Reloading components are in short supply these days, particularly powder and primers. But primers may be the biggest challenge these days — finding them may seem like a Quest for the Holy Grail. That’s a big problem for handloaders. You may be able to find substitutes for your favorite powder and bullets, but if you don’t have primers, you can’t even get started.
To locate primers these days, you must consider ALL possible sources: local gunshops, local private sales, sale tables at shooting club meetings, gun/hunting forum classifieds, large outdoor stores, and mail-order vendors. Then yes, worst case scenario, look at the auction sites such as GunBroker.
You need to be looking at multiple places — local vendors, gun clubs, big retailers such as Cabela’s and Sportsman’s Warehouse. And get creative — talk to shooting buddies, check for estate sales.
Consider all Possible Sources — Not Just Online Vendors
The guys who are scoring primers these days are resorting to old-fashioned methods — visiting small, mom-and-pop gunstores, checking local estate sales, and “networking” with local shooting club members. First, if you are not a member of a local shooting club, you should join for a multitude of reasons. We recently acquired some powder at a local shooting club meeting, exchanging some H4198 for Hodgdon Varget straight across. A Forum member recently scored both powders and primers at the estate sale of a shooting club member.
For the best chance of success, regularly check 6-10 brick-and-mortar locations in your region. One good way to do this is by combining forces with shooting buddies. Get together with 3 or 4 guys and collectively scout ALL the local gunshops and outdoor stores with shooting supplies. You CAN get lucky. For example, we regularly check a small gunstore in a nearby mall. Just last week we were able to find CCI pistol primers! Yes, deliveries are happening, you just need to check. And check often.
How to Find Primers — SEVEN STRATEGIES
1. Make a list of ALL local gunshops and outdoor supply stores within a 70-mile radius. Call them on a regular basis.
2. Join a local shooting club. Attend meetings where you can sell/exchange products. (We recently exchanged pistol primers for rifle primers we needed).
3. Join local/regional gun forums. You may find listings for “face-to-face” transactions where you can buy/exchange primers. Our AccurateShooter Forum also has a thread on Where to Find Primers.
4. Bookmark multiple vendor websites and check daily (we provide a list below).
5. Combine resources with some shooting buddies. Get together with 3 or 4 guys and collectively scout ALL the local gunshops and outdoor stores with shooting supplies. Assign each guy a different “territory” (perhaps close to his work locations).
6. Search your garage and storage areas. This Editor recently found 5000 Winchester Small Pistol Primers in an unopened box. These were left over from his IDPA and 3-gun days, years ago.
7. Consider APS Primers. CCI sells APS primers pre-loaded in plastic strips. These can still be found gathering dust in some shops. You can remove the primers from the strips, or simply buy an APS priming tool and use them as intended.
Online Vendors for Primers
Here are leading online retailers that sell primers (along with other reloading components). NOTE: Most of these vendors are sold out of most primers most of the time (as of 1/21/21). However, you should check regularly. Persistence will pay off, eventually. Primer shipments DO arrive, they just sell out fast.
Best Strategy for Online Primer Purchasing (Not Auctions)
With these (and other) online vendors, you need to check “early and often”. Primers may arrive and sell out in a matter of minutes. You should bookmark multiple sources and check them multiple times each week.
The primer shortage has been worsened by dramatically reduced imports of Russian primers.
Last Word — About Online Auctions for Primers
We are seeing persons selling primers at crazy high prices ($200/1000!) via online auctions at Gunbroker and elsewhere. Be careful… very careful. Primers are a HAZMAT product. They may ONLY be shipped legally by Hazmat-certified businesses. Some of the Auction sellers are not HAZMAT-certified. If your primer shipment is seized or not delivered because the seller was not properly certified, don’t expect to get your money back.
Did you know you can damage your hearing even if you are wearing the best hearing protection available? Well, have you ever heard of concussion (or concussive) hearing loss? There is no amount of anything you can put in or over your ears to protect you from concussion loss. My audiologist explained to me the concussion comes through the facial bone structure and damages the ear’s tiny bones.
Editor’s NOTE: This a very important article that explains how you can suffer inner ear damage and hearing loss even if you use quality earplugs and/or muffs. Read that again — hearing loss even with typical hearing protection. This kind of concussive hearing loss can result from shooting with muzzle brakes in confined spaces. Using a suppressor (aka sound moderator) can reduce the risk of concussive hearing loss. You may not have the ability to use a suppressor, but this article explains how you should be more mindful of your hearing.
Why I Use a Suppressor (Preventing Concussive Hearing Loss)
It must have been the road noise. I thought I was having a hard time hearing my five year old daughter speaking to me on my cell phone because of the road noise. That old SUV was kind of loud inside. Until I switched the phone to my left ear and suddenly I could hear her just fine. Wait, what just happened? I moved the phone back to the right ear and there was that muffled voice again. That’s when I knew I had a problem.
