All the latest information at your fingertips

May 2010 Issue

Black Powder Pistols Association Reports Event reports

Hayleys Profile features, more of This Smallbore Business

The MAS - 36 Military Rifle

F Class and Centerfire Benchrest News

Target Shooter 1 PELLET PREPARATION WW1 British and Canadian Sniper Rifles and lots more..

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Target Shooter

With FL lens.

Without FL lens.

Visual ExperienceCutting-Edge Long-Range Hunting Optics

The Ultimate

Victory FL Diavari 4-16x50 T* the most compact long-range ri escope of its class tailored to demanding stalking at home or abroad.

The new reference class by Carl Zeiss provides demanding hunters with the perfect optical base for accurate shooting over long distances. Thanks to the unique FL concept, the Victory FL Diavari riescopes offer razor-sharp details and bright images which are free of chromatic aberrations even with high magnications. The innovative ballistic concepts ASV and RAPID-Z allow for dened and accurate aiming via holdover point or indexed holdover lines.

New: Victory FL Diavari 4 16 x 50 T*www.zeiss.de/sportsoptics

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WelcometotheMayIssue......................

.......ofTargetShooter18 The MAS-36 MilitaryRifle byDavidVoisey

Sections6 9 11 13 22 ShootingSportNews ShootersCalendar SupportyourLocalGun Shop Peli1720riflecasebyCarl Boswell ShootingBlackPowder PistolbyChrisRisebrook HandloadingOldFaithful the.308byLaurieHolland MorefromtheIWAby VinceBottomley

25 Harrel Barrel TunerbyCarlBoswell

32 Pellet PreperationbyTimFinley

47 57

39 The Unique

Alpine TPG 1 by VinceBottomley

63 70 74 78 83 86

CustomRifleBuild-the StockbyAndyDubreuil SEBSFNationalreviewby NickSchoonwinkle FermoyIrishInternational byAndyDubreuil ThisSmallboreBusiness byDonBrook DanRiverprofile2010by HayleyPlatts SpringersforFTPart2 byStanleyShaw

64 WW1 British

and Canadian Sniper Rifles byNigelGreenaway

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107 AdvertisersIndex Basics - the Browning Buckmark byGwynRoberts

90 Gallery Rifle

Target Shooter

Association Pages97 99 100 103 105 106 UKBRA UKBR22 F-Class QuigleyAssociation GalleryRifle UKPSA Editor(s). CarlBoswellandVinceBottomley Advertising and Office Manager AndyDubreuil.email;admin@targetshooter.co.uk Contributors VinceBottomley AndyDubreuil TimFinley LaurieHolland ChrisRisebrookCarlBoswell DonBrook ChrisFarr NigelGreenaway GwynRoberts KenHall LesHolgate HayleyPlatts StanleyShaw

Webitorial - May 2010Thewinterweatheristhankfullybehindusbut,justwhenwethoughtitwassafetocomeoutofhibernation andstartshootingagain,anIcelandicvolcanoeruptsandgroundsallEuropeanflights-whichputpaidto myintendedexcursiontoIrelandfortheinternationalfriendlybenchrestshoot.AtleastsomeoftheUKteam madeit-byferryanddidverywell.Suchislife! Although we at Target Shooter prefer to maintain a non-political stance, we cannot really ignore the impendingGeneralElectionwhichisalmostuponus.IwishwehadsomefriendsinWestminsterandIcould suggestwhotovoteforbutnoneofthemainPartiesgivetwohootsforoursportandLabourhavetreated usdiabolicallywithregardtotheLondonOlympicsandanongoinglegacyforshooting. AlthoughwedohavecertainshootingorganisationslikeBASCandtheSportsmansAssociationwhoinvolve themselves in political lobbying on behalf of their members, I cant help feeling that we would be better servedbyoneumbrellaorganisation.Yes,therewasanattempttodothisrecentlybycombiningtheNRA, CPAandtheNSRAbuttheinitiativeappearstohavefallenflat. IdoenvytheAmericansandtheirNationalRifleAssociation,representingthewholeofshooting.Inthis country,ourNRAseemselitistandremotetothemajorityofclubshootersbutwhosefaultisthat?Ideally, everyshootershouldbeamemberoftheNRAnomatterwhattheyshootincludinghunters,stalkersand shotgunners.Ofcourse,itwouldmeanreducingtheannualNRAfeetosomethingnominalbut,withtheright organisation,Iguaranteethatmembershipwouldincreasedramatically. MostclubshootersItalktowouldlovetobelongtoabodythatsupportedallformsofshootingthroughout thecountryandwas,inturn,supportedbytheguntrade.Canyouimagineourpoliticalinfluenceifevery shooterwasamemberoftheNRAthatsover700,000ofus.Withtheseriousair-rifleshootersonboard wecouldtopamillion!Couldanypoliticalpartyignorethatnumberofvoters?

Untilnextmonth.Vince,Carl&Andy CarlBoswell-carl@targetshooter.co.ukandVinceBottomley-vinceb@targetshooter.co.ukand AndyDubreuil-admin@targetshooter.co.uk CopyrightTrinityDigitalPublishingLtdDisclaimer

Thewebsitewww.targetshooter.co.ukispartofTargetShootermagazinewithallcontentsofbothelectronicmediacopyrighted.Noreproductionispermittedunless writtenauthorisationisprovided. Information,pricesanddataisbelievedtobecorrectatthetimeofpostingontheinternetwhichisonoraroundthe1stofeachmonth.Advertisementsthatarefirearm relatedarefromcompaniesorindividualsthatTargetShootermagazinebelievesarelicensedtoholdsuchfirearmsandacceptsnoresponsibilityifcompaniesor individualsarenotsolicensed. LettersandphotographssubmittedbymembersofthepublictoTargetShootermagazinewillbeacceptedonthebasisthatthewriterhasagreedtopublicationunless otherwisestated.TargetShootermagazinehasnocontroloverthecontentorownershipofphotographssubmitted. Theviewsexpressedinthismagazinearenotnecessarilytheviewsofthepublishersandrelatetospecificcircumstanceswithineacharticle.Thesearetheopinions andexperiencesofwritersusingspecificequipment,firearms,componentsanddataundercontrolledconditions.Informationcontainedintheonlinemagazineoronthe websiteisintendedtobeusedasaguideonlyandinspecificcircumstancescautionshouldbeused.TargetShooterMagazinedoesnotexceptanyresponsibilityfor individualsattemptingtorecreatesuchtestingusinganyinformation,dataorothermaterialsinitselectronicpages.PublishersofTargetShootermagazine.

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Shooting Sport News

New British Bolt Action from GBR

GBR England is a partnership of British companies that have been co-operating for Asonewouldexpect,allcomponentshavebeen sometimeintheproductionofriflesandparts. CADdesigned,andproducedonsophisticated equipmenttoensureminimaltolerances.There GBR sees its future in manufacturing and arenocastingsorforgingsemployed. stockingasmanyriflecomponentsaspossible, TheonlymarkingonthebodyistheGBRmotif forno-delaysupplytocustomriflebuilders,and set in an oval relief (the serial numbers are the new company is pleased to announce the inside the ejection port), so, whilst tough availability of its own, 100% British-made, bolt enoughforatacticalrifle,theGBRhasarefined actions,scoperails,recoillugs,det-magbottom appearance that lends itself to a fine sporting classic. metals,andtriggerguardsfortargetrifles. GBRs bottom metal is machined aluminium, anodised, and fitted with a heat-blued steel release catch. All contours are smooth and stylish, and it is currently made to accept AI magazines, and compatible with Remington Currently available right-handed, short-action, clones. with 308 bolt-face, and in magazine repeater SeveralrifleshavealreadybeenbuiltwithGBR format, with single shot versions, and 223 parts,andreviewswillsoonbepublished. bolt-facestofollow. GBR intends its motto, Quality, Value, The first run comprises action bodies in 4140 Availability will ring true with Great British Chrome-moly steel, with a helically fluted 416 Riflesmiths,andlooksforwardtosupplyingthe Stainless bolt, incorporating a Sako-style trade. extractor; the handle threaded to take, and GBR may be contacted at gbr.England@hotsupplied with, a choice of anodised aluminium mail.co.uk , or by phone, 01606 79029, from bolt-knobs,whicharealsoavailableseparately. whomafullspecificationsheetmaybehad. The new GBR is a turn-bolt action, similarly dimensionedtotheRemington700;asarethe majorityofcustomactions,soavastassortment ofstocksandtriggersarecompatible. 6 Target Shooter

Laterintheyear,astainlessactionbodywillbe available.

