Figure 1. When the bullet is seated farther out of the case, there is more volume available for powder. This enables the cartridge to generate higher muzzle velocity with the same pressure.
Effects Of Cartridge Over All Length (COAL) And Cartridge Base To Ogive (CBTO) – Part 1 by Bryan Litz forBerger Bullets.
Many shooters are not aware of the dramatic effects that bullet seating depth can have on the pressure and velocity generated by a rifle cartridge. Cartridge Overall Length (COAL) is also a variable that can be used to fine-tune accuracy. It’s also an important consideration for rifles that need to feed rounds through a magazine. In this article, we’ll explore the various effects of COAL, and what choices a shooter can make to maximize the effectiveness of their hand loads.
Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI)
Most loading manuals (including the Berger Manual), present loading data according to SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute) standards. SAAMI provides max pressure, COAL and many other specifications for commercial cartridges so that rifle makers, ammo makers, and hand loaders can standardize their products so they all work together. As we’ll see later in this article, these SAAMI standards are in many cases outdated and can dramatically restrict the performance potential of a cartridge.
Bullet seating depth is an important variable in the accuracy equation. In many cases, the SAAMI-specified COAL is shorter than what a hand loader wants to load their rounds to for accuracy purposes. In the case where a hand loader seats the bullets longer than SAAMI specified COAL, there are some internal ballistic effects that take place which are important to understand.
Effects of Seating Depth / COAL on Pressure and Velocity
The primary effect of loading a cartridge long is that it leaves more internal volume inside the cartridge. This extra internal volume has a well known effect; for a given powder charge, there will be less pressure and less velocity produced because of the extra empty space. Another way to look at this is you have to use more powder to achieve the same pressure and velocity when the bullet is seated out long. In fact, the extra powder you can add to a cartridge with the bullet seated long will allow you to achieve greater velocity at the same pressure than a cartridge with a bullet seated short.
When you think about it, it makes good sense. After all, when you seat the bullet out longer and leave more internal case volume for powder, you’re effectively making the cartridge into a bigger cartridge by increasing the size of the combustion chamber. Figure 1 illustrates the extra volume that’s available for powder when the bullet is seated out long.
Before concluding that it’s a good idea to start seating your bullets longer than SAAMI spec length, there are a few things to consider.
Geometry of a Chamber Throat
The chamber in a rifle will have a certain throat length which will dictate how long a bullet can be loaded. The throat is the forward portion of the chamber that has no rifling. The portion of the bullet’s bearing surface that projects out of the case occupies the throat (see Figure 2).
The length of the throat determines how much of the bullet can stick out of the case. When a cartridge is chambered and the bullet encounters the beginning of the rifling, known as the lands, it’s met with hard resistance. This COAL marks the maximum length that a bullet can be seated. When a bullet is seated out to contact the lands, its initial forward motion during ignition is immediately resisted by an engraving force.
Seating a bullet against the lands causes pressures to be elevated noticeably higher than if the bullet were seated just a few thousandths of an inch off the lands.
A very common practice in precision reloading is to establish the COAL for a bullet that’s seated to touch the lands. This is a reference length that the hand loader works from when searching for the optimal seating depth for precision. Many times, the best seating depth is with the bullet touching or very near the lands. However, in some rifles, the best seating depth might be 0.100″ or more off the lands. This is simply a variable the hand loader uses to tune the precision of a rifle.
Creedmoor Sports has released a series of helpful “how-to” videos in its new InfoZone web page. In the latest InfoZone video Bill Gravatt shows how to seat bullets using L.E. Wilson Hand Dies and an Arbor Press. The basic process is simple, particularly with a micrometer-top seating die. That makes it easy to adjust and set seating depth. Before you start seating bullets, you want to adjust the height of the arbor so the stroke is appropriate to the height of your die.
Bill Gravatt Shows How to Use Hand Seating Dies — Creedmoor INFOZONE
ARBOR PRESS TECHNIQUE: When using an arbor press, smooth is good. You don’t want to slam the handle down quickly. Try to repeat the same motion each time. You can also experiment by seating the bullet part way, then rotate the cartridge (in the die) and do the final seating with a second stroke. If your arbor press has a force gauge, note both the max value of the gauge needle and how it moves as you seat the bullet. If the needle spikes too rapidly, or bounces back and forth irregularly, set that cartridge aside and/or mark it. You could have neck tension issue with that case or some other fault. You might even have a bad bullet. That’s rare, but can happen. The key to success is moving the press arm in a smooth motion every time, maintaining the same down-pressure with each cartridge.
