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January 19th, 2009
 Kelbly’s rolled out a remarkable new March benchrest scope at SHOT 2009: a completely new 36-55x52mm zoom, quite unlike anything on the market. Produced by Japan’s DEON Optical, the design was inspired, in part, by suggestions from ace shooter Lou Murdica. Lou looked at the current benchrest disciplines, from point-blank (100/200) BR, all the way to the 1000-yard game. He found that most benchresters (both short-range and long-range) rarely dialed their scopes below 30-power, and most wanted more magnification than their current scopes offered, for times when the conditions were good. Lou asked DEON’s designers if they could build a high-quality BR scope with about a two-times zoom ratio. But he also wanted the reticle to be super-stable, so it didn’t move at all when adjusting the magnification.
Six months later, DEON (March) sent Lou a prototype. It was very different that other scopes on the market because the zoom function is done in the eyepiece — similar to a spotting scope. In fact DEON dubbed the new scoped the “EP” zoom, with the “EP” referring to “eye piece”. Lou has tested the new March 36-55X and he says “The cross-hair absolutely doesn’t move when you zoom because everything is taking place behind the cross-hairs at the eyepiece. For a benchrest shooter this is a BIG deal — if you don’t like the mirage, you can change from 55 power to 36 power in the middle of your group, and know that point of impact will not change.” The other great feature of the scope is the near-constant eye relief — it changes only about 1/2″ from 36 power to full 55X magnification. Lou says, “you can zoom through the entire range and barely need to move your head at all.” Lou has worked with all the March BR scopes, from the early 40X through the lastest zooms. He feels that the new 36-55 may be the best yet for short-, medium-, and long-range benchrest shooters. As Lou explains: “It takes care of 100 to 1000-yard shooting with one scope. What more would you ever need?”
Click Here to download March 36-55×52 Spec Sheet.
Revolutionary March 1:10 Ratio Zooms Amaze Optics Experts
March pulled off a major coup at SHOT Show. The new March 1-10x35mm and 2.5-25x42mm zooms were the talk of the Show. This is the first time ANY major manufacturer has been able to achieve a 10 times zoom ratio. March’s booth was mobbed as engineers from other optics companies came to see how March “achieved the impossible”. And the optics guys had to fight past a line-up of military personnel — from the USA, Canada, Israel, and Germany. Lou Murdica was there and he reports: “Once word of these scopes hit the show’s Tactical area, March had more military and law enforcement people from the U.S. and other countries than you could imagine.”
 Apparently, the U.S. Military has been asking domestic manufacturers to perfect a 1-10X zoom for years, and the response was always: “It can’t be done.” Well, starting from a blank page, the engineers at Japans’ DEON Optical Design Corp. (makers of the March), figured it out. For the military this is a HUGE technical breakthrough because a 1-power optic is ideal for close quarters combat (or house-clearing) while 10-power is a good setting for long-range sniper work. The two 1:10 ratio zooms both feature 1/4 MOA clicks, illuminated plex or MTR2 reticles, 30mm tubes, and a huge elevation range: 180 MOA for the 1-10×35 and 100 MOA for the 2.5-25×42. Both these scopes are slated for June 2009 deliveries. The 1-10×35 scope is expected to sell for $1500.00 while the 2.4-25×42 will cost about $2400.00.
We are told that David Tubb will be working on adapting a specialized long-range reticle for the 2.5-25×42. Representatives of the U.S. Navy SEALs showed great interest in the 2.5-25x42mm March. In addition to the two smaller tactical scopes, March displayed 5-32x52mm and 10-60x52mm tactical scopes. These feature 1/8-MOA clicks and an MTR1 reticle.
January 19th, 2009
RCBS makes a fine progressive press, the RCBS Pro 2000. This Editor owns one. I can tell you it is very solid, and the strip primer-feeding system has proven virtually fool-proof, something that can’t be said about some competitive progressive presses. I also believe the micrometer-equipped powder measure is superior to the Dillon alternative. Nonetheless, Dillon still dominates the progressive press market. One reason is that Dillon has long offered a reliable case-feeding system, and GSI International and Gaspari USA offer after-market bullet feeders for the Dillon 650 and 1050. Until now, with an RCBS Progressive, you needed to manually insert a bullet into each case. Well, at SHOT 2009, RCBS unveiled a new bullet-feeding system.
