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.
1. Creedmoor Sports — Lapua Brass in Stock
Creedmoor Sports has received a large shipment of long-lasting, high-quality Lapua cartridge brass. Many of the most popular types are available including .220 Russian (for PPC), 22-250, .223 Rem, 6mmBR, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5×47 Lapua, .260 Rem, 6.5-284, and .308 Winchester and more. Sorry, Creedmoor is sold out of the new .284 Win brass and the 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC. Creedmoor’s Lapua brass is selling fast, so stock up now while you can.
2. Bullet Central — BAT Bumblebee Aluminum and Steel Action
Do you lust for a light-weight, ultra-accurate hunting rifle? Then consider the new BAT Bumblebee Action. Weighing just 23.8 oz (11.4 oz lighter than a BAT VR/TR), the Bumblebee features an aluminum body with Chrome-Moly steel internals. The weight is comparable to Titanium actions. BAT claims the Bumblebee is 31%-42% stiffer than light-weight steel actions and over 130% stiffer than round Titanium actions. The Bumblebee’s modular bolt allows low-cost bolt face changes for different cartridge types. The firing pin, bolt, and shroud are Melonited for smooth bolt movement and low maintenance. On top is a +20 MOA integral 20 MOA Picatinny rail. The Bumblebee is compatible with Rem 700-type bottom metal and magazines. This action is offered with a .308 Win Sized boltface or Magnum boltface for $1699.00.
3. Leupold — Get FREE Tripod with Spotting Scope
⏺ Order high-quality 80mm Leupold Spotter, get Pro Guide Tripod for FREE
Purchase any Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD Spotting Scope and receive a free Pro Guide Tripod Kit, a $399 value. This offer is valid for purchases made from May 3 through June 27, 2021. This 27-55x80mm spotting scope boasts outstanding sharp, HD glass with DiamondCoat2 lens coatings. Boasting great low-light performance, this spotter is also 100% waterproof and fogproof. The SX-5 Santiam HD is offered with either angled body or straight body for around $1799.00, including protective soft-case.
4. Brownells — KRG Bravo Chassis Rem 700, $329.99 with Code
⏺ Versatile internal frame stock for PRS or hunting — tan, black, or green
The Kinetic Research Group (KRG) Rem 700 Bravo Chassis is a good dual-purpose choice for PRS and hunting. This chassis features an internal aluminum frame with polymer exterior in Flat Dark Earth, Sako Green, or Black. The stock fits Rem 700 and Rem clone actions, accepts AICS-pattern mags, and is M-LOK compatible. The 2.9-lb KRG Bravo chassis features adjustable cheek riser and length-of-pull, built-in thumb shelf, plus quick-detach sling-swivel and bipod mounts. The KRG Bravo stock costs $349.99 at Brownells. You can also get $20 Off with Brownells code VSJ, lowering the net cost to $329.99.
5. Natchez — CCI 9mm FMJ Blazer Brass Handgun Ammunition
⏺ Quality 9mm pistol ammo — grab a 1000-ct case while you can
Good name-brand handgun ammunition is hard to find these days. But Natchez Shooters Supplies has scored a large quantity of CCI Blaser 115gr 9mm ammo. We’ve used CCI Blazer 9mm ammo and it proved accurate and reliable. NOTE: This ammo features conventional, reloadable brass cartridge cases (some other CCI ammo is non-reloadable). This ammo is shipped in a single large carton with 1000 rounds inside. Price is $549.00 for 1000, or $0.55 per round — a decent price these days.
6. Midsouth — Bulldog 54″ Long Range Rifle Case, $69.99
⏺ Good deal on excellent case for long rifles up to 52.5″
Highly rated by purchasers, the Bulldog Long Range Rifle Case fits rifles up to 52.5″ long. This premium 54″ soft case is on Sale Now for $69.99 at Midsouth, 18% off the regular $84.99 price. The Bulldog LR works great for long-barreled match rifles. This versatile case boasts a tough 600-dernier water-resistant outer shell, plus quilted inner lining with Velcro tie downs. There are two zippered center pockets plus an external zippered pocket at front. The main compartment zippers are lockable. Choose tan version as shown, or the 54″ Bulldog in black.
7. EuroOptic — Vortex Razor LR HD 1.5-8x32mm and 2-10x40mm
⏺ Very lightweight — 5X zoom range good for hunters
Here are two good optics for hunters. We like the Vortex Razor LR HD at $429.99, a bargain. With a 5.3X zoom ratio, you get a very wide field of view at 1.5X (Field of View is 72.2-13.2 ft @ 100 yards). Then, when you spot your prey, you can instantly zoom up to 8 power. This scope is compact (11″) and lightweight — just 13.2 ounces. If you want more magnification, choose the Razor LR HD 2-10x40mm for $449.99. (NOTE: This 2-10X scope is $599.00 on Amazon.) The 2-10X model has a bigger objective, and Field of View ranges from 56.2-10.8 ft @ 100 yards. Both of these fixed-parallax scopes have excellent HD glass with high light transmission.
8. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Henry AR-7 Rifle, $269.99
The Henry AR-7 Survival rifle is a unique rifle. Weighing just 3.5 pounds, this little semi-auto rimfire can perform pest-control duties for a farmer or rancher, or serve as a utility rifle carried in a truck or ATV. The cleverly-designed AR-7 is affordably priced, just $269.99 at Sportsman’s Warehouse. The Henry AR-7 breaks down for easy carry in a backpack or a vehicle. The barrel, receiver, and magazines all fit INSIDE the buttstock. That’s handy. And this little 3.5-pound rifle offers surprisingly good accuracy.
9. Amazon — Tipton Best Gun Vise, $84.99
⏺ Versatile, stable, works with all rifles, including ARs
When cleaning long guns, you need a secure, stable platform. We recommend the Tipton Best Gun Vise, now $84.99 on Amazon. This vise was designed to accommodate the widest possible array of firearms for cleaning, maintenance, or gunsmithing. This vise is easily configurable to handle bolt-action rifles, break-open shotguns, AR-15s, and handguns. You can also purchase the Best Gun Vise for $89.99 at Midsouth. NOTE: Midsouth also sells the Tipton basic gun vise for just $39.99. That is lighter and still works well.
9. Amazon — 12″ x 12″ Splatter Grid Targets, 10 for $10.99
This 12″x12″ Splatterburst Target combines splatter shot marking with a grid background, with five aiming points. The bright neon shot circles make it easy to see your shots. And the handy grid lets you quickly estimate your group size. Get a 10-pack for $10.99, or a 25-pack for $18.99 (better deal). This particular target has earned rave reviews — 87% of verified buyers gave this a FIVE-Star rating. One example: “Excellent quality and durability. The adhesive is really strong and the splatter contrast is [great].”
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If you’re looking for a space-saving handgun storage system, consider the Easy Use Gun Hangers from USA GunClub. These vinyl-coated, wire hangers organize handguns below the shelves in your gunsafe, freeing up storage space above the shelves. To use the handgun hangers, simply slide each hanger on the shelf and then slip your pistol’s barrel over the lower rod. Handgun Hangers are intended for guns with an overall length of 10 inches or shorter. They will fit shelves that are at least 11 inches deep and 5/8-1 inch in thickness. Handgun Hangers will hold handguns .22 caliber and up, though the fit is a bit snug on .22s. A four-pack of Handgun Hangers costs $9.99. This product has been Amazon’s #1 Best Seller among handgun storage accessories.
WARNING — Always Make Sure Handgun is UNLOADED when using Handgun Hangers!!
USA GunClub also offers an Over-Under Hanger that holds two handguns — one above the shelf, and one below. A two-pack of Over-Under Hangers (capable of holding four handguns) costs $9.99. This may be a good solution for you. This editor personally prefers the standard model, so I can use the upper surface of the shelf to hold odd-shaped items such as cameras, binoculars, and miscellaneous valuables.
