Armageddon Gear Founder Tom Fuller competes in PRS and supervised the 2020 AG Cup.
We know many readers have wondered if Hornady A-Tip bullets are good enough for competition. Well at least in the PRS world, it looks like these aluminum-tipped, high-BC bullets are more than capable of winning. The top four shooters in the 2020 Armageddon Gear Cup all used 110gr 6mm Hornady A-Tips. Of course in PRS/NRL, accuracy standards are different. In the hands of a very good PRS shooter, a half-MOA rifle can win. PRS is not benchrest where you need bullets that can shoot in the “ones”. But still, this is an impressive performance for Hornady’s A-Tips, at least in PRS-type tactical competition.
Hornady A-Tip bullets were used by the first, second, third, and fourth place competitors at the 2020 Armageddon Gear Cup match, held October 30-31 in Blakely, Georgia. Austin Orgain took first place, followed by Robert Brantley (2nd), Tate Streater (3rd), and Dave Preston (4th). All four shooters were using Hornady 6mm 110-grain A-Tips. Winner Austin Orgain stated “A-Tip bullets are the most forgiving bullets I have ever loaded… Combine a high-quality bullet with high BCs, you have a winning combination.”
The Hornady A-Tip was designed as a low drag, high-BC match bullet. The most striking features of A-Tip bullets are the long, aluminum tips. The highly-uniform aluminum tips are precision-machined. Hornady claims that these tips “coupled with highly refined AMP bullet jackets… and optimized boattails” yield reduced drag compared to other bullets of similar weight.
About the Armaggedon Gear Cup Match
2020 marked the second year of the Armageddon Gear (AG) Cup, an invitational match at the 2300-acre Arena Training Facility in Georgia. This year showcased an all-star line-up of tactical talent, with the nation’s top PRS/NRL shooters invited. This is a big money event. In 2019 $41,000 in prize money was up for grabs, with the overall match winner guaranteed twenty thousand ($20,000) in cash and a $1000 prize for the winner of each of the 20 Stages. You can watch last year’s AG Cup on Shooting USA’s Vimeo Channel.
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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 Supply — Massive BAT Action Sale
⏺ Superb BAT custom actions, over 80 on sale at $100 Off
BAT actions have an amazing reputation and are available in more configurations that just about any other action on the market. Head over to Bruno Shooters Supply and choose from over 80 BAT Actions on sale. Many models are avaiable, all discounted $100 off Bruno’s normal pricing. This BAT promo gets you $100 closer to that elite custom rifle you’ve always wanted.
⏺ Great deal on hunting rifles with Vortex Scope, 6.5CM, .308 Win, .243 Win
Sportsman’s Warehouse is running a special on Ruger rifles with Vortex scopes. For $539.99 you can get this Ruger American in 6.5 Creedmoor topped with a Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm scope with Dead-Hold BDC reticle. For the same $539.99 price you can also get this rifle in .308 Win, or .243 Win, also scope-equipped. This is a very good option if you are looking for an affordable hunting rig, ready to go.
3. EuroOptic — Vortex Optics Scope Clearance Sale
⏺ Super-low prices on scopes for PRS, Hunting, and Tactical
Maybe you’re in the market for a new scope for your AR or perhaps you’d like more magnification for your long-range rig. No matter what you’re in the market for, EuroOptic is running a huge Vortex Clearance Sale on scopes ranging from 1-4x24mm up to 6-24x50mm all at crazy low prices. If you’re planning a future build, you may want to grab one of these scopes now — the prices are exceptional.
4. Graf’s — Hornady A-Tip Bullets, All Calibers, Good Prices
⏺ High BC A-Tips, wide selection of calibers
Hornady A-Tip bullets has started to earn a place on the line as more and more people are learning how to load and shoot them. As a result stock levels have been spotty at best in popular calibers. At Graf & Sons, we found a full selection of Hornady A-Tip bullets, including hard-to-find bullet weights. If you’ve been interested in trying A-Tips, grab these before they sell out.
5. Bullet Central — Bix’n Andy Benchrest Trigger, $385.00
⏺ Truly superb Benchrest match trigger or get Dakota Trigger for $195.00
Having a light and reliable trigger is critical to success in many disciplines. The Bix’n Andy Rem700 Benchrest Trigger is one of the best out there. With its easy-to-change pull weight and a ultra-crisp break it’s the choice of many competition shooters. If you’re looking for something with a slightly heavier pull at a much lower price, check out the $195.00 Dakota Trigger.
