AR-platform rifles run dirty — very dirty. The gas system blows carbon and powder residues back into the action and into the bolt carrier group. That’s why you need to clean your ARs regularly, and you have to pay special attention to the nooks and crannies in the bolt and bolt carrer. The majority of AR failures we’ve witnessed have been from a combination of lube, carbon, and tiny brass shavings that collected in the ejector recess and the extractor spring recess. After that, plain carbon build-up on the bolt can be a gun-stopper too. And you need to keep the barrel extension clean too.
If you’re new to the (dirty) world of ARs, here are two helpful videos from the folks who make Froglube. That line of cleaners/lubes is pretty good stuff, though not our first choice for all AR lubrication and cleaning chores. But these videos do provide many helpful tips. They show the disassembly process and highlight the problem areas to which you must pay special attention.
How to Clean Your AR-15 Bolt Carrier Assembly
How to Clean Your AR-15 Lower Receiver Assembly
NOTE: Froglube also makes a video showing AR upper, chamber, and barrel cleaning. There are practices shown there that we do NOT recommend. Nor do we recommend Froglube products for bore cleaning. We think there are more effective cleaning products.
The Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition (FRAC), SB Tactical, B&T USA, Rick Cicero, and 25 States have filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) challenging the legality of a new ATF rule that reverses a decade of ATF agency precedent. That radical ATF rule would retroactively mandate the burdensome and costly registration of millions of pistols equipped with stabilizing braces, contrary to federal statutes enacted by Congress.
“The ATF has placed millions of law-abiding firearm owners in legal jeopardy”, notes Jeff Creamer, president and CEO of SB Tactical. “It’s a gross overreach of the Bureau’s authority and, if allowed to stand, will result in the largest gun registration scheme in U.S. history.”
The new ATF rule lacks a clear definition of what is actually being regulated. The language gives ATF the power to decide on a case-by-case basis which firearms are and are not regulated. READ NRA-ILA Analysis.
“The ATF’s new definition for stabilizing braces is arbitrary. The Bureau is declaring that they will effectively decide on a case-by-case basis whether a firearm is subject to the NFA. Every American gun owner is in danger of potentially facing felony charges at the whim of these bureaucrats and without any new statute in place. The NRA believes this rule will fail for the same reasons the bump stock rule failed — ATF can only apply federal statutes; it can’t rewrite them”, said Jason Ouimet, executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action.
“This rule demonstrates a clear abuse of power by the ATF”, Ouimet said. “They’re clearly carrying out the Biden Administration’s anti-gun agenda and it’s got to stop. The NRA is putting its full weight behind fighting this unlawful rule”.
About Stabilizing Braces
Stabilizing braces were designed to enable gun owners to operate certain firearms with one hand with more stability. The ATF’s new rule says, essentially, that using a stabilizing brace with a pistol turns the firearm into a short-barreled rifle and must now be regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA) — which means they’d be subject to registration, additional taxation, and long wait times for approval due to ATF’s lengthy NFA processing times. Because of this rule, the millions of Americans who own a pistol and a stabilizing brace, regardless of style or caliber or type of brace, must either dispose of, alter, or register their firearms. If they don’t comply, they will become felons and face 10 years in prison and large fines.
According to the Congressional Research Service, there are currently between 10 and 40 million stabilizing braces in the United States.
FRAC is Lead Plaintiff with Coalition of 25 States
The lawsuit challenging the ATF policy is Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition, Inc (FRAC)., v. Merrick Garland and was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota.
Along with FRAC, other plaintiffs are: SB Tactical, B&T USA, Wounded Warrior Richard Cicero, and a coalition of 25 states led by West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley, also including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.
There are some interesting topics covered today, Sunday 1/29/2023, on Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk® Radio, the original nationally-syndicated radio talk show about guns and the shooting sports. The episode covers the acquisition of Barrett Firearms by the Australian NIOA group. In addition, there is coverage of a new gun-related novel and gear from Vertx.
