Capstone is a respected company that represents world-class ammunition, powder, and component manufacturers Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori, and SK. At SHOT Show 2022, Capstone showcased new products from all these brands. Here are summaries of new products from Lapua and SK. We will follow with new Berger offerings next week.
New Lapua Centerfire Match Ammunition for 2022
Lapua produces some of the finest, most accurate factory-loaded centerfire ammunition in the world. We have shot Lapua 90gr 6mmBR ammo that produced verified groups well under quarter-MOA. For 2022, Lapua has added three new match loads that promise great consistency and accuracy. For 2022, Lapua has added 6.5 Creedmoor 136 Grain Scenar-L, .260 Remington 136 Grain Scenar-L, and .300 Winchester Magnum 185 Grain Scenar OTM, to Lapua’s highly successful Scenar Match Target ammunition line.
New Lapua Cartridge Brass — 6.5 PRC, .284 Win, .300 PRC, .300 Win Mag
Lapua cartridge brass sets the standard by which quality brass is measured. You will see Lapua brass used by top competitors for all accuracy-oriented disciplines: Benchrest for Score, Benchrest for Group, 1000-Yard Benchrest, F-Class (Open and F-TR), Palma, Service Rifle, Silhouette. And Lapua brass is also favored by varmint hunters who load their own ammo. In 2021 and 2022 Lapua has rolled out new types of top-grade cartrige barss. New offerings available now for 6.5 PRC, .284 Winchester, .300 PRC, and .300 Winchester Magnum. All are available and shipping now.
SK High-Velocity Match Rimfire Ammunitions
SK now offers an extremely accurate, High-Velocity round. For 2022 SK will offer High-Velocity Match .22 LR ammunition. This new SK ammo pushes a 40gr round-nose projectile at a very fast 1,263 FPS muzzle velocity. This high-velocity SK ammunition should work well for PRS/NRL22 matches and long-range rimfire events, some of which have targets out to 300 meters. The new SK High-Velocity Match ammo employs a proprietary clean-burning and high-energy propellant for reliable function in all platforms — shot after shot.
Coming Soon — New Berger Ammo and Bullets for 2022
Berger, another Capstone company, is offering new bullets and loaded ammunition for 2022. The new Berger offerings include Elite Hunter loaded ammunition for the 6.5 PRC and .300 PRC, plus new Berger .30 Caliber 245 Grain Long Range Hybrid Target (LRHT) Bullets. We’ll have a feature on these Berger products soon.
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. Bruno Shooters — Berger Bullets Sale, Big Inventory in Stock
⏺ Big selection of Berger bullets, many calibers/weights, good prices
Berger bullets have been in short supply recently, but Bruno’s has a big supply right now, and they are on sale at attractive prices. You’ll find a large selection of bullets from .17 Cal up to .375 Cal, with plenty of .224, 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm, and .308 caliber match bullets. And some hard-to-find match bullets, such as the 7mm 190gr Hybrids and .30 Cal 200.20X Hybrids are in stock now. Visit BrunoShooters.com now and get your Bergers — Bruno’s has many Berger bullet types not currently available at other vendors.
2. MidwayUSA — Vortex 5-25x50mm Viper PST Gen II, $699.99
⏺ Good, solid 5-25X FFP optic for PRS/NRL now 30% OFF
This Vortex 5-25x50mm Viper PST Gen II is a good choice for getting started in the PRS/NRL game, being reliable, capable, and affordable. This 5-25X optic features an EBR-2C or EBR-2D MRAD First Focal Plane (FFP) illuminated reticle. Control Elevation and Windage with 0.1 Milrad clicks and Zero-Stop. Now on sale for just $699.99 ($300 off), this scope is covered by the great Vortex VIP unconditional warranty.
3. Creedmoor Sports — Lapua Brass In Stock, Most Varieties
⏺ Get superb Lapua brass now before it sells out
Premium cartridge brass has been hard to find recently. Thankfully, Creedmoor Sports has a large inventory of top-quality Lapua Cartridge Brass in stock now. Most of the popular match cartridges are available at reasonable prices. Varieties in stock as of 1/24/2022 include: .220 Russian, .223 Rem, 6mmBR Norma, 6.5×47 Lapua, 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Rem, 6.5-284 Norma, .284 Win, .308 Win, .308 Win Magnum, and .338 Lapua Magnum.
4. Palmetto State Armory — Rossi RS22 Rimfire Rifle, $129.99
⏺ Reliable, with very impressive accuracy — awesome deal under $130!
