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November 21st, 2021

Sunday Gunday: British Blue Beauty — F-Open 7mm-270 WSM

Ian Boxell UK F-Class rifle 7mm 270 WSM color

For today’s Sunday Gunday feature, we present a splash of color — the beautiful blue 7mm-270 WSM of Forum member Ian B. (aka “Elwood”) from Great Britain. A very knowledgeable guy, Ian has been one of the UK’s top F-Class shooters. And he’s the proud owner of a very “Flash” F-Class rig.

About the Shooter — Ian’s Background
Ian tells us: “I started shooting F-Class Open [many] years ago when a good friend invited me to Bisley to shoot with the Dorset Riflemen. I found it very enjoyable and a real challenge. The next year I attended the GB F-Class league’s Introduction to F-Class course, and soon afterwards started to compete in the GB F-Class league, while still shooting once a month with the Dorset Riflemen. In this short time frame, I’ve managed to finish 8th in the league last year, 12th in the Europeans, and I was a part of the GB squad that won the team event at the European Championship. I was then selected for the GB F-Open World Championship Team. Unfortunately, due to work commitments, I have had to withdraw.”

Ian Boxell UK F-Class rifle 7mm 270 WSM color

Ian’s Beautiful Blue 7mm-270 WSM F-Class Rifle

Report by Ian B. (aka “Elwood”)
Having spent my first year competing with a magazine-fed 7mm WSM tactical/sporting rifle (Surgeon action and AICS mag) and doing reasonably well with it, I then moved on to a .284 Shehane (.284 Winchester Improved). I love the Shehane and still use it but … I wanted something for those windy long-range days and so there was only one logical choice, the 7 WSM. This time I chose a 7mm-270 WSM as I quite enjoy case prep (just kidding). Actually, there’s not much to do really. The quality of Norma brass is well known and the Norma 270 WSM brass is quite easy to obtain in the UK.

Ian Boxell UK F-Class rifle 7mm 270 WSM color

The action is a Right Bolt, Left Port (RBLP) Stolle Panda F-Class action, with Jewell trigger. There wasn’t any particular reason behind the RBLP configuration — it was more of a case of that’s what I could get at the time. I had a 1.250″-diameter, straight-profile Bartlein barrel finished at 32 inches and chambered for the Berger 180gr VLD with a .313″ neck diameter. All my metal work and quite a bit of the wood work is done by the excellent Neil McKillop of McKillop Engineering. As with all top gunsmiths, Neil is meticulous to a point of obsessiveness and he’s the name behind quite a few winning rifles including several used by the GB Open and F-TR teams. Neil also inletted the stock from a blank and did the bedding for the action and the front bag runners.

Ian Boxell UK F-Class rifle 7mm 270 WSM color

Loading for the 7mm-270 WSM
I have one “tried and tested” load: 7mm Berger 180gr VLDs, seated .020″ into the lands, Vihtavuori N165 powder and CCI BR2 primers. This load is supremely accurate, but at 2990 FPS it’s a bit slow. To get more speed, I’m currently testing H1000 with good results, but it looks like I may have a slow barrel. I have another Bartlein barrel chambered and ready to screw on when the weather gets warmer. If that new barrel shoots well, the current barrel will probably be used as a practice barrel.

Loading Procedure
I do full case prep, neck-turning, uniforming primer pockets after the first firing, chamfering necks inside and out, and removing burrs around flash holes. Even the best brass sometimes suffers from imperfect quality control. I try to use Redding dies if possible, and will use bump dies, neck bushing dies, and competition seating dies.

I use an RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 to throw a charge just slightly under my desired weight and then trickle-up to final weight using the superb Dandy trickler and a Gem Pro 250 scale.

I anneal every other firing using a Bench-Source machine. Before this I used a Ken Light and also did them by spinning them in a drill. Never again will I do that after using the Bench-Source. After I have annealed, I always run a nylon brush wrapped in 0000 wire wool into the neck to remove any debris.

I keep to the same lot numbers of primers, powders, and bullets. Even the Bergers can vary from lot to lot — I have two different lots of 7mm 180gr VLDs that vary .020″ from bullet base to the ogive. I trim and point my bullets. Pointing may be a mental thing — I had a fantastic shoot while using trimmed and pointed bullets so I do it all the time now. ( A fellow GB team shot refers to them as “Pointless Dies” — I have witnessed him shoot a 99-14V at 1000 yards with bullets that weren’t trimmed or pointed). My next move will be to start measuring bearing surface…where does it all end?