Another new joystick rest and this ones British!Justwhenwethoughtitwassafetobuythelatest joystick rest from SEB, along comes another and bestofall,itsBritishmade! Asyoucanseefromthepicture,itsverysimilarto theSEBandIhopetohaveoneforreviewbynext month. General features: Double-post design (two 20mm stainlesssteel,precisiongroundcolumns)withrack and pinion adjustment with a vertical movement of approximately 110mm with a non-slip adjusting knob. - Accommodatesstockwidthsbetween1.4 and3inches - Availableinlightaluminiumorheavysteel basevariants(totalrestweightsofapprox7 n d 1 2 a kgrespectively).Allbasespowdercoatedinblack. - MachinedfromhighgradePA-6Aluminium (black hard anodized finish) and POM, features a sidebagadjustingsystem. - Precise, reliable smooth action thanks to 2 high quality, maintenance-free plain spherical bearings with teflon linings and precision ground stainless steel guide rods wedged between POM slidingplates(eliminateskewingofplatesandtable). - Windage & elevation rest top movement equatestoapproximately18MOAor52cmat100 meters(18inchesat100yards). - Precise3-pointjoysticktensionadjustment. - Delivered with premium leather or tight woven,non-stretchnylonbags(sidebagsareVelcro

fastened)pre-filledwithheavyblacksand. - 2built-inprecisionbubblelevels. - Reversiblejoystickmovement(eitherjoystick up=tabledownorjoystickup=tableup) - Regulatedfrontfore-endstopmadeof20mm diameterPOM - Sturdy M10 stainless steel levelling screws with a vertical movement of approx. 60mm with counterlockingscrews(optional70mmdiameterFClassfeet). - Basefootprintof13.6x15withcomfortable carryhandle - Minimumresttabletopheight5 - Maximumresttabletopheight11 Extras: - Fully adjustable Easy-reach loading block availableforeverycaliber(willhold18cartridges) - F-classfeet - Customisedpaintschemes - Hardenedtiplevellingscrews

Mini torque wrench from Brock & Norris Heres a useful bit of Kit from Brock & Norris. FollowingourmaintenancearticlelastyearIgot acoupleofe-mailsaskingmehowtightshould we do up the action-screws when replacing a barrelled-actioninthestock.EvenifIgaveyou atorquefigure(whichwillvaryfromrifletorifle depending on stock and bedding) how could

youmeasureit? Thisneatlittletorquewrenchwillallowyoutodo itanditoperatesoveralimitedrangedesigned tosuitmostrifles.Itseasytouseandcomeswill fullinstructionsand,ifIremembercorrectly,the price was about 38.00. Brock & Norris are in Telfordtel: 01952-670198

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benchrest,havingenoughairfor the sighters and records shots withinamatch. As this rifle is a prototype it is stillinthetestingstagesandhas thepotentialformodification-it wouldbenicetoseeadiscrete benchrest specific stock for instance. Specifications TotalLength-1.110-1.160mm BarrelLength-450mm Barrel-16mm Caliber-.177 TotalWeight-4860grams TriggerPull-50-250grams

Steyr Sportswaffen developing a new Benchrest Air Rifle FrominformationIhavereceived,thisriflewouldAlthough in its prototype stage, an interesting developmentfromSteyrSportswaffenshownat therecentIWAshowwasthenewBenchrestAir Rifle model. (Equally, the imminent release of thelefthandcockingmodelisjustasinteresting for benchrest shooters, as this is a common featureinsomerimfirebenchrestshooting).

be able to adjust from 6ft pounds to 12 ft lbs, sopotentiallymeetingallclassspecificationsin termsofpowerlimits. The weight is just over the 10.5 pound class, soitwouldbeinterestingtoseeifthisdevelops furtherandwhatsortofriflecomesoutasafinal product. What should be ensured is the Styer ability to produce a rifle that shoots extremely Thenewbenchrestmodelsportsanelongated well. frame/ stock - 15cm - and an extended air cylinder for more shots during a match. Very Wehopetogetoneofthesetotestassoonas useful as this is one of the issues with air rifle theyareout,sowatchthisspace.

Press Release - Knowing your measure environmental conditions accurately, conditions helps to keep your aim even as theyre changing, can allow shooters/ you? to compensate for tough situations when true.TheKestrelhandheldweather metersofferarangeofeleven units which report on every environmental parameter a shooter could wish for. They are easy to operate and allowyoutofactorinallrelevant atmospheric conditions that impact the accuracy of your shot. Newfor2010,accurateweatherdatacannow be wirelessly transmitted over a range of 30 feet to your ballistics calculator or PDA using Bluetooth. Weathercanseemtogooutofitswaytoaffect long-rangemarksmanship.Theabilitytoquickly 8 Target Shooter the shot counts. So stay ahead of the game: buyaKestrelweathermetertoday! TherangestartswiththeKestrel1000at88.13 (inclVAT&delivery). For more information, please go to www.r-p-r. co.uk/kestrel

Calendarofeventsoverthenextfewmonths3 May NRAOpenDay(NationalShooting Centre (NSC), Bisley) The NSC is hosting, on behalfoftheNRA,anotherseriesofpreticketed OpenDayevents.Visitorswillbeabletotry shotgun, archery, air rifle, fullbore rifle, sporting rifle, laser clays, precision snap, practical and historicalriflestonamebutafew,allwithone-toonecoaching.ContactLibbyGendallattheNRA 10 May to 11 May TheEnglishEightClub,NationalRifleClubofScotland&WelshRifleAssociation SpringMeeting(NationalShootingCentre(NSC), Bisley) MatchRifle(F-ClassRiflesmaybeusedifdesired but cannot take any of the prizes except for the CashSweep) 2+15at1000,1100&1200yardsoneachday ContactEnglishVIIISecretary 10 May to 11 MayNRA300Metres Championships(NationalShootingCentre(NSC), Bisley) TheNRAOpenandBritishChampionships. Contact Martin Farnan 23 May to 26 May PhoenixMeeting(Gallery Rifle)(NationalShootingCentre(NSC), Bisley)ThisisthehighlightoftheGallery Rifle year (although there are many events for otherdisciplines!).ContactBrianThomasatthe NRA 22/23 May CumberlandNewsRifleClub-Carlisle AirGunsOpenChampionship-2x60shot detailsat:www.cnrc.org.uk/open.htm contact:DavidErskine:urkers@aol.com 24 May to 25 MayIrishOpenMeeting(Ballykinler (N Ireland))The 97th Irish Open Meeting hosted byUlsterRifleAssociation.ContactTrevorSteele 1 JuneNRAShootingClubDay(NationalShootingCentre(NSC),Bisley) Multi-disciplineNRAShootingClubDay.Targets havebeenbookedonMelvilleandat100,200, 900and1000yards.Alldisciplineswelcome. OpentoallfullmembersoftheNRAwhohave completed and returned the registration form whichisavailablebyclickingonthelinkbelow. ContactHeatherWebbattheNRA

Ifyourcluborassociationhaseventsyouwanttopubliciseherethenemailus.7 JuneHighpowerRifleAssociationMatch (NationalShootingCentre(NSC),Bisley) 80roundXTC.Detailscanbefoundbyclicking onthelinksbelow. http://www.highpowerrifle.co.uk 5-6 June WESTMIDLANDSREGIONAL TARGETSHOOTINGSQUAD WestMidlands10mAirgunChampionships 3x60-shotmatches,finals,standardand5 targetpistol.WMRTSCWolverhampton KarenMorrisPhone(Ian):07970166457 Email:kazmorris@orange.net 7 June to 9 June Scottish Open Championships (BarryBuddon(Scotland)) This years Scottish Open Prize Meeting will be heldatBarryRanges,CarnoustienearDundeeon Saturday7JunetoMonday9June2008. WhetherTRorFClass,expertorbeginner, everyone is welcome at this hugely enjoyable meeting. Furtherinformationandentryformsmaybe obtainedfromAllanMabonorbyclickingbelow. http://www.scottishrifleassociation.org.uk 7 June to 8 June Greshams and Norfolk Open Meeting(Thetford(England)) http://www.ncra.co.uk/fb%20entry%20form.htm 11 to 13th June British International 50 Metre Championships Email:info@nsra.co.uk Location:LordRobertsCentre,Bisley 12-13 June:HungarianFTOpen2010 Field Target air rifle National Championship + Open. moredetails:http://www.fieldtarget.hu/ftob2010 moreinfo:fieldtarget@fieldtarget.hu 26thJune-6thAugustRimfireandAirRifle BenchrestEuropeanChampionships2010.Plzen intheCzechRepublic-http://www.erabsf.org 26 Sep Somerset SBSA Open Shoot. (Rifle) LongAshtonRanges.Tel.01275836442.Email. julian.withey@btinternet.com 1-3 October: Field Target World Championship, Hungarymoredetails:http://www.fieldtarget.hu/ ftob2010 moreinfo:fieldtarget@fieldtarget.hu

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Portsmouth Gun Centre Ltd 295 London Road North End Portsmouth PO2 9HFOpening Times Mon 9.30 - 5.30 Tues Closed Wed Closed Thur 9.30 - 5.30 Fri 9.30 - 5.30 Sat 9.30 - 5.30

Tel 02392 660574 Fax 02392 644666 E-mail sales@portsmouthguncentre.com Website www.portsmouthguncentre.com

We stock a full range of Rifles, Pistols, Air Guns, Shotguns, Ammunition, Reloading Equipment and Accessories. All major brands stocked including BSA, CZ, Air Arms, Marlin, Ruger, Umarex, Uberti, Cometa, Pedersoli, Berreta, Lincoln, Webley, Pedersoli, etc.

