When we first ran this story a while back, it generated great interest among readers. By popular request, we’re reprinting this story, in case you missed it the first time around. — Editor
Precision Benchrest and F-Class shooters favor premium brass from Lapua, Norma, Peterson, or RWS. (Lake City also makes quality brass in military calibers.) Premium brass delivers better accuracy, more consistent velocities, and longer life. Shooters understand the importance of good brass, but many of us have no idea how cartridge cases are actually made. Here’s how it’s done.
The process starts with a brass disk stamped from strips of metal. Then, through a series of stages, the brass is extruded or drawn into a cylindrical shape. In the extrusion process the brass is squeezed through a die under tremendous pressure. This is repeated two or three times typically. In the more traditional “draw” process, the case is progressively stretched longer, in 3 to 5 stages, using a series of high-pressure rams forcing the brass into a form die. While extrusion may be more common today, RWS, which makes some of the most uniform brass in the world, still uses the draw process: “It starts with cup drawing after the bands have been punched out. RWS cases are drawn in three ‘stages’ and after each draw they are annealed, pickled, rinsed and subjected to further quality improvement measures. This achieves specific hardening of the brass cases and increases their resistance to extraordinary stresses.” FYI, Lapua also uses a traditional draw process to manufacture most of its cartridge brass (although Lapua employs some proprietary steps that are different from RWS’s methods).
After the cases are extruded or drawn to max length, the cases are trimmed and the neck/shoulder are formed. Then the extractor groove (on rimless cases) is formed or machined, and the primer pocket is created in the base. One way to form the primer pocket is to use a hardened steel plug called a “bunter”. In the photos below you see the stages for forming a 20mm cannon case (courtesy OldAmmo.com), along with bunters used for Lake City rifle brass. This illustrates the draw process (as opposed to extrusion). The process of draw-forming rifle brass is that same as for this 20mm shell, just on a smaller scale.
River Valley Ordnance explains: “When a case is being made, it is drawn to its final draw length, with the diameter being slightly smaller than needed. At this point in its life, the head of the draw is slightly rounded, and there are no provisions for a primer. So the final drawn cases are trimmed to length, then run into the head bunter. A punch, ground to the intended contours for the inside of the case, pushes the draw into a cylindrical die and holds it in place while another punch rams into the case from the other end, mashing the bottom flat. That secondary ram holds the headstamp bunter punch.
The headstamp bunter punch has a protrusion on the end to make the primer pocket, and has raised lettering around the face to form the headstamp writing. This is, of course, all a mirror image of the finished case head. Small cases, such as 5.56×45, can be headed with a single strike. Larger cases, like 7.62×51 and 50 BMG, need to be struck once to form a dent for the primer pocket, then a second strike to finish the pocket, flatten the head, and imprint the writing. This second strike works the brass to harden it so it will support the pressure of firing.”
Thanks to Guy Hildebrand, of the Cartridge Collectors’ Exchange, OldAmmo.com, for providing this 20mm Draw Set photo. Bunter photo from River Valley Ordnance.
Here’s a smart new product that monitors the temperature and humidity inside your gun safe — with a convenient LCD display unit located on the outside of the safe. You don’t need to string wires or cut a small hole in your safe — there are two separate components, one inside and one outside. The sensor unit (on the inside) communicates wirelessly with the display unit (on the outside).
The new GoldenRod Wireless Hygrometer was designed to display the temp/humidity in your safe without the need to open the safe. NOTE: the wireless LCD display can show BOTH in-vault AND in-room humidity and temperature levels. You can attach the display to the vault door with its built-in magnet, or simply place the display unit on top of the safe using the handy flip-out kickstand. The unit costs just $26.98 at Amazon.com.
GoldenRod Wireless Hygrometer Specifications and Features:
Measures In-Vault and In-Room humidity from 20% to 95%.
Measures In-Vault temperature range from 14°F to 122°F.
Measures In-Room temperature range from -4°F to 158°F.
Records Min/Max temperature and humidity history.