Custom Wood Stock Was Modified by Ian and Treated to a Fancy Paint Job
The stock is a custom-made design crafted by Joe and Simon West of Joe West Rifle Stocks. I had several modifications done to one of their existing stock designs. Having done a lot of my shooting with the AICS, I was quite used to a thumbhole stock, so thought I would try one in F-Class. I told Simon what I wanted and he sent me down a prototype made from very inexpensive Tulip wood. We had a few discussions and then made some more mods..

I made two main changes to the stock. First, I removed the lip at the bottom of the pistol grip because I felt I might rest my hand on this and possibly disturb the rifle. Second, I had the protruding pistol grip base removed so that the bottom of the stock was completely flat like the Precision Rifle & Tool F-Class stock. Simon also made the finger grips to fit my hand and flattened them off to allow for a bit more movement. The stock was then sent to Hydro Graphics in the UK to have a custom exterior finish. The paint color is a Marbleized Candy Oriental Blue. As always, Hydro Graphics did a great job.

Ian Boxell UK F-Class rifle 7mm 270 WSM hydro-dip color

Ian Boxell UK F-Class rifle 7mm 270 WSM hydro-dip colorOptics and Rings
The scope is the excellent 5-50x56mm March with the MTR-2 reticle — far and away the best reticle I have used for F-Class. March makes great optics. During the 2012 European individual F-Class event, using another March (my 8-80x56mm), I could see my shooting partner’s impacts in the white V-Bull at 800 yards! And just recently at a club match I called two V-Bulls at 900 yards using the 8-80X (not at full power). Granted the light has to be perfect to be able to do this, but my highest praise for the Deon Optics glass is that it rivals that of Schmidt & Bender. Having owned both March and S&B scopes and compared them side-by-side, I feel that I can make this statement fairly.

UK-based Third Eye Tactical made the nice, 34mm rings. The UK is now producing some excellent products. We now have UK-made custom actions, rings, rails, stocks and more. It would be nice to think we could have a 100% British-made rifle, and not rely completely on USA-made products. I think all we need is the trigger? But I can’t see there ever being a UK-made scope!

Permalink Competition, Gear Review, Gunsmithing Post comment »
November 21st, 2021

Say What? How to Prevent Serious Hearing Loss

Hearing Protection DB sound level ear plug muff

“Science tells us that exposure to continuous noise of 85 dB for eight hours is enough to cause permanent hearing loss, and worse, spikes of 130 dB and more can result in permanent hearing damage instantly.”
Source: NRA Blog.

The Risk of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be progressive and irreversible. If you are a shooter, this is serious business. As the NRA Blog cautions: “You may not even realize you’re harming your hearing. Hearing loss occurs gradually, and can go effectively unnoticed until symptoms become severe. By then, the damage is done.”

Nobody wants to go deaf. But we often see shooters without effective hearing protection when they are walking around a few yards behind the firing line. That’s bad — even if you are away from the firing line, gunshot noises can damage your hearing. You MUST use effective hearing protection every time you go to the range. Good foam earplugs costs mere pennies but they can prevent deafness in your later years. Many folks also wear muffs over plugs.

Sound Levels for Common Noises:

9mm Luger pistol: 160 dB

Jet aircraft engine (near): 140 dB

.22 LR pistol: 134 dB

Normal human pain threshold: 120 dB

Noisy Nightclub: 110 db

Riding Motorcycle at 65 mph: 103 db

Power Lawnmower: 95 dB

Hearing damage possible: 85 dB (sustained for 8+ hours)

Ringing Telephone: 80 dB

Normal conversation: 60 dB

The Myth of the “Quiet” .22 LR
The NRA Blog notes that “many rimfire shooters, particularly those using the beloved .22 Long Rifle cartridge, argue that the small .22 LR caliber doesn’t produce enough sound to damage your hearing”. So, is that really true … or is it a myth?

