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January 9th, 2009
 QuickLOAD is a unique software product that draws upon a vast database of cartridges, bullets, and powders to analyze (and predict) load pressures and velocities. While QuickLOAD data should NOT be substituted for careful, conservative load recipes based on powder manufacturers’ recommendations, QuickLOAD is still a remarkable tool that can save you time and money. QuickLOAD can help you identify the most efficient powders for a particular cartridge/bullet combination, and it can also predict how changes to barrel length or seating depth can affect velocities and pressures. We recommend that serious reloaders consider investing in QuickLOAD, a $149.95 product from Neconos.com. To learn more about QuickLOAD, read our SOFTWARE REVIEW.
CLICK HERE for AccurateShooter.com QuickLOAD Review and User’s Guide
Update Your QuickLOAD Software
New Bullet, Cartridge, & Powder Data in Ver. 3.4 — Including Reloder 17
For $14.95, QuickLOAD verion 3.0 – 3.3 users can also purchase a CD-based upgrade to the latest version 3.4. The upgrade provides complete data for many more bullets and cartridges, plus it includes hundreds of cartridge diagrams and photos. We think the upgrade to version 3.4 is well worth the cost for the updated bullet info alone, and the cartridge diagrams are a great new feature. And yes, the latest update includes Alliant Reloder 17 powder. If you are shooting a 6XC, 6-6.5×47, Rem 260, .284 Win, or a Magnum cartridge–Reloder 17 may boost your velocities significantly.
If you are a current owner of QuickLOAD version 2.9 or earlier on floppy disk, you can upgrade to the new CD-ROM for $50.00 + S&H. The latest CD offers more powders (218 total), cartridges (1200+) and bullets (2500+). Order through Neconos.com or call 800-451-3550.
NOTE: If you have QuickLOAD 3.0, 3.1 or 3.2 and want to use QuickLOAD with Windows VISTA you need a VISTA-compatible version. Send in your old CD and Neconos can replace it with a Vista-compatible CD (also works with Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP) for $14.95 plus S & H.
January 9th, 2009
Attention High Power and Air Rifle Shooters — The CMP is introducing a new event called “National Match Air Rifle”. This new discipline features two courses of fire similar to the High Power rifle standing and John C. Garand courses of fire. These stages will be shot with air rifles on reduced High Power 200- and 600-yard targets on 10-meter ranges. There will be three rifle classes: sporter, match/precision and AR-type air rifle.
Initial Test Match at Camp Perry This Weekend
Here’s your chance to get involved in the launch of a new shooting sport. The CMP will hold a test match at the Camp Perry Marksmanship Center on 10 January. This inaugural match will be held at the CMP’s new Camp Perry Marksmanship Center that offers 80 firing points equipped with state-of-the-art electronic targets and an electronic display system.
The CMP invites both experienced High Power shooters and recreational air gun shooters to participate in the test match. Shooter feedback from test matches will help the CMP finalize the rules and course of fire. At the match, the “prototype”, 10-bull paper AR-SR and AR-MR Nat’l Match targets will be displayed. You’ll also have a chance to view new industry prototype AR-style air rifles. There will also be a Novice Prone Match that can be fired by younger juniors who are just getting started in target shooting (see Match Program .pdf for details).
CLICK HERE for Match Registration Form.
CLICK HERE for Test Match Program .pdf and Event Schedule.
January 8th, 2009
Nightforce has unveiled its new NXS 2.5-10x32mm compact scope. Made in the USA, this scope was created to answer the requests of hunters for greater low-light capability in a compact, lightweight optic. The NXS 2.5-10×32 measures 12″ long and weighs just 19 ounces. The new NXS 2.5-10×32 has a larger exit pupil than the 2.5-10×24 NXS. This improves light transmission and allows faster target acquisition. Both compact scopes are bright and rugged. In fact, Nightforce compact NXS scopes were originally created for the U.S. Special Forces for use with night-vision devices.
Shown with optional ZeroStop and windage limiter turrets.
 Multiple Choices for Elevation/Windage Click Values
The NXS 2.5-10×32 is available with fully enclosed hunting-style turrets with 1/4-MOA clicks, or exposed target-style turrets with either 1/4-MOA clicks, 0.1 Mil-Rad clicks, or 1.0 MOA elevation + .5 MOA windage adjustments. The target-style turrets include the Nightforce ZeroStop control. This allows quick return to zero regardless of previous elevation adjustments.
New Ballistic Reticles for Compact NXS Scopes
Three new ballistic reticles are also being offered with Nightforce 2.5-10×32 and 2.5-10×24 NXS Compacts. Designed for hunting to 600 yards, the family of reticles are based upon a common NP-1 design, but with three different configurations for high, medium, and low-velocity cartridges respectively. Among the three reticles, you’ll find one that adapts well to most common hunting cartridges.