NOTE: If you miss the live broadcast on 1/29/2023 at 2-5 PM, just visit the Gun Talk Podcast archive.
Barrett Firearms recently changed hands. Rob Nioa, CEO of the NIOA group which acquired Barrett Firearms, joins Tom to discuss the recent purchase. The transaction promises to increase the production and visibility of Barrett Firearms while introducing new and innovative product. Rob Nioa assured Tom that Barrett production would remain at Barrett’s Tennessee factory: “We are going to make sure nothing changes in the quality of the product. Nothing changes in where the products are manufactured.”
This Sunday, Tom talks with Pulitzer-prize winning author Steven Hunter about his new book The Bullet Garden. This just-published novel features legendary Marine and father of literary icon Bob Lee. The book visits battlefields of World War II as Earl Swagger embarks on a top secret and deadly mission. CLICK HERE to read FREE 49-page preview of The Bullet Garden. Or listen to FREE Audio Sample on Amazon.
In hour three, Tom talks with Dan Groce of Vertx about concealed carry equipment. Vertx sells backpacks, duffles, cases, and cloth pouches designed to carry guns, ammo, and accessories.
In its 26th year of syndication, Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Radio show airs live on Sundays from 2:00 to 5:00 PM Eastern and runs on more than 270 stations weekly. Listen to a Radio Station near you or listen via internet Live Streaming. All Gun Talk shows can be later accessed and downloaded for free as Podcasts online. Below is last week’s Gun Talk Radio Podcast which covered recent ATF rulings about AR pistol braces:
Australian defense contractor NIOA has announced the 100% acquisition of the industry-leading rifle design and manufacturing company, Barrett Firearms. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The American Barrett factory will continue to operate in the USA at its Murfreesboro, Tennessee location and all workers will be retained. Ronnie Barrett and Chris Barrett will serve as executive advisers to NIOA.
NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa said the two family-owned companies came together out of a shared commitment to quality, innovation, loyalty, and mission: “NIOA’s association with Barrett dates back to 2008. We have been inspired by the story of Barrett and admire what Ronnie, Chris and the family have built over more than four decades. Together we share the same mission – combining our expertise and family business values will ensure Barrett carries on building the finest products in the world.”
Mr. Nioa confirmed the company would continue to operate under the Barrett brand as a separate division within the NIOA Group alongside NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation and the group’s investment in joint venture company Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions.
Outdoor Wire Editor Jim Shephard interviewed Robert Nioa recently. Jim noted that Barrett’s production will remain in the USA: “There’s absolutely no intention to move Barrett anywhere. In fact, Nioa told me in no uncertain terms that he isn’t looking to move Barrett, he’s looking forward to growing it beyond what it is today. And, he says, ‘I love Murfreesboro. We’re not going anywhere’.”
All management and staff at the Murfreesboro manufacturing facility in Tennessee have been retained and production will continue as normal. Over time it is expected that manufacturing activities in Murfreesboro will be expanded. As part of the NIOA acquisition, Barrett President Sam Shallenberger has been promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer while long-serving Barrett Chief Operating Officer Bryan James becomes President. Ronnie Barrett and Chris Barrett will provide ongoing support as executive advisers to Barrett and the NIOA Group.
Barrett founder Ronnie Barrett said “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Barrett story. Rob and the NIOA team have great respect for the legacy Barrett has created as the leader in long range precision rifles. It’s reassuring to know Barrett will be in good hands with a family-owned company that is focused on manufacturing and delivering world-class firearms and munitions to a global network.”
About NIOA
NIOA is the largest Australian-owned supplier of firearms, weapons and ammunition to the Australian and New Zealand defense forces, law enforcement agencies, and commercial markets. It has long-standing trusted relationships with American companies such as Vista Outdoors, Leupold, General Dynamics, Northrup Grumman, and the Winchester-operated Lake City ammunition plant.
