Dennis DeMille shows a young competitor at the CMP Western Games how to adjust his leather sling.
The NRA High Power Over-the-Course (OTC) National Championship will be held at Camp Atterbury over the next 7 days. Firing will be done in multiple positions — prone, sitting/kneeling, and standing. Proper support and adjustment of the sling is vital for successful High Power competition. In this short article, Dennis DeMille, a past Service Rifle Champion, explains how to set-up a sling on match rifles.
Setting-Up a Leather Service Rifle Sling for Competition
So you made the mistake of disassembling your leather service rifle sling, or are intimidated about how to use one? In this Creedmoor Sports InfoZone video, Dennis DeMille (past Creedmoor G.M.) explains how to set up and use a sling. The covers the basics — Dennis starts with a totally disassembled leather service rifle sling and shows you how to set it up properly.
Tip: “Many shooters shy away from using a leather sling because they have never been taught how to use one. That’s unfortunate. In my opinion a leather sling offers more support than a web sling, which is important when competiting with the heavier than normal rifles.”
Configuring the Sling for the Standing (Offhand) Position
In this second in a series of Creedmoor InfoZone videos on the setup and use of the leather service rifle sling, Dennis DeMille details how to configure and best utilize the leather service rifle sling while shooting from the standing position.
Tip: “Putting the Frogs in different hole will change the amount of added elevation a sling provides.”
Looking at Sling Types — Comparing the Features
In this video Dennis showcases a large variety of shooting slings. He explains the strong points of each type so you can choose the sling best suited to your discipline and shooting style.
The Benefits of Dry-Fire Training
Once you know how to set up your sling properly, you’ll want to practice. Dennis DeMille stresses the importance of dry-fire practice with sling and shooting coat. Dry-Fire training is essential to the sling disciplines. Dennis DeMille, a national Service Rifle Champion, told us that, for every minute he spent in actual competition, he would spend hours practicing without ammunition. While in the USMC, Dennis would practice in the barracks, working on his hold and dry-firing:
“The most important thing is to spend time off the range practicing. Most of what I learned as a High Power shooter I learned without ammunition — just spending time dry firing and doing holding exercises. Holding exercises will really identify the weak parts of your position. The primary purpose of dry firing is to get you used to shooting an empty rifle. If you can shoot a loaded rifle the same way you shoot an empty rifle then eventually you will become a High Master.”
While reloading components remain in short supply, there is a new source for affordable rifle bullets in popular calibers. Creedmoor Sports is now offering American Bullet Company (ABC) Practice Bullets in .22, 6mm, and .308 calibers. These are factory seconds from a major American manufacturer.
Creedmoor Sports explains that it may make sense to shoot less expensive bullets during practice sessions, particularly for sling-shooters: “We believe a key to winning a competition is the practice time you put in leading up to the match. ABC Practice Bullets are an excellent alternative for competitors who may not want to use their expensive bullets during a practice session and save their best loads for a match.” With these ABC Practice Bullets you can save 20-30% off the price of first-run, major brand BTHP bullets. With those savings, you spend less money per round, so live-fire practice doesn’t bust your budget.
For some disciplines, these bullets aren’t just for practice. We predict the ABC 6mm bullets will work well in PRS/NRL matches with popular calibers 6mmBR, 6 Dasher, 6 GT, 6-6.5×47 Lapua, and 6mm Creedmoor.
ABC Practice Bullets are factory seconds, but they’re still great for training. Along with the 6mm 107gr bullets, Creedmoor is offering .22-Caliber (52gr, 55gr, 77gr) and .308-Caliber (125gr, 168gr, 175gr) practice bullets. All offerings have very attractive pricing, starting at $17.80/100 (for .22 Cal 55gr).
NOTE: All ABC Practice Bullets are sold in 500-ct boxes (by weight). All bullets in each 500-ct boxes will be from the same lot in each box. However, lots may vary from box to box.
How These Practice Bullets May Vary from First-Run Bullets
Issues separating American Bullet Company Practice Bullets from factory first-run bullets may include:
Minor scratch marks on the jacket
Polishing media or compound in the hollow point
Boat tail dimensions that vary slightly from the print
Weight variance — total weight variance of 2.0 grains across the lot
The folks at Creedmoor Sports are reviving a tradition this week — opening an “outlet store” on Commercial Row at Camp Perry. To serve shooters at the National Matches, Creedmoor Sports loaded a large truck with shooting gear and accessories and headed North to the shores of Lake Erie. Over the past few days, Creedmoor’s team has been unpacking the gear and setting it up.