The ballistic reticles are designed to be sighted-in at 200 yards. Elevation lines are marked in 50-yard intervals to 600 yards, including a 100-yard mark.This gives you the ability to quickly hold-over in known intervals, so you can engage targets at multiple distances without cranking your scope knobs. With the new reticles, windage compensation is also marked in 5 and 10 MPH increments–so you can quickly respond to wind changes by shifting to a hash mark left or right of center. Nightforce claims that this “smart reticle” system has been proven to be up to twice as fast as traditional rangefinding reticles.
For more info, contact Nightforce Optics in Idaho, (208) 476-9814, or visit Nightforceoptics.com. At the 2009 SHOT Show, Nightforce has booth #9381.
January 7th, 2009
Here’s an innovative and handsome piece of workmanship by Cayle Davis, whose company, C&J Machine, builds advanced rests for precision pistols. Shown below is a brand new barrel-block pistol on one of Cayle’s rests. Cayle tells us: “Here’s another project I just finished today. It’s a barrel clamp pistol, built on an XP-100 action, with a Hart 2 oz. trigger. The action is completely floated. The gun is chambered as a 22-250 Ackley Improved with a .250″ neck. Fitted is a 1:7″ twist, 1.2″-diameter, straight-contour, 18″ Douglas barrel. I think this may be a first… I hope it shoots!”
To learn more about this gun, or if you’re interested in the one-piece rest, contact Cayle via email: xpfuzz [at] consolidated.net, or you can write to the address below:
Cayle Davis — C & J Machine
Box 18
Palmer, IL 62556
Phone: (217) 827-0588
January 7th, 2009
There are some nice items up for sale right now in our Forum Classifieds at tempting prices, with gunsmithing done by some of America’s top smiths. Here are a couple highlights from the Classifieds. The first is a barrel-block long-range gun smithed by Jerry Simison. The second is a high-power stock crafted by Alex Sitman.
6-6.5×47 Long-Range Rifle with Barrel Block
Bill B. (aka “338 Laz”) is offering a handsome 6mm Coyote (6.5×47 Lapua necked to 6mm) long-range rifle with a barrel block. This gun was chambered by Jerry Simison, (218) 532-7007, with barrel block and fitting By Tony Larson (both highly respected smiths). The gun features a Remington 721 action, and a Krieger 1:8″ twist barrel, with .275″ chamber neck. Bill reports: “I used it for my first year at 1000-yard benchrest shooting. Won a match with it and was always in the running I did my part. It has about 500 rounds through it. Comes with Brass. Jerry’s will make some dies for you if you want.” The price is $1600.00. Email bill.behnke [at] yahoo.com for questions. CLICK HERE for more pictures.
Master Class High Power Stock (left-hand)
Here’s a selection for you South-Paws. You may know that Alex Sitman of Master Class Stocks does some of the best stock-work in the country. But his work is in high demand so you can expect to wait months for custom projects. Here’s a High Power match stock that sold for $900 new. It’s now offered for just $495. Seller SwedeJohn reports “This stock has been shortened somewhat and the cheek piece has been sanded. It is bedded for Rem 700 Short Action.” Email fiveptjon [at] aol.com with questions. CLICK HERE for more photos.
January 7th, 2009
 Next week, at SHOT Show, Timney Triggers will introduce a new single-stage, drop-in trigger for the popular Ruger 10/22 rimfire rifle. The Timney 10/22 trigger will retail for $149.99 and is available for purchase immediately. Here’s the good news. The trigger should be smooth and crisp, as it features Teflon-nickel coated internals, cut with ultra-precise, state-of-the art EDM equipment. The Timney 10/22 trigger is “Made in the USA” and carries a lifetime warranty.
The bad news? On Timney’s web site, the trigger pull weight is listed at three (3) pounds. Timney has not revealed whether the pull weight can be adjusted down from that level. If not, somebody should send the engineers at Timney “back to the drawing board”.
Disappointing 3-pound Trigger Pull
No matter how “smooth and crisp”, a 3-pound pull is not a huge improvement over a factory Ruger trigger. At $149.99, the new Timney 10/22 trigger costs nearly half as much as a bare-bones 10/22 rifle. Will shooters pay this much for a 3-pound trigger?
Consider that Volquartsen’s HP Action Kit for the 10/22 costs $125.00, and will take the Ruger trigger down to about 2.25 pounds. The Volquartsen unit also features an EDM-machined disconnector and sear, plus a target trigger with overtravel adjustment.
Timney may have “missed the boat” on this one. If we were to market a trigger upgrade for a 10/22 we’d want the unit to adjust down to 1.5 pounds or less. Certainly there may be shortcomings in the 10/22’s basic design that make it difficult to go this low, but why bother to bring out a fairly pricey aftermarket trigger, if 3 pounds is the best it can do?
Other New Trigger Designs for 2009
Since last March, Timney has asked shooters: “What trigger would you like us to build next?” This year’s “Customer’s Choice” Timney Triggers will be Mosin Nagant and Husqvarna replacement triggers. Both will be offered for sale in Spring 2009.For more information on Timney Triggers’ line of over 75 replacement triggers, call 1-866-4TIMNEY, or visit TimneyTriggers.com.
