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 the new-for-2022 products from Lapua and SK.
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.
New Lapua Centerfire Match Ammunition
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. that’s remarkable for factory-loaded ammo that has not been tuned for a particular rifle. 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.
SK High-Velocity Match Rimfire Ammunitions
SK is owned by the same parent company as Lapua. 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.
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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.
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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.
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After Monday’s Media Day at the Range, Tuesday, January 18, 2022 is the official opening of SHOT Show 2022. This is an important “return to normalcy” as SHOT Show 2021 was cancelled due to COVID. While some large companies such as Ruger and SIG Sauer have pulled out of the Show, it will still be a huge event, with over 800,000 square feet of exhibits — an area the size of 14 football fields. Over 50,000 persons are expected to attend the event, which runs through Friday, January 21, 2022.
Download FREE SHOT Show Mobile App
The 2022 SHOT Show Mobile App provides part of the SHOT Show experience even if you can’t be there in Las Vegas. The SHOT Show Mobile App provides SHOT Show video feeds, product-information downloads, real-time show announcements, interactive floor maps, and more. The Mobile App is available for IOS and Android devices, with smartphone and tablet versions. You can also access many of the App’s features from a desktop computer with this WEB LINK to the SHOT Show Desktop Site.
CZ 600 Series Rifles: Range, Alpha, Lux, Ergo, Trail
CZ recently introduced the new CZ 600 line of centerfire rifles. The series includes four unique models, with a variety of stock types, barrel profiles, action lengths, and chamberings. User-friendly CZ 600 features include 60-degree bolt throw, adjustable triggers, and the ability to swap barrels/chamberings using optional conversion kits. The CZ 600 Series includes four brand new models: Alpha, Lux, Trail, and Range.* These are designed for accuracy, modularity, and smooth cycling. Expect CZ 600s at dealers in early 2022.
Controlled-Feed Action with 60° Throw: CZ 600 Rifles have a 60-degree bolt throw. This cycles faster than a 90-degree bolt, with more clearance between bolt and optic, allowing for larger scopes. All CZ 600 models boast an oversized bolt knob for improved control with gloved hands. And the actions have controlled-round-feed. The 2-position safety allows bolt cycling with the safety engaged.
Bergara Premier MGLite Rifle with Carbon-Wrapped Barrel
This new lightweight chassis rifle, was just revealed by Bergara North America. This 6.8-lb rig features a lightweight suppressor-ready carbon wrapped barrel in a modern alloy/composite chassis. Our friend Gavin Gear got his hands on a 6.5 Creedmoor Bergara’s NEW MGLite rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Gavin was impressed. The rifle shot half-inch 3-shot groups with Hornady factory ammo. The bore looked good and the trigger broke at a crisp 3 pounds. Get more details on UltimateReloader.com:
Featuring CURE Carbon barrel technology, this is a step forward for Spanish gun-maker Bergara, though we were a bit shocked at the $3229.00 MSRP. You can buy a very nice custom rifle for that much money.
Nosler Model 21 with Carbon Composite Stock
Nosler’s new Model 21 rifle boasts a crisp, single-stage TriggerTech Field model trigger, with user-adjustable pull weight of 2.5–5 lbs. and top safety. The new Model 21 features a hand-lapped Shilen match-grade barrel with a threaded muzzle. The stock is a synthetic carbon-fiber composite model that is lightweight yet durable. The Model 21 features a spiral-fluted, one-piece, 4340 chromoly steel bolt that is Nitride-coated for smooth operation and corrosion resistance. The Model 21 is available chambered in 22 Nosler, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 26 Nosler, 27 Nosler, 280 Ackley Improved, 28 Nosler, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, 30 Nosler, 33 Nosler and .375 H&H. With its light weight (under 7 lbs. without optics), Nosler’s new Model 21 should be popular with hunters.
Huskemaw — Dial Elevation AND Windage from Same Turret
An interesting riflescope was on display during Media Day at the Range on Monday. This 5-20x50mm Huskemaw Blue Diamond scope offers the ability to dial BOTH windage and elevation from the same central turret. Huskemaw says this is a patented feature which makes their optics unique. We can see that the central windage control offers some advantages in the field, and left-handed shooters will certainly appreciate the central control.