In fact, a .22 LR can be much louder than you think — a .22 LR pistol can produce sound levels of 134 dB. That’s well above the normal human pain threshhold.

hearing protection ear muffs NRR earplugs osha deafness

Compact, Low-Profile NRR 27 dB-Rated Ear Muffs

walker shooting hearing protection muffs 27 db NRR

Many hunters and competitive shooters prefer low-profile ear muffs. As these typically have a lower Noise Reduction Rating, perhaps NRR 22-27, we recommend running earplugs under muffs. If you use low-profile electronic muffs, such as Howard Leight Impact Sport Muffs, you should still be able to hear range commands even with plugs underneath.

Another good option for hunters and range visitors are hearing bands, basically earplugs connected with a semi-rigid plastic band. These banded products provide “quick access” hearing protection for hunters. You can keep them handy around the neck while spotting game, and then insert the plugs before shooting.

Howard Leight MAX NRR33 Earplugs, Just $11.50 for 50 Pairs.

accurateshooter.com review Max-1 Howard Leight ear plugs

20 Pairs
50 Pairs

These Howard Leight NRR33 Max-1 Plugs are your Editor’s favorite foam earplugs. Between shooting, motorcycling and mowing lawns, I probably have Howard Leight foam plugs in my ears 3-4 days a week. They are comfortable and the flared outer edge helps the NRR. There is also a Max-30 corded version, with the same excellent 33 dB Noise Reduction Rating. Get five pairs of Max-30 Corded Plugs for $6.65 on Amazon, or 100 pairs of Max-30s for $27.86.

Permalink - Articles, Gear Review, Tech Tip Post comment »
November 21st, 2021

Splatter Targets Shopping Guide — See Your Hits from Far Away

splatterburst target neo halo yellow
Splatterburst 1″ circles, 62 per sheet, 10-pk $8.99. These can be pasted on other paper backers.

We’ve all seen conventional splatter targets with a single large black bullseye. When a shot hits the target, a halo (usually neon yellow) appears around the bullet hole. This makes it easier to see your shot placements indoors, or at long range outdoors. Today we feature a variety of other targets that also offer the cool halo/splatter effect. We’ve found grids, multiple bull targets, sheets with 62 one-inch circle pasters, handgun training targets, and even white background splatter targets (that produce black halos). Try out some of these targets for fun (kids love plinking with splatter targets).

Shoot-N-C 17″ Sight-In Grid, 5-pk $15.99

Shoot-N-C Handgun Training Target, 5-pk $8.99

Here is a good video review of a variety of Splatterburst Targets:

splatterburst target neo halo yellow

Splatterburst 12″x12″ sight-in target, 10-pk $10.99

splatterburst target neo halo yellow

Splatterburst 3″ circles, 9 per sheet, 10-pk $8.99

These WHITE Shoot-N-C Targets produce Black Shot Halos on White Backgrounds:


Shoot-n-c splatter burst grid target

Shoot-N-C 12″ Grid Sight-in, 10-pk, $8.99
(black shot halos)

Shoot-n-c splatter burst grid target

Shoot-N-C 8″ White bullseye, 10-pk, $9.17
(black shot halos)

Permalink Gear Review, Shooting Skills Post comment »
November 20th, 2021

Can a Hunting Rifle Be Too Light? Nah…

ultra light weight hunting rifle defiance anti action kevlar stock Accurate Shooters forum

In our Shooters’ Forum, there’s an interesting thread about a very light hunting rifle. Featuring a Defiance ultra-light all-steel action, this 6.5×57 Lapua lightweight tips the scales at just 4.93 pounds including scope and rings! For reference, a half-gallon of milk weighs 4.3 pounds, so this rifle is LIGHT! Here’s a report from the proud owner who built the rifle for a future Kodiak Island Alaska mountain goat hunt.

Ultralight Rifle Report by Forum Member Dave

I decided I wanted the challenge of a Mountain Goat hunt after I turn 60. It was the perfect excuse to put together an ultralight, something I had wanted to do for years. I wanted to see how light a bolt action rifle could actually be. My goal was to stay under 5 pounds, without going to a Titanium action, including rings and scope. I knew this would be difficult but I did manage to achieve the goal.