Another Important Accessory — GoldenRod for Inside the Safe
The GoldenRod, marketed as a dehumidifier, is a small, low-wattage electric heating element you place in the safe. Running 24/7 at 140° F, the GoldenRod warms the air in your safe. This changes relative humidity and raises the dew point in the safe so water vapor does not condense on your arms and valuable accessories. When combined with Desiccant packs that absorb moisture, the GoldenRod is extremely effective at keeping your guns rust-free during long-term storage. We do recommend wiping down your guns with Boeshield, Eezox, or Corrosion-X before putting them in storage. These are three of the best corrosion-inhibiting metal coatings you can buy.
You can get the 12″ GoldenRod heating unit for $31.99 on Amazon. There is also an 18″ model for $48.75 and a long 36″ GoldenRod for $39.99 on Amazon, just $8 more than the “foot-long”. The 36″ GoldenRod works well for cold climates and large safes. All GoldenRods come with a detachable plugs for easy installation. The 12″ is rated for 100 cubic foot safes, the 18″ for 200 cubic foot safes, while the 36″ model protects up to 500 cubic feet.
Silhouette Championship in Pennsylvania For the past few days, the Ridgway Rifle Club in Ridgway, PA has hosted the 2021 NRA Smallbore Rifle Silhouette Championship. Many of the nation’s top silhouette shooters attended this event. After a warm-up match on the 7th, the Championship match began on Sunday, August 8th and concluded on Tuesday, August 10th. Each match day featured a 40-round match with Standard Rifle and a 40-round match with Hunter Rifle. The High Power (centerfire) Silhouette Matches will continue later this week.
Original 1950s Metal Silhouette from Mexico Donated to Ridgeway Club
There was a special dedication at the match. Ace silhouette shooter Erich Mietenkorte explained: “Most people will see this picture and just see the two of us kneeling next to a piece of steel that roughly resembles an ewe. However, in reality it represents the origin of [a sport] that has enriched my life immensely. Rifle silhouette … has added to my life an extended family of some of the nicest, most humble, and selfless people I have had the privilege to get to know[.]
This silhouette was made in the 1950s for the Club De Tiro Y Caza Cananea in Sonora, Mexico and is one of the original targets that was shot at a distance of 500 meters to give birth to the sport of rifle silhouette. It is only fitting that it was presented to the Ridgway Rifle Club for its ongoing efforts in promoting the sport in the United States. Special thanks to Daniel and Carlos Salazar, and Mark Pharr for honoring our sport with this special gift. READ Letter from Club De Tiro.
Here are Team Lapua, Team Berger Bullets, and Team SK members with their awards from the match. The staff of the Ridgway Rifle Club put on an outstanding event, with High Power Silhouette to follow. Excitement is growing for the inaugural Lapua Monarch Cup in 2022.
Congratulations to Luke Johnson on winning the 2021 NRA smallbore rifle silhouette championship. Luke won the overall title and also won the hunter gun championship. Luke’s team Lapua teammate Cathy Winstead-Severin won the standard rifle championship. Cathy Winstead-Severin finished 2nd followed closely by Laura Goetsch. Team SK’s Erich Mietenkorte took 4th overall. CLICK HERE for full Match Results.
The NRA Blog ran an feature on Silhouette shooting by NRA Silhouette Program Coordinator Jonathan Leighton. Here are selections from Leighton’s story:
NRA Silhouette Shooting
The loud crack from the bullet exiting the muzzle followed by an even louder ‘clang’ as you watch your target fly off the railing is really a true addiction for most Silhouette shooters. There is nothing better than shooting a game where you actually get to see your target react to the bullet. In my opinion, this is truly what makes this game so much fun.
Metallic Silhouette — A Mexican Import
Silhouette shooting came to this country from Mexico in the 1960s. It is speculated that sport had its origins in shooting contests between Pancho Villa’s men around 1914. After the Mexican Revolution the sport spread quickly throughout Mexico. ‘Siluetas Metalicas’ uses steel silhouettes shaped like game animals. Chickens up front followed by rows of pigs, turkeys, and furthest away, rams. Being that ‘Siluetas Metalicas’ was originally a Mexican sport, it is common to hear the targets referred to by their Spanish names Gallina (chicken), Javelina (pig), Guajalote (turkey) and Borrego (ram). Depending on the discipline one is shooting, these animals are set at different distances from the firing line, but always in the same order.
