The Magnetospeed V3 chronograph is affordable, easy to transport, and easy to set up. With a MagnetoSpeed barrel-mounted chrono you can quickly and easily record muzzle velocity (MV) without having to set up tripods or walk down-range. The compact MagnetoSpeed chronos are easy to operate and transport. With the full-featured V3 model, everything you need comes in a small fitted case. In the top photo are the components used with the MagnetoSpeed V3 Kit:
1. V3 Bayonet sensor
2. Display and control unit
3. Bayonet spacers (plastic and rubber)
4. Cords and mounting hardware (left), suppressor heat shield (right)
5. Alignment rod (square cross-section)
6. Rail adapter (sold separately)
Our friend Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com reviewed the MagnetoSpeed V3 and came away impressed. Gavin explains that a good chrono is essential: “If you want to load and shoot precision ammunition, you need the tools that will produce and validate the precision of your loads. A good chronograph is one of those tools! In this post I’m going to introduce you to the MagnetoSpeed V3 chonograph, the high-end electromagnetic chronograph which fills out the top slot in MagnetoSpeed’s equipment portfolio.”
In this 11-minute video Gavin reviews MagnetoSpeed’s top-of-the-line V3 Chronograph. He shows what ships with the unit, how to set it up for both rifles and pistols, and then he puts it through its paces showing how it captures velocity data. Gavin says he will follow-up with future videos showing how to link the MagnetoSpeed V3 to your mobile phone and how to log velocity data for future reference. To learn more about this high-tech chrono, visit UltimateReloader.com.
Given its compact size, reasonable price, and easy of set-up, we believe all serious shooters should have a MagnetoSpeed in their gear collection even if their primary chronograph is a LabRadar. The MagnetoSpeed V3 complete system is available now for $399.99 from Shop.GoHunt.com (MSRP is $449.00).
September 23, 2023 is National Hunting & Fishing Day. The annual celebration takes place on the the fourth Saturday of September every year. National, regional, state and local organizations will run thousands of “open house” hunting- and fishing-related events around the country. Events will include Fishing Derbys, Hunting Expos, Wing-shooting tournaments, and much more.
Hunting Safety Checklist
A good hunt begins with preparation. And during the hunt, safety is a key priority. To help hunters, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has created a Safety Checklist for hunters. This Hunting Safety Checklist, produced as part of the NSSF’s “Hunt S.A.F.E.” campaign, helps hunters follow good, safe practices in the field and at home.
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. MidwayUSA — Savage Axis XP with Weaver Scope, $429.99
⏺ Hunting season is here — great hunting rifle value
Here’s a great deal on a rugged, camo-stocked Savage XP rifle complete with 3-9x40mm Weaver optic. Right now the Axis XP in 6.5 Creedmoor is just $429.99 on SALE with camo stock. Four other popular chamberings — .223 Rem, .22-250 Rem, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield — are $449.99. This is a heck of a hunting rifle for under $450.00. Other chamberings, priced a bit higher, include .243 Win, .25-06, .270 Win, and 7mm-08. The Savage Axis XP is also available with a plain black stock, usually for significantly less money. For example the black .308 Win Axis XP is just $389.99, while the camo version is $449.99.
2. EuroOptic — Leica Laser Rangefinder Sale
⏺ Major savings on top-quality laser rangefinders
With their outstanding range and precision, Leica laser rangefinders are some of the best you can buy. Leica LRFs are prized by hunters and competitors everywhere. We found the Leica CRF series of rangefinders on sale at EuroOptic. With this September sale, this is a great opportunity to save $100-$200 on a top-tier LRF. Some of these Leica units also have software connectivity. At $699.99 ($100 off), the Leica Rangemaster CRF 2800.com is a great deal right now.
3. Midsouth — Labradar Finally Back in Stock, $624.99
⏺ Superior advanced radar chronograph used by champions, now in stock
Labradar chronographs are used by top benchrest, F-Class, and ELR competitors. Labradars provide precise bullet speed measurements, with no need to go downrange, or attach a large barrel fixture that could affect POI or accuracy. For many months Labradars have been hard to get. Thankfully, Midsouth has just received some of the latest-generation Labradars. Get one now at $624.99 at Midsouth before they sell out.
