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December 5th, 2019

New Product Showcase — New Guns, Scopes, Gear for 2020

GPO german laser rangefinder 1800

Shooting Industry Magazine reveals scores of new products in its December 2019 issue, which you can read for free online. The 2020 New Product Showcase is a focal point of Shooting Industry’s December issue — with 88 brands represented. View the entire line-up of New-for-2020 products HERE: New Product Showcase.

Here are 10 Cool New Products our Editors spotted in the Shooting Industry New Product Showcase:

CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis Model Rimfire

CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis Model

The CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis pairs CZ’s heavy-barreled 457 action with an aluminum chassis of the company’s own design. Equipped with an adjustable Luth-AR stock, AR-style grip, QD sling sockets, and M-LOK slots, proper fit and customization are made easy. Available in .22 LR with a 16.5″ or 24″ barrel, the CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis is threaded for use with rimfire suppressors.

Konus 1-10X Hunting Scope

Konus hunting scope 1-10X

The new 1 to 10-power scope from Konus boasts a class-leading 10X zoom system with a 1 MOA dot reticle. The 1-10x24mm riflescope features 30mm tube, fully multi-coated optics, dual color illumination, glass-etched reticle, removable zoom lever,adjustable locking turrets, and flip-up covers. The 1-10X Konus is waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof.

Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rifle

Christensen Arms steel barrel chassis rifle

Christensen Arms unveiled a Steel-Barreled Modern Precision Rifle. Heavier than Christensen’s signature carbon fiber offerings, the steel-barreled Modern Precision Rifle weighs 8.4 and 9.6 lbs depending on barrel contour/length. The folding chassis features a carbon fiber comb, free-floating carbon fiber handguard, flat match-grade trigger, AR-style grip and a 20 MOA rail.

Flip and Spin Target

flip and spin spinning target

Target Factory is introducing a new target design, the Flip-R-Spin Target. This indoor/outdoor range and retail consumer target is actually a “3 in 1” target, as it can be deployed in several configurations: on the ground, vertical spinning or horizontal spinning target. With its unique 3D 2.5″ diameter “Target Ball” concept, it always self-resets.

Springfield Armory Hellcat Optical Sight Pistol

springfield hellcast osp pistol 9mm

Springfield Armory’s Hellcat is a micro-compact 9mm carry pistol. New for 2020 is a Hellcat Optical Sight Pistol (OSP) configuration. The Hellcat OSP features a removable cover plate to allow direct mounting of a Red Dot optics to the slide. Capacity is 11+1 — best in class. The U-Dot sight system is made of high visibility tritium and a luminescent front sight paired with a tactical rack U-notch rear. A high-hand beavertail and undercut triggerguard situate the pistol low in the hand.

RangeTracker 1800 LRF with Hyperscan and OLED

GPO german laser rangefinder 1800

The new 6X RangeTracker 1800 from German Precision Optics (GPO) incorporates state-of-the-art optical and electronic technology in a compact laser rangefinder built for long-range rifle hunting (up to 1,800 yards). It offers angle correction, Hyperscan (three readings per second), and an outside temperature reading in Fahrenheit or Celsius. The OLED system allows up to 25% more light to get through the optical system, ideal low-light situations.

Powerful Texas Airgun

Texas airforce airgun carbon fiber

Texan air rifles from AirForce Airguns now feature a carbon fiber tank and valve system — capable of energy levels of 750 ft. lbs. with a 520gr projectile. The carbon fiber tank holds 3,625 psi or 250 BAR of air. The power increase allows users to hunt larger game by delivering a heavy projectile to the target with up to 750 ft/lbs of energy.

Firearms Guide 10th Ed. Online Database and Flash Drive

digital online Firearms guide 10th edition

The Firearms Guide 10th Edition is a comprehensive guns and ammo reference guide, available online or on a flash drive. Published since 2009, this Guide offers gun prices, gun schematics, blueprints, and manual. Guns are cross-referenced with the ammunition database. Guns and ammo are presented with prices, tech specifications, features, ballistic information and high-resolution color pictures.

