After Monday’s Media Day at the Range, Tuesday, January 18, 2022 is the official opening of SHOT Show 2022. This is an important “return to normalcy” as SHOT Show 2021 was cancelled due to COVID. While some large companies such as Ruger and SIG Sauer have pulled out of the Show, it will still be a huge event, with over 800,000 square feet of exhibits — an area the size of 14 football fields. Over 50,000 persons are expected to attend the event, which runs through Friday, January 21, 2022.
Download FREE SHOT Show Mobile App
The 2022 SHOT Show Mobile App provides part of the SHOT Show experience even if you can’t be there in Las Vegas. The SHOT Show Mobile App provides SHOT Show video feeds, product-information downloads, real-time show announcements, interactive floor maps, and more. The Mobile App is available for IOS and Android devices, with smartphone and tablet versions. You can also access many of the App’s features from a desktop computer with this WEB LINK to the SHOT Show Desktop Site.
CZ 600 Series Rifles: Range, Alpha, Lux, Ergo, Trail
CZ recently introduced the new CZ 600 line of centerfire rifles. The series includes four unique models, with a variety of stock types, barrel profiles, action lengths, and chamberings. User-friendly CZ 600 features include 60-degree bolt throw, adjustable triggers, and the ability to swap barrels/chamberings using optional conversion kits. The CZ 600 Series includes four brand new models: Alpha, Lux, Trail, and Range.* These are designed for accuracy, modularity, and smooth cycling. Expect CZ 600s at dealers in early 2022.
Controlled-Feed Action with 60° Throw: CZ 600 Rifles have a 60-degree bolt throw. This cycles faster than a 90-degree bolt, with more clearance between bolt and optic, allowing for larger scopes. All CZ 600 models boast an oversized bolt knob for improved control with gloved hands. And the actions have controlled-round-feed. The 2-position safety allows bolt cycling with the safety engaged.
Bergara Premier MGLite Rifle with Carbon-Wrapped Barrel
This new lightweight chassis rifle, was just revealed by Bergara North America. This 6.8-lb rig features a lightweight suppressor-ready carbon wrapped barrel in a modern alloy/composite chassis. Our friend Gavin Gear got his hands on a 6.5 Creedmoor Bergara’s NEW MGLite rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Gavin was impressed. The rifle shot half-inch 3-shot groups with Hornady factory ammo. The bore looked good and the trigger broke at a crisp 3 pounds. Get more details on UltimateReloader.com:
Featuring CURE Carbon barrel technology, this is a step forward for Spanish gun-maker Bergara, though we were a bit shocked at the $3229.00 MSRP. You can buy a very nice custom rifle for that much money.
Nosler Model 21 with Carbon Composite Stock
Nosler’s new Model 21 rifle boasts a crisp, single-stage TriggerTech Field model trigger, with user-adjustable pull weight of 2.5–5 lbs. and top safety. The new Model 21 features a hand-lapped Shilen match-grade barrel with a threaded muzzle. The stock is a synthetic carbon-fiber composite model that is lightweight yet durable. The Model 21 features a spiral-fluted, one-piece, 4340 chromoly steel bolt that is Nitride-coated for smooth operation and corrosion resistance. The Model 21 is available chambered in 22 Nosler, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 26 Nosler, 27 Nosler, 280 Ackley Improved, 28 Nosler, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, 30 Nosler, 33 Nosler and .375 H&H. With its light weight (under 7 lbs. without optics), Nosler’s new Model 21 should be popular with hunters.
Huskemaw — Dial Elevation AND Windage from Same Turret
An interesting riflescope was on display during Media Day at the Range on Monday. This 5-20x50mm Huskemaw Blue Diamond scope offers the ability to dial BOTH windage and elevation from the same central turret. Huskemaw says this is a patented feature which makes their optics unique. We can see that the central windage control offers some advantages in the field, and left-handed shooters will certainly appreciate the central control.
Edgewood Bags — Twisted Gator Bag
Edgewood offers an innovative rear bag with a unique design that provides arm/hand support. The new Edgewood Twisted Gater Bag has an unusual asymmetrical footprint. This provides support for the shooter while still providing superb rear support for your bench rifles. Bag owner Richard L. posted on Facebook: “I called Edgewood and explained what was going on with my current set up. When I said I used a pad for my hand support this bag made the most sense. Really only a few dollars more.” The Twisted Gator is $250.00 with a choice of Cordura or 3M Slick Ear fabrics. Standard ear spacing options are 3/16″, 3/8″, and 3/4″.