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Meet the new T-Rex front rest from Rodzilla. In the world of front rests there have been many innovations over the past decade, but this new front rest from Rodzilla really represents significant innovation. The new T-Rex offers impressive capabilities that can truly take your shooting experience to the next level.
At first glance the new T-Rex may resemble some other coaxial front rests. The T-Rex has a joystick, three points of ground contact, and a platform for the rifle. But look closer and you’ll see this isn’t your typical rest. Designer/builder Rod Brakhage (the Rod in Rodzilla) has started from the ground up to create the most user-friendly, match-ready, modular front rest on the market. The new T-Rex is already in high demand, but currently Rodzilla has been fulfilling orders in about 8 weeks. T-Rex MSRP ranges from $1895.00 to $2305.00 depending on options.
The T-Rex weighs just over 21 pounds — about the same as many mid-sized rests. However the T-Rex has a large footprint, rivaling the largest rests on the market. Rod tells us: “The T-Rex has a similar footprint to the SEB MAX… 12.5″ wide X 11.25″ front to back. However, at just over 21 lbs. my rest weighs less than a SEB NEO.” This combination (wide base with moderate weight) allows for an incredibly stable platform that is still quite portable.
Rugged Carry Case Makes Transport Easy
Rodzilla delivers the T-Rex in a custom-designed hard carry case that fits it perfectly and still has room for additional feet and accessories. This sturdy case makes taking the T-Rex to matches easy. The case is strong enough that I can stack things on top of it in my truck. One side note, if you plan on storing your rest in the case between matches, it’s wise to put a desiccant pack in the case to absorb moisture.
The T-Rex boasts an adjustable joystick that extends from 15.5″ to 21″ in length. With this adjustability, no matter what your stock length or design, you can find a comfortable position without having to stretch uncomfortably. And you won’t have to shop for a joystick extension.
Using the T-Rex is a pure pleasure when shooting prone F-Class or from the bench. That’s because of its revolutionary ability to make large vertical adjustments without getting out of position. This is accomplished with a detachable arm/handle you can actuate while behind the gun. (This is the long T-handle on the right side of the rest).
The simplest way to show why this is a game changer is to consider when you’ve just left the 800-yard line during a match. You head up to the 900-yard line, get all set up, the range officer calls a hot line and suddenly realize you didn’t adjust your elevation for the new yardage. Normally you’d have to turn your scope dials then get up from your position to adjust your front rest, or at best stretch uncomfortably in hopes of reaching your rest adjustments. With the T-Rex, you simply turn the right-side gross elevation handle while still in position, move to your new hold point, and begin firing.
This same principal applies to other situations that require adjusting vertical without breaking your shooting position. All of this is accomplished in conjunction with an incredibly sensitive, yet easy-to-adjust counterbalance system. Once set, the counterbalance ensures that smooth and fluid motion occurs in any direction without any resistance or fear of backlash that might affect your shots.
Very Wide Horizontal Range is Useful in Matches
When it comes to looking downrange, the T-Rex can deliver nearly twice the range of horizontal motion as that of some other rests. (In high ratio mode, there is about 70 MOA of horizontal travel.) This means you can quickly scan a wide expanse of targets/flags without having to change magnification or go to your spotting scope. The huge field of view is a great help when shooting in a condition that is switching and you want to view targets on either side.
Rodzilla offers a number of options for the T-Rex. The first choice is the top. Select the Rodzilla 5-Axis roller top or the new 5-Axis IBS-legal sandbag top. Or, if your budget permits, you can order both — they are easily interchangeable in minutes. The video below shows the easy top-swap procedure:
This video explains how to exchange tops on the Rodzilla T-Rex
5-Axis Top Advantages
Rod Brakhage tells us: “This innovative new 5-Axis top rotates independently of the base plate so no matter how the rest is set on the line you only need to move your rear bag to pan across the row of targets with no binding of the rifle. Also, the sides of the rifle run against vertical Delrin rollers.”
Color Choices for Rodzilla T-Rex Base
In addition to the choice of tops, there are four (4) standard colors on the website, but for an additional fee you can have it made in just about any color you want, which is pretty cool.
Choose Standard Feet, Sand Feet, or Both
When you order a T-Rex, you can choose standard bench feet or large, gorgeous sand/dirt feet. Or order them both, as I did. I use the bench feet at my regular club where I shoot from wood and concrete platforms, but the sand feet are great for matches held on dirt, gravel, sand, or grass. These sand feet provide an incredibly stable platform on the ground.
Linear Bearings Allow Ultra-Smooth and Precise Adjustments
Rodzilla’s Rod Brakhage is a smart, innovative designer committed to improving the shooter’s experience. One of Rod’s key innovations in the T-Rex is the use of linear ball bearings for both X and Y axis: “The horizontal/vertical assembly, or X-Y block, moves on 6 double-sealed ball bearings that travel on hardened shafts for effortless movement”.* This system delivers a smooth, fluidity of movement that lets you aim quickly and efficiently. Gone are the days of having to move PAST your aim point and then come back (to get the aim right), or resetting your joystick position after every shot. With the T-Rex, you make one smooth, precise move and your aim is set. And it stays set after the shot.
The T-Rex allows you to position your crosshairs with pinpoint precision every time and if you need to move them just a hair, you can do it with ease. In F-Class, we often hold between the target’s scoring lines to correct for wind variations (without touching the scope’s windage knob). With the T-Rex, I could make those holds quickly and precisely without wasting time bouncing back and forth.
Overall, I’ve come to really enjoy the repeatable confidence the T-Rex has given me whether I’m doing load development, practicing at the range, or shooting a match. So, if you’re in the market for a superb front rest that just might give you an edge or, at minimum, make your life easier, head over to TheRodzilla.com and learn all about the impressive, new T-Rex Front Rest.
* Rod Brakhage explains: “The bridge travels up and down on double-sealed ball bearings on 1” hardened shafts. My design utilizes a rack and pinion with an 18″-long drive shaft for adjusting the height of the bridge. This system allows you to stay in shooting position and looking through the scope while adjusting the vertical placement of your crosshairs. Precisely dial your vertical to the center of your target with the joy stick at the exact height you prefer. A 1/4 MOA movement is very easy to accomplish with this design. Also, there is no need to lock the bridge as there is an adjustable clutch to hold the vertical position. The long drive shaft utilizes a scalloped hand wheel on the shooters side and a quick coupling adapter on the rest side. Once adjusted you merely pull back on the drive shaft and remove it or just set it on your shooting mat out of the way. The geared rack and pinion can be placed on the right for right-handed shooters or on the left.”
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Rimfire tactical matches, the NRL22 series in particular, draw more shooters than all centerfire PRS and NRL matches combined. It’s not surprising when you think about it — with rimfire PRS/NRL you still get the fun of tactical stages and hitting steel. But that all comes with a much lower overall cost. You can definitely win matches with an affordable rimfire rifle, and .22 LR ammo is a fraction of the cost of centerfire ammunition. Plus, the rimfire barrel can last for tens of thousands of rounds. By contrast a centerfire barrel can lose competitive accuracy after just a couple thousand rounds.
Seeing the rapid growth of the tactical rimfire game, Volquartsen now offers a semi-auto .22 LR in an MDT modular stock — the new VF-ORYX rifle. This rig, priced at $1944.00, features a CNC-machined stainless steel receiver with integral +20 MOA rail. The CNC-machined bolt includes a titanium firing pin and tuned extractor for improved function. The VF-ORYZ features a TG2000 trigger with a crisp 2.25-pound break.
The 20.5″ (1:16″ twist) fluted, free-floated barrel is threaded into the action just like on a centerfire rifle. This improves barrel rigidity and accuracy.
This rifle is also available as the VF-ORYX-S model, delivered with Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm scope with rings. MSRP is $3269.00.