MDT ACC Chassis for CZ 457 Rimfire Actions

Modular Drive Technologies (MDT) ACC chassis cz 457 rmifire

The Modular Drive Technologies (MDT) ACC chassis is now available for the CZ 457 rimfire action, making it a great option for rimfire cross-training or NRL22 competitino. The MDT ACC offers a customizable steel weight system allowing over nine pounds to be added to the buttstock and/or fore-end. The ACC Chassis comes with a SRS-X Elite buttstock with adjustable LOP. A full ARCA rail runs the entire length of the 17.75″ fore-end. This stock can accept variety of pistol grips.

Otis Long-Term Storage Kit

Otis Long-Term Storage Kit rust prevention

The new Otis Long Term Gun Storage Kit provides what you need to protect and store a firearm for an extended period of time corrosion-free. The kit includes Rust Stopper Rust Prevention Gun Storage Bags (pistol and rifle/shotgun), microfiber towels, chamber flags, an all purpose receiver brush, Shooter’s Choice MC-7 bore cleaner (2-oz. bottle), FP-10 Lubricant Elite (4-oz. bottle) and Rust Prevent (6-oz. aerosol).

Permalink Handguns, Hunting/Varminting, New Product, News, Optics No Comments »
November 20th, 2019

Berger Releases New 6mm 109gr LR Hybrid Target Bullet

New berger 109 grain hybrid bullet LRHT long range hybrid target

A hot new 6mm match bullet has arrived — the impressive Berger 109-grain Hybrid. This new 109-grainer, officially called the Long Range Hybrid Target (LRHT), features a formed meplat (bullet tip) for more consistent Ballistic Coefficient (BC). Berger tells us that the new 109gr LRHT boasts a high-BC, “jump-tolerant” hybrid ogive profile along with an extremely consistent BC. In fact, Doppler Radar testing confirms less than 1% BC variation from bullet to bullet. While a high BC is of course desirable for competitive shooting, shot-to-shot BC consistency is most critical when engaging targets to 600 yards and beyond. The 109’s BC numbers are very impressive for a 6mm bullet: 0.568 G1 and 0.292 G7.

AccurateShooter.com plans to test these new 109s very soon — we’re getting them into the hands of some championship-level shooters. The new 109s should prove very popular. These bullets are optimized for leading accuracy cartridges such as 6mm Creedmoor, 6mmBR, 6BRA, 6mm Dasher, 6BRX, 6GT, 6XC, and 6×47 Lapua among others. NOTE: Berger states that the new 109gr LRHT offers the same stability factor as Berger’s outstanding 105gr Hybrid Target. Accordingly, the new 109 can be considered a “direct replacement” for the 105s. And YES, the 109gr LRHT will work in 1:8″-twist barrels.

“The 6mm 109 offers several advantages,” said Bryan Litz, Berger’s Chief Ballistician. “Its ultra-sleek profile provides a higher Ballistic Coefficient (BC) resulting in less wind drift at all ranges. Using the proprietary MRT technology also results in a higher and more consistent BC, which is important for reducing dispersion at long range.”

New berger 109 grain hybrid bullet LRHT long range hybrid target

Meplat Reduction Technology for More Consistent BCs
Berger’s new 6mm 109-grain Long Range Hybrid Target™ Bullets is designed to provide Benchrest, F-Class, and PRS enthusiasts a class-leading level of precision and consistency. Utilizing advanced/proprietary manufacturing processes, Berger’s Meplat Reduction Technology™ (MRT™) System applies controlled pressure along the projectile nose, producing a homogeneous and repeatable bullet profile. This yields what Berger claims are “the industry’s most consistent Ballistic Coefficients (BC)”.