NIOA is a major tenant at the Australian government-owned, contractor-operated (GOCO) munitions facility at Benalla in Victoria. There NIOA currently manufactures 120mm munitions for the Abrams tank along with 30mm and 35mm cannon ammunition.
The company is contracted to deliver major weapons programs for the Australian and New Zealand militaries and has recently established an artillery shell forging factory in Maryborough, Queensland in a joint venture with Rheinmetall of Germany.
About Barrett Firearms
Barrett has been a family-owned and operated company and the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing.
Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military and more than 75 U.S. DOS-approved countries around the world.
The Barrett Quality Management System (QMS) has earned the prestigious ISO 9001:2015 certification for the design and manufacture of firearms, ammunition, and accessories, and for sniper systems training.
Here’s a radical new product from Accu-Tac — the first-ever Hydraulic Bipod. It works via a hydraulic piston in the top center of the bipod. The upper part of the piston attaches to a rifle’s fore-arm. The piston is connected via a hydraulic hose line to a remote cylinder with a red crank handle (dial) on top. When the shooter rotates the 4-pronged red dial this raises the rifle up/down slightly by moving the piston.
There is a full write-up GunsAmerica Digest (GAD) with more photos. GAD Reviewer Levi Sim explains:
“The big deal about this bipod is that red column under the rifle mount. It’s a piston that moves up and down with a dial that sits on the table.
This dial uses hydraulic pressure with oil in the hose to raise the rifle mount. Each 180° turn of the dial raises the piston 19mm. This precise adjustment should allow a shooter to make minute adjustments to the rifle’s elevation without shrugging their bodies around and should lead to greater precision.”
The new Accu-Tac Bipod has an adjustable leg spread which can extend to 27″. At the end of the legs are F-TR type skids that allow the rifle to slide back during recoil. These skids are bolted in place so it appears they do not rotate. This new bipod should be available for sale later in 2023 with an anticipated price around $800.00. SEE Other Accu-Tac Bipods.
Believe it or not, here is a cartridge that makes a .338 Lapua Magnum look like a toy. The 14.5x114mm cartridge was designed as a MG and rifle-fired anti-materiel round. To translate from the metric system to caliber and inches, the round is a mammoth .57 caliber which measures 4.49 inches to the case mouth, and 6.13 inches overall. That jumbo-sized case holds a whopping 655 grains of powder. Commonly-loaded projectiles weigh 920-1030 grains. The 993gr armor-piercing projectile has a muzzle velocity of approximately 1006 meters per second (3300 fps) and can penetrate 30-32 millimeters of RHA steel at a range of 500 meters.
The top photo comes from Elardus De Lang, a Forum member who works at the Truvelo Manufacturers Armoury in South Africa. Elardus also provided an impressive video showing the massive 14.5x114mm being shot from prone with a Truvelo-built bolt-action rifle. Elardus tells us: “Here is a video, with a slow-motion ending, of our 14.5x114mm anti-materiel rifle being fired in our indoor testing facility. This caliber is a true beast! It propels a 993gr Armor-Piercing Incendiary bullet to 3300 fps, burning 480 grains of powder in the process. [This shows] that rifles of that power level can actually be shootable. The concussion indoors is something to experience……every shot feels like you are being punched in the face, and the heat from the muzzle flash actually hits you like a wave!”
14.5x114mm Cartridge Design and Dimensions
The 14.5×114mm has 42.53 ml (655 grains H2O) cartridge case capacity. The exterior shape of the case was designed to promote reliable case feeding and extraction in bolt action rifles and machine guns alike, under extreme conditions. Cartridges typically use lacquered steel cases, but some countries also use brass cases for the 14.5x115mm.
All dimensions are in millimeters (mm). Americans would define the shoulder angle at alpha/2, or 22.5 degrees. The common rifling twist rate for this cartridge is 455 mm (1:17.91″) with eight lands/grooves. According to official guidelines, the 14.5×114mm can handle up to 360 MPa (52,213 psi) piezo pressure.