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 684310

We are conveniently situated near the M23 & M25. Target Shooter

Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am - 5.30pm

Supportyourlocalgunshop10TechShooting

Green Leopard Ltd is ten years old in May 2010. asecuritysystemforvesselsofallsizestoaidcrew Happily individual, corporate and government security. users keep coming back to us each year and this hashelpedusrideouttherecession. Key products: Over the last two years Green Leopardhasalsobeguntodiversifyitsproductrange Claire and Haydon Aldersey started the company offered to customers by representing some highly with the idea of supplying clients with high quality products and services; since its inception the directorshavedrawnontheirvariedexperiencesto pragmatically provide customers solutions. Having served as full time fire fighters rounded out with military service we have experience of what does and doesnt work in extreme conditions. Combine this experience with advanced sailing and diving qualifications, we are equipped to give our clients thebestadvicewecan. The first product line actively marketed by Green Leopard was our custom hearing protection. We now have nine solid years of successfully manufacturing custom in-ear products for individuals,police,MODandbusiness. Security & Investigation: Green Leopard Ltd is an SIAlicensedcontractorprovidingprotectivesecurity services. Little known aspects of our business are the security consultancy, private investigation and training services we offer. These services include ExecutiveorVIPprotection,whichrequiresSecurity Industry Authority licensing to carry out. We also provideprivateinvestigationservicesforclients. MaritimeSecurity:TheMarineindustryhasspecific needs, which we seek to meet with Maritime Security consultancy. This offers security and anti-piracy training to crews of yachts and larger vessels that may be transiting trouble spots around the globe. Later this year we are planning to release respectedbrands.Wehavedecidedthatthereisnot muchtobegainedofferingpoorlymadeproductsto clients; so the products we represent are made to high standards, backed by warranties and support whichlookafterourclientsinterests. Atpresentwerepresentthefollowingbrands: SwissOneSafety:IndustrialandSportingeyewear offering high levels of protection, clarity and in adult and childrens styles. Prescription inserts are availableinsomemodels. ENTEL Radio: Entel brings exacting standards of

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innovation, quality and excellence to its professional radio communications equipmentforlandbased,marineand radio telemetry applications. Green Leopard can offer solutions from radio hire,individualpurchasethroughtofull communicationssystems. Peli Products: This famous brand has been supplying the world with rugged cases for 35 years. Since acquiring Hardigg cases in 2009 their range has expanded greatly. If you need to protect, store or transport anything there is probably a solution in this range. They also make a wide variety of lighting systems and torches to suit alluses. Musicians Products: We also offer a range of Musicians earplugs and monitorsasapartofourrange. For 2010 Green Leopard products will be available at the following events. Otherwise please visit the website or callustodiscussyourneeds. Phoenix2010Maybankholiday,28th

to30th-Bisley:GreenLeopardwillbe atthePhoenixagainmarkingourninth yearattendingtheevent.Wewillhave Pelicases,torchesandlightingsystems availableforpurchase;Entelradioswill be on display so take the opportunity toseethesehighlyspecifiedradios.As usualwewillbetakingcustomhearing protectionordersforclientsthatrequire it. CLA2010July23rdto25th:Visitthe E.J. Churchill stand where staff from GreenLeopardwillbeonhandtoassist clients.Forthefirsttimesince2006you canaccessGreenLeopardproductsat theCLAfromE.J.Churchill,whichisa leadingsupplierofourproducts. Trafalgar2010October23rdto24th Bisley:GreenLeopardwillbeexhibiting attheArmsFairheldInBisleyPavilion. Shooters with a historical Inclination willturntowardstheTrafalgarMeeting as memories of the Imperial fade. We will be exhibiting as for the Phoenix andlookforwardtoseeingthemuzzle loadingandclassicmilitaryusers.

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ThePeli1720Case byCarlBoswell

Above - The 1720 with cut foam to accomodate a Steyr LG110 air rifle and a custom Anschutz 2013 rimfire benchrest rifle - with lots of room to spareOver the next few months I want to have a look as a few rifle cases that provide that extra bit of protection. Im thinking about the international matchesthatIhaveattendedoverthelastfewyears and the ones that I will be going to this year. My thoughts have therefore turned to added security andprotectionforthatessentialpieceofequipment therifle. Having seen the way the baggage is transported around airports, believe me when I say there is a needforasecureruggedrifle-case.(Ononevisitthe rifleeventurneduponthemainbaggageconveyer muchtotheannoyanceofthelocalcustomsand myself). Peli is a well known brand and I asked Peli Products UK if they could supply a 1720 case for review.Mythankstothemandtheycanbecontact athttp://www.peliproducts.co.uk OnreceivingthecaseIhavetosayitlookedbomb proof.As the military, police forces, etc, use these cases it is easy to see why. The exterior of the case is hard and resistant to pressure and severe bangsbasicallyduetothetypeofpolymerusedin construction. Having banged around with this case for quite a whileitiseasytoseethatwhateverisinsideisgoing tobeprotected.Thefactthatthefoamcanbecutto fitriflesandequipmentsotheysitsnugisgreatthe highdensityfoamcanbecutatfactoryforstandard firearms,butitisjustaseasytocutthisyourselffor customdesigns. Another feature for airline travel is the fact that the case closes and equalises pressure after atmosphericchangesnicefeature.

Below - Stock picures of the front and back views of the 1720 case

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Above - The Peli 1720 before the foam is cut for the transport of rifles - a choice can be made of different foams and this should be rquested when purchasingThe reason why I want such a large case is the casethatultimatelyprotectsfortravellingornot- needtotransportatleasttworiflestocompetitions. this case would be amongst the ones that I would Fromthephotosyoucanseebothandairrifleand suggest. rimfire packaged neatly inside the case with lots of room to spare. This is a Thedimensionsofthe1720caseare; massive boon for those wanting just onecase. Base Base Base Lid Lid The case does not come with fitted Length Width Depth Length Width Lid Total locks, but a secure padlock by the (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) Depth (F) Depth same company can be purchased. 1065 344 90 1065 344 44 134 These are very strong and lot betterthanthelocksonthecasethat External Dimensions (MM) I have used over the last two years. Length Width Height The final piece of good design is the 1127 406 155 strong plastic wheels for pulling the case when transporting. When filled with rifles this case is goingto weigh WeightWithFoam8.60kg anythingupto29kilos,soabitheavy. WeightWithoutFoam7.60kg Thewheelsarethereforeanecessity. Buoyancymaximum73.00kg Attheendofthedaythiscaseweighs Onefoldingfronthandleandtwofoldingsidehandles quite a bit more than your standard Polyurethanewheelswithstainlesssteelballbearings range hardcase. It will therefore 3piecefoamset(notpick'n'pluck) probably costs a few pounds more in baggage payments if you are travellingbyplanedependingontheweightofthe PriceatPeliProductsUK-307.58+VAT rifleyouaretakinginthefirstplace. Howeverforthesakeofhavingasecurelyshipped rifleIwouldsaytheextracostwouldnotbeanissue, astheriflewillarriveinonepiece.LikeallPelicases ithasalifetimegarauntee.Soifyouarewantinga

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Target Shooter

TIM HANNAMThe Reloading SpecialistsPeckfield Lodge, Great North Road , Leeds, LS25 5LJ Tel: 01977 681639 Fax: 01977 684272

Retail & Trade EnquiriesWelcome

3 in 1 Case Mouth Cutter

New

We stock a full range of presses by Lee, Lyman, Hornady and Forster

Reloading Presses Reloading Dies

We stock a wide range of die sets and individual dies by Lee, Lyman , Hornady and Forster

We stock both electronic and beam scales from Lee, Lyman , Hornady.

Scales

From the most popular to the fairly obscure Manufacturers include Lapua, Remington, Winchester, Starline and IMI

Brass Cases

We carry a wide range of powders from Vihtavouri, Hodgdon, IMR and Alliant

Smokeless Powders

We stock a wide range of equipment, tools and kits.

Case Preparation Accessories Bullets

Including Match, Varmint and Target bullets from Lapua, Hornady Remington and Winchester. We carry a wide range of pistol bullets in both jacketed and lead.

For both Rifle and Pistol calibers from Remington, Winchester, CCI and Federal

Primers

plus lots more inc Pro-shot, Birchwood Casey, G96 Target Shooter 15

Website ReviewRimfireAccuracyisanewforumandwebsitebasedin the USA, starting off only a few months ago. So with themagazinesprimarygoalweaimtoassistthemwith ashortarticlesupportingthisnewventure. Primarilyaimedattherimfireshooterthetitlename suggests the focus the aim of the website is to provide information to new and old about rimfire shooting sports. Whether this is technical or topical debates, this is the place to be. Rimfire benchrest, Silouette , Gunsmithing, Projects and a Newbie Sectionareafewoftheareaspeoplecanuse.Some areas like articles and the classifieds are still yet to getgoing,butthiswillcomewithtimeasthewebsite becomes more recognised. It is nice to see people goingtotheeffortofsupportingthesesportswithmore informationandconversation. The basic history of the site goes back a couple of years. Several people talked about other sites that contained no real information. So we decided to register a site and it took about two months to get upandrunningandisstillindevelopment.Theidea is a place that people can discuss and even argue (heatedargumentsiftheywant)solongasthereareno personal attacks. People post whatever they choose solongashefollowstherules.Whateveranyoneputs out there is open to scrutiny. The super moderators havetheauthoritytodeleteanythingputoutthereifit breakstherules.Wetrytobefairtoeverybody. Wedontwantpeopletothinktheycantbeloose;they can.Jokingisacceptable;afewpeopleseemtothink itsnot.Prettymuchonerule.Nopersonalattacks,but thatgoesfordirect,indirect,singular,orin-mass. Our other primary goal is to help the new shooter. WewantnewshooterstofeelfreetousetheNewbie forum or any other forum. Were not trying to keep themoffanyparticularforum,itsjustthattheywillbe noticed if they post in the Newbie section. While we cantcontrolwhomayanswerwithwhat,wetrytogeta knowledgeable person with a known reputation to answer. Finally, its under construction and were open to suggestion. Eventually, there will be some level of advertisingbutnotsomuchastogetintheway.

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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 each. If you do not have a pistol I can order a new pistol from the Importers.

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 17

The MAS-36 Military Rifle

Your local fullbore club will usually offering a smattering of military surplus rifles. The most popular are usually Lee Enfields in one form or another, with maybe a Mauser or the odd Mosin Nagant to supplement the mix. However there are afewhiddengemslurkingouttherewhichmakea changefromtheusualstuff.