Before Steel There Was… Barbeque
In the very beginnings of the sport, live farm animals were used as targets, and afterwards, the shooters would have a barbeque with all the livestock and/or game that was shot during the match. The first Silhouette match that used steel targets instead of livestock was conducted in 1948 in Mexico City, Mexico by Don Gonzalo Aguilar.
As the sport spread and gained popularity during the 1950s, shooters from the Southwestern USA started crossing the Mexican border to compete. Silhouette shooting came into the US in 1968 at the Tucson Rifle Club in Arizona. The rules have stayed pretty much the same since the sport has been shot in the US. NRA officially recognized Silhouette as a shooting discipline in 1972, and conducted its first NRA Silhouette Nationals in November of 1972.
Now There Are Multiple Disciplines
The actual sport of Silhouette is broken into several different disciplines. High Power Rifle, Smallbore Rifle, Cowboy Lever Action Rifle, Black Powder Cartridge Rifle, Air Rifle, Air Pistol, and Hunter’s Pistol are the basic disciplines. Black Powder Cartridge Rifle also has a ‘Scope’ class, and Hunter’s Pistol is broken into four sub-categories. Some clubs also offer Military Rifle Silhouette comps.
Where to Shoot Silhouette
NRA-Sanctioned matches are found at gun clubs nation-wide. You can find match listings on the Shooting Sports USA website or contact the NRA Silhouette Department at (703) 267-1465. For more info, visit SteelChickens.com, the #1 website dedicated to Silhouette shooting sports.
We know our readers like gun-related bargains. Our Monday Deals of the Week story is usually the most popular article of the week. Well we’ve found another internet resource that can steer you to bargains on firearms, optics, reloading tools, ammo, bullets, brass and more. That resource is GunDelio.com.
The folks at GunTalk created GunDelio.com to help you save money when purchasing guns, ammo, and accessories. GunDealio.com finds current special offers, discounts, and promotions.
Here are six current bargains valid this week. There are dozens of more deals on the Gundelio.com website. You’ll want to check back regularly to find up-to-date listings of the best current bargains.
Gundelio Smartphone App is Available
There is also a Gundelio APP available for both Android and iOS smartphones. This can send current deals directly to your smart phone. And it can target regional deals that may be available exclusively at local stores in your area. More information can be found at GunDelio.com/get-app.
ARs and Narrow-Forearm Sporters Benefit from Front Bag-Rider Blocks
Whidden Gunworks offers a smart product that will enhance the bench-rested accuracy of any rifle with an accessory rail on the forearm. The Whidden Track Plate fits securely in the forearm accessory rail on prone, cross-the-course, tactical, and Palma rifles. These guns typically have a narrow and/or rounded fore-end so they rock and wobble when used with a front pedestal rest. The TrackPlate cures that. Once installed it provides a rock-solid, 2.9″-wide platform that mates perfectly with a benchrest-type front sandbag. This gives sling-shooters maximum stability when testing loads or zeroing their sights or scope. Plus you can now shoot F-Class competitively with a prone gun. (The 2.9″ width is 100% legal for F-Open).
The Track Plate is light-weight, has catamaran-style runners to aid tracking and prevent rocking, and can be easily stowed in a range bag. The Track Plate fits BOTH Anschutz and American style forends and is made in the USA of machined aluminum. The Track Plate is available from Whidden Gunworks for $49.50.
Plate designer (and 5-Time Nat’l LR Rifle Champion) John Whidden says: “The Plate is great for any rifle with a rail whether it ís smallbore, centerfire, or an air gun. Now you can try F-Class with your favorite prone rifle: the Plate has a perfect low-drag finish for riding a rest or sandbags and is competition legal.”
Bag-Riders for AR-Platform Rifles from EGW
AR owners should check out the 3″-wide Delrin bag-rider from Evolution Gun Works (EGW). There are two versions, one for front Picatinny Rails, and another that mounts via sling swivel studs. These EGW Bag-Riders were developed expressly to fit the fore-ends of ARs. The front bag-riders are contoured to match the handguard profile so they fits securely with no wobble.
