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May 7th, 2009
Butch Lambert sent his new ShadeTree Engineering F-Class rest base to German Salazar in Phoenix for testing and evaluation. The Daily Bulletin previewed a prototype rest base last month. (CLICK HERE for previous report.)
ShadeTree Rest is Lightweight and Easily Assembled
Designed to be light for air travel and easy carrying at the range, the anodized aluminum rest base weighs just 3 pounds without the top or feet. Once fully assembled, this rest base is lighter than anything else on the market, but provides all the stability needed on the range. The legs attach with thumbscrews and the center section slides right in. Assembly was a matter of a minute or two and can be done at the range without any tools. The legs have an I-beam section for light weight and rigidity, the anodizing is well-executed. Almost any currently-made top assembly will fit the base as will the leg screws. We found the rest to be well designed and manufactured.
Bruno Wins Match Using ShadeTree Rest Base
Well-known benchrester Lester Bruno of Bruno Shooters’ Supply also shoots F-Class in matches at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. Lester volunteered to give the rest a workout. Lester used the rest in a local 600-yard match May 2nd. Lester’s first comment was that the ShadeTree rest was a lot easer to carry on and off the firing line than a heavy cast iron rest. After shooting the match, Lester confirmed the rest’s ease of use and stability. Given that Lester won the match, we can surmise that the rest was an effective tool for the job and a worthwhile product for any F-Class shooter, particularly one who travels by air. To learn more about price and availability of the F-Class rest base, call Butch Lambert at (972) 524-2247 or email papawlambert [at] starband.net.
May 6th, 2009
You may have heard rumors about a new 100gr projectile from Berger Bullets. Eric Stecker, Berger’s Master Bulletsmith, confirmed that there will be not one but TWO new 100gr match bullets coming soon from Berger, one in 6mm and one in 6.5mm. These are both boat-tail designs using J4 jackets. Eric explains: “Both these bullets are based on Berger’s proven designs, with standard length ogives and 9° boat-tails. Nothing radical. They are built in response to shooters’ requests to expand our bullet line-up to include new weight options in 6mm and 6.5mm.”
New 100gr 6.5mm Bullet for High Power
Berger’s new 6.5mm 100gr BT Target projectile provides a low-recoil, lighter-weight option for target rifle shooters using the 6.5×47 Lapua, 6.5 Creedmoor, 260 Rem, and 6.5-284 cartridges. The new 6.5mm 100-grainer was created in response to requests from High Power and Across-the-Course shooters for a lighter-recoiling, accurate boat-tail bullet for “short line” work. We predict this bullet may also work well for varmint and small-game hunters. This bullet features a short boat-tail and a “mildly secant” design which should work well either seated into the lands or jumped away from the lands. Bryan Litz says: “it’s definitely not a VLD, but it has a different ogive curve than a typical tangent-ogive bullet.” The shorter length of the 100gr bullet, compared to 140gr-class 6.5mm bullets, should also allow tactical shooters to easily load their ammo to mag length. The calculated BC of the new bullet is 0.370, significantly higher than flat-based 100gr 6.5mm bullets from other manufacturers. A minimum twist rate of 1:10” is recommended for Berger’s hew 6.5mm 100gr Target Bullet.
New 100gr 6mm Match Bullet — More Velocity Than 105/108
Long-range benchresters have had great success with the Berger 108gr match bullet, introduced in 2007. Given the popularity of its tangent-ogive 108, Berger has been developing a shorter, lighter version, which can shoot faster than the 108 in small cartridges such as the 6mmBR, 6mmAR (6-6.5 Grendel), and 6 PPC. The new 6mm 100-grainer will be very similar to the 108. The 100 has the same ogive curve and boat-tail as the 108 but has a shorter OAL and shorter bearing surface (0.368″ vs. 0.409″). A minimum twist rate of 1:8” is recommended for the new 100 — same as for the 108. In a 6BR rifle, the 100-grainer’s reduced bearing surface, combined with reduced mass, should enable Berger’s new 100gr 6mm bullet to fly 50-70 fps faster than the 108 (with charges of equal pressure).