14.5x114mm Cartridge History
The 14.5×114mm (.57 Cal) is a heavy machine gun and anti-materiel rifle cartridge used by the Soviet Union, the former Warsaw Pact, modern Russia, and other countries. It was originally developed for the PTRS and PTRD anti-tank rifles, but was later used as the basis for the KPV heavy machine gun that formed the basis of the ZPU series anti-aircraft guns that is also the main armament of the BTR series of armoured personnel carriers from the BTR-60 to the BTR-80 and for heavy anti-material sniper rifles. The cartridge was designed in 1939 and first issued in 1941.
A while back, the Precision Rifle Blog conducted a fascinating study of Muzzle Brakes. PRB figured out a way to show the actual “blast pattern” of gasses ejecting from the ports of muzzle brakes. The result was a fascinating (and eye-catching) series of images revealing the distinctive gas outflows of 20+ different types of muzzle brakes. If you are considering buying and installing a muzzle brake on your rifle, you should definitely review this important PRB Muzzle Brake Test.
For a prone shooter, particularly on dusty, dirty or sandy ground, muzzle blast is a major bummer. Muzzle blast can be very disturbing — not just for the trigger-puller but for persons on either side of the gun as well. Some muzzle brakes send a huge shockwave back towards the shooter, and others send blast towards the ground, kicking dirt and debris into the prone shooter’s face. If there was a way to illustrate those factors — shockwave and debris — that might help shooters select one brake design over another.
Cal Zant at PrecisionRifleBlog.com applied a unique blend of creativity and resourcefulness to try to answer that question for 20+ muzzle brakes. Using high-speed photography and household products, he captured the blast pattern of 20+ different brake designs for easy side-by-side comparison. Can you figure out how Cal managed to show muzzle brake blasts so clearly? His “hi-viz” solution, revealed in the article, is very clever. See the eye-opening results for 20+ brakes, with illustrative photos, by visiting the Precision Rifle Blog Muzzle Brake Ground Signature Test Page.
This Sunday we showcase a top choice for PRS/NRL Production Division competition. Savage Arms has adapted its Impulse straight-pull action for the tactical market. Savage’s Impulse Elite Precision combines the award-winning* Savage Impulse straight-pull action with a precision MDT aluminum alloy chassis. The ability to shoot faster, with less rifle movement, is potentially a game-changer for the tactical/precision rifle competitions where stages run “on the clock” and fast follow-up shots are very important. And with a $2499.00 MSRP (for 6mm Creedmoor and .308 Win), and $2719.00 for 6.5 Creedmoor, the Impulse Elite Precision qualifies for the PRS Production Division, which is now capped at $3000 for rifle and $2500 for optic under 2023 PRS Rules (2.3.1). The 2022 PRS Production rifle max price was $2500.00.
The Savage Impulse Elite Precision in the Field
This Savage Arms video shows an Impulse Elite Precision rifle being fired in the field, shooting off a tripod at steel targets. There are good close-ups showing the rifle being shot and cycled rapidly. Starting at 00:19, watch how quickly the operator can cycle the action in just about 1 second. If you are considering purchasing an Impulse Elite Precision, definitely watch this video:
The new Impulse Elite Precision features a straight-pull action fitted in a ACC (adjustable core competition) chassis from Modular Driven Technologies (MDT). With a full-length ARCA rail, the Impulse Elite Precision can be easily customized for individual balance preferences. You can add weight and accessories on the fore-arm easily through the ARCA mounts. And the rear section offers adjustable length of pull and cheekpiece height. The ambidextrous bolt can be fitted on either right or left sides.
This Impulse straight-pull action is bedded in an Adjustable Core Competition chassis from Modular Driven Technologies (MDT). From its full-length ARCA rail to its nitride coatings, the Impulse Elite Precision is optimized for the PRS/NRL game.