“What?” Lots of us in the shooting community have lost some hearing along the way due to our time on the range or in the field. Those of us who hunt have certainly discharged a firearm or three without ear protection and without concern for our hearing. After all, it’s just one shot, right? How much can it hurt?
Actually, that one shot DOES hurt your hearing. Any sound over 140 dB is immediate hearing loss. It just happens to be killing a small amount of our hearing so most of us continued the practice without a care. Living with hearing loss now makes me wish I could go back 20 years and better protect my hearing. I can’t change what I did in the past, but going forward I can certainly do the most to protect the hearing I still have.
I decided to shoot about a year’s worth of matches with just braked rifles. That year is when I lost significant hearing in my right ear and some in the left. I’ve gone back to shooting only suppressed rifles whenever possible.
I shot my first suppressed firearm, a .22 LR pistol, in 2003. After a few rounds I wondered why everyone (who can do so legally) didn’t shoot suppressed? No one drives without a muffler. Why would you? Point is I immediately appreciated the hearing protection benefits of suppressors. That passion got me into the business of selling suppressors and it wasn’t long before I was one of the biggest retailers for companies like AAC, SWR, SilencerCo, Ops Inc. and others. [Editor: The author’s business, Accurate Ordnance, no longer sells suppressors. So this article is NOT a sales pitch. Mark just wanted to share his experience so others might protect their hearing.]
Did you know you can damage your hearing even if you are wearing the best hearing protection available? You’ve heard guys say, “I’ll wear plugs and muffs, so I’ll be just fine shooting that .50 BMG!” Well, ever heard of concussion (or concussive) hearing loss? Yeah, I hadn’t either. I’ll sum it up the way the last audiologist I spoke with about my hearing loss did – there is no amount of anything you can put in or over your ears to protect you from concussion loss.
A hand grenade went off right next to a buddy of mine. He lost some hearing as a result of the blast. No one is really surprised by that. I mean it is an EXPLOSION. It’s loud. Duh. But I had no idea the blast from a muzzle brake could basically hurt my hearing the same way. The doctor explained to me the concussion comes through the facial bone structure and damages the ear’s tiny bones. Same thing as what can happen through any TBI (traumatic brain injury).
I’ve owned quite a few different suppressors over the years and have shot just about everything out there. I’m still as big a fan as ever. However, I wanted to see if using a suppressor in PRS (Precision Rifle Series) and similar matches was actually a hindrance. Some people feel the added length and weight of a suppressor can make getting into some shooting positions slower or problematic. So I decided to shoot about a year with a muzzle brake instead of a suppressor. I sure regret that decision…
Getting Headaches at PRS Matches Was Warning Sign
It is fairly common in PRS matches to shoot through pipes, vehicles, inside “shoot houses” and around other obstacles that echo a rifle’s blast. I noticed I was starting to get headaches about halfway through a day of PRS match shooting. I knew the issue wasn’t hydration. I mean look, if you are peeing every other stage down at the amazing CORE range facility in mid-summer you are NOT dehydrated. So, what was causing the headaches? It wasn’t until I went back to shooting suppressed in those same environments that it became clear the little mini concussions from that muzzle brake was causing my headaches. And of course the doctors confirmed that.
Let me stop here and say I am NOT anti-brake. Muzzle brakes are useful tools and for some situations are the best tools. An aggressive brake can be more effective at reducing recoil than a good suppressor. A suppressor does add some recoil reduction, just not as much as most quality brakes. Don’t forget to factor other variables, such as caliber and rifle weight, into the equation though. For example, a 15-lb 6mm Creedmoor rifle doesn’t need much recoil reduction in the first place.
So, I started shooting matches long before the PRS even existed and always shot suppressed in those days. The suppressors made communication with a partner or RO easier and it was just a more pleasant shooting experience. On the recommendations of a few people I decided to shoot about a year’s worth of matches with just braked rifles. That year is when I lost significant hearing in my right ear and some in the left. I’ve gone back to shooting only suppressed rifles whenever possible and especially at matches. I’ve only once or twice found the extra length of the suppressor made it a little more inconvenient to run a stage, but not by much. Trust me, the points I missed were not because I took two extra seconds getting the muzzle in a port or window.
My hearing is something I value and will do everything to protect from this point forward. You’ll never again see me on a match field with an un-suppressed rifle. To me the minimal gains of running a braked rifle aren’t worth losing more hearing.
Choosing a Suppressor — What to Consider
Okay, so I have hearing loss that I can’t get back and realize I need to go back to shooting matches with a suppressor. But which one? I’ll still be shooting matches with custom fit plugs so I just need something to add a little recoil reduction and kill that concussion.