Hornady CX Copper Alloy Lead-Free Bullet
For 2022, Hornady has introduced a new CX™ (Copper alloy eXpanding) hunting projectile. This CX bullet is designed to provide outstanding performance when hunting in areas where solid lead or lead-core bullets are prohibited. Hornady states: “The new CX™ bullet from Hornady represents the most advanced monolithic hunting bullet on the market. Its optimized design offers extended range performance, greater accuracy, high weight retention, and deep penetration.” The CX will be available in a number of calibers/bullet weights: 6mm, .25 Cal, 6.5mm, .270 Cal, 7mm, .308, .338, and .375.
RCBS Electronic Powder Scale/Dispensers — ChargeMaster Link and Supreme
On display at RCBS are the latest generation ChargeMaster™ Link and ChargeMaster Supreme. The new Link is built off the rock-solid load cell and electronics found in the popular RCBS ChargeMaster Lite, but now offers best-in-class Bluetooth® technology to make reloading easier than ever. The ChargeMaster Supreme also features Bluetooth as well as “Learning Mode” which uses feedback loop algorithms and automatic adjustments to throw accurate charges faster than ever.
DECKED Piecekeeper Firearm Storage Racks for Vehicles
Piecekeepers securely transport firearms in a DECKED vehicle drawer system. Designed for traditional rifles and shotguns, these are available in two sizes, with three slots (as shown) or two slot for the narrow DECKED drawer sets. The WIDE Piecekeepers are compatible with ALL full-size truck and cargo van drawers. Both versions contact a pair of brackets and cost $75.00.
CCI — Polymer-Coated .22 LR and Lead-free Blazer 9mm Ammo
CCI has introduced new reduced lead rimfire and centerfire ammo. For .22 LR shooters, the CCI Clean-22 Realtree bottles hold 400 rounds of polymer-coated bullets. The polymer coating reduces copper and lead fouling in the barrel, and cuts lead buildup in suppressors 60-80 percent. Handgun owners will appreciate CCI’s new Blazer Brass Lead-Free Clean-Fire Ammo. The bullets contain no lead and the primers are even lead-free. The lead-free Clean-Fire primer and flat-nose, lead-free projectiles are as safe and accurate as traditional FMJ bullets. This way you can train indoors or outdoors without leaving any lead behind on the range or in the air.
Action Target — New Technologies for Indoor Ranges
At SHOT Show Both #12816, Action Target is showcasing some impressive high-tech range equipment, including advanced target retrievers and new Shooting Stalls. The Citadel stalls feature floor-to-ceiling LED lighting and customizable bold materials. This works with Action Target’s smart range AXIS system providing advanced computerized control over lighting levels, color, and target retriever settings.
HunterShield Legal Protection Plan for Hunters (from U.S. LawShield)
U.S. LawShield’s new HunterShield program supplements U.S. LawShield’s regular legal defense coverage. Starting at $13.90 per month, the HunterShield add-on protection features a network of attorneys knowledgeable about wildlife laws throughout the nation. U.S. LawShield’s CEO, P.J. Hermosa, notes: “HunterShield recognizes the fine print, red tape, and confusion surrounding wildlife laws. Even the most experienced hunters and anglers find themselves at risk of unintentionally breaking the law. Without proper legal defense, a violation could cost you more than just time and money. It could cost your rights to ever hunt and fish again.” The U.S. LawShield core plan provides coverage for all legal firearms.
Here is the Capstone booth on Monday evening — nearly ready for the big opening Tuesday morning. We will have reports on new products from Lapua, Berger Bullets, Vihtavuori, and SK. Stay tuned!
Here is the digital version of the SHOT Daily print magazine provided on site at SHOT Show by the NSSF. You can navigate page by page with the left/right white arrows in the gray box below. To quickly scan through the entire 64-page digital magazine, use the slide bar. When you find content you want to read, use the zoom control or click the FULL SCREEN brackets icon at lower right.