Above - The The MAS-36

by David Voisey

cartridge wouldnt work effectively in machineguns and the Lebel was fed from an 8 round tube magazine,whereyoufedtheroundsinthroughthe openbreech.Asyoucanimagine,thisisfineonthe range,butintroducesomemudanddebrisandthe wholesystemgoestopot-nottomentionthefact thatreloadingtookadayandanagecomparedtoits Forme,thiscameintheformoftheMASMle.1936 contemporarycharger-loadedrifles. or MAS-36 for short. A rifle best known for its odd looks and the fact it was the last new design Withallofthisinmind,theFrenchsetabouttobuild bolt-action rifle to be standard issue to front-line anewrifletosuitthenewrimless7.5x54mmmodel troops. 1924 cartridge (updated in 1929) that was already TheMAS-36cameaboutfollowingtheexperiences of French infantrymen during the First World War with their Lebel Model 1886 rifles. The Lebel was the latest thing in military rifle technology in 1886, howeverbythetimeoftheFirstWorldWar,itwas in dire need of a replacement. Its rimmed 8mm being used in the armys light machine-guns.After attempts to reuse already existing stocks of Lebel andBerthierriflesprovedunsuccessful,theFrench authoritiesdecidedthatanewriflewasneeded.The MAS-36wasfinallyputintoproductionin1936and carriedonuntilJune1940whereitwasstoppedby the German invasion. Production then carried on

The The MAS-36 in comparison with an Enfield

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Top view of the breech and boltfromwhereitceasedin1945andcontinuedinone TheMASitselfwasdesignedtobeuserfriendlyand formoranotheruntil1962. squaddyproof.Itfeedsfromanintegralfive-round double-stack magazine which, in future models Duringitsservicelife,theMASsawactionallacross produced or refurbished after the War, used the the globe, from Europe to the French colonies in follower as a bolt-stop. The bolt is large and is Asia and Africa. It was issued to frontline troops muchlikethatoftheLeeEnfieldwithtworearward during the battle for France in 1940 but due the locking-lugs,howevertheyareopposingeachother usualGovernmentcutstomilitaryspending,theMAS and the bolt cocks on opening rather than closing. wasissuedalongsideitsancestors,theBerthierand Thebolt-handleitselflooksratheroddinthewaythat Lebel. The next major saga in the life of the MAS itsweepsforward.Thismaylookstrange,butworks was to be played in the French colonies, namely welltooperatetheactionandallowsforasmoother AlgeriaandIndochina. openingthanthestubbyMauserKar98Khandles.

The bolt open exposing the breech

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The fore sight

On The Range The MAS is a nice, short handy rifle. The 7.5x54 round performs well and its ballistics are comparable to that of the 7.62x51 NATO round. Recoilisnotasfierceasexpectedwithotherrifles of a similar length (painful memories of a Mosin Nagant M44 come to mind) and this makes it a pleasuretoshoot.Theangledbolthandleallowsfor smoothandrapidoperation(OK,itsnoLee-Enfield butisavastimprovementontheLebel)whichsadly is let down by a limited five-round magazine. The sightsarefineforplinkingandaresurprisinglygood considering the lack of fine adjustment on the rear sight and the thickness of the foresight. You dont havethesamelevelofadjustmentasyougetwith the No.4s micrometer, but this was designed as a militaryriflefirstandforemostandthesightsarestill The major drawback to the MAS-36 these days adequate for most Classic rifle competitions. The for the military rifle shooter is the problem of triggerisastandardtwo-stagemilitarytriggerthatis ammunition. The only commonly available factory heavy,butcrisp. ammunitionisPrviPartizanwhich,asisusualwith thisammunition,shootsverywell.However,Ihave Specification found that some batches of Prvi have inconsistent loads,someofwhichareweakcausingfiredcases Calibre7.5x54mm to be covered in soot with bulged primers. French Weight(Empty) 3.7Kg(8lb3oz) MilitarySurplusisvirtuallynon-existentsoanyMAS OverallLength 1020mm(40.1in) ownerwillhavetostarthand-loadingatsomepoint. BarrelLength 575mm(22.6in) Magazine 5rounds Overall the MAS-36 is a much underrated and to MuzzleVelocity 853.6m/s(2800ft/s) manyanunheardofriflebutitreallyisworthlooking atasanadditiontoanyclassicriflecollection. The MAS isnt the prettiest rifle in the world and holds nothing in comparison to the No.5 Lee Enfieldinabeautycompetition.Maybethisisduetoits two-part stock with the slab-sided receiver separatingthetwohalveswhichmakestheMAS look plain and mechanical. The bayonet is located underneath the barrel in a reversed position for storageandwhenfixed,thebayonetitselfisathin cruciform section, though not as impressive as the SMLEs P1907 bayonet. Like most things on this riflethesightsarebasicwitharearapertureanda large front-post protected by a sturdy sight hood. The sights are graduated from 200m to 1200m in 100metreincrements.SizewisetheMASisashy over40inchesinlengthandisshorterthanboththe SMLEandMauserKar98K.

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Shooting the Black Powder Pistol Part 6

by Chris RisebrookThismonthIwilltryandgiveablowbyblowaccount ofloadingthesingleshotpistol.Photo1showsthe makingsforshootingaflintlockpistol.Lefttoright the items are: 1. measuring stick,2. loading phials,3. Drop tube,4. Pre-greased patches,5. ball,6.,mallet,7.shortstarter,8.ramrod,9.tools. Dealing with these in order; I mentioned in a previousarticlethatI,personally,liketocheckthere is nothing in the barrel before I start. I have seen peopleblowdownthebarrelfromthemuzzleend, butIcannotbringmyselftoputapistolinmymouth! So,ascrapofdowelrod,adrawerknobandabit of red tape is my preferred method. If the tape is just visible, the barrel is empty. It is all to easy to load twice! Item 2 can be purchased from Henry Krank;Ihaveacquiredbothglassandplasticover theyears.Iputastickeronthebaseofeachone andmarktheloadandpowdertype.Theblockwas

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aleft-overpieceofirokofromasunloungeanda littleboxmadefromscrapply.Thedroptubeisfrom Kranks;Igiveitagoodcleanbothinsideandout after use, to keep it looking smart and to stop powdergrainssticking totheinside.Havingemptiedthephial,Ithengive the barrel a good slap to make sure no powder issticking.Item4;patchescanbepurchasedfrom Kranks,but,beingatight-wallet,Icutminefrom4x2 usinga2ppieceandlubethemwithneatsfootoil. Item5.Ballcanbepurchasedeithercastorswaged, but I usually cast my own from near pure lead, unlikebulletforbreechloaders.Item6,themalletis anotherblockofiroko,somedowelrodandaknob, andisfacedwithcorkfloortile.Iusethistotapthe patchesballlevelwiththebarrelmouth.Item7,the shortstarterisusefulafterthefirstfewshotswhen the fouling starts to build up. Item 8; the ramrod.

I dont like the idea of using a steel ramrod in a steel barrel,soImadeupa brassrodandhandle withanylontip.This protects the muzzle, and there is no possibility of a spark. Item 9 is an invaluable collection bought as a set from Kranks. It consists of a pan brush, touch-hole prickers, and mini tommybarstofitthe topjawsofflintlocks. In the common occurence of a misfirewithaflintlock,afterwaitingasensibletime, openthefrizzenandbrushoutanyunburntpowder orresidue. Then, clear the touch-hole with the pricker and re-charge the pan. It seems to work best with just a little powder, and not too close to the touch-hole. If there is not enough spark, use the relevant bar to loosen the top jaw of the cock and ease the flint forward slightly, and re-tighten.Togetafirmgripontheflint,Iuseastrip ofleather,butthinleadcanalsobeused. Photo 2 shows a homemade possibles bag ,(A scrap of vynide, some eyelets, a bootlace, thread and a lot of bad language). This holds various bags for ball, spare flints, and cleaning patches. Iraidbootsalesinthesummerforleatherpouches to take the various size balls I need. A packet of keyrings with thesizemarkedonthefobmakes lifeeasy. Photo3showsmybulletpulleris referred to in a previous article. I have never had to use it, but it inspires confidence. It keeps the rod central to the bore while a hole isdrilled in the stuck ball. It then similarly centres the worm in the hole to give a really good grip. Of course, you still have to pull the ball out,and therewasI advocatingtightpatching. Nexttimewewilltryandputthis lot together - it might even go Bang!

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The Harrel Barrel Tuner

By Carl BoswellI have commented on barrel tuners before - the prosandconsofusingthemandthevarioustypes. They are one of the add-on products for rimfire benchrest where discussions about them will go on and on. Whatever your thoughts, those who have used them for many years swear by barrel tunesr! It is an aid to accuracy, both tuning the ammunition and rifle to find that sweet spot for ultimateaccuracy. The Harrel barrel tuner - or stabilizer - is well knowninUSArimfirebenchrestcircles.Asthisis one of the few truly commercial tuners available, most shooters will go this way and buy off the shelf rather than going the whole hog of a custom-builttuner.ThishelpsusintheUKasthe

Above - Harrel Tuner being dialled in.....Harrelisnowreadilyavailabletous,whereasfive yearsagoitwasnot.TheHarrelisnowbecoming slightly more popular in the UK and Europe and wenoticeafewmoreofthembeingusedinpostal andheadtoheadmatches.Certainlytheshooters who take this sport seriously have moved to using this style of tuner. Hence the reason I am writing this article, to inform about extending perceptionsandchoiceswhenstartingtodevelop yourequipmentforrimfirebenchrest. The Harrel tuner is a development from the Hoehnbarreltunerandthevastmajorityoftuners