At our shop, Accurate Ordnance, we generally recommend direct-thread suppressor solutions to our customers. The main reason for that is all the problems we’ve seen with other fast-attach muzzle devices. It doesn’t take much tolerance stacking to result in accuracy issues. There are a few exceptions for us and the Rugged Suppressors products top the list. Since the Razor 762 uses a muzzle brake adapter on the rifle to attach the suppressor, I can use the same suppressor on my .223 Rem training rifle. My primary match rifles are chambered in 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor and the muzzle threads on those is a standard 5/8×24. My .223 Rem training rifle has .5×28 threads on the muzzle, which is standard for that caliber. Thus, the muzzle adapter interface lets me share the suppressors between all the rifles. And on that .223 Rem training rifle I have the option of switching the end cap on any of the Rugged products to a .223 aperture size, which makes the suppressors slightly more sound efficient (meaning quieter).
If this were a normal year, our team would be reporting from SHOT Show in Las Vegas right now. But the COVID-19 Pandemic changed all that. There is no SHOT Show 2021. However, the organizers of SHOT Show have created a virtual gallery of new products, SHOT Show “On Demand”. We scanned through over 500 new products to create this selection of 14 “new and notable” products. There are new optics from March, Zeiss, Leica, and Athlon, new bullets from Berger, new rifles from Howa and Ruger, plus additional products for hunters and long range shooters.
1. Berger .25 Caliber Long Range Hybrid Target Bullet
Berger’s new .25 Caliber 135 grain Long Range Hybrid Target bullet is the latest projectile offering in the highly-anticipated Long Range Hybrid Target (LRHT) product line. The new .25 Cal LRHT boasts a high BC, jump-tolerant hybrid ogive profile that is Doppler Radar-verified with less than 1% BC variation.
The 25s are ideal for many of today’s PRS and NRL disciplines that reach out to 1,000 yards and beyond. They are tailored for cartridges such as the .25 Creedmoor, 25-06 Remington, along with several wildcat cartridges popular among competitive shooters. The 135s require 1:8″ twist or faster. Use Berger’s Twist Rate Calculator and determine the optimal twist rate.
This Video Explains the Features of Berger LR Hybrid Target Bullets:
2. March 1-10x24mm Dual Reticle Riflescope — FFP and SFP
The new March 1-10×24mm Shorty is a revolutionary compact scope. The innovative Dual Reticle design boasts the advantages of both First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticles.
This scope has the convenience of a FFP reticle which scales precisely with changes of magnification. But the scope also boasts the usability of a SFP reticle with constant line thickness as the magnification changes. Placing the bright fiber dot in the Second Focal Plane ensures that the illuminated dot is effective across the entire magnification range.
This a great scope for hunters. It weighs just 17.8 ounces and is just 8.4 inches overall. With a true 1X power option, it can be used to scan rapidly with both eyes open. But with its 10-fold zoom ratio, it can also be used for long range shots requiring precision aiming. MSRP is $2750.00.
3. Kestrel 5700X Elite Weather Meter, Applied Ballistics + LiNK
The Kestrel 5700X Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics and LiNK offers the accuracy and reliability as the industry “gold standard” 5700 Elite. But the 5700X packs more performance power to deliver faster firing solutions for multiple targets at extreme long-ranges. This allows shooters to hit long-distance targets faster than ever before. With an upgraded processor that is more powerful and faster than the 5700 Elite, the 5700X provides quicker targeting data for extreme long-range targets. For security, the adjustable Bluetooth® Low Energy signal can be dialed from full power to off position to minimize Bluetooth® range detectability. MSRP is $849.00.
4. Leica Amplus 6 Scope with 6X Zoom Ratio
Leica Sport Optics has introduced a premium riflescope line — the Leica Amplus 6 series. These 30mm tube scopes feature illuminated reticles and a broad, 6X zoom ratio. According to Leica: “The Amplus 6 combines the proven Leica DNA in a universal riflescope with 6X zoom. Leica Amplus 6 balances premium optical performance with rugged features and is complimented by the extremely sharp illuminated dot, 6x zoom, large exit pupil and wide field of view.” Leica promises “color-neutral images with brilliant color correction” along with tough construction. The Amplus 6 is offered in 1-10x24mm, 2.5-15x50mm, and 2.5-15x56mm models. CLICK HERE for product details.
5. Ruger Precision Rifle — Custom Shop Model
The Ruger Precision® Rifle chambered in 6mm Creedmoor is the newest addition to the Ruger Custom Shop® line of firearms. Designed in collaboration with Team Ruger Captain Doug Koenig, and featuring a factory-installed TriggerTech trigger with Frictionless Release Technology, this new model builds upon the already competitive Ruger Precision Rifle to deliver a factory-built firearm specifically designed for long-range competition. MSRP is $2399.00. This is an interesting rifle, but we think for the money we would look at a semi-custom. Get a nice barreled action and drop it in a good chassis stock.
Zeiss Sports Optics has just unveiled ZEISS DTI 3/35, its first thermal imaging camera specifically developed for hunting. The thermal imaging camera combines a high-resolution display with a balanced, ergonomic design. Thanks to the ErgoControl arrangement of the control buttons and the device’s specially-shaped design, the ZEISS DTI 3/35 is intuitive to use. The buttons are arranged so that they can be engaged quickly and accurately with gloved hands even when it is dark and cold. Even the high-precision manual zoom is designed work easily in the dark. The DTI 3/35 also offers precise magnification adjustments in 0.5x increments for the digital 1.0-4.0x zoom. This allows the user to quickly switch zoom levels, making it easier to find and then zoom in to identify game in the dark.
