Here is a simple technique that can potentially help you load straighter ammo, with less run-out (as measured on the bullet). This procedure costs nothing and adds only a few seconds to the time needed to load a cartridge. Next time you’re loading ammo with a threaded (screw-in) seating die, try seating the bullet in two stages. Run the cartridge up in the seating die just enough to seat the bullet half way. Then lower the cartridge and rotate it 180° in the shell-holder. Now raise the cartridge up into the die again and finish seating the bullet.
Steve, aka “Short Range”, one of our Forum members, recently inquired about run-out apparently caused by his bullet-seating process. Steve’s 30BR cases were coming out of his neck-sizer with good concentricity, but the run-out nearly doubled after he seated the bullets. At the suggestion of other Forum members, Steve tried the process of rotating his cartridge while seating his bullet. Steve then measured run-out on his loaded rounds. To his surprise there was a noticeable reduction in run-out on the cases which had been rotated during seating. Steve explains: “For the rounds that I loaded yesterday, I seated the bullet half-way, and turned the round 180 degrees, and finished seating the bullet. That reduced the bullet runout by almost half on most rounds compared to the measurements from the first test.”
Steve recorded run-out measurements on his 30 BR brass using both the conventional (one-pass) seating procedure, as well as the two-stage (with 180° rotation) method. Steve’s measurements are collected in the two charts above. As you can see, the run-out was less for the rounds which were rotated during seating. Note, the change is pretty small (less than .001″ on average), but every little bit helps in the accuracy game. If you use a threaded (screw-in) seating die, you might try this two-stage bullet-seating method. Rotating your case in the middle of the seating process won’t cost you a penny, and it just might produce straighter ammo (nothing is guaranteed). If you do NOT see any improvement on the target, you can always go back to seating your bullets in one pass. READ Forum Thread..
Lapua, renowned producer of high-quality components and ammunition, has hired Shane Barnhart as the new Manager of the Lapua Rimfire Performance Center located in Marengo, Ohio. As Manager, Shane will supervise rimfire ammo lot testing in Lapua’s state-of-the art indoor tunnel in Marengo.
Patterned after the world-renowned Lapua Test Center in Germany, both the Marengo, OH and Mesa, AZ Lapua Rimfire Performance Centers provide shooters the opportunity to test multiple lots of ammunition under tightly controlled conditions. Each of the Lapua Rimfire Performance Centers offer the ability to test ammunition at both 50 and 100 meters, simultaneously. By comparing the results of various lots fired at both distances, the best performing lots can provide a distinct competitive advantage. This allows for higher scores and more hits on target for a customer’s chosen discipline. To learn more about the Lapua Rimfire Performance Centers or to schedule an appointment, visit rimfiretest.com.
Shane Barnhart at Camp Perry in 2014, shooting with the USAMU Team.
Barnhart Has Won Multiple National Shooting Championships and Served with USAMU
Barnhart is an accomplished competitive shooter. Shane won 8 National Smallbore Championships, a Service Rifle National Championship, a Civilian Marksmanship Long Range National Championship, and more. Over the past 20 years, Barnhart served with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU), where he was a competitive marksman and head coach. With the USAMU, Shane gained years of experience testing smallbore ammunition at the USAMU’s range. Barnhart will commence managing the day-to-day test operations in Ohio beginning in late February 2022.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to continue being part of the shooting community and to work with such a great brand while doing so,” said Barnhart. “I’ve seen how this kind of testing can make a major difference for a competitive shooter, and I am excited to help [shooters] realize their competitive dreams.”
About Lapua — Lapua produces outstanding rimfire and centerfire cartridges and components for civilian and professional use. Lapua is a part of the Capstone Precision Group, exclusive U.S. distributor for Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori and SK-Rimfire products. For more information, visit Lapua.com.