Here Bill Gravatt Offers a Simple Tip for Adjusting Wilson Seating Dies
One of our Forum readers asked “How can I get a custom in-line seater for my new rifle?”. First, we would say that, if you are not shooting an unusual Wildcat, check first to see if L.E. Wilson makes a stainless Micrometer Seater Die for your rifle. These dies are a joy to use, and we’ve found the fit to be exceptionally good with many calibers. Typically priced from $95-$115, Wilson stainless micrometer-top seaters are available for dozens of cartridge types: .204 Ruger, 20 BR, .222 Rem, .223 Rem, 22 PPC, 22 BR, .22-250, .223 WSSM, 6 PPC, 6mmBR, 6XC, 243 Win, .243 WSSM, 25 WSSM, 6.5×47 Lapua, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5-284, 26 Nosler, .270 WSM, 7mm-08, .284 Win, 28 Nosler, 7mm RUM, 30 BR, 30 IHMSA, .308 Win, .300 WinMag, .338 Edge (and MORE).
If you do want a custom seater die, the process is relatively simple. Purchase a die blank from Wilson and have your gunsmith run the chambering reamer in. Forum member Gunamonth explains: “I start with a Wilson seating die blank. They’re available from Sinclair and other vendors. Just run the reamer in. For some of my rifles, where I wanted the stainless die with the micrometer adjustment, I bought a smaller die and had the smith ream it with the chamber reamer. That’s how I had my 6 Dasher and 6mm AI seaters made. With the Dasher I stared with a 6mmBR Micrometer die.”
SEATER STEM TIP: If, on your seated bullets, you are seeing a sharp line around the jacket near the ogive, you may want to smooth out the leading edge of the Wilson seater stem (see above left). Do this by putting a little lapping compound on one bullet and manually spin this around in the stem. Without much effort you’ll have a smooth bullet/stem interface.
Micrometer Top Add-on
We really like micrometer tops on a seating die. But what if Wilson doesn’t make a micrometer top seater for your chambering? Don’t despair, Brownells sells a $39.99 Sinclair Micrometer Top that can be added to Wilson standard seaters or to a custom seater die made from a Wilson die blank.
Fire-Form with Foulers
Here’s a tip for guys who shoot the 6 PPC, 6 Dasher, 6 BRA, .284 Shehane, or other wildcat cartridges that require fire-forming. Use your fouler shots to fire-form new cases. That way your fouler shots do “double-duty” and you get your brass fire-formed without putting extra rounds through your expensive barrel.
This procedure is recommended by Joel Kendrick, the 2004 IBS 600-yard Shooter of the Year. After he cleans his barrel, Joel knows it takes two or three shots to foul in the bore before accuracy returns. (YMMV — some barrels may need five or six foulers.) When shooting his PPC, Joel uses those fouler shots to fire-form his new brass. Joel explains: “I like to have relatively new brass always ready. By fire-forming a couple cases after each barrel-cleaning during a match, by the end of the weekend I’ve got a dozen or more freshly fire-formed cases to put into the rotation. If you do this with your fouler shots you get your fire-forming accomplished without using up any extra barrel life.”
This not only saves barrel wear, but it saves you trips to the range for the purpose of fire-forming. We thank Joel for this smart suggestion. For those who do not have a dedicated barrel for fire-forming, this should help keep your round-count down. Note: With this fouler fire-forming routine, you should ALWAYS do the fire-forming with the SAME POWDER you load for your match ammo. Joel currently works as the Supplier Quality Process Engineer for MMI-TruTec, a company that offers barrel surface coatings that can further extend your barrel life.
Vista Outdoor has announced that it will be raising prices on ammunition, primers, and powder starting January 1, 2024. Last week, the Minnesota-based company sent a letter to commercial customers revealing across-the-board cost increases for ammunition, primers, and powder starting the first of the year. The price increases will range from one percent to ten percent, with projected 5% price hikes for primers. CCI/Federal/Remington .22 LR rimfire ammo will rise 1-5% while rifle ammo goes up 1-7%.