4. Frankford Arsenal — Universal Seating Die, $59.15
⏺ Great user reviews for this versatile die with 9 caliber sleeves
Are you tired of buying multiple seating dies for all your cartridges? Then check out the Frankford Arsenal Universal Seating die. It works with .224 to .338 caliber bullets. This kit includes 9 bullet alignment sleeves, 3 VLD bullet seating stems, and a molded storage case.
5. Amazon — RCBS Brass Boss, $199.99
⏺ This reliable unit does multiple tasks very well — $174.99 with Rebate
Speed up your case prep with the RCBS Brass Boss. This versatile device features six variable-speed, rotating stations that can fully prepare brass for reloading (after the brass is trimmed to length). The Brass Boss includes tools for all six stations: an inside VLD chamfering tool, outside deburring tool, primer pocket cleaner (small/large), military crimp remover (small/large), primer pocket uniformer (small/large), case neck brushes (four diameters) and a tub of dry case neck lubricant. NOTE: The Brass Boss qualifies for a $25.00 RCBS Rebate through 9/20/2023, so your net cost is $174.99.
6. Bullet Central — SK Rimfire Ammunition In Stock
⏺ Major savings on very good rimfire ammo by Lapua sister company
SK rimfire ammunition offers great performance for the price. SK .22 LR ammo shot very accurately in our test rifles. Now at Bullet Central you’ll find ample SK rimfire ammo in stock including Rifle, Pistol, Standard and more. NOTE: Bullet Central has no quantity limits, so you can buy as much as you want. This is a good choice for NRL22 competition.
7. Creedmoor Sports — Know Your Limits Target Plate, $89.95
⏺ Clever training plate — great for rimfire NRL22 and PRS
This Creedmoor Sports Inverted Know Your Limits (KYL) Target offers a unique shooting experience. The goal is to put your shots INSIDE each hole in the steel plate. Made from laser-cut 3/8″ AR500 steel plate, this target handles both rimfire and centerfire cartridges. The target, which can be set up horizontally or vertically, has 7 circles which range from 2.0″ to 0.5″ in diameter. Start with the biggest hole and then work your way down. It’s fun and challenging. Failure to go through the circle or an edge shot can be easily identified visually and by the “ping” this target makes.
8. Amazon — Caldwell Stinger Rest, $86.10
⏺ Good, stable rest for sighting-in hunting rifles
Hunting season is here. The Caldwell Stinger Shooting Rest is an affordable one-piece rest that’s great for sighting-in hunting rifles. The heavy-duty metal frame provides good, solid support. Elevation is easily adjustable, and twin handy, cam-locks allow the Stinger’s front support to slide forward or backwards to match your rifle’s fore-arm dimensions.
⏺ Excellent, versatile tool kit for multiple gun maintenance tasks
Having the right tools to work on your firearms is critical to prevent damage and ensure they’re safe to operate. A great kit to get started with is the Lyman 45-piece Lyman tool kit. This the key tools needed to perform a host of gunsmithing tasks. With this Lyman tool kit, you get a nice fitted cases which contains ALL the following: standard type screwdriver handle, ratcheting handle, 34 individual cross tip, flat tip, and Allen bits, an extension, a #1 and #2 cross tip long bit, three pin punches, a Glock front sight bit, and a Weaver scope ring bit.
10. Palmetto SA — Walker’s Muffs + Safety Glasses, $15.99
⏺ Killer deal on hearing and eye protection combo
Is it time to replace your hearing and eye protection? Or perhaps you could use an extra set for friends? Check out this Walker’s Ultra Slim Muff & Glasses Combo. You get good quality 27dB NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) muffs AND a set of ANSI Z87.1-rated shooting glasses — all for just $15.99. That’s a great price for essential safety items. Shooters should always have both eye and ear protection whenever at the range.
What would you do if you had a LIVE Round stuck in a chamber? Well, don’t hammer a wood dowel in the barrel, that’s for sure. Here is a tale of stupidity that could have injured the rifle owner. This account appeared on the Facebook Page of Brock & Norris Custom Rifles, a gunsmith shop in the United Kingdom.