Applied Ballistics (AB) has announced the deployment schedule for the Applied Ballistics Mobile Laboratory during the 2022 shooting season. The Applied Ballistics Crew will be driving the Mobile Lab Truck and Trailer to a number of important shooting events in 2022. At these events you can get a Personal Drag Model (PDM) for your rifle/load based on Doppler Radar testing. The first deployment will be at the Bomber Run match in Indiana on February 18, 2022, just two weeks away. Here is the overall 2022 schedule:
The Applied Ballistics Mobile Lab trailer carries a vast array of equipment including computers, sensors, and advanced Doppler Radar equipment. The Doppler Radar is employed to create custom ballistic profiles (aka “Personal Drag Models”) for shooters at major matches.
Personal Drag Models (PDMs) provide shooters with exact, precise ballistics data for their preferred ammo as fired in their match rifles. This is especially important for rimfire ammo which may start supersonic, then go transonic, and finish well subsonic during much of its flight. Bryan Litz explains: “The Doppler Radar system allows us to track the bullet’s velocity as it flies down-range. As the bullet’s velocity decays, that’s what tells you the ballistic coefficient, the drag, and [other factors].”
About the Applied Ballistics Mobile Lab
Q: What is the basic purpose of the Applied Ballistics Mobile Lab?
Mitchell Fitzpatrick: The Mobile Lab allows us to effectively carry out ballistics testing in the field and at events. It has most of the capabilities of our normal lab, but on wheels.
Q: What hardware and electronics are carried in the Mobile Lab? What are its capabilities?
Bryan Litz: The Mobile Lab will transport most everything that’s in the main lab including the Doppler radar. This rig is new and we haven’t fully outfitted it yet. The load-outs will be somewhat flexible depending on the venue we are supporting.
The Great American Outdoor Show returns to Pennsylvania this weekend. The big event, the world’s biggest consumer outdoor activity show, takes place February 5-13, 2022 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Great American Outdoor Show will feature nearly 1,100 exhibitors in nine halls covering 650,000 square feet. In the booths will be shooting sports manufacturers, boat and RV dealers, hunting and fishing retailers, and more than 400 outfitters and boat captains.
Wall of Guns — $10 for a Chance to Win One of 40 Firearms
Right in the middle of the action will be The NRA Foundation’s Wall of Guns. Located at booth #39 in the PA Farm Show Complex’s main hallway, the Wall, which has display cases on both sides, will offer chances to win firearms during all nine days of the show.
The Wall of Guns has been a favorite since the NRA took over the show in 2014. For only $10, attendees have a 1 in 100 chance to win a brand new firearm or a $400 cash prize. After every 100 tickets are sold, a winner is drawn. With over 40 firearms to choose from, the $10 ticket is an easy buy for most attendees. Featured firearms on the Wall will include: Ruger Max-9, North American Arms 1860 Hogleg .22mag, Taurus GX4, Savage B22 Overwatch .22LR, and Kahr Arms CW9 and many more.
For attendees who want to make sure they collect a prize from the wall, there is a $500 ticket package which includes a Wall of Guns T-shirt, one KSA Mossy Oak Overwatch CPR Package with NRA Serialization, and 15 chances to win on the Wall. All of these firearms have been graciously donated to The NRA Foundation in support of preserving the Second Amendment.
Click HERE to view all 2022 Wall of Guns ticket packages.
Wouldn’t it be cool if your rifle scope had a built-in laser rangefinder, plus a weather sensor, a ballistics calculator, compass, and even wireless communication? Yes that would be very cool indeed, and that is why the Pentagon is spending at least $20 million on an amazing new “smart optic” from Vortex.
Vortex Optics has been awarded the contract for the U.S. military’s “Next Generation Squad Weapon–Fire Control” (NGSW-FC) optic. Under this contract, Vortex will provide up to 250,000 XM157 NGSW-FC optics over 10 years. These XM157 optics include an amazing set of features: variable magnification optic, backup etched reticle, laser rangefinder, ballistic calculator, atmospheric sensor suite, compass, Intra-Soldier Wireless, visible and infrared aiming lasers, and a digital display overlay.
