Lyman is introducing three new Brass Smith series reloading presses for 2018. Here we focus on the two full-size Brass Smith presses, the O-Frame Victory Single Stage and the new 8-Station All-American Turret Press. Both these sturdy presses feature an innovative “straight line” priming system with shielded primer tube.
New Cast-Iron Victory O-Frame Single-Stage Press
Lyman’s new Victory™ Press is built on a heavy duty cast iron “O” frame with 1-inch diameter ram and compound linkage. It looks strong and Lyman claims the “Victory Press is one of the most rugged and rigid available on the market.” The Victory Press features a simple, reliable straight-line primer feed. It’s easy to prime a case — simply push the priming arm forward to position a primer beneath the shell holder. As an added safety feature, the primer feed comes with a heavy steel shield surrounding the primer tube. The large 5-inch frame opening can take long magnum cases. MSRP is $199.45. We expect initial “street price” to be around $160.00, less expensive than an RCBS RockChucker, but more pricey than a Lee Classic Cast Press.
“It has been a while since Lyman Products introduced new presses, for the very simple reason that our presses are built to be so durable that they actually end up being handed down in families”, explained Trevor Mullen, Lyman’s VP of Marketing and Business Development. “But for 2018, we decided we needed to add certain features that make these new presses even better than their former models.”
New Cast-Iron 8-Station All-American Turret Press
Along with its new Victory Single-Stage Press, Lyman is releasing a beefy All-American Turret Press with eight (8) stations. That’s one more than the Redding T-7 Turret Press, and two more stations than the six-station RCBS Turret Press. With the Lyman’s EIGHT stations you can hold sizing AND seating dies for four different rifle cartridges. Or, if you seat bullets with an arbor press, you could have sizers for six cartridges, plus a dedicated decapping die and a factory crimp die. With eight stations available — there are countless options.
Rigidity is very important with a turret press — if you have too much “give” of flex with the turret head you may get inconsistent results when bumping shoulders using full-length dies. With a heavy cast-iron frame and turret head, Lyman says its new Turret Press is “the most rugged” on the market. We like the front-mount priming system which can easily be operated with your free hand, whether you mount the press arm on the left or the right. MSRP is $249.95. We expect “street price” to be around $220.00, quite a bit less than the six-station RCBS Turret Press.
Wouldn’t it be cool if you could see a streak of light following your bullets into the target — like a tracer round, but without the fire risk. Now this is a possible with the new STREAK line of “visual ammunition”. STREAK ammo is something completely new — it is NOT a conventional tracer. Instead, it employs a glowing bullet base to create an “illuminated, non-incendiary projectile”. These rounds are fun to shoot, particularly in indoor ranges (where most handgun shooting is done).
STREAK’s patented formulation incorporates a non-flammable phosphor material that utilizes the light emitted during discharging of the round to make STREAK glow. The manufacturer states: “STREAK is not on fire and does not generate heat, therefor making STREAK safe for indoor range use where the illumination is best seen.”
Watch Streak Ammo Fired in Indoor Low-Light Range
Video has loud, annoying music track — you may want to turn down speakers before playback.
STREAK Ammo Popular with Shooters
“STREAK adds a whole new dynamic to target shooting,” said Bren Brown, of the Frontier Justice Range in Kansas City. “Our clients loved it so much that we have decided to do a weekly STREAK Shooting night at our ranges.”
STREAK ball ammunition is currently available in 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP in both red and yellow/green illumination colors. In the near future it will be offered for other pistol and rifle calibers, and with hollowpoint bullet types.
Optimal Conditions for STREAK Ammo Sessions
STREAK ammunition is intended for use in areas free of natural sunlight when the human eye pupil is most open. Dusk-till-dawn and indoor lighting permits the pupil to open enough to see STREAK ammunition. Contrast is what permits you to see a glowing object moving at the speed of a bullet. The darker the backdrop and target the better you’ll see STREAK.
