There was huge news in the reloading world this week. Hodgdon Powder Company (Hodgdon) has acquired RCBS from Revelyst, a division of of Vista Outdoor (VSTO). Most operations of RCBS will remain in Oroville, California for now, and the full product line will stay in production — presses, dies, powder measures, case prep tools, priming tools, scales and more. But this is still big news, with a leading reloading gear maker being acquired by a leading powder maker/distributor.
Today’s Saturday Showcase feature some of the most popular and noteworthy RCBS products including single-stage, turret, and progressive presses, plus powder dispensers and other tools.
RCBS ChargeMaster Link Scale/Dispenser with Bluetooth
Having a modern, electronic powder scale/dispenser makes the hand-loading process vastly more efficient. The latest generation of powder dispensers are very accurate, and they can store charge settings for multiple cartridge types. The latest RCBS ChargeMaster Link dispenser has a modern interface, plus Bluetooth technology that “talks” to a handy App on your mobile device. This is available now for $299.99 at Cabelas.com.
RCBS Combo Kit — Good Choice for Getting Started in Reloading
You can definitely save money by buying multiple reloading gear items in one combo package. RCBS offers a variety of Reloading Combo Kits which feature reloading press, powder measure, scale, priming tool, and other items. These range in price from $265-$620 on Amazon. This video reviews an RCBS Rebel Master Kit. This is a very complete starter set-up, sold for $499.99 at Midsouth.
Along with the press, we like many of the components in the Rebel Master combo kit. The powder measure works well as does the trickler, and the hand primer tool is reliable, with good feeding and plenty of leverage.
RCBS Partner Press
We think all serious reloaders should have a small, secondary single-stage press for repetitive tasks such as decapping primers. In addition, a small, compact press can be transported easily to the range. Load development can be done more efficiently when loading at the range, as you can easily modify seating depth and other variables. The RCBS Partner Press (#ad) is a great choice for a secondary press. This UltimateReloader video shows the key features of the Partner Press.
RCBS 6-Station Turret Press — Operation Tips
This editor has owned and used an RCBS Turret Press for over two decades. While certainly not as versatile/sophisticated as the Area 419 XERO turret press, this six-station RCBS press does its job handily. It is a good choice if you load multiple pistol cartridges. With six stations, you can install both a sizing and a seating die for three different cartridge types, such as 9mm Luger, .357 Magnum, and .45 ACP.
RCBS Brass Boss Case Prep Center
The RCBS Boss is a powered case prep center that performs multiple tasks efficiently. Priced at $198.99 on Amazon (#ad), the RCBS Boss boasts six variable, high-speed rotating stations (four at <350 RPM; two at <550 RPM). This unit is great for initial case prep (chamfering/deburring) and regular brass maintenance.
RCBS Summit — Set-UP and Field installation on Vehicle
The RCBS Summit Press (#ad) is a very unique, small footprint press that operates differently than most reloading presses. The cast-iron Summit has a large-diameter center column and die moves up and down to meet the cartridge. With this small footprint, the Summit can be used in the field. As you can see in the second video, one of our testers actually mounted a Summit Press on his vehicle (with a special pedestal) so he could load anywhere.
RCBS Bench-mount Priming Tool (Two Short Videos)
If you need to prime large numbers of cases, the RCBS bench-mount Auto Priming Tool can do so efficiently at a modest cost (currently $155.09 on Amazon #ad). It attaches to your bench so it is secure and stable. A vertical tube holds dozens of primers that feed into the pusher as you can see in these videos. Older guys who experience pain when gripping hand primer tools have praised this bench-mounted RCBS unit.
Choosing a Case Cleaning System
Here Kent Sakamoto of RCBS looks at the three main types of brass cleaning systems: Vibratory Tumbler, Wet Tumbler (with media), and Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine. Kent reviews the pros and cons of each system. Most gun owners can benefit by having an ultrasonic machine for parts cleaning as well as a tumbler for cleaning fired brass.