Harrel tuner an over sized bloop tube Target Shooter 25

Harrel tuner, weight system and bloop tube

manufacturedinEuropearealsodirectredesigns of the Hoehn.There is a little bit of political bite regarding who came up with the idea but the Harrel is the direct descendent of the Hoehn in shape and form, with design permission sought forthis.TheItalianCicognanimodelIhaveused overmanyyearsisusedextensivelyonthissideof thepondmainlyduetotheeaseofpurchasein theinitialyearsofthissportbeingdevelopedinthe United Kingdom. Plus the fact that the Euro was

lowatthetimeandtheCicognanimodelwaseasy topurchase-againofftheshelf. How things have changed, with Brian Fox of Fox Firearms now bringing in a steady supply of the Harrel tuners from the US. The price is very realistic-around99atthetimeofwriting.Thisis substantiallylessthanEuropeanmodels-withthe Euro being very strong against the pound at the moment. For me, it is always about getting hold ofthingseasily,assevenyearsagothisjustwas Below - Harrel tuner an over sized bloop tube not the case. When we first started developing thissport,gettingholdofequipmentwasnighon side by side impossible. I am happy to see retailers and manufacturersstartingtogetonboardtobringus thebestproductsfromaroundtheworld. I was hoping to get other add-ons for the Harrel,asthereareanumberofthemaroundthat Ihavementionedinpreviousarticles.ThePappas NoodleisoneoftheseandIthinkthereareabout threeofthemintheUKatthemoment.Itwould havebeeninterestingtotestthisforthisarticle- possiblyatalaterdate. If we have a closer look at the Harrel, the first thing that I would say is that it is extremely well engineeredandfinished.Ihavehadtunersinthe past that need to be reamed before I could use them,theinternalborebeingscoredwithtooling marks-notconducivewithaccuracy.TheHarrel Below - Weight system and bloop tube is all you would want it to be out of the box superblymadeandreadytouse.OnethingIdid ask Brian to make for me is a test bloop-tube extensionfortheHarrel,asIhavethisextension on the Cicognani model I use at the moment. (Brianhaselectedtoprovidethesecommercially ataround15,sowellworththebuy!) When comparing the Harrel to my current tuner whichweighs-inatoverelevenounces,theHarrel weighs considerably less at just under nine ounces. This is beneficial if you are building a Light Varmint rifle where every ounce counts. It allowsforalternativechoiceslikescopeselection and additional elements like a mid-barrel tuner,

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Comparison of the weight system with shortened bloop tube (Left) and extended bloop tube (Right)

bloop-tube, etc. A good range of tuning can be systemcanbeusedtoextendthis.(Theseagain attained with the Harrel but if you need even are available from Brian Fox). The Harrel comes more range of weight distribution, then a weight- with threaded collars for both the addition of weights and extension tubes Fixing to the barrel is achieved by these screws compressing the collar shooters may wishtouseata against the barrel wall later stage. The advantage of usingtheHarrel tuner is that it becomes a system in its own right that can be built on asandwhenyou desireit.Having the chance to buy entry-level e q u i p m e n t that can be d e v e l o p e d further is a must for this sport.Toomany times we buy e q u i p m e n t ,

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Reamed collar to your barrel specs

thenseeanewdevelopmentandouroriginalpart is then obsolete as it cannot be built on. Some manufacturers see this as a way of getting more money,ratherthansupportingtheshootersorry, rantover. Having an extended weight-system also allows youtousetheonetunerforseveralbarrels/actions ifyoucankeeparecordoftheindividualsettings foreach. The Harrel tuner is fitted to the barrel via a compression sleeve that needs to be reamed by Brian before he sends it to you. Obviously be prepared to know the diameter of your barrel at themuzzle.IntheUSsomeprefertothreadthe barrelforsecurityandbetteralignment.Personally Iliketoremoveatunerafterusetocleanthecrown areaofthebarrelandremovecondensationfrom thatareawhichcandestroythebarrel-crown.The twoscrewsthatcompressthesleeveoftheHarrel tunerareeasytouseandthetuneriseasytoput onandtakeoff,sothereforeIlikethissystem.

When setting up the tuner with both the weight-system/ bloop-tube or with extended bloop-tube alone, I tended to stay with the same weight distribution. So in fact the extended bloop-tube has the same distribution as the smaller tube and weight together. This was only for ease of testing and with your rifleyoumaydothingsslightly differently, depending on your requirements and the class yourrifleisusedfor. Forme,havingtheblooptube wasparamounttothistest,as I have used one for the last twoyears.Theeffectaswith the prone shooter is to help stabilizethebulletasitisexits themuzzleinrelativelystillair for the first few inches. Does this work?Another discussion!!! ThisisthebeautyoftheHarrelyoucandevelop itinthewaythatyouseefitalone,withweights, with bloop-tube, noodle and other additions that willnodoubtdevelopinthefuture. LetshavealookatsettingupyourHarrelTuner- courtesyofAmericanshooterDanKillough HOPEWELL METHOD with 3 Lots of Ammo Use 3 different velocities of ammunition for this test:1slow(1040s),1fast(1070s),and1lotthat youknowtherifle/barrellikes.Ifyoudonotknow whattherifle/barrellikesjustusesomethinginthe 1055-1065fpsrange.Ifyouareusingammothat does not have a speed, then choose 3 different lots. 1.Setyoutunerto0andfirethreeshots.1shot from each lot. Do not change your point of aim. Turn tuner one complete revolution (25 clicks) andfirethreeshots,1shotfromeachlot.Donot changeyourpointofaim.Repeatfor50,75,and 100.Younowhavea15shotgroup,allshotatthe samePOA. 2.Repeatsteponefrom100to200 3.RepeatSteponefrom200to300. 4.RepeatSteponefrom300to400. 5. Repeat Step one from 400 to 500. You now havefive15-shotgroups. Oneofthe15-shotgroupswillshowthesmallest verticalstringing.

Locking screw for setting the tuner 28 Target Shooter

Threaded Harrel tuner for weight system and Bloop tube extensions

at235,240,245,250,255, 260,and265. 10.Lookforthebestgroup. For example 245 was the bestgroup.Nowdo6shot groups at 243,244, 245, 246,247,and248. 11.Findthebestgroupand setthetuner. 12.Irarelyadjustthetuner afterthis.IfImoveit,itisno morethan3clicksineither direction. Using the different speeds of ammo

Lets say that you find that the 200 to 300 group showstheleastverticalstringing. 6.Startingat200,shoot2sixshotgroups.2shots from each lot. Shift to a different POA for each group.

seems to really help find the best tuner setting. Also, now if you change ammo, your point of impact 7.Repeatat225,250,275and300 willnotchange. Using the locking 8. One of these settings will show a decrease in screw on the side groupsize. of the Harrel, sets the tuner so it will Example:250showedthesmallestgroup. not move while transporting or 9. Now, start at 235 and shoot a six shot group shooting.

The tuner is now set Target Shooter 29

The Pappas Noodle - not tested for this article but another addition to this varied tuning system

I used two methods of setting up the tuner. The one above as research for this article and I alsocheatedalittle.HavingmyCicognanisetup and tuned to my rifle already I produced a jig to balance the Harrel tuner to the same equilibrium as the Cicognani. This allowed me to determine andrecordthesettingthatIknewwouldworkand compare it to the process outlined above. Within afewclicktolerancetheywerethesamesothe Hopewell method works. (As it should as it has beendevelopedoveryearsofpracticeintheUSA). Having gone through the process, I quickly realisedthebestgroupswerebeingachievedwith lowersettingsseediagram-withworstgroups

onthehighersettings.Ionlywentthroughtohigh settingstoshowthedisparityofthecorrectsetting againstonesthatjustclearlydidnotworkwithmy rifle.Itmaybedifferentwithyourriflebutgoesto show with a short experiment that a barrel tuner doeshavesomeimpactonaccuracyat50metres. The Harrel tuner is a very good buy. It is reasonably priced, easy to set up and well engineered. Thus it is accessible by all shooters forthesereasons.Thefactthatwecangetthese intheUKeasilyastheyarenowimportedhasto beastepforward.Forthosethatwanttotakethis allimportantplunge,contactBrianatFoxFirearms http://www.foxfirearmsuk.com Youwillnotbedisappointed.

www.FoxFirearmsUK.comTel: 0161 430 8278 or 07941 958464 PUTTING SHOOTING FIRST For all your F Class, Centerfire and Rimfire Benchrest needs Harrel Barrel Tuner for Rimfire Benchrest Rifle

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Cooper TRP-3 Rimfire Benchrest RifleVISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE THE VERY BEST VALUE CUSTOM PRECISION RIFLES FOR TR, MATCH, F-CLASS, AND BENCH-REST http://www.foxfirearmsuk.com/ WE STOCK HUNTING RIFLES BY COOPER, KIMBER AND PFEIFER AND COMPETITION-WINNING RIFLES FROM KELBLY AND KEPPELER, AND ARE TRADE AGENTS FOR THE SUPERB BARNARDShooter AND RECORD-BREAKING TRUE-FLITE AND BARTLEIN BARRELS 30 Target ACTIONS,

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PELLETPREPARATION

byTimFinleythe basic cleaning kitthemdownaBicdisposablepenbodytopick out slack Bisley Magnums, to re-sizing and applyingaspeciallubricant. Thereprocessesforpelletpreparationfallinto oneoffourcategories. 1)Washing 2)Sorting/Grading 3)Re-sizing 4)Re-lubrication. Asalwaysletsstartwithnumberone,pellets must be washed before any of the other remainingprocessescanbedone.Itdoestwo things;itremovesthelubricationorthemould/ die release agents from the pellets surface and cleans off any additional flecks or loose