The brand new Ruger Precision Rimfire could become one of 2018’s most popular rifles, if the success of its “big brother”, the centerfire Ruger Precision Rifle, is any indicator. This .22 LR rig offers a turn-key rimfire solution for tactical shooters, PRS competitors, and anyone who likes modular rifles. The Ruger Precision Rimfire rifle offers adjustable cheekpiece and length of pull, AR-style grip, free-floating M-Lok fore-end, and a 18″ barrel (1:16″ twist) that is pre-threaded for brakes or suppressor. You get all this for about $400.00 street price (MSRP is $529.00).
Facebook Photo by Dustin S. who just purchased one. Looks good with optic, bipod, and suppressor.
The Ruger Precision Rimfire .22 LR rifle is so new that no vendor has one in inventory yet. But you CAN pre-order one now for $399.99 from Sportsmans Outdoor Superstore (MSRP: $529.00). For PRS shooters and Ruger Precision Rifle owners, this may be an ideal rimfire cross-trainer, with ergonomics and balance like their centerfire rig. This PRS-style .22 LR rig has some very interesting features, including adjustable bolt throw that lets shooters change from a rimfire 1.5″ bolt throw to a short-action centerfire 3″ bolt throw, reducing the chance of short-stroking your bolt in competition. The Ruger Marksman trigger adjusts from 2.25 to 5.0 pounds.
RUGER PRECISION RIMFIRE Important Features:
Quick-Fit Stock with adjustable cheekpiece and adjustable LOP
18″ barrel, pre-threaded for brakes and Silent-SR® suppressor
Barrel can be removed and replaced easily with AR-style tools
Picatinny scope rail with +30 MOA built-in elevation
Front 15″ free-float M-Lok handguard
Adjustable Trigger 2.25 to 5 pounds
Accepts all Ruger 10/22 magazines
Our recent “Sneak Previews” of new-for-2018 guns and shooting products have been very popular with our readers. Following on that, here are more New Rifles. These eight rifle selections (plus a new stock) were revealed in the 50-Page 2018 New Product Showcase in Shooting Industry Magazine’s January issue. This January Product Showcase, which you can access for free online, features products from 183 companies. And the December 2017 issue unveiled many more. Combined, the two Shooting Industry New Business Year editions have revealed new products from more than 240 brands.
Here we spotlight some of the more interesting New-for-2018 Firearms and Accessories. All these products are found in Shooting Industry’s 2018 New Product Showcase.
New Tactical Rifles from Legacy International
Legacy Sports is offering two new tactical rifles, both well-suited for PRS matches and tac comps. The Lithgow LA105 (top, above) comes in both 6.5 Creedmoor (1:8″) and .308 Win (1:10″) chamberings, with 24″ barrels with Lithgow muzzle brakes. The new Howa Bravo (tan stock above), is offered with 20″, 24″, and 26″ barrels in three chamberings: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win. The Howa 1500 action rides in a KRG Bravo Chassis with adjustable comb and adjustable LOP. We’re please to note this rig accepts AICS mags.
Mossberg MVP Precision — Affordable PRS Factory Class Rifle
The New Mossberg MVP Precision is another rifle targeting the PRS Crowd. It features an all-new chassis with a longer fore-end up front and a fully-adjustable LUTH-AR MBA-3 stock in the back. This should be popular. Every rifle comes with an LBA trigger, and 20″ or 24″ threaded and free-floated medium bull barrels are standard. The action features an oversize bolt handle with a Picatinny rail on top. Available chamberings include the 6.5 Creedmoor (no surprise) and 7.62×51 (.308 Win). Mossberg will also offer combo packages fitted with Vortex Viper HS-T riflescope.
New T1x Rimfire Rifle from Tikka — Plus a Lefty TAC A1
Tikka is introducing a new Rimfire rifle, the Tikka T1x. It features a medium-contour 20″ barrel with threaded muzzle, 10-round detachable magazine, and a smooth bolt throw. This will be offered in Both .22 LR and .17 HMR. The rifle boasts the feel and balance of Tikka’s centerfire line, so this can serve as a nice small-bore option for fans of Tikka hunting rifles. MSRP for the T1X is $499.00.
