Welcome to our first issue of 2010

January 2010 Issue

Club Features Support Your local Gunshop Event reports Gallery Rifle Third part feature article.308 Winchester F Class and Centerfire Benchrest News Target Shooter 1

SGC 9mm Review Lilja Barrels New Products and lots more..

2

Target Shooter

NOW ALMOST 3 TIMES THE SIZE FOR 2010 !...... A massive 112,000 sq ft, dry, weatherproof, indoor arena

The UKs Total

Gunmakers Halls just get bigger and bigger...Handle and evaluate a truly vast selection of shotgun and rifles. 5 huge halls packed with gun manufacturers stands, retailers, specialist services and accessories, including; custom rifle builders ammunition and reloading gun retailers shooting aids huge range of scopes and optics field cutlery wildfowling decoying stalking shooting grounds shotgun simulators range days safaris shooting associations and even master craftsmen engravers, stock cutters & gunsmiths at work.

Even more to do, more to see and more to buy!

Shooting Show

Just some of the guns on show and for sale...

Thousands of guns & accessories at the UKs premier shooting show.The British Shooting Show will provide a packed weekend of interest for all shooting enthusiasts. The eight main halls, including Gunmakers Halls, Airgun City, Arms Heritage, Gamekeeping and Gun Dogs now covers over 112,000 sq ft!Clay coaching line for novices & young shots Clay competitions, including 50 bird sporting with 1500 in trophies & prizes Browning rabbit mania Pool shoot & ZZ birds Airgun try before you buy Airgun competitions for guns & trophies Olympic 10 m match airgun Laser clays and laser rifle Shotgun simulators.

PLUS A PACKED PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES...

FOX

PGW

Now a massive 5 times bigger for 2010. 18,000 sq ft of manufacturers

FREE PRIZE DRAWS AND COMPETITITONS FOR GUNS & ACCESSORIES WORTH OVER 6000.eg; Sako Quad rifle from GMK, B525 Sporter from Browning, 912S shotgun from Webley plus much more... from Deben, Armex & Brocock etc.

STEYR

packed with interest for the airgun enthusiast.AIRGUN EXTRAVAGANZA - THE BIG AIRGUN EXPERIENCE

stands, airgun retailers, accessories, optics, clubs and associations. 39 lane rifle & pistol shooting range, including Olympic 10 metre match, and try before you buy. The UKs premier airgun event

Save s -on special show only offers...Main Show Sponsor;

ZOLI

See the fascinating world of antique & classic arms.

Sponsored by Marsdens Game Feeds, GamekeepersHall will provide hospitality and an insight into specialist products and services.

Newark Showground, Newark, Notts, NG24 2NYOpening times - 9am to 4.30pm Both Days

Sat 27th & Sun 28th Feb 2010www.theshootingshow.co.uk

Officially Supported by The;

Tel; +44 (0) 1472 241439 info@shownews.co.uk BUY TICKETS ONLINE - GET FAST TRACK ENTRY & SPECIAL PARKING Target Shooter 3 On the day; Adults 12.00, 8 to 15yrs 5.00 Under 8s Free. Buy online & save: Visit the website for more information or tel 01472 241439.

WelcometotheFirst2010Issue .......ofTargetShooter23 SYSS Mini RiflebyTimFinley

Sections6 10 12

ShootingSportNews ShootersCalendar MindGamesbyCarl Boswell GadgetGallery SupportyourLocalGun Shop ShootingBlackPowder PistolbyChrisRisebrook QuigleyAssociation SpecialReport WebsiteoftheMonth 2009ImperialMeeting AmmunitionbyChris White

The Fabulous sixes 20 byVinceBottomley 29 32 38 51 57 63 75 79 90 91

40 Wildcats -

17

46 The SGC 9mm Lever Release RiflebyGwynRoberts

62 Lilja Barrels byAndyDubreuil

RifleandRangeBagsby NigelGreenaway GunoftheMonth SmallboreBusiness byDonBrook AlfaCO2TargetPistol ReviewbyHayleyPlatts Special-FieldsportsTV BianchibyGwynRoberts ClubFeature

70 Field Target USAStylebyPaulCray

4

OLD FAITHFUL THE .308 WINCHESTER (part 3)byLaurie Holland

82 HANDLOADING

98

112 Letters 113 AdvertisersIndex

Target Shooter

Association Pages101 103 105 107 110 111 UKBRA UKBR22 F-Class HFTNews GalleryRifle UKPSA Editor(s). CarlBoswellandVinceBottomley Advertising and Office Manager AndyDubreuil.email;admin@targetshooter.co.uk Contributors VinceBottomley AndyDubreuil ChrisWhite TimFinley LaurieHolland ChrisRisebrook CarlBoswell DonBrook ChrisFarr NigelGreenaway GwynRoberts PaulCray KenHall LesHolgate HayleyPlatts

Webitorial - January 2010The web is a fantastic place. Its where I first learnt about rimfire benchrest all those years ago, found Brownells-orderedfartoomuchandmetpeopleoflike-mindfromallovertheworld.Vincewasoneof thefirstthatIcontactedintheUKaboutrimfireBR,ashewaspushingtheideaatthetime.Itallstarts somewhereandthewebhasgrownexponentiallyoverthelastfifteenyears. Whenthewebreallystartedtobecomeuser-friendly,therewasawealthofinformationoutthereandthe vastmajorityofitfree.Morethanthat,itwasfun!Thingschangeandthedotcomboomhasbeenandgone. Companiestaketheworldwidewebasaseriouselementoftheircommercialbusiness.Weallknowthis fromtheconstantadsthatpopupaswesurf.Wealsoknowthatwehavetopayformostofwhatweget. Informationiseasytoaccessbutmoreoftenthannot,thereisacharge. Whatisnice,isthatrecentlytheformatofTargetShooterbeingadigitalmagazinehasbeentakenon board by others in the UK shooting fraternity.Air Gunner andAirgun World have recently released their digitaleditions.Youstillhavetopayforasubscription,whichisfairenoughasthesemagazinesdonotpay forthemselves.However,thisrecentinnovationdoessuggestthisisthefutureformagazinesingeneraland forshootingitisastepforward. Although Target Shooter was the first online shooting magazine in the UK, it was preceded by other magazinesintheUSA.TheNRAofAmericahasamonthlydigitalmagazinewhichwereviewedashorttime ago.Again,likeTargetShooter,thismagazineisfreegoingbacktothegeneralaimsoftheinternetwhen itfirststarted. IsupposewhatIamtryingtosayisthatwithamagazinethatisfreetoview,theonlyincomewederiveto payforourcontributorsisouradvertisingrevenue.Soplease,ifyouseeaproductbesuretotelltheperson youarebuyingitfromwhereyousawit.Thisway,wecankeepTargetShooterfreetoall. Thenewyearstartswithlotsgoingon,suchastheShootingShowatNewarkinFebruary.Wewillbethere, notonastandmindyou,asthismeansyouhavetocometous.Wewillbeinthethickofitwithyouguys, findingoutaboutnewproducts,whatsgoingon,etc.SoifyouseeuswiththeTargetShooterlogoacross ourchests,pleasestopandsayhello. Toallofyou,haveafantastic2010. Untilnextmonth.Andy,Carl&Vince

CarlBoswell-carl@targetshooter.co.ukandVinceBottomley-vinceb@targetshooter.co.ukand AndyDubreuil-admin@targetshooter.co.ukCopyrightTrinityDigitalPublishingLtdDisclaimerThewebsitewww.targetshooter.co.ukispartofTargetShootermagazinewithallcontentsofbothelectronicmediacopyrighted.Noreproductionispermittedunless writtenauthorisationisprovided. Information,pricesanddataisbelievedtobecorrectatthetimeofpostingontheinternetwhichisonoraroundthe1stofeachmonth.Advertisementsthatarefirearm relatedarefromcompaniesorindividualsthatTargetShootermagazinebelievesarelicensedtoholdsuchfirearmsandacceptsnoresponsibilityifcompaniesor individualsarenotsolicensed. LettersandphotographssubmittedbymembersofthepublictoTargetShootermagazinewillbeacceptedonthebasisthatthewriterhasagreedtopublicationunless otherwisestated.TargetShootermagazinehasnocontroloverthecontentorownershipofphotographssubmitted. Theviewsexpressedinthismagazinearenotnecessarilytheviewsofthepublishersandrelatetospecificcircumstanceswithineacharticle.Thesearetheopinions andexperiencesofwritersusingspecificequipment,firearms,componentsanddataundercontrolledconditions.Informationcontainedintheonlinemagazineoronthe websiteisintendedtobeusedasaguideonlyandinspecificcircumstancescautionshouldbeused.TargetShooterMagazinedoesnotexceptanyresponsibilityfor individualsattemptingtorecreatesuchtestingusinganyinformation,dataorothermaterialsinitselectronicpages.PublishersofTargetShootermagazine.

Target Shooter

5

Shooting Sport NewsIt is nice to let our readers know that the contributors can walk the walk. Our very own Nigel Greenaway has won a numberofeventsin2009.In hiswords; Following my experiment in building a single AR15 lower but with two different uppers to shoot either Practical Rifle or Civilian Service Rifle - as detailedintheJuneissueunderAR15 Combinations - Ive managed to do the double! InthesummerIwontheServiceOpticclassinthe NationalCivilianServiceRiflecompetitionsandI have also won this years Practical Rifle League (best5compstocountoutof8).IfthetruthbeknownI havefoundthatmySouthernGunCompanySSR-15

with lighterprofile H-Bar barrel topped with a Nightforce 2.5-10x24 NXS did the job in both disciplines.