Looking for a very affordable first rifle? Here’s one of the best low-cost options you’ll find among .22 LR rimfire rigs. The Rossi RS22 is a reliable, semi-auto rifle that comes equipped with barrel-mounted iron/fiber optic sights. There are also dovetails on the receiver for mounting scope rings. The RS22 also takes most Mossberg 702 magazines. The Rossi RS22 features an 18″ free-floating barrel, adjustable fiber optic sights and a synthetic Monte Carlo stock. For added accuracy, 3/8″ dovetail mounts allow the mounting of a scope or other optic. Overall weight, without scope, is 4.1 pounds.
⏺ Good reviews for budget spotter, now discounted $180 (53%)
The Athlon Talos 20-60x80mm is a solid, affordable spotting scope. And right now you can save $180.00 (53%) with the EuroOptic Athlon Sale. This spotting scope has multi-coated lenses and is fog-proof and waterproof. Verified purchaser reviews have been positive: “This scope is a GREAT value for the money” and “I really like this scope … it is better than most spotting scopes below about $400.” This spotter is also available with tan scope body for the same $156.99 price.
6. MidwayUSA — Hoppes Gun Vise and Cleaning Kit, $32.33
⏺ Good basic gun vise at great price with bonus cleaning kit
The Hoppe’s Gun Vise is a good basic support for working on your firearms. Clamping brackets in the front and rear hold your rifle or shotgun securely without scratching. The vise is made out of a durable, chemical resistant polymer and has multiple compartments for your cleaning chemicals, tools, and accessories. Included with this vise is a 12-piece Cleaning Kit for rifles, pistols, and shotguns. Features include: Dual lockable no-scratch brackets, multiple compartments for tools, and adjustable feet.
7. KYGUNCO — CCI .22 LR Ammo Sale — Save up to 57%
⏺ Great deal on CCI .22 LR ammo — Mini-Mag (40% Off), Quiet-22 (57% Off)
Celebrate — good rimfire ammo is available again, and now at very attractive prices. As part of a big Feed Your Guns ammo sale this week, KYGUNCO has slashed prices on CCI .22 LR rimfire ammo. Among the rimfire bargains are CCI Mini-Mag at $11.99 for 100 rounds and CCI Quiet-22 at just $5.49 for 50 rounds. The latter is a subsonic, 710 FPS, low recoil round that is good for training or indoor shooting.
8. LockedLoaded.com — Sellier & Bellot 9mm Ammo, $16.99/50
⏺ Great deal on excellent CCI .22LR Rimfire ammo
Yes, just $16.99 for FIFTY rounds. You read that right. That’s a a great price on high-quality Sellier & Bellott 9mm Luger ammunition with 115gr FMJ bullets. This is reliable, brass-cased ammo. We’ve shot this in many 9mm pistols. It was accurate, though speedier than some domestic brands, so you may feel a bit more recoil. At this price, grab it before it’s gone.
9. Midsouth — Forster Accu-Ring, $14.99
⏺ Great accessory makes setting shoulder bump quick and easy
The new Forster Accu-Ring has precise markings so you can set your sizing dies with extreme precision in your press. The anodized ring has laser-etched precision markings in .001″ increments. This allows you to more easily set the amount of sizing and shoulder “bump” you get when you move a die up or down in your press. In addition, if you have a conventional seating die without a micrometer adjustment, this new Forster Accu-Ring can help you achieve more precise bullet seating. SEE Ultimate Reloader Review.
⏺ Serious 60% savings on Hi-Viz Hunting Vest with pockets
Planning a hunt in 2022? Then grab a Hi-Viz Orange vest for a bargain $11.91 price right now. This Men’s Deluxe Blaze Orange Vest is lightweight yet durable with a quality YKK zipper. It has twin front cargo pockets with handy snaps. This vest is now 60% off, just $11.91 at MidwayUSA. At that price, you might pick up a couple to have an extra for a hunting buddy.
Field & Stream magazine recently released a helpful guide to new ammunition offerings as seen at SHOT Show 2022. The article features 21 different new ammo types for pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Many of the new ammo types, such as Hornady CX and CCI Blazer, feature lead-free projectiles. The Blazer even employs lead-free primers. Among the most notable new ammo selections is the Berger line, which features high-BC projectiles and superb Lapua brass. New for 2022 is Berger 6.5 PRC and .300 PRC ammunition. Here are our selection of four notable, new-for-2022 Ammo products for rifle shooters. SEE all 21 new ammo types on Fieldandstream.com.
Berger 6.5 PRC and .300 PRC Hunting Ammo
Berger has added the 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC cartridges to its loaded ammo line which features great Lapua brass. The 6.5 load features the heavy 156gr Berger Elite Hunter bullet running at 2960 FPS. This bullet boast a very high G1 ballistic coefficient (BC) of 0.679. Packing even more powder, Berger’s .300 PRC load features the 0.631 BC Berger Elite Hunter bullet. Tested muzzle velocity is 2895 FPS.