Tikka will also be introducing a 6.5 Creedmoor version of its popular T3X hunting rifle for 2018, along with a left-hand version of the Tikka TAC A1 Rifle, an impressive modular rig priced at $1999.00 to qualify for PRS factory class. South-paws should be happy.
New Rimfire Rig from Europe — Steyr’s Handsome Zephyr II
Steyr’s new Rimfire rifle, the Zephyr II, is offered in .22 LR, and .22 WMR, and .17 HMR. The Zephyr II features a classic European walnut stock with a Bavarian cheek piece, and nice checkering on the grips and handguard. We think this would make a good carry-around varminter, as we bet the Zephyr has good balance and excellent accuracy (based on our experience with other Steyrs). Zephyr II has a smooth-running action, tang safety, and cold-hammer-forged 19.7-inch barrel. Without scope, the Zephyr II weighs 5.8 lbs., including 5-rd detachable magazine.
AR with Proof Research Carbon Composite Barrels from LWRC International
You can’t have a SHOT Show without some interesting new Black Rifles. LWRC International (LWRCI) will unveil some new AR-platform rifles in interesting chamberings. The smaller IC-DI (AR15) line will be offered .223 Wylde and the impressive .224 Valkyrie chamberings, along with the typical 5.56 NATO. What really caught our eye, however, was the larger AR10-platform REPR model, shown above. This will be available in two new variants: 6.5 Creedmoor (all-steel barrel) and 6.5 Creedmoor with a PROOF Research carbon fiber composite barrel. Weighing just 9 lbs., the PROOF Research model is a full 2.8 lbs. lighter than the standard model. Each features an LWRCI tunable gas block, Monoforge upper receiver with integrated rail-base, and ambidextrous lower receiver controls.
The Grayboe RIDGEBACK is a new stock specifically designed for PRS and tactical-style shooting. The Ridgeback is made of a solid, fiberglass epoxy material and features M-LOK sections built into the fore-end, a bubble level behind the action and an adjustable comb that can be re-positioned easily with one hand. NOTE: This preview shows a CAD rendering; production model may vary slightly.
New Savage 110 Models with Adjustable Stocks
For 2018, Savage’s model 110 line-up boasts higher-quality, user-adjustable stocks. The all-new AccuFit system allows shooters to customize length of pull and comb height. The new AccuStock features a rigid chassis embedded in the stock. Savage has a full line of revamped 110s with these enhanced stocks. For example, the Savage 110 Long Range Hunter shown here features a 26″ barrel with brake, and is offered in six calibers: 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Rem, .308 Win, 300 WSM, and .338 Federal.
How To Carry All These New Rifles…
So how do you hold all these new-for-2018 rifles — and transport them safely back from SHOT Show? Here’s a recently-introduced product that can help — the CaseCruzer Mini 2N2 GunPOD:
We love this thing — it will hold two rifles (up to 35″ OAL) and two handguns, plus mags and a whole lot more — muffs, ammo boxes, you name it. This CaseCruzer Mini 2N2 GunPOD is all you need to transport all your gear to a three-gun match. The case is airline-approved and even has wheels. It ain’t cheap though — MSRP is $535.00. There is also a larger version, the 3N3 GunPod (below) that holds THREE Rifles up to 41″ OAL plus three handguns. Priced at $582.00, the 3N3 holds more but it’s pretty heavy (29 lbs. empty). We like the versatility and sturdiness of these CaseCruzer GunPODs.
Shooting Illustrated Magazine recently announced its annual Golden Bullseye Awards. To be honest, some of the selections were questionable, but one product did stand out — a compact, totable first-aid kit: the Micro Trauma Kit NOW! from Blue Force Gear (BFG).
The handy Micro Trauma Kit NOW! was named “Accessory of the Year” by Shooting Illustrated. Measuring 6″ x 3.5″ x 2″ and weighing just 3.3 ounces, this little kit is easily carried in a cargo pocket or strapped to a belt or pack. We think every shooter and hunter should have something like this. (But you may want to make your own to save money).