However, there is a trade-off. Being shorter and lighter, the 100-grainer has a lower BC compared to its 108gr big brother. While the Berger 108 has a 0.511 BC, the calculated BC for the 100-grainer is 0.475. That BC difference will show up at long range, but the extra speed of the lighter bullet may enable it to reach a higher, optimal “velocity node” which may deliver superior accuracy in some rifles. We will be testing the new 100-grainer soon. In a 6BR that might max out at 2850 fps with the 108s, we predict the 100gr Berger should run close to 2900 fps. In a 6BR that delivers 2900 fps currently with the 108s, you may see 2950 fps (or more) with the new Berger 100s. The 2900-2950 fps speed range is a well-known “accuracy node” for both 6mm and 6.5mm bullets.
May 4th, 2009
 Weaver is the latest company to introduce a new series of Japanese-made optics with a high (5:1) zoom ratio. The new Super Slam series includes 2-10×50, 3-15×50, and 5-20×50 riflescopes, all offered with 1″-diameter main tubes and four (4) reticle options: Dual-X (med. duplex), Fine Crosshair (with dot), Illuminated Duplex, and Weaver’s proprietary EBX™ ballistic reticle. According to Tom Knudtson, Weaver Product Line Manager. “This new EBX reticle allows for accurate bullet trajectory compensation for long-range shots and is a perfect compliment to our 3-point erector system with improved spring design.” Among the new 1″-tubed Super Slams, we think our readers will be most interested in the 6-20x50mm. This 27.5 oz. scope features side-focus parallax control, extra-hard lens coatings, and “pull-up” turrets (no caps to lose). The 6-20×50 has 1/8-MOA clicks and 3 finishes are offered: Matte Black, Gloss Black, and Silver.
Tactical Super Slams Have Front Focal Plane (FFP) Reticles
There are two new Japanese-made Super Slam Tactical Models, the 3-15×50 (#800362), and the 4-20×50 (#800360). Both scopes feature 30mm main tubes, large fixed turret knobs (no caps), and a mil-dot reticle. Notably, both Tactical models have the reticle in the front (first) focal plane. This means the size of the reticle (and the mildots) remain the same (relative to the object viewed) at all magnification levels. That is an important feature for shooters using the mil-dots for ranging. FFP design is logical for a true “tactical” scope, and Weaver was wise to incorporate FFP into the Super Slam Tactical scopes. Weaver claims these Tactical scopes are waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
May 1st, 2009
 Germany’s Vero Vellini has released a new double-strap sling system that holds your rifle securely, while allowing you to keep both hands free while hiking or stalking game. Vero Vellini’s new “High Climbing Double Sling” is modeled after the Biathlon rifle slings used in the Winter Olympics.
If you have ever tried a Biathlon-type sling you know it is far superior to a conventional over-one-shoulder sling, when you need to run, climb, or to move rapidly from one shooting position to another. We predict this double sling will become popular with alpine hunters and tactical/practical rifle shooters who must move rapidly through a multi-stage back-country course.
As with a conventional sling, the new double sling can be used to steady your shot. By looping the sling behind the elbows, you’ll get better support when taking an off-hand shot. The fully-adjustable “High Climbing Double Sling” comes in Forrest Green with Dark Brown trim. The product is very nicely made — the “air cushion” neoprene shoulder straps have stout leather end panels and the webbing and snap-buckles are top quality.
The “High Climbing Double Sling”, item V17350, retails for $89.99. To order, contact Vero Vellini’s USA dealer, Pioneer Research, (800) 257-7742. Vero Vellini also manufactures fast-access cartridge cases, scope covers, and straps for binoculars and cameras.
April 26th, 2009
A good range box is a truly essential piece of kit. Among the many range boxes available, the MTM model RBMC-11 Range Box leads the pack in terms of versatility. It is rugged, it has plenty of storage space, plus it doubles as a handy cleaning station. This Editor has used the MTM Range Box to clean rifles and as a “range expedient” rifle holder when adjusting scopes and tensioning action screws. It’s a good product that does the job.
