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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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):
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+).
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The 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
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.
Since 1979, Creedmoor Sports has served the rifle shooting community. Over that time, the company has been dedicated to manufacturing the best products to help shooters succeed at every level of competition.
2019 Marks the 40th Year in Business for Creedmoor Sports. To celebrate this 40-Year milestone, Creedmoor is running a 40-Day Giveaway, with new prizes each day for 40 days. Sign up once a day for 40 chances to win! Daily prize packages are worth up to $500. Prize packages may include tools, shooting accessories, and/or reloading components from top companies such as Anschutz, Lapua, Berger, Dillon Precision, Forster, Redding, LabRadar, and Whidden Gunworks. (Full list below.)
How to Enter Creedmoor Sports 40-Day Giveaway
Starting October 15, 2019, go to Creedmoorsports.com and click on the 40-Day Giveaway Banner. Click each day to see the prizes and sign up. Overall you will have 40 chances to win. CLICK Contest Banner.
“We wanted to do something HUGE to celebrate and thank our customers and partners for all of their support over the years. Jim Hill started Creedmoor Armory (now Creedmoor Sports) back in 1979 — it’s awesome to see how far we’ve come. We couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of our customers and suppliers. We’re excited to continue to innovate the shooting sports and help shooters hit the 10-ring for another 40 years.” — Brent Books Creedmoor Sports GM
Alphabetical List of Partners Providing Prizes for Creedmoor Sports 40-Day Giveaway:
Ron Brown Slings
Shooter’s Puzzle Book
SK
Tec-Hro
Technical Marketing
VihtaVuori
Whidden Gunworks
Zanders Sporting Goods
Noteworthy New Products at Creedmoor Sports
While you are visiting the Creedmoor Sports website at www.creedmoorsports.com, check out Creedmoor’s new Deluxe Long-Range Rifle Case. This is just what you need for that long-barreled F-Class or Palma rifle. Available in both 55″ and 60″ sizes, this deluxe padded case features large, external zippered pockets that can hold ammo, accessories, Kestrel, shooting logs and more.
Another innovative product is Creedmoor’s new DOPE Roller — the world’s first Quick-Detach Ballistic Data Turret. The DOPE Roller displays windage/elevation data without requiring shooters to break position from behind the rifle. Display ballistic data by wrapping a simple adhesive label around the DOPE Roller. The DOPE Roller mounts to quick-detach sling swivel studs, offering mounting points for Picatinny rails, MLOK rails, and Keymod rails, and many chassis designs.
RCBS has a new, high-speed, high-precision electronic powder scale/dispenser, the black-bodied RCBS Matchmaster. This new device features TWO dispensing tubes (high-speed and low-speed), plus optional software control via a smartphone App. It has a standard mode for fast dispensing and a “Match Mode” for ultra-precise dispensing to a claimed 0.04 grains. The Matchmaker has a nice LCD touchscreen and a unique anti-spill “Open Drain Alert” system.
How FAST is the Matchmaster? RCBS says, with the dual tubes, the Matchmaster can dispense a charge in under 20 seconds in Standard Mode.
How PRECISE is the Matchmaster? RCBS is claiming 0.04 grains precision. That’s four hundredths of a grain. This is close to one or two kernel accuracy with an extruded powder such as H4350. Watch Video:
How much will it COST? RCBS has not officially released an MSRP, but we’re told the list MSRP could be $899.00, with a “street price” around $770.00. Stay tuned for updated pricing information from vendors.
Is this a Force Restoration Scale? No. We have been told the RCBS Matchmaster does NOT employ Magnetic Force Restoration weighing technology.
RCBS Matchmaster Product Information:
RCBS… has released the company’s fastest and most accurate powder dispenser with the launch of the new RCBS Matchmaster. Featuring precise 0.04 grain consistent measurements and a new patent-pending dual tube dispensing technology for enhanced speed, the new RCBS Matchmaster saves users precious time on the reloading bench while promoting maximum accuracy.
Among its many design enhancements, the one-piece Matchmaster unit features an LCD touchscreen display that is Bluetooth compatible with the new RCBS App. This exclusive compatibility provides complete user control to calibrate scales and dispense powder in auto or manual modes. With pre-configured powder types readily accessible, handloaders now have the ability to create and or modify their own customized powder configurations in order to easily fine tune their favorite loads.
Through the MatchMaster’s patent pending dual tube dispensing technology, the dispenser is capable of delivering quick charges, each delivering between 0.10 and 0.04 grain accuracy every time.
The MatchMaster delivers charges in two mode configurations: Standard mode and Match mode. Standard mode drops charges to 0.10 grain accuracy in under 20 seconds while the Match mode drops charges to 0.04 grain accuracy.
[There is also] a patent-pending Bottom Drain function with Open Drain Alert. This exclusive combination ensures users will never experience unwanted powder on their bench when filling the dispenser.
“The new RCBS Matchmaster has taken powder dispensing and weighing to the next level,” said Will Hemeyer, Sr. Product Line Manager for RCBS. “With its user adjustable powder settings, Bluetooth compatibility, and revolutionary dual tube dispense technology, the Matchmaster reduces reloading time and simplifies the entire operation all while maintaining zero impact to charge accuracy.”
The new device is called the BEMIS-SC™ (for Barrel Inspection Machine Small Caliber). Operated by 
