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June 24th, 2009
Lapua has used sophisticated Doppler radar to calculate the actual air drag of its bullets throughout the course of bullet flight. Drag coefficients derived from these continuous field measurements make it possible to calculate bullets’ trajectories with great precision. By using Doppler-radar derived drag coefficients, trajectories can be predicted much more accurately than when using the simplified one-number BCs provided by most other bullet-makers.
To enable shooters to calculate trajectories (with the Doppler bullet data) more effectively, Lapua now offers a FREE special edition of QuickTarget Unlimited (QTU) software tailored for Lapua bullets. QTU is a very sophisticated program that allows you to choose among 12 different drag models. QTU also allows you to compensate for rifle firing angle, rifle cant, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity.
Using this free software, you can calculate the trajectories of Lapua bullets to a great degree of certainty. With the QTU Program, as starting values, you need only bullet type and muzzle velocity (add windspeeds if known). The software will calculate bullet drop, velocity and energy as a function of distance and flight time. Complete QTU instructions are in the QTU Manual.
CLICK HERE to download QTU Software Manual. (Read the manual. QTU is complex with many variables and uses metric values by default. The manual explains how to set everything for yards and MOA, and how to input data for wind, temperature, rifle angle and other variables.)
How to Get the Software
To get the FREE QuickTarget Lapua Edition software, first go to the Lapua Ballistics Start Page. On that page, click the “Register” link. Fill in ALL the required info (user name, password, email etc.), and hit the “Create Account” button. Validation: Lapua will send a message to the email account you listed. Open that email and click the internal link to verify that you have an active, valid email account.
OK, now go back to the Ballistics Start Page. Fill in your user name and password, and click the “Login” button. A new page should open with the heading: “About QuickTarget Unlimited (QTU) Lapua Edition”. OK, now move your mouse pointer left and click on the words “Download Lapua Edition”. Now a new page will open.
Almost done. Scroll down and you’ll see a blue “Download Now” button at the bottom. Click that, then click “Agree” on the software license screen that comes next. After you click “Agree” a new page appears showing: “QuickTarget Unlimited Lapua Edition”.
Click the link for “qtulapua.zip” and a 6.1 megabyte .zip archive file will be downloaded to your computer. Open that .zip file and click the “SETUP.EXE” file to install the software.
June 22nd, 2009
Remington has released a new sniper rifle that is WAY different than anything offered from a major American gunmaker, although it shares features pioneered by match-rifle builder Gary Eliseo and others. The new Remington Modular Sniper Rifle (MSR™) features a beefy new titanium receiver with the ability to handle multiple chamberings up to .338 Lapua Magnum. The MSR was designed from the ground up as a switch-barrel rig, with a floating handguard, and folding, adjustable buttstock.
The whole system is modular. By exchanging bolt-face, barrel, and magazine, the gun can switch from .308 Win (7.62×51), to 300 Win Mag, to .338 Norma Mag, and to .338 Lapua Mag. All calibers are available in four barrel lengths: 20″, 22″, 24″, 27″. Barrels are designed to be rapidly interchanged. The trigger is an X-Mark Pro, user-adjustable from 2.5 to 4.5 pounds.
This rifle is Remington’s entry into the competition for the new SOCOM Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR). Big bucks are at stake. The SOCOM PSR contract is potentially a seven-figure deal for Remington. According to Tactical-Life.com, “Remington’s new MSR is so new and so unique that the entire rifle is patent pending. Everything from the triangular-shaped, three-lug titanium action with a 60° bolt throw to the side-folding modular stock was developed specifically for this [SOCOM] solicitation.”
Remington claims the gun delivers good accuracy at ultra-long ranges. Using .338 Lapua Magnum ammo, Remington says its MSR will hold 1 MOA vertical at 1500 meters (1641 yards). While we don’t like the buttstock assembly much (looks like something out of the Transformers movie), it is clear that Remington has done some out-of-the-box thinking with this new rifle. The MSR employs some features that have proven successful with “space-gun” match rifles, such as a tubular, floating handguard, and metal sub-chassis.