Edgewood Bags — Twisted Gator Bag
Edgewood offers an innovative rear bag with a unique design that provides arm/hand support. The new Edgewood Twisted Gater Bag has an unusual asymmetrical footprint. This provides support for the shooter while still providing superb rear support for your bench rifles. Bag owner Richard L. posted on Facebook: “I called Edgewood and explained what was going on with my current set up. When I said I used a pad for my hand support this bag made the most sense. Really only a few dollars more.” The Twisted Gator is $250.00 with a choice of Cordura or 3M Slick Ear fabrics. Standard ear spacing options are 3/16″, 3/8″, and 3/4″.
Hornady CX Copper Alloy Lead-Free Bullet
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.
RCBS Electronic Powder Scale/Dispensers — ChargeMaster Link and Supreme
On display at RCBS are the latest generation ChargeMaster™ Link and ChargeMaster Supreme. The new Link is built off the rock-solid load cell and electronics found in the popular RCBS ChargeMaster Lite, but now offers best-in-class Bluetooth® technology to make reloading easier than ever. The ChargeMaster Supreme also features Bluetooth as well as “Learning Mode” which uses feedback loop algorithms and automatic adjustments to throw accurate charges faster than ever.
DECKED Piecekeeper Firearm Storage Racks for Vehicles
Piecekeepers securely transport firearms in a DECKED vehicle drawer system. Designed for traditional rifles and shotguns, these are available in two sizes, with three slots (as shown) or two slot for the narrow DECKED drawer sets. The WIDE Piecekeepers are compatible with ALL full-size truck and cargo van drawers. Both versions contact a pair of brackets and cost $75.00.
CCI — Polymer-Coated .22 LR and Lead-free Blazer 9mm Ammo
CCI has introduced new reduced lead rimfire and centerfire ammo. For .22 LR shooters, the CCI Clean-22 Realtree bottles hold 400 rounds of polymer-coated bullets. The polymer coating reduces copper and lead fouling in the barrel, and cuts lead buildup in suppressors 60-80 percent. Handgun owners will appreciate CCI’s new Blazer Brass Lead-Free Clean-Fire Ammo. The bullets contain no lead and the primers are even lead-free. The lead-free Clean-Fire primer and flat-nose, lead-free projectiles are as safe and accurate as traditional FMJ bullets. This way you can train indoors or outdoors without leaving any lead behind on the range or in the air.
Action Target — New Technologies for Indoor Ranges
At SHOT Show Both #12816, Action Target is showcasing some impressive high-tech range equipment, including advanced target retrievers and new Shooting Stalls. The Citadel stalls feature floor-to-ceiling LED lighting and customizable bold materials. This works with Action Target’s smart range AXIS system providing advanced computerized control over lighting levels, color, and target retriever settings.
HunterShield Legal Protection Plan for Hunters (from U.S. LawShield)
U.S. LawShield’s new HunterShield program supplements U.S. LawShield’s regular legal defense coverage. Starting at $13.90 per month, the HunterShield add-on protection features a network of attorneys knowledgeable about wildlife laws throughout the nation. U.S. LawShield’s CEO, P.J. Hermosa, notes: “HunterShield recognizes the fine print, red tape, and confusion surrounding wildlife laws. Even the most experienced hunters and anglers find themselves at risk of unintentionally breaking the law. Without proper legal defense, a violation could cost you more than just time and money. It could cost your rights to ever hunt and fish again.” The U.S. LawShield core plan provides coverage for all legal firearms.
Here is the Capstone booth on Monday evening — nearly ready for the big opening Tuesday morning. We will have reports on new products from Lapua, Berger Bullets, Vihtavuori, and SK. Stay tuned!
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Take a look at that unusual target below. We bet you’ve never seen one of these before. It’s a 50-Yard Sighting Target for the M1 Garand (and other .30-06 Springfield vintage military rifles). It’s designed to allow a rifleman to confirm his zeros for multiple yardages all the way out to 1000 yards. But importantly, he can establish those zeros at a very “short” shooting facility, since the target is positioned at a mere 50 yards.
Here’s how it works. The target is placed at fifty (50) yards. You start at the bottom, aiming at the black circle. Then check your come-up table and work your way up, clicking step-by-step to the various horizontal lines set for 200, 300, 500, 600 and 1000 yards. This is NOT “spray and pray” — you need to have a pretty good idea of the clicks you need, based on your ammo’s ballistics. This target is calibrated for the U.S. Military M72 Ball Ammo. The targets are available from Champion’s Choice ($0.75 each) or from Creedmoor Sports (12 for $5.95).