“Due to world events our suppliers have notified us of unprecedented demand for and an anticipated global shortage of gunpowder, and thus has increased our prices substantially,” Vice President of Sales, Sporting Products Brett Nelson said in the letter. “We must therefore raise our pricing to help offset those increases.”
Vista Outdoor Sporting Group entities that will increase prices include Alliant Powder, CCI, Federal, Remington, Speer, and HEVI-Shot. The projected increases are shown at right.
This article originally appeared on the USAMU Facebook Page. The USAMU regularly published reloading advice for many years. Check the Facebook archives for related USAMU articles.
Here at the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU), we receive inquiries from shooters at many skill levels. One of the most frequent questions we are asked is, “What equipment do you recommend I buy to start handloading?”
Often, the handloader will be focused on producing ammo in quantity, and a big concern is whether to begin with a single-stage vs. a progressive press. However, there is one critical item that often gets overlooked as folks talk about the especially interesting topics such as reloading die brands and types, scale types and brands. And, what might that item be?
“When all else fails, read the what?” Yes, we recommend those new to handloading actually begin with reading the early chapters of one or, preferably two quality handloading manuals. They contain copious information on basic handloading safety, how to choose and use components, and how to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous conditions. Of course, they also do a fine job of teaching new loaders the correct methods of adjusting dies, determining safe loads and improving accuracy. Beginners can recognize and avoid many potential pitfalls, shortening the learning curve tremendously.
As a government entity, we aren’t able to make specific brand-name recommendations as such. However, recent manuals from the major bullet and powder manufacturers, especially those who emphasize accuracy and match-type bullets are generally a wise choice.
Handloaders often come to prefer one or two maker’s manuals over others for various reasons. Asking a friend who’s already an experienced loader which manuals they recommend is a good start. Borrowing one or more to read before purchasing is another.
This is a good way to both save money and get a feel for the variety of component types and data that are available. Comparing differences in data from different manuals in the same caliber, with the same powder and bullet weight can be an eye-opener. It is also a wise step in researching any loading project before one begins — and the reasons for the differences are fully explained in the manuals!
The AMU recommends buying proven, high-quality equipment. It should have a reputation for great durability, good ergonomics and reasonable-to-excellent precision. In addition, ask fellow shooters which companies have a good reputation for support after the sale. Several of the better handloading companies set the bar very high.
Video Shows Special Features of Forster Co-Ax Reloading Press
With the better ones, it’s common to call to order small replacement parts and receive them at no charge in the mail immediately thereafter. Other companies don’t enjoy such a sterling reputation. Often, these focus on cheap equipment made with low-quality materials, aimed at those to whom cost is the prime consideration.
Good quality equipment not only leads to less frustration, faster production, better results and less misery — it is also an excellent investment. Certain companies’ products sell virtually instantly on the used market and retain high resale value. Other gear from less well-regarded companies is much more difficult to sell. Moreover, it brings far less of its original purchase price—if it can be sold at all.
Ask veteran handloaders — preferably those who are still very active in the shooting sports — which equipment they prefer, and why. After getting specific recommendations, search for reviews of that equipment, as well as possible alternates and newer designs. Learn the steps of operating the various options, and evaluate them for efficiency, effort and precision. A little research can pay big dividends here!
With the Whidden Click-Adjustable Sizer Dies, you can change shoulder bump by .001″ (one-thousandth) with a simple click. Fast. Easy. Precise.
As handloaders have become more aware of shoulder bump and proper adjustment of the sizer die in recent years, there has become a need for an easier way to adjust the sizer die properly. For most folks, with their conventional dies, it takes lengthy trial trial and error to get the shoulder setback correct. Anyone who has done this can attest that it can be a slow and annoying job.
Whidden Gunworks has solved the problem with the innovative Click Adjustable Sizer Die. Patent No: 10,393,488. This die and lock ring work together to give the user a clicking feel to the adjustment just like a high end rifle scope. Each click moves the shoulder bump exactly .001″ so you can easily find the exact shoulder bump that you desire.