To learn more about the Remington MSR, and see a video of the rifle in action, visit RemingtonMilitary.com.
June 16th, 2009
Google has launched an innovative, web-based search function that delivers a wealth of information in data-rich tables. Now when you search you can get more than just a list of websites. Called Google Squared, the new system delivers a collection of search results in a chart (table) format. The chart will contain a variety of different clickable entries, such as article titles, photos, product descriptions, and prices. Google Squared returns a huge amount of information and data from a single search.
Link: www.Google.com/squared
While Google Squared can search virtually any topic from Astrophysics to Zoology, we’ve found it can be very useful when researching firearms subjects or searching for shooting products. Shown below are the results of a search for “Spotting Scope”. By default, data is grouped in six columns. However, Google Squared allows you to add other data columns, and Google can even “intelligently” suggest choices for additional columns. In this example, Google suggested Eye Relief, Magnification, Exit Pupil, Lens Coating, and Prism System — all important optical parameters. That’s pretty smart! You can also delete any column of data if it’s not needed.
Google Squared can also be used to research a particular product or do price comparison searches. Shown below are the Google Squared results for “RCBS Chargemaster”:
Google Squared is still in the development stages, but it promises to be a useful tool for veteran web users. Give it a try, and see how it performs for you.
June 15th, 2009
Here is an interesting tool that lets rimfire shooters re-shape and uniform the tips of their 22 rimfire lead bullets. Paco Kelly’s Acu’Rzr comes in two versions, the “Phase III Nasti-Nose” and the “Phase IV Baby Scorp’n”. The Phase III tool produces a deep-dished hollowpoint (like an ash-tray) that opens quickly and efficiently. There is also a Phase III insert that creates a flatter, open dish HP for target shooting. The Phase IV Scorpion tool creates a deep hollow point with a central post in the middle. The internal post in the middle helps achieve deeper penetration in game. The designer claims that ammo modified with either tool is more accurate because the bullet diameter “comes out the same every time”.
Why re-shape lead rimfire bullets? The first reason is accuracy. The tool’s designer, Paco Kelly, claims you can improve the accuracy of budget-priced ammo by using the dish nose rod with the Phase III tool: “The dish nose forming rod is for accuracy and paper targets. It makes very sharp and clean cut holes in paper. And the consistency of the [re-shaped] bullet diameter pulls the group together.”
The main reason to use Paco Acu’Rzr tools is to improve perfomance on small game such as squirrels, prairie dogs, and jack-rabbits. Kelly says: “Unlike most commercial 22 rimfire ammo with small holes and negligible HP expansion, the Nasti-Nose will open even with standard velocity ammo. Yet it will NOT explode on contact like the hyper-velocity ammo. For small eating game, such as squirrels, the Hyper ammo is too much and the medium-velocity, hollow-pointed commercial ammo often fails to open. But not so with the Nasti-Nose.” The idea, Kelly suggests, is that you get reliable expansion with medium-velocity ammo, without destroying the game the way more expensive, hyper-velocity ammo does.
The Phase III tool costs $65.00, while the Phase IV tool costs $75.00. Both tools can be customized for target rifles or European chambers. To order, contact Paco Kelly, P.O. Box 1170, Cortaro, AZ 85652 or use this ORDER FORM.
EDITOR’s NOTE: Do NOT use this tool with premium-grade rimfire target ammo. It won’t help. Use it with the cheaper bulk-pack ammo. Also, we have not tested the reformed ammo on live targets, so you have to draw your own conclusions as to its benefits on small critters.
June 14th, 2009
The Hensoldt line of optics represents the premium military/tactical series of riflescopes and spotting scopes produced by Germany’s Carl Zeiss Optronics GmbH. Hendsolt products are expensive, to be sure, but they offer many features found in no other tactical optics. Thanks to importer HDC, LLC, Zeiss Hensoldt products are now available in the American marketplace, through a network of dealers, including G.A. Precision, McMillan Firearms, SWFA, Superior Shooting Systems (David Tubb), and Tac Pro Shooting Center. You can review the specs and features of Zeiss Hensoldt scopes on the HDC website, www.hudisco.com.
