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August 3rd, 2011
The Ultimate Benchrest (UBR) National Championship will be held August 6th at Buck Creek, Kentucky. No the Ultimate Benchrest Championship is not like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)– there are no over-muscled brawlers with tatoos in a cage. Ultimate Benchrest is like any other registered benchrest match for SCORE, except for the targets. To “level the playing field”, UBR uses different-sized targets for different calibers. This way a .30-cal rifle, such as a 30BR, does not enjoy an inherent advantage by virtue of its larger diameter bullet making a bigger hole in the paper. You can shoot 22 caliber, 6mm, or .30 caliber, and have an equal chance of winning.
The event starts at 9:00 am on Saturday, August 6th. The range is located at 7204, Highway 1003, Somerset, KY 42501. You can set your GPS for: N37 05.792 + W84 23.961. Though all available spots for competitors are filled, match diectors still invite folks to “come on over” to see what this game is all about. For more info, visit www.UltimateBenchrest.com.
August 3rd, 2011
Here’s an opportunity for your wordsmiths out there. Write a 200-word essay and you can win a ton of range gear in Champion’s Third Annual Range Contest. This contest gives shooters a chance to win a fully-outfitted personal shooting range system worth more than $1,700 — all with a 200-word online essay submission. Two additional prize packages are also up for grabs.
Contest Details
Shooters can enter the Champion Range Contest at www.ChampionBackyard.com. For a chance to win, submit a 200-word essay explaining why you deserve the grand prize shooting range system. CLICK HERE for Official Contest Rules.
Three lucky shooters will each be awarded a personal shooting range system. The grand prize is a fully-loaded shooting range system worth more than $1,700. Two additional prize packages also include valuable Champion gear. All of the shooting range systems will include trap throwers, VisiColor targets, eye and ear protection, shooting accessories and more.
August 2nd, 2011
Now through August 31, 2011, Precision Reloading is running a great promo that can save you 10% on your order. This promo was created for LongRangeHunting.com, but our readers are allowed to use the promo codes as well. There are four different promo codes: LRH1811 ($10 off $100 or more); LRH2811 ($20 off $200 or more); LRH3811 ($30 off $300.00 or more); and LRH5811 ($50 off $500.00 or more). Type in these codes during online “check-out” to get your savings.
Rules and Restrictions
Here’s the fine print: Promo codes can be used for online purchases only — no phone sales, and these codes cannot be combined with other offers. Also, this discount is limited to regularly-priced, in-stock items only (no wholesale, sale, or clearance items.)
August Special Sale Items
In addition to the promotion described above, for August, Precision Reloading has cut prices on many popular reloading items, including Berger Bullets. Below are listed some of the August Specials. NOTE: Sale products are limited to quantities on hand. Sales ends August 31 2011. Savings may not be combined with the promo codes above.
Berger Bullets — 10% Off
Save $2.20-$29.70 on In-Stock Berger Bullets.
Swarovski Z3 Riflescopes
Receive a $50 Precision Reloading Gift Certificate
with any Z3 scope purchase + Free Shipping.
Swarovski Spotting Scope Bodies and Eyepieces
Receive a $50 Precision Reloading Gift Certificate + Free Shipping
with any Spotting Scope Body and Eyepiece Combo Purchase.
Story tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
August 1st, 2011
Ultra-Long-Range Shooting by Bryan Litz
We recently did some extended long range shooting with several rifles at a “secret range” where we could shoot out to one mile. I teamed up with Paul Philips, a highly successful National and International F-TR shooter with several National records. We started out shooting a Sako TRG-42 at 1200 yards. This is the same rifle I shot in Wyoming last year at distances out to 2400 yards. This rifle shoots the new Berger 300gr Hybrids, at 2700 fps. We were pleased to find that the Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56mm scope has plenty of elevation to get to 1200 yards with this bullet, especially when mounted on a Near Mfg. +45 MOA rail. The drop from a 100-yard zero to 1200 yards was predicted to be 34.75 MOA. The size of that 5-shot group was nothing to brag about (1.5 MOA), but what I found satisfying is that the group center was exactly centered for vertical on the target. That means the calculated .418 G7 BC and all of the other variables that went into this trajectory prediction were spot on.