I started with a Defiance anTi model Rem Model 7 short action. This is an extremely smooth action that weighs just 19.2 ounces in this size. I had Carson Lilja of Lilja Barrels program a barrel taper to my dimensions for a 6.5mm 1:8″-twist stainless, 3-groove 22″ barrel. As fitted in the rifle, the barrel is free-floated except for the first inch or so forward of the action.

ultra light weight hunting rifle defiance anti action kevlar stock Accurate Shooters forum

Other rifle components are: Bix n Andy Dakota trigger, aluminum trigger guard, blind magazine with an aluminum follower, titanium action screws, and a Leupold 3-9X lightweight optic in Talley rings. I also had an aluminum adapter installed in the for-end to accept a magnetic mount Javelin carbon fiber bipod.

ultra light weight hunting rifle defiance anti action kevlar stock Accurate Shooters forum

The rifle was chambered up in 6.5×47 Lapua by my friends at Sportsman’s Outfitters in Knox, Pennsylvania. Then I sent the barreled action to Wayne at Oregunsmithing (Pendleton, OR) to have a Kevlar stock built. The stock weighs a whopping 14 ounces! When it came back I had everything Cerakoted (see bottom photo before coating). This stock was a full custom, built around my barreled action. Wayne’s work was reasonably priced with a 3-month turn around.

Excellent Accuracy — 5/8″ Three-Shot Groups at 100 Yards
Now it was time to shoot the rifle and I was not disappointed. It shoots both Barnes TTSX 100s or Swift Scirocco II 130s into 5/8″ at 100 yards. Off a bipod at 400 yards, three go into 3″ or so. This thing is crazy light even though it wears a 22″ barrel.

ultra light weight hunting rifle defiance anti action kevlar stock Accurate Shooters forum

Without scope and rings, before Cerakoting the action and barrel, this 6.5×47 rifle tipped the scales at a mere 4.20 pounds (67.2 ounces). Check it out:

ultra light weight hunting rifle defiance anti action kevlar stock Accurate Shooters forum
ultra light weight hunting rifle defiance anti action kevlar stock Accurate Shooters forum

Permalink Gear Review, Gunsmithing, Hunting/Varminting 1 Comment »
November 20th, 2021

New LEE Ram Swage for Swaging Crimped Primer Pockets

lee single stage ram swage primer pocket crimp remover die

Do you ever use military-style brass with swaged primer pockets? Then you can really benefit from the new LEE Ram Swage tool. This innovative swaging tool provides a fast, simple, and efficient method of removing the primer pocket crimp on milsurp brass.

Primer pocket swaging is necessary when reloading brass with crimped primer pockets. Many brands of brass for military (and some law enforcement) applications have this crimp. You may find such primer pocket crimps on a variety of milsurp brass types including: 9mm Luger, LEO .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .223 Rem (5.56×45), .308 Win (7.62×51), and .30-06 Springfield, as well as older European cartridge types such as 6.5×55. If you use a progressive press, this new LEE Ram Swage is a boon. Nothing reduces priming problems on a progressive press more than properly swaged primer pockets.

Why use milsurp brass? Surplus military and police department brass is a great low cost source of cases. It is typically very strong, long-lasting, and can often be acquired for a fraction of the cost of new commercial brass. For example, Lake City 7.62×51 (.308 Win) brass is excellent.

lee single stage ram swage primer pocket crimp remover die
Note: This tool is designed for Boxer-primed cases only, not cases with Berdan Primers.

lee single stage ram swage primer pocket crimp remover dieThe Lee Ram Swage works on all single stage presses with 7/8″-14 frame threads, and rams which take common “universal” shell-holders. This new tool features spring-assisted case extraction, and an all-steel case guide. This ensures that your cases will be positively centered on the push rod. The swage holder, large or small, installs in seconds into your press ram with no adjustments required.

LEE’s engineers devised a clever “Shell-holderless design” for the LEE Ram Swage. This allows you to swage any small or large primer pocket, without swapping to a different size shell-holder. The hardened steel swage punch is automatically extracted from the primer pocket by five disc springs. The complete LEE Ram Swage set includes one guided 7/8″-14 threaded swage push die, with both large and small ram swage holder assemblies.

Product instructions:
LEEprecision.com/files/instruct/PA4914.pdf

Parts List/Diagrams:
LEEprecision.com/primer-pocket-swage-parts/

Permalink - Videos, Gear Review, New Product, Reloading Post comment »
November 20th, 2021

Brownells Has Many Powders in Stock at Good Prices

Brownells in stock reloading powders sale discount code

Popular Powders In Stock at Brownells at Reasonable Prices

We all know that reloading powders have been hard to find. And when you do find an appropriate powder, some vendors are asking crazy high prices. Well we’re pleased to report that Brownells has a number of popular powders IN STOCK today (11/20/2021), and the prices are quite fair, starting at $24.99 per pound for Ramshot Competition. Grab some excellent Hodgdon H380 for $33.99 per pound, or IMR 4198 for $38.99 per pound. CLICK HERE to see all available in-stock powders at Brownells today.