NOTE: We will provide additional SHOT Daily journals as they become available. You can find these posted here on the AccurateShooter Daily Bulletin. Or you can visit Shotshow.org/shot-daily.
SHOT Daily Day 1 — 1/18/2022
Here is the feature article found on pages 36-49 of SHOT Daily Day One. This covers a variety of new rifles, pistols, and shotguns making their debut at SHOT Show 2022. To read, click the full screen (brackets) icon in the box above and then zoom to page 36.
This was the first Industry Day at the Range in two years, after the event was cancelled in 2021 due to COVID. Media members were pleased to see the latest guns and optics after a two-year wait. GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce and his colleagues were on hand at the Boulder City, Nevada gun range to test a variety of new firearms first-hand. There were many notable new products, with new rifles, pistols, and optics on display.
Savage Impulse Elite Precision Rifle
There was much interest surrounding Savage’s new straight-pull tactical rifle, the Impulse Elite Precision which will be available in the “spring of 2022″. We recently reported on this new rifle in the Daily Bulletin. True Pearce got his hands on the new rifle at the Savage range booth, and he said the straight-pull action can, with a little practice, definitely increase rifle cycling speed: “It’s much faster to chamber follow-up shots, and stay on target. Even novice shooters can chamber a second shot much faster than with a standard rotating bolt.” Here is his video report:
Watch video starting at 3:00 time-mark to see bolt cycling.
GunsAmerica Digest writer Levi Sims explained the advantages of the Savage’s straight-pull operation: “Normal bolt action guns require you to lift the bolt handle, pull it back, and then push it back forward, and then pull it back down to lock it in place. With modern optics often using larger ocular bells, manufacturers have made an effort to reduce the classic 90° throw to just 60° to allow room for the bolt to move past the bell. The straight-pull action reduces all that movement to simply pulling forward and backward on the bolt handle. The handle swings a few degrees forward and back to lock/unlock, but it has no vertical movement at all. It will likely fit well with all scope designs and mounts.” Retail price for the Savage Impulse Elite Precision is $2619.00. Currently that would not be eligible for Production Class under PRS 2021 Rules.
Savage currently offers the Impulse Elite Precision with seven chamberings: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, .300 PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .338 Lapua Magnum. The four smaller chamberings have 26″ barrels while the .300 PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .338 LM have 30″ barrels.
New Tisa PX-9 Gen III Pistol
GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce tested a number of handguns on Monday. One of his favorites, based on “bang for the buck”, was the new Tisa PX-9 Gen III 9mm pistol.
GunsAmerica Digest staffer Jordan Michaels reported that the PX-9 performed well: “Most importantly, the gun shoots. GunsAmerica editor True Pearce was impressed with the gun’s ergonomics and the quality trigger. It’s a real pleasure to shoot, and it reminded us of the H&K VP9 and the SIG P320.”
This modern pistol is made in Turkey. There are many options: “The PX9 Gen III comes in three different configurations: the Duty, the Duty Threaded, and the Tactical Threaded. The MSRP varies by configuration ($500-$600), but all three are chambered in 9mm and come with a slide cut for RMR-footprint optics. All three ship with 18 and 20-round magazines[.] The PX-9 comes with a removable flared mag well, and interchangeable side and back grip panels. With three options for each panel, the PX-9 offers 27 different grip combinations to fit any size hands.”
The NSSF, sponsor of SHOT Show, had its own hosts Angela Blair and David Lombardo at the Industry Day at the Range 2022. This initial report is pretty superficial, but you can see some of the new guns in the first 5 minutes of this 23 minute video. After that the video includes some interviews as well as pre-recorded product features.
Sometimes smaller is better — at least when a more compact cartridge than the 9mm Luger (9x19mm) still packs the punch of the larger round.
Brand New Pistol Cartridge for Carry Guns
Federal has just released an all-new pistol cartridge, the 30 Super Carry. Designed expressly for CCW and personal defense applications, this new 30 Super Carry cartridge packs the punch of a 9mm Luger round (9x19mm), with a smaller casing, so you can fit more rounds in a magazine. A pistol that holds 10 rounds of 9mm Luger ammo can hold at least 12 rounds of 9mm Super Carry ammo. That’s a 20% increase in capacity.