The $49.99 EGW Picatinny Rail front Bag-Rider simply slides on your under-forearm rail and there is a a tension bolt. Attachment is quick and easy. Or, if your AR has no rail get the original $39.99 EGW front Bag-Rider that attaches to a front sling swivel stud anchor. That allows it to mount as easily as a Harris bipod — no rail needed! Just unscrew the swivel stud, put the front bag-rider in place and attach one hex-head machine screw.
Also with the two front Bag-Riders, EGW offers a Rear Bag-Rider for ARs that attaches via the sling swivel anchor. Overall, it is a slick system. Front and rear bag-riders can be attached in a couple of minutes. The Delrin blocks slide easily in the bags and make the gun ultra-stable. The gun tracks straight back.
AR-platform rifles can be maintenance-intensive beasts. They need regular inspection, cleaning, and lubrication. But some AR owners make the situation worse by not regularly cleaning important small parts, or by using too MUCH oily/greasy lubricants in the wrong places. A properly maintained and lubricated AR15 can shoot hundreds of rounds (between cleanings) without a problem. If you learn where (and where not) to apply lubricant, you’ll find that your AR will run more reliably and the task of cleaning the bolt, bolt carrier, and upper receiver internals will be less of a burden.
Here we showcase videos that show how to field-strip an AR-15, inspect the key parts, clean components, and lubricate internal parts as needed. Along with these videos, we recommend you read a comprehensive AR-15 Gun Cleaning Clinic article on the Brownells website. This explains in detail important procedures that the videos might only cover in a few seconds.
If you want to keep your black rifle running smoothly and reliably, you must clean it regularly and follow the correct maintenance procedures. Here are five videos that explain how to properly disassemble and clean AR-platform rifles.
1. How To Clean Your AR-15 | Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
This is a quick 90-second starter video that may help new AR owners. Ricky Lehnhardt of OTIS Technology demonstrates the basics of cleaning and maintaining your AR-15. Lehnhardt does a good job identifying the points that need cleaning on the inside of ARs. However he works very quickly in the video. You may want to pause the video at some points. Also, Lehnhardt employs a cable for pulling patches and brushes through the barrel. Yes this is fast and easy. However, for match AR rifles, we recommend that you instead use a cleaning ROD with fitted bore guide.
2. Take-Down and Full Cleaning of AR-15 by Jerry Miculek
Here ace shooter Jerry Miculek takes down and cleans an AR-platform rifle belonging to his daughter Lena. This is a good video because Lena’s rifle was “run hard and packed up dirty” so you can see where carbon and grease build up. This 35-minute video is very thorough. Jerry is one of the nation’s top action carbine shooters, so listen carefully to his advice on cleaning and lubrication.
3. AR-15 Maintenance: Field-strip, Clean and Lubricate an AR-15
Gunsite Academy instructor and gunsmith Cory Trapp demonstrates the proper way to field-strip, clean, and lubricate an AR-15 carbine. In this 30-minute video, Trapp offers several important technical tips and hints. For example, at 11:05 Trap demonstrates how to determine if your bolt needs new gas rings. Along with cleaning procedures, this video explains how to inspect key components and how to function-test your AR before each shooting session.
4. AR-15 Dissassembly and Cleaning Guide
This video does a good job, with close-ups, showing how to remove the bolt carrier and clean the inside of the upper receiver. Then you can see how to work with various tools to clean the bolt, bolt carrier, and inside of chamber. We also recommend that you inspect the ejector recess and extractor recess. When we’ve inspected ARs that failed to cycle properly, we have often found nasty gunk (mixture of carbon, greasy lube, and brass particles) in these areas.
5. Basic AR-15 Quick and Easy Field Maintenance
In this NSSF-sponsored video, pro shooter Ryan Muller demonstrates basic, quick field maintenance of his AR-15. This would be for a quick cleaning and lubrication of the reciprocating parts. This covers rapid maintenance in the field. For full field-stripping and thorough cleaning, watch the previous videos.