Spotting scopes continue to evolve, with high-end performance now being offered in more affordable units. The new Athlon Ares 20-60x85mm G2 is an example. This offers Ultra-High-Definition (UHD) glass plus a big 85mm objective — with a modest $799.99 price. This Athlon spotting scope has features found on top-of-the-line spotters, such as a full-diameter focus ring. Athlon says that for “a precision shooter spotting impacts at 1,000 yards, the extra-low-dispersion glass provides vivid clarity and resolution[.]” Note: The new Ares G2 20-60×85mm ships with a 3X zoom ratio 20-60 power eyepiece, but it can also accept an optional 28X fixed-power eyepiece with ranging reticle. Street price is $799.99 on Amazon.
8. Surelock Security Company — The Boss Giant Gunsafe
We know lots of our readers have gun collections that push the limits of their current gun safe. What you may need is the giant-capacity Boss Gunsafe from Surelock Security. This huge (59″ H x 55″ W x 28″ D) gunvault can hold up to 76 guns! Of course that rating is based on thin guns without scopes but this is still one of the biggest consumer safes on the market. The Boss safe features 14ga steel walls and door (top and bottom are 12ga). It comes with a 75-minute fire rating. The door is secured by fourteen 1.25″-diameter steel bolts and a SecuRam® Lock. Nice internal features include a deluxe Door Panel Organizer plus internal 110v and USB power outlets. This is a heavy beast — assembled weight is 920 pounds. Price is $1999.99, a pretty good deal considering the features and capacity. Note: This safe is so new it’s not on the Surelock website yet, but you can call 480-542-9459 with questions.
9. Howa — Carbon Fiber Stalker Rifle (Under 5 pounds)
The Howa Carbon Fiber Stalker hunting rifle is great new offering for hunters who want to minimize their load-out. As fitted with a Stocky’s Carbon Fiber stock and trim Howa Mini Action, this new Carbon Fiber Stalker rifle weighs just 4 pounds, 10 ounces. Weight will be higher with Short Action and Long Action. These rifles feature a M1500 barrel and the 2-Stage HACT trigger — one of the best factory triggers on the market. The rifle comes with the standard 3-Position Safety with the Mini Action, Short Action, and Long Action. All Howa Carbon Fiber Stalker rifles come with a Sub-MOA Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty. The Carbon Fiber Stalker will first be offered in Mini Actions, followed by the bigger action types. Available chamberings are:
Mini Action: .223 Rem, 6.5 Grendel, 7.62×39, and .350 Legend
Short Action: 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Rem, and .308 Win
Long Action: .270 Win and 6.5 PRC
10. Plano — AW2 Pistol Cases with Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor
If you have high-cost handguns, you may want to transport them in Plano All Weather™ AW2 cases. These will protect pricey pistols from damage, moisture, and corrosion. Plano has added Rustrictor technology and improved protections to its popular pistol cases. The new AW2 cases offer rugged, industrial-strength construction, a continuous Dri-Loc® seal, and an exclusive Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) powered by Armor. Plano states: “AW2 Rustrictor cases create a 360° shield that protects your gear and prevents rust, even in the most extreme conditions.” Heavy-duty, dual-stage lockable latches and a built-in pressure release valve help these cases withstand the continuous bumping and jarring of travel including airlines.
Plano claims that Rustrictor blocks rust up to 5 times longer then the compitiotn with 360° of protection. These Plano AW2 pistol cases are availible in three sizes: Medium (1 pistol, $59.99 MSRP), Large (2 pistols, $79.99 MSRP) and Extra Large (4 pistols with MSRP 99.99).
11. Walker’s — FireMax Walkie-Talkie Accessory
Here’s a very smart new product that lets you talk with other shooters or range workers when you have your earmuffs in place. The new FireMax Walkie-Talkie from Walker’s attaches to the bottom of a FireMax Muff, providing a microphone and radio circuitry. This unit run on the FRS frequency band, with main, sub-channel, and priority channel settings. The antenna is adjustable and their is a large, back-lit LCD screen. The walkie-talkie components is powered by the existing large FireMax Muff battery, keeping things simple. We like the fact that the attached Walkie-talkie will also control muff volume and mode selection. Price is very reasonable — just $59.99 (FireMax Muff sold separately for $149.99).
12. Swagger Bipods — SFR10 FLEX/RIGID Bipod
Swagger’s new SFRP10 Flex/Rigid Bipod is pretty expensive at $249.99 MSRP, but it does offer some unique capabilities that tactical shooters will appreciate. The special system allows the bipod to cant, traverse and FLEX. Swagger states: “Every shooter wants the rigidity of a traditional bipod but also have the ability to cant and traverse with ease.