Seven Chamberings Offered for Impulse Elite Precision
The Impulse Elite Precision is offered in seven chamberings: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, .300 PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .338 Lapua Magnum. MSRP for the rifle in 6mm Creedmoor and .308 Win (both with 26″ barrels) is $2499.00. In 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC, also with 26″ barrels, the rifle retails for $2719.00. For the bigger chamberings, .300 PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .338 LM, which have 30″ barrels, MSRP is $2799.00. Effective January 1, 2023, the max allowed price for PRS Production Class is $3000.00 (Rule 2.3.1 update).
“The Elite Precision has changed the way Savage shooters think about long-range capability,” said Jessica Treglia, Senior Brand Manager for Savage Arms. “The addition of the Impulse straight-pull action is going to add a new element of speed to an already efficient rifle. When split times are an important aspect of the competition, Impulse Elite Precision will be a game-changer.”
Savage Impulse Straight-Pull Action — Overview
Savage’s Impulse series of straight-pull bolt rifles is the first American-designed and crafted straight-pull centerfire rifle. The new Impulse features an innovative Hexlock bolt-locking mechanism with six spherical bearings that move radially outward into a ring in the barrel extension, thereby locking the bolt in place. That barrel extension is held in the receiver assembly by four cross-bolts on the lower front section. Ahead of the barrel extension is a conventional recoil lug and a familiar Savage barrel nut.
Innovative Hexlock Bolt System in New Savage Impulse
When the bolt is closed, the Hexlock system holds it in place instead of conventional lugs. With the Hexlock, six (6) hardened steel bearings lock the bolt in place inside the receiver’s barrel extension. Savage says “As pressure increases, Hexlock’s hold tightens, ensuring that there can be no rearward movement of the bolt. Once the round has left the barrel, the pressure subsides, and the action can safely open again with the straight pull of the bolt handle.”
Savage Impulse — Hexlock System (Bolt Locks in Barrel Extension)
* Hunting Version of Impulse Named 2021 Rifle of the Year — The Savage Impulse straight-pull hunting rifle won the coveted NRA American Hunter 2022 Golden Bullseye Award as Rifle of the Year. Previously, Guns & Ammo magazine editors also named Savage’s Impulse the 2021 Rifle of the Year.
SHOT Show 2023 is right around the corner, with the annual NSSF Gun Industry convention opening its doors to dealers and media on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Thousands of new products will be unveiled for the first time at SHOT Show 2023, including hundreds of new rifles. Today’s Saturday Movie showcase features a number of new (or nearly-new) rifles that will be on display at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. This showcase gives our readers a chance to preview some of the newest hunting, precision, and tactical rifles on the market even before retail buyers get to handle them at SHOT Show display booths.
Five Best New Generation Precision and Sniper Rifles for 2023
This Survival Gear video showcases five newer model precision/tactical rifles offered in 2022 and some new offerings for 2023. The models are: 1. SIG Sauer Cross PRS (1:01 time-mark); Scopes Poweryz (2:25); Tikka T3X Tac A1 (3:18); Kelbly’s Nanook MG (4:48, shown below); and IWI US DAN (6:05).
The video hosts based his choice on function, reliability, and accuracy: “When pulling together this list of the best precision rifles and sniper rifles, I considered a few different criteria. The list highlights modern rifles with proven track records that are currently in use. It includes some new precision rifles that are coming online right now.”
Three Impressive Modern Rifles — Including a Cool Ultralight
This 10-minute Central Gear video covers three fairly interesting rifles. PRS/NRL fans will like the Daniel Defense Delta 5 Pro Precision Rifle, a modern mag-fed chassis rig for PRS/NRL competition. Hunters should check out the impressive Gunwerks Skunkwerks Lite SabR rifle. Designed for easy field carry by hunters, the limited-edition Lite Sabr features an ultra-light magnesium metal chassis and a folding buttstock. The third rifle, also from Gunwerks, is a modern muzzleloader for hunters.