Onceyouhaveboughtyourtinorbox ofpelletsitreallyisnottheendofthe process to obtain accuracy and real consistency out of the projectiles. The airgun shooter can apply very simple processes to alter the pellets properties from as they were manufacturedand/ortograde/sortthe pellets themselves. As a Field Target shooterinthe1980sIwassoononto pelletpreparation. There are many, many different processes and technique to pellet preparation. I have tried most if not all of them, from individually weighing each and every pellet, to dropping

just a dab of liquid

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with warm water added

meshsieveisbetteratremovingthelooseparticles; youdonotwanttoofineasievemesh,plasticones tendtobetoofine.Trynottodothisprocessinthe kitchensinkleadisatoxicsubstanceanditshould be prevented from contaminating food preparation surfacesetc.Oncetheyhavebeenwasheditstime to dry them out. I tip the pellets out onto a pile of disposablekitchentowel,envelopetheminthetowel incuppedhandsandgivethemashaketoremove excesswater.Thentipthemoutontoafreshpileof kitchenrollplacedonateatrayandspreadoutinto onelayer(Theteatrayjustmakesiteasiertocarry them about the house). The tray is placed next to

particlesoflead/alloywhicharestuckthepellets.If youweighedpelletsstraightoutofthetinwithoutfirst washing them you would find if you weighed them afterwardstheywouldnotweightthesame,dueto the additional lead stuck to them which is not an integralpartoftheintendedpelletdesign.Towash pelletsmostFT/HFTshootersusethesamesystem. You need a sealable plastic food container with a lidandpreferablyaroundedbottom.Thepelletsgo inthebottomwithadashofwashingupdetergent. Thisistoremovetheaforementionedfactoryapplied lubrication; this substance has not been initially designed to make the pellet more accurate when fired through an air rifle/pistol barrel. Its primary function is to facilitate the actual manufacturing processofthepellets,bystoppingthepelletsgetting fouledinthemachinesproducingthem.Afteradding the small amount of detergent the pellets are then covered with some hot water from the tap, you do notneedtouseboilingwaterfortworeasons,itwill not get the pellets any cleaner, and it is unsafe as you could scald yourself or others. Make sure the pellets are covers by at least an inch of water and putthelidontosealthecontainerNextgentlyswirl thecontaineraroundforafewminutes,holdontothe lidatthispoint,Ihavefoundtomycostifyoudonot itcancomeoff.Donotshakethecontainerupand downasthismaydamagethedelicateskirtsofthe pellets.Pourthepelletsintoasieveandrunclean coldwateroverthepelletsastheyareswirledaround (againgently)insidethesieve.Ihavefoundametal

then a gentle swirl

aradiatortoairdrythepellets.Someshootersput themintheovenonafoiltrayat150degreesforhalf anhour,oruseahairdryer.Oncedrythenextpart oftheprocessissortingandgrading.Thisisneeded because the pellet manufacturing process is not a lengthyone.Leadalloywireisextrudedatratesin themeterspersecondandthestamping/dieprocess producesmanyhundredsofpelletsperminute. Given these simple facts certain inconsistencies in the wire length or thickness, die pressure or alloy contentwillmeannotallthepelletshavethesame dimensions or properties. So their pellet to pellet weightwillvaryaswellasheadandskirtdiameters. Atthecheaperendofthemarketnotallthepellets in one tin are even from the same pressing/die machineorrollofwire.Asimpleruleofthumbisthe more expensive the pellet the better the factories

straight from the sieve wrap them in a paper towel in your hand

what was left after the standard wash

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thaninasleeveoftentins.Itsmorecommonfor themtobuyacartonof25,000pellets.Evenwhen buyinginbatchesofasetheadsizesomesorting/ grading is needed. Some shooters still weigh every single pellet. Weighing does give you an opportunitytoinspecteachpelletfordamageand deformity.Youcanusemanualbalancetypescales which are really cheap or electronic scales which can be expensive, I used to use the former but now use the same ones I use for re-loading my full-bore rifleifIneedtochecktheweightonany pellets.Theheadsofpelletasyouweighthemisone placetolook,itisdamageherewhichwilladversely affectaccuracy.Theskirtofapelletcanpotentially quality control and grading processes are. It may sustainalotofdamagebeforeitruinstheaccuracy. seem strange but there is not a dedicated mega Theflexiblerearofthepelletisdesignedtobeblown expensiveroundheadedFT/HFTpelletinthesame out air pressure to form a tight seal in the barrels way there are dedicated flat headed 10m indoor paper punching match pellets. JSB hold the dry on paper towels current dominance in FT and HFT. TheAmericans madetheCrosmanPremierinthe1990s,withthe roundheaded7.9pelletdesignedtorunatsub 12 ft-lbsforoptimumoutdoorshootingperformance.An example of mega expensive pellets for the 6ft/lb 10mindoorshootingcompetitionistheflatheaded R10MatchPluspellet,soldinplasticboxesof100 pellets,whereeachpelletisinitsindividualholein aplastictrayof50.Eachpelletisopticallyinspected and the price for this additional grading process beforeitleavesthefactoryisreflectedintheprice, at about twenty five pounds a box of 100 they are for serious competition users only. In FT/HFT we rifling. This is called obturation, to test this theory useroundheadedDiabloshapedpelletsratherthan inthepastIhavepurposelysquashedtheskirtsof theflatheadedwadcuttershapeusedin10mindoor pellets before on the practice range to see what target shooting. These have a better ballistic effect it would have, which is little or none out to co-efficient (are more slippery in the air) so have 35yardsthanonlydroppingoutofa40mmdiscat a flatter trajectory. The only aspect of 10m pellets 55 yards if really squashed. This may have been to cross over to us outdoor target shooters are somethingtodowiththepelletIhavebeenusingfor the choice of differing pellet head sizes. Current 12 years, the Crosman Premier. I wanted to make favourite .177 FT/HFT pellets are normally surethesamehappenedwiththecurrenttoppellet manufactured in 4.50, 4.51, 4.52 and 4.53mm theJSBtypes.ItookatinofJSBsouttothepractice diameter head sizes from JSB made for various rangeandsetaboutalittletestat55yardstosee firms,AirArms,WebleyandDaystatetonameafew what effect damaging the skirt on Prems and JSB andalsoundertheirownbrandname.TopFT/HFT hadat55yards.Fifteenshotsasatest,withthefirst shooterstendtobuypelletsinbatches,inneverless

the skirts were ok from the standard wash

1st for me ultrasonicing - see pellets in the ultrasonic cleaner

what was left after the ultrasonic clean

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I put them into 3 test batches

fiveshotsofthe15withthenonedamagedpellets. The results were startling. The JSBs dropped two and a half times more than the Prems. I had to reallyalmostsquashtherearskirtofaPremflatto get it to drop out of the group and potentially out ofa40mmdiscat55yards.Slightdamageonthe JSBssentthemallovertheplace.Thismustbedue to the Premier having a shorter rear skirt and the insidebodyofthepelletbeingalargeflatareaatthe back of the pellet, when I measured them the rear flatoftheCrosmanwasonly1.72mmfromtheback ofthepellet,withtheJSBskirtgoingbackto2.5mm insidethebodyofthepellet.TheJSBsrearskirtis longer, thinner and does not have a strengthening insidesectionastheCrosmandoes.Damagetothe JSB skirt adversely affects the accuracy whereas the same amount of damage does not affect the Crosman Premier. Ill quickly explain Bicing, it took off in a big way in the 1990s.The point is to select pellets of the same rear skirt size, without havingtoactuallyresizethepellet.ABicdisposable pen body has an internal taper which could have been made for the measuring of .177 pellets, the pensinternalsandendcapmustberemovedanddo notgetasolidcolouredpenbodyasyouwillnotsee thepelletinsidetheplastictube.Icouldnotfindmy oldBicbodybutIfoundagenericbranddisposable penworkedjustaswell.ImeasuredafewJSBrear skirts and came up with an average. Putting in a pelletwiththisaveragediameterImarkedthebody

of the see through pen body with a black marker where the pellet stopped. You tap the pellet back outofthepenbodythewayitcamein.Thensliding individualpelletsinthebodyyoucanseeiftheyfall onthelinestopshortorfallwaypast.Iusedtodiscard allthesmallerdiameteronesandkeepthosewhich fellonthelineorjustaboveit.Youcouldgodownthe routeofre-sizingthepelletskirts,Ihavea4.50mm diametersizerIusedonmyRWSSuperdomesinthe late1980s.Idonotknowmanyshooterswhonow sizepellets,buyingthecorrectheadsizeforyourrifles barrelorevenBicingwouldbeabetteroption.Nick JenkinsonamultipleexworldFTchampionswears byrolling pelletsdownaninclinedglasssheet.Thissortsout the ones which ones do not roll the same as the majority.Backtoweightandyouneedtokeeppellets weighingwithinagraininbatches.TopHFTshooter PeteDuttongradeshisJSBbetween8.4and8.5to use in matches and then uses the rest from 8.2 to 8.3forpractice.Thematchpelletsworkoutatabout

two .177 match sizers

you dont have to spend a lot on scales

halfatinof500,apelletortwowillstillcomeinout at8.1andthesehediscards. Once sorting grading and re-sizing have been covered its down to re-lubrication. The holy grail ofpelletprepisthesubstancewhichlubricatesthe pellettoincreaseitsaccuracy.Therealtruthisthat lubricationisneededtolookafterthebarrel,which will in turn maintain accuracy of the pellets. Dry un-lubricated pellets will form a layer of lead on/in thebarrelsrifling.Whichiflefttobuildupwillmake thebarrelveryinaccuratenomatterwhatpelletsyou use.Lubricationwillslowtheprocessofleadbuildup andlengthentheintervalsbetweenwhenyouneed tocleanthebarrelout.Therehavebeenmanylubes onthemarketfromwaxbasedaerosolstosocalled secretformulaones.Manyshootersmixtheirown blends using a few types or brands of lube.Again thefactthatyouusealubeismoreimportantthan what you use. For over fifteen years I have been usingoilwhichisinfactthecheapestyoucanget. The so called multipurpose comes in small 125ml