Reviewing the Micro Trauma Kit, Shooting Illustrated found it easy to carry and deploy: “Designed for law enforcement, hunters and a citizen’s EDC kit, the trauma kit is easily deployed with a single hand or finger, made easy through the use of the company’s BLIP pull tabs. Once the tabs are pulled, the two main components of the kit separate: the outer pouch [and] the organizer insert.”
Micro Trauma Kit Now!™ Overview
This Trauma Kit comes in two versions. The standard kit includes: hemostatic dressing, 4-inch emergency trauma dressing, six 9″ lengths of medical-grade tape, Tourni-Kwik compression tourniquet, plus a pair of heavy-duty medical gloves.
The advanced fill option includes: QuickClot combat gauze, two HyFin vent chest seals, a Cleer medical trauma bandage 4-inch flat pack, a decompression needle, six 2×9 sections of frog tape, a size 28 nasopharyngeal airway and a pair of medical gloves.”
Good Product, But Pricey — Consider Making Your Own
We think every shooter and hunter should keep a small trauma kit like this in their vehicle or range bag. Much as we like these Blue Force Gear Micro Trauma Kits, we think they are over-priced at $129.00 for the standard version and $200.00 for the advanced fill option. We suggest you inspect the kits on the Blue Force Gear website, and make a list of the contents. Then you can probably create your own similar kits for one third the cost. Amazon sells basic Trauma Kit fill sets for under $25.00. Shown below are the Micro Trauma Kit Advanced Fill Option contents:
Micro Trauma Kit NOW! Supplies for Advanced Fill Option:
Thousands of new products will be on display at SHOT Show 2018, the huge gun industry trade show held each January in Las Vegas. Some of the most highly-anticipated products (such as new Lapua ammo with Berger bullets) have not yet been revealed. However, the SHOT Show Product Planner offers a “sneak peak” at 338 new-for-2018 products. More will come in the weeks ahead. For the time being, however, here are ten interesting new products. Since these are all completely new items, we haven’t been able to test them yet. All product descriptions are provided by the manufacturers. We also spotlighted six other new products in November. CLICK HERE for November Product Preview.
Starline Brass has recently added the 6.5/6mm family of cartridges to their growing line of rifle cases. Starline is now producing 6.5 Creedmoor (available in both Large Primer pocket and Small Primer pocket versions), 6mm Creedmoor, and 6.5 Grendel.
Here is the Ultra HD version of the 2d Gen long range camera system from TargetVision. The LR-2 Ultra HD works the same as the LR-2 model, but the Ultra-HD has enhanced 5 megapixel resolution (2492 X 1944) instead of the standard 1.3 megapixel resolution (1280 X 960). Also the range is reduced from 1 mile to 1200 yards. The LR-2 Ultra HD is a portable, battery-powered, wireless target camera system that can be viewed from a phone or tablet. This target camera has a range of 1200 yards with run time of 12+ hours.
Price: $899.99
The Caracal Enhanced F pistol is a striker-fired, polymer-framed 9mm handgun. It is offered with either standard 3-dot dovetail sights or the acclaimed Quick Sight System, which places both front and rear sights on a single focal plane, enabling the shooter to acquire a much faster sight picture. The Enhanced F pistol has 18+1 capacity and is available in 12 configurations.
Price: $599.00
The PhoneSkope Adaptor lets you record everything you see through your riflescope. Unlike other smartphone adaptors, the PhoneSkope lets the shooter look through the scope normally — through the eyepiece. Your eye and the phone camera view the same image. Record a target string or hunt. The PhoneSkope fits nearly all riflescopes and can adapt to most bolt-action rifles. PhoneSkope also offers adaptors for spotting scopes.
The innovative BipodeXt TAC III increases the stability of any rifle / bipod configuration. Moving the bipod far forward extends the rig’s “wheelbase”, creating a more stable platform. The BipodeXT TAC III mounts to the rifle’s fore-end. Expect less bipod hop, recoil that is more “straight back”, and faster follow-up shots. The BipodeXt’s telescoping 3-tube design is made from carbon fiber and aluminum.