A

TheCheshireshootingproductsoutfitheadedbykeen shooterJohnDeanandhiswifehasraisedtheprofile of the American Sightron riflescope range markedly sinceittookonimportanddistributiononayearago, achievinghealthysalesdespitetherecession. AimFieldSportshasnowaddedSightronbinoculars to its optical products range alongside the scopes, supplying a selection of models. As with the rifle scopes, Sightron produces its Binoculars in Series I,II,andIII,specificationandpricerisinginlinewith the series number. Weve had a chance to look at a pair in the middle SII range, the Blue Sky 10X42 model,andbeenimpressed.Theseroofprismglasses featurefullyandphase-coatedlensusingblue-green coatingswhichseemtobeafeatureofthemarque. Thereisobviouslysomegoodopticaldesigninsideas their performance has so far proven impressive in a rangeoflightconditions.AswiththeSightron8-32X56 targetriflescopewhichVinceBottomleyreviewedfor TargetShooter(July2009issue),resolution,contrast andlightgatheringareexcellent. At0.65Kg(1lb7ounces),5(145mm)longandjust under 5 (175mm) maximum width, theyre compact and light for their performance. A black rubberized coatingmakesforagoodgripandpleasanttouchin anyweatherconditions,andspeakingofwhichtheyre waterproof of course. Focus adjustment is the usual barreltypeadjusterbetweentheopticaltubeswhich

im Field Binoculars

Sports

Adds

SightronNew from Aim Field Sports,Sightron binoculars

operatesthe lenssmoothly.Anunusualtouch istherightlensfine-adjusterusedtocompensatefor differencesintheuserseyesightandwhichemploys a little lever at the front of the main adjuster barrel. Asusual,yougetanyloncarrycase,lenscapsand carrying strap for your money. The 10X42 model retails for 325, the Series II Blue Sky sister 8X42 modelfor20lessgoodvalueforthebuildquality, finishandperformance. ContactAimFieldSportsLtdonwww.aimfieldsports. com email:sales@aimfieldsports.com Telephone01606860678

6

Target Shooter

Q

If youre serious about handloading and want to experiment, or youre having a new rifle built for a cartridgeyouveneverloadedfor,andforwhichthere is only limited or even no loads data, you need the QuickLOAD PC internal ballistics program. This has recently been updated with a large number of new cartridges, bullets and powders in its V3.5 form that runs on Microsoft 2000, XP and Vista operating systems.(Itsdesignerandproducer,H.G.Broemelof BabenhauseninGermanyisveryswitchedon,soone imaginesaWindows7versionwillappearinshortorder.) QuickLOAD is a very clever and flexible computer modelling program that includes huge databases of standardbarreldimensions,cartridge,caseandbullet dimensions, capacities etc.The propellants database runs to somewhere around three figures including manymakesandgradeswedontseehere.Thislatest version is pretty up to date including 6.5 Creedmoor and6.5X47Lapuacartridges,butthedatabasedoesnt just hold currently manufactured factory cartridges suchasthispair,withdataforscoresifnothundredsof wildcats. Taking cartridges with 6mm in their names (but excluding .243 which are listed separately) I counted 47 listed alphabetically / numerically from 6XC to 6-284 6mm/284 Shehane, around three-quarters of which Id never heard of, many being European wildcats or proprietary designs. As wellasstandardcaseandcartridgedimensions,the watercapacityinbothgrainsand CCs

uickLOAD, QuickTARGET and QuickTARGET Unlimited Version 3.5

has been measured for a typical case for each cartridge (or possibly computer generated in many examples). Select your bullet and COAL (if differentfromtheSAAMI/CIPstandard)andtheprogram calculates the usable internal case volume. Finally select barrel length, powder and charge and click on the Apply & Calculate icon and QuickLOAD will use its internal ballistics algorithms to calculate pressure and MV, barrel time, the percentage of the powder chargethatwillbeburnedandafewotherthingstoo if you want. You can see a pressure / MV graph, or specify other displays including a very useful text file thatgivesarangeofresultsfromsmallstepseitherside ofyourbasepowderchargeweightwithHotLoadand DangerousLoadwarnings(thatexceedCIP/SAAMI PMaxallowedlevels). How accurate is it? Its a model, not a real firearm and makes assumptions about barrel and bullet dimensionsaswellaspowdercharacteristics,sothere arelotsofhealthwarnings.Oneshouldcheckresults againstpublisheddata(assumingthereisany),aswell as starting low and working charges up as always. However,itstheonlywayyourelikelytogetaloadfor the newAlliant Reloder 17 for the very old 6mm Lee Navytotakeasillyexample!Itsaccurateenoughfor thebulletcompaniestouseitasthestartingpointfor load development whenever theyre working data up foranewproductorcartridge. The UK supplier for the QuickLOAD suite is Julian Savory who trades as JMS Arms, website: www.soundmoderators-UK.com Email:Julian@jsavory.free-online. co.uk Telephone:01444400126

have just launched an online magazine that can be downloaded and subscribed too for free. Perdersoli is one of thje main companies that manufacture reproductionBlackPowderfirearmsandaccessories-butyouknew thatalready. Todownloadthecataloguegoto;Click here ToSubscribe,goto;Click here PerdersoliisdistributedintheUKbyVikingArmsLtd.

P

edersoli

http://www.vikingarms.com/

Target Shooter

7

A

-theyhavegottenholdofthegreatSmith&Wesson M&P1522lrsalongwiththelongawaitedSigsauer 522sandcoltumarexsemiauto22lrs Ifyourintoyour22rimfireswiththemilitarylookand feeltothemthenwehave3newoptionsforyouto complimentthealreadypopularSpikestacticaland tacticalsolutions22M4carbinesweimport Check out the website for all the details of these greatnewriflesforukshooters www.nwcustomparts.comorgiveusaringon01614081155the firstbatchshouldbeintheUKbythetimeyouread this.

nother first for the UK market North West Custom Parts

N

itemsforaspecialisedmarket,thatthecompanywill treat them as premium products and price up Nammo Lapua Oy has confirmed it will launch a accordingly. small primer (SP) version of its .308 Winchester SP cases will be headstamped Lapua Palma case at the US SHOT Show which takes place in .308withtheUSPalmaTeamspermissionasthe LasVegasstartingon19thJanuary.TomWhitaker, legaltitleownerofthename,butwillgoongeneral US Palma rifle team Vice-President (West Coast) sale.They wont replace the standard large-primer asked the company in 2007 if it would consider version which continues in production. Dan producing such cases and this led to the team Simpson(PalmaTeamVice-President,EastCoast) being supplied with 1,000 sample cases for andTomWhitakerconfirmthatresultsfromthenew evaluationoverthe2009season.Changesarenot brass are excellent both in testing and in actual limitedtoprimerpocketdimensions,butalsoseea competition over the season. Lapua has movetothesmallflash-holediameterusedin.220 naturally carried out intensive tests of its own too Russian (PPC), 6mm BR Norma, and 6.5X47mm beforeputtingthisversionintoproduction,andhas Lapuacases(0.061comparedtotheusual0.080). obviously been satisfied with the results. Small Otherwise,theSPcaseisidenticaltoexistingLapua primer cases may not provide improved .308W brass with normal dimensions and wall accuracy (smaller groups), but are proven to thicknessitisnotaspecialthin-walledBRversionas deliver reduced velocity spreads which is what producedbyRemingtonmanyyearsago.Lapuasays Palma Team members were looking for Dan caseswillnotbeloose-packedasnormal,butcome Simpson and Tom Whitaker report a 30% extreme innewsegmentedplasticcasesinLapuaBluethat spread MV reduction, sometimes more, is double up as loaded ammunition boxes. This achievable.Thisresultsinlessverticalhitdispersion suggests,alliedtotheirbeinglow-volumeproduction onthetargetatextremerangesallotherthingsbeing equal. The new Lapua Small Primer Palma cases will have the same case-head, primer pocket and flash-hole dimensions as its 6.5X47L and 6BR brass (right). A Large Primer Lapua .308W case is shown on the left for comparison

EW LAPUA PALMA .308 SMALL-PRIMER CASES

8

Target Shooter

All competences in one hand

Accurate distance in mtrs or yds

Holdover value correction in cm or ins

Visual ExperienceNEWBright, fast and accurate

The Ultimate

56 mm lenses: Observation from dawn to dusk.

The new Victory RF binoculars with 56 high-performance lenses provide bright, high-contrast and sharp images at an incredibly low weight. The integrated laser rangefinder displays the target distance with lightening speed and accuracy. Combined with the calculation of the correct holdover value through the Ballistic Information System (BIS), the RF 56 sets new standards in terms of safety and precision.

Victory 8 /10 x 56 T* RFwww.zeiss.co.uk/sportsoptics

Target Shooter

9

Calendarofeventsoverthenextfewmonths13 Jan2010GrandPrixofPlsenThecompetition runs from 13th to 17th January Location: Plsen, CZE 27 Jan 2010 Munich Airgun International, GER Thematchrunsfrom27thto30thJanuary2010. Location:Munich,GER 19 JanHighpowerRifleAssociationMatch (NationalShootingCentre(NSC),Bisley) Reduceddistance80roundXTC. http://www.highpowerrifle.co.uk 27 JanCivilianServiceRifleCompetition (NationalShootingCentre(NSC),Bisley) Entry forms for the event being held on Sunday 27JanuaryarenowavailableviatheNRAwebsite Contact(s):MartinFarnan 19 FebBritishAirgunChampionships Thechampionshipsrunfrom19th-21stFebruary. Email:competitions@nsra.co.uk 20 Feb TargetShotgunFestival(NationalShooting Centre(NSC),Bisley) Calling all Section One shotgun owners. The Target Shotgun Festival has unique and challenging competition stages that are engaged with solid slug, SG/buckshot and birdshot ammunition.Contact(s):BrianThomas 21 Feb CumberlandNewsRifleClub-Carlisle LSR-AirPistol&AirRifleOpenShoot-detailsat: www.cnrc.org.uk/open.htm contact:BobNicholson:bob@cnrc.org.uk 23 Feb TargetShotgunFestival(NationalShootingCentre(NSC),Bisley) After proving popular at the Gallery RifleAction Weekendswenowhaveadedicatedevent!This Target Shotgun Festival will consist of an eightstagematchandaSnookerMatch.Thesehavea varietyoftargets(staticandmoving),firingpositions and distances to test your shooting prowess.Contact(s):BrianThomas

Ifyourcluborassociationhaseventsyouwanttopubliciseherethenemailus.27 to 28 FebTheBritishShootingand CountrymanShow-Telephone01472241439 Email-info@shownews.co.uk http://www.shootingshow.co.uk/ 7 MarEuropeanAirgunChampionships TheChampionshipsrunfrom7thto14thMarch. Location:Meraker,NOR 27 Mar to 28 Mar Gallery Rifle - SpringAction Weekend (National Shooting Centre (NSC), Bisley).Contact(s):BrianThomas 3 to 5 Apr BisleyClubsEasterMeeting (National Shooting Centre (NSC), Bisley) This year the Easter Meeting will be run by the City RifleClub.Contact(s):PatDrummy 25 Apr Somerset SBSA Open Shoot. (Rifle) LongAshtonRanges.Tel.01275836442.Email. julian.withey@btinternet.com 22/23 May CumberlandNewsRifleClub-Carlisle AirGunsOpenChampionship-2x60shot detailsat:www.cnrc.org.uk/open.htm contact:DavidErskine:urkers@aol.com 26 Sep Somerset SBSA Open Shoot. (Rifle) LongAshtonRanges. Tel.01275836442.Email.julian.withey@btinternet.com

If you have any events or matches in the Winter that you would like to advertise FREE here, then please contact us at;

customer.services@ targetshooter.co.uk10 Target Shooter

Bench Rest Powder Measure

108.34

The superior design of our Bench Rest Powder Measure throws uniform charges. The charge arm/operating handle meters the powder and dispenses a flow of powder that is free from extremes in variation while minimizing powder shearing. The powder hopper's built- in baffle feeds powder into the charge arm very uniformly. Convenient and simple to use. Shown on Stand (sold separately) 21.67

Case Neck Graphiter

12.69

The smart way to clean and lubricate you case necks

Without proper lubrication, pulling the expander button through the case neck, can cause stretching and distortion. But oil-based case lubes are not recommended because of the possibility of contaminating the powder. The case neck graphiter brushes the inside of the case neck clean whilst leaving a thin film of motor mica, that

61.13

A real carbide cutter makes the difference in this Outside Neck Turner. Pilots in 29 different caliber offerings, including .50 BMG! In terms of improved accuracy, no single reloading function provides a greater return on your time investment than turning eccentric case necks to a consistent wall thickness. At the point of ignition, your brass must expand to allow bullet release. If the brass is thicker on one side of the case than the other, the thin side releases the bullet first and causes a slight bullet-to-bore misalignment that can seriously impair accuracy. The Forster Hand Outside Neck Turner features precision ground pilots, micrometer adjustment knob, and the industry's only Carbide Neck Thickness Cutter. A larger Caseholder (part #HOT100-102) is required for cases that are .593" TO .812" in diameter at the base of the case .

