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.
This Week on Shooting USA – The 2024 SHOT Show
Today Shooting USA features notable products from SHOT Show 2024, a huge event attracting over 2,500 exhibitors. This year was the biggest SHOT Show ever, with exhibits occupying 800,000+ square feet in the Venetian EXPO and Caesars Forum. Thousands of new products were on display.
If you watch just one episode of Shooting USA TV this year, this might well be a top choice. This episode has good coverage of products from leading manufacturers including Colt, Smith & Wesson, Hogue, Hornady, Ruger, Mossberg and more. CLICK HERE for 5/29/24 SHOT Show episode highlights.
USA AIR TIMES: Wednesday 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific, 8:00 PM Central on Outdoor Channel.
More Featured Products on Today’s Episode of Shooting USA
Colt Python Revolver
Hornady Reloading Scale
S&W 1854 Lever Action Rifle
Hogue Knives
Hornady Mobilis Safe
Trijicon RCR Optic
Shooting USA SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central on the Outdoor Channel. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show online at any time on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode.
Leading powder-maker Vihtavuori will be a Platinum sponsor for the 2024 G.B.F.C.A European F-Class Championships slated for September 3 to 8, 2024 in Great Britain. The competition will be held at the world-famous Stickledown Range at the Bisley National Shooting Centre in the UK. This has been the home of the UK’s National Rifle Association since 1890.
The Championships are expected to bring more than 270 top shooters to compete in F-TR and F-Open classes. The event consists of both individual and team matches at 800, 900 and 1000 yards. There are daily Aggs and Grand Aggregates on Friday and Saturday. CLICK HERE for more information about the 2024 G.B.F.C.A European F-Class Championships. You can also visit www.gbfclass.com.
The 2024 European F-Class Championship event is run by the GB F-Class Association. “We’re really thrilled to extend our partnership with Vihtavuori as one of our main sponsors. Working together to create this successful event strengthens the shooting community and offers great development opportunities for our sport”, comments Richard Jones, Chairman of the G.B.F.C.A committee.
“The G.B.F.C.A European F-Class Championships is one of the long range shooting season’s highlights. We’re excited and proud to support this event that brings together the world’s top F-class shooters”, states Vihtavuori Sales & Marketing Manager Olof Borgstrom.
Real Avid sells a unique multi-tool designed expressly for rifles and shotguns. The $29.99 Gun Tool™ combines 18 of the most commonly used long gun tools in a compact package. The Gun Tool boasts three Torx wrenches (T20; T15; T10), two Allen hex drives (3/32″; 5/32″), and four screwdriver blades (1/8″ flat; 3/16″ flat; Phillips 1 & 2). In addition, there is a magnetic 3/16″ driver, a pin punch, and a stainless claw blade useful for opening shipping boxes or trimming target backers.
The most unique feature of the Gun Tool ($30.35 on Amazon) is a stepped, multi-size choke-tube wrench that fits six shotgun bores from .410 all the way up to 10 gauge (see photo below right). For active shotgunners, that provides great versatility in a small package.
Praise from Respected Reviewers
In 2012, the NRA’s American Hunter magazine awarded The Gun Tool their Golden Bullseye award in the “Gear of the Year” category. The Gun Tool has also been awarded an outstanding 100% approval rating and a full endorsement by the North American Hunting Club.
Noted gun journalist Jim Shepard wrote: “I’ve been playing with ‘The Gun Tool’… and I’ve found it to be a pretty promising device that really should find a place in lots of range bags. If you’re a long gun shooter, it has something you’ll eventually need in the way of a tightening/loosening/adjusting tool.” Jim cautions that the claw blade does not lock into place.
When most shooters think of biathlon, they imagine the winter sport which combines cross-country skiing with rimfire rifle shooting. Now there’s a new type of biathlon, a true “run and gun” competition with rifles and pistols. The Gun Run competitors move on foot over natural terrain, with 5-8 shooting stages over the course, typically 5 km (about 3 miles).
The Gun Run is a two-gun, centerfire biathlon. It is designed to test your physical fitness, marksmanship, and equipment. Competitors will carry their rifle, pistol, ammunition, mags and anything they believe they need to complete the course. They will travel over various distances depending on the match — but most often a 5 kilometer marked course consisting of natural terrain, roads, and trails. There will be anywhere from 5 to 8 shooting stages. There are night events, two-person team events, and even a land navigation event where you must use map and compass to complete the course.
The Gun Run is not a CrossFit competition and it’s not USPSA. This is a challenging event that test personal fitness and marksmanship with both rifle and pistol.
How to Participate in The Gun Run Events
Click below for the list of The Gun Run 2024 Events with links to sign-up pages. The next competition is slated for June 22, 2024 at The Sawmill Tactical Training Complex in Laurens, South Carolina. That event is currently full, but spectators are allowed. The next open event will be held September 28, 2024 at DeWitt’s Outdoor Sports in Ellerbe, North Carolina. Entry fee is $110.
Origins of The Gun Run
This isn’t a new concept … matches like this originated in Texas 20 years ago and have spread all over the country. Prior to that, Colonial Era Americans would gather on the village green sometimes multiple times a week and conduct close order drill with rifle marksmanship competitions. Shooting is as old a past time for this country as this country is old.
Fitness Challenge
Carrying all your gear in 90 degree weather up and down hills is not easy. Having the best gear and being a good marksman can help but having a level of fitness where you can maneuver with gear on is extremely important. The end result of all of this is improving your training plan. Whether it be physical or on the range, every event you compete in should give you areas to work on. Sometimes new kit needs to be bought but most often it is our fitness that needs the most improvement.