Handy Mat for Cleaning AR Rifles
When working on an AR-15, it’s smart to have a pad that can absorb solvents and cushion your upper and lower. The $24.99 Real Avid Smart Mat is a good choice. This features printed take-down instructions and it has a handy parts tray on the right side. The mat rolls up for convenient storage. Click HERE to learn more.
Vital Inspections You Should Do After Disassembly
Last but not least, here are recommended inspections you should do every time you do a full field-strip and cleaning of your black rifle:
So, are you feeling lucky? If so, head over to the NSSF’s Gearbox Giveaway webpage. To celebrate National Shooting Sports Month (NSSM), gun and gear manufacturers are offering big prize packages — the Gearbox Giveaways. Enter to win rifles, pistols, ammo, and other valuable prizes. Total Product Value is over $15,250! Many of the Gearbox packages are worth over $2500. Enter as many of the Gearbox Giveaways as you like, but time’s running out — the last day to enter is August 31, 2021.
Shown below are the 6 Gearbox Giveaways starting with the most valuable products offered in the prize packages. You’ll find more details of the prize packages on the NSSF website. NOTE: You need to enter separately for each Gearbox Giveaway prize package. Good luck!
1. SIG Sauer Gearbox GiveAway — Total MSRP: $3638.98
What’s in the Gearbox:
SIG SAUER CROSS (.308 Win or 6.5 Creedmoor): $1,649.99
SIERRA3 BDX KIT (includes scope and rangefinder): $1429.00
This combo kit includes:
– SIERRA3 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope
– KILO1800 Rangefinder
– Features BDX 2.0 for app-free pairing
– Smart BDC reticle with pre-loaded ballistic groups
ELITE HUNTER TIPPED Ammo (10 boxes): $459.99
SIG SAUER GEAR: $100.00
Total MSRP: $3638.98
2. Mossberg Gearbox GiveAway — Total MSRP: $2,695.97
What’s in the Gearbox:
Mossberg MC2c Compact 9mm, w/ Night Sights ($613)
Mossberg 500 12 Gauge Retrograde ($553)
Mossberg MVP Precision Bolt Action, 6.5 Creedmoor ($1,450)
Mossberg Soft Case ($24.99)
Mossberg Aluminum Water Bottle ($19.99)
Mossberg T Shirt ($19.99)
Mossberg Baseball Hat ($15)
Total MSRP: $2,695.97
3. Primary Arms Gearbox GiveAway — Total MSRP: $2,863.90
What’s in the Gearbox:
Geissele Automatics Super Duty Rifle Gray 16″ ($2,225.00)
Primary Arms SLx Advanced Rotary Knob Microdot Red Dot Sight ($129.99)
Reptilia Corp DOT Mount for Aimpoint Micro Black ($98.96)
SureFire M640DF Scout Light Pro Dual Fuel Weapon Light 1500 Lumens ($296.00)
Arisaka Defense M-LOK Indexer ($30.00)
Blue Force Gear Vickers Push Button Sling Wolf Gray ($83.95)
DURAMAG .223 Steel Magazine Orange Follower 30 Round ($81.50)
Tru-Spec 24/7 Series Original Tactical Pant ($49.95)
Primary Arms Logo T-Shirt ($24.99)
Total MSRP: $2,863.90
4. Bear Creek Arsenal Gearbox GiveAway — MSRP: $1,418.89
What’s in the Gearbox:
AR15 16″ bbl 5.56×45 complete rifle ($639.99)
5.56 Gen 2 16″ upper ($264.99)
7.62 gen 2 10.5″ upper ($233.99)
Canted Flip up sights ($39.99)
Standard Scope ($129.99)
BCA Trucker Hat ($11.99)
BCA Shirt ($14.99)
Oval BCA Bear Sticker, bumper sticker, BCA Decal ($10.00)
5.56 Cleaning Kit ($9.99)
Cerus Gear BCA Mat ($23.99)
Gat Monkey BCA Sling ($34.99)
BCA Slack Pack ($3.99)
Total MSRP: $1,418.89
5. Winchester Gearbox GiveAway — Total MSRP: $1,140.00
What’s in the Gearbox:
Choice of Winchester Ammunition (Subject to Availability) – $500
30” Red Swivel Bar Stool (2) – $190
Winchester Red Floor Mat (Choice of Vertical or Horizontal) – $79.95
Winchester Gun Cleaning Mat Only (Pistol & Rifle) – $27
Winchester Gun Cleaning Kit (Choice of Pistol & Rifle or Shotgun) – $23
Winchester Stormtech Duffle Bag – $70
Winchester Red Gun Case (2) – $96
Team Winchester Solar Charger – $20