HDC, LLC was selected by Carl Zeiss Optronics GmbH, a subsidiary of the Carl Zeiss group, to become the distribution partner in the USA for the Hensoldt line of Zeiss optics. This allows HDC to bring to the American market the latest and most advanced optical products from the Zeiss factories. The Hensoldt line offers unrivaled glass quality and state-of-the-art technology in both telescopic and reflex sights.
Below is a video of the remarkable 6-24x72mm SAM scope. This optic integrates superb, ultra-bright apochromatic fluorite glass with a calculator module that provides ballistic info and weather data to the shooter. SAM stands for “Sniper Auxiliary Module”. An integrated ballistics calculator can be programmed for up to four different types of ammo. Sensors in the integrated ring mount measure weather parameters. These values, as well as scope data, are then directly projected into the visual field of the eyepiece. This provides selectable displays of elevation clicks, windage clicks, angle of fire, cant angle, temperature, and air pressure.
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June 9th, 2009
Capitalizing on the strong consumer interest in AR15-style rifles, Remington Arms recently introduced its 597-VTR, a semi-automatic 22LR with AR-style ergonomics. Inside the matte black, slab-sided “upper” is the venerable Remington 597 receiver, updated with a nickel-Teflon® plated bolt, hammer and sear. On the outside, the 597-VTR features a AR-15 pistol grip, and AR collapsible stock, and a round AR-style float tube/handguard. On top of the receiver is a 1913 Picatinny-spec scope rail. Street price for the new rifle is about $450.00, complete with compact 10-round magazine. A standard Remington 597, without the tactical goodies and black paint, costs under $200.00.
Good for 3-Gun Cross-Training and Tactical Rimfire
While we snicker a bit at an older rimfire design tarted up in new tactical clothing, the 597-VTR makes sense for some users. Three-gun competitors should like this rifle. Most multi-gun match shooters use ARs for the rifle stages. With the 597-VTR, they can cross-train using inexpensive 22LR ammo, while maintaining the same basic ergonomics. For 3-gun shooters, who engage targets from a wide variety of shooting positions (often behind barriers), the collapsible stock has utility. It will allow the shooter to make his rifle more compact when practicing CQB or house-clearing stages.
With mods, the 597-VTR should also work well for the tactical rimfire discipline. The Picatinny rail makes it easy to swap over good optics from your centerfire gun. The tubular forearm should provide a strong mount for a bipod. However, for the tactical rimfire game, which is shot mostly prone, we don’t like the collapsible stock at all. Junk it. The LOP is too short, the bottom of the stock is terrible with sandbags, and the cheek weld is wrong. Tactical rimfire shooters would be wise to replace the collapsible stock with an upgraded design with longer length of pull and a proper cheekpiece. (The 597-VTR will accept most AR15 stocks). And, in reality, with a bedding job, a basic 597 in a laminated stock (see below) would probably work just as well.
June 7th, 2009
Most factory “short” bolt actions are designed to fit a .308 Winchester-sized cartridge. Such actions are longer and heavier than they really need to be when used with the smaller varmint cartridges. CZ-USA offers a very compact action that better suits small cartridges. The CZ 527 model has a true micro-length Mauser style action with controlled round feed and 3- or 5-round detachable magazine. Most 527 models sold in the USA feature a crisp, single set trigger. CZ offers various versions of the 527 chambered in .17 Remington, .221 Fireball, .22 Hornet, .222 Remington, .223 Remington, .204 Ruger, and 7.62×39.
Forum member Raidman owns multiple CZ and recommends them: “The CZ 527 American is a great choice in .221 Fireball for a walking varmint gun. They are inexpensive, great shooters and have a superb set trigger that is fully adjustable in both positions. I have 6 in different calibers and all shoot great.”
MORE REVIEWS: 527 Varminter | 527 Varmint Kevlar (good photos, accuracy tests)
Award-winning Rifles Starting at $530.00
For centerfire shooters, CZ’s Model 527 has won more awards in the “light rifle” category in Europe than any other rifle…ever. Shown below are some of the variations of the model 527. The “street prices” of model 527s start at about $530.00 for basic models with synthetic stocks, and approach $800.00 for the desirable Varmint Kevlar model ($955.00 MSRP).