MDT ORYX Aluminum Modular Chassis
The VF-ORYX features an ORYX Chassis from MDT. This chassis has earned high marks and is well-suited for practical/tactical competition. This integrated aircraft-grade aluminum chassis and buttstock are designed to improve the consistency and accuracy of your rifle. The chassis features a contoured fore-end, adjustable cheek riser, and overmolded pistol. Spacers in the buttpad permit adjustable LOP.
Here are two video reviews of the ORYX Chassis Systems for centerfire rifles. MDT’s rimfire ORYX chassis is essentially identical, but just configured for Volquartsen’s semi-auto rimfire action.
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When is a single-stage reloading press worth close to a thousand bucks? When it’s made in Germany with CNC technology and crafted to aero-space precision standards. UltimateReloader.com’s Gavin Gear recently got his hands on a Turban 120mm Heavy Präzipress. This unit retails for about 715 Euros (714,27 €), which is $858.88 U.S. Dollars at current exchange rates*. Gavin put the Präzipress through its paces, and came away VERY impressed. READ FULL REVIEW HERE.
Impressive Test Results
Sizing once-fired 6.5mm Creedmoor cases with the Präzipress, Gavin achieved great results for shoulder “bump” consistency. The sizing results were nothing short of spectacular. After zeroing the first of ten cases, the remaining nine were essentially identical, showing as “0.000”, meaning less than half a thousandth of variation.
The Präzipress also delivered ultra-low run-out when seating bullets using a Forster die. On all ten test cases, the run-out was +/- 0.001″ (one-thousandth) or less.
Is this kind of press worth the money? Gavin says “yes” if you demand the highest level of precision in sizing and seating: “When you use this press, it’s immediately clear that there are no details neglected, and I can’t imagine one of these presses ever wearing out. Based on the precision tests I did with ammunition loading, it’s clear that this level of precision DOES make a difference for ammunition dimensions and consistency.”
According to Gavin, the “Heavy” 120mm version of the Präzipress is massive and boasts many notable design features:
— Three guide rods with linear roller guides (I have not seen these on any other press)
— Ambidextrous operation (handle can be mounted on left or right side)
— Positive snap shellholder retainer (secure, but easy to insert/remove shellholder)
— 120mm opening accepts cartridges up to .408 CheyTac Size length
— Enclosed spent primer catch system which contains debris
— Optimized leverage (VERY powerful mechanical advantage for sizing)
— Oversized handle (bar diameter) that minimizes flex
There are now three (3) triple-column Präzipress sizes. Along with the 120 model press featured above, there are even larger 140 and 150 models:
* Stated price does NOT include shipping to USA and other fees. The Turban-shop.de website states: “In the case of delivering to a non-EU country, there can be charged extra tolls, taxes, and fees. Packaging costs will be charged separately.”
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SIG Sauer just released a video featuring the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) Program. In this video, SIG Sauer President/CEO Ron Cohen talks about the challenges in developing new hybrid ammo, along with a new NGSW Rifle and lightweight belt-fed machine gun (NGSW-AR). These new military guns will employ 6.8×51 hybrid ammunition that combines a brass case with a steel alloy base. This allows significantly higher pressures and velocities, compared to conventional ammo.
“The Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program is the most audacious effort in decades. It is the ability to participate in writing history and whatever happens now will dictate the next twenty, thirty, forty years”, said Cohen. This program is a result of the Army’s push for a transformational change in small arms to achieve greater lethality and capability.
The SIG Sauer NGSW system features new 6.8×51mm hybrid ammunition — a lightweight cartridge designed to handle signficantly higher pressures for increased velocity and terminal performance. With this high-velocity 6.8mm round, SIG’s new Lightweight Belt-Fed Machine Gun (NGSW-AR) doubles the effective range of the current M249 while being 40% lighter in weight. SIG Sauer even claims reduced felt recoil.
The SIG Sauer NGSW-R rifle offers advantages over current U.S. military rifles. The new SIG rifle is built on the MCX platform with the added firepower of the 6.8×51 round. Both the NGSW-AR and NGSW-R feature familiar AR-style ambidextrous ergonomics for easy transition from the legacy weapons to the SIG NGSW system. The weapons will also employ SIG Sauer “Next Generation” Suppressors.
SIG Sauer is hoping to win a big military contract with its NGSW weapons. The company stated that it “has committed virtually every part of the company to develop the NGSW weapons, engineering resources, manufacturing resources to develop the most advanced system possible.” SIG Sauer CEO Ron Cohen adds that: “We are the only company that makes the ammunition and the weapons so we were able to harness the engineers on the weapons side with the engineers on the ammunition side. SIG has the engineering resources, manufacturing resources, asset base and commitment to do this.”
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Tomorrow is the first day of May. The 2021 outdoor season is well underway. Do you have a good first-aid kit in your vehicle to deal with possible injuries to family members of all ages? For just $20.00 you can get an excellent kit from Be Smart/TRI, the #1 maker of First Aid Kits in the USA.
TRI’s Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit has 201 items inside a sturdy case with shoulder strap and carry handle. There is also a handy, detachable mini pouch with key essentials for first aid on-the-go. You can easily bring the mini-pouch along on a bike ride or hike.
This multi-purpose First Aid Kit includes:
• 50 – Bandages 3/4 x 3
• 30 – Bandages 3/8 x 1 1/2
• 6 – Bandages Closure
• 3 – Knuckle Bandages
• 1 – Tapes – .5 x 2.5yd Waterproof
• 10 – Cotton Tips – 2.75″”/10 Pack
• 4 – Finger Splints
• 1 – First Aid Guide
• 4 – Gauze Pad – 2 x 2 / 4 ply
• 4 – Gauze Pad – 4 x 4 / 4 ply
• 1 – Gauze Pad – 5 x 9
• 2 – Nitrile Gloves
• 1 – Instant Cold Pack – 5 x 6
To help ensure that outdoor adventures remain safe and trouble-free, the CTD Shooters’ Log has a helpful Essential Summer Survival Guide. This is worth reading before you venture away from civilization.
Here are some highlights of the article with links for MORE INFO:
First Aid Kits for Campers
You should never venture outside without a first aid kit close at hand. While exploring the outdoors, all types of accidents can occur—from cuts, scrapes, and burns to broken limbs and severe allergic reactions.
Basic Survival Skills
Basic survival skills are a necessity if you plan to spend any amount of time outdoors. These five tips, plus a how-to on what to pack in a lightweight, basic survival kit will help if you are ever stuck, lost, stranded or injured in the field.
How to Treat Burns
Fireworks, barbeques and campfires — in the summer we are frequently around fire, which increases our chance of getting burned. A first-degree burn is most likely home treatable, while a third degree burn requires immediate medical attention. Learn how to spot the differences between minor and severe burns.
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F-TR and varmint shooters know about the outstanding JoyPod coaxial bipod created by Sebastian Lambang of SebRests.com. This popular design provides a stable, low-COG platform that allows instant aiming changes with a handy joystick. Over the years the JoyPod design has been refined, and now the enhanced Gen 2, 2021 JoyPod-X will soon be available. The 2021 JoyPod-X offers improved feet plus a new, rapid leg adjustment system that is a real break-through. For this new JoyPod-X, specific enhancements have been made to internal plates, the locking lever, and the more radiused top and feet. Plus now you have a choice of six anodized colors: blue, red, green, purple, black, and bronze.
Leg Height Adjustment System
on New 2021 JoyPod-X
Seb tells us: “Now height adjustment of the JoyPod-X can be much easier quicker and more precise. With a simple, adjustable brake and improved ratchet system. Thanks to Bob Bock for the design suggestions”.
Watch the video to see how this works. You can adjust each leg individually in seconds. You can do individual clicks up and down, with ratcheted steps. Or slide the entire leg unit rapidly up and down for gross elevation changes. So you have the choice of small, precise increments or big movements — whichever you want. This is very slick.
JoyPod-X Coming Soon in 6 Colors
The new 2021 JoyPod-X Should be ready sometime in mid- to late-May 2021, according to Sebastian Lambang. The JoyPod-X will be available in blue, red, green, purple, black, and bronze colors.