Kevin Thomas used this target to get zeroed for a D-Day Anniversary Match at the Talladega Marksmanship Park a few seasons back. Kevin used the target for both his M1 Garand as well as his M1903A1 Springfield, both chambered for the .30-06 Springfield cartridge.
Zeroing at a Short Distance — How to Use the 50-Yard Sighting Target, by Kevin Thomas
As part of my preparation for the Garand Match at the CMP’s Talladega Marksmanship Park, I needed to zero my new M1 Garand, but I was crunched for time. I didn’t have time to get to my normal range and confirm zeros at actual yardages. But a 50-yard zero target came to the rescue. Made for M1s using the M72 National Match ammo, the target allows the shooter to establish fairly good zeros at 200, 300, 500, 600 and 1,000 yards if you’ve got access to a 50-yard range.
I have no idea when these 50-yard Sighting Targets were first developed, but they’ve been around for at least as long as I’ve been involved in this game (longer than I care to admit). It consists of a tall target, with a smallish black bullseye located at the bottom center. The bullseye is an aiming point only. Extending through the top of the target is a vertical line that runs directly up the center, to nearly the top of the paper. Across this, there are intersecting horizontal lines that are marked 200, 300, 500, 600 and 1,000.
The target was designed for the M1 Garand rifle using then-issued M72 National Match ammunition. This ammo launched a 173gr FMJBT bullet at approximately 2,640 FPS. It was a good load in its day, supersonic out to the 1,000-yard line. While that ammo is fairly scarce these days, this isn’t a problem for the handloader. My standard match load for the M1 Garand utilizes the 175gr Lapua Scenar HPBT, and delivers remarkably similar ballistic performance. Thus my normal Garand load translates nicely to this 50-yard target. Yes, this is by design. No point in reinventing the wheel when Lake City has already established what works!
In use, the shooter sets the target up at a measured 50 yards, and (this is critical) checks the vertical line with a plumb bob or a carpenter’s level, to ensure that it is absolutely vertical. Once the target is set, the rifle is fired and the group noted. From there, it is a simple matter of zeroing it normally to bring the groups into alignment with the vertical line, at the elevation needed for a particular range. Once your group is hammering the intersection of the vertical line and the horizontal line marked “200”, you have established your 200-yard zero for that rifle. Record the number of clicks, and you’re good to go. Raise the impacts up to coincide with the line marked “300” and you now have a 300-yard zero as well. And so on, right up the target. Record those settings in your data book, and you’re ready to go to the range at the full distances. If done carefully, you may be in the X-Ring, but at the very least, you’ll be well-centered and ready to get some hard dope recorded for future shoots.
The same target can also be used with an M14/M1A, at least at the shorter distances. The ballistics of the M118 and the current M118LR are similar enough that this will get you on target at the full distances, probably requiring just a half MOA or so change from the 50 yard zero you recorded. Same bullets, moving at a slightly more sedate 2,550 fps, you’ll be in the ballpark at least.
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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.
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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.
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Congratulations to Lapua’s Rimfire Performance Center Manager, Luke Johnson, on winning the Lapua Silhouette Super Shoot. Johnson won the Standard Rifle class with a score of 176 out of a possible 200 and a shot a perfect 40 out of 40 in the Hunter Rifle to win the class with an aggregate score of 185.
With Johnson’s perfect score in Hunter Rifle, he joins the elite 4-member club of registered masters who have shot a perfect score in both Standard and Hunter Rifle silhouette disciplines. Johnson obtained his perfect score in Standard Rifle at the 2017 National Silhouette Championship.
The Lapua Super Shoot took place May 29-30, 2021 at the “Silhouette Capital” of the USA, Ridgway Rifle Club in Ridgway, PA. It consisted of 3 x 120 round relays, all fired from the standing position. For each relay, shooters engage ten chickens at 40 meters, ten pigs at 60 meters, ten turkeys at 77 meters and ten rams at 100 meters.
“This was my 3rd perfect 40/40 of my silhouette career, all have been shot with tested Lapua Center-X,” stated Johnson, “There have only been 10 different competitors to ever fire a perfect score in registered competition. This was a special 40/40 with it being my first in Hunter Rifle class.”
Choosing the Perfect Ammo for His Rifle
Johnson’s Lapua Center-X .22 LR ammunition is matched to his firearms at Lapua’s Rimfire Performance Center indoor facility. Unique lots of ammunition are tested at 50 and 100 meters simultaneously, identifying the best performing ammunition for purchase. This service is available to all shooters who wish to gain a competitive advantage. Readers take note — you can do this type of ammo testing for your own rimfire rifles. CLICK HERE to schedule ammo testing at either of Lapua’s Rimfire Performance Centers located in Mesa, AZ or Marengo, OH.