The new XM157 smart optic is described as a “computer atop the weapon” since it can calculate range, ballistics, atmospherics, directional information, and digital overlay. The fire control system will replace the close combat optic, rifle combat optic, and machine gun optic used by U.S. Special Operations units, Marine Corps, and Army infantry units.
The XM157 is a Low Powered Variable Optic (LPVO) with a display overlay, Laser Rangefinder (LRF), ballistic solver, environmental sensors, aiming lasers, digital compass, and wireless communication to provide for seamless connectivity on the battlefield. The XM157 is based on a 1-8x30mm LPVO with glass-etched reticle on USA-made lenses. The XM157 weighs less than the combined weight of traditional LPVOs plus weapon-mounted Laser Rangefinders.
Vortex Contract Worth at Least $20 Million… And Potentially $2.7 Billion!
With a starting price of $20 million, the NGSW-FC Optic contract stipulates that Vortex will receive at least $20 million from the Pentagon. This will cover the XM157 advanced optics as well as supporting accessories, spare parts, repairs, and engineering services. The Vortex subsidiary Sheltered Wings will fulfill the contract.
As reported in Guns.com: “The 10-year contract… covers the production and delivery of up to 250,000 XM157 Next Generation Squad Weapons-Fire Control systems. The NGSW-FC will be the common sight for the Army’s new NGSW-Rifle, set to replace the M4 Carbine in front line service, and the NGSW-Automatic Rifle, the intended replacement for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. The contract minimum is set at $20 million, with a fantastic $2.7 billion maximum mentioned if all options are taken, pointing to a unit price for each NGSW-FC optic as being in the neighborhood of $10,800. However, it should be noted that, going past the sights themselves, the contract includes supporting accessories, contractor support, spare parts, repairs, and engineering efforts, likely pointing to a significantly lower per-unit cost than the basic math would imply.”
Vortex Nation Podcast About NGSW Fire Control Optic
The Pentagon chose Vortex to provide its Next Generation Squad Weapon – Fire Control Optic (NGSW-FC). But what is an NGSW-FC? What is Vortex’s new scope replacing? What weapons will it ultimately sit on? What features/capabilities does it have? What is Active Reticle? What is Intra-Soldier Wireless? How do the features work? How was it tested? Is it easy to use? Vortex Rep Alexander Lewis answers these questions and more in the 49-minute Podcast linked below.
Vortex Podcast Answers Key Questions about new XM157 Smart Optic
Podcast Highlights about NSGW-FC Optic:
00:00 – NGSW-FC Intro
08:44 – A Traditional LPVO at its Core
16:22 – Smart Scope Technology
19:43 – The “Active Reticle” (Rendering)
23:40 – Smart Scope Technology
29:07 – Size/Weight
33:08 – Laser Rangefinder and Interfaces
42:53 – Battery and Power
Next Generation Squad Weapons Program
Launched in 2017, the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program is a U.S. military initiative to develop operationally relevant squad-level lethality against various threats. Three defense firms have been selected to provide weapons and ammunition prototypes for the program: SIG Sauer, General Dynamics, and Textron Systems. The weapon system also provides soldiers with significant range and signature management capability improvements.
Do you own a LabRadar chronograph, or perhaps you are planning to add one to your range gear this season? With a LabRadar, you don’t have to go downrange to set up the chrono on a tripod and fuss with bore-sighting. LabRadars are excellent chronographs, particularly when paired with an inertial trigger.
Here is an excellent accessory that can be easily fitted to LabRadars. This Edelkrone StandONE all-terrain foldable camera stand can provide a stable base when shooting from a bench or the ground. It can quickly and easily adjust to uneven ground so that your LabRadar sits properly vertical and square to the horizon. The versatile Edelkrone StandONE sells for $119.20 at B&H Camera.
Note how the StandONE can adapt to uneven ground through the multiple hinges on the legs.
