This year Hornady Mfg. celebrates its 75th year in business. To mark this milestone, Midsouth is running a series of sales and special promotions. Plus Hornady offers free bullets with many reloading gear items including dies and presses. Founded in 1949 by Joyce Hornady, the company began making bullets in a rented garage in Grand Island, Nebraska. The business remains family-owned today.
Currently, nearly all Hornady products are discounted now at Midsouth. And — get this — product shipping is just $0.75 (seventy-five cents) for all Hornady product purchases of $75 or more. Enjoy the savings!
Below are noteworthy featured Hornady product deals:
Click to go to the Hornady Product Sales Page with Featured Deals
FREE Bullets with Purchase of Certain Hornady Products
Hornady is also offering 500 FREE bullets with the purchase of select Hornady Products such as press combo kits. And you get 100 free bullets with certain dies and reloading gear. Check it out:
Today, June 20, 2024 is Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. And right now the Northeast USA is undergoing a major heatwave. That means “peak heat” summer conditions have arrived already. It’s vitally important to keep your ammo at “normal” temps during the hot summer months. Even if you use “temp-insensitive” powders, studies suggest that pressures can still rise dramatically when the entire cartridge gets hot, possibly because of primer heating.
It’s smart to keep your loaded ammo in an insulated storage unit, possibly with a Blue Ice Cool Pak if you expect it to get quite hot. Don’t leave your ammo in the car or truck — temps can exceed 140° in a vehicle parked in the sun.
The way ambient temperatures, barrel heating, and powder warming can affect cartridge pressures (and hence velocities) was covered in a study Pressure Factors: How Temperature, Powder, and Primer Affect Pressure by Denton Bramwell. In that article, the author used a pressure trace instrument to analyze how temperature affects ammo performance. Bramwell’s tests yielded some fascinating results.
For example, barrel temperature was a key factor: “Both barrel temperature and powder temperature are important variables, and they are not the same variable. If you fail to take barrel temperature into account while doing pressure testing, your test results will be very significantly affected. The effect of barrel temperature is around 204 PSI per F° for the Varget load. If you’re not controlling barrel temperature, you about as well might not bother controlling powder temperature, either. In the cases investigated, barrel temperature is a much stronger variable than powder temperature.”
This Editor had the personal experience of 6mmBR hand-loaded ammo that was allowed to sit in the hot sun for 45 minutes while steel targets were reset. The brass became quite warm to the touch, meaning the casings were well over 120° on the outside. When I then shot this ammo, the bullets impacted well high at 600 yards (compared to earlier in the day). Using a Magnetospeed, I then chron-tested the sun-heated ammo. The hot ammo’s velocity FPS had increased very significantly — all because I had left the ammo out in the hot sun uncovered for 3/4 of an hour.
LESSON: Keep your ammo cool! Keep loaded ammo in the shade, preferably under cover or in an insulated container. You can use a SEALED cool pack inside the container, but we do NOT recommend H20 ice packs. And don’t have the container do double duty for food and beverages.
Powder Heat Sensitivity Comparison Test
Our friend Cal Zant of the Precision Rifle Blog has published a fascinating comparison test of four powders: Hodgdon H4350, Hodgdon Varget, IMR 4451, and IMR 4166. The first two are Hodgdon Extreme powders, while the latter two are part of IMR’s Enduron line of propellants.
The testers measured the velocity of the powders over a wide temperature range, from 25° F to 140° F. Hodgdon H4350 proved to be the most temp stable of the four powders tested. [NOTE: New Alliant Reloder TS 15.5 has also proved very temp stable in AccurateShooter’s range tests.]
The Tactical Rifle Shooters Facebook Group recently showcased tools used to measure case headspace before and after “bumping” the shoulder. After a case is fired, hand-loaders who full-length size their cases will typically bump the shoulders back anywhere from .001″ to .0035″, depending on the rifle and application. With our 6mmBR and Dasher cases we like about .0015″ bump.
You want the amount of case sizing and bump to be the same for all your brass. To ensure uniformity, it makes sense to measure your cases before and after the FL sizing process. When we have time, we check every case. Other folks will simply check the first 3-4 cases coming out of the FL sizing die to ensure the FL die setting is correct and delivering desired headspace/bump.