The Berger 6mm 109 Grain Long Range Hybrid Target™ Bullets will be available very soon at authorized Berger Retailers. Use the Berger Dealer Locator to find a store near you.

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, New Product, News, Tactical 3 Comments »
November 16th, 2019

Umarex Hammer May Be World’s Most Powerful Air Rifle

Umarex Hammer airgun air rifle .50 Caliber most powerful lead slug

Umarex USA offers an big-bore .50-Caliber Air Rifle, which it claims is the world’s most powerful air gun. The new Umarex Hammer can launch a 550 grain slug at 760 fps, delivering an impressive 705 foot-lbs of energy at the muzzle. That energy total rivals a 10mm Auto Cartridge (220 grainer at 1200 fps). Not bad for an air rifle with an $815.99 MSRP.

Umarex Hammer airgun air rifle .50 Caliber most powerful lead slug

With lighter projectiles, the Umarex Hammer also delivers fairly high velocities — it can drive a 200 grain lead projectile at 1055 fps. That’s equivalent to a .45 ACP +P load. The design team at Umarex say this air rifle has the power to take deer and other game — when the animals are close enough.

Umarex Hammer airgun air rifle .50 Caliber most powerful lead slug

The Umarex Hammer has features you might find on a modern centerfire rifle: 29.5″ button-rifled barrel, straight-pull bolt, 8.5″ Picatinny rail, and quality trigger with 3-lb pull. The Made-in-USA Hammer is powered by an on-board, 24-cubic-inch carbon fiber cylinder filled at 4500 psi. The Hammer incorporates a Lightspeed™ valve and precision regulator that launches the projectiles with a 3000 psi air blast. Umarex says the Hammer is quite accurate — capable of putting three, 350- grain lead slugs in an inch at 50 yards.

Umarex Hammer airgun air rifle .50 Caliber most powerful lead slug
Photo courtesy 2BrothersAdventures, from Umarex Hammer Video.

Umarex Hammer Features

— Most powerful production air rifle on the planet
— Straight-pull bolt with 2 lb. cocking effort and just 2 in. of travel
— 24 cubic inch carbon fiber tank holds 4,500 psi compressed air
— Delivers three full-power shots @ 8 cubic inches per shot
— Patent-pending Lightspeed™ valve
— Button-rifled, 29.5″, .50-caliber barrel
— Quick Disconnect Foster air-filling fitting
— Modern stock design (with M-Lok slots) manufactured by PolyOne
— 43.75-inch overall length
— 8.5 pound overall weight unloaded without scope
— 3 pound trigger-pull weight
— Three safeties: hammer block, magazine lock-out, trigger block

Permalink - Videos, Hunting/Varminting, New Product 4 Comments »
November 11th, 2019

Ultimate Reloader Tests RCBS MatchMaster Powder Dispenser

Gavin Gear Ulimate Reloader MatchMaster RCBS Powder Scale Dispenser

RCBS has come out with a new, twin-tube powder scale/dispenser that promises to deliver 1- or 2-kernel precision in the slower, more precise “Match Mode”. If it really works, this new RCBS MatchMaster unit could compete with an Auto-Trickler V3 mated to a Magnetic Force Restoration scale. However, the new MatchMaster employs a strain-gauge scale, so it will be interesting to see how the unit actually performs.

This is an impressive new machine, but it represents a signficant investment. MSRP for the MatchMaster is $1123.95 with street price around $899.00 (MidwayUSA). At around $900.00, the MatchMaster competes with an AutoTrickler system, which is definitely fast and highly precise.

Ultimate Reloader Tests the New RCBS MatchMaster
Our friend Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com got his hands on one of the first production MatchMasters. Gavin put the machine through its paces in a “first look” video using two powders, Bullseye and Varget. In the video, Gavin explains the machine’s design features. Then he tests the new MatchMaster in both Standard Mode (faster) and the slower, more precise “Match Mode”. Gavin also published a full-length MatchMaster Review with detailed test results.