6. Amazon — Tipton Best Gun Vise, $87.54
⏺ Versatile, stable, works with all rifles, including ARs
You need a stable platform at home for your gun when clealing, and most gun vises are too light or unstable to do the job properly. If you’re looking upgrade to a better solution than what you have, grab the Tipton Best Gun Vise. The vise was designed to accommodate the widest possible array of firearms for cleaning, maintenance, or gunsmithing, and is easily configurable to handle bolt-action rifles, break-open shotguns, AR-15s, and handguns. You can also purchase this excellent Gun Vise for $89.99 at Midsouth Shooters, also a good deal.
7. MidwayUSA — MTM Shooting Range Box, $41.16
⏺ Great unit holds gear and has cradles for cleaning
Whether heading to the range or a weeklong competition, having all your cleaning gear in one easy-to-use place is critical. Enter the MTM Shooting Range Box. This will hold solvents, jags, brushes, patches, guide rods, and tools. PLUS this unit has cradles to support your rifle. This Editor has been using the MTM Range Box for years and wouldn’t dream of attending a match without it. Order now from MidwayUSA for $47.99, or back-order from Midsouth Shooters for $41.16.
8. Amazon — Motion-Sensor LED Interior Light, $15.99
⏺ Activates when door opens, Rechargeable, 3 LED Light Levels
Here’s a great accessory for your Gun Safe or closet. This rechargeable LED lamp turns itself on when you open the door, and off when you close the door. Select three brightness levels: 10LED, 20LED, 30LED. With the supplied 3M adhesive magnetic strip you can easily attach the light to the inner walls of your gun safe. And then quickly remove the unit for charging with a standard USB cord (no batteries to replace!). It works, it’s handy, and it’s inexpensive — just $15.99 on Amazon. These motion-sensor LED lamps can also be used in garages or stairwells. NOTE: this is Amazon’s choice for rechargeable LED Motion-Sensor lights.
9. Amazon — Tipton Universal Bore Guide, $13.59
⏺ Very inexpensive but versatile for full range of chamber sizes
Bore cleaning is critical for rifle longevity and accuracy. But you need a good bore guide to avoid potential damage to your chamber and bore. This handy Tipton Universal Bore Guide ships with multiple chamber adapters. Three tapered tips are included (small fits calibers .17-.24, medium fits most calibers .25-.30, and large fits most calibers over .30). This Universal Bore Guide includes an action collar for AR rifles.
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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. Amazon — The Wind Book for Rifle Shooters, $22.99
This is the NEW May 2020 Edition, Just Released!
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.
2. Bullet Central — Farley Classic Edition Coaxial Rest, $1085
Whether for benchrest matches or F-Open, a well-made front rest is vital. Farley still makes quality, well-built rests that are favorites of benchrest shooters. Farleys are smooth-operating and match-proven.
The best way to get a Farley is to order from Bullet Central. Right now the Classic Edition Farley Rest is in stock for $1085 — nearly $300 less than some other well-known coaxial competitors.
If you want some more “bling” in your rest, Bullet Central also sells the exclusive Gold-finish Limited Edition Farley Rests. The Gold Coaxial II BR is $1265.00, while the Ltd. Edition Gold Coaxial II F-Class model is $1407.00.
3. Midsouth Shooters — All Berger Bullets on Sale
Time to stock up on projectiles! Right now Midsouth is running a big sale on Berger bullets. Pretty much all Berger competition and hunting bullets are on sale, including popular LRHT and Hybrid match bullets. You’ll find all your favorite calibers: .223, 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm (.284), and .30 Caliber. Midsouth even has the new High-BC 109gr 6mm, 153.5gr 6.5mm, 190gr 7mm, and 208gr .30-Cal Long Range Hybrid Target bullets on sale. Go to SALE HERE.
4. MidwayUSA — Rem 700 Magpul 6mm Creedmoor, $724.99
This Rem 700 rifle qualifies for $75 Mfg. Mail-in Rebate. Net Price $649.99 with rebate.