The Creedmoor Sports store at Camp Perry opened today July 20, 2021. On Creedmoor’s Facebook Page, the crew posted: “Almost everything is unboxed and we’re on track to open our Camp Perry store[.]”
Good news for serious hand-loaders — a large selection of premium-quality Lapua brass is now IN STOCK at Creedmoor Sports and Grafs.com. You’ll find a wide variety of cartridge types available for purchase today at these two leading vendors. Check the lists below.
We’re happy to report that Lapua Brass is IN STOCK, because finding top quality reloading components (brass, bullets, powder, and especially primers) has been a major challenge over the past year. It looks like both Graf & Sons and Creedmoor Sports have received large shipments of Lapua cartridge brass recently. So if need good brass, check the availability list below, and then place your orders. Sorry, no 6mmBR, 6.5 Grendel, 6.5×55, 7mm-08, or .30-06 brass at either vendor right now.
As of 9:00 am on Saturday July 17, 2021, here are some of the rifle cartridge types we found in stock.
Lapua .220 Russian Brass $128.29
Lapua .223 Rem. Brass $68.99
Lapua 6mm Creedmoor Brass Small Primer Pocket $55.99 (50 ct)
Lapua .243 Win Brass $120.99
Lapua 6.5×47 Lapua Brass $134.99
Lapua 6.5 Creedmoor Brass Small Primer Pocket $103.99
Lapua .260 Rem Brass $120.99
Lapua .284 Winchester Brass $144.99
Lapua 7.62×39 Brass $85.99
Lapua 7.62x54R Russian Brass $158.99
Lapua 7x65R Brass $119.99
Lapua .300 Norma Magnum Brass $226.99
Lapua .338 Norma Magnum Brass $328.99
Lapua .338 Lapua Magnum Brass $321.99
CLICK HERE for Grafs.com Lapua Brass Sales Page
NOTE: On that page, items IN STOCK are listed first. You can Login to be notified when out-of-stock items are back in stock. Prices subject to change.
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 — Lapua Brass in Stock
⏺ Best brass for centerfire disciplines; get it before it sells out
More quantities of quality cartridge brass are becoming available. Grafs.com now has a large supply of Lapua brass in stock. With many of the top cartridge types available this is a great time to stock up on Lapua brass. For those who haven’t tried Lapua brass yet, it may cost a bit more, but Lapua brass can deliver multiples of useful life compared to lesser brands. With reasonable loads (and some annealing), Lapua brass can deliver 20+ load cycles for most popular cartridge types.
2. Sportsman’s WHSE — Tikka T3x Lite/Superlite Rifles on Sale
⏺ Save big on excellent hunting rifle, smooth action, nice trigger
Looking for a great hunting rifle that is reliable, accurate, and relatively lightweight? If so, check out the Tikka T3x Lite and Superlite rifles. These rifles combines high performance with light weight. They feature synthetic stocks and new modular features. Tikkas boast smooth-running actions and very good factory triggers. The T3x series features weather-resistant stocks with good grip feel even in wet conditions. The metallic bolt shroud covers and shields the firing pin and rear of the bolt body. This is a good price.
⏺ Outstanding deal on quality muffs — many color options
Every shooter should have quality ear muffs, both for yourself and any friends/family members you bring to the range. For those on a tight budget, we recommend the Walker’s Razor Slim Passive Earmuffs. These are comfortable and have a good 28dB Noise Reduction rating — very high for slim muffs. These Walker’s Razor Slims are available in a wide variety of colors, starting at just $18.38 on Amazon — a great deal. These muffs fold compactly, making them easy to stow.
4. Bruno’s Shooters Supply — BAT Actions, $100 OFF
⏺ Get a great BAT action without the wait at good price
Why wait months or years for a custom action when Bruno’s has BAT Actions in stock at attractive, $100 Off prices. Available in several finish types and multiple configurations, these ready-to-ship actions will meet the needs of any serious or casual shooter.
5. Palmetto SA — Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ 9mm, $449.99
⏺ Excellent CCW pistol with handy grip safety at good price
Given the high demand, it has been tough to find quality handguns for sale at a fair price. If you’re looking for a 9mm carry gun, Palmetto SA has the excellent Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ 9MM for just $449.99, including two 8-rd magazines. This gun is easy to rack. We like the integral grip safety. The trigger is crisp, and the pistol features an 18-degree grip angle for a natural point of aim. The Shield EZ is fitted with white-dot front and adjustable white-dot rear sights.