RCBS claims that the MatchMaster can dispense charges to within ± 0.04 (four hundreths) grain in Match Mode. That’s 1-2 kernels of an extruded powder such as H4350. Gavin’s testing, using an A&D FX-120i Magnetic Force Restoration scale as a control, showed that RCBS’s claims are solid.

Ultimate Reloader RCBS MatchMaster Powder Scale/Dispenser Review

“You can actually fine-tune the settings for the large dispensing tube and the small tube. There are quite a few parameters… quite a bit of flexibility.” — Gavin Gear.

RCBS MatchMaster Features

— MatchMaster offers two modes, Standard (Faster) and Match (More Precise)
— MatchMaster has two powder dispensing tubes, a larger diameter for large flow and a second smaller tube for precise trickle.
— MatchMaster Settings can be controlled with RCBS Mobile App that works through BlueTooth.
— Powder is removed from the BOTTOM of the machine. This means you must lift the unit up off the bench, then plug a drain tube into the bottom of the unit. See photo.

Gavin Gear Ulimate Reloader MatchMaster RCBS Powder Scale Dispenser

How Accurate Is the MatchMaster?
Near the end of his video review, Gavin threw an 84.20 grain charge of Varget with the MatchMaster. He then weighed the same charge with his A&D FX-120i Magnetic Force Restoration scale. The charge weights agreed exactly at 84.20 grains. When the same pan was placed a second time, the FX-120i showed 84.16 grains. That’s still a mere 0.04 grain variance, which is RCBS’s stated precision claim for Match Mode.

Gavin Gear Ulimate Reloader MatchMaster RCBS Powder Scale Dispenser
Note: This shows first placement of pan on the A&D FX-120i. A second placement of pan on FX-120i stabilized at 84.16 grains.

How Fast is MatchMaster in Each Dispensing Mode?
Gavin started testing the MatchMaster in Match Mode with Bullseye, a popular flake pistol powder. With a 24.00 grain Bullseye charge, one dispensing took 26 seconds (11:40 time-mark), while another took 40 seconds (12:30 time-mark), an average of 33 seconds. In standard mode, the MatchMaster dispensed 24.0 grains of Bullseye in 18.5 seconds average (15.03 time-mark, 15:32 time mark). So Standard Mode was 44% faster with Bullseye.

Next Gavin filled the machine with Hodgdon Varget powder and dispensed a 25.0 grain charge in Standard (Fast) Mode. The first try took 12 seconds (18:30 time mark) to dispense the charge, while the second run of 25.0 grains took just 11 seconds (18:50 time mark).

“Hodgdon Varget performed VERY well with the MatchMaster powder dispenser. I would call this powder the ‘Speed King’ here — it dispensed way faster than the Alliant Bullseye with the settings I used, and I only had one overage which was corrected when I changed powder settings. Bravo!” — Gavin Gear

Then Gavin switched to Match (Precise) Mode and dispensed two more 50.00 grain charges of Varget. These two precision throws finished in 20 seconds (20:38 time mark) and 17 seconds (21:09 time mark) respectively, for an 18.5 second average. That’s very good for large 50.00 grain charges, although the first charge was actually 50.06 grains, about two kernels high. But Gavin explained that the machine permits fine-tuning of the powder type setting. He changed this to account for larger extruded kernels and got a perfect 50.00 grain throw in 35 seconds (22:01 time mark). The “customized” powder settings can be loaded into the RCBS MatchMaster App for future use (See below):

Gavin Gear Ulimate Reloader MatchMaster RCBS Powder Scale Dispenser

Conclusion — Initial Tests Show Good Performance
Based on Gavin’s testing, the MatchMaster delivers on its promises. With Varget extruded powder, it was quite fast, even in “Match Mode”. The dispensed charges were exact within .04 (four hundredths) of a grain, i.e. a couple of kernels, as confirmed by the A&D FX-120i Force Restoration Scale. Gavin actually liked the system of removing the powder through the bottom of the machine, using the supplied tube. It takes some practice, but it worked fine, as you can see in the video.