The Click Adjustable option is available on Whidden Custom Sizer dies as well (7/8”-14 format dies only)! Included with the Click Adjustable Sizer Die is a Shoulder Bump Gauge. This gauge attaches to standard calipers and allows measurement from the case shoulder to the base. Using the Shoulder Bump Gauge with the Click Adjustable Sizer Die will make the proper sizer die setup easier than ever before.
Click-adjustable die sets are available with both bushing and non-bushing configurations. Along with these complete die sets, Whidden Gunworks offers a separate click-adjustable ring to use with existing dies. Priced at $58.99, the Whidden Click-Adjust Lock Ring represents a modest investment for a major gain in die ease-of-use and precision adjustability.
The Whidden Universal Click Adjustable Lock Ring you can instantly turn your sizer die into a Click Adjustable Die. This ring works with any 7/8 OD sizer of any brand with adjustable shoulder bump. Simple in design, the inner and outer ring can rotate independently of each other. Each click is metered in true 1 thousandths adjustment and has 0.100″ total available travel. These work great with nearly all sizing 7/8 OD sizing dies, and one verified purchaser noted: “Not only are they useful on reloading dies, but it’s the cat’s meow on the Giraud Power Trimmer Case Holders.”
Dillon Users Take Note: The Whidden Click Adjustable Sizing Die will not work with the Dillon 550 or 650 progressive reloading press systems. The Universal Click Adjustable Lock Ring is not compatible with the Dillon floating toolhead.
Powder Valley has added Norma products to its extensive inventory of ammunition, reloading components, tools, and shooting accessories. Powder Valley is now carrying Norma products for shooters and handloaders. Norma ammo and components are developed with the high quality raw materials and tight tolerances to ensure long life and accuracy.
About Norma Precision AB
Dedicated to outfitting shooting enthusiasts with quality products since 1902, Norma started out in a small Swedish town and is now a top global brand boasting more than 350 employees, most of whom are hunters, shooters, and reloaders themselves. For hunting and target shooting applications Norma manufactures many millions of rounds annually for 100+ different cartridge types.
VERY Informative Video Show Cartridge Brass and Ammunition Production:
Here’s a cool video showing how bullet, brass, and ammunition are produced at the Norma Precision AB factory. You can see how cartridges are made starting with brass disks, then formed into shape through a series of processes, including “hitting [the cup] with a 30-ton hammer”. After annealing (shown at 0:08″), samples from every batch of brass are analyzed (at multiple points along the case length) to check metal grain structure and hardness. Before packing, each case is visually inspected by a human being (3:27″ time-mark). The video also shows how bullets are made from jackets and lead cores. Finally, you can watch the loading machines that fill cases with powder, seat the bullets, and then transport the loaded rounds to the packing system.
12 Days Of Christmas Contest at Powder Valley
Beginning Monday, December 4, 2023, Powder Valley has been running a major give-away contest, with prize products from a different maker each day. Today, 12/6/23, Berry’s Bullets are the Prize. And, TAKE NOTE readers, tomorrow 12/7/2023 Lapua, Berger, and Vihtavuori products are the Daily Contest Prize. If you need Lapua Brass, Berger Bullets, or VV powder, be sure to enter before end of day 12/7/2023. The 12 prizes vary by day and by value. Each day’s prize will be posted on Facebook and Instagram. WINNER SELECTION: A random drawing will be conducted the following day by Sponsor or its designated representatives. The Sweepstakes began on 12/4/23 and ends on 12/15/23.
About Powder Valley Powder Valley began in 1984 as Dexter Automotive, the first master distributor of Accurate powder. In 2000, Bryan and Noel Richardson purchased the company and moved operations to Winfield, Kansas with a focus on providing the finest in reloading components at the best possible price. Powder Valley expanded its vision to offer every type of powder and primer available so reloaders would have a single shopping source. Since then, Powder Valley has grown into the largest distributor of canister powder in the United States and currently carries an ever-expanding offering of high-quality bullets, brass, wads, shot, gun care items, and ammunition at an excellent value.
Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO) announced that its Board of Directors, following consultation with its financial and legal advisors, has rejected the unsolicited proposal received on November 22, 2023 from Colt CZ Group SE to combine Colt CZ and Vista Outdoor. It appears that the main reason the Colt CZ proposal was rejected is that the proposed $30.00 share price was too low and “did not take into account the value created by splitting the outdoor and sporting divisions” (Reuters). Vista Outdoor will continue to move forward with sale of its sporting products operations to the Czechoslovak Group A.S. (CSG), as announced this past October.
“The Board of Directors has determined that the (Colt CZ proposal) would not be more favorable to Vista stockholders from a financial point of view than the transactions contemplated by the CSG (agreement) and does not provide a basis for engagement with Colt CZ,” Vista Chief Executive Gary McArthur said in a letter posted on the company’s website.
Vista Outdoor will continue to proceed to sell its outdoor sporting products business to Czechoslovak Group (CSG) for $1.91 billion. This will involve transfer of some of the biggest names in the shooting/reloading world including: Federal, CCI, Remington Ammo, Speer, and Hevi-Shot. The sale and take-over is expected to be completed in 2024. CSG stated: “From the outset, we have believed that, compared to Colt’s offer, our agreement with Vista makes much more sense for Vista shareholders and for the future success of both (Vista) segments.”
Vista Outdoor’s Board of Directors stated that the determination to reject the Colt CZ proposal was made based on a number of factors, including:
The “purported value of $30 per Vista share in the November 22 [Colt CZ] Proposal significantly undervalues Vista”;
The November 22 Colt CZ Proposal “does not provide adequate details relating to the debt and equity financing contemplated thereby and does not include any binding commitments with respect to such financing”;
The November 22 Colt CZ Proposal “does not take into account the significant stockholder value that is expected to be created by the separation of the Outdoor Products and Sporting Products segments of Vista into two independent companies, each with its own dedicated strategic focus, enhanced ability to attract and retain top talent, tailored capital allocation philosophy, and set of competitive advantages.”
An official release stated: “The Vista Outdoor Board continues to recommend the acquisition of the Sporting Products business by Czechoslovak Group a.s. (“CSG”) and remains committed to acting in the best interests of Vista Outdoor stockholders.” And CSG has stated: “From the outset, we have believed that, compared to Colt’s offer, our agreement with Vista makes much more sense for Vista shareholders and for the future success of both (Vista) segments.”
The acquisition of the Sporting Products business by Czechoslovak Group is expected to close in calendar year 2024, subject to approval of Vista Outdoor’s stockholders, receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
We have all been there — you place a piece of tumbled brass in the shell-holder of your press, raise it into the die, and suddenly it is like somebody hit the brakes. The case is stuck in the die. Your first instinct is to reverse it out. You crank on the handle, and BANG! The rim rips off the case head and you are looking at a piece of brass stuck in the die.
A stuck case is one of the boo-boos that all of us reloaders have faced from time to time. If proper lubrication is applied, then it should not be a problem. No matter if you are a seasoned reloader or new to it, this situation can happen. Take your time, use the proper procedures, and you will be back in business in no time! This article explains how to avoid stuck cases (through proper lubrication) and how to use a stuck case removal system.
What Causes Stuck Cases
One of the first common mistakes reloaders face is the stuck case. It can be caused by too much or too little lube. Too much and a vacuum can be formed causing the case to become suctioned into the die. Too little lube and friction is the culprit. So what is the cure? There is no exact cure, but the best lube that we have found so far is just a dab of Imperial Sizing Die Wax on your fingers and applied in a thin coat on the body of the case, not the shoulder or neck. Too much of this wax can cause the vacuum effect, or can eventually load your die up with gobs of residue. If it is applied to the shoulder area, or the leftover wax moves up into the shoulder region of the die, you will see dents or dimples in the shoulder. [AccurateShooter.com Editor’s Note: For normal full-length sizing of small cases such as 220 Russian/PPC, 6mmBR, 6.5 Grendel, or 6.5×47 Lapua we recommend Ballistol (aerosol) lube. It is very slippery, goes on very thin, and does not gum up the die.]
A great way to ensure that your dies are clean is to use a simple chamber mop with a dab of your favorite solvent on it and clean out the die. Be sure all of the solvent is out after cleaning by spraying the die out with Quickscrub III or use a clean chamber mop. If you are storing your dies, you can apply a thin coat of a good oil to protect the steel such as TM oil or Starrett M1 Spray.