Fitted Cleaning Cradles
The key feature setting the RBMC-11 apart from most range boxes is the rubber-coated cradle system. Wide enough to fit a 3″-wide fore-arm, the cradles slide into vertical slots on either end of the box. This allows your range box to serve as a stable maintenance station. The RBMC-11 is really pretty stable in this role, and the cradles won’t mark your stock. The cradles even feature slots on each side to hold your cleaning rods when not in use. The MTM Range Box is secure enough to stay in place when you’re brushing the barrel. However, if you’re working on a carpeted bench top, you may want to keep one hand on the box when running a cleaning rod through the bore, just to ensure the box doesn’t slide.
Versatile Upper Tray with Dividers
The MTM Range Box has two major components — the box base (with cradles), and a large upper tray with hinged top and carry handle. This large upper tray clamps securely to the bottom unit for transport. The top tray has a long section that holds cleaning rod guides, long brushes, grease syringes and the like. There are two, clear-plastic fitted divider trays. These will hold your patches and jags, plus comparators, ring wrenches, and other small tools.
 What Might Be Improved
Though we really like the MTM Range Box, it’s not perfect. First, we wish the box was a bit deeper, to have added carrying capacity. The dimensions of the MTM Range Box are: 25″ long x 11.5″ wide x 8.75″ high. We’d like to see it 12″ high/deep to allow larger solvent bottles to stand upright and to provide more space to carry tools and shooting muffs. However, it is deep enough to hold the large 100-round MTM cartridge boxes that are popular with many shooters (see photo at right).
The cradles are very nicely designed, and will hold your rifle securely without marking the stock. However, we’ve found that sometimes the rear cradle grips the gun so well that the cradle slides out as you lift the gun up. This is not a big deal, but it does demand a little extra attention when you’ve finished cleaning. We really like the twin clear plastic dividers that fit into the large removeable top-tray, but we wish the dividers had individual hinged tops. This would keep patches and small parts more secure.
The MTM Range Box costs about $50.00 at most vendors. CLICK THIS LINK to order from Amazon.com for $48.95: MTM® Shooting Range Box .
(FYI, Amazon.com rebates a portion of the purchase price from each sale to AccurateShooter.com. This helps support this website.)
April 23rd, 2009
Randy Robinett of BIB Bullets is well-known for his exceptionally accurate flat-base bullets. Used with 30BRs, Randy’s 112-125gr flat-base BIBs have won countless BR for score matches, and Robinett’s 30-caliber 187-grainer recently set a new 1000-yard IBS world record in the hands of Joel Pendergraft.
 Robinett announced something new this week — a 108gr, 6mm boat-tail projectile. Yep, that’s right … a BIB boat-tail. The new bullet features a conventional, tangent ogive shape, but the boat-tail is only .082″. That’s quite short compared to other 6mm bullets in the same weight range. Why the shorter boat-tail? Randy believes that a short boat-tail delivers the desired drag-reduction in a long-range bullet, while offering a larger base for the expanding gas to push. In addition, Robinett strongly believes that short boat-tails can be made with much less run-out (on the tail section). With longer boat-tails, Randy says, there is much greater risk of the tail section being swaged off-center.
Looking at the new bullet, we were concerned with the long bearing surface. Would that increase in-barrel friction and thereby reduce velocity compared to other 6mm bullets of similar weight? Apparently not. Our Asst. Editor Jason Baney has tested some BIB 108 prototypes. Jason’s Oehler chronograph revealed the BIB 108s will run within 10-15 fps of other similar-weight 6mm bullets, with the same powder charge. Jason pushed the BIB 108 up to 3200 fps without problems. (Test rifle was a 6-6.5×47 with 1:7.8″ twist barrel). Jason has not done extensive group testing, but he says these bullets definitely show promise accuracy-wise. He notes, however: “with the BIB 108s you’ll want a bare minimum 0.090″ freebore, and a longer freebore would be better.”