Hand Held Outside Neck Turner

Deburring Tool Base

27.70

This special base for our Inside-Outside Deburring Tool makes cha mfering and deburring arge numbers of cases effortless. The Forster deburring tool slots in either way round and the Forster Power Adaptor can be added to make the who le operation even easier.

Deburring Tool 17.15 Power Adaptor 13.16

Tel: 01977 681639 TIM HANNAM Fax: 01977 684272 Peckfield Lodge, Great North Road, Leeds, LS25 5LJ Email: sales@timhannam.com www.timhannam.com Target Shooter 11

Mind Games

By Carl BoswellAwhileago,Iwroteanarticleforanothermagazine askingthequestionHowdoyoutrain?.Apretty open question to be honest! This article is not simply a reprint but another look at the same question. Forsome,trainingwillmeangoingtotherangeeach weekend,orpossiblytwiceoreventhreetimesa week if you are lucky and shooting on whatever target is appropriate to your particular discipline. This is the basic option we all hopefully have but, I often extend the question into what is my objective in other words what am I expecting to achieve each time I go up to the range and shoot.Ifwearealreadygoodshots,howdowe become better, improve for the next weekend shoot or even become national or world class?. Its something to think about if you are serious aboutshooting,orevenifyouarejustshootingfor thefunofit-letsfaceit,mostofusdothelatter.

WhilstIwritethis,Ithinkaboutmy A shooters diary - an easy and inexpensive tool for own skills in shooting, what my training. strengths are and what perceived areas for improvement I have in otherfields.Asanex-pistolshooter I know that certain physical skills are no longer honed to the extent I would like, where some aspects ofmyrifleshootingarehonedtoa reasonably good level. The key factor in all of this is mind preparation - having mental strength is paramount to success. I am in no way an expert on this issue, not being a psychologist but they do say that shooting is 90% mental. Although I offer no empirical evidence to confirm this, I have to say that from my own experience and from observing others,Iwouldconferthatitis! Preparing a mental program to stimulate development is all about setting short and long term goals. If you are serious aboutImagery above courtesy of Mental Managment Systems

12

Target Shooter

answers: My rifle is tuned to perfection, my ammunition is tuned to my rifle, the techniques I useareperfectetc. Theseanswersareundoubtedlytrue.Somemay also claim that they have ultimate confidence in themselves because they have trained both mind and body. These answers are achievable becauseapersonhasthementalskillstoperceive whenanythingiswrong,tbeitequipmentorhow they are using their physical skills. This is often on a subconscious level, as a good shooter will havetrainedthemselvessowellthattheydonot thinkonaconsciouslevel.Somedothisnaturally. I know of one world champion who can take months off, go to a match and beat most if not all people attending. Lucky Devil I hear you shout he is very good at what he does. For most,westrugglewithconfidenceandthemental skillstoremainconstantlystabletoperformwhat essentiallyisaverydifficulttasktothebestofour ability. If it was easy to shoot every bullet through the same hole, it would be pointless dong it as everyone would be achieving world champion scores. Having self confidence is not as easy as it sounds and in reality it can be difficult to accomplishunlessyouaccesssomesortofhelp.

An excellent book for any shooter or sportsman - I found this an invaluable starting point Personally,Ihavetoworkandstruggleateverything Ido.Everythinghasapaymentintimeorenergy competition then its something that you should thatIhavetobuildintoadailyroutine.Isaydailyas consider doing. It can start by having a shooting Ipracticeatsomethingeverydaynotnecessarily notebook - a positive action. Various notes can shooting.ThisisinmymindsetatthemomentasI be used for later evaluation, from ammunition havetakentwomonthsofftohaveabitoffunand developmenttoshootingtechniques. nowthedailyroutineisstartingtoestablishitself Thenotebookcanhelpyouanswersomesimple again,buildinguptothenationalandinternational questions: matchesnextyearthisprocessisnotagrindasI lookforwardtoitandIseeitasapositiveprocess! WhatdidIdotoprepareforthatlastcompetition? Whatwassuccessful? Havingknowledgeofonesselfisakeyfactor.If HowwelldidIdo? youthinkyouarebrilliantbutyourshootingdoes WhataspectscanIimproveon? notliveuptowhatyouthinkaboutyourself,then HowwillIimprovethem? youmaybeoverconfidentandtechniqueisreally something you should develop. On the reverse No doubt you can think of other questions. side of the coin, you may lack confidence and yourshootingabilitysuffersasaresult.Thisisa Notice the questions are not in a negative form simplisticviewanditdoesgetalotmorecomplex. -suchasWhatdidIdowrong?WhydidInot win? Questioning yourself in a negative way I know those, including myself, who read lots of can actually reinforce any negative actions. development literature, shooting sport related books, listen to lots of visualisation tapes, Ifyouasktopshooterswhatmaybeoneoftheir hopefully building both confidence and attitude secrets to success, you could get a variety of Target Shooter 13

towards the objectives or goals that are set. Some good books about the technical side of trainingareSuccessfulRifleShooting(somegood training exercises) and The Ultimate in Rifle Accuracy (some good technical information). There are also a lot of on-line materials that you can also access. Watching other shooters compete and talk positively about their shooting helps,evenifyourareattemptinganothertypeof shooting.Thentryapplyingtheconstructivethings learntandlookingatyourperformanceintheshort termandthelongterm-apositivemoveforward. So how can we start to mentally prepare? Firstly, we can start with ourselves and consider the needs that we, as individuals, require to pursueoursportatthehighestlevel.Eachofus willbedifferentofcourseandatsomepointyou should enlist the help of a colleague (or coach, if you are fortunate) to view the way you shoot on a technical or even a psychological level. Simplistically, coaching relates to these two elements, the technical and the psychological. Having the level of confidence in your training (thus your capability) and the correct mental attitudewillbeeffectiveinachievinghigherscores, asbothmindandbodyareworkingtogetheronan automaticlevel. Nowwecangointoareawheresomeofyoumay This title and others are good extensions for feel less comfortable, as we start to get into the developing mental skills Zenofshooting. LannywasanOlympicgoldmedallistinthe70s and many times world champion. Having used There are a many help manuals and courses some of Lannys work, the books and digital outthere.TheserangefromtheNeuroLinguistic resourcesareverymuchworththeeffortasthereare Programming (NLP) to Accelerated Learning to processes and ideas that you can put into place Life Coaching to Self Hypnosis Therapy to the very easily to help you self-coach. Whats nice Psychological Coaching that most people would about these resources is that they come in feelcomfortablewith. starter formats like Winning in Mind book/ CD Whateveryourbag,Iwouldsaygreat,aslongas and go onto more sophisticated material like the youaregettingsomethingfromitanditisproviding Performance Coaching works and the Mental confidence and helps to your strengthen mental ManagementforShootingSports.Thesespecific abilities. materials I have found invaluable over this last yearparticularlyandtheyhavepaidoffwithrecent PersonallyIhavereadanumberofliteraturesboth achievements. A variety of exercises are about he sychology f hooting nd hose ersonal includedineachproduct,butIwouldstartoffwith t p os a t p improvementtechniquesnamedabove.Someare thesimplerbookfirst. usedinindustry,educationandanumberofother sports.Allofthemwillworktoagreaterorlesser AnotherbookthatIhavereadrecentlyisavailable degreedependingonthetypeoflearneryouare. fromtheNSRAisMentalTraininginShootingby AnneGretheJeppesenand nneMartePensgaard. A One series of books and tapes on self help for This book although focusing on prone and 3 traininginshootingarewrittenbyLannyBassham position shooting - book offers a lot in terms of these are amongst my personal favourites. theexercisesthatcanbeaccomplishedeasilyby

14

Target Shooter

This specific book is realtively new and based on extensive research. A lot of very good strategies

the reader. It is laid out in practical fashion and suggestshowtheseexercisesworkandhowthey dowork.TheauthorsevenrelatesomeofBashams work.This is a relatively new book, published in 2006butrecentlyavailableintheUK,wherethe Basshamproductshavebeenaroundforawhile heevenhasane-zinethatyoucansubscribetoo. On a personal level I would suggest accessing a number of starter NLP books too numerous in number to mention - that confirms at lot of the strategies from the resources noted above and even build on them. When looking at this or other material, you do havetoknowwhatyouaredoinginthefirstplace. Shooting by yourself is not always conducive to developing new skills and it sometimes takes working with others, taking on suggestions and, alwaysbutalways,askingwhy,whatandhow!Why

doesthebulletdothatonarainyday?Howcan otherpeoplereadthewindbetter?Howdotheyknow whenitisrighttotaketheshot?Whatwillhappenif thewindismovingfromthisparticulardirection?Etc. Whatever form of training you take on, be it readingmaterialIhavementionedhere,coaching, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Accelerated Learning, hypnosis etc., I guess what I am saying is dont leave it to chance. Ask around, evenacolleagueattheclub.Butaskintheright way!!! Consider thinking about phrasing things positivelytosuggestHowcanIshootbetterinwindy conditions? Asking What am I doing wrong? reinforcesthenegativeandwillprobablymakeyou dothethingsyoudontwanttodo,evenmore.Ifyou haveagoodcoach,thenusetheirskills.Ifyouwant toself-coachthentakethisroutebyreadinglotsof informationorevengoingasfarastakingabasic

Target Shooter

15

coachingcourse,whichmostbigassociationsoffer.

AsIsaidinmypreviousarticle-someofyouout therereadingthismayhaveaccesstoacoachof somelevel.Ifso,thisisexcellentasyouwillhave access to a wide variety of materials and other training that is not available to others. This is a privilegethatIhopeyougrabwithbothhandsto Shooting colleagues at the range may take the takeadvantageof,toachievesuccessinyoursport. Michaelattimes,theyhavewithmewhenIsay I use a well know games console to improve There are some online materials I have used numeracy skills that I can use on the range it in the last year or so that are listed below. works for me so why not? However, when you Unfortunately a lot of online material you now do start bringing home the cups and the medals have to pay for, its the nature of the web! this tends to stop or at the very worst turns into The list is not exhaustive by any stretch of the mildteasing.ItsjustacaseofthinkinghowcanI imagination and I am always looking for new improve and doing something about it, both information to help me become better than physicalandmental.Ifyoustarthere,theninthe I am. Currently I am using a lot of selected longtermallyoucandoisgetbetteratwhatyou techniques, strategies and materials from a do.Try setting goals for the next few weekends, numberofsources,asIstartdownanewroad, write them down, evaluate them and build on aiming towards the next European and World them.Youneverknowyoumightsurpriseyourself. Championships. Untilnexttime http://www.sports-coach.net/prewp/schomepsycho.html http://www.mentalmanagement.com/ http://www.pilkguns.com/menu_coaching.shtml

At the end of the day this article is not meant to preach, although I have gone on a bit sorry! It is really meant to get you into the frame of mind where you are thinking about how to take your shooting to the next level and more specifically the mental skills you need.