This video shows how to use an RCBS Stuck Case Removal Kit:
Using a Stuck Case Removal Kit
If you do stick a case in your die there are a few good stuck case removal kits available. Each one works in a similar fashion. I have found the Hornady kit very effective and easy to use. [Editor: Forster, Lyman, and RCBS also make good kits for removing a case stuck in a die.]
Basically what you do is remove the die from the press. Unscrew the decapping assembly and pull it out as far as you can. You then need to drill/tap threads into the stuck case head (this is why it is suggested to unscrew the decapping assembly as far as you can to get it clear of the drill bits). Once this is done screw the die back into the press. You then install the included shellholder attachment on the shellholder ram, and thread it into the case via a small wrench. With some elbow grease you can reverse the stuck case out of the die with the leverage of the press, and not damage the die.
However if the case is stuck… REALLY stuck, you may pull out the threads on the case and you are still left with a stuck case in the die without any way to pull it out. If the case is really difficult to remove even with the use of a stuck case removal kit, do not try to be Hercules with the press ram. Here is a trick that may work. Take the die with the stuck case and place it in your freezer for a couple of hours. Then repeat the removal with the cold die. The freezing temperatures may cause the brass to contract, and make removal easier. If this does not work it is recommended to send it to the die manufacturer. They will be able to remove the case without damaging the die.
Another fix if you can remove the decapping assembly completely is to use a tap hammer and a punch or small wooden dowel to knock the stuck case out. This isn’t the best way since it is very possible that you will damage the die internally or externally on the threads, or both. Send the die to the manufacturer to have this done properly. You will be happier in the long run.
This article appears courtesy Sinclair International. It first appeared in Sinclair’s Reloading Press Blog.
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.
CYBER MONDAY Special — Hornady L-N-L Classic Press Reloading Kit With FREE Case Prep Duo
On sale now at Midsouth for just $299.99 ($100 off), the Lock-N-Load Classic Press Reloading Kit comes with everything you need for case prep and powder measuring. This kit features an electronic scale, powder trickler, funnel, hand-held priming tool, reloading block, and Hornady Reloading Handbook, 11th Edition. This kit also includes a FREE L-N-L Case Prep Duo, which sells for $55 by itself.
1. Natchez — Big Savings on Burris, Leupold, and Trijicon Scopes
⏺ End of year sale with major brand scopes at huge savings
If you’re in the market for any type of optic from a red dot to a thermal scope (for night hunting) check out the current Natchez Optics Sale. A variety of quality scopes from Burris, Leupold, Trijicon (and more) are offered at very attractive end-of-the-year prices. You can save up to $819 or 69%. In addition, for a limited time, you get FREE Shipping for orders $99.99+ with Code FS231123.
2. Palmetto SA — Taurus G2C 9mm Pistol, $229.99
⏺ With rebate get a good 9mm carry pistol for just $199.99
If you need a good, reliable carry pistol, but have a limited budget, consider the Taurus G2C 9mm pistol, on sale at Palmetto State Armory for just $229.99. The G2C features an accessory rail, adjustable rear sight, textured grip, and smooth edges for comfort. The double-stack magazine holds 12 rounds. NOTE: This G2X pistol qualifies for the $30 Taurus Rebate right now. That lowers your net price to just $199.99 — a steal.
3. Midsouth — Hodgdon and Vihtavuori Powders in Stock
⏺ Ultra-popular Hodgdon and VV powders now available at good prices
Many super-popular Hodgdon and Vihtavuori (“VV”) powders are in stock right now at Midsouth. That’s right, you can order Hodgdon Varget, H4350, and H4831SC right now for $50.99/lb (or $43.62/lb for 8-lb H4350, H4831sc). And other Hodgdon powders are available starting at $36.99/lb. Plus many popular Vihtavuori powders are in stock at Midsouth including VV N133, N150, N310, N550, N560 and more.