1. Whidden Gunworks Shoulder Bump Gauge
There are a variety of tools that can be used to measure shoulder bump. Our favorite is a special cartridge-specific bushing made by Whidden Gunworks. The Whidden Shoulder Bump Gauge enables you to adjust your sizing die to the desired measurement. The bump gauge is attached to your calipers with a set screw and determines the measurement from the base to the shoulder of the case. The photo below, from Tactical Rifle Shooters, shows the Whidden Bump Gauge for the .375 CheyTac cartridge.
2. Dave Manson Vertical Comparator with Dial Read-Out
Dave Manson states: “This tool was designed to make life easier for the advanced shooter and re-loader by allowing precise measurement of ammunition, case, and chamber headspace. With this information, the re-loader will be able to fine-tune clearances and fits between his ammunition and chamber, with resultant improvements in accuracy and case life.” The functions of the Manson Comparator are:
1. Measure headspace of factory or reloaded ammunition
2. Quantify chamber headspace by measuring headspace of a fired case
3. Ensure minimal shoulder set-back when setting up re-loading dies
4. Compare base-to-ogive length to ensure consistent bullet-to-rifling relationship.
Hornady’s Lock-N-Load Headspace Comparator system is easy-to-use and handy. You can get a kit with Red bushing-holder body and 5 bushings for $39.99 at Midsouth. Hornady explains: “The Lock-N-Load® Headspace Comparator… gauge measures variations in brass before and after firing or re-sizing. It allows for headspace comparison between fire-formed brass and re-sized brass.” IMPORTANT: Hornady states: “To determine the proper bushing diameter for your cartridge, simply add the neck diameter and the shoulder diameter and divide that number by two. Use the bushing closest to that number.” Hornady offers five: .330″, .350″, .375″, .400″, and .420″.
One tip — We have found the Hornady gauges may vary a little from unit to unit even with the same nominal size. If you have more than one gauge for the same cartridge, test each on your brass — you may then note a slight difference in your bump measurements. Mark one and use that consistently. There is also an Anvil Base Kit that mounts to the opposite blade on the caliper. This provides a more stable surface for the base of your case.
4. L.E. Wilson Case Gage Depth Micrometer
If you are looking for precise “bump” measurements without having to mess with calipers and clamp-on gauge blocks, you may want to consider the L.E. Wilson Case Gage Depth Micrometer (currently $130.00). This takes very precise, repeatable measurements, but you need to know your starting point. The manufacturer explains: “Every reloader should know exactly how much your Full Length Sizing Die is pushing back the shoulder. With the NEW Case Gage Depth Micrometer you can do just that! It has never been easier to measure you cases headspace before and after sizing. The Depth Mic allows you to slip the micrometer perfectly over the top of the Gage with your case inserted into the Gage and take a measurement. Micrometer has graduations of .001″. The Case Gage Depth Micrometer is set to a zero of .100″ on the scale at our factory. Because of differences in ‘feel’ and temperature, we include a the Gage Block for you to test Zero and to adjust if necessary.”
5. Pistol Brass Case DIY Bump Gauge
Last is a “field expedient” set-up if you do not have any of the comparator tools shown above. A sized .45 ACP case (or other suitable pistol case) can be used to measure shoulder bump. The mouth of the pistol case sits on the shoulder of your rifle cartridge brass.
Make sure the .45 ACP case is trimmed square and that it is round. We recommend you first run it through an expander, then size it, trim it and chamfer. Next, take the .45 ACP case and slip it over the neck of a fired, unsized rifle case with the primer removed. Align the two cases between the jaws of your calipers and note the length from rim to rim (See left photo below).
OK, now you have the length for a fired rifle case BEFORE sizing. Next, take a full-length sized rifle case (without primer) and do the same thing, placing the .45 ACP case over the neck of the FL-sized case (Right Photo). The difference between the two numbers is the amount of “bump” or set-back you are applying to the shoulder. Here the difference is .0015″. The amount of bump you need varies with your chamber and your load, but .0015-.002″ is a good initial setting.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Brownells — Weekly Featured Deals
⏺ Great savings on large variety of products at Brownells
⏺ Huge discounts on quality Sightron scopes — save up to $820.00
Creedmoor Sports is running a major sale on Sightron Scopes currently. Save up to $820 off MSRP. Sightron scopes are popular with varminters and competitors because they are very reliable, with clarity, sharpness, and precision that rival optics costing hundreds more. Long-range benchrest and F-Class competitors should consider the impressive Sightron SIII LR 10-50x60mm scope, now just $1479.99, a $370 savings off the regular price.