6. Creedmoor Sports — American Practice Bullets on SALE
⏺ Amazing deal on factory second bullets, save 50% or more
Here’s a truly great deal on quality .22 cal and .30 cal bullets. These American Practice Bullets are made by major manufacturer, but may have slight cosmetic defects — mostly visual, such as minor scratch marks on the jackets. If you can live with the slight visual defects or very slight weight variances, you can enjoy huge savings. Get 500 bullets for what you might pay for just 250 first-run projectiles. For example, 500 69gr HPBT .22-caliber bullets are only $104.95. That’s just $20.99 per hundred! And for you .308 Win/.30-06 shooters — get 500 175gr HPBT bullets for just $165.96, just $33.95 per hundred.
⏺ Excellent choice for varmint rifle at super-low price
Need a scope for your varmint rifle? Here’s a killer deal on a 5-20x44mm Bushnell Nitro. This second focal plane (SFP) scope boasts a nice reticle with MOA-based hashmarks. With this deal you can save 54% off the regular $499.99 price. For varmint hunting we think the 5-20X magnification range is just about ideal, and we prefer SFP as the reticle thickness doesn’t change as you zoom in and out, something you’ll do often on a prairie dog hunt. If you are looking for a lower-magnification scope, consider the 2.5-10x44mm Nitro for just $174.49 a $175 savings.
8. Amazon — Highwild Adjustable Target Stand Base, $32.99
⏺ Smart product with adjustable widths
The steel Highwild Adjustable Target Stand Base provides a stable base for your target frame. The base has three steel receivers for standard 1×2 wood stakes (actual size .75″x 1.5″). Base span quickly adjusts from 8″ to 24″ and width markers are stamped on the cross-beam. No tools are required to change width. With this base you can set up your own target anywhere. The entire base is powder-coated to stand up to the elements. Bonus — the 13″ X 16″ cardboard shipping box is printed with Silhouette Targets.
9. Creedmoor Sports — Cleaning Rod Guide, $24.95 – $29.95
⏺ Always use a rod guide — these are caliber-specific for best fit
Without a good bore guide, you can damage your rifle during cleaning. Bore guides keep solvents and fouling out of your action and trigger group. They also center up your rod and jags, protecting your chamber. Creedmoor Sports Cleaning Rod Guides have earned high marks. These are available in a variety of calibers/sizes to fit various actions. Use the drop-down menu on Creedmoor Sports product page to select the right size for your gun. NOTE: These Cleaning Rod Guides may be black or red, depending on current inventory.
Sunday, May 9th is Mother’s Day. To help mark this special day, Creedmoor Sports is running a 10% Off Mother’s Day Sale. The sale runs from noon today Friday 5/7/21 through Monday 5/10/21 at noon Central Time. With this sale Creedmoor Sports is discounting its Creedmoor-branded products. Use Promo Code MOM21 to get 10% Off Creedmoor items, excluding Air Gun Range Items and ammo. This special sale includes Creedmoor’s popular coats, shooting mats, carts, scope stands, slings, and much more.
Here are some popular Creedmoor Sports products on sale. Dozens of other items are 10% Off, including tools, loading blocks, transport bags, ammo holders, score books, slings, shooting hats and more…
This Easter Weekend Save 10% off Creedmoor Brand Products with Promo Code EASTER.
Here’s good news for shooters getting their gear for the 2021 season. Creedmoor Sports is now offering 10% OFF all Creedmoor brand products. If you need a quality shooting coat, shooting mat, scope stand, sling, glove, data book, or other shooting accessory, here’s your chance to save. Hundreds of Creedmoor-branded products are 10% OFF through Monday, April 5, 2021 at 12:00 PM CST.
CLICK HERE to see all the discounted products. Remember, to get the 10% Discount you need to use Discount Code “EASTER” during checkout. Below are some of the best-selling Creedmoor brand shooting sports products on sale.
Here are some of the quality Creedmoor brand items on SALE:
Tired of carrying old-fashioned paper Score Books? Well now you can go digital — Creedmoor Sports offers a full-featured Scoring Book App that lets you plot your shot locations/scores using an Android device or Apple iPhone or iPad. The price is right — FREE! Just visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to download the App for FREE.
Record Match and Practice Data
This new App, available for free in the Apple App Store, and the Google Play Store provides all the same functions and capabilities of the traditional, spiral-bound print-format Creedmoor Rifle Data/Score Book, but with the convenience and ease of recording your match and practice information with your mobile device. With this App you can break your 20 shot slow-fire segments into either 10- or 20-shot targets, and also opt for sighting shots. All the specific event data can also be recorded, such as location, wind, light etc., along with wind and elevation adjustments.