In a defensive situation, that extra two rounds could make a difference. But importantly, the 30 Super Carry is not a weak round. You don’t give up stopping power or penetration when compared to the classic 9mm Luger cartridge. In Federal’s tests, penetration through heavy clothing was actually BETTER with the 30 Super Carry than the 9mm Luger (15.5″ vs. 14.5″). NOTE: The actual 30 Super Carry bullet diameter is 0.312″, slightly fatter than a “30 caliber” rifle bullet (0.308″).
Worthy Replacement to 9mm Luger?
Is this a useful alternative to the 9mm Luger? It depends. The new 30 Super Carry is definitely more effective than the .380 ACP so it beats that alternative. And velocity is actually higher than the 9mm Luger mainly because the 30 Super Carry shoots a lighter bullet — 100 grains vs. the typical 115-125 grain 9mm bullet. For many the key appeal of the new cartridge is the ability to carry more rounds OR carry the same number of rounds with a lower overall weight.
Federal’s New 30 Super Carry is 13% smaller than a 9x19mm, with very similar ballistics
Watch video for ballistics information and cartridge diagrams.
30 Super Carry Questions and Answers
How is the 30 Super Carry’s felt recoil compared to the 9mm Luger?
Recoil, flash and sound report provide a very similar shooting experience to 9mm Luger
How do the 30 Super Carry’s velocity and energy compare to 9mm Luger?
They are extremely similar. The 100-grain 30 Super Carry HST carries 347 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle and has a velocity of 1250 fps; the 124-grain 9mm Luger HST has 364 foot-pounds of energy and a muzzle velocity of 1150 fps.
Do I need a different firearm to shoot the 30 Super Carry?
Yes, you need a firearm chambered for 30 Super Carry. Currently, Smith & Wesson and Nighthawk Custom offer these platforms.
How does the 30 Super Carry differ from older cartridges such as the 7.65×21 Parabellum, 7.65×20mm Longue, 32 Auto and others?
While there might be some coincidental similarities, the 30 Super Carry was fully developed from the ground up with no parent cartridge. Utilizing modern materials and designs, it provides vastly superior performance to seemingly similar historic cartridges.
What kind of accuracy can I expect from the 30 Super Carry?
The cartridge has proven to be an exceptionally accurate round, typically exceeding the accuracy of other popular carry cartridges.
NOTE: These answers are provided by Federal, the ammunition manufacturer.
Currently there are Smith & Wesson and Nighthawk Custom pistols factory-chambered for the new 30 Super Carry cartridge. If this round catches on, expect to see Glock, Ruger, and SIG offer this chambering.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has released its Competition Games schedule for 2022. These events feature rifle and pistol matches designed for experienced competitors as well as novice shooters. All Competition Games will include both rifle and pistol matches. CLICK HERE for full details on all the 2022 CMP Games, including event lists, policies, and registration details.
2022 CMP Games Schedule:
• March 11-20 – Western CMP Games & CMP HP Rifle Matches, Phoenix, Arizona
• April 22-May 1– Eastern CMP Games & CMP HP Rifle Matches, Camp Butner, North Carolina
• June 8-12 – Talladega D-Day Matches, Talladega, Alabama
• Sept. 18-25 – New England CMP Games & CMP HP Rifle Matches, Jericho, Vermont
• Oct. 16-23 – Oklahoma CMP Games & CMP HP Rifle Matches, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
On the rifle side, the lineup of modern and vintage rifle events include M1 Garand, Springfield, Rimfire Sporter, Carbine and Vintage Sniper Matches. A Rifle Marksmanship 101 course allows participants to explore the fundamentals of secure rifle handling. Another educational opportunity is the GSM (Garand-Springfield-Vintage Military Rifle) New Shooter Clinic, which provides individuals an inside look at competing in CMP Games events. CMP Armorers will be on hand and will hold an M1 Garand Maintenance Clinic. All rifle competitions will be fired on CMP Targets, a user-friendly electronic target system that instantly displays shot placement and eliminates the need for pit duty — allowing for quicker matches.
Other rifle events will include: 4-Man Team Match, EIC Rifle Match and three days of 80-Shot events. The CMP Highpower Team will also put on a shooting clinic with demonstrations by top civilian Highpower service rifle competitors.