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NRA Warns Against Booking and Advertising Scams at NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits
The 153rd NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Dallas, Texas takes place May 16-19, 2024. As the event draws near, the NRA emphasizes the importance of vigilance against predatory practices in the Tradeshow Industry. Exhibitors and attendees should be wary of various deceptive tactics, spanning from tradeshow services to hotel accommodations, attendee lists, and advertising claims. While some offers may be genuine, many are scams that could lead to financial loss without the promised services or outcomes. Some of the most common scams include:
1. Hotel Rooms/Fake Booking Agents: For the 2024 show, the NRA has partnered with ConferenceDirect as the Official Housing Partner for the Annual Meetings. Scammers may impersonate legitimate hotel representatives or housing bureaus, offering discounted rates to exhibitors and attendees. However, these offers often result in nonexistent reservations or subpar accommodations. CLICK HERE for official NRA Annual Meeting Hotel Reservation Site.
2. Advertising Sales: Scammers lure exhibitors with false promises of exposure through publications, event guides, or online platforms, exaggerating their reach and effectiveness. Some vendors misrepresent advertising channels and ROI, persuading exhibitors to purchase ad space based on misleading claims.
3. Attendee List Sales: Beware of scammers claiming access to comprehensive attendee lists and offering to sell this data to exhibitors. The NRA does NOT sell or distribute attendee lists for the Annual Meetings, so any such offer is a scam.
To avoid falling victim to scams, attendees should:
1. Only use NRA Official Partners
2. Exercise caution with unsolicited offers
3. Do NOT provide personal or financial information without verification
When in doubt, contact the NRA Shows and Exhibits Division to verify that offers or solicitations are from Official Partners. By remaining informed and vigilant, exhibitors and attendees can safeguard themselves.
MAP for Hutchison Convention Center Area in Dallas
Here is big news for reloaders. RCBS, one of the leading producers of dies, reloading gear, case prep tools, powder dispensers, and reloading presses, has been acquired by Hodgdon Powder Company. RCBS has been operated by Revelyst, a division of of Vista Outdoor (VSTO). (SEE Revelyst Report on Yahoo Finance.) Here is the text from the official press release announcing the acquisition:
Hodgdon Powder Company Acquires RCBS Reloading
May 02, 2024
Hodgdon Powder Company is pleased to announce the acquisition of RCBS Reloading from Revelyst, a segment of Vista Outdoor (NYSE: VSTO). This acquisition is effective May 2, 2024, with Hodgdon prepared to immediately continue shipping RCBS products to wholesale and retail customers.
“This acquisition of RCBS, the leading brand in metallic reloading tools, is a perfect complement to our portfolio of smokeless powder brands for our handloading customers,” said Steve Kehrwald, president and CEO of Hodgdon Powder Company. With our world-class ballistics labs, we look forward to providing even more load data to our new RCBS customers.”
Hodgdon is thrilled to add the RCBS facility in Oroville, CA to our company-owned facilities in Shawnee, KS, Herington, KS and Miles City, MT. The addition of the RCBS team will more than double the headcount at the Hodgdon Powder Company and greatly expands the company’s manufacturing capabilities.
“For years, our friends have referred to the Hodgdon family and company as ‘The Gunpowder People’ and this acquisition further demonstrates our dedication to the handloader,” said J.B. Hodgdon, co-owner with his late brother Bob, of the Hodgdon Powder Company. “Our dad Bruce partnered with Fred Huntington from RCBS to conduct Reloading Roadshow events in the 1950s and 1960s. I believe they both are looking down today, proud to have our two great brands together in 2024.”
Comment from Vista Outdoor/Revelyst
“For more than 80 years, RCBS has demonstrated their manufacturing, innovation and operational excellence,” Said Eric Nyman, Co-CEO of Vista Outdoor and CEO of Revelyst. “We are thrilled for RCBS and their new ownership with Hodgdon Powder. This transaction joins two iconic brands, and it ensures that RCBS is positioned for success in the next chapter of its history.”
Hodgdon sent a letter today to its customers. In the letter, Hodgdon Sales V.P. Shawn Kelley states: “Hodgon Powder Company announced earlier this morning that we acquired RCBS from Vista Outdoor, effective immediately.” Shown above is the letter sent to customers.