Fierce Arms 5.8-Pound Mountain Reaper Ultralight
This video covers just one rifle, the Fierce Arms Mountain Reaper. But we think this new ultralight rig will definitely appeal to hunters who need a light rifle. With an 18″ barrel, the Mountain Reaper weighs just 5.8 pounds! The Mountain Reaper features an ultra-light magnesium chassis, carbon-wrapped barrel, and carbon M-Lok forearm. It also boasts a quick-deploying, push-button-lock folding stock and premium Bix ‘N Andy trigger. Seven chamberings are offered starting at $3399.00 MSRP.
Three New Bergara Rifles for 2023
With over 620,000 subscribers, the Backfire YouTube Channel is very popular. It has earned a strong following for its multi-product comparison tests and straight-talk “No BS” reviews. In this video, Backfire reviews three new rifles from Bergara: The Bergara B14 Squared Crest, The Bergara Wilderness Ridge Carbon, and the Bergara HMR Carbon. All three products are well suited for hunting and varminting.
Five New Rifles for 2023 — Wide Variety of Platforms
The five rifles featured in this video have just hit the market. Most of these were first revealed at the NASGW (Nat’l Assn. Sporting Goods Wholesalers) EXPO a few months ago. Many will also be showcased soon at SHOT Show 2023 next week. The five featured rifles are: 1) Traditions Shed Horn .50 Cal Muzzleloader (1:02 time-mark); 2) Rock River Arms LAR22 (3:19); Mossberg Patriot Predator (5:47); Live Free Armory Challenger (8:28); and Pioneer Arms 556 (11:05). Two of these five choices are AR-type rifles, and one is an AK variant underfolder. The reviewer notes: “Here are five of the best new rifles introduced at NASGW 2022 … to keep an eye out for in 2023.”
Top AR-Platform Rifles for 2023
AR-platform “Modern Sporting Rifles” continue to be top sellers because of their affordability and versatility. An AR rifle can be used for Service Rifle competition, 3-Gun games, varmint hunting, and of course, home defense. This video features 15 modern-generation AR-platform rifles. Most of these rifles will be on display at SHOT Show in Las Vegas starting Tuesday January 17, 2023.
For the very first day of 2023 we present a precision rifle built with a relatively new cartridge — the 6GT. Developed by George Gardner of G.A. Precision and Tom Jacobs of Vapor Trail Bullets, the 6GT was designed to have the efficiency of a 6mm Dasher without the need for case forming. It was also designed with a longer case body so it feeds better from magazines. Even with the added capacity, the 6GT is still very efficient, and can achieve good velocities with less powder than a 6mm Creedmoor.
Today’s Sunday Gunday feature rifle was smithed and tested by Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com. Gavin did all the gunsmithing — chambering the barrel, fitting the muzzle brake, and even laser engraving the barrel. In building this 6GT rifle, Gavin used top-tier components: BAT TR action, Krieger 28″ 1:7.5″-twist 4-groove 6mm barrel, TriggerTech Diamond Rem 700-compatible trigger, and Area 419 Hellfire Muzzle Brake. The barreled action was then fitted in a handsome and rugged MDT ACC Chassis. On top is a Zero Tech 4.5-27×50mm FFP Trace Advanced scope in 30mm Hawkins Precision high rings.
We recommend you watch the video above — it covers the rifle build, load development, and then features some remarkable shooting sequences across snowy hills in the Pacific Northwest. Gavin’s team actually used a drone to capture overhead footage of the location.
After developing a promising load with Berger 109gr LRHT bullets, Varget powder, and Alpha brass, Gavin literally headed for the hills to test his new rifle at longer ranges, shooting from bipod. His load had shot well under half-MOA at 100 yards in testing so he was hoping he could hit multiple steel targets positioned at 340 yards, 760 yards, and 1000 yards. Indeed he did, proving the rifle’s great accuracy and Gavin’s fine trigger-pulling skills. You can see the hits at these time points in the above video:
340 Yards — 18:15 time | 760 Yards — 19:00 time | 1000 Yards — 19:54 Time
Gavin’s 6GT Hit Highlights on Steel out to 1000 Yards
Building Gavin’s 6GT Precision Rifle
Gavin Gear did all the gunsmithing on this project, using his own Precision Matthews TL-1660 lathe for the chambering with an Alpha carbide 6GT reamer. The barrel work took about four hours total. Shown below is the reamer cutting the chamber, which was finished with a 0.170″ freebore and 0.270″ neck diameter. For other brands of brass you might want the chamber to have a larger 0.272″ neck diameter.