BC and Bullet Specifications
What about BC? Calculated (G1) BC for the new 108s is 0.543, but Robinett says “real world testing suggests an actual BC of about .52, as opposed to the calculated 0.543″. The new bullet is designed to perform well in the popular 8-twist 6mm barrels. According to Randy, the “ideal twist rate is 1 turn in 8.3 inches. This produces a 1.5 Stability Factor (Sg) 1.5 at sea-level, standard conditions. The Sg with 1:8.5″ twist is still a very good 1.4 Sg.”
Photos by J. Baney © 2009 AccurateShooter.com. Camera: Canon G10.
The BIB 6mm, 108gr BT features an 11-caliber tangent ogive, 0.052″ meplat diameter, and a 12 degree x 0.082″ long (abbreviated) BT. The BIB 108s are fairly “fat”, measuring 0.2435+ at the pressure ring and 0.2433 in the middle of the bearing surface. Given the bullet shape and dimensions, Randy believes “this bullet will prove easy to tune.” For more information visit BIBullets.com.
Robinett is now accepting orders for the new 108gr 6mm BIB. The 108s will cost $320.00 per 1,000, plus shipping. Minimum order quantity is 250 bullets. To order, please call (515) 438-4010, or e-mail bibrob [at] netins.net.
April 22nd, 2009
Machinist Joe Cowan of Altoona, PA offers some nicely-designed products for F-Class and Benchrest shooters. These products would also be useful for Varminters who use pedestal rests. To order Cowan’s F-Class rest feet or BR Loading Block shown below, contact Joe Cowan via email: cowanhaus [at] verizon.net.
F-Class Rest Feet
Cowan sells large-diameter, heavy-weight front rest feet for F-Classers. Weighing 2.2 lbs each, the 3.5″ diam. x 1″ thick feet are machined from solid steel. A large conical point is machined on the bottom of each foot to improve stability on uneven ground. The rest feet are drilled and tapped for 3/8-16 thread. The rest feet can attach directly to the threaded height-adjusting shafts on your rest. Joe also provides a machined plug screw with each foot. Cost for the 3-disk set is $35.00, plus $10 flat rate shipping per order.
Benchrest Speed Loading Block
Here’s a cool product that puts your ammo right next to your rifle’s loading port for faster cartridge cycling. The Delrin shell block is attached to a flexible, jointed “neck” allowing you to adjust the height and angle of the block. The neck is secured to an aluminum mounting bracket that clamps under the vertical adjusting screw on the rear-most rest leg.
The white Delrin shell block hold 15 rounds, with 5 slots in a top row and 10 slots in two lower rows. The shell blocks are tailored to a particular cartridge, but they can be swapped in and out when shooting different calibers. Currently, Cowan offers shell blocks for: .222/.223, PPC, BR, 6.5-.284 and Short Mag. Joe may add 22LR rimfire shell blocks if there is sufficient demand. Cost for the whole system, including cartridge block, twisty neck, and mounting bracket, is $65.00 plus $9.00 shipping. Extra shell blocks are $20 each.
April 19th, 2009
BR Armament Technologies (B.R.A.T.) of Saluda, VA is currently producing AR uppers chambered for the 6BR and 6BRX cartridges. Unlike some other previous AR conversions for the 6BR cartridge, the BR15 uppers produced by B.R.A.T. do not merely use a .223-sized bolt opened up to fit the .308-sized rim of the 6BR case. Instead B.R.A.T. employs a different bolt design that is bigger, and significantly stronger in the lug area. Shown below is a .223-sized bolt (left) and a BR15 bolt from B.R.A.T. on the right.
The B.R.A.T. BR15 upper receiver has been specifically designed to use the 6BR family of cartridges. It has a larger bolt, modified bolt carrier, modified upper receiver, larger barrel extension, and most importantly an all-new magazine designed specifically to handle the BR class of cartridges. All other parts are standard AR15. The folks at B.R.A.T. have developed their own magazines. These are 5-round center-feed dual column magazines that work with the 6BR, 6BR-derived cases (like 22 BR), and the 6BRX. Since the round feeds from the center, the mags can also be used for single-feeding.