Hornady Hunting Ammo with Solid Copper CX Bullets
For 2022, Hornady has introduced a new CX™ (Copper alloy eXpanding) hunting projectile. This CX bullet is designed to provide outstanding performance when hunting in areas where solid lead or lead-core bullets are prohibited. Hornady states: “The new CX™ bullet from Hornady represents the most advanced monolithic hunting bullet on the market. Its optimized design offers extended range performance, greater accuracy, high weight retention, and deep penetration.” The CX will be available in a number of calibers/bullet weights: 6mm, .25 Cal, 6.5mm, .270 Cal, 7mm, .308, .338, and .375.
Norma .22 LR Rimfire Ammo — Three New Offerings
Norma announced three new .22 LR rimfire ammo types to be released in 2022: Xtreme LR-22, ECO Power 22, and Hunter Power 22. The Xtreme LR-22 should prove popular in the growing long-range rimfire PRS/NRL disciplines. The LR-22 offers higher BC for better long-range performance. The new ECO Power 22 has a lead-free zinc hollowpoint bullet traveling at a very fast 1700 FPS — on the high end for any .22 LR on the market. Norma’s Hunter Power 22 features a 40gr bullet designed for controlled expansion. This Power 22 ammo runs at 1260 fps with 142 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.
Winchester New Lead-Free Copper Impact Hunting Ammo
Winchester’s new Copper Impact hunting ammunition features a tipped high-BC bullet. Winchester states that the Extreme Point helps create “immediate expansion”. Field and Stream’ reviewer states that “All this, combined with a lead-free bullet that will retain most of its weight, makes for a deep-penetrating big-game stopper[.]” Winchester’s new Copper Impact ammunition for over 12 different cartridge types, including the 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.8 Western, .308 Win, and even the .350 Legend.
Ammunition News — Ammo Inc. Acquires Gunbroker, Builds Wisconsin Ammo Factory
In this interview, Mark Hanish (Pres., Global Sales & Marketing) of Ammo Inc. (Nasdaq: POWW) talks about his company. This enterprise is making significant moves in the firearms/shooting sports industry. Hanish discusses Ammo, Inc’s modern new 160,000-sq.ft. ammunition manufacturing plant in Manitowac, WI, and the company’s 2021 acquisition of GunBroker.com. Through a $240 million merger in May 2021, GunBroker.com officially become an Ammo Inc. subsidiary.
Emil Praslick III is widely recognized as one of the greatest wind wizards on the planet — a master at identifying wind value and direction, and predicting wind cycles. As coach of the USAMU and top civilian teams, Emil has helped win many high-level championships. In the three videos we feature today, Emil, who works with Capstone Precision Group (Berger, Lapua, SK, Vihtavuori) and Team Applied Ballistics, explains how to determine wind direction and velocity using a variety of indicators. Praslick, now retired from the U.S. Army, was an 18-time National and 2-time World Champion coach with the USAMU.
Video ONE: Wind Theory Basics — Understanding “Wind Values”
In this video from UltimateReloader.com, Emil explains the basics of modern wind theory. To properly understand the effect of the wind you need to know both the velocity of the wind and its angle. The combination of those variables translates to the wind value. Emil also explains that the wind value may not be constant — it can cycle both in speed and velocity. Emil also explains some of the environmental conditions such as mirage that can reveal wind conditions.
Video TWO: Determining the Direction of the Wind
Key Point in Video — Find the Boil
Emil explains how to determine wind direction using optic. The method is to use spotting scope, riflescope, or binoculars to look for the “Boil” — the condition in mirage when the light waves rising straight up. The wind will generate that straight-up, vertical boil in your optics when it is blowing directly at you, or directly from your rear. To identify this, traverse your scope or optics until you see the boil running straight up. When you see that vertical boil, the direction your optic is pointing is aligned with the wind flow (either blowing towards you or from directly behind you).
Video THREE: The No Wind Zero Setting
In this second video, Emil defines the “No-Wind Zero”, and explains why competitive shooters must understand the no-wind zero and have their sights or optics set for a no-wind zero starting point before heading to a match. In order to hit your target, after determining wind speed and direction, says Emil, “you have to have your scope setting dialed to ‘no wind zero’ first.”
Coach of Champions — Emil Praslick III
SFC Emil Praslick III, (U.S. Army, retired) works with Berger Bullets and Applied Ballistics. Emil served as the Head Coach of the U.S. National Long Range Rifle Team and Head Coach of the USAMU for several years. Teams coached by Emil have won 33 Inter-Service Rifle Championships. On top of that, teams he coached set 18 National records and 2 World Records. Overall, in the role of coach, Praslick can be credited with the most team wins of any coach in U.S. Military history.