Winchester Super X 100th Anniversary T-Shirt – $18
Winchester Super X 100th Anniversary Hat (2) – $36
Winchester Black Hoodie – $30
Winchester USA Valor T-shirt – $25
Winchester USA Valor Hat (2) – $50
Total MSRP: $1,140.00
6. Glock Gearbox GiveAway — Total MSRP: $3,500.00 claimed*
What’s in the Gearbox:
G43X 4 Pistol Range Bag MOS – $582
6 Multi-Mag Pouch
Quadcamo Hat
Carry Confidence Shirt
Training course from GLOCK’s Director of Training
All expenses paid trip to tour Glock USA factory
Personalized fan video from Chuck Norris: Priceless
Personalized letter from Mr. and/or Mrs. Glock with both autographs: Priceless
* This $3500.00 stated value is based largely on expenses-paid trip to U.S. Glock Factory. The actual retail value of good is less than $1000.00
With so many Americans locked down under governmental “Stay at Home” orders, we know folks may be playing cards for entertainment. Well here’s another card game you can play — but with rifles and pistols. If you can get to a public range that is still open, or if you’re lucky enough to be able to shoot on your own property or BLM lands, here’s a unique set of Playing Card Targets, courtesy of the NRA.
A while back, the NRA Blog has published a nice set of super-sized playing card targets. These boast a variety of aiming points (large and small) so they work well for rifles as well as pistols. On the Queen of Diamonds, aim for the large bull-style designs in the “red zone” or aim for the smaller dots on the periphery. For a real challenge, try to shoot each one of the 26 small red diamonds in the curved, central white stripes.
On the Five of Clubs target, you can aim for the smaller club symbols, or shoot for the orange, purple, and green “dripping paint” bulls in the large, central club. The Ace of Spades target offers a colored bullseye in the center, plus a very small bullseye in the letter “C”. That should provide extra challenge for those of you with very accurate rifles. Enjoy these targets.
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. Krieger Barrels — Overstock Barrels in Inventory Now
⏺ Great Krieger barrels with no waiting — overstock inventory
Since Krieger barrels are so highly sought-after, there can be a long lead time to get a made-to-order Krieger barrel. Here’a little known secret, Krieger Barrels has an overstock barrels section on its website. There you’ll find a wide selection of calibers, contours, and lengths, with inventory updated approximately once per week. In stock are many of the most popular barrel types for PRS, F-Class, Benchrest, High Power, Service Rifle and Hunting, centerfire and rimfire. Call Krieger at (262) 628-8558 for price and availability. There just may be a barrel you need, and you’ll have your barrel in days, not months.
⏺ Killer Deal — fine SFP varmint scope, 80 MOA windage and elevation
Looking for a great general purpose or Varmint hunting Second Focal Plane scope? This Vortex Strike Eagle 6-24x50mm scope is a great value. Our friend Jason at EuroOptics told us: “these were insanely popular before. This is a killer scope deal. We just got a large load of them after almost a year being out of stock.” Save $220 with this sale!
3. Amazon — Garmin Tactix GPS Watch with Applied Ballistics
⏺ Amazing tech packed in small package — Applied Ballistics Solver + GPS
This watch is one of the most amazing pieces of technology we have ever encountered. This watch has full Applied Ballistics solver capabilities so you can get drop and wind drift read-outs for your rifles. In addition, the watch is GPS-enabled so it displays navigation maps. In fact it can access multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo). And with solar charging you never have to worry about battery life.