Serious riflemen know that Krieger makes outstanding centerfire barrels that hold world records and have won many National Championships. But did you know that Krieger makes great rimfire barrels too? Well, Krieger does make outstanding .22 LR rimfire match barrels that can deliver impressive accuracy.
Sniper’s Hide moderator “Padom” recently tested a variety of rimfire ammo types, employing five different barrels: Krieger, Bartlein, Benchmark, Lilja, and Green Mountain. He tested at both 50 yards and 100 yards. FULL Rimfire TEST REPORT HERE.
Reporting on the 50-yard test, Padom posted: “Had a virtually dead calm day today for 50-yard RimX testing (Keystone Accuracy RimX barreled action with 1:16″ Krieger 20″ barrel). A few infrequent 3 mph gusts but pretty dead [calm] and the target showed. This Krieger just barely edged out the Bartlein by 0.003″ with a 0.177″ 6×5 with SK Rifle Match. The 10×5 was 0.198″. The best lots of Center-X weren’t far behind either. This is the first Krieger rimfire [barrel] I’ve shot and it didn’t disappoint.”
Padom noted: “Winds were much calmer tonight than this morning so the 100-yard Krieger test was a success. Winds were pretty consistent [at] 3-5 mph.”
Test Results at 100 Yards
Padom then tested ammo at 100 yards, again using his Krieger rimfire barrel: “To recap, the Krieger shot the best 50-yard results of the barrels tested so far, just barely beating the Bartlein but it was so close you can call the 50-yard results equal (.005). Well the Krieger beat all the barrels tested to date at 100 yards by a pretty good margin with Center-X. The 10×5 was incredible as well at just barely over 0.6″ showing the results were very consistent. A second lot of Center-X was right there with the previous 100-yard 6×5 best results just barely over 0.6. The third lot of Center-X shot a respectable 0.75″ 6×5. This Krieger sure is shooting very nicely. I’m really looking forward to shooting it at 300 and 400 yards[.]”
Components Tested: 20″ Krieger M24 barrel, .22 LR Match Eachus chamber 0.046 headspace, Zermatt RimX Action, Bix’N Andy TacSport Pro 2-Stage Trigger, RimX 10rd magazine, XLR Envy Pro Folding Chassis, Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-29x56mm MIL scope.
Shooting Set-up: 100 Yards Prone with Bipod and Rear Bag.
With rising crime rates in the USA, many Americans are taking a much more serious look at armed self-defense. We understand why citizens in large cities are more concerned than ever with the need to protect themselves, their families, and their homes and businesses.
Shotgun vs. Handgun — which is better for home defense? That question inspires strong opinions on both sides. We think the best answer may be “both”. There are some situations where a pistol is most handy, while there are other situations where the power (and lethality) of the shotgun clearly wins out. Some would argue that the shotgun offers an “intimidation” factor that may better resolve a threat without a shot being fired.
The NSSF, in cooperation with Thunder Ranch Training Center, has created an interesting video that examines the Shotgun vs. Handgun debate. As the Cheaper Than Dirt Blog notes: “The primary argument against the shotgun is a longer length leading to less maneuverability. On the other hand, the pistol offers better maneuverability, but lacks the stopping power of a shotgun”. Moreover, the pistol may be less accurate, according to some critics. This NSSF video looks at the question from a logical standpoint — making some surprising points.
As you can see in this still frame (above) from the video, the shooting stance of the pistol shooter (Clint) is NOT much more compact than that of the two shotgunners (compare actual muzzle positions). So a shotgun may actually be more handy inside a home than some people realize. Clint concludes that the gun selection debate “is all very easily solved by only one question: ‘If someone was going to run across a bedroom at you and they had a big knife, would you rather shoot him one time with a pistol or one time with a shotgun?’ When you answer the question you figure out why this [shotgun length] doesn’t really bother us. We simply take these [shotguns] and use them in a slightly different manner…”
In this video, Thunder Ranch Director Clint Smith explains why the overall length of a shotgun, as held in firing position against the shoulder, is not really that much greater than the “shooting stance length” of a handgun held in a proper firing position (with arms extended). Accordingly gun length/size should not be the deciding factor when choosing a firearm for home defense.