A legend in the shooting community has passed. And we are all diminished. Walt Berger passed away on September 19, 2021. A great innovator, a great benchrest competitor (with many Hall of Fame points), and a great friend to countless shooters, Walt will be truly missed.
Berger Bullets announced yesterday: “It is with our deepest regrets that we announce the passing of Berger Bullets & Ammunition founder, Walter Berger. Walt passed peacefully on Sunday afternoon September 19th, 2021, surrounded by friends and family at the age of 92.
‘If a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right’, were words that Walt lived by. One could see it in how he treated friends and family, and in his impact on the shooting world. Walt’s legacy and dedication to quality is carried on by his grandson, David Hamilton, the Plant Manager of the Berger manufacturing facility in Mesa, Arizona. Walt’s philosophies and business practices are the guiding principles in our mission to ensure that products bearing the Berger name continue to be something Walt would be proud of. We celebrate his life and will do our best to live up to his example.”
Walt was a remarkable man who loved the sport of benchrest shooting. He was still competing at age 90+. Here he is in 2016 at the Cactus Classic in Arizona.
Many of our readers and Forum members knew Walt and shot with him at matches over the decades. Here are some of the expressions of sadness at his passing:
“Great man, he had a long run, and touched many lives.” — Boyd Allen
“A real gentleman and always there to help anyone that needed it. I’m blessed to have known him many years. RIP old Friend.” — Bill Shehane
“Now there is a man for ya! I remember talking to him and Eunice on the phone back in the 80s ordering some of their benchrest bullets. May God bless his family. Thank you Walt for the great bullets — I’ve watched them do some amazing things!” — Don Mild
“Walt was an iconic figure in accurate shooting for many many years. A gentleman in the game who traveled worldwide including Australia. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. Rest assured men like Walt aren’t made any more. Thanks for everything Walt — your Australian friends will never forget you.” — Brad Ward
“When I first started chasing accuracy I used to buy bullets from Walt at his little shop on Camelback Road in Phoenix. He always had time to share his expertise and to help me. He and Eunice are together again, shooting at the big range in the sky where the weather is perfect with no wind.” — Doug Whitson
“My prayers go to David, Stacey, Eric, and the girls.
Walt was a truly special man and friend.” — Nancy Tompkins
“He was a Man of Legend. And Legends live forever.” — Ivan Lukashevych
About Walt Berger and Berger Bullets
Walt Berger shot competitive benchrest most of his adult life. Seeing that the bullets he could buy off-the-shelf were not up to his quality expectations, Walt decided that he could make better precision bullets than he could purchase. Walt started making his own bullets and proved their quality by winning competitions and eventually even earning his place in the Benchrest Shooters Hall of Fame. Other benchrest shooters saw his success and solicited him to make their bullets as well.
After years of crafting bullets by hand in his garage, Walt’s wife, Eunice, who was also a legend in benchrest competition, encouraged him to expand his hobby into a business. Together, they grew Berger into a large-scale precision bullet operation with exceptionally high quality standards.
Berger-sponsored shooter Ken Sanoski claimed the top spot at the 2021 Hornady Precision Rifle Challenge (PRC) Match, winning the Open Division with the highest overall score. The 2021 Hornady PRC event was held July 9-10 outside of Evanston, WY on Hornady’s private ranch. Sanoski competed with an Exodus rifle chambered in 6mm Dasher with Berger 109gr Long Range Hybrid Target (LRHT) projectiles loaded in Lapua brass (fire-formed to 6mm Dasher).
“The Hornady PRC precision rifle series was exactly what you expect from a national-level 2-day match. Strong winds, small targets, and a stacked field of shooters”, commented Sanoski. “My Exodus Rifles in 6mm Dasher using Lapua fire-formed brass and Berger 109gr LRHTs were the winning combination to put me at the top of the leaderboard.”
Berger’s Long Range Hybrid Target projectiles feature an optimized hybrid-ogive design which easily tunes to your rifle, offers superior exterior ballistics, and high Ballistic Coefficients (BCs). Berger BCs are Doppler-verified with less than 1% BC variation. That verified BC helps make ballistic calculations ultra-precise for a high hit percentage.
6mm Dasher — A Winning Wildcat
The 6mm Dasher has long been a winning wildcat in the 600-yard and 1000-yard benchrest game. This efficient 6mmBR Improved cartridge, with a 40-degree shoulder, has also been adopted by many top PRS/NRL shooters.
The Dasher, quite simply, offers a winning combination of accuracy, low ES/SD, and moderate recoil. You can run a 105-109gr 6mm bullet at a very accurate 2950 fps node (or even higher in some barrels). And with its 40-degree shoulder, the brass is very stable. The cartridge that wins in benchrest now also wins in PRS.