The SFR10 bipod has the ability to cant and traverse, track a target and make adjustments down range-all without having to take your eye out of the scope and off the target. Adjustable flex tension allows shooter to fine tune flexibility to the situation. This SFR10 bipod easily adjusts from max flex to rigid, and legs can be set at 45° angle for lower shooting position. Bipod weight is 15.2 oz. and vertical adjustment range is 6″ to 10.5″.
13. SIUS HS10 Hybrid Target System — Rimfire AND Air guns
The Swiss-made SIUS HS10 hybrid is an electronic scoring target for air guns and small bore rifles. As far as we know this is the first-ever electronic target system designed to work for both .22 LR competition as well as air rifles/air pistols. SIUS says this “is the perfect target for all 10m, 50ft, 50m needs from a single lane installation (with SIUSLANE software) to a system for competitions (with SIUSDATA,TEN-LANE Command Desk, SIUSRANK software). This new HS10 Hybrid target is ISSF rated for National-Level competitions. It can be used at home (for airgun practice) or for club/school/program sport shooting.
How it works: When the projectile passes through the inner target plane, it is detected completely contact-free by TWO independent HD-infrared beams. This technology allows for projectile detection with the accuracy of a few hundredths of a millimeter.
14. New Sling Saddle Secures Hunting Rifle During Carry
How do you carry your rifle when hunting? Do you stow it away in your pack for a hands free hike, sling it over your shoulder and hold there, or carry it in your hands to keep it handy for when you need it in a hurry? With the Sling Saddle Shoulder and belt clip system you can carry your rifle completely HANDS FREE. The Creed Sling Saddle Combo ($49.95 MSRP) offers a solution to a common problem that hunters struggle with when carrying a rifle on their shoulder. The Shoulder clip easily attaches to your backpack shoulder strap, is fully adjustable, and very easy to use. Simply attach it onto your favorite hunting pack. This unit comes in two variations. You can purchase the shoulder clip only, or you can purchase the Combo which secures your rifle at shoulder and waist.
This video shows how the Sling Saddle works in the field for hunters:
NSSF APPLAUDS OCC FINALIZATION OF FAIR ACCESS BANKING RULE
The NSSF, the firearm industry’s trade association, applauded the finalization of the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC) rule to end discrimination by financial service providers against the firearm industry and others. NSSF worked closely with the OCC and members of the U.S. Congress to ensure banking and credit decisions are based on credit worthiness and financial risk assessment for all legal businesses.
“NSSF has championed fair access to financial services for the firearm and ammunition industry and is pleased to witness the end of unfair and politically-motivated discriminatory practices by banking institutions that have a legal duty to service all legal businesses,” said Lawrence Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “This rule will ensure large financial institutions that are supported by taxpayer-funded resources…must provide fair and equal access to services based on their objective financial creditworthiness [not] ‘woke’ political considerations.”
The finalized rule ensures fair access to banking services provided by large national banks, federal savings associations and, federal branches and agencies of foreign bank organizations. It codifies more than a decade of OCC guidance stating that banks should provide access to services, capital, and credit based on the risk assessment of individual customers, rather than broad-based decisions affecting whole categories or classes of customers.
The finalized rule evens the playing field. It stops corporate banks from picking winners and losers based on executives’ personal politics. It protects banks from outside pressure from special interest groups seeking to use the banks as a political weapon. The rule enforces protections passed by Congress and signed into law with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.
NSSF knows this finalized rule was only possible through the leadership and diligent efforts of many. NSSF is especially grateful to Acting Comptroller of the Currency Brian P. Brooks, U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.), Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas) and Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.).
The COVID-19 Pandemic claims another victim — the 2021 CMP Western Games. The CMP announced that the 2021 CMP Western Games at Ben Avery in Phoenix, Arizona have been officially cancelled. Judy Legerski, CMP Board Chairman, stated: “Due to the severely limited number of participants allowed at the Ben Avery facility imposed by the State of Arizona, it is not feasible to hold an event at the facility”. The Games had been slated for March 12-21, 2021.
Arizona health restrictions allow only 10 persons per building regardless of building size, and allow no more than 50 people on the Highpower rifle range (including range officers/staff) despite the outdoor venue. That would make it very difficult to conduct the major Western Games matches. In addition this year no ammunition or rifle sales would be allowed. (The CMP marketplace was a big draw for Western Games participants each year.)
“These restrictions leave us no choice but to withdraw from the event”, Legerski said. “We had planned a full slate of events in Arizona, including CMP Games Rifle, EIC Service Rifle, multiple pistol matches, Vintage Sniper Rifle, Rimfire Sporter Rifle, and a series of rifle and pistol training courses.”
TALLADEGA SPRING CLASSIC (March 16-21) WILL REPLACE WESTERN GAMES THIS YEAR
To replace the 2021 Western Games, the CMP will host a series of rifle and pistol matches at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. The March 16-21 2021 Spring Classic event at Talladega will include a pistol 2700, a mid-range 3×600 rifle match, long range rifle clinic, and pistol Marksmanship 101 course. Many of these are new events not held before at Talladega. CLICK HERE for full details.