Mind you, this technology is NOT cheap. The Garmin Tactix Delta Solar watch with Applied Ballistics is $1399.99 on Amazon. But for the guy who wants the ultimate ballistics-savvy watch, it may be worth it. Bryan Litz wears this watch every day, and he used it to help win the 2021 Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge. There is a lesser version with GPS but no Applied Ballistics for $1099.99 on Amazon.
4. BarrelCool and RifleKuhl Portable Cooling Units
⏺ Get Barrel Coolers for hot summer months, extend Barrel Life
In summer it can be tough to keep your barrel at moderate temperatures. But a compact cooling fan device can really help. Two of the best barrel coolers on the market are the original yellow BarrelCool at $39.99 and the red Magnetospeed RifleKuhl at $54.99. Both cooler units double as empty chamber indicators, feature high power fans, and can cool your barrel down to a usable temperature in about 10 minutes.
5. KYGUNCO — Federal .22 LR Ammo, 800 rounds $89.99
⏺ Good quality .22 LR Ammo, $0.11 per round effective cost
Good, major-brand .22 LR rimfire ammo is still hard to find at a decent price. But KYGUNCO is offering a great deal on Federal 40gr .22 LR ammo. The $89.99 price for 800 rounds works out to just 11.2 cents a round or $5.62 for 50 rounds. That’s quite affordable. Grab a couple 800rd boxes for your rimfire training and plinking sessions. This ammo has earned very solid reviews from purchasers.
6. Amazon — Teslong Borescope with Monitor
⏺ Chose Rigid or Flexible model — every rifle shooter needs a good borescope
Seeing inside your barrel can provide clues to how well you’re cleaning and the bore’s overall health. One of the best tools we’ve found is the Teslong Rigid Borescope. This features a solid rod for easy use in barrels. It comes with an self-contained high-definition viewing monitor so no phones or pads are needed. If you’re looking for something more portable and a bit more versatile, try the Teslong Flexible Borescope, $99.99 including monitor. Our Forum members give high praise to both models.
⏺ Excellent hard case, $50 savings, great for air travel
This is one of the best large hardshell rifle cases on the market. The Pelican Vault V800 compares well to other hard cases costing up to $350.00 but right now it is just $149.96 at MidwayUSA. Choose Desert Tan or Black. NOTE: You must ADD TO CART to see this $149.96 price (same for either model). This case will hold two large match rifles securely. It features five layers of customizable foam, along with six (6) push-button latches. This same V800 53″ case sells elsewhere for $219.00, and is normally $199.95 at MidwayUSA. With this deal you save $50.00! Note you can also get the Black version on Amazon for $149.96, but the tan model is currently $199.95 on Amazon. Shipping should be cheaper with Amazon.
8. Midsouth — RCBS ChargeMaster Lite, $234.99
⏺ Best Deal on popular, speedy electronic Scale/Dispenser
Do you need an electronic powder scale/dispenser? Many vendors charge up to $289.00 for the popular RCBS ChargeMaster Lite. But now you can get it for just $234.99 at Midsouth. Or purchase from Amazon for $239.99 with Free Shipping. Either way it’s a good deal. The ChargeMaster Lite features an easy-to-use LCD touchscreen and claimed precision of plus/minus 0.1 grains. The unit comes with twin check weights and a convenient plastic cover for the powder pan.
9. Amazon — 10000mAh Dual USB Battery Charger Packs, $19.99
⏺ Recharge your smartphones and tablets — good for Labradar too
Do you have a cellphone, tablet, LabRadar, barrel cooler or other device that needs mobile power? If so, we found a killer deal on a pair of Miady 10000mAh Dual USB Portable Chargers. Yes you get TWO (2) charging packs for just $19.99 total! Featuring USB and USB-C ports and fast 2 amp charging capability, this pair of portable power banks is one of the best deals we’ve seen.
10. Amazon — The Wind Book for Rifle Shooters, $22.99
⏺ Best Wind-Reading Book — NEW Edition, Released May 2020
Readers often ask: “Is there a good, easy-to-comprehend book that can help my wind-reading?” Many of our Forum members have recommended The Wind Book for Rifle Shooters by Linda Miller and Keith Cunningham. Other books cover wind reading in a broader discussion of ballistics or long-range shooting. But the Miller & Cunningham book is ALL about wind reading from cover to cover, and that is its strength. The book focuses on real world skills that can help you accurately gauge wind angle, wind velocity, and wind cycles. Here’s a video review explaining what makes this book so good.