The only downside to shooting a 6mmBR or 6 Dasher in PRS/NRL were issues with magazine-feeding due to the relatively short Cartridge OAL, compared to a 6mm Creedmoor or 6XC. Thankfully, that feeding issue has been solved via dedicated shorter-length actions and redesigned magazines.
As the practical/tactical game has evolved, with low recoil and high accuracy becoming ever more important, many top competitors have moved to smaller cartridges such as the 6mm Dasher and its parent, the 6mmBR Norma. These cartridges deliver outstanding accuracy plus good barrel life. However, the “short, fat” 6BR/Dasher design doesn’t feed optimally in magazines designed for the .308 Win family of cases. But now there is a turn-key solution from MDT (Modular Driven Technologies) — a magazine perfect for 6BRs and Dashers.
MDT Magazine for 6 Dasher, 6mmBR and Short Cartridges
MDT’s 6mm Dasher/BR magazine fits the parent 6mmBR cartridge and all the popular variants including the 6 BRA, 6 Dasher, and 6 BRX. MDT says this new 12-round magazine is a “one-step solution [delivering] smooth, reliable feeding for the most popular rifle cartridges in precision rifle competitions.”
MDT built this AICS-pattern mag for PRS/NRL competitors and anyone wanting to run 6mmBR-family cartridges in mag-fed actions: “The limiting factor for competitors running 6mm BR variants has been feeding. Until now, the only option has been to purchase an AICS-pattern magazine plus an additional kit to make the magazines work with the shorter cartridges. This solution costs upwards of $100 or more and can require additional tuning to work in most rifles.”
If you can’t afford MDT’s complete $89.99 6mm/Dasher AICS magazine, you can get a mag conversion kit from Primal Rights for half the price — $45.00. This is offered in 4+1 round or 10-round versions. Primal Rights states: “The 6BR AICS Magazine Conversion [delivers] reliable feeding of short standard bolt face cartridges such as the 6BR, 6.5 Grendel, 6 Dasher, and 6BRX. If you have ever tried to run a 6BR [or Dasher] out of a standard un-modified AICS magazine, you were probably met with the same disappointment the rest of us were… unreliable feeding.”
The Primal Rights 6BR AICS Mag Conversion Kit has been tested extensively with 6BR, 6.5 Grendel, 6 Dasher, and 6BRX. For these short cartridges, Primal Rights has logged “thousands of rounds of trouble-free operation” with the Mag mod kit.
Figure 1. When the bullet is seated farther out of the case, there is more volume available for powder. This enables the cartridge to generate higher muzzle velocity with the same pressure.
Effects Of Cartridge Over All Length (COAL) And Cartridge Base To Ogive (CBTO) – Part 1 by Bryan Litz forBerger Bullets.
Many shooters are not aware of the dramatic effects that bullet seating depth can have on the pressure and velocity generated by a rifle cartridge. Cartridge Overall Length (COAL) is also a variable that can be used to fine-tune accuracy. It’s also an important consideration for rifles that need to feed rounds through a magazine. In this article, we’ll explore the various effects of COAL, and what choices a shooter can make to maximize the effectiveness of their hand loads.
Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI)
Most loading manuals (including the Berger Manual), present loading data according to SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute) standards. SAAMI provides max pressure, COAL and many other specifications for commercial cartridges so that rifle makers, ammo makers, and hand loaders can standardize their products so they all work together. As we’ll see later in this article, these SAAMI standards are in many cases outdated and can dramatically restrict the performance potential of a cartridge.
Bullet seating depth is an important variable in the accuracy equation. In many cases, the SAAMI-specified COAL is shorter than what a hand loader wants to load their rounds to for accuracy purposes. In the case where a hand loader seats the bullets longer than SAAMI specified COAL, there are some internal ballistic effects that take place which are important to understand.
Effects of Seating Depth / COAL on Pressure and Velocity
The primary effect of loading a cartridge long is that it leaves more internal volume inside the cartridge. This extra internal volume has a well known effect; for a given powder charge, there will be less pressure and less velocity produced because of the extra empty space. Another way to look at this is you have to use more powder to achieve the same pressure and velocity when the bullet is seated out long. In fact, the extra powder you can add to a cartridge with the bullet seated long will allow you to achieve greater velocity at the same pressure than a cartridge with a bullet seated short.
When you think about it, it makes good sense. After all, when you seat the bullet out longer and leave more internal case volume for powder, you’re effectively making the cartridge into a bigger cartridge by increasing the size of the combustion chamber. Figure 1 illustrates the extra volume that’s available for powder when the bullet is seated out long.
Before concluding that it’s a good idea to start seating your bullets longer than SAAMI spec length, there are a few things to consider.
Geometry of a Chamber Throat
The chamber in a rifle will have a certain throat length which will dictate how long a bullet can be loaded. The throat is the forward portion of the chamber that has no rifling. The portion of the bullet’s bearing surface that projects out of the case occupies the throat (see Figure 2).