The head of the 2021 JoyPod-X has been radiused and refined. The design allows the JoyPod-X to fit a variety of fore-arm rails. To secure the JoyPod-X on your rifle, slide on the rail and then tension the clamping lever.
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Useful reloading gear does not have to be costly. Here are ten handy (and very inexpensive) items that belong on your loading bench or in your range kit.
• Magnifying Glass – We use a flat, 2″x2″ pocket 4x-8x magnifier. This folds up on itself. Very handy, we use it to inspect bullets and brass. Use this to check your flash holes for burrs, and check the meplats of your bullets before loading.
• Clear 35mm Film Cannister – Use this to transfer the thrown powder charge to the little measuring cup that sits on your scale. That way you don’t get any kernel splash. Also if the charge weight is obviously off, it’s easy to dump back in the measure. A film canister works pretty well as a trickler too.
• Compressed Air in a Can -- Get these at office supply stores. Use the can (with tube attached) to blow crud out of cases after cleaning the neck with a brush, and blast loose debris out of primer pockets.
• Pin Vise – A simple pin vise with a #53 bit is perfect for deburring Lapua PPC and BR flash holes without reaming the flash-holes any larger. The Lapua PPC/BR flash-hole diameter is 1.5 mm, or 0.059″. Amazon.com sells a handy $8.99 pin vise kit with 10 bits, including the ideal 1.5mm bit. Other vendors offer a #53 pin vise bit that measures .0595″ or .060″ (depending or source). You can find pin vises and bits at hobby stores — here’s an example below with ten bits including 1.5mm. Pin vise sets can be found from $7 to $15.
• Bounce Dryer Sheets – The common dryer sheets eliminate “static cling” on your plastic reloading parts such as powder measure cylinders, powder funnels, and reloading press plastic bins. Thanks to Doc76251 for this tip.
• Ballistol Aerosol – Try using this versatile lubricant/solvent for full-length sizing. Spray some on a patch and you can wipe the carbon off your case necks. Then, continue to apply a very small amount of Ballistol on the case bodies — just thin sheen is all you need. Ballistol is super slippery, and easy to remove. For general full-length sizing (on small cases) it works great and doesn’t leave a gooey, waxy, or chalky residue. For heavier case-forming jobs, we recommend Imperial Die Wax.
• Shotgun Mop – Stick this in the chamber when using Wipe-Out foaming bore cleaner. This will seal off the chamber so the foam doesn’t flow into your action. For long chambers screw on one section of cleaning rod to aid extraction.
• Colored Sharpie Marking Pens – Mark your bullets ahead of the bearing surface, and the color transfers to the target. This way you can shoot multiple loads at the same point of aim and discern which load shoots the tightest. (Recommended for 300 yards and beyond). With colored bullet tips you can test multiple loads “round robin” to equalize wind effects. When testing seating depths for example, you can mark the longer-seated set of bullets red and the shorter-seated set green and shoot them during the same sequence. Just look at the colored marks on the target to see which grouped better.
• Thin Latex Gloves – You should keep a box of inexpensive, disposable latex gloves (the kind doctors use) in your loading room. These will prevent contamination of primers or powder kernels that you handle directly. Also, use the gloves when handling fine blued tools or firearms to prevent transfering body oils and salts that promote rust.
• Plastic Washers for Neck Mic – If you use a Sinclair Neck-wall Micrometer Gauge with integral stand, you can use thin plastic washers to adjust the height of the case on the mandrel. This makes it much easier to measure the same point on the case neck every time. Thanks to MikeCR for this tip (and photo).
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We saw some interesting gear at a 600-yard IBS match at the Piedmont Gun Club (Rutherfordton, NC) a few seasons back. On display were a variety of hand-made wood cleaning cradles designed to fit on table tops. These typically employ a box-style design, with layer of cloth or other padding to cushion the underside of the stock. On display were both single-rifle cleaning cradle/boxes and dual-rifle rigs. This is a good do-it-yourself project that can be built with simple tools.
Click Photos to View Large Versions
Notice that these cradle-boxes feature an extended lower section in the rear. This lower “lip” butts up against the edge of the table so the whole assembly stays in place. In the photo above it appears that the lower section may actually be cut from a rubber block, but we’re not sure.
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Vudoo Gun Works has introduced its new Vudoo Three 60 three-lug repeater rifle. This is an impressive repeater rimfire rifle. The Vudoo Three 60 features a 3-lug bolt with a 60-degree throw and a 12 O’Clock ignition. This combination uses the same internal 3-lug geometry of the Vudoo V22s single shot action, ensuring light bolt lift along with smooth and consistent bolt alignment with the bore.
Users will enjoy the same accuracy performance known across the entire Vudoo family of rifles. The Vudoo Three 60 will be offered alongside the already popular V22 two lug repeater, V22m Magnum repeater, and V22s Single Shot Target Rifle.
The Patented Vudoo Three 60 Rimfire repeater action was engineered in response to requests for a 3-lug 60-degree bolt throw repeater action. Like all current Vudoo V22 actions, the Three 60 fire control group offers a toolless disassembly by way of a unique bayonet-style locking system between the shroud, bolt body, and bolt nose.
Vudoo Gun Works Three 60 Rifle Features Remington 700 Short Action Footprint
Remington 700 Pinned Trigger Interface
Available in right and left hand
60 Degree Bolt throw
12 O’clock Ignition
3 Lug Bolt Design
Toolless Bolt Disassembly
New Vudoo Three 60 Should Please 3-Lug Centerfire Rifle Owners
Paul Parrott, Vudoo Gun Works CEO, explains: “The Three 60 configuration has been highly requested by our Vudoo family and [is] the logical next step in our product line. Is it more accurate than the 2-lug version? No, it’s just the next evolution in our ongoing commitment to redefine rimfire. The guys who will love it most are 3-lug centerfire shooters and those needing more bolt/optic clearance.”
ORDER CHANGE/UPDATE: Customers who have existing, not-yet-completed orders can change their order (for $50 more) to the new Vudoo Three 60 by CLICKING HERE. Then fill out the ORDER UPDATE PAGE.
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Outstanding New Powder from Alliant — Reloder TS 15.5 New Product Review by DasherDude
Alliant has devloped a new temperature-stable powder for long range applications. According to Alliant, this is a “slower burning version of the popular RL 15 with TZ technology” and brings some significant advantages over RL 15 and powders in the similar burn rate range (like Varget). The powder is named “Reloder TS 15.5″ (RL TS 15.5) and is created using the same TZ technology used in Reloder 16 (RL 16) and Reloder 23 (RL 23) whereby it manipulates the response of the propellant and resists the natural tendency to generate more pressure at higher temperatures and less pressure at lower temperatures. That makes RL TS 15.5 extremely stable across the full temperature range a shooter may encounter.
When Can You Get This New Alliant RL TS 15.5 Powder?
Alliant tells us that new RL TS 15.5 should start arriving on dealer’s shelves by the end of the month. Officially: “We will be putting it into distribution probably in April 2021 sometime”. Remember you heard about this powder here first.
The burn rate of RL TS 15.5 lies between RL 15 and RL 16 making it ideal for loading heavier bullets in .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, .223 Rem, and 6mm wildcats such as the 6mm Dasher or 6 BRA (BR Ackley). Being a bit slower than RL 15, new TS 15.5 offers higher velocities for the same charge weight as well as ability to load heavier charges for additional velocity without generating excessive pressure.
Testing Reloder TS 15.5 in 6 Dasher and .308 Winchester
I got a chance to test a pre-production powder sample of RL TS15.5 from Alliant. In my own tests with my 6mm Dasher and .308 Win, I extensively compared it with Varget that I normally use in these cartridges. In both cases, the results were nothing short of spectacular.