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RCBS says its new automatic bullet-feeder will work with Dillon (blue) and Hornady (red) progressives as well as the RCBS 2000. The unit mounts to a sturdy vertical support, with a flexible tube that connects to the bullet-seating station. It looks well-designed, and during a demo by RCBS manager Kent Sakamoto, the bullet-feeding system worked flawlessly. Kent showed us the pistol-bullet feeder, but a second version for rifle bullets will be offered by mid-2009. The rifle-bullet feeder should be just the ticket for varminters who need to load large quantities of .223 Rem, 22-250, or .204 Ruger rounds. Sakamoto explained that the automatic bullet feeder can significantly boost your reloading output whether you have a blue, red, or green progressive press.
January 19th, 2009
 Every year, the high-end Spotting Scopes from the major optics-makers seem to get bigger, better, and, unfortunately, more expensive. Leica rolled out its new flagship spotting scope, a black-bodied 82mm Televid with APO glass. A smaller version with a 65mm front objective will also be available in Spring 2009. These babies are expensive — the 82mm (body only, no eyepiece), carries a $3,195.00 MSRP, while the 65mm (body only, no eyepiece) retails for $2,295.00.
What justifies the high price is Leica’s superb APO (apochromatic) glass. This is formulated to give enhanced light transmission with less chromatic aberration. Other manufacturers offer “ED”, “HD” or “LD” low-dispersion glass, but the Leica APO glass is probably about as good as it gets. (Both the new 65mm and the 82mm are offered at a lower price with HD flouride glass, with APO lenses an extra-cost upgrade.) Leica claims the optical performance of the new spotting scopes is significantly better than the preceding models. The High Definition (HD) versions use specialized glass in a newly designed lens arrangement for improved clarity and contrast.
Jason checked out the new 82mm Televid with angled body. It was fitted with a 25-50x Wide Angle eyepiece. Jason noted the eyepiece offered good eye relief, and the clarity and sharpness was outstanding. The scope is fairly compact (front to rear) for an 80mm-class optic. Is the 82mm APO Televid better than the Big Zeiss or Swarovski (or the new ED-glass Kowa)? Only field tests can reveal that. “You’d have to get the Leica 82mm in the field with a couple other premium spotters with low dispersion glass and see how they perform side by side.” The Leica Televid 82 and Televid 65 spotting scopes are both available with straight or angled eyepiece housing, with either HD or APO glass.
Leice also announced that, for 2009, it will offer HD (High Definition) lenses in its popular Geovid Laser-Range-Finding Binoculars. MSRP on the HD Geovids starts at $2395.00.
For more information, visit www.leica-camera.com.
January 18th, 2009
Anschütz, the legendary German arms-maker, harvested a ton of Gold Medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with its latest match rifles (both rimfire arms and air rifles/pistols). In addition to its state-of-the-art bullseye target rifles, Anschutz produces Biathlon rifles and hunting rifles. At SHOT Show 2009, company President Jochen Anschütz was on hand to show his company’s latest wares, including the designs that won gold in Beijing. Jason Baney met with Jochen and got this exclusive Video Interview:
CLICK HERE to watch full-width VIDEO in Higher Quality
In the interview, Jochen noted that Anschütz has introduced a new Model 1770 hunting rifle, chambered in .223 Remington. This features a new six-lug action — the first all-new action design from Anschütz in 30 years. Below, Jochen holds the top-of-the-line Anschütz biathlon rifle. Designed for Olympic-caliber biathletes, this gun has a straight-pull Fortner action that can be cycled nearly as rapidly as a semi-auto.
High-Tech Aluminum-stocked Position Rifle
Among the Anschütz designs on display at Shot Show was the new Anschütz model 1913 position rifle with a gorgeous “1918 ALU Precise” brushed aluminum stock. It looked like it had been crafted in an aircraft plant.
January 18th, 2009
Alliant Powder is well-known among precision shooters. Reloder 15 has set many world records in the 6BR and 6BR Improved cartridges, and the new Reloder 17 powder offers dramatically increased velocities in cartridges such as the 6XC and .284 Winchester.
At SHOT Show 2009, Alliant unveiled its new Power Pro™ series of canister, spherical powders. There are five (5) new powders: Magnum Pistol, Varmint Rifle, Medium Rifle, Large Rifle, and Magnum Rifle. Each powder has a burn rate optimized for the particular application (Medium Rifle is a bit slower than RL15, Large Rifle rate is similar to H4350, Magnum is similar to H4831). Alliant claims that “Power Pro powders deliver improved velocity and density for more efficient reloading and help reloaders duplicate certain factory loaded ammunition.” Alliant engineer Dick Quensenberry said reloaders can expect to get +50 fps more from the Power Pro series than with most other, comparable ball powders.