The RCBS MatchMaster employs a strain-gauge scale. It remains to be seen if there is a bit of drift, as you will observe with strain-gauge dispensers in the $200-$300 range, such as the original RCBS ChargeMaster. During his MatchMaster test session, Gavin said he did not observe any drift, a good sign. Overall, it looks like this is an impressive machine. But, with a $899.00 price, this is a serious investment. Anyone considering the new MatchMaster will also want to look at the AutoTrickler V3 system with AutoThrow. It costs $520.00, NOT including a lab-grade Magnetic Force Restoration balance ($600 to $1000+).

Matchmaster bluetooth mobile app

Permalink - Articles, - Videos, Bullets, Brass, Ammo, New Product, Reloading 1 Comment »
November 9th, 2019

New Magpul Sling Stud QD Bipod Fits Hunting Stocks

Magpul bipod swivel stud sling quick detach QD

Are you looking for a stable bipod that attaches quickly and easily to the sling stud on your hunting or varmint rifle? Magpul has a new bipod that fits standard hunting-style, radiused fore-ends well. This new Magpul Sling Stud QD Bipod clamps to a sling stud in seconds. Watch the video to see how it works.

Priced around $110.00 on Amazon, this new Magpul is more expensive than a Harris-type bipod, but it has some advantages. There are no exposed springs to grab your hand. The vertical leg adjustment is quick and easy. There is a large knob in the center that allows you to traverse (pan) left to right, while keeping the feet in position. In addition, by loosening the knob you can tilt the rifle up to 25° from vertical either side (i.e. rotate the rifle around the bore axis). For this kind of rotational adjustment, a Harris swivel with a Pod-Loc is faster and easier, but the Magpul isn’t bad.

Magpul bipod swivel stud sling quick detach QD

The legs consist of anodized 6061 T-6 aluminum shafts inside injection-molded, reinforced polymer columns. The legs stow neatly forward and lock into place with one hand. You can adjust leg height from 6.6″ to 10.0″ using push-button locking detents. Should users choose to change feet, the Magpul bipod’s legs accept most Atlas-pattern bipod replaceable feet.

Magpul bipod swivel stud sling quick detach QD

Magpul Sling Stud QD Bipod Features:

• Rapid, self-locating mounting system attaches to Sling Studs on narrow or wide fore-ends.

• Up to 25 degrees of tilt either way around the bore axis of weapon (50 degrees total).

• Uncle Mike’s-style sling stud on rear of mounting body.

• Efficient individual leg height adjustability in 0.5″ increments for a total of seven positions.

• Adjustable friction knob for setting tilt and ease of movement.

• Removable rubberized feet compatible with Atlas pattern replaceable feet.

Permalink - Videos, Hunting/Varminting, New Product, Tactical No Comments »
November 4th, 2019

New B-14 R .22 LR Rimfire Trainer from Bergara

Bergara 22LR .22 lr rimfire NRL22 trainer

Looking for a nice .22 LR rimfire training rifle that works well with rear bags and bipods? Then check out the new B-14 R from Bergara. It is set up for rimfire training and tactical-style competitions. The action and magazine are full centerfire dimensions, so that you can train with a rimfire rifle offering centerfire-style “feel” and ergonomics. MSRP is $1150.00 so expect street price to be around $1000.00.

We think this would be a good choice for the NRL22 tactical competition for shooters preferring a conventional-style stock. It has an adjustable cheekpiece and LOP adjusts with spacers. The toe of the buttstock is straight so this will work well with bags. And if you want to later swap to a metal or composite chassis, the B-14 R barreled action will fit stocks and chassis systems designed for Rem 700s. In fact you can even use aftermarket Rem 700-compatible triggers.