Powder Characteristics and Metering
This is an extruded powder and looks and feels similar to RL 16. The kernels are about 0.03 – 0.04 grains each (with the resolution of A&D FX 120i scale). RL TS 15.5 meters very well, although I had to slightly adjust the AutoTrickler to get it to meter perfectly.
As I found, later in the testing, that the powder compresses before it can generate excessive pressure in the Dasher, a drop tube helps to fill the case more efficiently if higher charges and velocities are desired.
6mm Dasher Test Rifle and Load
For testing I used my 6mm Dasher benchrest match rifle. This has a BAT 3L action, 28″ Krieger barrel, and McMillan stock. I use Lapua brass with CCI 450 primers to propel Berger 105gr Hybrids and this combination shoots quite well.
Test Firearm: 6mm Dasher, Bat 3L, 28″ 6mm HV Krieger Barrel, McMillan Stock.
Components: Lapua fire-formed brass, CCI 450 primers, Berger 105 grain Hybrid
Powder: Alliant Reloder TS 15.5
Load Testing and Velocities
Test in 6mm Dasher — Excellent Velocity, Low ES/SD
The testing comprised of shooting groups at 100 yards with increasing powder charges (OCW method) and then selecting a node. That node was found at 33.4 grains. The accuracy was excellent with remarkably low Extreme Spread and Standard Deviation (ES/SD)
My usual load is 32.9 grains of Hodgdon Varget which runs 2925 fps with an ES of around 12 fps and SD around 5 fps. For comparison, 32.9 grains of RL TS 15.5 delivered a velocity of 3022 fps. That is 97 fps greater than Varget for the same load weight (of RL TS15.5).
When used in the 6 Dasher, RL TS 15.5 had ES of 13 for 28 Shots — Remarkable!
More Velocity Plus Consistent ES/SD With the Dasher since the new node (the sweet spot) was found at 33.4 grains, that resulted in a velocity of 3050 fps (a 125 fps velocity increase) from the same rifle setup. Not only did the velocity increase, but the SD was lowered to 3.6 with an ES of 13 (calculated over 28 shots). You read that right… 13 fps ES over 28 shots!
At 34 grains without any drop tube, the load was compressed. However, there were no pressure signs. That indicates that the 6 Dasher cartridge can be loaded with a higher charge, if a drop tube was used.
.308 Winchester Velocity Results
Similar results (velocity gains) were obtained from my .308 Win with Berger 200.20X bullets. For the same charge of 44.2 grains, I recorded about 100 fps higher velocity with RL TS 15.5, compared to Varget.
Accuracy Results at 100 and 300 Yards — Very Impressive
How does RL TS 15.5 shoot on paper? Very well indeed.
6mm Dasher Load Testing with Various RL TS 15.5 Charge Weights
The groups on paper told similar stories. For the OCW method, I shot groups of increasing charges at 100 yards and then selected 33.4 grains as the optimum charge (incidentally, it was one ragged hole).
While testing at 300 yards, the conditions were very windy but since I was testing for vertical, the point of aim was kept the same for every shot. No attempt was made to correct for wind, so the groups spread horizontally (15 mph, 3 o’clock wind) but the vertical spread of all the groups was under 0.3 MOA. That gives me great hopes for the long-range capabilities of the powder.
Thoughts and Conclusions
For the past year, Alliant powders have been a welcome surprise for this tester and they have found a home in my reloading room. I struggled to find a load for my .284 Win with H4831sc and H4350 before trying out Reloder 16 and voila, it was perfect.
I have used Hodgdon Varget powder for a long time in both my 6mm Dasher and my .308 Winchester. With the .308 Win I’ve used various bullets from 168 to 200 grains. Varget has served me well. I do always need to keep the powder charge in check and so the velocities are held back a bit. Now RL TS 15.5 looks like a very impressive competitor to Varget.
With Reloder TS 15.5, Alliant seems to have delivered a harmonious mix of great accuracy, higher velocities, and lower SDs without creating excessive pressure. All of this is delivered with a very temperature-stable package. The higher velocities may allow some shooters to hit a new, better-performing node. These qualities are highly sought after by long range shooters. Accordingly, I have no qualms in saying that Alliant has created a winner here.
Alliant Official Load Data for Reloder TS 15.5
Along with the cartridge types shown below, Alliant has also released load data for .30-06 Springfield, 7x57mm Mauser, .270 Win, .260 Rem, 6.5 Grendel, .257 Roberts, 22-250 Rem, and 224 Valkyrie. CLICK for all data (larger format).
The firearms and shooting accessories price-search website Gun.Deals has created a useful collection of new long guns for 2021. These run the gamut from tactical rifles to classic lever-action guns. There are new super light-weight models such as the Savage 110 Ultralite and the Nosler Model 48 Carbon Mtn. Rifle with carbon-stock and carbon-wrapped barrel. For young shooters, or folks looking for a fun yet very affordable .22 LR rig, there is the Winchester Wildcat 22 Suppressor Ready. And if you like something new and very different, there is the brand new straight-pull Savage Impulse Big Game. SEE ALL RIFLES.
From these 10 rifles, here are three of our favorites:
Springfield Armory Waypoint
The new Model 2020 Waypoint rifles feature optional carbon-wrapped barrels, TriggerTech triggers, and carbon-fiber, hand-painted camo stocks. The excellent TriggerTech trigger easily adjusts from 2.5 to 5.0 pounds. The base Model 2020 Waypoint has a fluted stainless barrel. The carbon-wrapped barrel is an extra-cost option, as is the adjustable cheekpiece.
Savage Impulse Straight-Pull Rifle
Savage’s new Impulse series of straight-pull bolt rifles is the first American-designed and crafted straight-pull centerfire rifle. The new Impulse features an innovative Hexlock bolt-locking mechanism with six spherical bearings that move radially outward into a ring in the barrel extension, thereby locking the bolt in place. That barrel extension is held in the receiver assembly by four cross-bolts on the lower front section. Ahead of the barrel extension is a conventional recoil lug and a familiar Savage barrel nut.
Winchester Wildcat 22 Suppressor Ready
Winchester has introduced a Wildcat SR, a suppressor-ready version of its popular Wildcat 22 semi-auto .22 LR rifle. This new Wildcat SR comes with a 16.5″ barrel threaded 1/2-28 TPI at the muzzle (with muzzle cap). This will allow the Wildcat SR to fit most rimfire suppressors as well as many muzzle brakes.
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We all know reloading powder is in VERY short supply these days. And the most popular propellants, such as Varget, H4350, and Reloder 16, are almost impossible to find at reasonable prices. Thankfully, there is a new solution in the works — smaller containers. This should give handloaders a whole new way to source those precious powders needed for a day at the range. And even if the volume is limited, something is ALWAYS better than nothing, right?
The big (and small) news for reloaders is that the major powder suppliers plan to start shipping powders in more compact, easy-to-ship containers. Instead of buying a pound of powder, you will be able to purchase an efficient, handy 1000 grain container. These are light weight (just 1/7th of a pound) so they are convenient to transport and carry. And you’ll never have the problem of over supply. A 1000-grain container with load approximately 33 6mm BR rounds — that should be plenty for a day at the range. We’re blessed to have this new compact powder option thanks to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently approved new smaller containers for shipment of smokeless powder. The new containers are designed to hold 1000 grains, exactly one-seventh of a pound. That works out to 2.29 ounces of powder — quite a bit less than you are getting currently with one-pound (16 oz.) containers.
Here how it works out:
7000 grains = 1 pound = 16 ounces
1000 grains = 0.143 pounds = 2.29 ounces
Many products — from cereal boxes to Snickers bars — have been down-sized in recent years. Now downsizing has come to the powder marketplace. The strategy behind the smaller containers is simple. In a market where demand vastly outstrips available supply, the smaller containers allow powder-makers to generate more revenue with a given amount of powder inventory. Will consumers accept the smaller powder containers? Probably so — 1000 grains is enough to load 20-22 rounds of .308 Winchester. In the current marketplace (with many powders virtually impossible to find), most consumers would probably prefer to get 2.3 ounces of their favorite powder, rather than nothing at all. (NOTE: The major powder suppliers will continue to offer popular powders in 1-lb, and 8-lb containers. The new 1000-grain containers will be phased-in over time, as an alternative to the larger containers).