Forum member X-47B found this stand and he says it works great with his LabRadar. He is a commercial photographer, so he is familiar with the latest and greatest camera stands. In our Shooters’ Forum he posted: “Working in commercial photography and video I come across all different equipment. When I got this Edelkrone StandONE folding base, I realized it is the perfect base for a LagRadar. Works on friction, no ball-head needed. It works on any terrain and folds up tiny, so it’s perfect for prone or the bench.” Stated load capacity is 15 pounds, and this is made to hold expensive camera gear, so there’s no problem placing a LabRadar unit on top.
We saw some interesting gear at a 600-yard IBS match at the Piedmont Gun Club (Rutherfordton, NC) a few seasons back. On display were a variety of hand-made wood cleaning cradles designed to fit on table tops. These typically employ a box-style design, with layer of cloth or other padding to cushion the underside of the stock. On display were both single-rifle cleaning cradle/boxes and dual-rifle rigs. This is a good do-it-yourself project that can be built with simple tools.
Click Photos to View Large Versions
Notice that these cradle-boxes feature an extended lower section in the rear. This lower “lip” butts up against the edge of the table so the whole assembly stays in place. In the photo above it appears that the lower section may actually be cut from a rubber block, but we’re not sure.
Extended New-for-2022 Product Showcase Shooting Industry Magazine offers a very comprehensive 2022 New Product Showcase. This major product feature highlights products from more than 100 manufacturers. The first 58 items were featured in the December 2021 New Product Showcase Part I. Another 70+ products were featured in the January 2022 New Product Showcase Part II. The third and final New Product Showcase Part III (February 2022) was just released. CLICK HERE for Shooting Industry Digital Magazine Archive with current and past issues.
Since the acquisition of Marlin Firearms by Ruger, things have changed for the better. Some reviewers are saying that the first Ruger-built Marlin, the model 1895 SBL, may be the best-built, large-caliber lever gun in Marlin history.
Outdoor Life reviewer John Snow, who has used the new 1895 SBL on a successful hunt stated: “The Marlin 1895 SBL in .45/70 Gov’t is the first rifle out of the gates since Marlin was acquired by Ruger, and after … taking it hunting, I am breathing a huge sigh of relief. Ruger has done right by the beloved brand … it is making the best lever-actions in Marlin’s history. Put simply, Ruger has successfully reincarnated Marlin as a modern gun company.” The 1895 SBL features a lengthy scope rail, threaded “suppressor-ready” muzzle, and enhanced finish on the stock and fore-end.
Creedmoor Enhanced Press Head for Redding T-7 Press
The new Creedmoor Enhanced Press Head for the Redding T-7 Turret Press is a direct upgrade that offers many advantages for precision, ease of use, and reloading. Made from solid 416 Stainless Steel, this Press Head boasts precision cut threads, integral detent/track system, and seven threaded handle position. Creedmoor states: “A machined stainless steel head, rather than one made from cast steel, allows for tighter tolerances, an improved surface finish, and ultimately makes a better product for our customers.” The Creedmoor Enhanced Press Head has a premium finish, offers higher corrosion and wear resistance, and incorporates a thread quality second to none.
The Redding T-7, already a good turret press, functions better with this press head, which is precision-machined to ensure flatness of both upper and lower surfaces. The Enhanced Press Head, which can be installed in a matter of minutes, is available now from Creedmoor Sports for $179.95.
Volquartsen recently introduced a cleverly-designed new hunting/varminting rig, the VT2 Takedown rifle. With an easily-removed barrel, this semi-auto rimfire rifle can be tucked into a backpack for quick accessibility. This is currently offered in 17 HMR and 22 WMR chamberings, starting at a pretty pricey $2352.00 MSRP.
Utilizing a unique button and lever combination, the VT2 requires no tools, no twisting, and no tightening. Simply depress the takedown button, release the locking lever by pulling down, and the barrel slides effortlessly out of the receiver. The rifle can be stowed, or you can swap the barrels to easily switch between the 22 WMR and 17 HMR calibers. For reassembly, simply slide the barrel back into the receiver, the push the locking lever back up into position, and you’re ready to go. The VT2 is available in both 6” and 12” handguard lengths both with the M-LOK mounting system for bipods and other accessories.