Bergara 22LR .22 lr rimfire NRL22 trainer

B-14R Bolt Action .22 LR
The Bergara B-14 R Bolt Action Rifle in .22 LR is the latest offering in Bergara’s popular B-14 series of rifles. The company states: “The Bergara B-14 R has been a product that our customers and enthusiast have been requesting for quite some time, and with the growing NRL22 and PRS .22 competition matches, we believed that the time was right to introduce a rifle of this nature.”

This rifle is designed as a true rimfire trainer with the feel of a Rem 700 centerfire rig. The action shares dimensions of a Rem 700 receiver so you can upgrade to Rem 700-compatible stocks, and triggers. The single-stack .22 LR magazine has the same external dimensions as the commonly-used short action AICS mag for centerfires. So even your mag swaps will duplicate the “feel” of your centerfire rifle.

Bergara 22LR .22 lr rimfire NRL22 trainer

Bergara B-14 R Specifications

Barrel: 1:16″-twist 4140 Bergara, 18″ free-floated
Muzzle Thread: 1/2-28
Rifle Weight: 9.25 lbs. (without optics)
Rifle Length: 38″ with all spacers
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Scope Mounts: 6-48 screws, Rem 700 compatible
Stock: Bergara HMR stock molded with full-length integrated mini-chassisinternal mini-chassis, integrated OD flush cup sling mounts and swivel mounts, adjustable cheek piece and length-of-pull.

Bergara 22LR .22 lr rimfire NRL22 trainer

Permalink Competition, New Product, Tactical No Comments »
October 27th, 2019

New StaBALL 6.5 Powder from Winchester — Temp Stable

Winchester ball spherical propellant powder temperature stable staBALL 6.5

Winchester has just introduced a new ball propellant, StaBALL 6.5, which it claims is very temp-stable. This means velocities and pressures should not vary greatly across a wide range of ambient temperatures. Winchester states: “StaBALL 6.5 is the world’s first temperature-insensitive Ball Powder, stable in extreme-hot or extreme-cold temperatures.” Winchester also claims StaBALL 6.5 can offer 30-200 fps greater velocities than other powders with similar burn rates. This new powder also has additives to reduce copper fouling. StaBALL 6.5’s burn rate and load density is good for popular cartridges such as .223 Rem, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5×47 Lapua, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .270 Win. If StaBALL 6.5 can really deliver excellent metering, temp stability, more speed, AND less fouling — Winchester could really have a winner.

Winchester ball spherical propellant powder temperature stable staBALL 6.5

Metering Advantages of Ball Propellants
As there are existing very temp-stable extruded powders, such as Reloder 16 and H4350, what’s the big deal here? Well ball powders, with their small spherical granules, flow easily and meter well. This means ball powders can be thrown in manual powder measures with great precision. So StaBALL 6.5 could have advantages for hand-loaders using manual powder measures or progressive presses with mechanically-operated charge dispensers.

Reloading Data is ONLINE Now

Reloading Data is NOW Available on the Winchester website for a wide variety of cartridges including: 22 Nosler, .223 Rem, 224 Valkyrie, 22-250 Rem, 6GT, 6×47 Lapua, 6mm Creedmoor 6.5×47 Lapua, 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Rem, .270 Win, 7mm-08, .30-06, 300 WSM and more. To get official LOAD DATA, scroll below the product description, select a cartridge type, and then click the RED “Get Reloading Data” tab. Here are two of 13 listed load options (55-115 grain bullets) for the 6mm Creedmoor:

Winchester ball spherical propellant powder temperature stable staBALL 6.5

Winchester’s StaBALL 6.5 Product Description States:

StaBALL 6.5 is the world’s first temperature-insensitive BALL® Powder, stable in extreme-hot or -cold conditions. It provides optimal loading density in cartridges appropriate for the burn speed, which is ideal for 6mm Creedmoor, 6GT, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7MM-08, .270 Winchester, and many more.

Typical of a ball powder, precise metering contributes to improved velocity and pressure standard deviations, ingredients that are paramount to match grade accuracy!