Why the small bottles? One industry spokesman (who asked not to be named) explained: “We’ve had a severe shortage of smokeless powder for nearly two years. The powder production plants are running at full capacity, but there’s only so much finished product to go around. By moving to smaller containers, we can ensure that our customers at least get some powder, even if it’s not as much as they want.”
Why are the new containers 2.3 ounces rather than 8 ounces (half a pound) or 4 ounces (one-quarter pound)? One of the engineers who helped develop the new DOT-approved container explained: “We looked at various sizes. We knew we had to reduce the volume significantly to achieve our unit quantity sales goals. Some of our marketing guys liked the four-ounce option — the ‘Quarter-Pounder’. That had a nice ring to it, but ultimately we decided on the 1000 grain capacity. To the average consumer, one thousand grains sounds like a large amount of powder, even if it’s really only 2.3 ounces. This size also made it much easier to bundle the powder in six-packs. We think the six-packs will be a big hit. You get nearly a pound of powder, but you can mix and match with a variety of different propellants.”
Less Bang for Your Buck?
We’re told the new 2.3-ounce powder bottles will retail for around $11.99, i.e. about $5.21 per ounce. At that price, it may seem like you’re getting less bang for your buck … but hey, something is better than nothing, right?
Currently, when you can find them, quality reloading powders are going for $45-$60 per pound (in 1-lb containers). At $45 per pound, you’re paying $2.81 per ounce. That means that the new mini-containers will be roughly twice as expensive as current one-pounders ($5.21 per ounce vs. $2.81 per ounce).
Along with the 2.3-ounce containers, the DOT has approved “six-pack” consolidated delivery units that will hold six, 1000-grain containers. Some manufacturers plan to offer “variety packs” with a selection of various powders in the 1000-grain bottles. Wouldn’t it be cool to have a six-pack with H322, H4895, Varget, H4350, H4831sc, and Retumbo?
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Hornady’s Handbook of Cartridge Reloading (11th Edition) is coming soon. This latest 11th Edition features new bullets, new cartridges, and a significantly expanded range of reloading powders. This is a worthy addition to any hand-loader’s resource collection. You can get a traditional hard-copy bound book, an Apple iBook or an Amazon Kindle version. In addition, the key content in the 11th Edition Handbook will be available in smartphone Apps for both iOS (Apple) and Android.
Along with many hundreds of pages of load data, the 11th Edition Hornady Handbook includes articles on loading techniques and very detailed information on Hornady component bullets. Countless hours of field testing went into this handbook. Hornady says: “Well over 1,500 load combinations were shot to update and expand the reloading pages in this edition.”
New Cartridge Types in 11th Edition
New cartridges covered in the 11th Edition include: 6mm ARC, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 300 PRC, 224 Valkyrie, 350 Legend, and 28 Nosler. Also added to this edition (for the first time) are the popular 5.45×39, 300 Norma Magnum, and 450 Rigby cartridge types.
New Powders in 11th Edition
Many new or previously not included powders have been added including IMR 4955 & 8133, StaBall 6.5, Shooters World Precision and Tactical Rifle, Vihtavuori N-530, N-565, and N-570, Norma 217, CFE BLK, Accurate No. 11FS, 2200 and 4100, Reloder 16 and Ramshot LRT. Other recent additions like Reloder 23, 26 and 33, Accurate LT-30 and Power Pro 300 MP have been expanded.
New Bullets in 11th Edition
Numerous new bullets make an appearance, including the new A-TIP® Match and new editions in the ELD-X®, ELD® Match, GMX®, FTX®, SUB-X® and more.
Get 11th Edition Handbook as eBook or SmartPhone App
The 11th edition Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading is available as an eBook via the iTunes iBook store as well as a Kindle edition sold through Amazon.com (coming soon). It will also available in App form from the App Store and from Google Play.
“Many unique challenges have arisen between the 10th and 11th edition handbooks. Despite the adversity, our team persisted and after hundreds of hours and thousands of rounds, we are proud to bring you the newest addition to our lineage of reloading handbooks.” said Jason Hornady, Vice President.
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Shooting Industry (SI) magazine is often the first media source to reveal new firearms and gun-related products. And once again, in SI’s just-released April 2021 edition, we got our first glimpse of dozens of cool new guns and hardware. CLICK HERE to see all new featured products (best for mobile platforms) or CLICK HERE for magazine-style layout.
The current Shooting Industry issue spotlights 28 new products. We’ve select a half-dozen notables for our readers. There is an interesting WOOX Hybrid stock, new Lapua products, an impressive big-bore revolver from Taurus, the new Mark 7 Apex 10 progressive press, a rugged AR-friendly shooting rest, plus a handy totable cleaning kit from Otis.
Here Are Six Standouts from Shooting Industry April 2021:
WOOX Advanced Furiosa Micarta Rifle Chassis
The new Furiosa Micarta Rifle chassis combines the best of both worlds — aircraft grade aluminum chassis strength with human-friendly ergonomics and a weather-resistant finish. The Furiosa Micarta’s outer shell casts off moisture as well as oils and solvents. The manufacturer claims the hybrid stock absorb vibrations, effectively providing harmonic dampening (as you would get with conventional wood or fiberglass stocks). The Woox Furiosa Micarta chassis is available for Remington 700, Howa 1500, Weatherby Vanguard, Sauer 100, and Tikka T3 actions.
Birchwood Casey — Alpha Shooting Rest (AR Optimized)
Birchwood Casey’s new Alpha Shooting Rest features a tubular steel frame with non-slip rubber stock rest. Weighing in at a stout 35 pounds, with integrated weighted front, this Alpha Rest should be stable. It features adjustable leveling feet with bulls-eye bubble level, ambidextrous controls, and oversized adjustment knobs. Notably this Alpha Rest will accommodate ARs with 30-rd magazines. The front of the shooting rest maneuvers 2″ for windage, 3.5″ for elevation and 4.25″ to accommodate various rifle sizes.
Lapua — New Brass and Loaded Ammunition
Lapua now offers loaded match ammunition in 6.5 Creedmoor and .260 Remington plus loaded hunting ammunition in .223 Remington and 6.5 Creedmoor. Plus NEW BRASS — Lapua has added 6.5 PRC, .284 Win, .300 Win Mag, and 300 PRC cartridge cases to its 2021 product line. Cases are sold in boxes of 100. Errki Seikkula, Lapua Sales Manager, states: “Our new Lapua cartridge case offerings for 2021 display our continued commitment to the precision shooting disciplines which are popular in the USA and globally.” The .223 Rem hunting ammo features Lapua 50 Grain Naturalis bullets, while the new 6.5 Creedmoor hunting ammunition is loaded Lapua’s 156 Grain MEGA Soft Point.
Taurus Raging Hunter Revolver in .460 S&W
For 2021 Taurus introduces a new Raging Hunter Revolver chambered in .460 S&W. This beefy wheelgun features sleeved barrel construction, and factory porting to reduce muzzle rise. A Picatinny rail on the barrel shroud makes it easy to mount optics (to complement the adjustable rear iron sight). To help manage recoil (and provide a secure hold), the Raging Hunter features an ergonomic grooved grip with cushioned inserts. Taurus CEO Bret Vorhees states: “The Taurus Raging Hunter was a hit among … handgun hunters when we introduced it in 2019. We [now offer more] downrange performance with the new Raging Hunter in .460 S&W.” This revolver is offered in three barrel lengths: 5.12″ (top photo), 6.75″, and 8.37″ (second photo).