New Colt Python with 3″ Barrel in .357 Magnum
The new Colt Python with 3″ barrel is chambered for the potent .357 Magnum cartridge. The frame and barrel are finished in semi-bright, stainless steel with checkered walnut grips. The ribbed top strap and full underlug are unchanged from the original Python’s design, retaining a classic look. The six-chamber cylinder is carefully fitted and rotates smoothly. This DA/SA revolver features a spurred hammer and the rear sight adjusts for both windage AND elevation. With an 8.5″ OAL, the new 3″-bbl Python weighs 40 ounces. The new Python has more steel in the frame for added strength.
“After more than a twenty-year production hiatus, in 2020, Colt relaunched its famous Python revolver with two-barrel length options: 4.25-inch and 6-inch. However, collectors still longed for the 3-inch model. The wait is officially over — Colt … is bringing back the production 3-inch-barrelled Python. Cosmetically, the new Python models look like the original revolvers. The grip’s shape, deep checkering and inlaid golden Colt logo are reminiscent of the classic. The silky-smooth trigger pull on the Python is part of why these revolvers have such outstanding accuracy.” — From American Hunter magazine 1/5/2022.
Sightron S6 1-6x24mm Scope in Both FFP and SFP Versions
For 2022 Sightron offers the S6 1-6x24mm scope in both First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal Plane (SFP) versions. This new optic employs premium Japanese glass, and proprietary MC-777 multi-coating for clarity accuracy and enhanced sharpness. Sightron designed this new optic with a forgiving eye box to allow fast target acquisition. The low-profile windage and elevation turrets feature ExacTrack for positive, repeatable clicks. There is plenty of elevation travel — 140-MOA (SFP) and 35-MRAD (FFP). The reticle boasts an illuminated center dot — that’s handy for low-light situations. These new S6 models are all O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, making them fog-proof and rain-proof. The SFP version is listed as 30mm while the FFP version has a 34 mm configuration. CLICK HERE for more information.
SilencerCo Harvester EVO Suppressor — Light “Can” for Hunters
SilencerCo’s new Harvester EVO suppressor is a tough, lightweight, and reasonably-priced unit optimized for hunters and precision shooters. Evolved from SilencerCo’s Harvester 300, the new Harvester EVO suppressor is notable for its compact size and VERY light weight. Constructed with cobalt-6, inconel and 17-4 heat treated stainless steel, the new EVO weighs just 10.8 ounces and retails for $680.00.
The Harvester EVO can work with chamberings from .223 Rem up to .300 Win Mag. Consumer feedback on the previous Harvester models led SilencerCo engineers to make the EVO shorter, lighter, and more affordable. The smaller size makes the Harvester EVO less likely to get caught on bushes and brush in outdoor environments.
Savage Stance Micro-Compact 9mm Pistol
The Savage Stance handgun is the first all-new pistol sold by Savage Arms in a century. The “micro-compact” 9mm Stance boasts a configurable grip, with two 18-degree interchangeable backstraps. Weight is 1.375 lbs. without ammo. The Stance has an ambidextrous mag release and slide catch. The stainless steel slide has a corrosion-resistant Melonite finish and a beveled slide for easy holstering. The slide is ported for weight savings, with prominent front/rear serrations for better grip when racking. The new Stance sports a 3.2″ stainless steel barrel. There are three frame color options — gray, black, and FDE tan. Starting at $479.00 MSRP, the Stance ships with two magazines and a hard case. A deluxe model with Viridian E-Series Red Laser is offered for $561.00 MSRP.
With the high prices of factory ammunition, more shooters than ever are hand-loading their own pistol and rifle ammo. But many novice reloaders tell us that it’s a bit overwhelming in the beginning. Just learning all the technical terms (e.g. ogive, meplat, ballistic coefficient, load density etc.) is difficult, and the task of selecting the right tools and gear can be daunting.