B.R.A.T. is operated by two long-time competition shooters, both High Power High Masters, both Distinguished Riflemen, and both former captains of the U.S. Air Force Shooting team. President Eric Bellows has placed in the top 10 in the NTI and Presidents matches many times. Eric is former VT State Champion. Bill Walter, Chief Development Engineer, is former FL State Champion, Eliah Root team member, and is current military Palma Match record holder.
NOTE: We have not used or tested a B.R.A.T. upper or magazine. We are just passing on this information at the request of readers. You will find more product specs, and comparitive ballistics, on the B.R.A.T. website. Currently BRAT-15 uppers retail for $1390 with a Douglas barrel or $1550 with a Krieger barrel, chambered either as 6BR or as 6BRX. For another $100, B.R.A.T. offers uppers chambered in 22 BR, 6.5 BR, or 7mm BR. For more info, email 6BRrifles [at] bratrifles.com, or call (804) 824-7248.
B.R.A.T. 6BRX Upper Receiver with 28″ barrel and RPA Tall Boy sight
April 18th, 2009
MTM Case-Gard, makers of ammo boxes, range boxes, gun cases, and plastic shooting rests, has come up with a handy new product for hunters and tactical shooters. MTM’s new Spot & Shoot Tripod Adapter combines a front rifle rest with a secure attachment for a spotting scope. Made of polypropylene, MTM’s Spot & Shoot adaptor adds the convenience of a “quick release” scope or camera mount plus a non-marring shooting pad to a typical tripod. Just spot your target, and use the pad to steady your rifle. The Spot & Shoot tripod adaptor costs just $14.92 at Midsouth Shooters Supply.
 Adaptor Fits a Variety of Optics
The Spot & Shoot can be used with still cameras, video cameras, and laser-rangefinders as well as spotting scopes — so long as the mounted gear’s base has a standard threaded mounting socket. The Spot & Shoot will adapt to most tripod heads, but unless you have a beefy, pro-grade tripod head, we would not advise using the Spot & Shoot with very large, heavy spotting scopes or video cameras with long telephoto lenses that hang way out in the front. This MTM product works best with compact optics.
April 16th, 2009
Well-known competitive shooter Eric Kennard has come up with a great new product: “Snap Cap”-type dummy practice cases — for the cartridges that match shooters really use. Eric explains: “I was surprised when I started the long range game that Snap Caps were not available in the most used target rifle calibers. How does one dry-fire a target action without risking a fracture of the firing pin? I have seen this happen several times now. Usually in the middle of a match!”
Eric decided to do something about the problem of fractured firing pins. Eric has created a new line of aluminum-bodied Snap Caps for target rifle chamberings. These are made from red-anodized solid aluminum and have a spring-loaded brass plunger to absorb the firing pin shock. Now you can dry-fire to your heart’s content.
Eric sells the Target Rifle Snap Caps for $12.95 per pair, plus shipping. Currently, the aluminum Target Rifle Snap Caps are available for six (6) chamberings: .223 Rem, 6mmBR, 6XC, 6-6.5 x 47 Lapua, 6.5 x 47 Lapua, and .308 Win. (More calibers are coming soon.) If you have a tight-necked chamber, Kennard is able to turn down the necks of the dummy cases if you give him the dimensions (extra costs may apply). If you’re curious, the 6mmBR Snap Caps come with a .266 neck while the .223 has a .250 neck. To order Eric’s aluminum Snap Cap practice cartridges, send email to ericskennard [at] msn.com.
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Snap Cap Chamberings
.308 Win
6XC
6-6.5 x 47 Lapua
(not shown)
6.5 x 47 Lapua
6mmBR
.223 Rem
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More Calibers Coming Soon
Eric reports these dummy cartridge work great for High Power practice: “One of my evaluators has found them perfect for dry firing in rapid fire with a reload. Yes I know, it is an across the course High Power thing!” Eric plans to add more chamberings: “I have decided to add a couple of calibers due to all the interest. I am adding 6.5-284, .260 Rem, .300 Win Mag, and .338 Lapua. They should be available soon.”
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