Whatever Weapon You Choose — Train with It
Fundamentally, you should use the firearm that is 100% reliable, and with which you have trained regularly. Mastery of a defensive firearm — whether shotgun or handgun — needs to be second-nature. You should be able to operate all the controls (safety, pump, decocker, slide, bolt handle etc.) by “instinct” based on hours of training. Likewise you should know how to operate the light/laser if your defensive firearm is so equipped. Importantly, you should be able to reload in darkness, and clear malfunctions without panicking.
Here’s a clever new product that will be appreciated by PRS/NRL shooters and some hunters. American Defense Manufacturing (ADM) has crafted a scope ring upper unit that includes a Picatinny rail on the top of the front ring. That allows you to mount various devices above your scope, such as a compact laser rangefinder. This is currently offered in a 34mm version, but will be offered in 30mm version “in a few weeks”. This unit only works with ADM scope mounts. However, Nightforce has a similar Rail Accessory Platform (RAP-i) that works with NF 30mm or 34mm rings. The innovative ADM ring cap unit, officially dubbed the AD-Delta Scope Mount Ring Cap-Picatinny Rail, costs $120.00.
ADM posts: “We are now offering alternate ring caps for the Delta Series Mounts featuring picatinny rails to accommodate the ever growing use of accessories and laser rangefinders on scoped carbines. The 5-Lug (Low-Red Dot) version can be used to mount a Red Dot or low profile laser sight. The 5-Lug (Low-Red Dot) version can be used to mount a Red Dot or low-profile laser sight. The 7-Lug (Tall-Laser Rangefinder) can be used for laser rangefinders such as the Vortex Impact 4000. The 7-Lug Version is currently available in 34mm, the 30mm version will be available in the near future. The ADM Ring Cap product includes 1 replacement ring cap and 4 mounting screws.”
NOTE: This ring cap WILL ONLY fit ADM Delta Series Mounts, it is NOT compatible with other manufacturers’ scope mounts. Also ADM cannot guarantee height compatibility with all optics as turret heights vary between different makes and models. Price is $120.00 for all versions.
Q: What’s more important — wind speed, or direction?
A: Obviously they both matter, but they do trade dominance based on direction. For example, a 10 mph wind between 2:30 and 3:30 is only changing its value from 9.7 to 10 to 9.7 mph (bracket of 0.3 mph). However a 10 mph wind between 11:30 and 12:30 is changing its cross wind component value from 2.6 mph left to zero to 2.6 mph right (bracket of 5.2 mph). There is the same 30° change in direction, but this results in a massively different bracket.
Point being, in this case, a direction change is far more critical if it’s near 6 or 12 o’clock. A small direction change when it’s close to 3 or 9 o’clock is negligible.
On the contrary, a change in wind SPEED when it’s near 3 or 9 affects your crosswind component directly. But for a near head or tail wind, a fluctuation in wind speed only causes a small fraction of a change to the crosswind component.
SUMMARY: If you’re in a near full-value wind, pay more attention to wind SPEED. If you’re closer to a head- or tail-wind, nailing the exact DIRECTION will be more important.
Get More Tips on Bryan Litz Ballistics Facebook Page
This post is from the new Bryan Litz Ballistics Facebook Page. FB users should check that page regularly for more tips from Bryan, American’s leading ballistics expert and founder of Applied Ballistics LLC.
2024 marks the 25-year anniversary of Project ChildSafe®, the firearm safety and education program of NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association. Since its inception, Project ChildSafe has raised awareness about safely handling and securely storing firearms when not in use, along with educating children about firearm safety. Marking this milestone, NSSF aims to raise $250,000 over the next year to provide more free gun locks and educational materials to gun owners across the country.
Project ChildSafe Has Distributed over 40,000,000 Gun locks
Started in 1999, Project ChildSafe began in just five cities in the USA. Now it has grown to serve all 50 states and the five U.S. territories. To date, Project ChildSafe has distributed more than 40 million safety kits, which include a cable-style gun-lock and educational brochures. The firearm safety kits are distributed through partnerships with more than 15,000 local law enforcement agencies and 13,000 organizational partners.