3. Precision Reloading — Major Hornady 10% Off Sale
⏺ Save 10% on ammo, brass, bullets, dies, reloading tools
Though June 7, 2024, Precision Reloading is running a big Hornady 10% Off Sale. Pretty much all Hornady brand products will be discounted 10%. CLICK HERE to see all the Hornady items currently on sale. Among the many Hornady products we like are: pistol dies, varmint bullets, hunting ammo, One-Shot Case Lube, Bullet Comparator Set, and L-N-L Iron Press.
4. Natchez — CCI, Federal, Remington Primer Sale
⏺ Good prices on primers at Natchez this week
Quality American-made primers continue to be in high demand with prices still much higher than before the pandemic. However, Natchez is now running a major primers sale. You’ll find a wide selection of rifle, pistol, and shotshell primers at good prices. Primers on sale include CCI, Federal, and Remington. Save up to $45 per 1000ct primer package.
5. Amazon — Real Avid Workstation, $159.99
⏺ Versatile gun vise/workstation, with good user reviews
Cleaning or working on rifles requires a good rest, ideally one that has strong mounts plus ample adjustment range. The Real Avid Workbench has those qualities. It will hold your rifle securely AND can do multiple tasks via Real Avid’s optional Smart-Assist accessories. These include a work light, magnifying glass, and cell phone holder, all mounted on flexible goosenecks. The basic Real Avid Gun vise/Workbench is $159.99 on Amazon (#ad), 20% off this week.
6. Al’s — Frankford Arsenal Case Trim & Prep Center, $164.99
⏺ Excellent multi-drive case prep machine with very complete tool set
Good case prep is critical to making precision loads. One of the best case prep machines on the market is the Frankford Arsenal Case Trim and Prep Center. This machine boasts a strong center motor and three accessory tool drives. This FA Case Prep unit ships with a full set of tools: inside chamfer tool, deburr tool, primer pocket cleaning tools, and a trimmer with 3 collets + 6 shoulder bushings.
7. Brownells — Sinclair and RCBS Hand Priming Tools
⏺ Two very good choices for hand priming — single and tray-feed
The Sinclair Priming Tool offers very precise primer seating with an ultra-consistent “feel”. The tool head utilizes Sinclair shellholders and locks the case head square to the priming punch. This tool has excellent leverage, yet it is extremely sensitive so you can feel the primer entering the primer pocket and bottoming out. If you want to prime larger quantities of brass more quickly, consider the RCBS Universal Hand Priming Tool. This can hold 100 primers in the attached tray. The spring-loaded gripper lets you switch quickly between small and large case rim sizes. SEE RCBS Priming Tool Video.
8. Amazon — LEE Hand Press Kit, $76.94
⏺ Versatile hand press can be used at range or at home
No matter how much reloading equipment a reloader has, it makes sense to have a portable hand press. This can help you load at the range when doing load development. And back home you can use the hand press for tasks such as decapping primers and bullet seating. Now priced at just $76.94 on Amazon the LEE Hand Press Kit (#ad) includes powder funnel, priming insert, case lube and other accessories. This versatile Hand Press Kit is well worth the money.
9. Amazon — MEIJIA 53.5″ Hard Rifle Case, $119.99
⏺ Good case for long-barreled rifle, half the cost of similar cases
In a vehicle or on a plane, hard cases are the safest way to transport your firearms, but the most rugged and protective cases usually come with a hefty price tag. Here’s an affordable hard case that still offers great protection for big, long-barreled match rifles. The 53.5″-long MEIJIA All Weather Hard Rifle Case (#ad) measures 52.2″ inside — big enough to handle 31″+ barrels. This rugged, waterproof case has nice, thick foam (pluckable to customize), and has good locking points.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
by Sierra Bullets Ballistic Technician Paul Box
All of us who have been in reloading and shooting for any period of time have read how sectional density has been regarded as a bullet’s ability to penetrate. Back before high velocity came along and modern bullet design, the easiest way to get more “power” and penetration was by increasing the diameter and mass. After all, a bowling ball will hurt more than a golf ball, right?
Let’s take a closer look at sectional density.