The length of the throat determines how much of the bullet can stick out of the case. When a cartridge is chambered and the bullet encounters the beginning of the rifling, known as the lands, it’s met with hard resistance. This COAL marks the maximum length that a bullet can be seated. When a bullet is seated out to contact the lands, its initial forward motion during ignition is immediately resisted by an engraving force.
Seating a bullet against the lands causes pressures to be elevated noticeably higher than if the bullet were seated just a few thousandths of an inch off the lands.
A very common practice in precision reloading is to establish the COAL for a bullet that’s seated to touch the lands. This is a reference length that the hand loader works from when searching for the optimal seating depth for precision. Many times, the best seating depth is with the bullet touching or very near the lands. However, in some rifles, the best seating depth might be 0.100″ or more off the lands. This is simply a variable the hand loader uses to tune the precision of a rifle.
Applied Ballistics Founder Bryan Litz and Former USAMU and Team USA coach Emil Praslick III share their wisdom in an informative Guns Magazine Podcast. Along with being a true ballistics guru, Bryan Litz is an outstanding competitive shooter, having won F-TR National Championships, and both Sling and F-TR divisions at the Berger SW Nationals, along with many other matches. Emil is considered one of the world’s great wind-readers and team coaches, having coached 20+ championship teams.
Guns Magazine podcast host Brent Wheat asks Bryan and Emil about multiple topics including: exterior ballistics, bullet design, wind reading, ballistic solvers, BC myths, and more.
Brent reports: “Together, Bryan and Emil understand what happens from the time a bullet leaves the muzzle until it impacts the target, including the atmospheric affects along the way. Grab a pencil, listen in, and get ready to take notes.”
This Long Range Grad School podcast features Berger’s Chief Ballistician, Bryan Litz, and Berger’s Emil Praslick. Both have extensive long range competitive shooting experience, with championship titles (as shooter and/or coach) in a multitude of long range disciplines. CLICK arrow below to start podcast audio:
Emil Praslick (left) confers with Bryan Litz (right) at King of 2 Miles ELR Event.
In this Video Emil Praslick explains his methods for determining wind direction.
Bryan Litz coaching Team USA in Canada using a WIND PLOT.
Bryan Litz at 2011 World Long Range (Palma) Championships in Brisbane, Australia
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. Graf & Sons — Berger Bullets In Stock
⏺ High quality bullets have been hard to find; get these Bergers while you can
Components have been tough to find these days, particularly premium products such as Berger bullets. Head over to Grafs.com where they have a really great supply of Berger bullets in many popular calibers and bullet weights. As always, supplies are limited so don’t wait if you’re in need of bullets.
⏺ Ruger reliability, popular chambering, great camo finish
Here’s a nice 6.5 Creedmoor hunting rifle with a superb camo finish. This Ruger American Go Wild Camo/Bronze Bolt Action Rifle has a coated 22″ barrel chambered for the very popular 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. It features a Go Wild Camo stock with a Bronze Cerakote barrel finish. There is also a Ruger marksman adjustable trigger all making for a solid hunting rifle for an attractive $589.99 price.
3. Amazon — Lyman Turbo Sonic Case Cleaner, $106.24
⏺ High quality ultrasonic cleaning machine at very good price
Looking for a different way to clean your brass that doesn’t involve dust or loud noises? Check out the Lyman Turbo Sonic Case Cleaner for $106.24. This unit features a heated tank for cleaning of case and primer pockets. The ultrasonic cavitation lifts and dissolves carbon, dirt and any residue left on fired cases. Not only can you clean your brass, but these units are great for other items like jewelry and silverware.
4. Precision Reloading — Wheeler AR Armorers Kit, $128.99
⏺ Great $128.99 Deal for big AR tool kit — sells elsewhere for $242.99!
ARs require a lot of maintenance. And you need some specialized tools to assemble an AR-15 properly — that’s important for guys building their own lowers and uppers. The Wheeler Engineering Delta Series Ultra Armorers Kit includes pretty much all the tools you need to keep an AR15 running well including: AR combo tool, Torque wrench, Strap Wrench and Delta Ring Tool. In addition the kit includes an Armorer’s Vise, Vise Block Clamp, and Armorer’s Bench Block. Supplied in a handy carry case, the Ultra Armorer’s Kit is now just $128.99 at PrecisionReloading.com. This exact same kit is $242.99 at MidwayUSA.