Email; ags.westlake@virgin.net/ Website; www.westlakeengineering.com

Tel/Fax 01722782432

The Taurus ML Revolver is converted from a Taurus .357 Magnum Long Barrelled Revolver. The cylinder is removed and a Yoke extension fitted, this contains the spring loaded plunger that frees the action when the yoke is closed. As this extension cannot be removed, it prevents the re-fitting of the original cylinder. The Barrel is shortened to approximately 5 inches and the wristbrace is removed. A new cylinder is made which has pockets for shotgun primers at the rear with a small flash hole through into the chamber at the front. The chamber is made to accept .357 lead wadcutter bullets. The conversion of your pistol costs 330.00. Extra Cylinders are 180.00 16 Target Shooter each. If you do not have a pistol I can order a new pistol from the Importers.

New\YearGadgets GalleryNorth West Custom Parts Calendar 2010 North West Custom has produced a 2010 Calendarofitsfavouriteweaponswhichweare donating copies to our Troops in Afghanistan support them in their work. You can get you copyposteddirecttoyourdoorforonly10.95 (postageincluded)www.nwcustomparts.com/

Peli products available from Green Leopard Ltd Pelii1015CaseforiPhoneandiPodtouch:Price: around40.00incVAT Justreleasedthenewi1015caseisawater resistant,dustproofandcrushproofcase.Itis designed specifically for the iPhone and iPod touch and includes an external 3.5mm socket foryourheadphonesandcarabinerforattaching it to your gear.Available for pre-order online at www.greenleopard.co.uk/ Lyman 1200 Pro Tumbler Excellentvalueformoney with the capacity to clean up to a maximum of 350 .38spl cases. Special features include built in sifter lid to enableeasy separation of cases and of course mediaisincluded.55.99 fromTimHannam www.timhannam.co.uk/

Kestrel 1000 Pocket AnemometerFunctions:Currentairspeed,maximumairspeed,averageairspeedanddatahold.Suppliedwith hardcover,lanyardandbattery.Price:75.00ExVATwww.r-p-r.co.uk/ Target Shooter 17

The AIM Tactical Dragbag The best designed drag bag on the market in terms of protection and versatility, the Aim Tactical Dragbag is designedtocarryeverythingyouneedfor adaysshootingandleaveyouwithyour handsfree. Insideyourrifleissecurelyharnessedby adjustable straps within an extra thick, closedcellpadded,1000denierCordura bag. Pockets are easily big enough to carry ear plugs, muzzle brakes, all the accessories you need. The bag can be comfortablybackpackedorcarriedbythe webbinghandle.TheAimbagcomesin threesizes-theAIM40,50or60.www. aimfieldsports.comor01606860678.

HornadyOALgauge. You just cant load accurate rounds with some method of measuring your COAL (cartridgeoveralllength)Therearevarious waytodoitbutthisHornadykitisasgood asany.NotcheapatRRPof42butwell madetolastalifetime.fromTimHannam www.timhannam.co.uk/

18

Target Shooter

Target Shooter

19

SupportyourlocalgunshopAimFieldSports

Thismonthwelookatanotherinternetgunshop intheformofAimfieldSports. John and wife Karen are the proprietors and, as John is a keen shooter, I get to enjoy his companymostweekends.Johnshootsjustabout everything from F Class through to air-rifle and healsoenjoyshisfieldshooting. Thebusinesswasbuiltaroundthenowfamous AimfieldSportsdrag-bagwhenJohnsawagap in the market for a proper gun bag with all the features of the American style drag-bags and more. The Aimfield bag is just about perfect as John has gradually tuned the design over the last few years and it comes in a range of really great colours. I was fortunate enough to haveoneofthefirstandIhaveuseditvirtually every weekend for the last few years and not a zip, stitch or strap has failed. Its cavernous pocketscarryabsolutelyeverythingIneedforan F/TRClassshootandtherucksack-stylestraps makecarryingacinch. Keen to capitalise on the success of the bag, John next switched his attention to the shootingmat.TheAimfieldmatiswiderthanall the others, totally waterproof with pockets for score-cardsetcandavailableinthesamerange of colours as the bags. Its a very comfortable matbutnotbouncysoidealforFClasswhere youneedastableplatformforyourbackbag.Its amazingwhatcanhappenwhenashooterdesigns somethingforothershooters!

Johnhasalways supported theshooting sports and regularly gives his products as prizes and the GB F Class Association particularly have benefited from his generosity, which is marvellousforarelativelysmalloutfitanditisa great pity that a few more of our major dealers andimportersarentsominded. Lastyear,JohnpickeduptheUSSightronOptics agency.Thiswasagreatcoupasthesescopes have proved to be the equivalent of any - yet are realistically priced.Again, these were given as prizes in the World and European F Class Championships.Ifyouvenothadchancetolook attheSightronrange,Isuggestyoudosoifyou areonthelookoutforanewscope.The8-32is provingverypopularwiththeFClassguysand thefixed36powertookmetoawinfirsttimeout withmybenchgun. Have a look at the Aimfield Sports website at www.aimfieldsports.com and have a word with Karen or John youll see him at most of the major F Class shoots. Support those who supportus!

20

Target Shooter

www.FoxFirearmsUK.comTel: 0161 430 8278 or 07941 958464 PUTTING SHOOTING FIRSTVISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE THE VERY BEST VALUE CUSTOM PRECISION RIFLES FOR TR, MATCH, F-CLASS, AND BENCH-RESTWE ARE NOW SELLING A FULL RANGE OF HARRELL PRODUCTS WE STOCK HUNTING RIFLES BY COOPER, KIMBER AND PFEIFER AND COMPETITION-WINNING RIFLES FROM KELBLY AND KEPPELER, AND ARE TRADE AGENTS FOR THE SUPERB BARNARD ACTIONS, AND RECORD-BREAKING TRUE-FLITE AND BARTLEIN BARRELS

WE ALSO STOCK PROFESSIONAL BORESCOPES (from 533) AND A RANGE OF HIGH-POWER SCOPES FOR COMPETITION AT AMAZING PRICES (eg 8-32X50 WITH 30mm TUBES FROM 100) ALONG WITH STUNNING BINOCULARS AND SPOTTING SCOPES

SEB LAMBANG BENCH RESTS AND ACCESSORIES ARE THE BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE. WE STOCK HIS FULL RANGE AT LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICES, ALONG WITH THE BUDGET CALDWELL RANGE- BERGER BULLETS TO YOUR DOOR- EXPORT TO EUROPE, NO PROBLEM! SEE WEBSITE FOR FULL SPECIFICATIONS AND CURRENT STOCKLIST EVERYTHING WE IMPORT IS BY FAR THE BEST VALUE IN THE UK

Target Shooter

21

2010 and hope you will allow us a brief moment of self congratulation (or self flagellation as it sometimes feels) as we start out on the 25th year of our family business!

HAPPY NEWand trade colleagues the best for YEAR Roger, Sheila and Dave wish all our customers

Action shooting disciplines including plate shooting and mini rifle are becoming more and more popular so we felt it appropriate to offer an off the shelf rifle designed with these disciplines in mind where reliability is more important than extreme accuracy. With this in mind we recommend high velocity ammunition in this style of rifle. The rifle features a Rimfire Magic receiver and fully tuned trigger unit with auto bolt release and extended mag release and a short 12.5 standard barrel which has been fitted with one of our stainless steel muzzle brakes. This is set in a Tapco T6 Fusion stock which has an adjustable AR-15 style butt stock and includes various rails suitable for adding lasers, torchlights etc. Additional options include extended bolt handle assembly, Tactical Innovations high capacity magazines and

This semi-custom rifle has proved so popular that we try to keep them available from stock depending very much on the availability of the AICS system! Fortunately we currently have several available and ready to go. The SPS Varmint barrelled action has been treated to polished bolt rail, adjusted trigger and refaced and target crowned barrel and is offered with the option of a 5/8 x 18 threaded barrel. Price (bipod not included) 1,250 (plain) 1,300 (threaded)

Tactical bolt knob in anodised AluminiumPrice 25 We offer a fitting service (send us your bolt and we will machine, thread and Devcon the new bolt knob for 75 plus 5.00 return)

We recently received our first shipment of stocks from Tom Manners in the US and are very impressed with the overall quality and finish. The excellent action inletting weve seen has particularly impressed us and is so good that we are looking at offering these stocks not only for full custom rifles but also as a pillar bedded drop in stock for semi-custom rifles. We are still confirming our costs on these and will post prices on our website as soon as we can. This first delivery consists of GAT ambidextrous stocks but we have already placed orders for other styles to follow in the new year.

Tel: 01226 756332 Fax: 01226 751321 e-mail: enquiries@rimfiremagic.co.uk website: www.rimfiremagic.co.uk 22 TargetThursday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5.30pm to allow us time in the workshop. Shooter Our retail shop is open

Everill Gate Farm Broomhill, Wombwell Barnsley S73 0YQ

TheSYSSMiniRifle

byTimFinleyPopular wisdom says the Ruger 10/22 is the semi autorimfirecalibrerifletohaveforspeedshooting events. However, the current model with its increased use of plastic components has not endeared itself to the shooting world. Couple this withtheincreaseinpriceandthegrowingproblems ofgettinganythingoutofAmericaifitisanythingto dowithshootinganditwasonthecardsthattheUKs oldestRuger10/22customiserinthebusinesswould start producing their own actions. South Yorkshire Shooting Supplies headed by Roger Francis had longhadtheplantohavehisownactionsmadebut the aforementioned circumstances gave him the impetusheneeded.Startingfromthebottomuphe lookedattheshortcomingsofthevenerableRuger 10/22actionandthoseoftheVolquartsensemiauto rifleactions,bothofwhichhehasbuiltmanyrifles upon.Onehastoleranceswhichareabittoolargeto consistentlymakeanaccurateactionandtheother is so tight on the tolerances it needs tender loving careandalotofcleaningtokeepitrunningjamfree. Goingforthemiddlegroundasfarastolerancesgo andusinghighgradealuminiumRogerdesignedan actionhethoughtwouldbethebestofbothworlds. He went for an integral scope rail as Volquartsen

Above and below - Your scribe using the Rimfire Magic mini rifle

Target Shooter

23

has,itaddsstrengthtotheactionaswellasmaking iteasiertopreciselyalignthescope.Theactionsare madeonCNCmachinesindeepestYorkshire.Iwas looking for a new rifle for speed shooting events, namely Mini Rifle. It has taken off at our club in a big way and I have been fortunate enough to win all the events I have shot with my GSG-5, apart formonewithaGSG-AK47Ihadontest.Fromthis experienceIknewwhatIwantedinaMiniRiflegun.