Live, Loaded Round Stuck in Chamber — What NOT to Do!
Commentary by gunsmith Mike Norris
Here is a cautionary tale. A client came into the workshop with a problem which could have had very serious [even deadly] consequences. And it is not the first time we have seen this. Firing neck-sized-only ammunition, the client attempted to load a round which then jammed solid in the chamber. The bolt would not close and the round was unable to be extracted.
The problem was compounded by various attempts to push the loaded round from the chamber with cleaning rods and the assistance of a hammer (I kid you not!). All of which damaged the bore and the crown, culminating in a wooden dowel being hammered into the barrel which subsequently broke off in the bore. The end result was a barrel that was totally wrecked.
One Facebook friend posted: “Fortunate avoidance of a ‘Darwin Award’. I can hear it: ‘Go on hammer the bolt, she’ll go!’. We’re missing a ‘face palm’ emoji here.”
The Problem Started with a Neck-Sized Case
The moral of this story is DO NOT NECK SIZE cases. Mike advises: “Full-length size cases correctly. You only move the shoulder back 1 to 1.5 thousandths and the case will feed and extract EVERY TIME. Yes you will have to trim cases occasionally but it is one hell of a site cheaper and safer than jamming a live round in the barrel and wrecking the barrel trying to remove it. Not to mention the risk to life and limb!”
What Should Have Been Done in this Situation?
Mike was asked the best method for removing a stuck round. He stated: “The Grease Gun Method on a threaded barrel works*. However, in this case, this was not remotely possible due to 20 inches of wooden dowel being broken off in the bore as well. The live round (yes it was live!) was attempted to be removed by hammering on a brass cleaning rod (an actual hammer was used) to try to dislodge it. That brass rod broke, so then a wooden dowel was employed, and THAT broke as well.”
Mike cautions that, when a live, loaded round is involved you must be very careful: “Do not be taking chances with your own safety or others around you. When it is safe to do so, get the rifle to a professional. By the way he WILL [chide you] for being daft in the first place and then bringing the problem into his premises. Expect to be charged for the expertise to remove said obstruction, In the past I even had a client send me a loading die with a live .338 Lapua round in it through the Post no less!”
* This YouTube Video shows the successful removal of a jammed FIRED (not live) case from an AR15 barrel. You can see the fired case eject at 15:35 time-mark, after the primer pops out first. But note, this was NOT a live, loaded round. Extreme caution must be excercised with live rounds.
Hunting season is here. It’s time to sight-in those deer rifles, check the optics, and make sure you’re ready to go. We know some hunters might enjoy shooting game profile targets when at the range for the sight-in process. To that end, here are six animal profile targets from Gun.Deals. Right-click any target to download the printable PDF file, designed to print to standard 8.5″ x 11″ paper. All these targets include entry boxes for Shooter Name, Score, Range (distance), and Date.
Deer Targets with Center Hit Zones Gun.Deals offers two different deer targets, both free to download. We prefer the standing buck with target ring in center mass (left below). Hit the red “10” for maximum points. You can also use this target for rimfire fun practice. NOTE: On the first target, the bullseye is centered in the graphic. This is NOT the optimal hit location for most game animals, which varies by species. Use these targets for general practice, but in the field, aim for the critical hit zone.
Bear Targets with Center Bulls
Few of us have actually encountered large bears in the wild. But if you do… it can be scary. Work on your bear recognition skills with these two targets, a standing bear, and a bear horizontal profile.
Sight-In Target and Bullseye Target
Courtesy of Gun.Deals, we’ve also included a conventional bullseye and a sight-in target. You can augment that sight-in sheet with neon orange Birchwood-Casey Target Spots if you want multiple aim points. A target pack with 160 1.5″ Target Dots is just $4.49 at Amazon.
NOTE: The .375 CheyTac is a proprietary cartridge of CheyTac USA. CheyTac® is a registered trademark. CheyTac® bullets, brass, and ammunition are offered by CheyTac USA, which also produces a variety of high-quality firearms for civilian and military use. See all CheyTac® products at CheyTac.com.