Save Money with Brownells Discount Codes

While you’re shopping at Brownells, don’t forget to use one of the current Discount Codes to save money. There are many current codes that can save you up to 10% on your purchase. And with special Pre-Black Friday Code RTC you get $30 off $300 PLUS FREE Shipping and handling through November 23rd at midnight. Fill in the applicable Code during checkout.

Current Brownells Discount Codes:

Code FR6: $85 off $875
Expiration date November 30, 2021

Code FR5: $55 off $575
Expiration date November 30, 2021

Code RTC: $30 off $300 and FREE Shipping/Handling
Expiration Date November 23, 2021 at 11:59pm

Code FR4: $25 off $275
Expiration Date November 30, 2021

Code TAG: $15 off $150
Expiration Date Unknown

Code SAE: $15 off $150
Expiration Date Unknown

Code PTT: $10 off $100
Expiration Date Unknown

Code Q63: Free Shipping/Handling over $99
Expiration Date Unknown

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Hot Deals, Reloading 1 Comment »
November 19th, 2021

Henderson Case Trimmer Reviewed — Fast and VERY Repeatable

Henderson case timer powered Gen 3 brass trimming machine

Our friend and colleague F-Class John tests some of the finest reloading and shooting equipment you can buy. Recently he added the impressive Henderson Gen 3 Powered Trimmer to his inventory of tools. John is now a Henderson fan. He likes the speed, precision, and repeatability of the $779.00 Henderson machine, which trims-to-length and chamfers the case mouth all in one pass. Unlike some other trimming tools, the Henderson indexes off the overall case length NOT the shoulder. John found this worked just fine for his .284 Winchester brass, which has all been full-length sized prior to trimming.

John liked the precision of the Henderson trimmer and the overall design of the machine, which offers good ergonomics and very precise alignment of the cases. Cycling is smooth and positive, as you can see from the videos. Fit over the pilot was fine for John’s .284 Win brass, but he notes that other users may need to expand their case necks appropriately to fit their pilot.

Watch the video to see the Henderson trimmer in action. The dual, parallel horizontal support shafts provide precise alignment of the case as it moves inward toward the cutter blade. The Taper-Lock cutter provides a 14-degree inside chamfer and 30-degree outside chamfer. The trimming process is very consistent case after case, and the Henderson’s design captures brass shavings effectively.

Henderson case timer powered Gen 3 brass trimming machine

Testing Trim Length Consistency — Henderson Shows Superb Repeatability
John did a separate quick test to demonstrate the trim length consistency of the Henderson unit. Measuring with digital calipers, John found that he could easily hold case overall trim lengths within .001″ (one-thousandth). The consistency was excellent even when trimming cases very quickly. When trimming .003″ off his cases, John said the Henderson showed superb repeatability. Henderson promises the trimmer “will repeat to within 0.002″ with same brand brass”, and John was able to hold 0.001″ length consistency.

Another Henderson owner posted: “I love mine. I like [the] consistent trim length with the positive stop. [Doing] the trim, chamfer, and debur all in one step sure makes the process nice and easy! I also immediately noticed the problem with the pilot on the cutting head with my sized cases. I just polished the pilots on my cutting heads with some fine grit sand paper a little at a time till I got it perfect for my preferred neck tension setting! I’m very pleased with my purchase of the Henderson precision trimmer.”

Henderson Power Trimmer vs. Giraud Power Trimmer

Henderson case timer powered Gen 3 brass trimming machineAfter he tested his new Henderson trimmer, F-Class John compared the pros and cons of the Henderson vs. his other high-volume power trimmer, a Giraud. He likes both machines, but now favors the Henderson for trimming his .284 Winchester match brass. He found that his ES/SD dropped a bit for brass trimmed with the Henderson vs. brass trimmed with the Giraud. With the Henderson-trimmed brass, John achieved an ES of 15 fps for 49 shots. That’s mighty impressive (see photo at right).