It had to feed without jamming. Be accurate and also look the part. I put together a spec with the new Rimfire Magic action in mind.IevenhadRogersarmup his back to get him to build my gun on his first action number one,RM0001.Havingariflebuilt onthenumberoneactionitwas going to have to be something special. As well as the action Roger is also having trigger housings CNC machined, this is due to as I have already mentionedRugergoingtoplastic triggerhousings.HeusesPower Customhammersandsearsand come the New Year these will be the only parts Roger buys in for his rifle builds, everything else will be made in the UK. Yet another first for SYSS. I wanted a Tapco T6 Intrafuse stockasIlikedbothhowitlookedandhowithandled. Itisalsodirtcheapat115.Ithastwodifferentrear stock mounting rods, an angled one if you want to use open sights or a straight one if you want to useopticaldevices.Thebarrelwouldbemychoice and I wanted a standard Stainless steel Ruger

Below - The custom Rimfire Magic 10/22 action

24

Target Shooter

Above and below - Stock at standard setting and extended

barrel cutdownto12inchesandthreadedforone of SYSSs own muzzle brakes. Also a standard barrel would fit the current T6 stocks and a large diameter heavier match barrel would not. I did not want a match chambered barrel anyway as if you haveajaminaspeedeventyouareoutoftherunning, its better to have a slightly less accurate rifle that always feeds as opposed to a mega accurate gun whichcanjam.ThatsnottosayIknewastandard barrelwithisslackerchamberwouldnotbeaccurate, I have tested a few Ruger barrels which when cut downhavebeenverygoodindeed,thatisthatIwas countingupon.Tomatchtheolivedrabgreenplastic TapcoT6IntrafusestockIwantedtheactionbarrel andmuzzlebrakeinthesamecolour.SYSSnodo alltheirownDuracoatsprayingandwhatafinejob DaveWyldemakesofittoo.Withallthatspecsorted itwasdowntoRogertobuilditandDavetopaintit. AnotherthingtonoteonSYSSsownboltisthatthe firingpinisheldintheoptimumpositionbyacleverly placedpin.Thisensurestheoptimumstrikebythe

pin on the cartridge base. Another custom part I wanted on my rifle was the bolt handle I wanted the big titanium Power Custom model, again to aid and stoppages I might have in speed events, the standard blothandleitjusttoosmallandfiddly formybigoldeYorkshirehands. RogerputtherifletougherwithDave andIwasoverthemoonwithhowit looked.TheonlymodificationIhadto dowastomovethepistolgripbackto placethepadofmytriggerfingerinthe correct comfortable position on the curved trigger blade, When fitted as Tapcosuggestthejointofmytrigger fingerwasonthebladewhenmyhand wasinarelaxedcomfortableposition, Itonlytookfiveminutestore-drillthe stockandmovethegripbackwithits one securing screw. Another thing to note is that due to the shortened barrel the screws for attaching the rearstockrodhavetobeloctiedand center-poppedinordertopermanently fix the rear stock on the rifle. If you unscrewed it and took it off it would make the rifle less then 600mm long and therefore illegal. I had the riflebackintimetotakeitdowntothe Autumn Action weekend at Bisley. I had never shot a rimfire rifle in any competitionsdowntheresoitwouldbe averygoodtestforboththerifleand myself. Sight wise I only had time to throw on an AGS 3-12*44 compact scope. I reasoned the specification ithadwouldbegoodforMiniRifle.Itparallaxesdown to 10 yards it has a sidewheel parallax adjustment and target style turrets. I did not have time to get anyscopeturretsettingsotherthana17yardszero. NotwhatIreallywanted,Iplannedtohavedialsfor 10,15,20,25,30and50m. ForammunitionIstartedusingCCIMini-Magfromthe start,are-thinkonwhatIusedforMini-Riflewiththe GSG.TheseseemedabitammofussyandIhadseen morejamwithMini-Magofthefourgunsinregular useattheclub.TheRimfireMagicactionsIhadtried allfeltvery,veryslickandIthoughtfastammolike theMini-Magwouldmakethebestoftheultrasmooth action.DavesDuracoatfinishtotheinternalsofthe action helped with the cycling of the action. The action was engraved with the words RIMFIRE MAGICafterthepaintingprocessanditreallystands outverynicelysilveragainsttheO/Dgreen.Ibought twoTacticalInnovationsTI25compositemagazines fromSYSS,theseare25roundmags,althoughits advisableIfindtonotputthefull25.22LRroundsin

Target Shooter

25

Above and below - Pistol Grip of the Rimfire Magic mini rifle and the trigger guardforMini-Riflecompsaswhenloadedthatwayona closedboltduringamagchangethefullmagwillno engage fully into the action. The magazines have fourscrewswhichadjusttotailorthemagazinesto eachindividualactionforfaultlessfeedingofammo MyRimfireMagicrifleworkedperfectlywithouteven

adjusting the mags to the correct settings, but its a good idea to follow the instructions on their web sitewww.tacticalinc.comtogetthebestoutofthem on a standard Ruger 10/22. I would not be using the big 25 round magazines at Bisley as they are just not needed. Its a maximum of ten rounds per stage anyway. I bought sis standard mags for SYSS, as a side note SYSS tune all standard Ruger magazines they supply with their guns and

26

Target Shooter

I must say again I have had not problems at all. I alsofittedafrontgripontheTapcosPicatinnyrails undertheforend.ThisisuntilIgetaroundtofitting a Yankee Hill machine grip from SYSS. The grip I wantedtofitwouldnotclampcorrectlyontheTapco stockforsomereason,probablyaslightlyundersize moulding on the accessory rail. Rimfire Magics triggerclusterwasarevelation,IdidnotwantaKidd or any other expensive match type trigger as for speedeventsyoujustdonotneedit,whatyouwant is a crisp predictable, consistent trigger, all these thingsitwaswithspades,thepullweightwasonly 2lb8oz(1.128grm)butitfeelsmuch,muchlighter. We, and when I say we I mean Team Len Dave WyldeSYSSscustomfull-boreriflebuilderandRoss Boroughmyrimfireclubscompsecandoverallgreat guy and my good self, were shooting Advancing Target and Multi Target at Bisley.As I said, I have never shot these events with a rifle before. I was nervousasIshottheAdvancingTargetforthefirst timeandtheriflenevermissedabeat,infactithas nevermissedabeatatanyshootIhaveshotwithit sofar.IwasluckyenoughtowinaSilverawardin theAdvancingtargetaswellasnotfinishingbelow 3rdinclassinanyeventIshotovertheAAWevent at Bisley.A few weeks later I shot a practice Mini RifleeventatmyclubwiththeTI25magazinesand putallmyshotsbutoneintotheAortopscoring section,myonlymissbeingwhenImissedcounted and only fired one shot at the missed target. The RimfireMagicriflecontinuestoimpressme.Roger isbuildingmyspecMini-Rifleintohisstandardbuild list,infacthehasjustbuiltoneforamateofmine who was very taken with my gun.A Rimfire Magic actionwithboltassembly,recoilbufferandstandard bolt handle. Rimfire Magic trigger unit with auto bolt release, extended mag release Duracoated in

black or silver, fitted with a Ruger barrel cut down to 12 inches and fitted with a brake like mine in aT6stockwithonemagwillsetyouback695inc vat. When the last of Rogers Ruger 10/22 actions havebeensoldheisnotgoingtobeusingthemany more. When you have shot a Rimfire Magic action you can see why at only 20 more than having to useaRugeractiontherereallyisnocomparison.A 10/22itisnotandawholelotbetterforthatitistoo. TEST ACTION Model CountryofOrigin Calibre Action Features RimfireMagic SouthYorkshire .22Rimfirelongrifle 10shotSemiAutoblow back IntegralWeaverscoperail, choiceofcolours

Canuseanystock/magazinesmadeforRuger10/22 Price Supplier ActiononlyisNOTsupplied Action290IncSYSSsownbolt Trigger150 Barrel90(Screwcut) Muzzlebrake50(Onlywhenpart ofaSYSSbuild) Pluscostofstockandbarrelto customersspecification,see SYSSbuildlistforoptions. SouthYorkshireShooting Supplies 01226-756332 Emailenquiries@rimfiremagic.co.uk Websitewww.rimfiremagic.co.uk

Target Shooter

27

28

Target Shooter

Shooting the Black Powder Pistol Part 3

by Chris RisebrookHaving discussed the basics and described some versionswhichneverexistedinperiod. singleshotpistols,thistimewewilllookatrevolvers. The Colt dismantles quite easily by knocking out the barrel key, putting it on half-cock so that the The variety of Italian-made replica revolvers is rammer falls between two chambers, and then bewildering. Because of their historical/romantic pushing down the rammer, which will ease the associations, most are copies of the Remington barrel from the frame. This makes cleaning easier 1858andthevariousColtrevolvers.Ingeneral,the andenablesthebarreltobecleanedfromthebreech. copiesarequiteaccurate,suchthatsomepartsare interchangeablewiththeoriginalsandtheycertainly Thedownsideisthattherearsightismerelyanotch representexcellentvalueformoneycomparedtothe inthehammer.Inpractice,althoughitgivesapoor costofanoriginal. sight picture, it appears to have no detrimental affectonaccuracy.Spentcapshaveahabitoffalling They are produced in vast quantities, mainly for downinfrontofthehammerandthusjammingthe theAmericanmarket,whichkeepsthepricedown. revolver; not a serious problem unless the Probably the most popular are the Colt 1851 and Commanches are charging! The Colt design 1860 models. Originally, these would have been uses no top strap and is thus weaker than the in .36 and .44 respectively but the copies are now Remington, and the brass frames on some of the produced in both calibres, together with some spuriouscopiescouldspringovertime,butIhave neverknowthistohappenin The Remington BP revolver - practice.

tried and tested is one of the most popular models used in the UK

For competitive targetshooting, the Remington is generally preferred because of its solid frame and conventional rear sight grooveinthetop-strap.Ifyou prefer originality, a genuine Remingtonisgenerallyabout 1000 cheaper to buy than an original Colt - romantic namescostmoney! Loading and cleaning a Remington is easier that a Colt-thereisnobarrelkeyto lose. Drop the loading-lever, pull the barrel-spindle forward and remove the cylinder.Thebarrelhastobe

Target Shooter

29

Chris using a home made loading stand while charging the cylinders

cleaned from the muzzle and a nylon cleaning-rod guideisavailabletoavoiddamagingthecrown. In addition to these two principal revolvers, the Intheheatofbattle,tryingtoloadanymuzzleloading Italiansarenowmakingcopiesofotherlesserknown revolverwouldhavebeenvirtuallyimpossibleandin makesandmodels,evenincludingtheweirdLeMat practice,trooperscarriedasmanyaseightofthese with its nine chambers and a shot gun barrel as a revolvers festooned about their horse and person. cylinderspindle-difficulttothinkofacompetitionfor To load any revolver, it is easiest to use a loading thatone!.OneofthebestrevolverswastheRogers stand.Thesecanbeboughtoreasilymadetohold andSpencer,producedjusttoolatetoseeactionin thepistolfirmlybarrelupward.Loadeachchamber theAmericanCivilWarbutithandlesbeautifullyand from a phial, insert the ball - sprue upward - and copiesareusedsuccessfullyincompetition. push down hard with the rammer. A felt wad can be loaded under the ball, or grease applied to the Cleaningrevolversismuchharderworkthansingle chambermouthwhentheballisseated.Donouse shots,sinceeachnippleneedstobeunscrewedand bothmethods.Domakesuretheballisseatedfirmly cleanedandtherearesixchamberstocleanaswell ontothepowderorwad,andthatthereisnoairgap as the barrel. A stainless-steel revolver helps and so does cleaning as soon as possible after betweenthepowderandball.Donotusepatches. shooting. ood crub ith oilingwater nd Ag s w b a a toothbrush around the nipples should see Seating the balls the whole operation over in a few can be strenuous minutes.After a few sessions, it is a good specially in cold ideatostripthegunandcleanthelockworkof weather fouling. Since the method of complete stripping varies from one gun to another, thiswillhavetobelefttoafuturearticle.Do remember stainless-steel is not really stainless, just stain resistant, and some internal parts - particularly springs - are made from carbon steel. Try and keep water out of the action when cleaning, oil wellandcheckthegunthenextdayjustto make sure you have not missed anything andthatnorusthasformed.