Click image for larger version (easier to read small print).
“For 25 years, Project ChildSafe has operated on both the national and local levels to provide genuine firearm safety solutions to communities that need them most,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “Since its launch, fatal firearm accidents have dropped to historic lows. The program also aims to prevent firearm thefts and suicide.” Bill Brassard, NSSF Communications director added: “[O]ver the years we’ve heard stories firsthand of how our safety kits have saved lives by preventing accidents and suicides[.]”
To mark 25 years of Project ChildSafe, NSSF hopes to raise $250,000 in funding for the program over the next year. Individual supporters and organizations are invited to donate to Project ChildSafe. Project ChildSafe is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, and all donations to the organization are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
⏺ Act soon for $50 or $75 rebate on high-quality revolvers
Smith & Wesson Wheelgun Wonderland Rebate, Save $50 or $75
Want a great revolver? We think everyone should have at least one quality Smith & Wesson wheelgun. There’s even a rebate available — but you better act fast — today (April 30, 2024) is the last day you can make a qualifying S&W revolver purchase.
Right now you can get a significant S&W Rebate on both compact carry revolvers and full-size wheelguns. For the smaller J-Frame (with $50 rebate), we like the Model 638 with alloy frame and shielded hammer. You can also get a big $75 rebate on the bigger K-, L-, or N-frame revolvers. In .357 Magnum, we like the modern L-Frame Model 686. NOTE: To get the rebates, purchases must be made before midnight on 4/30/2024 — so don’t delay.
Smith & Wesson’s J-Frame revolvers are great carry guns. We recommend the ultra-lightweight Model 638 and Model 642 Airweight wheelguns, which each weigh under one pound (14.6 oz. empty)! We like the Model 638 because it has a shielded internal hammer, so you can shoot single-action if you wish.
Rebate Applies to Popular Rimfire Revolvers as Well
The rebate is good for a wide variety of revolvers, including popular rimfire revolvers. We have an K-frame Model 617 .22LR revolver that has shot thousands of rounds. It is very accurate, with a superb trigger. Rimfire revolvers are great for training and plinking.
NOTE: There is currently a $75 S&W Rebate available for this Model 648 K-frame revolver. Qualifying purchases must be made between February 1, 2024 and April 30, 2024.
Along with its .22 LR wheelguns, S&W now offers the Model 648 in .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire). This stainless Model 648 brings a more powerful cartridge to S&W rimfire revolver fans. Built on S&W’s medium K-frame, the 8-round Model 648 is designed for small game hunting and target shooting. The .22 WMR is definitely a much more potent varmint cartridge than the .22 LR. You have more downrange energy plus a flatter trajectory.
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. Midsouth — Lyman Press Kit and Reloading Gear Sale
⏺ Save $100 on turret press combo kits; save $40 on Powder Dispenser
Midsouth is running a sale on Lyman Reloading Press Combo Kits, turret presses, powder dispensers and more. Lyman makes quality products and the All-American 8-station turret press is quite impressive. With this sale you save $50 on the turret press and $100 on the Ultimate Reloading System Kit.
2. Natchez — Burris Optics Blem Sale
⏺ Significant discounts on scopes, spotters, binocs and more
Do you need a good scope, binoculars, or spotting scope? Then check out the Burris Blemished Optics Sale at Natchez. If you don’t mind a minor cosmetic flaw or small scratch you can save up to 50%. Among the bargains are competition FFP zoom scopes, LRF scopes, spotting scopes, thermal monoculars, and compact binoculars. Save $900 on the impressive XTR Pro for PRS/NRL. This features a Quick Detach Race Dial and Zero Click Stop Elevation Knob. Or save $650 on the Burris Eliminator IV Laser Rangefinder scope.
3. Smith & Wesson, Wheelgun Wonderland Rebate, $50 or $75
⏺ Act soon for $50 or $75 rebate on high-quality revolvers
Right now you can get a significant S&W Rebate on both compact carry revolvers and full-size wheelguns. For the smaller J-Frame (with $50 rebate), we like the Model 638 with alloy frame and shielded hammer. You can also get a big $75 rebate on the bigger K-, L-, or N-frame revolvers. In .357 Magnum, we like the modern L-Frame Model 686. NOTE: To get the rebates, purchases must be made before midnight on 4/30/2024 — so don’t delay.