The CZ 527 Varmint (wood) model is chambered in .17 Remington, .223 Rem, or .204 Ruger. It features a 24″ heavy barrel, 5-round magazine, and an American-style Turkish walnut stock.
The CZ 527 Carbine is a great “carry-around” varminter, with back-up iron sights, and a 5-round detachable mag. Offered with a handsome Turkish walnut stock, it is chambered in .223 Rem or 7.62×39. Compact, lightweight, and versatile, this is a great multi-purpose “ranch rifle” for predator control.
June 3rd, 2009
Many folks use battery-powered screwdrivers for case prep work. A powered screw-driver is a convenient, inexpensive power source for case-neck chamfering and other tasks. However, if you have been using an older screwdriver, you may want to consider an upgrade to the latest generation of rechargeable screwdrivers with Lithium-Ion batteries. The Lithium-Ion powerpack is a new technology that significantly outperforms the old NiCad batteries.
The new Li-Ion screwdrivers are much smaller, hold their charge for longer periods of time, and the batteries will last longer. These units cost about $30-$50, are lightweight, and fit in the palm of your hand. We think this pistol grip design is easier to hold that the first-generation cordless screwdrivers. They certainly run longer… that’s for certain. We get about two hours on a charge. If you buy a spare battery you can just swap it in and keep working.
The Li-Ion Black & Decker SmartDriver™ powered screwdriver comes complete with 20 accessories for $48.29. Black & Decker claims its compact screwdriver delivers 20% more power verses a regular rechargable screwdriver and lasts longer.
Toolbarn has a SKIL Cordless Palm Size Screwdriver that comes with a 34-bit accessory kit, for $42.00. The tool is very light and comfortable to hold. SKIL claims the Lithium-Ion battery will hold its charge for up to 18 months.
June 3rd, 2009
Leica is famous for its rangefinders, spotting scopes, and binoculars (and of course cameras). Now Leica is moving into the riflescope market. Leica has announced two new “ER” scopes for hunters. Initially, Leica will offer 2.5-10×42 and the 3.5-14×42 models. Both have 30mm maintubes, quarter-MOA clicks, and AquaDura lens coatings. Notably, both scopes have a long (10 cm/3.9″) eye relief. This extended eye relief allows the scopes to be mounted well forward so a shooter need not worry about recoil, even when shooting large magnum calibers.
SWFA has followed the development of the new Leica ER scopes. SWFA believes the Leica ERs will be some of the finest hunting scopes on the market, good enough to rival the Swarovski Z6, and Zeiss Victory series. Leica will offer five reticles, shown below. In addition, you can order the ER scopes with a neutral fast reticle adjustment (ASV), that adjusts the the impact point to different distances. Leica plans to start shipping its new ER scopes in October 2009. SWFA is listing the 2.5-10×42 at $1899.00 and the 3.5-14×42 at $1999.00, but those prices are subject to change.
May 29th, 2009
Champion™ Eyes & Ears has a new series of shooting accessories for lady shooters. Champion now offers pink shell pouches (MSRP: $21.49), shooting glasses (MSRP: $13.49) and electronic muffs (MSRP: $36.95). A portion of the proceeds from 2009 sales of these products goes directly to the Breast Cancer Network of Strength™ to help find a cure for breast cancer.
Champion Products for Female Shooters
The new Champion double box shell pouch is constructed of nylon/canvas with pink accents. It features an adjustable waistband and contoured shape for comfort. There are divided compartments for loaded shells and empty hulls.
Champion’s pink electronic ear muffs provide a 25dB in noise reduction while providing an adjustable fit for maximum comfort. These muffs collapse for easy storage. Rounding out Champion’s pink products are shooting glasses with pink frames and rose lenses. OSHA compliant with an ANSI Z87.1 safety rating, these shooting glasses feature scratch resistant lenses for clear viewing.
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