But the Giraud does have it’s advantages. It can work with calibers above .338, and it is very fast. One viewer of this video commented: “The Giraud is insanely fast if you aren’t only loading insane precision ammo. I borrowed one when I first started reloading and immediately ordered one. I’ve trimmed somewhere between 40-50k .223 cases. You can just rip through them while watching TV or listening to a podcast. It trims to length consistently less than +/-.001 all day.” The Giraud also indexes off the shoulder while the Henderson trims based on Cartridge Overall Length (OAL).

Henderson Gen 3 Trimmer Details

The Henderson Trimmer is available from HendersonPrecision.com for $779.00. When ordering, you must select a caliber and a collet size. Expect to wait a bit for delivery, depending on the cartridge type(s) you load. Available calibers are: .223, .243 (6mm), .25, .264 (6.5mm), .277, .284 (7mm), .308, and .338.

Henderson case timer powered Gen 3 brass trimming machine

Product Description: The Gen 3 powered case trimmer uses a powerful, single-speed DC motor. The DC motor is extremely smooth and quiet and powers the spindle at around 1700 rpm. The enclosed aluminum motor mount shroud bolts directly to the bearing housing. The 90-volt DC motor offers maximum torque at 1700 rpm where you need it most. The motor has an in-line on/off switch for easy control. The Tri-Trim case trimmer includes one Henderson Precision Taper-Lock cutting head with Forster pilots as well as one Forster collet. The Taper-Lock cutter provides a 14 degree inside chamfer and 30 degree outside chamfer. The following cutter heads are available: 224, 243, 25, 264, 277, 284, 308, 338.

Henderson case timer powered Gen 3 brass trimming machine

Permalink - Videos, Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Gear Review, Reloading Post comment »
November 19th, 2021

Print Handy “Cheat Sheet” Ballistics Drop Chart for Your Rifle

Hornady Ballistics Calculator

Hornady Ballistics CalculatorNeed a simple, easy-to-use drop chart for your rifle? Something you can tape right to the buttstock? Then check out Hornady’s handy Online Ballistics Calculator. This user-friendly calculator will compute your drops accurately, and output a handy “Cheat Sheet” you can print and attach to your rifle.

Here’s how it works. From the Ballistics Calculator Page, first select 4DOF or Standard. Then simply input G1 or G7 BC values, muzzle velocity, bullet weight, zero range, and a few other variables.

Click “Calculate” to view the full chart (shown below). Then click “View Cheatsheet” and the simpler, 4-line Drop Chart (shown above) appears. Click “Print” and you’re done!

The online ballistics caculator is easy to use. You can select the basic version, or an advanced version with more data fields for environmental variables (altitude, temperature, air pressure, and humidity). You can also get wind drift numbers by inputing wind speed and wind angle.

Conveniently, on the trajectory output, come-ups are listed in both MOA and Mils — so this will work with either MOA clicks or Mil-based clicks. There are more sophisticated ballistics solvers available on the web (such as the outstanding Applied Ballistics Online Calculator), but the Hornady Calculator is very simple and easy to use. If you just want a basic drop chart, you may want to check this out.

Hornady Ballistics Calculator

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Tech Tip 1 Comment »
November 19th, 2021

Nosler Reloading Guide 9 Has Data for 101 Cartridge Types

Nosler reloading guide number 9 9th edition handbook book load data manual

Nosler now offers the Nosler Reloading Guide #9, the latest in a respected series of hardback Nosler load manuals. This 800-page guide covers 101 cartridge types. New in this edition you’ll find the popular 6mm Creedmoor, 6mm XC, 6.5 PRC, and 7.62×39, along with 20 Nosler, 22 Nosler, 24 Nosler, 27 Nosler and 33 Nosler. This new guide draws from thousands of hours in the Nosler Ballistic Lab, along with the experience of many respected experts.

The book is available now for $27.99 at Grafs.com. In addition, much of the book’s latest load data is available for free on the Nosler.com online LOAD DATA Center. But to get ALL the data, PLUS the technical articles, you’ll need to buy the book.

The Nosler Reloading Guide 9 Reloading Manual provides load data for 101 rifle and handgun cartridges with hundreds of new powder additions. A comprehensive data set for today’s reloader, this manual is current with every bullet that Nosler offers through 2020 from 17 caliber up to 458 caliber in the rifle section and 9mm up to 45 caliber in the handgun section. Nine new cartridges were added to this manual. These include: 20 Nosler, 22 Nosler, 24 Nosler, 6mm Creedmoor, 6mm XC, 6.5 PRC, 27 Nosler, 7.62×39 and 33 Nosler. Also new for the Nosler Reloading Guide #9 are cartridge introductions written by veteran outdoor writers and industry tech experts. The 800-page book also has helpful “how-to” sections such as “Getting Ready to Reload”.