4. Palmetto SA — RUGER-5.7® 5.7×28 Pistol, $549.99
⏺ Save $350 Off MSRP for high-velocity, low recoil 5.7×28 handgun
The 5.7×28 cartridge is a modern defense round with much less perceived recoil than pistol cartridges shooting larger-diameter, 120-250gr bullets. With a 20+1 round capacity, the 5.7×28 Ruger-5.7 is a well-designed pistol with good sights. Owners report the Ruger 57 has good ergonomics, and is accurate and fun to shoot with low muzzle flip. With this sale you save $350.00 off Ruger’s $899.99 MSRP.
5. Graf & Sons — Hornady Ammunition Sale
⏺ Major savings on Hornady brand Rimfire, Centerfire Rifle, and pistol ammo
If you need ammo for a variety of cartridges check out the Hornady Ammo Sale over at Graf’s. There’s a good selection of both rifle and pistol ammunition with good deals on .204 Ruger, .243 Win, 6.5 PRC, .270 Win, and .308 Win. Plus rimfire varmint ammo is deeply discounted — e.g. Hornady 17 Mach 2 is discounted 18%, with 20 rounds just $9.65.
6. Amazon — Walker’s Razor Slim Muffs, $41.75
⏺ Very good customer reports for these NRR23 Slim Muffs
Good hearing protection is vital for preventing hearing loss over the years. A great choice is the Walker’s Digital Razor PRO Electronic Earmuffs, an Amazon Best Seller. Omnidirectional Microphones capture sounds from all directions, and Walkers quick-activated compression dampens sudden, loud noises to protect your hearing. NOTE: These $41.75 muffs require two AAA replaceable batteries. For $69.99 you can get rechargeable Walker’s Razor Slim Muffs.
7. Amazon — RCBS M1000 Balance Scale, $149.52
⏺ Good beam scale serves multiple reloading/sorting tasks
Electronic scale/dispensers are efficient. But many loading room tasks, such as bullet weight sorting, can be performed more quickly and easily with a good beam scale. In addition, a beam scale won’t experience the drift shown by some electronic scales. We think all hand-loaders should have a good mechanical scale. The RCBS M1000 mechanical scale is reliable and well-designed, offering excellent, accurate performance for the price.
8. Locked&Loaded — CCI Blazer 9mm Ammo, $219.99 1000 rds
⏺ Quality 9mm brass-cased ammo at a super-low price — $0.22/round
CCI makes very reliable pistol ammo with reloadable brass cases. Right now you can get 1000 rounds of CCI Blazer 9mm FMJ ammo for just $219.99 at LockedLoaded.com. That price works out to just $11.00 per 50-round box — a fantastic price. This very affordable 115gr Blazer 9mm ammo is excellent for practice/training, and it is more reliable than commercial reloads.
9. Amazon — KingHardCase 200rd Rifle Ammo Case, $49.99
⏺ Great high-capacity waterproof ammo transport case — three versions
Keep 200 rounds of ammo securely stored in this Waterproof Ammo Case, now $49.99 on sale. Made of high-strength ABS plastic, this 11.5″ x 9.5″ x 4.5″ ammo transport case can withstand harsh environments, resist impact, and protect against scratches. Shown above is the version that holds 200 .308 Win-sized rounds. Another model holds 200 .223 Rem rounds in the same-size case priced $39.99 on Amazon. There is also a $39.99 double-decker KingHardCase that holds 350 rounds of pistol ammo.
10. Amazon — PLANO Rifle Hard Case, $47.36
⏺ Versatile TSA-approved rifle case that can hold two rifles or shotguns
Here’s a good basic long gun transport case that will hold two rifles (without scopes) or one large scoped rifle. This 15″L x 5.15″W x 4″H Plano Double Rifle Hard Case features good foam padding and heavy duty latches. Interior dimensions are: 50.5″L x 3.75″W x 12″H. This case has padlock tabs for security and is TSA-approved for airline travel. This is a good case for the price.
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