About Luke Johnson — Past National Silhouette Champion and All-American
Johnson, a native of Marysville, PA, brings a long background of competitive shooting and hunting to Capstone. Johnson is a graduate of the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. While pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree, Luke was a 4-year letterman for the University’s D1 Rifle Team. In addition to his 3P/Prone shooting pedigree, Luke is a High Master rifle silhouette competitor. Highlights of his competitive background include: NRA Smallbore Rifle Silhouette Champion, NCAA & CRCA All-American, USA Junior National Champion (50 meter rifle).
About Lapua Bullets, Brass, and Ammunition
Lapua produces the highest-quality, small-caliber cartridges and components for civilian and professional use. Lapua is a part of the Capstone Precision Group, exclusive U.S. distributor for Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori and SK-Rimfire products. For more information, visit Lapua.com.
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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.
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High-Tech Rimfire Rigs
If you watched the smallbore position and prone shooters at the 2016 Brazil Olympic Games, you couldn’t help but notice the exotic rifles competitors were shooting. There were wood stocks, metal stocks, factory-built rifles, and customized specials. One of the more popular smallbore rifles used at the Olympics and World Cup competition has been the Anschütz model 1913 “Super Match”, fitted with the 1918 “Precise” Alumnium stock. Anschutz does have a newer 2013 model, but this 1913 remains quite popular. The Anschütz model 1913 rifle boasts remarkable adjustability to suit the 3-Position game. The wide range of adjustments allow the the rifle to be customized for the shooter, and modified to best suit each position: prone, kneeling/sitting, and standing.
Customizable rifles like this Anschütz 1913 Super Match “can make a real difference in a shooter’s performance,” explained Jessie McClain of the NRA Competitive Shooting Division. “I went from a decent shooter to making the varsity shooting team my freshman year because of the rifle.” A key feature is the fully adjustable stock, which she called the Porsche of the shooting world. Fully adjustable from the butt plate to the check piece to the hand stop and risers and bolt knobs, the aluminum stock is fully customizable to the athlete … which can be a huge advantage. “Every person is different … a customizable rifle fits anyone. A rifle team can purchase four of these and field a shooting team for years.”
The Modern Anschütz Position Rifle
Smallbore match rifle makers are using modern materials in response to the need for greater adjustability (and enhanced accuracy). One of the most popular designs is the Anschütz model 1913 position rifle with a “1918 ALU Precise” brushed aluminum stock. This looks like it has been crafted in an aircraft plant.
The Anschütz 1913 Precise — Prone Shooting with Ace Marksman
In this 7-minute video, you can see details of an Anschütz 1913 Super Match Rifle (ALU Precise 1918 stock) for the first two minutes. Then the video shows the rifle being shot from prone, viewed from multiple angles (right, left, overhead, front). Watch at the 5:15 time-mark to see how the marksman steadies his rifle for the shot. This video offers good details of feeding and prone holding.
NEXT Generation — the Anschütz Model 2013
This video shows the latest-generation Anschütz model 2013 match rifle with aluminum 2018 stock being used in a benchrest match with riflescope. Note that the 2013 action is slab-sided and silver, rather than cylindrical and blued like the older model 1913. You’ll see good close-ups of the shooter working the action and feeding rounds. Watch closely and you can see the take-up, trigger pull and firing at 00:32 and 00:57 time-marks.
On the Shooting Sports USA website, there’s a great profile of Kevin Nevius, one of America’s leading competitive marksmen. Kevin is best known for his smallbore success — Kevin won smallbore National Championships in 2008, 2010, and 2014. Kevin also has also an impressive record in long-range centerfire competition. He won the NRA 2018 Long Range Championship, while in 2005 and 2006 he won the Sierra Trophy at Camp Perry in 1000-yard competition. This story, penned by gunwriter Hap Rocketto, covers Kevin’s career, which has included multiple championships and many records.
“My brother got me into long range varmint hunting and I started building my own guns very early,” Nevius told Dan Holmes in a Pronematch.com interview. “I had a hunting friend who shot indoor smallbore who started me in three position and I was hooked.”