 New .30-Cal Tactical Bullets
Next, we shot the LaRue 7.62 OBR rifle at 1200 yards. This rifle produced a 5-shot group of 9.7″ (.85 MOA) with off-the-shelf Applied Ballistics Tactical ammo loaded with .30-cal 175gr Berger Tactical bullets. These bullets only have a muzzle velocity of 2572 fps from this short barrel, which means that in our conditions they were subsonic past 1000 yards, running 1080 fps at 1200 yard. Going subsonic didn’t prevent the 175gr bullets from shooting a sub-MOA group.
However, I was a little disappointed that the group center was 9″ high (0.8 MOA) compared to the predicted trajectory (657″ drop from a 100-yard zero). Note this 9″ error in predicted drop could be produced by small variances. The 9″ shift could be explained by a 14 fps error in muzzle velocity, or a 2% error in bullet BC, or a 5-yard error in range measurement.
For our final test, I shot Berger’s newest Tactical bullet; the .30-caliber 230gr OTM projectile. This bullet has a tested G7 BC of .368, and a G1 BC of .719. Now this isn’t my most accurate rifle and I haven’t had an opportunity to really work up a good load. As a result, I shot an unimpressive 20″ group (1.8 MOA). But the predicted drop was only off by 2″ (less than 1 click) based on the BC’s listed above.
Shooting .338 Lapua Magnums at One Mile
After shooting at 1200, we lobbed some bullets on an 8’x8′ target at 1760 yards (1 mile). At this range, the TRG-42 put the 300gr Bergers on target with four of five shots in 1/2 MOA with a flyer to make the total group 21″. At this range my group center was 18.5″ (1.1 MOA) higher than predicted. Paul Philips* shot his custom .338 Lapua Magnum rifle. This is a Dave Tooley-built Tac-338 with 30″ Brux barrel, Stiller action, McMillan A-5 stock, and Nightforce NXS 12-42×56. Paul shot at the same target and was able to hold between 1/2 and 1 MOA groups with the same 300gr Berger Hybrid bullets. Paul’s group centers were also about 1 MOA higher than predicted. This small error in prediction isn’t very troubling though, as we’re not entirely confident in the range measurement. As 1760 yards (one mile) is too far for a direct laser rangefinder measurement, the distance was determined with a combination of GPS and Google maps. At that distance, a range error of just 15 yards (out of 1760) could cause the percieved 1 MOA error in predicted drop. So, if the target were really at 1745 yards, instead of 1760 yards, it would explain why we were hitting 1 MOA high. Alternatively, if BC error were the reason for hitting high, it would suggest the G7 BC for the .338-cal 300gr Berger Hybrid is .427, as opposed to the currently advertised .418; a 2% difference.
The Joy of Ultra-Long-Range Shooting
For me, the thrill of shooting these extreme long ranges isn’t just about the group sizes, but the accuracy with which the trajectory can be predicted. The shooter who understands ballistics and inputs the right variables should be able to center a 1.5 MOA group well past 1000 yards. He can be more effective, on targets at extreme ranges, than someone who can shoot an 0.5 MOA group but can’t keep it centered. Of course the most impressive of all is the shooter who can combine precision with accuracy and center the 0.5 MOA group at extreme distances!
August 1st, 2011
If you’d invested in Ruger stock three years ago, you’d be sitting pretty right now. Sturm, Ruger & Co. (NYSE: RGR) has done exceptionally well since the 2008 Presidential election, despite the faltering economy. Ruger’s stock price is currently trading above $27.00 per share, up from a low of $5.18 per share in November 2008. That’s an increase of more than 500%. And during that period, Ruger also paid a modest dividend. Hard to beat a huge stock value increase with dividends to boot.
Is Ruger still a good investment, or has all the money already been made? We caution any potential investor that “what goes up must come down”. Still, Ruger has solid fundamentals and the company has made some smart decisions, moving into the concealed, carry gun market with huge success.
Motley Fool Takes Close Look At Sturm, Ruger & Co.