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seal the bag

ready for the lube just a few drops in the bag will do it

bottles and can be bought anywhere from budget motoristdiscountshopstosupermarkets.Itischeap oil because it is made from re-cycled oils, making it very thin. This very light oil is perfect for pellet lubricationpurposes.Isquirtafewdropsinthebox

Napier has alot of fans

My secret lube

ofCrosmanPremiersIuseandgentlyshaketocoat allthepellets.Anotherwaytore-lubeistoplacethe pelletswithsomeoilinasmallclearplasticbagand workthebaginyourfingerstocoatthepellets.Ihave tested many brands of lubes specifically made for leadpelletsbuthavefoundnosignificantdifference withthelubeIuse,mytrophycabinettellsnolies, thecheapstuffworksforme.Withanyre-lubrication thegoldenruleisnottooverlubricate,toomuchoil in the back of the pellet will potentially add weight tothepelletandthereforemakeitdroplower.Iover lubedabatchof7.9Crosmanssomeyearsagoand paidtheprice,Imisseda55yarder,hittinglowunder thedisc.Uponexaminingthepelletsaftertheshoot

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the best way to lube is in a small plastic bag

Isawthemassiveamountsoflubeheldintherear skirts,thisextraweighttookthatpelletdown,Itried itattherangeandaoverlylubedpelletdidgolow. Now . I always check the back of my pellets now

gently roll the pellets around in the bag with your fingers

beforeIputthemintothebreechesofmytwoSteyr LG-110s. Having to hand load the pellets into the breechasontheSteyrsgivesyoumoreofthefeel ofthefitofthepelletinthebarrelthanifyouwere using a pellet tray and bolt/probe system. I do

the test pellets

not sort any of my pellets now, I only wash and re-lubethem,butifIfeelaslackpelletasitgoesinto thebarrelIcanfireitoff.Ilookattheskirtofeach pellettoobeforeIputitinthebarrel,checkingforover lubrication or damage. Once you have lubricated yourpelletsitsimportanttoprotectthem,whyspend all that time washing, weighing, grading, sorting, sizing and lubricating to dump your match winning pellets in an unlined tin or fluff filled pocket. I like alotofothershooterskeeppelletsprotecteduntilI needtousethem.IamfortunatetouseoldCrosman Premiersasthesecomeinacardboardboxwhich hasafoampadinsidethetopandbottom.Idecant whatpelletsIneedthenintoapurposelydesigned andmadeclothneckpouchwhichasaziptokeep itclosedandhasplasticsheetlayerstokeepoilof clothing.Shootersalsousesmallwoodenboxesand leatherneckpouchesinordertoprotectpellets. As part of this article I decided to test if the one process I do to a pellet before that final visual inspectionasIselectittoputinthebreechpriorto takingashotincompetitionIhasanyaffect.Thetest pelletwouldbethenewAccuracyPlusfromFalcon, theseareeightpoundsforatinof500soareatthe leading edge of current outdoor airgun competition shooting. I split the pin into three sections, one I woulddonothingto,thenextIwouldwashandthe next I would clean with the ultrasonic cleaner only, Iwouldthensplitthetwowashedbatchesintotwo andlubeonewithmyowncheapolubeandtheother withanexpensivelubemadeforairgunpellets.So, withacontrolbatchofpelletsstraightoutofthetinI wouldhavefourotherbatchesinthetest.Therange test would be with my Steyr LG-110 at 50 yards. ShotbymeintheFTshootingposition.Ihaveshot a42mmgroupat100yardsusingthesamegunand shootingpositionsoIwasconfidentthatwouldnot be a factor in the tests. Ten shot groups would be shotasthatistherealtestforanypellet. Nextmonthsissuewillfeaturethetestresultsforthe lubingprocesses. A lot of the benefit of shooters spending so much time and effort on pellet preparation may justbeallinthemind.Thatisok because if you believe it gives you better groups then that in itselfwillmakeyouabettershot, regardlessofifitreallyimproves theaccuracyofanalreadygood pelletornotandifyoumissyou know it was NOT due to a bad pellet.

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TheUniqueAlpineTPG1

Above - The Baverian made Unique Alpine with woodland camo. stockManyreaderswillbefamiliarwiththeUniqueAlpine as they are a familiar sight on UK rifle ranges but its some years since we reviewed one (in the old Target Sports) so maybe time for an update.Also, York Guns are now the sole UK agents for these riflesandtheyhavekindlysuppliedourtestrifle.But what makes it so special? What makes it unique? Our rifle has several features which you may well seeonotherriflesbutrarelyallonthesamerifle. The barrel Itwasthisbitoftheriflewhichfirstattractedmeto the Unique. Most of my rifles have more than one barrel its a waste just to have only one barrel for a rifle surely? I love to play with different cartridgesandwithcompetitionshooting,itsacase ofhorsesforcourses.Youwouldntusea338Lapua Magnumat100yardsanymorethanyouwouldshoot a22PPCat1000yards.TheUniqueisofferedwitha fantasticchoiceofcartridgesandIwilllistthemhere. Theyareclearlythechoiceofsomeonewhoispretty clued-upshooting-wise: 223Rem 300Win.Mag. 300Win.UltraMag. 338LapuaMagnum 22PPC 6BRNorma

byVinceBottomley243Win. 7-08 308Win. 6.5x55Swede Two of those barrels the 6BR and the 6.5x55 Swede would cover you for everything target-wise from100outto1000yards.Mostofthebarrelsare finished at 650mm and are of heavy profile and flutedasstandard(the338isfinishedat700mm).All arestainless-steelandallbutthe223and243are muzzle-brakefriendly.Ifyouaregoingforamagnum cartridge,anewboltwouldbeneededandthelarger magnum magazine is accommodated by removing themag.wellandreplacingitwithalargerone. Yes, we can commission an additional barrel for almost any rifle but swapping barrels is another matter.Ifyourriflehasarecoil-lug,thenitbecomes amoredifficultexercise.Thebarrelled-actionmust come out of the stock for barrels to be switched andyouwillneedabench-mountedbarrel-viceand action-wrench. Even then, the recoil-lug can give

Removing the brake reveals a neat 11 degree crown

The breech end showing the barrel-stub

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The brake is a fair lump of metal but it does the job

problemsifnotpinned. If the barrel shoulders up to the action without a recoil-lug then its a little easier and the barrelled action can be left in the stock but we still need a bench-mounted vice and action wrench. Heres where the Unique comes into its own. No need for a barrel-vice or action-wrench.All we need are two (supplied) Allen keys and the swap could be doneon-rangeifrequired.Thisispossiblebecause the barrel does not screw into the action in the conventionalway,itfirstscrewsintoastubwhich incorporatestheboltlocking-lugs.Thestubthenslots intotheactionandisretainedbyaclamp-system.Its verycleverlythought-outbutthereisnothingspecial aboutthebarrelitselfifyouwantedacartridgenot offered by Unique, or you wanted a longer barrel, thenitwouldbenomoreworkforyourgunsmithto make up a replacement barrel than with any other rifle. It would be threaded and chambered exactly likeaconventionalbarrel.Thecleverbitisthestub. Ideally,youwouldhaveastubfittedtoeachofyour barrelsifyouintendtoswapthemaboutregularly.

bitconfusedbyitatfirst.Theholethroughabrakeis normallyonlyslightlylargerthanthecalibre,yetthis brakelookedasifitwasoffa338!WhenIremoved thebrakeforcleaning,thedesignbecameclearer. Insidethebrakeisataperedtubeandalthoughlarger attheoutlet,isonlyslightlyovercalibreattheinlet. Thebrakeisveryeffectiveunlessyouareshooting alongside..............!Thebrakeisnotscrewedtothe muzzle, it is located and retained by a couple of Allen screws and can easily be removed for cleaning. The stock The Uniques stock is another masterpiece of designandingenuity.Riflesarequitelong,unwieldy thingswhenyouhavetotransportthemespecially on public transport where its pretty obvious you are carrying a rifle. Yes, I know you could pop the barrelled action out of the stock but we dont do we? Ive been abroad with a benchgun on several occasionsandIcouldeasilyhavethebarreloffbut IdontandIstilllugafour-footlongboxaroundthe airport.

The muzzle brake WithjustoneAllenkeyandonescrewwecanhave TheUniquesbrakeisamassivelumpandIwasa theUniquedownfrom50inchestojust40inchesso thatthewholeriflewillfitinto A metre long case will hold the Alpine ametrelongboxanditcan be assembled and ready to shoot in seconds - if we leave the scope in place on the action. Features like this may not be important toyoubutImsureyoucan envisageascenariowhereit wouldbe. The stock comes in two

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The aluminium chassis with mag. well. You can replace the mag. well with a single-loading sled if you prefer

mainpieces.Themainchassisismachinedfroma solidbilletofaluminiumandcarriestheactionwhich isheldinplacewithfourAllenscrews.Thefore-end plastic side-plates have a non-slip finish and are fixed to the chassis with three smallAllen screws. Thebuttisformedfromahigh-strengthplasticwhich isattachedtothechassisviaasubstantialdovetail joint held in place with just one Allen screw. The aluminium chassis section holds the action very snugly in a deep recess and there is a thin plastic cushionsandwichedbetweenthetwo-probablyto deadenanymetal-to-metalvibrations.Thetwo-inch wide fore-end has a flat underside and contains an accessory rail for bi-pod mounting and there is a threaded hole at the front of the fore-end if you wantedtouseaParkerHalestylebi-pod.

awkward.Uniquehaveincorporatedanawfullotof features into their butt, yet it is very user-friendly. Thebestfeatureistheadjustablemono-pod,which will ensure a stable shooting platform on most surfaces when coupled with a front bi-pod. I found that if the mono-pod housing was gripped with the non-trigger hand, a very solid, stable shooting platformresults.Byclenchingthefist,thecrosshair is raised or lowered slightly, making quick, precise aimingveryeasy.Somemaynotlikethethumb-hole grip but for my hands it was very comfortable, placingthepadofindex-fingernicelyonthetrigger. The butt-plate can be extended, raised, lowered and angled and of course, there is an adjustable cheek-piece.