4. EuroOptic — Meopta Optika Scope Sale
⏺ Save up to 37% on Meopta Optika riflescopes
Meopta makes excellent scopes with extremely high-quality glass. The larger Meopta scopes offer impressive 6 times zoom range (e.g. 3-18X and 5-30X). If you want a high-end scope at a moderate price, check out the Meopta Optika Sale at EuroOptic. Right now you can save up to 37% on Meopta scopes, including the FFP Optika6 5-30x56mm ED DichroTech, now discounted a whopping $450.00!
5. Graf’s — Mark 7 Autodrive Sale
⏺ Great advanced power accessory for big Dillon Progressives
Do you own a Dillon progressive press and want to load bulk ammo faster and easier? Check out the Mark 7 Autodrive sale at Grafs.com. Designed for Dillon 650/750 or 1050/1100 series presses, these Mark 7 Autodrives power the press cycles. That lets you produce more quality ammo in less time. The efficient Autodrives will reduce hand and muscle fatigue.
6. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Brass Dryer, $49.99
⏺ Great solution for drying brass after wet-tumbling
If you wet-tumble brass, you must ensure that the brass is dry inside and out before loading. You should never ever put primers and/or powder in damp brass. An excellent, efficient drying solution is the Frankford Arsenal Brass Dryer, now just $49.99 on Amazon. Vented trays provide excellent airflow and the heavy-duty, 500-watt heating unit can dry a full load of brass in under an hour.
7. Amazon — Lock-N-Load Comparator Kit, $34.00
⏺ Good tool works with most popular bullet diameters
For best accuracy and optimal ES/SD, you must seat bullets precisely. With the Hornady Lock-N-Load Comparator Kit you can quickly yet precisely measure seating depth. This kit comes with seven (7) different comparator inserts for bullet diameters: .224, .243, .257, .264, .277, .284 and .308. With the comparator attached to your calipers, this system measures from the bullet ogive to the base of the loaded round with great precision. You can use this tool to confirm various seating depths when doing accuracy testing. For example you can test 0.010″ off the lands and then 0.015″ off the lands.
8. Midsouth — Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper, $159.99
⏺ Great price on modern, fast dispenser with BlueTooth and App
A good electronic powder scale/dispenser lets you load more precisely with greater charge-weight consistency. The Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper delivers 0.10 (one-tenth) of a grain accuracy. This modern, easy-to-use machine also connects via Bluetooth to a very handy App on your phone that stores your loads for various cartridge and bullet types. Priced at just $159.99 at Midsouth, this is a great deal. This same Intellidropper sells for $203.99 elsewhere. The Intellidropper boasts a proprietary powder calibration button and dispenses powder twice as fast as some other powder dispensers.
9. Amazon — Neolube Neck Lube, $22.99
⏺ Very effective liquid lube for inside case-necks
Neolube is a little-known secret of top shooters, who use it to lube the inside of case-necks. That helps smooth bullet seating which, in turn, can help provide a more consistent ES/SD. Easy to apply, Neolube provides a very thin film, so this 2 oz. bottle will last for multiple seasons. Using Neolube during brass prep can help ensure consistent seating.
Heavy recoil can hurt your shoulder and potentially make you miss your shot. Installing a mechanical recoil-reduction system can be expensive but we found these handy KEEPER MG Recoil Pads. Priced at $28.99 for a twin pack, these pads employ a HQ visco-elastic absorption gel that dissipates recoil vibrations and reduces felt recoil. The pads are made from 4-way stretch neoprene to fit snugly.
Effects Of Cartridge Over All Length (COAL) And Cartridge Base To Ogive (CBTO) – Part 1
One of our Forum readers asked “How can I get a custom in-line seater for my new rifle?”. First, we would say that, if you are not shooting an unusual Wildcat, check first to see if 
Fire-Form with Foulers
Handloaders often come to prefer one or two maker’s manuals over others for various reasons. Asking a friend who’s already an experienced loader which manuals they recommend is a good start. Borrowing one or more to read before purchasing is another.
Here’s a cool video showing how bullet, brass, and ammunition are produced at the 
A stuck case is one of the boo-boos that all of us reloaders have faced from time to time. If proper lubrication is applied, then it should not be a problem. No matter if you are a seasoned reloader or new to it, this situation can happen. Take your time, use the proper procedures, and you will be back in business in no time! This article explains how to avoid stuck cases (through proper lubrication) and how to use a stuck case removal system.