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.
Summer is almost here, so it’s time to focus on fun. Here are four specialty targets with game themes: Dartboard, Billiards Table, Bowling Alley, and Poker Cards. Each target features multiple aiming points. Shoot the dartboard like a regular game or make up your own sequence. For the billiards target shoot the balls in number sequence or alternate stripes/solids. Click any target to load FREE downloadable PDF files. Then print the targets and take them to the range for a fun shooting session. A big thanks to our friends at NRABlog.com and NSSF for creating these colorful “fun & games” targets. Enjoy!
Dartboard Target
With this fun Dart-Board Target, aim for the four outer bullseyes, then go for the center bull. The colored darts provide additional targets. With an accurate rifle you can also aim for the colored stripes.
NSSF Billiards Table Target
This Billiards Table Target offers 15 brightly-colored numbered balls with the cue ball at the bottom. Aim for the numbers, shooting 1-15 in sequence, or alternate between stripes and solids. You can also draw an “X” on the white cue ball (or attach a paster), and use that to set your zero. This target is fun for shooting outdoors with rifles at 50 or 100 yards or indoors with pistols.
This billiards target is part of a set of 12 Fun Targets from the NSSF. These were issued a couple seasons back for National Shooting Sports Month, held in August of each year. The other free targets include Golf Links, Bowling Pins, Fireworks, Baseball Diamond, Dutch Windmill, Water Balloons, Light Bulbs, Dartboard, and three Bullseye targets.
NRA Bowling Pins with Bowling Ball Target
Here’s a fun target for close-range pistol or 100-yard rifle shooting. This NRA Bowling set target has 8 bulleyes. The largest bullseye is on the blue bowling pin. Then there are three slightly smaller bulls on the center of three of the seven bowling pins. Finally there are four small bullseyes located on the top of the first, third, fifth, and seventh pin. To test your skills, start with the bowling ball and then work up to the more challenging bulleyes.
Poker Target — Get the Best Hand
With this playing card-themed target, each shooter takes five shots and the one with the highest hand wins. With the Poker Game Target you can also shoot for 4-of-a-kind, against the clock, fastest four (without a mistake) wins.
Each year, on the last Monday in May, Americans honor the sacrifices of military men and women who paid the ultimate price in their service to our nation. Over 1.34 million American men and women have died in military service during wartime beginning with the Revolutionary War. Of that total, over 666,440 American troops have died in battle while nearly 674,000 died from other, non-combat related causes. On May 27, 2024, we again pay tribute to these men and women and remember their service to their country.
This is what Memorial Day symbolizes — a time Americans take a clear look at both our past and our future. One day each year, when we acknowledge the debt we owe to those men and women who — because they so cherished peace — chose to live as warriors.
Could anything be more contradictory than the lives of our soldiers? They love America, so they spend long years in foreign lands far from her shores. They revere freedom, so they sacrifice their own that we may be free. They defend our right to live as individuals, yet yield their individuality in that cause. Perhaps most paradoxically of all, they value life, and so bravely ready themselves to die in the service of our country. — Deborah Y. Parker
Moment of Remembrance
Memorial Day Observances will range from parades to memorial ceremonies and organized moments of silence. The Memorial Day National Moment of Remembrance honors America’s fallen warrriors. Established by Congress in 2000, the “Moment” asks Americans, wherever they are at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, to pause for one minute, in an act of national unity and respect for the fallen.
What Is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the men and women who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. The holiday, which is celebrated every year on the last Monday of May, was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the war. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service.
On Memorial Day, the United States flag is traditionally raised to the top of the staff, then solemnly lowered to half-staff position until noon, when it is raised again to full-staff for the rest of the day. The half-staff position is to remember the more than one million men and women who have given their lives for this country.
Flags placed in Arlington National Cemetery by members of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, the “Old Guard”.
Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.
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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Commerce Dept. BIS Export Rule Targets Hunters and Competitive Marksmen Going Abroad Story based on NSSF Report By Mark Oliva
Hunters and competitive marksmen thinking about traveling overseas for their next adventure should keep in mind that the Biden administration’s new rule targeting firearm exports also puts their personally-owned firearms in the crosshairs.
The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published an Interim Final Rule that makes permanent a freeze on firearm and ammunition exports. Hidden in some of the fine print… are new restrictions for hunters traveling overseas. That lifetime dream of hunting in the African plains, Scottish Highlands or New Zealand mountains is going to come with more challenges than just arranging travel, passports, guides and getting on the animals. Now, there’s a new maze of legal paperwork too.
Personal Export License Will Be Required to Take Rifles to Dozens of Countries
Hunters planning destinations which are in Country Group D:5 will require an export license to travel with personal firearms. Those D:5 countries are Afghanistan, Belarus, Burma, Cambodia, Central African Republic, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cuba, Cyprus, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Lebanon, Libya, Nicaragua, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe (but Zimbabwe is excluded from this export license requirement under the Interim Final Rile). Likewise, Caribbean countries will also require an export license for personal firearms.
That rule will change the license policy for a group of 36 countries considered to be “high risk” and BIS will revoke any current licenses held by exporters. There are a bevy of new restrictions, including a requirement that licenses that were once valid for four years are now only good for one year.
CLICK HERE for full NSSF Report with more information about specific foreign destinations.