Here’s a very impressive rifle in a fun, accurate caliber. Check out this Remington 700 Magpul Enhanced Rifle in 6mm Creedmoor. On sale now at MidwayUSA for $724.99, this rig features a 20″ Heavy Barrel (threaded muzzle) and Magpul Flat Dark Earth stock with internal chassis. Note, this rifle ships complete with M-Lok bipod mount and folding bipod PLUS an X-Mark Pro externally adjustable trigger. IMPORTANT: This rifle qualifies for a $75 Remington Rebate. That lowers your net cost to $649.99 (after rebate).
5. Midsouth Shooters — Hornady A-Tip Bullet Sale
Hornady A-Tip bullets have intrigued shooters with their unique design featuring an elongated aluminum tip. Hornady claims the A-Tips provide high, ultra-consistent BCs for every bullet in the box. These A-Tip bullets are packaged from small sequential production runs, again to ensure uniformity. Right now at Midsouth, you can grab these modern A-Tip bullets at some of the lowest prices we’ve seen.
6. Grizzly Industrial — Gun Case and Range Bag Clearance
It’s great when you can find high-quality gun cases and range bags at a serious discounts. Head over to Grizzly.com for the Bald Eagle gun case and range bag clearance Sale. You will some really great deals on rifle cases and very functional stiff-sided range bags. Please check the sizes. Most of the rifle cases are 45″. For a long-barrel match or PRS rifle you may prefer the 50″ model, offered for $37.77 in blue or red, or $41.97 in black. The range bags are high quality, with stiffening foam in the sides plus padded internal dividers. We use these range bags to carry our spotting scopes and other valuable gear.
7. Cabela’s — Garmin Portable GPS units with SatComs
The biggest fear many hunters or hikers have is being lost/stranded with no way to communicate for help. Quell those fears with Garmin’s satellite-enabled GPS units. The Garmin inReach Explorer and Garmin 66i GPS both feature interactive SOS, connecting you to the GEOS 24/7 search-and-rescue monitoring center. They also allow you to send and receive text messages, no matter where you are, via advanced inReach satellite technology. Yes you can communicate even if you are miles from the nearest cell tower. Cabela’s sale prices are quite a bit cheaper than other vendors.
8. Natchez Shooters Supplies — Hornady Ammo Sale
Hornady makes quality target and hunting ammunition in an amazingly large selection of calibers. Whether for hunting, PRS, target practice, or just fun shooting you’ll find appropriate Hornady ammunition on SALE at Natchez. This is a great chance to pick up some quality ammo at very attractive prices. But don’t hesitate — the most popular cartridge types may sell out quickly.
9. Amazon – Arctic Zone Cooler, $29.99
Being truly prepared for a long match or range day requires more than just bringing guns, ammo, rests, and targets. You also need to stay hydrated and eat properly. Accordingly, a smart shooter will have a quality cooler to hold food and beverages. We were impressed with the Arctic Zone hardbody cooler. This features a clever zipperless design that provides easy access while keeping your food chilled all day long even in the summer heat.
Here’s a great set of stick-on (adhesive) splatter targets. Shots appear as bright neon yellow halos — providing easy-to-see instant feedback. The $7.99 target packs include 10 sheets of black circles, 3″ in diameter, for shooting out to 300 yards and beyond. In addition, each sheet includes 8 smaller red center bulls plus 22 stick-on black dots. You can shoot the entire target sheet, or peel off one or more circles to stick on a target backer. These also work great indoors with pistols.
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SHOT Show 2020 Hour-Long Special Episode
This week, Shooting USA features a full hour of SHOT Show coverage. If you watch just one episode of Shooting USA this year, it should be the SHOT Show 2020 Special which runs Wednesday, March 6th at 9:00 pm Eastern/8:00 pm Central on the Outdoor Channel. This episode provides a “first look” at the new guns, optics, and gear introduced for 2020. Shooting USA’s team looks at over 65 new products. Click HERE to learn more about this week’s 2020 SHOT Show episode.
2020 SHOT Show Highlights: Colt Python, Hornady A-Tip bullets, Manners PRS Stock, Volquartsen Summit .17 WSM, Ruger-57 Pistol, Pinnacle Precision Rifle, HK SP5, Impact Sport Muffs, Laugo Arms Alien Pistol, Vortex 1-10X Scope, Glock 44 Pistol, Hornady Rapid Safe and more.
Shooting USA’s SHOT Show 2020 episode airs on the Outdoor Channel Wednesday, March 6 at 9:00 pm ET and Thursday, March 7 at 3:00 pm ET. Look for Shooting USA on the Outdoor Channel. In addition, you can watch all episodes of Shooting USA on the VIMEO channel by subscription. The SHOT Show 2020 edition is just $0.99.