Mark 7 Apex 10 Professional-Grade Progressive Press
TEN Stations in 2021! Mark 7, a Lyman brand, has introduced the new Apex 10, a 10-station progressive press compatible with the Mark 7 Autodrive, Mark 7 Primer Xpress, and all Mark 7 sensors. Apex 10 features include a 10 station tool head, Mark 7 mechanical powder measure, 11″ case feeder with speed adjustments, reverse setting, transparent trap door, metal construction, and case sensor activation technology. The Apex 10 also features shuttle disk priming system and double guide rod support. The new cast toolhead is designed to reduce flex under pressure.
OTIS Technology — Professional Pistol Cleaning Kit in Pouch
Otis Technology’s new Professional Pistol Cleaning Kit is optimized to clean and maintain 9mm, .40 Cal and .45 ACP Glock pistols. But of course it can be used for other handguns as well. The kit includes three bronze and three nylon bore brushes, Memory-Flex cables and three caliber-specific ripcords. A steel pistol loop rod and Otis’s 8-in-1 Pistol T-Tool for pushing and resetting pins and front site adjustment are also included. The kit even comes with a magazine plate removal tool.
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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.
1. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Winchester .22 LR Wildcat, $219.99
⏺ Removable lower receiver, Picatinny rails, good trigger, great price
Here is a fun little semi-auto .22 LR rifle at a crazy low price — $219.99 at Sportsman’s Warehouse. The Winchester Wildcat takes Ruger 10/22 mags, and has some great features, such as field-removable lower receiver, ambidextrous controls, integral Picatinny rails and rear barrel access. It has a good trigger and shoots well. In many respects the Wildcat beats the Ruger 10/22 while costing considerably less. The lower receiver assembly is easily removed from the upper assembly by pushing a button — no tools required.
2. Bullet Central & Whidden — Bix’n Andy Dakota Trigger, $199
⏺ Outstanding trigger with safety for hunting or competition
Are you putting together a new build but still can’t decide on a trigger? The Bix’n Andy Dakota trigger is a great choice for both hunting and target applications. Easily adjustable for pull weight, this is one of the crispest triggers on the market. Find these superb triggers IN STOCK now at both Whidden Gunworks or Bullet Central.
⏺ Matched high-quality upper and lower receiver combo
Let’s face it, with Federal gun control looming, it will likely become more difficult to buy/build AR-platform rifle over the next few years. The threat of new AR bans is already leading to a shortage of parts. Here is a nice matched lower + upper receiver combo available in a wide variety of finishes. The Juggernaut Tactical AR-15 Combo Lower and Upper Receiver package comes in 4 different Cerakote and two anodized colors. These combos accept standardized fire control kits in the lower and mil-spec bolt assemblies in the upper.
4. Proteckor.com — Protektor Model — Dr. Rear Bags
⏺ Great competition rear bag — choose your ear height, spacing, material
Keeping your rifle stable while shooting is critical for accuracy. For benchrest shooting and F-Class, you need a stable rear bag. Among the best rear bags, favored by many top benchrest competitors, are the Protektor Model Dr. Rear Bags. These boast a very solid leather base that sits flat. Chose angled or flat top, with or without carry handle. NOTE: These are “semi-custom” products. You can specify ear height, ear spacing, and ear covering type (leather, cordura, slick silver fabric).
5. Midway — Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm with Rings, $1999.99
Leupold is one of America’s leading scope-makers, and the Mark 5HD is Leupold’s latest flagship optic. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line First Focal Plane (FFP) scope with 1/10 Mil clicks, check out this killer deal on the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm. NOTE: This product includes a set of Leupold’s fine Mark 4 rings. This optic offers great glass, outstanding low-light performance, zero-stop functionality, and plenty of elevation. Plus Leupold offers a superior lifetime warranty. To learn more about the Leupold Mark 5HD series, watch this 7-35x56mm Mark 5HD video review (MOA version).
6. Palmetto SA — SIG BDX Scope + Laser Rangefinder, $699.99
⏺ “Smart” Scope Shows hold-over calculated by linked BDX Rangefinder
Here’s a great set-up for a hunter — a riflescope and rangefinder combo that communicate. This SIG BDX Combo Kit ($699.99) includes a six-power KILO 1400BDX Laser Rangefinder that links to the SIG Sierra 3BDX 3.5-10x42mm scope. The rangefinder’s onboard Applied Ballistics calculator sends ballistic data (via Bluetooth) directly to the Sierra 3BDX’s reticle, providing an illuminated holdover dot. Just put the dot on the target — no turret dialing needed. If you want more magnification, there is also a SIG Combo Kit with SIG 3BDX 4.5-14x44mm Scope and KILO 1800BDX Laser Rangefinder for $899.99.
7. Midsouth — Caldwell BR Rock Rest, $139.99
⏺ Solid, reliable front rest at very good price
Do you need a solid front rest for target shooting or load development, but don’t require instant adjustments or fancy features? For shooters on a tight budget, the Rock Benchrest Competition Front Shooting Rest fits the bill. This easy-to-use rest is solid, stable, and has a large-diameter wheel for precise elevation adjustment. This is a great value at $139.99.
8. Amazon — Bluetooth Digital Anemometer, $39.99
⏺ Measures wind velocity with Bluetooth connection to Smartphone App
To shoot successfully at long range, you need precise wind speed readings. This “smart” Digital Anemometer (windmeter) records Max/Min/Average wind speeds and ambient temperature which display on-screen. Importantly, the unit also outputs wind readings to your smartphone via Bluetooth. This allows you to mount the wind meter downrange and view wind speeds via a smartphone App. The unit’s base is threaded for tripod mounting. This is a pretty impressive system for under forty bucks.
9. Amazon — Vanguard Porta Aim Gun Rest, $44.99
⏺ Handy, ultra-portable rest for casual duties — rifle or pistol
Do you ever find yourself out for a day of shooting or hunting but there’s nothing to rest your rifle on? Worry no more as you can keep the Vanguard Porta Aim Gun Rest easily tucked away in your vehicle or range bag and it’ll always be there for you when you need it. This can be used to support pistols as well.
10. Amazon — MTM 30 Rd Rimfire Ammo Wallet, $5.19
⏺ Convenient case holds rimfire ammo cartridges securely
Yes this case holds .17 and .22 caliber rimfire ammo types including .17 HM2, .17 HMR, .22 Short, .22 LR, .22 WMR (but not .17 WSM). Each round is held securely with an individual clasp. The 8.66″ x 6″ box is small and thin enough (0.7″ thick) that you can easily carry it in a coat pocket. Owner review: “Sturdy case, bullets fit tight into it and don’t move around, case is small and fits right in your back pocket.”
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Looking for a faster, easier, and more accurate way to measure bullet positions on your loaded rounds? Check out the Accuracy One Seating Depth Comparator. This unique tool provides a shoulder-to-ogive measurement instead of the traditional cartridge base-to-ogive measurement. The Accuracy One Comparator just might work for you. This unique tool allows a very rapid and secure measurement that provides a precise determination of the bullet seating depth in the case.
Accuracy One Seating Depth Comparator
Product Review by F-Class John
You probably check your loaded ammo by measuring cartridge base to ogive, but have you ever considered there may be a better way? Curt at Accuracy One has considered the question, and after exhaustive research and testing he created the Accuracy One Seating Depth Comparator. As opposed to looking for a base to ogive measurement, this tool measures from the shoulder to ogive, which is arguably the more repeatable number when it comes to accuracy.
Click Arrow to Watch Video Tool Review
As Curt explains, “Well, when you fire a chambered cartridge, the strike from the firing pin first pushes the cartridge forward until it bottoms against the shoulder. The primer is then ignited. What this means is that your seated bullet depth consistency can more accurately be gauged using the dimension from shoulder to ogive. Using this dimension, you effectively eliminate any small variances in your sized case length from the equation”. As a result, it made sense that when he was designing the measurement tool his goal was to create a universal insert that allowed a user a quick, easy, accurate and repeatable process that measures from mid-shoulder to ogive.