CMP pistol matches at the Games will include: CMP Match Pistol 2700, EIC Service Pistol, .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC, Military & Police Service Pistol and 1911 As-Issued Pistol matches. A Pistol Marksmanship 101 course, led by certified CMP instructors and leaders in the field today, offers an educational option for competitors on and off of the firing line.
For more details about the 2022 CMP Games, including Registration Information and a detailed description of each Games event, visit the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-travel-games.
Every month, GunGenius.com publishes a Top Selling Report. This reveals the Best Selling Guns for each category of firearms sold on GunBroker.com. This culminates in a GunGenius year-end report on the Top Selling Firearms of the Year in multiple categories, both new and used. As a special Feature, GunGenius now offers the Top 21 of 2022 for each category. In addition, GunGenius has Top 10 lists for specific types of firearms — rifles, handguns, and shotguns:
Here are the overall listings — the Top 21 among all gun types:
Top 10 Best-Selling Bolt-Action Rifles of 2021
We know most of our readers favor very accurate bolt-action rifles. In 2021, on Gunbroker.com, the Top 10 best-selling bolt-action rifles were, in order:
1. Ruger American Rifle
2. Tikka T3x
3. Savage Arms 10/110
4. Ruger Precision Rifle
5. Ruger Precision Rimfire
6. Bergara B-14
7. CZ-USA 457
8. Savage Arms Axis
9. Ruger American Rimfire
10. Remington 700
This video compares the top-selling Ruger American Rifle with second-ranked Tikka T3x:
The popular CZ 457, ranked #7 overall, is offered in various different configurations, including metal chassis and carbon-stocked versions. Here’s a field test.
CZ-USA 457 Varmint Precision Trainer and Chassis Models
Buying a Handgun? See What Others Choose
Looking to acquire a handgun for personal protection of home and family? There are countless options on the market. Your buying decision may be simplified by seeing what other consumers have chosen, as revealed by nationwide sales trends. You can check firearms sales figures using “Gun Genius”, a new data-crunching service of Gunbroker.com. On GunGenius.com you can select any type of firearm (handgun, rifle, shotgun) and see the top sellers for that category.
Along with pistols and revolvers as shown above, there are separate categories for: semi-auto rifles, bolt-action rifles, lever-action rifles, single-shot rifles, pump rifles, semi-auto shotguns, pump shotguns, over-and-under shotguns and more. You can also filter for sales trends (upwards and downwards). Drill down to see detailed product specifications and current prices.
Do you find that the crosshairs in your scope get blurry after a while, or that you experience eye strain during a match? This is normal, particularly as you get older. Focusing intensely on your target (through the scope or over iron sights) for an extended period of time can cause eye strain. Thankfully, there are things you can do to reduce eye fatigue. For one — breathe deeper to take in more oxygen. Secondly, give your eyes a break between shots, looking away from the scope or sights.
In our Forum there is an interesting thread about vision and eye fatigue. One Forum member observed: “I have noticed recently that if I linger on the target for too long the crosshairs begin to blur and the whole image gradually darkens as if a cloud passed over the sun. I do wear contacts and wonder if that’s the problem. Anyone else experienced this? — Tommy”
Forum members advised Tommy to relax and breath deep. Increase oxygen intake and also move the eyes off the target for a bit. Closing the eyes briefly between shots can also relieve eye strain. Tommy found this improved the situation.
Phil H. explained: “Tom — Our eyes are tremendous oxygen hogs. What you are witnessing is caused by lack of oxygen. When this happens, get off the sights, stare at the grass (most people’s eyes find the color green relaxing), breath, then get back on the rifle. Working on your cardio can help immensely. Worked for me when I shot Palma. Those aperture sights were a bear! The better my cardio got the better and longer I could see. Same thing with scopes. Try it!”
Keith G. noted: “Make sure you are still breathing… [your condition] sounds similar to the symptoms of holding one’s breath.”
Watercam concurred: “+1 on breathing. Take a long slow deep breath, exhale and break shot. Also make sure you take a moment to look at the horizon without looking through rifle or spotting scope once in a while to fight fatigue. Same thing happens when using iron sights.”