Price: $599
For 2018, Berry’s has upgraded the VersaCradle™ Gun Vise. Star knobs allow you to switch from one configuration to another without tools. With the VersaCradle 360° Ball & Case you can adapt to a shooting rest, multi-use vise, or a stock checkering cradle in seconds. Available C-clamps allow easy mounting to table or bench up to 2” thick. Other accessories include floor stand and table-top base.
Price: $166.24
The new Sicario is a two-piece, integral handgun suppressor that can be quickly detached without tools — use the factory magazine to disassemble the suppressor. The monocore is constructed from anodized 2024T351 aluminum with stainless insert. Alignment is easy with “fast attach 28” thread mount system. This suppressor is offered for all Ruger MK I,II,III,IV pistols as well as Browning Buckmarks, S&W Victory, and Colt Cadet.
Price: $699.99
The GPS M/L Range Bag features an internal foam cradle for 5 medium-sized handguns. The lid is reinforced to provide a stable location for eye and ear protection as well as a space for tools. The front compartment holds 6 magazines and comes with two ammo cups. The bag is made from HD 600 denier material and all stress points are boxed stitched and bar tacked.
Price: $129.00
Convenient, top-loading design loads your rifle from top (like a toaster). The unique, soft-sided hard case won’t scratch your vehicle. Extra-thick foam interior keeps gun protected and secure zipped pocket holds extra shells, cleaning kit, or accessories. This TSA-compliant rifle case features external D-Rings for tie downs or locks, plus a shoulder strap. Size: 49″ L x 4″ D x 11″ H.
Price: $199.99
Mark 7 Revolution™ Reloading Press
Company: Mark 7 Reloading
The first new, automatic reloading press in over 15 years, the Mark 7 Revolution is a modern, computer-controlled, automatic machine capable of loading up to 3,500 rounds/hour. Microprocessor monitored and controlled, the new Mark 7 is fully automated. It features, smooth, gear-based machine movement and 10 stations that can use off-the-shelf reloading dies.
SHOT Business, an NSSF publication, has just revealed a host of new-for-2018 rifles. These new rigs will all be on display at SHOT Show in Las Vegas next month. These new rifles run the gamut — from muzzle-loaders to modern-day Tommy Guns. As you’d expect, there are AR-platform rifles, and modular PRS-type rigs. There is also an interesting new rifle from Savage that looks very Tikka-esque.
SHOT Business reports: “For what seems like a long time now, new rifle introductions at the SHOT Show have been dominated by variations on the AR15/AR10 platform. But times are changing, to paraphrase one of Bob Dylan’s most famous lines. For 2018, we continue to see line extensions to accommodate the 6.5 Creedmoor, but we’re also seeing the emergence of a new trend—dedicated long-range precision sport and hunting rifles. Yes, there are still a few new MSRs that will draw intense interest, but for the first time in a decade, the new rifles at SHOT are a balanced lot.”
Among the many new rifles to debut at SHOT Show 2018, here are three that caught our eye. Savage has upgraded its hunting rifle offerings with adjustable, internal-chassis stocks, Bergara continues to build a good reputation, and Mossberg has rolled out a new modular rifle that could provide stiff competition to Ruger’s popular RPR.
Savage — New Stocks for 110 Series
We are impressed with the New Savage 110 line-up featuring higher-quality, user-adjustable stocks. The all-new AccuFit system/stock allows shooters to customize length of pull and comb height. The new AccuStock features a rigid chassis embedded in the stock. Savage has a full line of revamped 110s with these enhanced stocks. For example, the Savage 110 Storm shown here features a detachable-box magazine, a stainless-steel barrel, and a gray synthetic stock. It is available in many chamberings from .223 Remington to .338 Winchester Magnum. MSRP: $849. Visit SavageArms.com.
Bergara — Upgrades to HMR
The HMR Pro is an upgraded version of the HMR, introduced in 2017. The new-for-2018 HMR Pro includes a Cerakoted stainless action and barrel with a threaded muzzle plus a upgraded TriggerTech trigger. All HMR Pros ship with a “proof of accuracy” sub-MOA target. Available chamberings are: .223 Remington ( 1:8″-twist), .22/250 Remington (1:9″-twist), 6mm and 6.5mm Creedmoor (both 1:8 twist, and .308 Winchester with a 1:10 twist. Weight range: 9.2 to 10.10 pounds. MSRP: $1,695. Visit BergaraUSA.com.