This Talladega Spring Classic will provide an opportunity for competitors to shoot a variety of new matches. Mrs. Legerski stated: “We are sorry that we cannot hold the Western Games this year. We look forward to returning to the great Ben Avery Range in Arizona in 2022.”
The 2021 SHOT Show in Las Vegas was cancelled this year, due to the COVID Pandemic. But Brownells is hosting 5-day virtual event called the “NOT-SHOW” on January 18-22, 2021. The Brownells NOT-SHOW kicked off this morning. will feature new product introductions and special discounts on a wide variety of merchandise (not just the new releases). In addition the Brownells NOT-SHOW will have Daily Product Giveaways from January 18-22, 2021.
The Brownells NOT-SHOW has five main sponsors: AeroPrecision, CMC Triggers, Hornady, Stag Arms, and Magpul. New products from these five companies will be showcased in the NOT-SHOW event, along with many other companies’ offerings. There will be a wide variety of products featured, including optics, reloading tools, and more.
Everyone knows that Magpul makes excellent rifle magazines for ARs, as well as AICS-type mags for bolt guns. But Magpul also produces many other quality product including rifle stocks, AR buttstocks, bipods, rifle sights, pistol mags, and sling accessories. Here are Magpul products at Brownells.
Winchester and Browning have introduced the new 6.8 Western, a new .277-caliber cartridge designed for long-range hunting. The new 6.8 Western is a high-capacity cartridge with a modern 35-degree shoulder, optimized for a conventional short action. The 6.8 Western is VERY similar to the existing .270 WSM. It shares the same 0.535″ rim diameter, and the same 0.277″ bullet diameter, however the 6.8 Western’s case length is slightly shorter. The .270 WSM has a 2.100″ case length, while the new 6.8 Western has a 2.020″ length. That’s just 80 thousandths shorter. Both cartridges, the 6.8 Western and .270 WSM, share a 35° shoulder, so in fact, the 6.8 Western is VERY close to the existing .270 WSM, just .080″ short. With a 1:8″ twist, the 6.8 Western should be able to shoot bullets up to 175 grains.
In designing this new cartridge, Winchester wanted WSM performance in a slightly shorter case: “The key feature… was to shorten up that shoulder, shorten up the OAL of the cartridge so we could get longer, sleeker, heavy-for-caliber bullets to really drive the G1 BC higher and higher, to get the flattest possible trajectory.” Winchester claims that the 6.8 Western is the “largest [cartridge] on the market to fit into lighter, short-action rifles like the Winchester Model 70, Winchester XBR, and Browning X-Bolt Pro”. That’s a bit deceptive, since the .300 WSM, with a 0.2100″ case length, will fit in many of those rifles with most bullets. Oh well — there’s always some marketing hype.
6.8 Western — High-BC Bullets, Good Knock-Down Power, Tolerable Recoil
What is the real advantage of the new 6.8 Western? Fundamentally it can be loaded with heavier, higher-BC bullets than a 6.5 PRC, while having less recoil than a .300 WSM (with most bullets). (But the same can be said of the older .270 WSM.) WideOpenSpaces.com states that with the 6.8 Western “recoil is much lower than the .300 Win Mag, .300 PRC, and the .300 WSM cartridge. At the same time, the 6.8 is said to deliver more energy to the target than a 6.5 PRC [or] 6.5 Creedmoor[.]” Winchester is even claiming more downrange energy than a 7mm Remington Magnum.
This video, with lots of field footage, explains the main features of the new 6.8 Western:
This video has great cartridge illustrations, with 3D Animations and comparative energy tables:
“When people think of the perfect long-range rifle cartridge, they want many key features — good precision, flat trajectory, large down-range energy, and manageable recoil.” — Keith Masinelli, Winchester
This video shows loaded ammo. Direct comparison with .270 WSM at 8:55 minute time mark.
Why Develop a New Hunting Cartridge So Similar to the .270 WSM?
With interest in long-range hunting growing rapidly, engineers at Winchester and Browning sought a solution that could offer magnum performance with a modern high-BC projectile, yet chamber in a short action rifle for shorter bolt-throw and less weight. The 6.8 Western was “designed to be capable in any big-game hunting scenario and a great fit for those who enjoy long-range target shooting”. For the 6.8 Western, the designers basically shortened the .270 WSM case to allow for longer bullets (with the same cartridge OAL limits), and possibly make the case a bit more efficient.