Arizona shooter Scott Harris offered this advice: “To some extent, [blurring vision] happens to anyone staring at something for a long time. I try to keep vision crisp by getting the shot off in a timely fashion or close the eyes briefly to refresh them. Also keep moisturized and protect against wind with wrap-around glasses”.
Breathing Better and Relaxing the Eyes Really Worked…
Tommy, the shooter with the eye problem, said his vision improved after he worked on his breathing and gave his eyes a rest between shots: “Thanks guys. These techniques shrunk my group just a bit and every little bit helps.”
Read more tips on reducing eye fatigue in our Forum Thread: That Vision Thing.
To avoid eye fatigue, take your eyes away from the scope between shots, and look at something nearby (or even close your eyes briefly). Also work on your breathing and don’t hold your breath too long — that robs your system of oxygen.
Say what? Savage makes a bolt-action pistol similar to a Remington XP100? Yes, Savage Arms has entered the bolt-action pistol business with a new bolt-action pistol for hunters. The new bolt-action hunting rig, the Savage 110 PCS (Pistol Chassis System) boasts a short MDT chassis and comes with five chambering choices: .223 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 AAC Blackout, .308 Win, and .350 Legend.
NEW Savage 110 PCS Pistol The new Savage Arms 110 PCS bolt-action pistol features a Savage model 110 blueprinted action secured in a one-piece aluminum chassis from Modular Driven Technologies (MDT). The 110 PCS features a 10.5″ barrel, a user-adjustable AccuTrigger (2.5-6 lbs.), and AICS-style detachable box magazine. Initially the 110 PS will be offered in five (5) chamberings: .223 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 AAC Blackout, .308 Winchester, and .350 Legend. We wish Savage offered this in a 6mmBR and 20 Practical chambering — that would provide more desirable options for varmint work. Overall length is 21.5″ and weight (before optics) is 5.625 pounds. MSRP is $999.00.
For better ergonomics, this rig has a left-hand bolt with right-side eject. The short MDT chassis has some nice features. It can fit most any AR15-compatible grip. And the 7″ Cerakoted modular fore-end boasts MLOK slots.
Savage is promoting the new 110 PCS as a hunting rig. The key advantage of a bolt-action pistol to a hunter is that the carry weight is much lower than typical rifles, but the gun can still shoot a potent rifle cartridge such as .308 Win.
SHOT Show 2022 is one week away. The 2022 event kicks off with Media Day at the Range on Monday, January 17, 2022. Then the indoor event runs Tuesday the 18th through Friday the 21st. There will be over 2300 exhibitors from all 50 states and 78 nations. This year will see the biggest show ever in terms of floor space. SHOT Show occupies TWO large exhibit halls in 2022 — the Venetian Expo and the brand new Caesars Forum. Total exhibit space for the 2022 show in these two venues is more than 800,000 net square feet — equivalent to more than 18 acres (about 14 football field). And with these twin halls, SHOT Show boasts 13.9 miles of aisles!
SHOT Show FACTS AND FIGURES
– The “SHOT” in SHOT® Show stands for Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade.
— SHOT Show 2022 will have 800,000 square feet of Exhibit Space with 13.9 MILES of Aisles. The floor space is equivalent to 14 football fields.
— 2022 SHOT Show will have more than 2,300 exhibitors, including the Suppliers Showcase.
— More than 55,000 professionals in the shooting, hunting, outdoors and law enforcement industry are expected to attend, along with 2000+ media members.
— Firearms and ammunition are a $7.1 billion industry. The total economic impact of the gun/ammo/hunting industry is more than $63 billion, which supports more than 342,000 jobs.
— SHOT Show generates millions of dollars in revenue to fund NSSF programs including Firearms Training programs, Project ChildSafe, National Shooting Sports Month, and the +ONE mentoring initiative.
— This is the 44th Annual SHOT Show and the 23rd in Las Vegas. The first SHOT Show was in 1979 in St. Louis, Missouri. The 2021 show was virtual due to the pandemic. Las Vegas has been home to the show continuously since 2010.
Biggest SHOT Show Ever — 800,000 Square Feet of Products
Based on current bookings, SHOT Show 2022 will encompass over 800,000 net square feet. To put it into perspective, the largest SHOT Show on record, the 2008 event, encompassed 714,000 net square feet at the Las Vegas Convention Center. That year outdoor tents needed to be added to fill overflow exhibit space. You can view the 2022 SHOT Show layout here:
Click image for full floor-plan with Level 1, Level 2, and Supplier Showcase.