Chambering the Krieger barrel with Alpha carbide 6GT reamer, 0.170” freebore, .270″ neck diameter.
This project when smoothly, with Gavin able to install the barreled action in the MDT Chassis and fit the buttstock in an hour or so. So total build time was about five hours. One nice “finishing touch” on the project was laser engraving the 28″ Krieger barrel — a process you can see in the video below.
Laser engraving of Krieger 28″ barrel.
About the 6GT — Sort of a 6 Dasher on Steroids
6GT Cartridge Design Features
The 6GT was designed to have an optimal length and capacity for mag-fed PRS/NRL tactical rifles. The 6GT is longer than a 6mmBR and 6 Dasher, but shorter than a 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5×47 Lapua. That gives the 6GT ample case body length to feed reliably from a magazine, while the case capacity is sufficient to run popular powders at reasonable pressures. It has a 35-degree shoulder angle.
On paper the 6GT seemed like the perfect cartridge for PRS- and NRL-style centerfire competition. It has the low recoil of a 6 Dasher, with good feeding and mag compatibility. With the 6GT, a competitor can push 6mm 105gr bullets at 3000+ FPS or run heavier bullets at ~2950 FPS. With this 28″ Krieger barrel, Gavin actually achieved 3004 FPS running 109gr Bergers.
Gavin started with quality Alpha Munitions brass. The cases were then annealed with an AMP Annealer and trimmed to length with a Henderson powered trimmer (see video below). After sizing with a Forster Co-Ax press, Federal SR Primers were seated using a Primal Rights competition seater. Next the powder was measured with an A&D FX120i force restoration scale. Finally, the Berger 109gr LR Hybrid Target bullets were seated with a Forster Micrometer die, again using the smooth Forster Co-Ax press.
Initial Load Testing with Berger and Hornady Projectiles
Before it got cold and snowy, Gavin did load development, shooting from a bench with a Sinclair front rest. The Krieger cut-rifled barrel was accurate right from the start and Hodgdon Varget powder proved to be a very good choice for the 6GT.
Gavin’s 6GT boasts a MDT ACC short action chassis with SRS-X Elite buttstock, vertical grip, and MDT CKYE-POD Bipod.
Gavin did initial load testing with both Hornady 110gr A-Tip Match and Berger 109gr Long Range Hybrid Target bullets. The Berger 109gr LRHT bullets were the most promising. A variety of charge weights were tested, with Gavin settling on 34.6 grains of Varget. This delivered fine accuracy with a 3004 FPS muzzle velocity. Group size measurements with this load are shown in the chart. At 100 yards, four three-shot groups averaged 0.361 MOA, and the rifle produced a nice 0.387 MOA (0.405″) five-shot group.
———————————————— Winter Wonderland for Shooters ———————————————–
Coming Soon — Ultimate Reloader Rifles Business
Gavin Gear is in the process of opening his own gunsmithing business. He will be offering a variety of custom-built rifles for multiple disciplines — hunting, PRS/NRL, ELR, and other competitive disciplines. Gavin explains: “Ultimate Reloader is gearing up to do custom rifle work for the general public starting (hopefully) in Spring 2022. We will most likely start with complete custom rifle builds using parts from our inventory. We will focus on high-end, bolt-action rifle builds and gunsmithing, primarily Remington 700 and clones. We will entertain limited gunsmithing work outside of complete builds (i.e. chambering, muzzle threading).