Mossberg T&T — Tactical and Traditional
The MVP Precision looks good. It has all-new chassis with a longer fore-end up front and a fully-adjustable LUTH-AR MBA-3 stock in the back. Every rifle comes with an LBA trigger, and 20″ or 24″ threaded and free-floated medium bull barrels are standard. The action features an oversize bolt handle with a Picatinny rail on top. Available chamberings include the 6.5 Creedmoor (no surprise) and 7.62×51 (.308 Win). Mossberg will also offer combo packages fitted with Vortex Viper HS-T riflescope. Visit Mossberg.com.
For fans of traditional wood-stocked rifles, Mossberg has added the 6.5 Creedmoor chambering to the top-of-the-line Revere model. This rifle features a high-grade European walnut stock with rosewood fore-end tip and grip cap. As you can see in the video above, the Mossberg Revere offers a lot of style and performance for the $823 MSRP.
New Rifles tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Do we really need a new, high-performance .22-caliber cartridge for the AR15 platform (aka MSR 15). Federal thinks so. Federal has introduced a .22-Caliber Hot Rod cartridge — the .224 Valkyrie. Designed to out-perform the .223 Rem and .22 Nosler while still running well in ARs, the new .224 Valkyrie offers excellent long-range performance when loaded with heavy, high-BC bullets.
The performance is impressive. Federal says that, when loaded with a 90-grain Sierra MatchKing bullet, the .224 Valkyrie will stay supersonic all the way to 1300 yards, while offering substantially less recoil than other AR-friendly cartridges such as the 6.5 Grendel.
Here are three videos that give insight into the .224 Valkyrie cartridge and rifle options. We think the two applications that make most sense for this new cartridge are: 1) PRS Gas Gun matches (Open Class) — you get 6mm Creedmoor ballistic performance with much less recoil for faster shot transitions; and 2) Long-Range (400+ yards) varminting — you get performance similar to a 22-250 in a cartridge that works with your existing AR15 lower. That will really help with those long shots on P-dogs.
.224 Valkyrie PRS Gas Gun Demo Run
The new .224 Valkyrie is basically a 6.8 SPC case necked down to .22-caliber. You can use your existing AR15 lower, but you will need a dedicated .224-Valkyrie upper, or at the minimum a new barrel, modified bolt with proper bolt face, and 6.8-compliant mags. In this video, a shooter runs a tactical course using a rig chambered for the .224 Valkyrie. You can see how it functions 100%. This video also provides ballistic comparisons with other “enhanced performance” AR15 cartridges.
.224 Valkyrie vs. .22-250 Remington
The Social Regressive explains: “There are two key reasons why the 224 Valkyrie is unique and desirable. First, it is specifically designed to fit the limitations of the AR-15 platform. It does so even when loaded with gigantic bullets, like the 90-grain SMK that Federal announced. .22-250 Rem is too long and too fat to work in the AR-15 platform; it needs an AR-10 bolt and magazine.”
Image from .224 Valkyrie Video from The Social Regressive, linked below.
“Does this mean that the 22-250 is now outmoded? Not even close. Varminters depend upon its flat trajectory and inherent accuracy. It’s a handloader’s dream cartridge, and the factory ammunition out there works well, too. If, however, you want a semiauto platform or you want to shoot longer distances, .224 Valkyrie looks like it will be the logical choice [with fast twist-rate barrels and high-BC bullets].”
New Savage MSR 15 in .224 Valkyrie
Savage Arms has a new AR15-platform rifle chambered in .224 Valkyrie. This will debut at SHOT Show 2018. The new Savage MSR 15 Valkyrie has some nice features: crisp two-stage trigger, adjustable gas system, and tough Cerakote finish on lower and upper. The 5R-rifled, 18″-long barrel comes from the factory with an effective muzzle brake. MSRP is $1499.00. We wish the barrel was a bit longer (at least 22″), but the adjustable gas system is a nice feature that lets you tune the cycling for your ammo and shooting discipline.