The formula for calculating sectional density is pretty simple and straight forward. Take the bullet weight and divide by 7000. This number is then divided by the bullet diameter squared. Two bullets of equal weight and the same diameter will have equal sectional sectional density. No regard is given to the bullet construction. This is where the fly hits the soup in considering sectional density as far as penetration is concerned.
Section Density Formula: (Bullet Weight divided by 7000) divided by Bullet Diameter squared.
Bullet construction is the biggest factor in how it is able to penetrate. The best example I can think of here is to look at the Sierra .224 55 Gr. FMJBT GameKing #1355 compared to the 55 Gr. BlitzKing #1455. Both are .224 and weigh 55 grs. Both have a sectional density of .157. But there is a huge difference in their construction. The FMJ has a thick jacket and is designed to penetrate. The BlitzKing is designed for fast and rapid expansion with little concern for how deep they will penetrate.
The next time you’re choosing a bullet, look at the construction and less at the sectional density number. It’s all about the construction anyway. If you have any questions or would like to discuss sectional density or bullet penetration further, please give us a call at 800-223-8799 or shoot us an email at sierra@sierrabullets.com.
Sierra Bullets has published load data for the 6mm Creedmoor cartridge, a necked-down version of the popular 6.5 Creedmoor. Sierra has released very comprehensive 6mm Creedmoor load data, covering fifteen (15) different bullets from 55 to 110 grains. NOTE: Hornady-brand brass was used for Sierra’s 6mm Creedmoor load tests, not the newer, stronger Lapua 6.5 CM brass with small primer pockets. Hand-loaders using Lapua 6.5 Creedmoor brass necked to 6mm may have to adjust their loads.
Sierra writes: “As soon as the 6.5 Creedmoor was released in 2007, a 6mm version was being envisioned. After the 6mm Creedmoor demonstrated its worth at 1000 yards it began to catch the attention of Precision Rifle Series (PRS) competitors. The 6mm Creedmoor is a great fit for those looking for an AR platform-friendly cartridge. It delivers velocities very similar to the .243 Win and yet fits the AR10 magazine length[.] The 30-degree shoulder makes this a very efficient case and helps prolong case life as well. The 6mm Creedmoor works well with powders such as H4350, [RE-16], RE-17, and Ramshot Hunter for heavier long-range bullet weights. Slightly faster powders such as RE-15, Win 760, and Vihtavuori N540 work well with lighter weight bullets.”
Sierra Bullets Tested for 6mm Creedmoor Load Data
55gr BlitzKing (#1502)
60gr HP (#1500)
70gr HPBT (#1505)
70gr BlitzKing (#1507)
75gr HP (#1510)
In developing its 6mm Creedmoor load data, Sierra tested a very wide selection of propellants, two dozen overall. For the smaller bullets, fast-burning powders such as Benchmark, H4895, and CFE223 were tested. For the heavier 100+ grain bullets, Sierra tested a selection of medium-burn-rate powders including H4350, Reloder 16, Reloder 17, Varget, and Superformance. Sierra did a very thorough job. We know this information will be welcomed by 6mm Creedmoor shooters.
Don’t know what powder to try first? For the 107-110 grain bullets, if you want best accuracy and low ES/SD, our Forum members recommend Alliant Reloder 16 and Hodgdon H4350. If you are seeking max velocity with the 110-grainer, look at Hodgdon Superformance and Reloder 19.
Here are Sierra’s 6mm Creedmoor Load Data Charts for 90-95 grain bullets plus the 107gr MK and 110gr MK. There are five other tables for other bullet types.
BONUS: PRB 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor Load Survey
The Precision Rifle Blog compiled Load Data from PRS Competitors, for both 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor. This is a good place to start. PRB surveyed the match loads for “173 of the top-ranked precision rifle shooters in the country”. One cautionary note: These PRS guys may be loading fairly hot, so work up gradually, 0.3 grains at a time. CLICK HERE.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Brownells — Weekly Featured Deals and Memorial Day Sale
⏺ Great deals at Brownells — ammo, bullets, optics, chronos, and more
2. EuroOptic — 50% Off Vortex for Military, LE, First Responders
⏺ 50% Off MSRP for Military, police, first responders through 5/30/24
Today (5/27/24) is Memorial Day. To help mark this day, Vortex, via EuroOptic, has a special promotion with 50% off MSRP for Vortex products. This offer runs through May 30, 2024. After that a similar Military/LE/First Responder discount may be available at 40% off MSRP. CLICK HERE for more information. To qualify you must set up a user account. The offer excludes close-outs and discontinued items.