This Extreme Long Range (“ELR”) rifle features a massive BAT “L” Round Action, McMillan Beast Stock, 38″ Bartlein 1:7″-twist Barrel, T5 Terminator Muzzle Brake, R.A.D. Recoil Reduction unit, and a customized Cheek Riser. The “Beast” stock name is appropriate — this rifle weighs a massive 38 pounds. Including the T5 brake, the finished barrel, chambered in .375 CheyTac, is 44″ long! All the work was done by Hall-of-Fame shooter and gunsmith Thomas “Speedy” Gonzales, of S.G. Precision LLC in San Antonio, Texas. To see other rifles crafted by Speedy, visit his Facebook page.
Speedy milled vents in the fore-end. He told us: “when you’re burning 150+ grains of powder you need all the ventilation you can get to help reduce the barrel heat.”
There are many good brakes out there, then there’s the “TERMINATOR”! — Speedy
The Phoenix Bipod employs a lowering modification.
About the .375 CheyTac Cartridge
Some of the most successful ELR cartridges are based on the CheyTac family, including the .375 CheyTac (9.5×77) and .408 CheyTac (10.36 x 77). This .375 CheyTac cartridge has proven to be tough and accurate. And it is capable of winning — our friend Derek Rodgers won the 2017 King of 2 Miles (K02M) event shooting a .375 CheyTac (9.5×77).
Derek Rodgers was the 2017 King of 2 Miles. He was also the first-ever human to ever hit the maximum distance target target at 3368 yards (1.91 miles). His cartridge choice? The .375 CheyTac. Derek ran Cutting Edge Bullets in Peterson brass with Hodgdon H50BMG powder.
Q: Why did you choose the .375 CheyTac cartridge?
Derek: When I was asked to join the Applied Ballistics Team, I needed to get an ELR rifle built in a short period of time. I was under a very tight time schedule to get the project complete. In an effort to eliminate variables, I decided to keep things standard and as simple as possible. I chose the .375 CheyTac for the ease of getting components. The larger rifles are more difficult to get components quickly and I felt like the .375 CheyTac had enough attributes to be competitive at ELR distances.
Getting started in the shooting sports can be intimidating, especially for women. Thankfully, there are many training resources available. NSSF has compiled a series of target shooting tips for women, by women. These tips, presented by instructors Kay Miculek, and Lena Miculek-Afentul, cover basic shooting methods and safety. Topics include pistol grip, stance, eye dominance, and ear protection. These tips can benefit any novice shooter, not just the ladies.
Rifle Stance and Hold (for Action Shooting)
Champion 3-Gun shooters Kay Miculek and Lena Miculek-Afentul demonstrate rifle stance basics and how to properly hold an AR-platform rifle for action shooting.
Grip and Stance for Pistol Shooting
Mother/daughter team Kay Miculek and Lena Miculek-Afentul demonstrate proper grip and stance for shooting semi-automatic pistols in action disciplines.
Eye Dominance (and Hand/Eye Cross-Dominance)
Learn how to identify your dominant eye. Kay Miculek, a cross-dominant shooter, explains how other cross-dominant individuals can maintain a proper sight picture.
Hunting season has started in many parts of the country, with others soon to follow. And National Hunting & Fishing Day is September 23, 2023, just two weeks away. If you’re planning a hunt, and want to improve your chances of success, you can benefit from today’s Saturday Showcase featuring noted huntress and outdoor video host Kristy Titus. Titus, co-host of the Team Elk TV show, is a certified instructor who has hunted around the globe. She grew up in the outdoors, running pack mules in Oregon with her father.
Successful Hunts with Kristy Titus and Field Dressing Methods
Kristy has her own successful YouTube Channel, Pursue the Wild with Kristy Titus. Here are three popular videos on that channel. Kristy’s field dressing video has amassed over 5.6 million views!
Best of North American Big Game Hunting
Caribou Hunting in the Northwest Territories
Gutless Field Dressing Method
Hunters who are deep in the backcountry may need to quarter the animal for easier field removal and to help cool the meat as quickly as possible. In this video, Kristy Titus shows the step-by-step process of the gutless method. Kristy recommends a good skinning knife such as the Buck Knives Pursuit Series. She also states you should have quality game bags plus a section of Polyethylene Visqueen material which can be purchased at local hardware stores.