When all chambers are loaded, point down range andcapeachnipple,which is the fiddly bit. In most guns,fingersseemtowork better than fancy cappers. Thewadorgreaseisnotto prevent a chain fire, but to lubricate the ball and keep thefoulingsoft.Withatight fittingball,chainfireisvery unlikely. When loading the ball, the rammer should leave a thin ring of lead behind. Most .44 Colts use .451 and Remingtons .454. Just to be awkward, the RugerOldArmyuses.457. Obviously, manufacturing tolerances will differ and it is important to have a tight fit. Bullet can be used but roundballseemtogivethe bestaccuracy.

30

Target Shooter

Target Shooter

31

AregularcolumnwherebyKenHallkeepsusuptodate withblackpowdercartridgerifleshootingintheUK.

QUIGLEY SHOOTING ASSOCIATION NEWCOMERS GUIDE TO SHOOTING THE BLACK POWDER CARTRIDGE RIFLE. PART FOUR.

Special Report

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and hopingSantabroughtyouallyouwishedfor In the previous entry to this series, I wrote a little about some of the choices available when selectingasuitablecalibrefortheblackpowder centrefire cartridge and promised some more

A 45-70 case with 70gn Swiss No3 32 Target Shooter

info on loading the .45-70, I hope the following willhelptoanswersomeofthecommonqueries which crop up when you start to reload for this superbcartridge.In1873theUSArmyintroduced itsnewroundfortheTrapdoorSpringfieldRifle, the 45-70-405 (.45 cal with 70 grains of black powder behind a bullet weighing 405 grains). This remained in service with front line troops, although with a later upgrade to a 500 grain bullet,alongwithitsmoreuser-friendly55grain charge for the carbine until the adoption of the .30-40Kraginthe1890s,andwellintothe20th CenturywiththeNationalGuard.Withasuitable bulletandloadthiscalibreiscapableofscoring wellontargetsatrangesupto1000yds. First, lets look at thecase. .45-70 brass is readily available at around 40 to 60 per 100 from manufacturers such as Winchester, Remington, Star-Line and Federal with most dealers keeping a stock of this calibre which meansyoucanusuallygetyourhandsonsome without a wait. When it comes to choice, all these cases are up to the job, although many shootershavetheirownfavouritemake.Itisto benoted,however,thatStarlineandRemington use thicker brass whichdoeshave someeffect on case capacity, which we will deal with later. Secondly, the bullet. There are a bewildering number of bullet shapes and sizes out there, ready made ones tend to be around 405 grains or less and are cast of a hard alloy,withahardlubedesignedforusewithnitro powders.These are less than ideal when used with black powder at long ranges. A heavier bullet, 500 to 540 grains, cast of a 20:1 or 30:1 lead/tin mix, with deep lube grooves filled with a natural, softer lube to keep fouling to a

L to R Lyman 535gn Postell, Lyman 500gn Govt, Lyman 510gn Bore Rider, Saeco 525gn Semi Spitzer, Lee 500gn Spitzer, Lee 405gn Hollow Baseminimum, is what is required. For this you will needtocastyourown.Mouldsaremadebymany commercial suppliers like Lee, RCBS, Saeco, Lyman, Redding etc, as well as by several custom makers in the USA such as Hoch, Magma Eng, NEI Handtools, and Paul Jones amongothers,aquickGooglesearchwillreveal more.As for bullet shape, those with a Postell shape or rounded nose tend to be favoured among most of todays marksmen using single shot rifles. For my standard Quigley load I use Lymans 457125 mould, this is the original 500 grain Government round nosed bullet introduced in the 1880s, if it worked then, well whynotnow?Ofcourse,ifloadingfor a repeater with a tubular magazine, then only flat nosed bullets must B&M Powder measure be used for safety reasons. Many shooters believe that a perfect base is preferable to a perfect nose and so most custom moulds are of the nosepourtype,asopposedtomost commercialofferingswhichareofthe basepourdesignwhichcanleavean irregular base after the sprue is cut off. Again, this becomes a personal choice as custom moulds are also much more expensive than their commercial counterparts. Bullets canalsobeswagedfromasoftlead core,butasthesegenerallyemerge without lube grooves they are used mainlyforpaperpatching,whichmay becoveredinalaterarticle. When it comes to choice of powder its probably best to start with whatever is available locally or what is recommended by an experiencedshooter,again,thereare a few suppliers and several brands and grades, but some powders are going to work better than others in your rifle and it can take a lot of

Target Shooter

33

Home made powder compressor

Drop Tube in useexperimenting to find the one that suits best. After much trial and error, I have found that 70 grainsofSwissNo3(ffggrade)workswellformy handloads. All cartridges need a source of ignition, this is achieved by a relatively inexpensive, simpleandyetextremelyreliableitemknownas theprimer.Thesecomeinvariousstandardsizes determined by the case they are designed for. For our purposes, the size is known as Large Rifle, they can be purchased as standard or magnum, the latter are often quoted as essential for reliable ignition of black powder, but I have to confess that over the years,

L to R charged case, veg fibre and home made wax wads, a case with wad and powder, a lubed bullet, and a completed round 34 Target Shooter

I have found no discernable evidence to corroboratethis,andindeedmanyshootersIhave spokentointheUSAarehavinggreatsuccess using Large Pistol primers. I am making no recommendationshere,merelystatingopinions. Lets look at assembling a round of ammunition. I will assume that the handloader

hasalreadypurchasedtheequipmentnecessary andisfamiliarwithitsuse.First,casepreparation, westartwithacleancase,ifitisnewandunfired, it will first be necessary to full length size the caseandideallytrimittolength.Theflashhole canbede-burredatthisstageifrequiredwitha simpletoolcostingonlyafewpounds,thenext

Lyman 45 lubrisizer, oldie but goodie

Target Shooter

35

MTM Case Guard RF22

stageistoexpandthenecksufficienttoallowthe seatingofthebulletwithoutdamagingitonthe case rim. Finally a suitable primer is inserted intothepocketinthebase.Oncethecasehas beenfiredthenitisnotnecessarytoresizeatall, providingthatthecaseisonlytobeusedinthe samerifle,thiswillalsohelptoprolongthecaselife. The next stage is to charge the case withpowder,butbeforewedothat,weneedto determinehowmuchpowdertouse.Whatisvery importantwiththeblackpowdercartridge,isthat whenitisassembledthereisnoairspaceleftin thecase,so,whileitisvirtuallyimpossibletouse too much powder, it is very possible to use too little.Toworkoutasuitablechargethen,weneed todeterminehowmuchvolumeisleftinthecase when the bullet is seated to its optimum depth. A simple way to do this is to place our chosen bulletinthechamberandslowlypushittowards themuzzle,usingasuitabledowelorpencil,until itjusttouchesthelandsoftherifling.Ifwethen measurefromthebaseofthebullettotherearof thechamberandreducethisdistancebyafew thoutoallowalittleclearance,thiswillgiveusthe amountofspacebehindthebulletwhichneedsto befilledwithpowder.Markapreparedcaseand thenweighit,usingadroptube,fillittothemark with your selected powder and weigh it again, thiswillgiveyoutheminimumchargerequired. Becausethechamber on my Pedersoli Sharps allows me to seat the bullet well forward in the case, 70 grains only just comes up to the mark, once the fibre wad is added it is only necessary to compress the powderbythethicknessofthewad,inmycase

.060in.Nowisagood time to tell you about a superb piece of kit, which can be made very simply from materials you already have. Once your casesarefireformed, you will have no need for the neck expanding die from your set, so take the die and remove the internal button by loosening the collet nut. Using a lathe and some brass or aluminium rod, turn a simpleinsert,oneend of which will just fit insidethecaseandtheotherinthecollet.This willbeyourpowdercompressingtool;itisused inyourpressandissetsothatthebottomofthe insertislevelwiththebottomofthebullet. Any measure designed for black powder metering can be used to dispense the charge, I use an old Belding & Mull powder measure, these are very safe, efficient, and throw a consistentcharge,andtheycanstillbesourced on the internet. Earlier, I mentioned the use of a drop tube, this is a really handy piece of kit whichiscommerciallyavailablebutisalsoeasy tomakeyourself.Ialreadyhavea36inchlong brasspowderfunnelwhichIuseformymuzzle loading rifle, although a shorter one around 24 inchwillsuffice,thisisfittedtoasimplewooden frame and allows me to trickle the powder into the case which settles it more evenly allowing me to get more powder in the same space. Using this method I have no problem getting 70 grains of Swiss No 3 into the case, despite many experts saying this is impossible. Next Iputa.060inthickvegetablefibrewadoverthe powdertoprotectthebaseofthebulletandalso to prevent the soft lube from leeching onto the powder.Analternativetothefibrewadcanbecut fromwaxedmilkorfruitjuicecartonswitha7/16 in wad punch. Then the case is raised into the powdercompressiondietotheleveldetermined earlier. At this stage it will be noted that more resistance will be felt if using Starline or Remington cases because the thicker brass slightlyreducestheinternalvolume. Next; a little about preparing the bullet.