 New Powder for 50-Caliber Applications
Alliant also recently introduced Reloder 50, a new powder designed for long-range, 50 caliber rifle shooters. Burn rate is “a little slower than Winchester 860.” The powder is showing excellent lot-to-lot consistency and the load density is optimized for the 50 BMG and similar cases. Like Reloder 17, Reloder 50 employs a process which staturates/penetrates the kernels with the burn rate controlling chemical. This should allow a longer, flatter pressure curve, allowing more velocity than conventional powders can deliver. Alliant says that Reloder 50 offers “superior velocity and the ability to burn cleaner (with less residue).” Reloder 50 will be available in both 1-lb (#150527) and 8-lb (#150528) containers.
On the Horizon — More Alliant Powders like Reloder 17
Reloder 17, made in Switzerland by Nitro Chemie, is a unique propellant that offer a smoother, longer energy release because the burn rate controlling chemicals are saturated into the kernels rather than just applied to the outside. This can provide extra energy over the course of the burn, with the result that Reloder 17 can deliver more velocity than any other powder with a similar burn rate and density. The demonstrated high performance of Reloder 17 has created demand for similar formulations, but with faster or slower burn rates. The good news is that Alliant’s Reloder 50 (see above) has the new burn rate control chemsitry, and Alliant is working right now on at least two new powders that will use the Nitro Chemie’s new powder technology. One powder (Reloder 16?) will be faster than RL 17, and one will be slower — possibly in the H1000 range. Stay tuned to AccurateShooter.com for future updates.
January 18th, 2009
 Hornady recently introduced its new multi-function case prep center. (We call it the “Tower of Power”). This machine trims cases to length, chamfers the case mouth (inside and out), and cleans the inside of necks and primer pockets. On the top part of the case prep center you fit your case in a shell-holder then lower it down on a powered cutter. It’s sort of like a drill-press, except the cutter turns rather than the brass. On the bottom of the prep center are six (6) horizontal power take-offs. These can be fitted with inside and outside chamferers, a neck brush, and primer pocket brushes.
The new Hornady Case Prep Center, product No. 050012, is available at vendors now. MSRP is $431.67, with expected “street price” around $300.00. You should definitely watch the Video linked below, as it shows the case trimmer in action. If our written description of the inline vertical trimmer left you confused, it will quickly become clear once you watch the video.
NOTE: You can see tool details better on YouTube.com, which will display the widescreen version of the video taken at SHOT Show. You can also select “high quality” playback on YouTube.com.
CLICK HERE for Widescreen Hornady Case Prep Center Video.
January 17th, 2009
Stiller’s Precision Firearms showcased a variety of NEW custom rifle actions at the 2009 SHOT Show. Trust us, this is BIG News for builders of precision rifles, both rimfire and centerfire. Jerry Stiller has released no less than four (count ‘em FOUR) new stainless actions this year. They are all impressive, and we predict the new rimfire actions will sell like hotcakes.
New Custom 40X-Clone Rimfire Action
Stiller Precision’s show-stopper is a new 22 rimfire action based on 40X Remington design. Called the Predator 25X, this 40X-clone will be offered both as a single-shot AND a repeater. This is a much-awaited product. We predict huge demand for Stiller’s rimfire actions. There is nothing else like it on the market. The repeater will be perfect as the basis of a rimfire silhouette action or a “tactical rimfire” gun. Stiller’s rimfire actions cost $800.00 and should be available by mid-2009.
Predator V — RBLP Ejectorless Action
The second offering, sure to be popular, is the new “Predator V” action, described by Jerry as “an affordable BR-style action aimed at the varminter.” It is offered in right bolt, left port only, with a cone bolt and no ejector. It’s optimized for bench use for precision varminting, though it certainly could be used in a 600-yard BR comp gun or F-Class rifle. Jerry tells us: “The Predator V is a RBLP version of our Predator line with a few special features. It has a Sako extractor on a coned bolt with no ejector. There is about a .003″ fit on the bolt with a pinned trigger. The main market is high-performance varminting or benchrest. Shown below is our new ‘full bling’ polished Predator V model featuring a blue-accented Picatinny rail, knob and shroud. It is also available in matte or black finish without rails.” The Predator V is IN STOCK NOW and costs $850.00 with rail.