3. Primary Arms — Memorial Day Sale, Save up to 30%
⏺ Major savings on hundreds of items — great for AR components
Primary Arms is running a big Memorial Day Sale with hundreds of items on Sale. Along with the featured special, you can shop for deals by Manufacturer/Brand (e.g. Vortex, EoTech, Magpul) or by Product Category (e.g. Optics, Barrels, Ammo, AR Uppers). Shown above are four noteworthy deals, but there are over 2000 items discounted.
4. Midsouth — Peterson Brass on Sale, 24 Varieties
⏺ High quality, long lasting brass — good PRS/NRL choice
Excellent American-made Peterson brass is on sale now at Midsouth. You’ll find many 6mm options including 6mm Dasher and 6mm Creedmoor. If you shoot a Dasher, this Peterson brass will let you avoid the time and expense of fire-forming cases. Hunters will be pleased to find a number of large magnum cartridge types available including 7mm PRC, 7mm RUM, .300 WinMag, .300 Norma Mag, 33 Nosler, .338 Lapua Magnum, and more.
5. MidwayUSA — ATN Day/Night 3-14X Video Scope, $559.00
⏺ Advanced scope records video and operates daytime and night-time
Here’s a great electro-optics product for hunters. The 3-14X ATN X-Sight scope offers day/night viewing capability, PLUS it can record HD video of your hunt. This scope even has a built-in Ballistics Calculator that shows hold-overs. Right now this 3-14X optic is $559.00 at MidwayUSA, a $140.00 (20%) discount. In addition to the ATN 3-14X model, there is a 5-20X version for $639.00 on sale at Midway USA. Both models offer HD video recording, ballistics, electronic compass, multiple reticle options, and smartphone connectivity. BONUS: Both 3-14X and 5-20X ATN optics ship with 30mm Picatinny rings.
6. Creedmoor Sports — Berger 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm Bullets Sale
⏺ Good prices on top-tier Berger match bullets
Berger bullets are favored by top competitors in many disciplines. Right now you can get significant savings on popular Berger match bullets in 6mm, 6.5mm, and 7mm calibers. F-Class shooters — take note that Berger 180gr Match Hybrid Target bullets and 184gr F-Open Hybrid Target bullets are on sale — save $10 per hundred. Along with the savings on top-tier bullets, through 5/28/24 you can get FREE Shipping with orders over $149.00. Use Creedmoor Sports discount code REMEMBER.
7. Amazon — Lyman BrassSmith Funnel, $31.99
⏺ Very useful kit we use — avoids powder spills
Having a good powder funnel really helps precision reloading. The Lyman Products Brass Smith Pro Powder Funnel System (#ad) is a great little system. Unlike plastic powder funnels, the aluminum DIE cast body and CNC-turned aluminum caliber-specific inserts are static free to eliminate powder cling. The precision fit to your case necks eliminates spilled powder. The kit includes six laser-marked aluminum inserts to fit calibers 22 to 338: .22, .243/6mm, .25/6.5mm, .270/7mm, .30, and .338.
8. Midsouth — CCI Blazer .22 LR Ammo, $32.99/500 Rounds
⏺ Very low price on good, reliable .22 LR ammunition
If you use .22 LR ammo for NRL22, varminting, or plinking, consider this CCI Blazer 40gr ammunition. Rated at 1235 fps, this CCI ammo runs pretty fast and packs a punch. Right now you can get a 500-ct brick for just $32.99. That’s just $3.29 per 50-ct box, a great value for quality American-made ammo.
9. MidwayUSA — Plano Protector Pro-Max Rifle Case, $33.99
⏺ Good price on a sturdy, 52″ interior transport case for long rifles
Do you have a long-barreled hunting or varmint rifle? With a 52″ internal size, this Plano Protector Pro-Max Rifle Case handles rifles with barrels up to 30″ (or 31″ with a thin buttplate). On the inside the case has high-density, interlocking foam padding. On the outside, the case has four clamps, padlock tabs, and a handy carry handle. NOTE: This case will work well for normal trips to the range. However, you’ll want a thicker, more sturdy TSA-approved case for airline transport.