36

Target Shooter

Ideally the bullet should be sized and lubed; bullets do not always emerge from the mould at exactly the same weight or diameter, so to compensateforthiswecandotwothings.First, the bullets are weighed and batched, they can then be passed through a sizing die which will sizethemtoexactlytherequireddiameter(which canbefoundbysluggingthebarrel)andatthe same time inject the appropriate lube into the grease grooves. I have a couple of old Lyman 45lubrisizers,thesearewelluptothejob,dies are simple and quick to change, and they are stilltobefoundatveryreasonablepricesonthe net. There are several specialist black powder lubes on the market including SPG, Ox-Yoke Wonderlube,LymansBlackPowderGoldandmy current favourite White label BPCR, which can beimportedfromtheUSAataveryreasonable price. RCBS, Lyman and Redding make sturdy lubrisizers, they are not cheap but they can be recommended. Lee makes a very inexpensive lubeandsizekit,butthisisdesignedforbullets tumbledinaloxandisnotsuitableforfillingthe deepgrooveswiththesoftluberequiredonour bullets,butthesizingdiecanbeusedifthebullet isfirstlubedbyhand.Allthatremainsnowisto

seatthebulletwhichcanbepushedbyhandinto afireformedcase,orseatedwiththedieintoa newandsizedcase.Anoteonbulletseating,if thecompressiondiewasnotusedintheprevious stepthenthepowderwillhavetobecompressed by thebullet, this may causethe bulletnose to bedeformedsotakecare.InsingleshotriflesI prefer not to crimp the bullet in the case, but if youwantedtoIwouldnotrecommendusingthe rollcrimpnormallysuppliedwiththedieset,but purchase a taper crimp or factory crimp die, or evenjustruntheloadedroundalittlewayintothe casesizingdieprovidingthebulletprofileallowsit. Thecompletedroundisbeststoredinone of those dedicated plastic flip top ammunition boxes made by MTM, I prefer the Case-Guard RF22, which holds 22 rounds and allows the roundtositwiththebulletupwards,idealwhen thebulletisnotcrimpedinplace.Thisisjustone personsmethodofreloadingthisgrandoldround, itworksinmyriflebutitisnotguaranteedtowork ineveryoneelses.Pleasefeelfreetoemailwith questionsandcommentstokhall6548@aol.com

Welcome to GT Shooting. The premier shooting sports shop in Surrey

Fullbore & .22LR Black Power Air Rifles and Pistols Used rifles and PistolsOur premises are located at

Optics Ammunition Reloading equipment and more...

53 Chipstead Valley Road, Coulsdon, Surrey, CR5 2RB www.gtshooting.co.uk Tel: 020 8660 6843 Fax: 020 8660 6843We are conveniently situated near the M23 & M25. Target Shooter Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am - 5.30pm37

ShootingWebsiteoftheMonthAs it is so close we thought at we would feature the British Shooting and Countryman Show website. Its a case of use it or lose it. The show started off extremely well last year and this year promises to be even better, with even more stands featuring your favourite retailers, distributors and manufacturers. So have a think and join in the fun, as it certainly looks like it will be a great weekend. As you would expect from a commercial venture there is lots of information on the website to help you book, get to the show and the about the show itself. What great is there is something for everyone, whether you are into shotguns or pure target shooting. Maybe we are helping to promote this hear again but we, collectively, need shows like this to help promote shooting in the UK as the great sport that it is. This is in the same way we need magazines like Target Shooter to do the same thing. As we said elsewhere in this magazine we will be there, so we hope to see you too.

38

Target Shooter

Target Shooter

39

Wildcats I have known and loved the fabulous sixes

ByVinceBottomleyFrom left 6PPC, 6BR, Dasher, Swiss Match, 6-6.5x47 Lapua, 6XC, 243Win, 243Win.Imp, 6mm Xtreme, 6-284 AnoccasionalseriesinwhichVinceBottomley boxof220Russianbrassgatheringdustonthe andRichardWildlookattheirfavouritewildcat shelves of a rural gunshop. The 220 Russian cartridges. In this article, Vince looks at was already a wildcat formed from the ten 6mm cartridges that are firm favouriteswithaccuracynuts. When we think of shooting at extreme ranges - i.e. out to 1000 yards, most shooters will not even considerasix.Yetin1996,American benchrest shooter Bill Shehane, captured the 1000 yard world recordwitha3.142inch,5-shotgroup using his 6-284. Prone high-power shooter David Tubb has won a number of across the course championships and at least one long-range championship at Camp Perry (Americas biggest long-range rifle match) with his 6XC and, more recently,JasonBaneywonthe2006 Williamsport World Open 1000 yard Benchrest Championships with his 6BR. But,letsstartoffwiththemostfamous 6mmwildcatofthemall,thelegendary 6PPC. Benchrest shooters have always searched for the perfect cartridge and the 222 Remington reignedformanyyears,sodidthe6x47 (no,notLapuas6-6.5x47,thiswas the 222 Rem.Mag. case necked up to6mmboththesecartridgesbeing the creation of Remingtons Mike Walker). Then, quite by chance, a certain Dr Louis Palmisano found a 40 Target Shooter

Left, Ferris Pindell and far right, Walt Berger I was honoured to meet these legends at the World Benchrest Championships in America in 2008

Left, the 7.62x39 AK47 cartridge, the Lapua 220 Russian and right, the 6PPC note steeper shoulder and less body taper

Yes, it is the worlds mostinherentlyaccurate cartridge out to 300 yards and every 6PPC shooterformshisbrass from that strange little 220 Russian case, which is now made by Lapua. But please, if you are building the ultimatefoxingrifle,dont mess with the 6PPC - the 6mmBR will do the jobjustaswellandoffer you a greater choice of bullet. But surely the 6BRisntawildcat-how come its on the list?

7.62x39 Kalashnikov case and first appeared in the hands of a Russian Shooting Team at the World Championships in Egypt in 1963. Palmisano knew he had something special with the 220 Russian brass and the Doctors gunsmithfriend,FerrisPindell,builtabenchrest rifle for Palmisano chambered for the 22PPC. Palmisano was relatively unknown in the benchrest world but he blew the doors off the oppositionatthe1975SuperShootthebiggest benchrestcompetitionintheworld!The22PPC wassoonnecked-uptobecomethe6PPCand benchrestwouldneverbethesameagainthe searchfortheperfectcartridgewasover.Thirty years on and it still dominates 100/200 yard benchrestcompetitionallovertheplanet.Every benchrest world champion and world championshipwinningteamhasusedthe6PPC.

Ifthe6PPChasafault, it is the case-head diameter slightly smaller than the 308 case-head by about 28 thou. There are thousands of factory rifleswitha308bolt-face but unfortunately, if you re-barrel with a 6PPC chamber,youcouldhave extractorproblems.This prompted Mike Walker of Remington to developaversionofthe 6PPCbutwitha308case-head,whichcouldbe usedinafactoryriflewitha308bolt-face.Both calibreswereinitiallytesteda22anda6mm but only the 6mm made it into production and it became known as the 6mm Benchrest Remington.The6BRNormacamelaterandto all intents is the same cartridge but if you are buildinga6BR,makesureyourgunsmithuses areamertosuitLapuasexcellent6BRNorma caseratherthantheRemingtonbrass. Eventhoughthe6mmBRisanalmostperfectly balanced cartridge, the wildcatters still cant resisttryingtomakeitbetter.Theylengthened thebody(6mmBRX),madetheshoulderangle steeper(6mmBR-DX)oracombinationofboth (6mmDasher). Doanyofthesemodificationsmakeforabetter Target Shooter 41

The Swiss Match, 6-6.5x47 Lapua & 6XC are very similar

accuracy gain with any of the a f o r e m e n t i o n e d wildcats. If you want more capacity,justgofor the6-6.5x47Lapua and save yourself allthecaseforming unless, like me you are a shooting masochist!You cancramabout36 grains of powder into the Dasher case, whereas the 6-6.5x47 Lapua willholdaround42 grains. Butletsgobackto thebeginningofthis article and look at bigBills6-284.Bill discovered the almost obsolete 284 (7mm) Winchester case andneckeditdown to 6mm to create hisrecord-breaking cartridge. Really,Ishouldsay re-discovered for American varmint shooters were using the 6-284 wildcat around 30 years before Bill set his World Record. Compared to the Lapua 6.5-284brasswenowuse,theWinchesterstuff wasabysmalIknow,Ihada6-284aboutten yearsago.Afternecking-down,neck-turningand fire-forming,caseshadtobeweighed,gauged forbodythicknessandanyoutofspeccases ofwhichthereweremanyrejected,oratleast reserved for sighters. I never matched Bills groupbutIdidgetdowntofiveincheswhich,in theUKatthattime,wasprettyrespectable.

cartridge? Well, the increase in case-capacity is always helpful when you are trying to push 105 grain bullets over 3000 fps. In addition to aminutepowder-capacityincrease,thesteeper shoulder is reckoned to help the powder burn moreconsistently.Thetheoryistherebutdoes itworkinpractice?

Jason Baney (of 6mmBR.com fame) used a straight 6BR to win his 2006, 1000 yard Benchrest Championship no tight-necks or custombulletsJasonalsousedofftheshelf LapuaScenarbullets.Thereisabsolutelynothing The 6-284 quickly morphed into the 6.5-284 wrong with the 6BR as it stands and if you do and was adopted by Norma. It has achieved build a custom rifle, there is no guaranteed even more success in this format, especially 42 Target Shooter

The pre-production Lapua 6.5x47 had a large primer as does the Tubb 6XC and the Swiss Match. When Lapua went into production, the primer had changed to a small one far left. The reason? Better accuracy. Interestingly, Lapua are about to offer a 308 case with a small primer pocket. with F Class shooters, though I still prefer be burning a few grains less powder and the 6mm version for out and out long-range furthermore,thebrasswouldbeabouthalfthe benchrest accuracy. Barrel-life is however priceofthe6.5-284brass.Thefirstproblemis abysmalin6mmformaround500roundsbut fireforming. Everycasemustbefireformed,so as a 6.5 you can expect at least double that. thats100roundsdownourbarrelbeforeweve The case capacity is about 60 grains and we fired a single round in competition! Sadly, the dont fill the case be it a 6mm or 6.5. so, I barrel didnt last any longer! Neither did the shortenedmylast6-284caseby50thou.and brass, so the saving was minimal and I didnt called it the 6mm Xtreme. This also gives a win the Championship, so not really worth it. I longerneckanditisaveryeffectivecartridge. did have some reasonable groups but it was We also have another advantage that Bill definitelynotuptothestandardoftheXtreme. didnt have Tubbs excellent 115 grain 6mm DTACbullets,whichleavethemuzzleatwell, Weve now ticked-off six of our ten fabulous respect your range velocity limits and keep it sixes. Lets have a look at the Swiss Match, down to 3250 fps! The 6mm Xtreme does not 6-6.5x47LapuaandtheTubb6XC.Thesethree give better barrel-life than the normal 6-284 cartridgesareverysimilar(seepicture)andthere butitwasgoodenoughtosecuremethe2008 is very little to choose between them. If I was UKBRA 1000 yard Championship, so I cant lookingatmainlylong-rangeperformanceoutto askmorethanthat!TheLapuabrassasalways 1000yardsthenithastobethe6XCnowthat is superb and I no longer select or gauge my Normabrassisavailableasitholdsmarginally brassjustneckitdown,neckturnandshootin more powder than the other two. Having said competitionbarrel-lifeissoshortyoucantafford that, this is the only one of the ten cartridges towasteitfireforming!The6-284isalsopretty that I havent actually had a rifle chambered hardonbrassandprimer-pocketsarelooseaftera for, so I cant speak from actual experience. coupleoffirings-afterfivefiringstheyarescrap. The6.5-284brassisnowveryexpensiveandif Tubbinitiallywildcattedhis6XCcasesfromthe you work on 500 rounds per barrel, thats 100 22-250 case but sadly, Lapua dont make 22casesand500bullets,primersandpowder.That 250brass*Remember,nomatterwhatyoudo works out at about 2.00 a bang! Frightening! to a case to improve it unless you start off with good brass, you are wasting your time! AlthoughImnopenny-pincher,Ididthinkabout David initially commissioned his own brass a way to save a bit of money and decided to but now that the round has established itself, replace the 6mm Xtreme with a 243Win. Norma offer the 6XC case so it makes this Improved.IreckonedIcouldstilldrivethe115 cartridge a real contender for the long-range grain DTAC bullets at 3200 fps and maybe rifleman. the barrel would also last longer - as I would Target Shooter 43

In addition to good brass, we also need good bullets and heres where Tubb did long-range shooters another favour, with his superb 115 grain DTAC bullets. These heavy 6mm bullets are made by Sierra and the long, needle-like projectiles need a barrel with a fast twist to stabilise them. Tubb recommends a 1 in 7 for hisDTACbulletsinthe6XCwhichwillpushem out at 2900 fps but they will stabilise in a 1 in 8 if you can keep the velocity over 3000 fps. Remember,neverspinabulletfasterthanyou needtothefasterwespinem,themoreany defectswillshowup.

rounda6.5mm.Itwilldeliverthesamevelocity witha123grainbulletthattheSwissMatchwill deliverfroma105grainerandifyouwantless recoil,goforLapuas6.5mm108grainScenar and even more velocity. But, I digress, this articleisinpraiseofthesixesnotthesix-five!