On July 30th, The Motley Fool, a popular investing website, spotlighted Sturm, Ruger & Co., analyzing the company’s performance over the last few years. Motley Fool noted that Ruger has zero debt, has shown 5-year dividend growth of 26.3%, and has delivered a 15% return on equity — all good things. On the other hand, Motley Fool was disappointed with Ruger’s slim 3.7% revenue growth over the past 12 months. But there are positive signs. Last week, Ruger issued a quarterly earning report showing a 32% jump in net income. Overall, The Motley Fool concluded: “Sturm, Ruger hasn’t grown as much as investors would like to see. But with a reasonable valuation, a decent and growing dividend, and good prospects for the future, Sturm, Ruger could get a lot closer to the 10 ring at some point.”
August 1st, 2011
 Top firearms industry executives and pro shooters participated in the Ninth Annual Shooting Industry Masters, held July 22-23 in Park City, Kentucky. A record-breaking 370 competitors raised $37,000 for NSSF’s First Shots program. This brings the amount raised by the Masters for First Shots to $94,000 in three years. The Masters, held at the Rockcastle Shooting Center, Park Mammoth Resort, is owned and operated by FMG Publications. The leading male and female pro shooters were Jerry Miculek (Team Smith & Wesson) and Tasha Hanish (Team FNH).
“We had nearly 500 people each day participating in the event, with competitors and volunteers combined,” said Randy Molde, match chairman. “It was exciting to see so many folks who are used to sitting behind desks all day out enjoying the sport they help make better. We’re thankful they chose to spend the weekend with us to support First Shots.”
 The Masters is a handgun, rifle, shotgun competition divided into two classifications: Industry and Open. The Industry class is for new to intermediate shooters, while the Open class is for professional and advanced shooters, many of whom compete on the USPSA and 3-Gun Nation circuits. Regardless of class, scores are not published. This helps maintain the traditional, no-pressure, fun atmosphere of the Masters.
| 2011 Shooting Industry Masters Top Shooters and Teams |
| Open Class |
Industry Class |
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High Team: Open Class – Team JP Enterprises, Tony Holmes, Kurt Miller, Don Bednorz, Trapr Swonson and John Paul.
High Shooter: Open Class – Jerry Miculek, Team Smith & Wesson 1
High Lady: Open Class – Tasha Hanish, Team FNH
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High Team: Industry Class – Team Sierra Bullets, Darren Leskiw, Tommy Todd, Matt Reams and Mark Walker
High Shooter: Industry Class – Jens Krogh, Team Benelli 1
High Lady: Industry Class – Katie Harris
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July 31st, 2011
RCBS has launched a completely updated RCBS.com website. The new site features videos, a Step-by-Step Reloaders Guide, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, a Glossary of Reloading Terms, a list of current Promotions and Rebates, a comprehensive parts inventory, plus all the RCBS product info you’d expect. Users can also download the 2011 RCBS Product Catalog. Along with its updated main site, RCBS has launched a companion reloading forum site, www.ReloaderHub.com. There you can post pictures and videos, share reloading recipes, and discuss reloading techniques.
Much good information is to be gleaned from the reloading videos available on RCBS.com. Hosted by RCBS Gen. Manager Allen Jernigan, these clips cover important reloading procedures, such as case prep, cartridge priming, and how to measure case run-out (eccentricity). Click the image below to go to the RCBS Video Archive.
July 31st, 2011
 If you’re planning to make a big purchase at Sinclair International or Brownells, we’ve got the latest discount coupons here. These can easily save you 10 to 20 bucks, depending on the size and weight of your order. During check-out, use code DF9 at Sinclairintl.com, and use code DEG at Brownells.com. These codes entitle you to FREE ground shipping on orders of $150.00 or more.
Sinclair International
Sinclair Int’l FREE Ground Shipping on Orders Over $150. Coupon Code: DF9
Brownells
FREE Ground Shipping on Orders Over $150. Coupon Code: DEG
July 30th, 2011
 Congratulations to USAMU member SSG Michael McPhail, winner of the 2011 Smallbore Rifle Prone Championship. SSG McPhail won three matches and took the 1st Daily 1200 Aggregate as he shot consistently throughout the week to finish with 4796-401X. Coming in second place overall was Mark Delcotto with a 4796-380X and CPT Christopher Abalo, SSG McPhail’s teammate on the AMU, finished third with a 4795-388X.