Here are some of the 50+ new products featured on the SHOT Show Special. Click Images for detailed product information.
Colt Python
Hornady A-Tip Bullets
Ruger-57 Pistol
Howard Leight Impact Sport Muffs
Volquartsen Summit .17 WSM
Laugo Arms Alien Pistol
Glock 44 .22LR
Vortex 1-10×24 FFP
GA Precision Pinnacle Precision Rifle
Hornady Rapid Safe Ready Vault
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SHOT Show 2020 Special Episode
This week, Shooting USA features a full hour of SHOT Show coverage. If you watch just one episode of Shooting USA this year, it should be the SHOT Show 2020 Special which runs today, March 5th at 3:00 pm ET on the Outdoor Channel. Jim Scoutten’s team works hard every January, bringing you highlights from the gun industry’s largest trade show. Jim, son John Scoutten, and other staffers prowled the 12 miles of aisles in the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, visiting many of the 1,600+ exhibitors. This episode provides a “first look” at the new guns, optics, and gear introduced for 2020. Click HERE to learn more about this week’s 2020 SHOT Show episode.
2020 SHOT Show Highlights: Colt Python, Hornady A-Tip bullets, Volquartsen Summit .17 WSM, Ruger-57 Pistol, Pinnacle Precision Rifle, HK SP5, Impact Sport Muffs, Laugo Arms Alien Pistol, Vortex 1-10X Scope, Glock 44 Pistol, and much more.
Shooting USA’s SHOT Show 2020 will air today, Thursday, March 5 at 3:00 pm ET on the Outdoor Channel. Look for Shooting USA on the Outdoor Channel. In addition, you can watch all episodes of Shooting USA on the VIMEO channel by subscription. The SHOT Show 2020 edition is jsut $0.99.
Here are some of the 50+ new products featured on the SHOT Show Special. Click Images for detailed product information.
Colt Python
Hornady A-Tip Bullets
Ruger-57 Pistol
Howard Leight Impact Sport Muffs
Volquartsen Summit .17 WSM
Laugo Arms Alien Pistol
Glock 44 .22LR
Vortex 1-10×24 FFP
H&K SP5 Semi-Auto
LaserLyte Training System
GA Precision Pinnacle Precision Rifle
Hornady Rapid Safe Ready Vault
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Doug Koenig’s Championship Season returns to the Pursuit Channel for its ninth season. On this week’s episode, Koenig shoots the Zombies in the Heartland multi-gun match in Nebraska. Sponsored by Hornady, the Zombies Match is one of the biggest 3-gun matches in the nation. Later in the episode Koenig visits Hornady’s bullet-making factory in Nebraska.
Doug Koenig’s Championship Season airs on the Pursuit Channel three times each week. NOTE: If you don’t have cable, you can view shows online on your computer or mobile device at Pursuituptv.com. Weekly Cable TV broadcast times are:
Wednesday at 5:30 pm (EST) | Friday at 9:00 pm (EST) | Saturday at 1:00 am (EST)
Koenig Competes in Zombies Match in Nebraska
Teaming up with Jason Hornady and his son, Doug travels to Nebraska to shoot the popular annual 3-Gun Zombies in the Heartland match. Using pistol, rifle, and shotgun, Doug’s team shoots the Open Division Industry Match and runs six challenging stages using zombie-themed props.
This “Pandemic” 3-Gun fun match, one of the biggest three-gun shoots in the nation, takes place each summer at the Heartland Public Shooting Park in Grand Island, Nebraska. The Pandemic features a rich prize table worth over $150,000. Prizes include pistols, rifles, shotguns, scopes, AR uppers, gun parts, and gear of all kinds.
See A-Tip Bullets Crafted at Hornady Factory
In the second part of the episode, Doug visits the Hornady production facility to see how the new, sequentially-packaged A-Tip match bullets are made. These feature a very uniform aluminum tip for consistent BCs. Doug views 6mm 110 grain A-Tips as they roll off the manufacturing line. Doug plans to use this 6mm bullet in his future PRS competitions.
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You may want to tune in to Shooting USA tonight. There are three interesting topics covered in the one-hour cable TV broadcast. Hornady’s A-Tip Bullets are featured in a product spotlight. Next the ultimate speed-shooting contest, the USPSA Steel Challenge, is covered. And for the tactical/PRS crowd, Shooting USA interviews Tom Fuller of Armageddon Gear. The hour-long Shooting USA show runs on the Outdoor Channel Wednesday nights at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific time, 8:00 PM Central time.