The comparator fits cartridges from .22 to .30 Caliber with 0.400″ and larger shoulder diameters. The tool fits so many bullet sizes because of the specific taper that Curt developed. This ensures that any caliber in that range makes good contact along the ogive. As I used this tool and talked to people about it, I kept getting skeptical comments with people asking how it could measure the ogive on that many calibers accurately. I had to remind them that the ogive is not a single point on the bullet but in fact the entire curve from the tip of the bullet to the point it straightens out. As a result, it’s only important that the tool you use is consistent in what point along the ogive it measures and that’s where the Accuracy One Seating Depth Comparator shines. According to Curt, he went through countless iterations on his design until he was able to accurately and repeatably measure all those calibers (.22 to .30).
How to Use the Accuracy One Seating Depth Comparator
Using the comparator is simple. There are alternative methods. The easiest way is to simply zero the indicator, insert a loaded round, note the measurement and compare any future rounds against it for variation. An alternative to this is a method I use. I insert a loaded round and then zero the indicator. This allows you to see the exact variation without mental math (and frankly it’s faster this way). I also use this method to sort loaded rounds for matches in order from shortest to longest ensuring that rounds that measure the same are fired together.
Bonus Option — Measuring Length to Lands with Tool
Another great use for this Accuracy One comparator is to take my initial depth to lands. This helps ensure my seating depth was properly set. Using a case with very light neck tension, I load a bullet, and with a stripped bolt I load and close it. Then I can remove the round and take a measurement, zero the indicator and make a note of it in my book. After that the comparator will remember the new zero until it’s zeroed again and if that happens by accident, I can always reference the number that my round measured and pull on the indicator stem until that number is found and then zero it again. I found this entire process fast, easy and repeatable as I loaded rounds and needed to check for any seating depth variance.
Tool Pricing:
Seating Depth Comparator without Indicator: $65.00
Seating Depth Comparator with Indicator: $115.00
Gauge Stand: $47.00
Purchase Options
You can buy the tool with or without an Digital Indicator. Accuracy One also makes a Primer Depth Gauge. Both Accuracy One tools employ the same digital indicator. This helps save money as you can order the comparator alone if you already have one (either from another Accuracy Tool or another tool).
The Accuracy One Seating Depth Comparator is essentially the same size as the Accuracy One Primer Depth Gauge, so you can even utilize Accuracy One’s primer gauge storage case. There is also an optional stand that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND as it can hold either the seating depth OR primer gauge, making for amazingly simple one-handed operation while you’re loading.
CONCLUSION — Tool Is Precise, Repeatable, and Fast
Overall, this tool left me feeling confident in my depth setting and I found it quick and easy compared to past methods. At the end of the day there are several ways to skin the proverbial cat when it comes to measuring seating depth. But if you’re looking for what just might be the most accurate, consistent and speediest method, give the Accuracy One Seating Depth Comparator a try.
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Fred Zeglin has released a Kindle eBook edition of his popular book Wildcat Cartridges — Reloader’s Handbook of Wildcat Cartridge Design. Gunsmith/author Zeglin explains: “The print edition of Wildcat Cartridges has gone out of print. We have plans to produce a second edition, but that is currently on the back burner. Demand of this book has remained strong so the decision to offer the first edition in a e-book format was made.” The Kindle eBook edition retails for $9.99 on Amazon.com. You can preview a FREE SAMPLE of the book to “try before you buy”.
This is more than just a history of cartridges. Dimensional drawings and loading data accompany many of the cartridge descriptions. More recent and popular designs are included as well as the “classic” older wildcats. There are chapters about important cartridge designers like P.O. Ackley, Jerry Gebby, Rocky Gibbs, and Charles Newton. (The hardback edition of the book contains 288 pages of stories, illustrations, instructions, and data.)
Gunwriter Wayne Van Zwoll says Zeglin’s book is a valuable resource: “Fred has illustrated his book well, with neat line drawings and photos you probably won’t find anywhere else. It’s a rare technical treatise that draws you in with illustration, or that keeps you with an easy flow of chat that, were it lifted from print, might pop up at any gun counter or handloading bench. Fred Zeglin has done well with this book, giving wildcatters – indeed, all rifle enthusiasts – an overview of a culture often mentioned but little explored on the page.”
Writing about the 2005 Print Edition of Wildcat Cartridges, Big Bore Journal declared: “This is a fantastic book on American wildcats, US loads and much more. A must have for wildcatters and gunsmiths.”
About the Author
An award-winning writer, Fred Zeglin operates Z-Hat Custom, and Hawk Cartridges. Fred has taught classes for the NRA Gunsmithing Schools in Colorado and Oklahoma. He served as production manager for McGowen Precision Barrels for a time, and was a tech advisor for 4D Reamer Rentals. To learn more about Z-Hat and Fred’s Wildcat Cartridges eBook, contact:
Z-Hat Custom Inc.
Fred Zeglin
432 E. Idaho St., Suite C420
Kalispell, MT 59901
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When you’re venturing deep into the backcountry on a hunt, every ounce counts. You want to keep weight to a minimum because, along with your rifle, you will be carrying food, water, binoculars/spotter, GPS, and possibly a tripod or shooting sticks. Then, if you are successful, you will be carrying all that gear PLUS the game meat you harvested. Weight definitely becomes an issue — so a low-mass rifle is good.
With advances in stock and barrel technology, we are seeing excellent new hunting rifles that weigh under 5 pounds. Such ultralight rifles were once only available to wealthy sportsmen paying $3000 or more. Now that has all changed. Legacy Sports International has introduced a series of very affordable ultralight rifles. These are all on display in Legacy’s new 2021 Catalog.
Legacy offers a number of rifles that weigh well under 6 pounds before optics. The Howa Carbon Stalker starts at 4 lbs. 10 ounces, while the Carbon Elevate is a just a few ounces more, starting at 4 lbs. 13 ounces. These both feature a full carbon-fiber stock from Stocky’s Stocks.
Legacy’s Howa Mini Action models are also lightweight, even with a more conventional stock. These attractively-priced Mini Action models begin at just 6.6 pounds. Shown below is the new “Full Dip” hunting model with full camouflage Hydro-Dip on stock, barreled action, and even the scope. This model is offered with your choice of three different Kryptek camo schemes: Highlander, Kratos, and Yote.
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USA GunClub also offers an 
Impressive Test Results
• Magnifying Glass – We use a flat, 2″x2″ pocket 4x-8x magnifier. This folds up on itself. Very handy, we use it to inspect bullets and brass. Use this to check your flash holes for burrs, and check the meplats of your bullets before loading.
• Ballistol Aerosol – Try using this versatile lubricant/solvent for full-length sizing. Spray some on a patch and you can wipe the carbon off your case necks. Then, continue to apply a very small amount of Ballistol on the case bodies — just thin sheen is all you need. Ballistol is super slippery, and easy to remove. For general full-length sizing (on small cases) it works great and doesn’t leave a gooey, waxy, or chalky residue. For heavier case-forming jobs, we recommend Imperial Die Wax.
Vudoo Gun Works Three 60 Rifle Features
With the Dasher since the new node (the sweet spot) was found at 33.4 grains, that resulted in a velocity of 3050 fps (a 125 fps velocity increase) from the same rifle setup. Not only did the velocity increase, but the SD was lowered to 3.6 with an ES of 13 (calculated over 28 shots). You read that right… 13 fps ES over 28 shots!
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently approved new smaller containers for shipment of smokeless powder. The new containers are designed to hold 1000 grains, exactly one-seventh of a pound. That works out to 2.29 ounces of powder — quite a bit less than you are getting currently with one-pound (16 oz.) containers.
Currently, when you can find them, quality reloading powders are going for $45-$60 per pound (in 1-lb containers). At $45 per pound, you’re paying $2.81 per ounce. That means that the new mini-containers will be roughly twice as expensive as current one-pounders ($5.21 per ounce vs. $2.81 per ounce).
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