This “environmentally green” propellant has copper fouling reducer additives, meaning longer durations of competition and field shooting without having to clean the bore. Precision accuracy throughout the match!

Velocity levels obtainable, depending on the cartridge, are 30-200 fps greater than other propellants in its class.

StaBALL 6.5 powder is available in 1 lb. and 8 lb. containers.

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, New Product, News, Reloading 8 Comments »
October 26th, 2019

Federal Now Offers Custom-Loaded Precision Ammunition

Federal custom handloading center hand-loaded rifle shotshell ammo ammunition Berger Sierra Nosler

Don’t have time to hand-load your own ammo, or don’t have all the equipment and dies needed? There’s a new option — something that’s actually quite revolutionary in the ammo industry. Federal is now offering custom-loaded ammunition. You choose the cartridge type and bullet type and Federal technicians put the ammo together. Think about it — this could be an interesting option for hunters who only need a few rounds a year, or if you want to try out a bullet/cartridge combo for the first time.

Order Federal Custom Ammunition ONLINE through the Federal Custom Shop.

Federal custom handloading center hand-loaded rifle shotshell ammo ammunition Berger Sierra Nosler

“Each round is painstakingly handloaded to order by our team of expert engineers in our state-of-the-art reloading workshop. Veteran craftsmen combine the best components with extra quality checks at every stage for the most consistent velocity, accuracy, and overall performance. Loads are then hand-checked for final inspection and cleaned before being custom-packed in durable, personalized packaging.”

10 Centerfire Cartridge Types and Many Bullet Options
Currently, you can choose from 10+ rifle cartridge types and a wide selection of quality bullets from Berger, Sierra, Nosler, Federal, Barnes, Swift, and more. Along with rifle ammo, Federal will offer custom TSS Shotshells. NOTE: Federal Custom Shop ammo will be sold direct-to-consumer only.

Right now, centerfire rifle shooters can choose more than 10 different cartridges including 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5-284 Norma, 257 Weatherby, 243 Winchester, 257 Roberts +P, and more. Shotshell customers can custom order a large variety of 10-gauge and 28-gauge loads.

“If it’s not in Federal’s vast catalog as factory-loaded ammo, we may have it listed on our website as a load we will custom hand-load for you,” notes Federal Ammunition President Jason Vanderbrink. “For example, Barnes 120-grain Tipped TSX in 6.5-284 Norma and 28-gauge TSS turkey loads aren’t products we list in our catalog, but you can certainly order them through our Custom Shop.”

The Custom Shop handloading center is located at Federal’s main factory in Anoka, Minnesota. For more information, including how to order, what specific load options are available, and shipping details, visit: FederalPremium.com/custom-shop.html.

Federal custom handloading center hand-loaded rifle shotshell ammo ammunition Berger Sierra Nosler

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, New Product, News, Reloading No Comments »
October 23rd, 2019

Hornady Offers Reloading App — Data $0.99 Per Cartridge Type

Hornady reloading handbook cartridge Mobile App Android IOS

The Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading is now available in Mobile App form. Hornady has released FREE Mobile Apps for Android and iOS (Apple) Mobile Devices. You get a lot of information for free. However, most of the actual load data is surcharged. You can buy all current load data for $19.99, or use the “à la carte” option to purchase load data for 99 cents each per cartridge type.

For example, if you wanted .223 Rem, .284 Win, .308 Win, you’d pay $2.97 (3 x $0.99). Frankly, we’d just use the FREE information available from the Hodgdon and Vihtavuori online Reloading Centers. But we understand some folks will prefer the convenience of an App with a wide variety of powder brands all in one place. Hornady’s full data collection covers hundreds of cartridges — .17 Hornet to 50 BMG (for rifle) and .22 Hornet to .500 S&W (for pistol). Folks say the App is easy to navigate and simple to use. For more information, visit Hornady.com/reloadingapp.