5. Amazon — Frankford Universal Case Trimmer, $79.99
⏺ Smart system fits drills and trims nearly all popular rifle case types
Here is a good option for trimming cases, if you shoot many different cartridge types. Frankford Arsenal Universal Precision Case Trimmer handled most popular cartridges from .17 Rem all the way up to .460 Weatherby. Just choose the right collet then attached the unit to the end of your power drill for fast, easy trimming. The built-in depth micrometer allows for fast trim-length adjustments, and the brass-shaving ejection port ensures a clean trim. The universal collet system indexes on case shoulders for precise and consistent trimming. This trimming system works with just about any 1/2″ power drill.
6. Bullet Central — Hart Barrels Sale
⏺ High quality barrels in stock — no extended wait
Are you putting together a custom rifle but can’t find barrels in stock anywhere? Head over to Bullet Central for a major Hart barrels sale. You can save $20 on every barrel, plus avoid long wait times typically required for a high-quality barrel. A variety of contours are available in popular 6mm and 6.5mm bore sizes, with 1:7″ and 1:8″ twists, all six-grooves.
7. 5.11 Tactical — 20% OFF Everything
⏺ Big Discount on very high quality outdoor clothing and gear
You need good gear to have a successful day at the range or a successful hunt. That means more than have the right guns and ammo — you also need good clothing, packs, and footwear. Here’s a good way to get outfitted properly without breaking the bank.
Right now at 5.11 Tactical you’ll find some of the finest shooting pants, bags, boot, socks and more, all at 20% OFF Savings. This 5.11 20% Off Sale runs through Tuesday, February 15, 2021 at 11:59 pm.
8. Amazon — IRON JIA’S Waterproof Rifle Case, $42.99
⏺ Great rifle protection when it rains or snows; case even floats
There’s nothing worse than being out in the field or at a big match and having it start raining. One way to counteract that is to get a waterproof case like the IRON JIA’S Waterproof Rifle Case. With built in thick foam padding, it protects your rifles from collision damage, also providing buoyancy when it falls in a river or stream. It’s also a great case for those matches where it may or may not rain and you want to ensure your gun stays dry while you’re in the pits.
⏺ Custom-molded ear protection plugs are very comfortable
If you’re tired of ear plugs that don’t fit right or don’t work well then try something new — the Radian’s Custom Molded Ear Plugs. Follow the instructions to mold the materials to creat a perfect, custom fit for YOUR ears. These kits come in various colors. You can also add a Radians lanyard for these custom-molded plugs and a carry case. As with all ear plugs, you can double up with muffs for extra protection. These Radians molded plugs have a 26 dB Noise Reduction Rating — better than most compact muffs.
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.
⏺ Great price for nice hunting rifle; many calibers, coated action + barrel
In today’s market, getting a quality hunting rig for under $450.00 is a very good deal. Add in a Permacote protective finish on both action and barrel and you have a true bargain. Right now Sportsman’s Warehouse is offering the Winchester XPR rifle in a variety of regular and magnum chamberings for just $449.99. Choose from 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Magnum, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Win Magnum. These guns have smooth feeding and good warranties. Notable features include:
Flat Dark Earth (FDE) Permacote Receiver Finish
Free-floating Button-rifled Barrel with FDE Permacote Finish
M.O.A. Trigger System with 2-Position Thumb Safety
Mossy Oak Elements Terra Bayou Camouflage Finish
2. Midsouth — Bullets IN STOCK from All Major Brands
⏺ Berger, Sierra, Hornady, Nosler, Barnes, Speer in stock
Reloading components are getting harder to find. Thankfully, Midsouth has a HUGE inventory of rifle bullets IN STOCK, from many makers, in a wide selection of calibers and weights. And many of these bullets are on sale right now. Choose your favorite projectiles from Berger, Sierra, Hornady, Nosler, Speer, and Barnes. You’ll find good prices on rifle match bullets as well as hunting bullets, with both tipped and conventional designs, as well as solids (from Barnes). Hornady A-Tips are on sale. CLICK HERE for Bullets.
⏺ Very high quality brass for popular mid-size accuracy cartridges
After Lapua and Peterson, USA-based Alpha Munitions makes some of the best cartridge brass available today. In stock now at Precision Reloading is Alpha brass for these popular cartridges: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6XC, and .308 Win. Notably, Alpha also makes 6mm Dasher brass, saving you a fire-forming step, and Alpha also produces the new 6GT case popular with PRS shooters. BIG NEWS: Alpha recently started producing 6mm BRA (6BR Ackley) brass. Alpha 6mm BRA and 6 Dasher brass are available directly from Alpha Munitions, but act soon — this will quickly sell out. Click links below:
⏺ Fast, programmable, accurate dispenser at great price
The Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper is a high-quality powder scale dispenser. It’s accurate to +/- one-tenth of a grain, dispenses in seconds, and can be controlled by a handy mobile App that can store various charges weights for different cartridges. This unit has a 7000-grain capacity with both Auto and manual trickle capability. IMPORTANT: This super-low Amazon price won’t last long. Act quickly to secure the Intellidropper for $179.95 on Sale.