January 6th, 2009
Next week, NSSF’s 2009 SHOT Show will open in Orlando, Florida. Spanning more than 700,000 square feet of exhibition space, the show will bring together exhibitors, buyers and media from around the globe. AccurateShooter.com will be covering the show, providing exclusive photos, interviews, and “first look” reviews of the latest products. Asst. Editor Jason Baney will be working the show for us. We’ve been advised to expect important news from Lapua, Alliant, Hodgdon, Stiller Precision, and some of the major optics makers.
The show officially kicks off Thursday, Jan. 15 at 8:30 am, but Jason will arrive in Orlando a day early to attend the “Media Day” demonstration event at the Orlando Sheriff’s range. Jason will get to field-test new firearms from major manufacturers.
SHOT Show Online Navigator Available
If you’re headed to the show in Orlando, you’ll want to get a floorplan layout. There are so many exhibitors, it’s wise to map out your “plan of attack” in advance. The SHOT Show website features an interactive Online Navigator that allows you to search companies by name, booth, and directory category, so you easily find any exhibitor. Choose a company and you can zoom/pan the Navigator to locate the booth. That makes it much easier to plan your agenda efficiently, and spend less time back-tracking. Using the Navigator, you can easily map all the companies and exhibits you want to see, and create a show agenda that targets your key points of interest.
Regular Updates on Shotshow.org
The official SHOT Show website, www.shotshow.org, will be updated regulary throughout the show. If you’re into mobile computing, you can sign up for Twitter updates for your cell phone or PDA. To get text updates, simply text the words “Follow NSSFComm” to 40404.
January 6th, 2009
 Hodgdon® Powder Company has just announced the acquisition of Goex Powder, Inc., the sole source of American-made black powder. Goex Powder manufactures black powder used for sporting applications, historical re-enactments, and black-powder firearms. Black powder also remains a vital component for fireworks, industrial and military applications.
Goex makes a variety of products for shooters including multiple grades of black powder, Pinnacle black powder substitute, and ‘Black Dawge’ pre-loaded black powder cartridges for hunting, long-range competition, and cowboy action shooting.
Located in Minden, Louisiana, GOEX Powder, Inc. is the only U.S. manufacturer of black powder. The company has over a 200-year history of black powder manufacturing in the United States. “Goex is a proud American business with a rich history” announced Tom Shepherd, President and CEO. “In 1802, E.I. Du Pont de Nemours broke ground on his original black powder plant along the Brandywine River in Delaware.” For more info, visit GoexPowder.com, or write to Goex Powder, 6231 Robinson, Shawnee Mission, KS 66202.
January 5th, 2009
 Gary Eliseo of Competition Shooting Stuff has been busy lately. A month ago, we showcased his new S1TubeGun Kit for Savage actions. Gary’s done it again. He’s just started shipping his latest creation, the new RT-10 TubeGun kit, a long-action, mag-fed design that will hold regular or magnum rounds. Gary explains: “The RT10 was designed from the start as the basis for the ultimate tactical/long range precision rifle. It comes finished in super-tough type III hard coat. Employing a 10-round center feed enclosed box magazine with a maximum C.O.L. of 3.33″, the RT-10 can feed the 300 Win Mag but also feeds the .308 perfectly. The hand-guard has four modular accessory rails and is attached very rigidly specifically for use with a bipod.”
Ace prone shooter German Salazar received one of the first RT-10s and he’s impressed. German told us: “Just finished getting this together this morning. My RT-10 features a Remington 700 LH long action and CG trigger. Gunsmith Clark Fay did the barrel work (30-06), trued the action, and did a few other things which I’ll detail in an upcoming article. The magazines hold 10 rounds and will feed any 30-06 or magnum that’s not longer than a 30-06. I’ll mount some sights on it tonight and start shooting it tomorrow!”
WEB Contacts for RT-10
Gary Eliseo: CompetitionShootingStuff.com
Clark Fay: ClarksRifles.com
CG trigger: X-Tremeshooting.com
January 5th, 2009
 During load development, it’s important to check cases for signs of over-pressure. While you need to pay attention of a variety of factors, such as primer flattening and stiffer bolt lift, one sure sign of over-pressure is excessive case swelling at the web. A quick and easy way to monitor this is to bring a shell-holder (for your rim size) with you to the range. If a fired case won’t slide into the shell-holder easily, the diameter of the extractor groove has grown excessively and you know your load is much too hot… you’re way over-pressure.
Take note — if you get to the point that your case is hard to slide into a case-holder, your load is way hotter than it should be. So consider this an “extreme” measuring method. You should watch for other signs of pressure as well. As a rough rule of thumb, if we had a case that would not fit easily into the shell-holder, we would reduce the charge by at least 3/4 grain in a small case and 1.5 grains in a magnum case (and you may need to back-off the load further).
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