Nosler reloading guide number 9 9th edition handbook book load data manual
Nosler reloading guide number 9 9th edition handbook book load data manual

Q. Why Buy a Book when Load Data is Available Online from Powder Makers?

There are good, solid reasons to buy print-format loading guides produced by bullet-makers. If you go to the Hodgdon online Reloading Data Center you’ll only find loads with Hodgdon, IMR, and Winchester powders — the key brands they sell. In a book such as this Nosler #9 or the Sierra Reloading Manual, you will find loads with a much wider selection of powders including Vihtavuori, Alliant, Accurate, Norma, Ramshot, and other brands. You won’t find a Reloder 16 or VV N140 load on Hodgdon’s website.

In addition, it is handy to have loads in a print edition which is easy to access on your load bench. You don’t need a computer or an internet connection. And using a book is often faster than a web interface when quickly scanning through a variety of bullet choices for a cartridge.

Along with the Nosler #9 Manual, here are four other recommended Reloading Manuals:

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Gear Review, Reloading Post comment »
November 18th, 2021

ATF Could Create Backdoor Gun Registry with Dealers’ Records

ATF form 4473 dealer database electronic gun firearms registry

Report by NRA-ILA
In recent weeks, Americans have rightly become concerned over a somewhat obscure ATF recordkeeping regulation that has a profound impact on gun rights. If gun control advocates get their way in changing this federal regulation for the worse, altering how ATF maintains these records… American gun owners would find themselves subject to what amounts to a backdoor gun registry.

The type of electronically searchable database the ATF is seeking to develop would amount to a partial firearm registry. Firearm registries facilitate firearm confiscation.

BATFE ATF firearms databaseFederal law requires those who purchase a firearm at a Federal Firearms Licensee (gun dealer or FFL) to fill out a form 4473. This record of the firearm transfer is then stored by the dealer on their premises. This creates a system whereby if a gun is found at a crime scene ATF can trace the firearm to the last retail purchase. However, since the records are stored with each FFL, the system is decentralized in a manner that protects against government abuse of gun owner data.

Gun dealers are required to maintain 4473s for 20 years. When a dealer goes out of business they must send their last 20 years of records to ATF’s National Tracing Center to facilitate firearm traces. Some of ATF’s materials appear to deliberately omit the 20-year requirement, seemingly in the hopes that FFLs will send all of their records to the National Tracing Center, regardless of age.

Under this system, over a million out-of-business dealer records are sent to ATF each month. Records obtained by gun rights advocates show that in 2021 ATF processed a staggering 54.7 million of these records.

ATF proposed rule 2021R-05 would make this record-keeping requirement more burdensome for FFLs and diminish gun owner privacy. Under the proposed rule, FFLs would be required to maintain 4473s indefinitely and relinquish all such data to ATF upon going out of business. NRA-ILA is opposed to this rule change.

The type of electronically searchable database the ATF is seeking to develop would amount to a partial firearm registry. And as all gun rights supporters and gun control advocates know, firearm registries facilitate firearm confiscation.

This understanding was at the heart of the debate over the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the development of the current recordkeeping system. In 1985, Sen. James McClure (R-Idaho) explained, “The central compromise of the Gun Control Act of 1968 — the sine qua non for the entry of the Federal Government into any form of firearms regulation was this: Records concerning gun ownership would be maintained by dealers, not by the Federal Government and not by State and local governments.”

—————–

The National Tracing Center could take another step towards a firearm registry if anti-gun lawmakers criminalize the private transfer of firearms — sometimes referred to as universal background check legislation. By funneling more firearm transfers through FFLs, lawmakers would create additional opportunities for recordkeeping on firearms and gun owners that could end up in the National Tracing Center database.

Gun owners have every reason to jealously guard information pertaining to firearm transfers. NRA-ILA will continue to work to help ensure gun owner privacy and to keep gun owners apprised of the ongoing attempts to cobble together a backdoor firearm registry.

READ More on NRA-ILA website.

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