⏺ Under $20 for versatile, multi-lens Eye Protection
All shooters need quality eye protection when operating firearms. XAegis Tac Eyewear is a versatile and affordable option. These ANSI Z87+ rated shooting glasses come with three different interchangeable lenses (Clear, Yellow, Gray). You also get a transport case, lanyard, and cleaning cloth. Choose from three frame colors, each for $18.99: Black frame, Green Frame, or Khaki frame. For under $20 these are hard to beat. It’s nice to have the color lens options for different weather conditions, and indoors/outdoors.
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Today’s Saturday showcase features a variety of notable products. We start with the excellent new-generation Micron seating dies. These precision dies deliver very low run-out and very consistent base-to-ogive numbers. Next we highlight the superb Bix’n Andy triggers, both single-stage and 2-stage models. Then Ultimate Reloader reviews the Longshot Hawk Spotting scope camera. This is followed by a detailed video on the state-of-the-art, computer-controlled AMP Mark II DB annealer, an amazing product that can enhance accuracy while dramatically extending useful brass life. For ELR shooters and 50 BMG fans, we include a review of Forster’s Co-Ax XL press. And finally you’ll find a video showing Caldwell’s handy and affordable “Flash Bang” hit detector.
New Micron Seating Dies from Bullet Central
This F-Class John video covers the impressive Micron Precision Series eating dies, both the threaded version and the Arbor Press model. These are beautifully made with very precise seating depth adjustments. John starts by showing the full operation of the Micron Arbor Press Die. Then, at the 12:05 time-mark, John shows the Micron threaded die used in the impressive new Short Action Customs Nexus Press. John explains how to back off the dies to work towards your desired seating depth in stages. Use code MICRON15 at Bullet Central to save 15% on your Micron purchase.
Bix’n Andy Triggers — Single-Stage and 2-Stage
Bix’N Andy triggers are now widely used by top long-range, F-Class, and Palma competitors. These triggers are precise, easy to adjust and available for a wide range of actions. The availability of Bix’N Andy triggers is more important than ever before because Jewell triggers has halted production and it is now difficult to get spare parts for Jewell triggers. In this video, F-Class John shows the features of both single-stage Comp and 2-stage Comp triggers, with different trigger blades. At the 16-minute mark, John shows the triggers in use at the range on both benchrest and NRL22-style rimfire rifles. NOTE: For a limited time save $30 off order of $300 or more at BulletCentral.com with code FCJ30.
Longshot Hawk Spotting Scope Camera
The LongShot Hawk Spotting Scope Camera is a great accessory. Attached to the eyepiece of your spotting scope, it will send the “view” to a tablet or smartphone placed next to your rifle. With this system you can see the shot impact in normal firing position your cheek resting against the rifle. That is impractical with the cheaper phonescope systems attached to a spotting scopes. NOTE: Any device that you’ll use to connect to the HAWK (phone or tablet) will need to be Wi-Fi capable. The HAWK has built-in Wi-Fi and broadcasts an SSID to connect with your phone/tablet. It doesn’t need an internet connection to work — but it uses the wireless connection for streaming the video signal.
Annealing Made Perfect AMP Mark II DB
This detailed 9.7 minute review outlines the features of the latest AMP electronic annealing machine, the AMP Mark II DB. This uses a computer control to deliver precise annealing times and temperatures with a profile for your specific lot and brand of brass. One user praised this new AMP machine: “The touch screen is much more intuitive than the old one.” Another stated: “If you want to anneal the best way possible this is it. Does a torch work? Sure it does. The AMP does it far better and far more consistently.” A buyer confirmed this sophisticated new AMP is fast and efficient: “Just got one, a few days ago and it’s so easy to use. Without even trying, I easily anneal eight rounds per minute”.
Forster Co-Ax XL Press — Great Option for Very Large Cartridges
If you load very long cartridges, such as the .375 CheyTac, .416 Barrett, or 50 BMG, you will need a specialized press with more space inside the frame and enhanced vertical die travel. The relatively new Forster Co-Ax XL press, introduced at the 2023 SHOT Show, fills the bill. In this Ultimate Reloader video, Gavin Gear shows how to set up the XL press. Then he shows how to adapt the press to different die sizes. He finishes by sizing a 50 BMG case. Gavin notes that this press has beefy construction and ball bearings in the linkage plates. Like what you see? You can purchase this press direct from Forster for $1295.00.