Savage has high hopes for this rifle. With 90gr Federal factory ammo, it produces only half the recoil of larger cartridges with similar long-range performance. Here is a video showing a prototype Savage with a 22-inch barrel. The Ammo was Federal Premium pushing a 90gr SMK at 2680 fps. Note how “calm” the rifle stays on the bags. There is no muzzle lift and rearward recoil is minimal (see 0:10). You could work a varmint field very effectively with this rifle.
Savage MSR 15 Tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Hodgdon has just introduced a versatile new Winchester-brand pistol powder with a clean formulation. WinClean 244 is a modern, Winchester-branded propellant “ideally suited to .38 Special, .45 Auto, and 9mm standard loads.” That means WinClean 244 is designed for moderate pressure target loads. That’s good news for hand-loaders who enjoy target shooting with these popular cartridges.
Hodgdon, which markets Winchester powders, says that new WinClean 244 is consistent, and clean burning with a low flash: “The WinClean formulation reduces copper fouling and residue, extending accuracy for longer shooting periods.” It will be interesting to see if this is noticeably cleaner-burning than other popular powders. In pistol barrels we are actually less concerned with copper fouling than with general “sootiness” and carbon.
With its clean-burning qualities, “shooters are really going to like loading handgun cartridges with this powder” said Tim Vaitekunas, vice president of product development at Hodgdon. WinClean 244 powder, in 1-, 4- and 8-pound canisters, should be in stores in January 2018. Load Data is now available right now on the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center.
This Editor used to compete in Action Pistol matches, so I’ve loaded thousands of rounds of pistol ammunition using a wide variety of pistol propellants. I tend to favor Vihtavuori N310/N320 for .45 ACP, and Alliant powders for 9mm Luger, but it will be interesting to see how WinClean 244 works for these chamberings. Many powders work well for .38 Special loads, but new 244’s low flash could be an advantage there too.
Pistol Showcase — Candidates for WinClean 244
The Sig P210 SuperTarget is a modern 9mm Luger pistol with exceptional accuracy and one of the best out-of-the-box triggers you’ll ever try. Winchester WinClean 244 is suitable for a variety of bullet weights in the 9x19mm (9mm Luger) cartridge.
The 8-shot Smith & Wesson Model 627 Pro is an exceptional revolver that balances well and can shoot 1″ groups at 25 yards with tuned handloads. On this particular Model 627, featured on YouTube, the owner added a Hogue Pau Ferro wood grip, Hogue Extended Cylinder Release, and Wilson Combat trigger spring kit. In this kind of wheelgun, you can shoot moderate .38 Special target rounds loaded with new WinClean 244 powder.
Pierce Engineering Ltd. recently revealed a new prototype action, a jumbo-sized receiver big enough to handle the CheyTacs and other very large magnums. This is good news for K02M and Extreme Long Range (ELR) Competitors, who favor mega-magnum cartridges pushing .375-caliber and larger bullets.
John Pierce says: “It’s been a long time coming, from design to prototype to testing. The Big 10 X is ready. This first test was in .300 Norma…next will be in .375 CheyTac.” Shown is a single-shot receiver. John adds that the “First repeater version should be completed next week. [This is a] dream come true.” This is one beefy action. Sources at Pierce say production versions should weigh roughly 3.75 pounds.
Sorry, we don’t have price or availability yet for the new 10X action. This new 10X receiver isn’t in full production yet. But we expect examples should be available by mid-year 2018. For more information, visit PierceEngineeringltd.com or call (517) 321-5051.
Based in Lansing, Michigan, Pierce Engineering produces a full line of custom rifle actions, including competition actions, tube gun actions, hunting actions, and even ultra-light titanium actions. In addition, Pierce Engineering produces precision accessories, including rails, rings, floor plates, and replacement firing pin assemblies for Rem 700 actions.
Our recent “Sneak Previews” of 