Download Hornady Android App | Download Hornady iOS App

What you get for free — Included with the FREE APP are hundreds of pages of reloading information including rifle and handgun bullet guides, the basics of reloading, tips and techniques plus limited free data on newer cartridge releases such as .224 Valkyrie, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 300 PRC and more.

Hornady reloading handbook cartridge Mobile App Android IOS

The App features over 200 cartridge types with a variety of loads using Hornady bullets, including A-Tip Match, ELD Match and ELD-X. Velocity and powder charts are included with each cartridge for easy reference. The database includes popular established powders plus new powders such as Power Pro 2000 MR, IMR 4451 and 7977, CFE Pistol, BE-86, Reloder 23, 26, 33 and 50, Accurate LT-30 and 32. Popular powders such as Reloder 17, Superformance, and LeverEvolution® have also been expanded.

Included with the free download are hundreds of pages of reloading information, bullet guides, tips and techniques plus limited free data on recent offerings such as 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and 300 PRC. Beyond that, reloaders must pay for load data on particular cartridges. Reloading data is available for download in three ways: Á la carte ($0.99 per cartridge type), Full Data Purchase for App ($19.99), or Annual Subscription ($19.99/year recurring).

Subscription Option — If you pay $19.99 per year you get full access to Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading 10th Edition data, plus new data developed for the 11th Edition, plus automatic updates. Subscribers will also get a printed edition of the Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading (11th Edition) when it is released in the fall of 2020.

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, New Product, Reloading 2 Comments »
October 17th, 2019

Beyond the Borescope — BEMIS Laser Barrel Inspection Machine

Chesapeake Testing BEMIS laser bore scanner barrel inspection machine
Here is the BEMIS-SC (Small Caliber) Barrel Inspection Machine. This laser system captures thousands of precise data points over the full length of a .22-.50 caliber bore

Do you think your digital borescope is a state-of-the-art bore inspection device? Well think again. There is now something way more advanced than any optical or electro-optical borescope. A new laser-equipped scanning device can map the entire interior surface of a barrel bore. With this new technology you can now examine every land and every groove, millimeter by millimeter, from the chamber to the tip of the muzzle. The most minute flaw in a barrel can now be revealed.

Chesapeake Testing BEMIS laser bore scanner barrel inspection machineThe new device is called the BEMIS-SC™ (for Barrel Inspection Machine Small Caliber). Operated by NTS Chesapeake Testing, BEMIS-SC performs non-destructive laser-based mapping of gun bores. The BEMIS-SC currently works with .22 caliber to .50 caliber (5.56 – 12.7 mm) barrels. The BEMIS captures thousands of highly accurate data points over the full length of a barrel. The inspection can be completed in mere minutes, with scan results displayed in graphical, tabular, and 3D visual formats. Here is a barrel cross-section, as scanned by the BEMIS-SC:

Click for Full-Screen Version
Chesapeake Testing BEMIS laser bore scanner barrel inspection machine

Until the 1980s, gun tube inspection had to be conducted by hand using a manual “star” gauge, a process that would take hours and provide minimal data. Electronic gauges were eventually developed along with the video bore scope, but these systems were still limited to very few, low-resolution data points. That has all changed with the BEMIS™, a huge leap forward in technology that is capable of rapidly capturing thousands of precise data points.

Chesapeake Testing commenced BEMIS-SC barrel inspection services in September 2014. Testing is performed in Chesapeake’s commercial barrel inspection laboratory, located in Belcamp, MD, minutes from the U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Ground. While testing is currently limited to .22 to .50 caliber barrels, Chesapeake Testing will accommodate both smaller and larger calibers in the future.

“We have always focused on building our company around very unique technologies. BEMIS™ has changed the industry in regards to the inspection of weapon systems. We are excited to be an exclusive partner with LTC in this industry and look forward to contributing to the future of this technology,” says Jim Foulk, founder and president of Chesapeake Testing.

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