The First 6.8 Western Rifles from Browning and Winchester
Browning X-Bolt Pro in 6.8 Western
Browning will release a light-weight, X-Bolt Pro rifle chambered for the 6.8 Western. This will have a 26″ barrel with 1:7.5″-twist, so it should be able to shoot all the high-BC .277-caliber bullets. With a carbon-reinforced stock, this rifle is relatively light-weight — just 6 lbs., 12 ounces before optics. The rifle has a 3-lug bolt with 60° bolt lift. Trigger adjusts from 3-6 pounds, fine for a hunting rifle. According to Wide Open Spaces, the barrel and receiver are finished with Tungsten Cerakote to protect the rig in harsh weather conditions. On Browning’s website, the Browning X-Bolt in 6.8 Western has a $2,469.99 MSRP. At that price, it may make more sense to buy a used X-Bolt rifle and re-barrel it.
“The 6.8 Western cartridge brings a new perspective to long-range hunting and shooting,” said Ryan Godderidge, Senior VP of Sales, Marketing, and Firearms for Browning. “It provides magnum-level performance in our short action rifles, giving the shooter highly effective down-range energy, even at longer ranges, while allowing for a lighter-weight platform.”
Winchester Model 70 in 6.8 Western
Winchester will release a Model 70 chambered for the 6.8 Western. It will have a 24″ stainless barrel, stainless action with 3-round hinged floor-plate internal magazine. Wide Open Spaces reports: “Right now, it appears the Model 70 Extreme Weather MB is the first 6.8 Western that will roll off their factory floors. The stock is composite with a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad. At 44.25″ overall, this rifle is shorter than the Browning X-Bolts, but weighs slightly more at seven pounds even.” Listed MSRP is $1,599.99 for this new 6.8 Western Model 70.
On January 15, 2021, the National Rifle Association (NRA) announced it was filing for Ch. 11 Bankruptcy. This is part of a strategic re-organization that will see the NRA abandon New York State and, hopefully, reincorporate in Texas. It is not clear how this move will impact the current legal action brought by New York Atty. General seeking to dissolve the 150-year-old organization, which was founded in 1871. The New York Times reports: “The bankruptcy filing could delay the resolution of the Attorney General’s case while the matter is litigated in Bankruptcy court.” And a lawyer for the NRA, Wm. Brewer III, stated: “Under this [reorganization] plan, the Association wisely seeks protection from New York officials who it believes have illegally weaponized their powers against the NRA and its members.”
In a letter to members, NRA CEO and Executive VP Wayne LaPierre posted: “We are DUMPING New York, and we are pursuing plans to reincorporate the NRA in Texas.” To facilitate the restructuring, the NRA and a subsidiary have filed Ch. 11 petitions in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. LaPierre continued: “The NRA is pursuing reincorporating in a state that values the contributions of the NRA, [that] celebrates our law-abiding members, and will join us as a partner in upholding constitutional freedom. This is a transformational moment in the history of the NRA.”
“The plan allows us to protect the NRA and go forward with a renewed focus on Second Amendment advocacy”, added current NRA President Carolyn Meadows. “We will continue to honor the trust placed in us by employees, members, and other stakeholders[.]” The NRA also announced Marschall Smith will serve as Chief Restructuring Officer. A former Senior VP and General Counsel of 3M Company, Smith has more than 35 years of legal and business experience.
Important Points for Current NRA Members:
1. The NRA is Not Closing Operations — The organization will continue providing services to its members even during the Bankruptcy Proceedings. NRA Leader LaPierre’s letter states: “We will continue to train Americans and teach them firearm safety. We will continue to teach hunter safety” and “We will continue to publish and deliver your magazines.”
2. NRA Memberships Remain in Full Effect — As far as we know, the NRA does NOT plan to nullify or cancel any current NRA memberships through the bankruptcy or re-organization. LaPierre’s letter states: “Importantly, our plans do not impact your membership at any level. NRA supporters will continue to enjoy all their full member benefits – from new members to Life Members to Benefactor Members.
3. The NRA Will Keep HQ in Virginia — The NRA does NOT plan to abandon its current headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia. However, NRA officials state they might open additional executive offices in Texas.
4. The NRA Will Continue to Use Membership Funds for Operations — LaPierre’s letter to members states: “All membership dues and financial donations will be fully dedicated to supporting our operations and public advocacy. This plan actually improves our business. It protects us from costly, distracting and unprincipled attacks from anti-2A politicians aimed at attacking the NRA because we are a potent political force.” There is no discussion in the LaPierre letter about changes to executive compensation and benefits, or efforts to replace top leadership. The use of NRA funds by Wayne LaPierre and other high-ranking NRA officials has been challenged by forces both inside and outside the organization. Including special pension benefits it has been stated that LaPierre received over $2.15 million in compensation in 2018.*
*In 2019 the Washington Post reported LaPierre had total 2018 compensation of about $2.15 million after a 57% pay raise. In previous years, he had a lower base salary, but was eligible for large pension payouts. According to Celebrity Net Worth: “Wayne LaPierre’s NRA salary starts at $985,000 per year. In most years he also typically earns a bonus of roughly $150,000. Outside of base salary and bonuses, Wayne participates in the NRA’s employee retirement plan. In 2015 he became old enough to receive a $3.7 million distribution from his retirement account. So in that one year, he earned a bit over $5 million, but in most years his salary is closer to $1 million.”