At the 2018 NRA Long Range Championships, Kevin Nevius went head to head against the nation’s top long-range aces this past week, and emerged on top. Besting the likes of past multi-time Long Range Champions David Tubb and John Whidden, Kevin Nevius shot superbly at Camp Atterbury to win his first NRA National Long Range Championship.Kevin built his own rifles for the match, using Kelbly centerfire actions in a Grunig & Elmiger smallbore stock. Here is Kevin’s first-hand report of his 2018 LR Championship victory.
Smallbore shooting is where I learned to build a good position, and so much of that carries forward to Long Range High Power. It was a huge shock though, the first time I looked at a 44” aiming black through aperture sights at 1000 yards! Smallbore aiming blacks are twice as big, at one tenth the distance — the fact that we can hit something at 1000 yards with that sight picture still amazes me!
Here are highlights from Hap Rocketto’s Profile of Kevin Nevius:
Champion shooter Kevin Nevius grew up in a household that did not allow firearms, an unlikely beginning for one of the United States’ premier prone rifleman and gunsmiths. Once out on his own he fell in with his brother who enjoyed long-range varmint hunting. His natural bent for things mechanical (he is a professional structural engineer) soon had him tinkering with rifles, which eventually led him to building his own.
Everything fell into line for him in smallbore during the 2008 season. After shooting a series of training matches in which he was most successful, he arrived at Camp Perry at the peak of performance and won his first National Smallbore Rifle Conventional Prone Championship. Kevin came back strong in 2010, winning the inaugural individual National Smallbore Rifle Metric Prone Championship, as well as the team title at Bristol, IN. [Kevin then won the Smallbore Conventional Prone Championship in 2014 with a practically perfect score of 4799-390X (LINK).]
Along the way, Nevius has won some impressive national records. In conventional competition he co-holds the 1200-shot metallic sight aggregate record of 1200-102X. He was just one shot short of perfection in the 480 aggregate, where he holds the civilian record of 4799-412X, just one point behind, and 11 Xs ahead of, Joe Hein’s 4800-401X open record.
Kevin Nevius hopes to build a smallbore rig capable of 3/8-MOA at 100 yards.
Building the Ultimate Rimfire Prone Rifle
Kevin is not just a great trigger-puller. He also smiths his own rifles. His current goal as a gunsmith is to build a rimfire rifle that will shoot 3/8″ groups at 100 yards. That’s a big challenge — 3/8-MOA represents very good accuracy for a centerfire rifle with handloaded ammo. But if any rimfire smith can build a rifle that will shoot that well at 100, it’s probably Kevin.
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Lapua has kicked off its 2020 Sizzling Summer Savings Rebate Program. From July 15 through August 31, 2020 you can get 10% Cash Back on qualifying Lapua Scenar bullets and rifle cartridge cases. With this Summer Rebate you can get up to $200 back on your Lapua bullet and brass purchases.
This is quality stuff. Lapua brass is used by top shooters in all disciplines, and Lapua Scenar bullets show outstanding accuracy and consistency. We’ve had superb results with Scenar bullets in multiple rifles and even set a local range record with the 6mm 105s.
– Lapua Scenar bullets have a proven record on the range and the battlefield. They’re a popular tangent ogive, HPBT design that is extremely accurate with excellent base-to-ogive and weight uniformity.
– Lapua cartridge cases set the standard for quality, uniformity, and long life. Strong primer pockets, superior annealing processes, and dimensional uniformity deliver superior accuracy and longevity. There is a reason winning shooters use Lapua.
To get your rebate, complete the online form at Capstonepg.com/LapuaRebate or fill out an order form from your favorite retailer. You will need the original online order receipt or the retailer cash register receipt showing the retailer name and date of qualifying product purchase.
About Lapua — Renowned for Quality
Lapua is world-renowned for producing the finest bullets and cartridge cases. Starting with the highest-quality raw materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, Lapua components are highly sought-after by competitive shooters, Mil/LE operators and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Lapua is a part of the Capstone Precision Group, exclusive U.S. distributor for Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori and SK-Rimfire products. For more information, visit .
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New Lapua Cartridge Brass:
Precision Benchrest and F-Class shooters favor premium brass from 
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.”
For the past few days, the 
The 
Metallic Silhouette — A Mexican Import
Before Steel There Was… Barbeque
High-Tech Rimfire Rigs
Champion shooter Kevin Nevius grew up in a household that did not allow firearms, an unlikely beginning for one of the United States’ premier prone rifleman and gunsmiths. Once out on his own he fell in with his brother who enjoyed long-range varmint hunting. His natural bent for things mechanical (he is a professional structural engineer) soon had him tinkering with rifles, which eventually led him to building his own.