The first thing a new reloader should do is find an experienced reloading mentor. One can learn the basics much more quickly under the guidance of an experienced hand-loader who “knows the ropes”. We also recommend that newbies acquire a good basic reloading handbook — not just a list of load recipes, but a book that explains the processes.
One of the best handbooks available is The ABCs of Reloading (10th Edition, 2021) by Philip Massaro. Released in March 2021, this quite up-to-date 10th Edition contains 288 pages with hundreds of BW photos. The latest 10th Edition is available from Amazon.com for $27.14 with the Kindle Version just $17.99 (we recommend the hard copy). You can also purchase direct from the Gun Digest Store for $29.99 (or $27.99 for PDF Digital Book).
Since the first edition was published in the 1970s, the ABCs of Reloading series has taught countless firearms owners safe/reliable methods for creating their own ammunition. ABCs of Reloading provides beginners what they need to know to get started in reloading. From basic topics such as “How does a cartridge work?” and “What components do I need?” to more advanced discussions of cartridge pressure, headspace, and chrono testing, this is a great resource for new handloaders.
In addition, the sections on advanced reloading and new powders make the new edition valuable for experienced handloaders. And long-range shooters will benefit from the sections on making ultra-consistent ammo and fine-tuning for precision accuracy. Massaro’s coverage of new reloading gear and components is another bonus (shown below is the new RCBS MatchMaster powder dispenser).
Review from purchaser of “The ABCs of Reloading”, 8th Edition:
“The writing is very solid and clear, the illustrations are well-done and helpful, and the information is very complete. After reading this book, the entire [reloading] process made sense to me, and more importantly, I was fully warned about the dos and don’ts of the reloading world. The coverage is very complete. Primers, powders, bullets, and … all necessary tools and accessories are discussed and explained. This is just a great book. It won’t make you an expert … but it will put you on the right road if you wish to become one.” — Mykal Banta
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.
1. Bullet Central — Krieger and Bartlein Pre-Fit Barrels
⏺ Great quality pre-fit barrels, ready to mount to your rifle
Do you own a Kelbly, BAT, or Impact action and need a new barrel but don’t want the hassle (and cost) of having a smith chamber and headspace the barrel? Consider a Krieger or Bartlein Pre-Fit Barrel from Bullet Central. On BulletCentral.com you’ll find a wide range of barrels in various calibers for multiple action types. Place your order for professionally-chambered, custom-grade barrels that you can install yourself.
2. Creedmoor Sports — Air Rifle Sale, Save $295 on Anschutz
⏺ Save hundreds on a high-quality rifle for young 3P competitor
Do you have a young family member getting started in competition shooting? Here’s your chance to get a premium Air Rifle at significant savings. Creedmoor Sports has slashed the prices of popular Anschutz competition air rifles by nearly $300, and there are also great deals on more basic Crosman PCP rifles. Right now you can buy the Anschutz 9015 Junior Air Rifle for $1999.95, marked down from $2295.00 — a $295 savings. Or get the Crosman PCP Challenger for just $799.95, $85 off the regular $884.95 price.
⏺ Super bargains on classic single-action rimfire revolvers
Everyone should have a rimfire revolver. Revolvers have crisp triggers, ample sight radius, and good accuracy. Inexpensive, with modest recoil, the little .22 LR round works great in revolvers. Right now you can get a nice Heritage single action revolver for $118-$160 at KYGUNCO, after a mail-in $20 Rebate. CLICK HERE to see 21 Heritage rimfire revolver models, four of which are shown above. Chose the standard .22 LR models, or twin-cylinder models that can shoot BOTH .22 LR and .22 Magnum.
4. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Perfect Seat Priming Tool, $60.89
⏺ Precise Depth Control, 12 Shell Holders, Quick-Change, Carry Case
Seating primers to a consistent depth helps deliver enhanced accuracy and low ES/SD. However, most priming systems don’t allow precise depth control. If you’re looking for a priming tool that allows you to adjust primer seating depth, check out the Frankford Arsenal Perfect Seat Hand Primer. This tool comes in a protective case along with a full set of case holders and primer flip tray. A quick thumb release system allows you to switch from small to large primers quickly. Get this now for $60.89 on Amazon.