5. All Dealers — Zeiss Conquest V4 $100 Instant Rebate
⏺ Instant $100 savings on outstanding Zeiss Conquest V4 Scopes
Calling all holiday shoppers! Looking for that perfect gift for the hunter or shooter on your list? Through December 31, 2020, ZEISS is offering a great deal through participating ZEISS authorized retailers. Customers looking to buy Conquest V4 riflescopes and Terra ED 42 mm objective binoculars will receive $100 off instantly at time of purchase. No Rebate forms to fill out, no waiting periods — you just save $100 instantly. CLICK HERE for ZEISS SALE INFO.
6. MidwayUSA — BOG Death Grip Tripod, $124.99
⏺ Versatile — use in all positions (even prone), secure top clamp
BOG makes very popular “long reach” shooting sticks/bipods for hunters. And now BOG has developed a clamp-style tripod that is great for hunters and PRS/NRL competitors. The BOG Death Grip Tripod has a rectangular-style padded clamp that will fit a wide variety of rifle fore-end styles (and widths).
Watch the video above to see this tripod’s versatility and why it has earned rave reviews. Non-marring rubber jaw insert protect your rifle’s finish. The 3-position leg angle lock allows for secure shooting in standing, kneeling and prone positions. Tilt adjustment lever controls up to 25 degrees of cant forwards and back and the head pans 360 degrees. Right now the BOG Death Grip Tripod Aluminum version is on sale at MidwayUSA for $124.99, $25.00 off. NOTE: You need to place the product in MidwayUSA’s shopping cart to see this special price.
7. Focus Camera — Fujinon Scope Plus Binoculars, $149.00
⏺ Killer combo deal — great gift for someone getting started in hunting
Here is a killer deal on a hunting optics combo. Fujinon does make high quality optics but the company is not well known among American consumers so Fujinon optics have been deeply discounted. Right now you can get a good, light-weight 1.75-5x32mm hunting scope AND 10x32mm binoculars for just $149.00! The original MSRP on this combo was $499.99 so you’re saving over $350! The magnification level is ideal for a deer rifle scope. We think this would be a great gift item for a hunter in your family.
8. Midsouth — Great End-of-Year Target Sale
⏺ Dozens of Hi-Viz and Specialty Targets at Great Prices
Need targets for your range days next year? Midsouth Shooters has a huge selection of shooting targets at attractive prices. Choose from stick-on targets, target dots, splatter targets, grid targets, bullseye targets, and even Zombie fun targets, in various sizes and colors.
Midsouth also has a unique stick-on white benchrest target that comes on a handy roll. The 250 target roll is $12.49. This self-adhesive target is great for practicing for benchrest matches and load development. We use it because it has a nice grid and precise aim point.
9. MidwayUSA — Dual Gong Target System, 50% Off, $44.99
⏺ Great Price for twin AR500 system — just add wood beam and have fun
Who doesn’t like shooting steel? The “clang” of hitting a steel target at long range provides instant gratification. This Viking Solutions Gong Target System features two AR500 Steel Gongs (6″ and 8″) suspended by chains. All the hardware is supplied including chains, leg stands, and nuts and bolts — all you need is a length of 2×4 lumber. Setup time is less than two minutes. The gongs are manufactured from 3/8″-thick AR500 steel for long lasting durability! NOTE: User must supply lumber beam. This unit once sold for $89.99 so you save $45.00!
10. Amazon — Cleaning Kit with 1000 Patches, Swabs, Boresnake
⏺ Great bargain cleaning kit with swabs, 1000 patches, bottles and boresnake
This handy Gun Cleaning Kit is worth the $15.95 price for the 1000 cotton patches alone. But in addition to that you get a handy boresnake for barrel cleaning, 100 cotton, tipped swabs, two empty solvent bottles (needle-nose), along with a handy kit to carry all this gear. Buyer selects the boresnake size. Chose from: .223, .270/7mm, .308, .40, .45, and 12 gauge.
New Lapua Cartridge Brass — 6.5 PRC, .284 Win, .300 PRC, .300 Win Mag
A legend in the shooting community has passed. And we are all diminished. Walt Berger passed away on September 19, 2021. A great innovator, a great benchrest competitor (with many Hall of Fame points), and a great friend to countless shooters, Walt will be truly missed.
The 6mm Dasher has long been a winning wildcat in the 600-yard and 1000-yard benchrest game. This efficient 6mmBR Improved cartridge, with a 40-degree shoulder, has also been adopted by many top PRS/NRL shooters.
Effects Of Cartridge Over All Length (COAL) And Cartridge Base To Ogive (CBTO) – Part 1
⏺ Dozens of Hi-Viz and Specialty Targets at Great Prices