Caldwell Flash Bang Device Shows Hits
If you are shooting steel or reactive targets at long range, sometimes it is difficult to see the hit, particularly if you are shooting lighter-weight bullets or if the target hasn’t recently been painted. Caldwell has a solution — the battery-powered Flash-Bang. A bright-green strip light flashes on impact. The Flash-Bang unit attaches with adhesive to the rear of the target, extending to the left or right side. CLICK HERE for another Caldwell Flash Bang field test from the HarleyWood YouTube Channel.
Even with high-quality brass from Lapua, Peterson, Norma, Alpha and RWS, occasionally you may find one or two cases per box which have a small flake or obstruction in the flash-hole. This will appear like a thin crescent on one side of the flash hole (see photo). You should inspect ALL new brass before loading to identify any pieces with a partially-obstructed flash hole. It’s a good idea to remove any flake or thin crescent left as an artifact of the flash-hole forming process. Because the flash-hole itself is normally centered and of the correct diameter, it is not necessary to ream the flash-hole to a larger diameter. All you really need to do is remove the small obstruction(s). This can be done quickly with inexpensive tools.
Use a Small Pin Vise to Remove Flash-Hole Obstructions
Folks have asked if there is a tool that can remove obstructions from a Lapua small, BR-sized flash hole without opening the hole size. The Lapua PPC/BR flash hole is spec’d at 1.5mm, which works out to 0.059055″. Most of the PPC/BR flash-hole uniforming tools on the market use a 1/16″ bit which is nominally 0.0625″, but these often run oversize — up to 0.066″.
If you want to just clear out any obstructions in the flash hole, without increasing the flash hole diameter, you can use an inexpensive “pin vise” with an appropriate drill bit. For $5.19, Amazon sells a 10-piece set of cobalt steel 1.5mm drill bits, that matches the Lapua flash hole exactly. Other vendors offer a #53 pin vise drill bit that measures .0595″ or .060″ (depending or source). An 0.0595″ bit is close enough. You can find pin vises and these small-diameter drill bits at hobby stores.
For quite some time, Sinclair Int’l has sold a similar device for small (PPC and BR-size) flash holes. Like the 07-3081 unit for large flash holes, the 073000 Reamer for small flash holes works from the outside, so it can index off the primer pocket. It reams to .0625″, and also costs $29.99. The standard dimension for Lapua 220 Russian and 6mmBR flash holes is 1.5mm or .0590″. This tool will permit standard-size decapping rods with .0625″ tips to work without binding. However, note that both Forster and Redding normally supply .057″ decapping pins with their PPC and BR dies. So, it is NOT necessary to ream your Lapua BR/PPC flashholes, unless you prefer to do so for uniformity. It IS, however, a good idea to check BR/PPC flash holes for burrs before loading the first time.
NOTE: If you purchase either the 073081 or 073000 Sinclair Flash Hole Reamer tools, we recommend you mic the cutter tip before you process a bunch of cases. Sometimes a tip comes through that is oversize. This will ream the flash holes larger than you may intend.
To celebrate its 45th year in business, Creedmoor Sports is running a big SALE — 45 Days of Deals. For the past month, Creedmoor Sports has marked its 45th Anniversary by discounting a wide variety of products including scopes, reloading presses, dies, shooting accessories, competition sights, shooting coats, hats, plus bullets and brass.
CLICK HERE to see all the current sale items. If you are looking for brass, many types of quality Peterson, ADG and Starline brass are on sale now. The 45 Days of Deals will conclude soon — so don’t hesitate if you see an item you want. NOTE: The Sale landing page only displays 12 items by default. You can speed your search by clicking the control to display 36 items per page. In total, 78 items are on sale.
Among our picks for the best deals are: 1) $119.95 Shooting Coat; 2) American Bullet Co. .308 Win Ammo; 3) Black Hills .223 Rem Ammo; and 4) Vertex Electronic Earplugs.
Featured Products from Creedmoor Sports 45 Days of Deals:
The way ambient temperatures, barrel heating, and powder warming can affect cartridge pressures (and hence velocities) was covered in a study Pressure Factors: How Temperature, Powder, and Primer Affect Pressure by Denton Bramwell. In that article, the author used a pressure trace instrument to analyze how temperature affects ammo performance. Bramwell’s tests yielded some fascinating results.