1. Hornady A-Tip Bullets — Worth the Very High Price?
This week Shooting USA reviews Hornady’s new A-Tip bullets. These A-Tips generated a lot of buzz because of their high price and unusual packaging. These expensive ($75-$85/box) aluminum-tipped projectiles have very consistent bullet BCs according to Hornady. They are sold in sequential order for consistency, and shipped in clear plastic egg-crate style packaging to protect the tips. The jury is still out on these bullets, as we haven’t seen them used much in competition outside the PRS realm. But if you are curious, check out this report.
2. Steel Challenge — Fun and Fast Steel Plate Competitions
For fans of steel shooting, Shooting USA will cover the famous Steel Challenge, a speed shooting competition with eight standardized steel plate stages. It’s all about speed — the top guns can nail all five targets in under three seconds. Run by the Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA) a division of the USPSA, the Steel Challenge is fast and exciting. Regional matches are held at affiliated clubs through the USA, with a large annual World Speed Shooting Championships (WSSC) that attracts competitors from around the world. In 2018 and 2019 the WSSC was held in Talladega, Alabama. LEARN MORE HERE
3. Armaggedon Gear — Tactical Accessories
Finally, this week’s Shooting USA episode visits Armageddon Gear in Georgia. This company, founded by former U.S. Army Ranger Tom Fuller, sells support bags, gun cases, slings, suppressor covers, scope covers, and a wide variety of other accessories popular with the PRS/NRL crowd. With a 22-year Military career behind him, Tom Fuller is creating and selling what he knows, shooting gear. Fuller’s company is an American success story, as Armageddon Gear now provides products to the U.S. Military, Law Enforcement, as well as PRS/NRL competitors.
Armageddon Gear Game-Changer Bag
Armageddon Gear Founder Tom Fuller:
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Hornady has a new line of A-Tip bullets, fitted with precision aluminum tips. These machined, aluminum tips resemble the plastic tips used in many other bullets, but Hornady says its aluminum tips are longer and more uniform than typical plastic tips. Also aluminum tips will not deform during flight:
“We wanted to incorporate aluminum tips in a full line of match bullets for years because we can make longer tips than we can with polymer materials,” said Joe Thielen, Assistant Director of Engineering. “This longer tip is a key component that helps move the center of gravity of the bullet rearward, thus enhancing in-flight stability and reducing dispersion.”
Hornady claims the new A-Tip bullets have more consistent bullet-to-bullet Ballistic Coefficients (BCs) than conventional fully-jacketed bullets or plastic-tipped bullets. Hornady’s new A-Tip bullets are pricey. Expect to pay from $75 to $85 per 100-ct box of 6mm, 6.5mm, and .30-Cal A-Tips. These bullets should be available by late June 2019 from Graf & Sons, Midsouth Shooters Supply, and other vendors.
There are currently five A-Tip bullet types in three calibers: 6mm (.243), 6.5mm (.264), and .308 (7.62mm). These have impressive claimed G1/G7 BCs for their respective sizes and weights. Here are the A-Tip Bullets that can be pre-ordered now for expected delivery in late June:
A special A-Tip bullet seating stem (shown above) is required for optimal bullet seating. A-Tip bullet BC values have been measured at Mach 2.25 and corrected back to ICAO Standard Atmosphere (sea level, 59° F, 29.92 inHg, 0% humidity). For Mach 2.0 and Mach 1.75 BCs, go to hornady.com/BC.
A Different Kind of Packaging
Hornady delivers A-Tip bullets in lot-specific 100-count sequences. Unlike most bullets, these new A-Tips are NOT bulk-washed (presumably so as not to dent/chip the tips. Hornady provides a polishing bag.
Here’s what Hornady explains:
“Right off the press, the projectiles are sequentially packed, for ultimate lot consistent performance, ensuring your projectiles are truly YOURS every step of the way. Think of it like shooting with clones of your load every time (100 in each box)! Minimal handling throughout the process means there’s less of a chance of YOUR bullet being marred, scuffed, or altered, which is why each box is packaged with a Polishing Bag for you to give the final buff to your beautiful new projectiles!”
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The best way to get a Farley is to order from 