Shooting Skills and Tactics for Hunters with Kristy Titus
As part of NRA Women TV, hunting guide Kristy Titus hosts a series of videos that explain important strategies and shooting skills for hunters. In these videos, Kristy demonstrates field positions that can be employed during a hunt. She also explains preparation for a hunt, including fitness training.
Click each link below to watch other Kristy Titus Hunting Videos.
Kristy says: “When it comes to bolt-action rifle fit, there is no ‘one size fits all’. When picking out your rifle [consider options] after the purchase to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.”
In 2020, Lyman released the updated Second Edition of its AR Reloading Handbook. The original AR Reloading Handbook was the first reloading manual dedicated exclusively to the most popular semi-auto rifle in the USA. The Second Edition of this comprehensive Lyman AR Reloading Handbook has been updated to include more cartridge types and significantly more load data. This provides AR shooters with reloading info for the vast majority of popular chamberings used in AR-platform firearms. CLICK HERE to order the book for just $12.49 on Amazon, a 31% savings off the $17.98 list price.
Reloaders will appreciate the extensive pressure-tested data covering a very wide selection of bullet types and powder types. The Second Edition provided data for newer cartridges such as the .224 Valkyrie, .22 Nosler, .24 Nosler, 350 Legend, as well as sub-sonic data. In addition, articles by well-known authorities are included, covering topics such as “Building An AR” and “AR15 Gas System Lengths”. This book is available direct from Lyman and from Amazon (at a discount).
Features of Lyman AR Reloading Handbook (Second Edition)
— Reloading data for popular AR-platform cartridge types, including the .223 Rem, .224 Valkyrie, 6.8 Rem, .300 AAC, 7.62×39, 350 Legend, 450 Bushmaster, .50 Beowulf and more.
— Many informative articles on specialty topics such as Reloading for Suppressors and Building ARs.
— Load Data covers all major brands of bullets and powders.
— Load Data for cast bullet data and sub-sonic loads.
AR-Platform Insights — Operation and Maintenance Tips
Here are two helpful videos for AR owners. The first uses 3D computer animation to show how AR-platform rifles work — from the inside. The Cutaway views show the operation of the gas system and bolt while cycling. The second video, by legendary competitive shooter Jerry Miculek, provide helpful guidance on AR disassembly and maintenance.
Book publishing tip from EdLongRange. We welcome reader submissions.
Hodgdon Reloading Data Center
Looking for a good load for a new rifle? Or perhaps you want to try a new powder and bullet combo for an existing rig. One of the best places to start for load data is Hodgdon’s online Reloading Data Center for pistol, rifle, and shotgun reloaders. Check out the Reloading Data Center at www.HodgdonReloading.com.
In the Data Center, you’ll find thousands of load recipes for pistol, rifle, and shotgun. Rifle shooters will find dozens of loads for their favorite Hodgdon, IMR, Accurate, Ramshot, and Winchester powders.
Benchrest, F-Class, Silhouette, ELR, and PRS/NRL competitors will find ultra-accurate loads for H4198, H4895, Varget, H4350, H4831sc, IMR 8208 XBR and other popular propellants. Hodgdon’s Reloading Center is “mobile-friendly” so it works well with smartphones and tables. Navigation is easy, and you can set the search criteria easily choosing your favorite powder or bullets. After choosing a cartridge, you can pre-select specific bullet weights and powder types. That quickly delivers just the information you want and need. You won’t have to scroll through scores of entries for bullets or powders you don’t use.
NOTE: This shows results for two bullet weights and two powder choices. With more powders and bullets selected you will get more results. The “BUY NOW” buttons link to the Hodgdon webstore.
Reloading Center is Smartphone-Friendly
Mobile users will notice that the current Hodgdon Reloading Center is “user-friendly” for smart-phone and tablet users. Controls have been optimized for touch-screens, and buttons are large and easy to use.
How to Get Started with Handloading
Getting started in Reloading? Ultimate Reloader offers a helpful introductory video that covers the basics. In addition, a recent Ultimate Reloader article reviews the types of reloading presses, plus the other gear you’ll need, from dies to powder dispensers.
September 23, 2023 is 