5. Amazon — Smart Weigh Gem20 Digital Scale, $21.99
⏺ Great little accurate, repeatable scale at amazing price — Watch the VIDEO!
The Smart Weigh Gem20 scale is an excellent option for those looking to reduce velocity Extreme Spread by weighing powder precisely to the kernel, without having to spend $1000 on a laboratory grade scale. At this low price (under $22 currently), this is also great option as a back-up or travel scale used at the range. Verified purchasers, including the maker of the video above, have praised the scale. Watch the video to see how precise it is — the scale can measure kernel by kernel. Use the “mode” button to select grains. The scale can also weight in grams, ounces, and other modes. Use the tare function to zero with powder pan. This scale ships with two 10g calibration weights.
6. Amazon — Osage River Double Rifle Case w/ Shoulder Straps
⏺ Impressive twin case/pack for carrying two rifles plus handgun
There aren’t that many affordable rifle cases that fit long-barreled match and PRS rifles and still provide excellent, padded protection. Consider the Osage River Padded Cases available in sizes from 36″ up to 55″ OAL. These hold two rifles plus extra gear (magazines, Kestrel etc.) and also feature slots to carry one or two handguns. These all-in-one rifle cases should suit the needs of many rifle shooters. For a PRS/NRL rifle we recommend the 51″ case, while for ELR, F-Class, or Palma rifles with longer barrels, you may need the big 55″ padded case. All sizes feature strong, padded shoulder straps. Six color options are offered: Gray, Black, OD Green (shown above), Tan, Snow Camo, and ACU Digital Camo.
⏺ Protect your expensive stocks with deluxe Comb Cover
Cleaning rifles barrels/actions can lead to solvents getting on the buttstock and ruining your finish. A great way to protect your stock is with a comb cover such as the one from Creedmoor Sports. These high-quality covers are made to order in several different colors. With their “Quiltee” design they stay in place and do a good job protective your rifle(s). These 8.25″ x 16″ covers are offered in Red, Blue, or Black colors.
8. Natchez — 100rds 9mm American Eagle Ammo
⏺ Very reliable USA-made 9mm ammo, great price for 100 rounds
Good factory ammunition is making its way back to store shelves but pricing can be high. If you need good reliable 9mm Luger ammo at a great price, Natchez has 100rd boxes of American Eagle 9mm ammo for just $35.99 (that’s like 50 rounds for $17.99). This is a good deal on quality American-made ammo.
9. Midsouth — Ammo Boxes .22 to .45 Sizes Starting at $2.30
⏺ Large variety of durable, inexpensive ammo boxes
If you load your own ammo, you’ll need good ammo boxes. Right now Midsouth Shooters is running a sale on quality, house-brand hinged ammo boxes with clear or red tops. Choose among polymer boxes designed for a wide variety of cartridge types/sizes, with round counts from 20rds up to 100rds. These ammo boxes are durable and long-lasting. Most have good external hinges so the lids open smoothly and don’t pull back.
The prices are really attractive so you can get plenty of boxes to hold all your pistol and rifle ammo. For example, the hinged red top 100-rd .22 LR ammo box is just $2.38, while a 50-rd .223 Rem box is just $3.14.
10. Graf & Sons — Wolf Ammo In Stock, Many Calibers
⏺ Bargain-priced, reliable steel-cased ammo (NOT reloadable)
Sometimes you just need affordable ammo for fun shooting, with reloading not a consideration. If you shoot .223 Rem, 7.62×39, or .308 Win, check out the budget-priced yet reliable Wolf Ammunition. Available now at Graf’s for a variety of popular cartridge types, this is good range ammo that gets the job done. IMPORTANT: This Wolf ammo has STEEL cartridge cases which are NOT reloadable.