COMMUNICATIONS Restrictions: In some matches you are not allowed to have electronic communication ability, so you may have to set your iPhone to “Airplane Mode”, or use this only with an iPod (which does not have two-way communication capability).
“Ever had trouble calling your shots? Everything looked and felt great and you swore it was a 10, but it came up as a wide 9? This may be a result of inconsistent eye placement behind the optic. Here’s an affordable solution to help you stay in the 10 Ring.” — Creedmoor Sports
Here is an interesting new product. This scope accessory attaches to the rear (ocular) lens on a scope. It has a center hole in the middle that can help get you on target faster, and get your eye exactly centered in the scope. That will eliminate certain parallax errors.
This scope accessory was invented by White Oak, which calls it a lens reducer assembly. This features a transparent lens with a chamfer around the center hole which acts as a ghost ring, centering your eye in middle of the optic. The transparent lens allows a full field of view so you can still see surrounding targets and target numbers. The lens is held in place by a Butler Creek lens cap.
White Oak’s unique “ghost ring” design allows a full field of view so you can still see surrounding targets and target numbers but acts as a ghost ring centering your eye in the hole, minimizing effects of parallax and helping you call your shots better.
The Lens Reducer Assembly is currently offered by Creedmoor Sports for these three optics PLUS other scopes which use the same Butler Creek Cover listed after each scope:
Konus XTC-30, $34.95, (Butler Creek #18 lens cover) Weaver K-4, $34.95, (Butler Creek #09A lens cover) Vortex PST 1-4, $34.95, (Butler Creek #14 lens cover)
To Install: Simply press the lens into the lens cap until it is against the shoulder inside the cap. It will be a snug fit, the snug fit ensures the hole is centered. Then install the lens cap on your scope as usual.
NOTE: Some folks may look at this and be concerned that the grayish chamfered ring will obscure vision. Yes and no. The actual “image” that comes through the scope is a very small-diameter circle of light (“exit pupil”) that will fit fully inside the small, unobscured, fully open circle. So if your head is properly centered there will be NO obstruction. However, if you get out of alignment, then, yes, you’ll see the gray chamfered area, just as you’d see the outside of a ghost ring sight.
Bill Gravatt has been named President of Creedmoor Sports. Bill has worked in the shooting and reloading industry for over 30 years. His experience includes: former owner and President of Sinclair Int’l and President of Capstone Precision Group (Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori, and SK). Now that Bill has achieved important goals with Capstone (for whom he continues to serve as a board member), he is taking over as President of Creedmoor Sports, after serving as its Managing Director since the spring of 2020.
Greg Kantorovich, Creedmoor Sports CEO states: “We are excited to have Bill assume the role of President. His innovative leadership will continue to enhance our team’s mission of managed growth through strategic planning. Bill’s wealth of industry knowledge and ‘customer first’ mantra is second to none! This philosophy aligns perfectly with Creedmoor’s passion to serve our customers like family”.
As the President of Creedmoor Sports, Bill will direct operational and marketing activities for the company. He will also help with informational programs. Gravatt has previously served Creedmoor Sports as a Managing Director since the spring of 2020, and served as a consultant before that.
Bill Gravatt told us: “I am joining a great team at Creedmoor Sports. They are all driven in pursuit of exemplary customer service, they create well-made products, passionately participate in the shooting sport, and enjoy the daily satisfaction that comes from helping fellow shooters achieve their best.”
Reloading Procedures with Bill Gravatt
Bill Gravatt has decades of knowledge about reloading tools and procedures. Here are three helpful videos Bill Gravatt created for the Creedmoor Sports InfoZone:
How to Seat Bullets with Inline Press
How to Trim Cases with L.E. Wilson Trimmer
How to Clean Cartridge Cases
About Creedmoor Sports, Inc.
Since 1979, Creedmoor Sports has been supplying the precision rifle shooter with quality equipment. Specializing in competitive centerfire, smallbore, and air rifle accessories, as well as reloading components and tools, Creedmoor seeks to provide their customers with the right gear to help them achieve their personal shooting goals.
The Benefits of Dry-Fire Training
Good news for serious hand-loaders — a large selection of premium-quality Lapua brass is now IN STOCK at 
Tired of carrying old-fashioned paper Score Books? Well now you can go digital — 
Here is an interesting new product. This scope accessory attaches to the rear (ocular) lens on a scope. It has a center hole in the middle that can help get you on target faster, and get your eye exactly centered in the scope. That will eliminate certain parallax errors.