BeforeweleavetheSwissMatch,Imustmention the 6mm Smack. The Swiss MatchAckley will holdaboutthesameamountofpowderasthe 6XCandisveryimpressiveatlong-range.There are few Smacks about but UK shooter, Martin Mileshasdoneverywellwithhis,bothin1000 yard BR and F Class competition, finishing a Can the 6XC really cut it at long-range? Run splendid18thoutof146competitorsintheFClass thesefiguresthroughyourballisticprogramme. WorldsatBisleylastJulyallthoseplacedabove Consider a 155 grain 308 bullet with a BC of him were using the 7mmWSM or the 6.5-284. around 0.508 travelling at around 2950 fps or the 140 grain Sierra Matchking, BC 0.535 Arethereanyothersixesweshouldbeincluding from the 6.5-284 at similar velocity.The DTAC in this article? Well, the bog-standard 243 withits0.585BC,alsoleavingthemuzzleofa Winchester is included in my top ten. 6XC at 2950 fps., will retain significantly more Althoughitwasintroducedasafactoryroundby velocity at 1000 yards and buck the wind far Winchester way back in 1955 by simply better.Notonlywillthelittlesixoutperformmany necking-down the 308 case, the late great larger cartridges and heres where we begin WarrenPage(authorofTheAccurateRifle)had toseethetruebeautyoftheselittlesixesthey already done the wildcatting. The cartridge is aresonicetoshoot,withnegligiblerecoil.Dont so overbore that Parker Ackley of Ackley forget,recoilisnotjustathumpintheshoulder, Improved fame apparently refused to further itsalsorifleupsetandaccuracy-killingvibration. improveit.Therearethousandsoffactoryrifles chamberedforthiscartridgeandalthoughithas That leaves just the Swiss Match and the areputationasadeer-slayernooneregardsit Lapua 6-6.5x47. The Swiss Match is a asanaccuracycartridge.Mostfactoryriflesare beautifullittlecasemadebyRWSsothequalityis offered with a 1 in 12 twist to handle a stubby excellent and I got quite excited when I first expanding hunting bullet but to shoot discovered the case in America of all places match-grade105grainbullets,wereallyneeda andIjustcouldntwaittobuildarifle.Obtaining 1in8.TakeParkersandWarrensadviceuseit brasswasasmallhurdleRuagUKrefusedto straightwithgood,reasonablypricedbrassfrom sellmeanybrasssoIhadtogetitdirectfrom Lapua,diesfromanyofthemajormanufacturers Europe minimum order 1000 pieces 660 have a great long-range target round which justforthebrass!Theriflesaccuracyexceeded shouldequalthe6XC.Barrel-life?Dontevenask! expectations and barrel-life is not too bad (Im still shooting it) and when Lapua brought out *The22-250casewillbeofferedbyLapuain2010. the6.5x47itsolvedthebrassproblemrunthe Please mention 6.5x47throughtheSwissMatchfull-lengthbody die and out pops a 6mm Swiss Match case! IstheSwissMatchanybetterthanthe6-6.5x47 Lapua?Notheshoulderangleisthesameat 30degreesandthemarginallylongerneckoffers no accuracy gain. Stick with the 6-6.5x47 and its small primer - which appears to handle the pressurebetter.Havingsaidthat,IthinkLapua got it exactly right when they made their new 44 Target Shooter when using advertising in the magazine To ADVERTISE in this space contact us at customer.services@ targetshooter.co.uk

Target Shooter Magazine can offer your company the kind of advertising that a hard copy magazine cannot offer. Our readers can, with a click of the mouse, connect straight to your website.

An advert with a hard copy magazines can only say so much about your product. With cost and limited space, most have to keep it direct. But with a online magazine the advert takes on a whole new way of advertising, as it can be the front door to your website and all those other products you have waiting for customers to view.

Full page adverts , Half page adverts, Quarter page adverts and more.Contact us today to see what we can do for you and make your products work to their full potential, in a way that is the future of magazines and advertising. With over readers 10,000 a month, in the UK and around the world, it makes sense.

Target Shooter Magazine email us at admin@targetshooter.co.uk

Target Shooter Magazine is a publication of Trinity Digital Publishing Ltd

Target Shooter

45

ByGwynRobertsBob Clarks Southern Gun Company has been at the forefront of Custom Gun buildingintheUKforthepast40yearsand Iwas fortunateenough recently to try out theirlatestcreation,the9mmLeverRelease RiflewhichisdirectlyaimedattheGallery Rifle market. The particular rifle that I testedbelongstoagoodfriendofmineDave Emery,whohasbeenknowntotinkerwith allsortsoffirearmsinhissparetimeover theyears,buthavingafamilyandworking full time as a firefighter certainly doesnt leavehimwithmanyhoursleftintheweek todothis!Forthetest,wearrangedtomeet up at John Scotts excellent Two Rivers ShootingClubinHartland,NorthDevonso Icouldseeformyselfwhatallthefusshas My first offhand target beenaboutoverthelast12monthsorso, wasnt too bad, but it did waitingforthisnewrifletofinallyemerge. end up being one of the

S&B 115gr 10 shots @ 50m How good would this rifle shoot worst that I shot at 25m with some developed To perform well in any of the GR during the test! loads? competitionsyoumusthaveariflethatis former, I just wasnt sure to be honest if a 9mm both accurate and reliable, and starting with the round could be accurate when shot through a carbinelengthbarrel.Therewasonlyone The excellent A.R.M.S quick release mounts enable waytofindouthoweversoIstartedbytaking you to instantly change from one type of scope to off the red dot that had been fitted and another without any loss of zero! replaced it with the 4-16x mildot scope thatDavehadalsobroughtwithhim,then continued to walk the bullet holes across the target until they were printing point of aim. Happy that they were there about I first of all put some 147gr fmj S&Bs through it off the bench to see how they went and although the groups were ok, they were certainly nothing to write home about with the groups printing at around 1 - 2in for 10 shots. Dave then handed me some 115gr fmjs from the same manufacturer to try which surprisingly, instantly transformed the next group I shot into a single ragged hole! The two 46 Target Shooter

Production riflefollowing groups produced exactly the same one hole results so I enthusiastically put up a DP1 targetat25mtoseehowwellIcouldshoottherifle offhand.Consideringtherifledidntexactlyfitme properly(moreofthatlater)andIcertainlywasnt usedtothetrigger,Iwasmorethanpleasedwith my first target of the day! Only 3 tens with the restbeingXswasnttheendoftheworld,andthe scoresgotevenbetterasIbecamemorefamiliar withtherifleandhadabitmorepracticewithit.At 15&10meveryshotwentrepeatedlyputintothe Xringsoshootingstraight300swiththeXcount around27oraboveiscertainlyachievableifyou playyourpartright.Thebarreldefinitelyseemsto preferthelighterweightbulletsbetween115&125 grains,andtheaccuracyofthe9mmroundthrough a 15 barrel certainly surprised me, making this riflemorethancapableofwinninganyoftheGR matchesthatwecompetein,straightoutofthebox! at SGC over the years to make sure that their 9mm rifle fully satisfies the requirements of both the Home Office and Police Authorities to finally getthisrifleintoproduction,andwhatagoodjob theydidofittoo!Thebasicdesignoftherifleisthat ofablowbackactionandtheboltislockedback to the rear after every shot is fired. The shooter then releases the bolt forwards again (stripping thenextroundoffthetopofthemagazineinthe process) by pressing the release lever located ontheleftsideofthelower.Thisisusuallywhere thesafetycatchisontheARanditssimplybeen relocatedontotheothersideoftheaction.Oncethe boltisfullyforward,theshootercanthendepress thetriggertoreleasethenextshotandthecycle continuesagain.Thisreloadingactiondoesmake iteasierfortheshootertostayontargetandshould help avoid any cross shooting during a 1500 or Multi Target match when you can have 20 30 targetsnestledquiteclosetogether.Theriflealso Alotoftimeandeffort,aswellascountlesshours highlighted its excellent handling qualities at the ofR&DworkhasbeendonebyBobandtheteam endofthedaywhenwerefittedthereddotandwent overtoshoottheBiMore than accurate enough for anchi steels with the limited amount Gallery Rifle competitions! of ammunition that wehadleft.Tracking crosstheframefrom target to target was much easier than having to rack the action each time and this allowed you to take slightly more time on each plate to release the shotwhichmayhelp you improve your score on the day.

Target Shooter

47

Whilst shooting I liked to keep my thumb resting lightly on the lever and this caused no problems at all, but care must be taken not to try and release the bolt too early in the reloading cycle otherwise it will smash into the working parts. If this is done a couple of times by accident it shouldnt cause a problem, but if it is done repeatedly you Weak shoulder operation and will be faced with an shooting is made very easy! expensive bill to fix it ammunitionalongwithsomeMagtechleadbullets whichwillcertainlynotbe covered by the warranty so be warned!Although aswellshouldyouneedthem,andImsurethere SGC recommend using commercial ammunition are plenty of other sources around the country in the rifle, they do accept that owners may also that will be able to get you some too if you look want to use home loads to help keep the costs around. down etc, and this is fine providing that quality ammunition is made and used. Be aware that The feeding reliability of the rifle was extremely bulgingthebarrelorcrackingthereceiverbyusing good on the day and should never become an under or over powered reloads will not be issue as long as you keep your magazines in accepted under warranty conditions, as it goodorder.Aswithanymagazinefedfirearmyou quite rightly wouldnt be by any other firearms mustalwaysmakesurethatthelipsarechecked manufacturer either! On the ammunition side of regularly to make sure they are not bent out of thingsIknowthatPeteStarleyatMidwayUKwill shape, as dropping them onto a hard surface be able to supply you with plenty of Wolf 9mm during a mag change etc will sometimes cause this to happen. SGC machine all of their major components in house and as standard, thisrifleisfittedwiththe SGCMk6lowerwiththe forward assist plunger and is machined from a 6lbbilletofa