With so many talented shooters participating in the championship, SSG McPhail’s commanding X-score ended up as the deciding factor as his point total of 4796 was matched by two other shooters, Mark Delcotto (Civilian Champion), and Paul Nordquist (Any Sight Champion). McPhail shared credit for his victory: “I’d like to thank the commander of the AMU, all the solders and support staff at AMU — coaches, other shooters, my teammates — and also the NRA and the volunteers. Without the volunteers this match would never even happen.”
Held July 24-29, the Smallbore Rifle Prone Championships are a part of the NRA National Rifle and Pistol Championships held at Camp Perry, Ohio each year. Comprised of a Metallic Sight and Any Sight championship, competitors take 480 shots over the course of 12 matches from distances of 50 meters and 100 yards to determine who will take home the Critchfield Trophy.
Special Category Winners
Paul Nordquist shot a 4796-371X to match McPhail’s point total and secure the title of Any Sight Only Champion. Renowned shooter Nancy Tompkins won the High Woman award with a 4794-375X. Reya Kempley shot second (among women) with a 4794-352x and Sarah Beard of Texas Christian University took third with a 4790-351x. Kempley also won the Metallic Sight Championship with her aggregate of 2400-182x.
Civilian Champion: Mark Delcotto – 4796-380X
Any Sight Only Champion: Paul Nordquist – 4796-371X
Woman Champion: Nancy Tompkins – 4794-375X
Senior Champion: Peter Church – 4791-352X
Intermediate Senior Champion: Larry Parker Sr. – 4788-349X
Collegiate and Junior Champion: Sarah Beard – 4790-351xX
Intermediate Junior Champion: Katie Bridges – 4784-340X
Sub-Junior Champion: Sammy Richardson – 4751-270X
Service Champion: SSG Michael McPhail, USA – 4796-401X
High Visitor: Keigh Ridgeway – 4785-340X
July 30th, 2011
 With interest growing nationwide in target shooting and owning firearms for home and personal defense, the need for top-notch shooting ranges has never been greater. Recognizing this, in 2011 the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry, has awarded $435,000 in grants to 22 ranges nationwide.
The NSSF Range Grant Program assists qualifying shooting ranges in their efforts to introduce newcomers, re-activate lapsed shooters, encourage active shooters to try another shooting discipline, and promote shooting sports activities among all age groups. For the 2011 funding period, NSSF received 64 proposals requesting $2.8 million in grants — an all-time high. Since it was started in 2008, the NSSF Range Grant Program has granted $1.17 million to 46 ranges nationwide.
“We saw a lot of growth in the applications for range grants this year,” said Melissa Schilling, NSSF manager of recruitment and retention. “We believe range operators nationwide are beginning to understand what a great opportunity this is[.]” The NSSF seeks to create “models of success”, so that effective grant-assisted pilot programs can be adopted by other facilities. CLICK HERE for case studies of programs that have received funding in prior years.
Shooting Facilities that Received 2011 Grants:
Center Target Sports, Inc., Post Falls, ID
Central Oregon Sporting Clays & Hunting Preserve, Redmond, OR
Clark County Shooting Park, Las Vegas, NV
Colorado Rifle Club, Littleton, CO
Desoto Rifle & Pistol Club, Germantown, TN
Greene County Fish & Game Assoc., Xenia, OH
Handgunners, Inc., Burlington, NC
Herminie #2 Game Association, West Newton, PA
Jentoe Corp.-A&S Indoor Pistol Range, Youngwood, PA
Lead Valley Range, Inc., Deer Trail, CO
Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks Foundation, Jackson, MS
Norco Running Gun IPSC Club, Norco, CA
Pocono Pistol Club, Stroudsburg, PA
ProShots Indoor Range & Training, Rural Hall, NC
Red Bluff Lodge, Allendale, SC
Red River Regional Marksmanship Center, West Fargo, ND
Riverside Range, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
San Luis Obispo Sportsmen’s Association, Morro Bay, CA
Targething Pro Shop, Garrettsville, OH
The Shooter’s Depot, Chattanooga, TN
Tri-State Shooters Club, Inc., Rosholt, SD
Walla Walla Gun Club, Walla Walla, WA
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