McMillan Fiberglass Stocks (“McMillan FS”) has been sold. This notable company, the number 1 name in fiberglass stocks for decades, was started by Gale McMillan and then run by his able son Kelly McMillan. Under Kelly’s leadership, the company expanded its product line, producing outstanding stocks for benchrest shooters, F-Class competitors, sling shooters, hunters, and military marksmen. McMillan also has a modern Mc3 (“McCubed”) division which produces outstanding molded stocks using a state-of-the-art polymer called Zenolite.
McMillan Sold to Bob Beck Group
McMillan Fiberglass Stocks has been sold to Bob Beck of Extreme Outer Limits, MOA Rifles, and Rugged Ridge Outdoor Gear. Beck is a longtime customer and friend of Kelly McMillan. Bob’s plan is to continue the success of the legendary brand Kelly and the McMillan family built. He is committing resources to reduce delivery times and maintain McMillan’s dominance as the premium brand for fiberglass and synthetic rifle stocks on the market.
The new owner promises to maintain the advanced designs and top quality of McMillan stocks: “With former President of Berger Bullets Eric Stecker as General Manager, and McMillan’s highly experienced staff staying with the company, [we] will carry on the McMillan brand legacy well into the future. We have many exciting plans and new products coming that will appeal to all long gun enthusiasts.”
Over the years McMillan Fiberglass Stocks supported competitive shooting in a major way — providing sponsorship for individual competitors as well as teams. McMillan was a major sponsor of F-Class Team USA. We want to thank Kelly McMillan and his company for being such a strong supporter of the shooting sports. The success of F-Class Team USA in international competition was aided immensely by the support of Kelly and his company.
Kelly McMillan at the 2018 Berger SW Nationals.
About McMillan Fiberglass Stocks
Gale McMillan, founder of the McMillan companies, began producing stocks in 1973 for himself for the demanding benchrest matches in which he competed. Fellow competitors, always in search of the next competitive edge, asked the inventor to produce some stocks for their rifles. From these roots, the McMillan family of companies has grown into one of the most well-known and respected brands in the firearms industry.
McMillan Fiberglass Stocks manufactures custom rifle stocks and accessories. Product areas include Tactical, Competition, Benchrest, Hunting & Sport, and Ultralight. Customers include shooters, military, law enforcement, government agencies, custom gunsmiths, and OEM rifle manufacturers.
There will be a new NRL competition series in 2021 — NRL HUNTER (NRLH). This will complement the popular NRL tactical series and NRL22 rimfire series. For its inaugural (first-ever) 2021 season, NRL HUNTER will host nine regional hunting matches, followed by the NRL HUNTER Championship — the Grand Slam Finale. The Season Championship will take place August 2-8, 2021 at the Cameo Shooting Complex in Grand Junction, Colorado. The championship match will be directed by NRL HUNTER developer Scott Satterlee and the NRL’s Director of Match Operations.
NRL HUNTER 2021 Series Schedule (Ten Events):
1. Nehawka, Nebraska – February 19-21, 2021
2. Farmington, New Mexico – March 5-7, 2021
3. Arbuckle, California – March 26-28, 2021
4. Mount Pleasant, Tennessee – April 16-18, 2021
5. Laramie, Wyoming – April 23-25, 2021
6. Dupuyer, Montana – May 6-9, 2021
7.Hammett, Idaho – May 21-23, 2021
8. Dalton, New Hampshire – June 25-27, 2021
9. Price, Utah – July 23-25, 2021
10. NRL HUNTER Grand Slam Season Championship
Grand Junction, Colorado – August 2-8, 2021
The first-ever NRL HUNTER match will take place in Nebraska, February 19-21, 2021:
NRL HUNTER, a division of National Rifle League (NRL), is a series of competitions for hunters by hunters. It provides a competitive format for new and seasoned hunters to learn about their skills, gear, and local hunting terrains. To participate in matches, hunters must purchase a $100 Annual NRLH membership ($75.00 for Young Guns). For more information, visit NRLHUNTER.org.
There will be three gear-based Classes: Open Heavy, Open Light and Factory. In addition there will be separate Ladies and Young Guns divisions.
NRL HUNTER’s founders state: “Hunting isn’t merely a hobby or pastime; it is our way of life. For us, it is about community, education, and a strong foundation of ethical harvesting. It is the desire to be the most proficient hunter possible, it is the passion that has driven NRL to develop the NRL HUNTER series[.]”
Bushnell will be the Title Sponsor of the 2021 season of NRL HUNTER. “We are truly honored to have Bushnell on board as our Title Sponsor for the NRL HUNTER Series,” stated Travis Ishida, NRL President. “This is a terrific partnership in which both groups share the same vision and passion for the hunting community.” Since 1948, Bushnell has offered a full line of products for hunters. Bushnell now sells riflescopes, binoculars, rangefinders, spotting scopes, and trail cameras.
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McMillan Sold to Bob Beck Group