11. MidwayUSA — Neon Green 1″ Target Dots, 1008 for $5.99
⏺ Incredible deal on stick-on targets, great for precision practice
Less than a penny a paster — now that’s a great deal. Right now you can get a pack of 1008 1″-diameter fluorescent lime green stick-on target dots for just $5.99 at MidwayUSA. NOTE: With such a low-priced item you may want to add it to a bigger order to save on shipping.
Here’s good news for 30BR shooters. Paul Parosky, maker of the excellent PRP Custom Bullets, is now offering 30BR neck-turned brass. This can save you considerable time and effort forming 30BR cases from Lapua 6mmBR brass. And the neck-turning is superb, again representing time save (and no tools to buy). You will soon be able to order this 30BR brass from Bruno Shooters Supply. If you communicate with Amy at Bruno’s, Paul may be able to neck-turn to your specific thickness. Paul notes: “Here are necks turned for a 0.330 neck. I’ll try my best to accommodate anyone’s neck dimensions as they wish. Just message Amy Bruno Parosky (at Bruno’s) for details.”
About this Neck-Turning set-up — Paul Parosky notes: “For neck-turning I’m using an old drill press that has been re-worked. The cutter and spindle are all indicated before neck turning to ensure no runout. The RPM is around 520. The lube I use is a mixture of royal and mystery oil.”
Why the 30 BR Dominates 100/200 Benchrest for Score Competition
The 30BR, along with some wildcat variants, remains the dominant cartridge in short-range (100/200) benchrest-for-score competition. The 30BR’s .308″-diameter bullets are larger than the 6mm bullets used by the 6PPC (which rules group BR competition). The bigger 30-Cal diameter has an advantage in touching scoring rings. In addition, the 30BR is also relatively easy to tune, and barrel life is considerably better than with smaller-caliber benchrest cartridges. For more information, see our AccurateShooter 30BR Cartridge Guide.
Cases are Expanded, Then Neck-Turned
To produce his 30BR brass, Parosky first uses a series of expander mandrels. Then he neck-turns with power using a converted drill press. Paul tells us: “This is done the old school way, I use three different tapered expander mandrels, then neck-turn it to the proper neck chamber, then run them up through a FL expander mandrel to ensure necks are straight. Then I clean all the cases.”
Paul Parosky Can Also Neck-Turn 6PPC Brass
Paul Parosky also expands and neck-turns 6PPC cases that are made from parent Lapua .220 Russian cartridge brass. Here, illustrating his 6PPC neck-turning operation, is a recent Paul Parosky post on the USA Benchrest & Extreme Precision Shooters Facebook page.
Precision Benchrest and F-Class shooters favor premium brass from Lapua, Norma, Peterson, or RWS. (Lake City also makes quality brass in military calibers.) Premium brass delivers better accuracy, more consistent velocities, and longer life. Shooters understand the importance of good brass, but many of us have no idea how cartridge cases are actually made. Here’s how it’s done.
The headstamp bunter punch has a protrusion on the end to make the primer pocket, and has raised lettering around the face to form the headstamp writing. This is, of course, all a mirror image of the finished case head. Small cases, such as 5.56×45, can be headed with a single strike. Larger cases, like 7.62×51 and 50 BMG, need to be struck once to form a dent for the primer pocket, then a second strike to finish the pocket, flatten the head, and imprint the writing. This second strike works the brass to harden it so it will support the pressure of firing.”
Here’s a smart new product that monitors the temperature and humidity inside your gun safe — with a convenient LCD display unit located on the outside of the safe. You don’t need to string wires or cut a small hole in your safe — there are two separate components, one inside and one outside. The sensor unit (on the inside) communicates wirelessly with the display unit (on the outside).
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Metallic Silhouette — A Mexican Import
Before Steel There Was… Barbeque