Before you load that nice new cartridge brass for the first time, run an expander mandrel down the case necks. This will iron out dents and provide more uniform neck tension. Chose a mandrel diameter that provides appropriate neck tension.
Lapua brass is so good that you’ll be tempted to just load and shoot, if you have a “no-turn” chamber. However, some minimal case prep will ensure more uniform neck tension. Keeping your neck tension very uniform allows more consistent bullet seating. That, in turn, usually yields better accuracy, and lower Extreme Spread and Standard Deviation (ES/SD). Lapua brass, particularly 6mmBR, 6.5×47, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win comes from the factory with tighter-than-optimal necks. Before you seat bullets, at a minimum, you should inside chamfer the case mouths, after running an expander mandrel down the necks. The expander mandrels from both Sinclair Int’l and K&M will both leave the necks with enough neck tension (more than .001″) so you can then seat bullets without another operation. We suggest putting a bit of lube on the mandrel before running it down the necks — but remove any lube that gets inside the necks before seating bullets.
Both Sinclair and K&M Tools make a die body specifically to hold expander mandrels. The Sinclair version, is shown above. This $32.99 unit fits caliber-specific expander mandrels ($9.99) which measure approximately .001″ less than bullet diameter for each caliber. This is an updated “Gen II” design that completely captures the mandrel within the die so the mandrel cannot pull out. It also has an O-ring in the die cap that allows the mandrel to self-center within the case neck. Sinclair now offers three sizes of die bodies for expander mandrels: .17 -.338 Caliber (#749-011-715WS); .357 – .50 caliber (#749-008-843WS), and a special .50 Cal die body for large-diameter 50 BMG presses (#749-009-163WS, $39.99). All Generation II dies are machined from stainless steel and the standard diameter 7/8-14 dies include the Sinclair Stainless Steel Split Lock Ring.
Once you run the Sinclair expander mandrel down the necks of Lapua brass, after you account for brass spring-back, you’ll have about .002″ neck tension*. This will make the process of seating bullets go much more smoothly, and you will also iron out any dents in the case mouths. Once the case mouths are all expanded, and uniformly round, then do your inside neck chamfering/deburring. The same expander mandrels can be used to “neck-up” smaller diameter brass, or prepare brass for neck-turning.
Forum member Mike Crawford adds: “These expanders can also reduce runout from offset seating. Prior to bullet seating, expand the sized necks to force thickness variance outward. With the Sinclair system, the necks will springback fine, and will not be pulled out of center. This leaves plenty of tension, and bullets seated more centered. I do this, even with turned necks, to get improved seating.”
Mandrels vs. Expander Balls on Decapping Rods
If you haven’t acquired an appropriate expander mandrel for your brass, but you DO have a full-length sizing die with an expander ball, this will also function to “iron out” the necks and reduce tension. However, using a die with an expander ball will work the necks more — since you first size them down, then the ball expands them up again. Typically (but not always), run-out is worse when using an expander ball vs. an expander mandrel.
* This .002″ tension is what we have observed with Lapua 6mmBR, 6.5×47, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win brass. This might vary with much smaller or larger cases, and of course a different brand of brass might yield different results. If you get too little tension with your current mandrel, you can get a smaller-diameter mandrel from 21st Century Shooting. 21st Century even offers low-friction Titanium Nitride-coated mandrels.
The new Savage Arms 110 PCS bolt-action pistol features a Savage model 110 blueprinted action secured in a one-piece aluminum chassis from Modular Driven Technologies (MDT). The 110 PCS features a 10.5″ barrel, a user-adjustable AccuTrigger (2.5-6 lbs.), and AICS-style detachable box magazine. Initially the 110 PS will be offered in five (5) chamberings: .223 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 AAC Blackout, .308 Winchester, and .350 Legend. We wish Savage offered this in a 6mmBR and 20 Practical chambering — that would provide more desirable options for varmint work. Overall length is 21.5″ and weight (before optics) is 5.625 pounds. MSRP is $999.00.
– The “SHOT” in SHOT® Show stands for Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade.