P-1000 Long Range Action
The third new action unveiled by Jerry Stiller is the strong and versatile new P-1000 long range action. This is a RBLP, right-eject only unit with a beefy a 1.55″ diameter. The stainless P-1000 is offered in both short and long actions, with either .308 or magum bolts. The P-1000 is a very rigid action aimed at the long-range benchrest market. NOTE: the P-1000 short action will eject 284s and the long action will eject magnums such as the 300 RUM. The price for a P-1000 (with rail) is $850.00, and P-1000s should start to ship in late February, 2009.
New .408 Cheytac Action
Last but certainly not least is Stiller’s new TAC 408 action. This is a new long action with a .408 bolt-face. It is optimized for the .408 CheyTac and similar high-capacity, big-rim super-sized cartridges. This action should prove popular with ultra-long-range shooters. Call Jerry Stiller at (972) 429-5000 for price and availability of the TAC 408 action.
Spec, features, and options for Jerry Stiller’s other stainless and aluminum actions can be found on ViperActions.com.
January 17th, 2009
Our readers have been waiting a long time for Schmidt & Bender to bring its new high-magnification 12.5-50×56 PMII scope to American shores. We first wrote about this scope in April 2007. In February 2008, we published a follow-up report on the example we saw at the 2008 SHOT Show. For nearly two years now, American shooters have been asking us: “When can I get one?” Well, save your pennies. The scopes are slated to arrive in June, 2009 … provided S&B can deliver on its promises.
S&B Says the 12-50×56 Will Arrive in June
The scope will be available in the USA in limited quantities in summer 2009, hopefully in June. There are two (2) models. The black PMII version has a 34mm main tube and either 1/8 or 1/4 MOA clicks. Both normal and rapid two-turn counter-clockwise (CCW) turrets are offered on the PMII. The silver Field Target model comes with a 30mm main tube, and parallax that works down to 7 meters. Both scopes are priced at US $2849.00.
For more information, contact Mark Cromwell, Schmidt & Bender’s USA Manager, at 800-468-3450.
January 17th, 2009
Battenfeld Techonolgies, makers of the popular “Caldwell Rock” front rest and “Fire Control” joystick front rest, unveilved some interesting new products at SHOT Show.
 The unique “7 Rest” is a lightweight, two-part shooting platform that folds up on itself for easy storage and transport. As unfolded, when viewed from above, it looks like the numeral “7”, hence the name. The 7 Rest features rubber-coated cradles front and rear. The center of the rest is open, so you can shoot ARs and other rifles with long magazines without interference.
The design of the 7 Rest is certainly innovative and clever, and it is inexpensive, with a $44.95 MSRP. Since it folds so compactly, this would be a perfect “handy rest” to stow behind the seat of your truck, and we also think this might work well for Varminters with ARs.
The other product that caught our eye was the new battery-powered, DS-750 scale. It will hold up to 750 grains, and Battenfeld claims it measures with 0.1 grain (tenth of a grain) accuracy. Priced at $50.00 this could be a good back-up scale, or a good product for doing load-work-ups at the range. It’s not much bigger than a cell-phone or I-pod so it would easily fit in your range box.
January 17th, 2009
There was not much new at the Sierra Bullets booth this year. Sierra did display its new 155gr, .308-caliber MatchKing bullet, the model #2156, 155-grain HPBT Palma. This is an entirely new bullet created for Palma and other long-range shooters. Compared to the older #2155 MatchKing bullet (which will still be available), the new #2156 Palma bullet has a longer, more streamlined 9-caliber ogive, slightly longer OAL, and a pointed meplat.
155 Has Factory-Pointed Bullet Tips
As Sierra’s Carroll Pilant explains in the video below, the new 155gr Palma MK has performed extremely well in testing and initial competition. It demonstrated the ability to hold very tight vertical at 1000 yards. What’s the secret? Could be the pointed bullet tips. This is the first Sierra bullet to have the meplats “pointed up” at the factory. Sierra points the tips using a special extra die as the last stage in the production process. The pointing gives the bullet a higher BC. In fact, the 155-grainer has a BC of 0.504. According to Sierra, that’s “basically the same BC as the 175gr MatchKing”. So you can shoot a 20-grain lighter bullet with no loss of BC. Sierra also noted that the 155-grainer “is an easy bullet to stabilize… it will stabilize in a 1:13″ twist.”
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Sierra’s new 155-grainer will be offered in boxes of 100 bullets (stock #2156, $38.89 MSRP), 500 bullets (stock #2156C, $180.46 MSRP), or 500 moly-coated bullets (stock # 2156M ,$203.81 MSRP). For more info, contact Sierra at 1-800-223-8799 or email sierra [at] sierrabullets.com.
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