPro 250 scale is now on sale for just $145.00 at 