Personally,Iveneverhadaproblemadaptingtoa Itispossibletoover-engineerthestockofatactical stockbutthenyoucouldcallmeMrAveragewhen rifleandthelatestBlaserLRS2isinmyopinion itcomestobuild.Ifyouareadwarforagiant,the a good example of this. It looks and feels Uniquesstockwilladapttoyourshape!Throughout

A Russian policeman demonstrates his firepower Target Shooter 41

Theres something of interest at every turn this guy is engraving a knife blade

the test, I never altered the stock, save for raising thebutt-plate-Ilikealowshootingpositionandthe butt can end up underneath my armpit. Pull-length andcheek-piecewerefine.IfIhaveacriticismitwas boltremovalitcantbedonewiththecheek-piece in place but its easy enough to remove the whole butt (one Allen screw). Bolt removal is a constant requirementforrangeuseandcleaning.Asimple mod.tothecheek-piecewouldsolvethisatastroke andIdidnoticeafellowshooterhaddonethiswith hisownUnique.

The action Theactionisanotherpartofthisriflewhichisunique withasmallu.ThebodyisCNCmachinedfroma solidbilletofaluminiumthoughthePicatinnyrailis separate.Itissubstantialinproportionandhasaflat bottomandslab-sidesofferingsuperbbeddingand massiverigidity.Ofcourse,therearenolockinglugs in the action they are in the barrel-stub so the action is a relatively simple affair. A tiny steel insertattheboltscamming-pointpreventswearof thealuminium. Thedetachablemagazineissingle-stackandholds justfiverounds-whichisabitmeanforcompetition

The 338 Savage looks the part should be a bargain

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Benchresting the Alpine produced half MOA groups with easeuse. Furthermore, loading single rounds is a bit fiddly you cant just chuck em in. To make the riflemorecompetititonfriendlyImadeupasingleloadingsledwhichlookedlikeadummymagazine. It worked perfectly but Unique do actually offer a single-loadadapterbutitmustbefittedpermanently inplace. The bolt is a really nice piece of work. Again a substantial item, its outside diameter is almost an inch and incorporates three locking-lugs and the body has nine narrow flutes and three gas-vents. That strange bit at the rear which looks like the hammerofapistolisthesafetyveryeasytouse and visually check. The all-black finish matches the overall finish of the action and clearly this is a very tough coating as it was still intact on the rear ofthelugsafterfiringover100rounds.Theboltis released by depressing a catch on the left rear of theactionandfield-strippingrevealsaconventional firing-pin and spring and the sliding extractor and bolt-face spring-loaded ejector are tried and tested componentswhichensurereliablefunctioning. Lets go and shoot I always like to start off by shooting a few groups off the bench to see what a rifle will do and get a feel for the trigger. With home-loads, I wasnt disappointed I was soon slamming in half-inch groups,whichisexactlywhatIexpected.Thefully adjustabletriggerwassuperb,offeringaveryclean breakwhichalwayshelpstogetthebestoutofany rifleundertheseconditionsbut,thisisnobenchgun, this is a tactical rifle through and through, built for the professional shooter. It might well fulfil the requirementsofapolicefirearmsunitsohowwould itperformundertheseconditions? MylocalrangehadaMcQueencompetitioncoming up.Ifyourenotfamiliar,thisisanicelittlestress-fire competition, shot prone off the bi-pod outdoors at 200yards.TheMcQueenisbasedonaFirstWorld

The rear of the McQueen wall with our butts man presenting the target in one of the windows for a three-second exposure

Shooters view of the wall just above the muzzle brake

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The McQueen fig.14 target its been in use for 90 yearsWarsnipertrainingexerciseandgetsitsnamefrom McQueen of Galashiels the people who print mostofourtargetsintheUK.Soldiersreturningto competition-shooting at Bisley after the end of the war, demanded that a competition based on their snipertrainingwassetup.McQueenwereaskedto printthenowfamousfig.14targetsandtheylikedthe ideasomuchtheyofferedamagnificenttrophy,the SilverEagle,whichisstillawardedtothewinnerof the McQueen at the Bisley Imperial meeting every

The Unique put eight shots in 1.7inches at 200 yards!July. Thefig.14targetismountedonastickandappears forthreesecondsinanyoneoftheeightwindowsin the wall.Ten exposures are given and the shooter isrequiredtoplaceoneshotonthetargetateach exposure. The target carries a four-inch diameter ring which scores five points. Shots outside the ringbutontheheadscorefourpoints.Theshootis verypopularatmyclubandsomeoftheMcQueen

Heres the Unique in F/TR trim no brake or cheek-piece and a lighter Leupold scope. My shooting companion is NRA Membership Secretary Heather Webb and yes, that pink rifle is the one that Chris Evans shot

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specialistswillscoreafull50pointsonoccasion. Today,therewasaverycoldblusterywindblowing I doubt there would be any perfect scores. Yes, Ive been shooting this comp. for around twenty years and I was expecting that the Unique would be an ideal tool and it was. Mounted on a Harris bi-podandgrippingtherearmono-pod,theriflefelt sosolidtoshootand,thankstothebrake,recoilwas comparable to my own McQueen gun chambered forthetiny6mmSwissMatchcartridge.Thesinglestagetriggerwasperfect-verycrispandlightand theSchmidt&Bender5-25scope(seton12power totakeinthefullwidthofthewall)gavemeasuperb clearimage. Like I said, Ive been shooting this comp. for a couple of decades and Id had some practice with the Unique already but what if a less experienced shooterweretoshootitforthefirsttime?Howwould theyadapttotherifleinastress-firesituation?This could be exactly the situation a police marksman might find himself in difficult wind, factory ammunition,threesecondstolocateasmalltarget and get off the shot, then reload quickly in case a follow-upshotwasneeded. Iofferedtherifletoaladyshootertotry.Sheisan experienced shot but had never even seen the Unique before she settled down behind the stock which fitted her without any further adjustment. She chambered a round and waited for the first appearance of the target. I watched the rifle when she pulled the trigger thanks to the weight and themuzzle-brake,ithardlymoved.Shestruggledat firstopeningtheboltbutwasreadyforthesecond exposure.Attheendoftenshotsshe,likeme,was impressedbyhowsolidtheUniquefelt.Sheliked it.Hertargetisshowninthepicture-49scoredwith eightofthetenshotsina1.7inchgroup.Remember, windy conditions, off a bi-pod gripping the rear mono-pod(butnotrestingonitasthisisagainstthe rules),HPSTargetMasterammo.at200yardswith ten, three-second exposures. Not bad and better thanmyscore!Fortherecord,noonebeatit. Therifleisveryheavyataround7kgwithoutscope andthiscertainlyhelpswhenyouareshootingitIn addition to tactical stuff, it could be suitable for F ClassandparticularlytheF/TRClassfor308rifles but could it make weight? (8.25kg including scope and bi-pod). That brake would have to go and if I swappedthescopeforsomethinglighterlikemy Loopy35Xwecansavetwopoundsandjustscrape undertheweightlimit,whichishandyasthefirstof theGBFClassLeagueshootswastakingplaceat myhomerangeatDiggletheverynextweekend.

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These shoots are all two-day affairs but I opted to shootjustoneday,consciousofthehighround-count I was putting through a new barrel.Although most competitors opt for something more stable than the simple Harris bi-pod, I had little choice and a properrearbenchrestbagwasalsoout,duetothe designofthebuttandIendedupgrippingtherear mono-pod exactly as I had done for the McQueen shoot. I had also shot all my HPS Targetmaster ammunition so I cobbled together 40-odd rounds using Vit N540 powder, Berger 155.5 grain bullets andsomeusedLapuacases. ItwasatypicalcoldblusterydayatDiggleandwith notimefortestingitwasacaseofbore-sightingthe Leupoldonthe500yardfiring-pointminutesbefore theoffandprayingforafirstroundhit. Thanks to its weight, the Unique was a pussy cat to shoot even without the brake and I had a very enjoyable comp. over the two distances of 500 and 600 yards. I ended up with a creditable tenth place in the Sunday aggregate out of a field of 27 F/TR shooters which included six of the GB Team memberswhowonthesilvermedallastJulyinthe WorldChampionships.

would be difficult to suggest any improvements for thepoliceormilitaryuserandforthecivilianshooter, theshortcomingsregardingboltremovalareeasily overcomebutaten-roundmagazinewouldbenice! Its substantial weight and muzzle-brake will find favour with experienced and novice shooters alike andthestockisreadilyadaptableergonomicallyto both sexes, large or small. The latest up-date is a folding stock, which will overcome my objections regardingbolt-removal. The Unique has never fallen into the budget category and its right up there with the Accuracy International as a serious piece of professional kit which may well be out of the price-range of the averageamateur.Ataround4000-dependingon specification - the Unique Alpine is expensive but ourtestriflehasafewextraslikethemuzzle-brake and multi-coloured stock where you could save a littlemoney.

In conclusion, this is a very accurate, shootable rifle, right out of the box and, although initially expensive,itcouldeasilybetworifles-ifyouwere to buy an extra barrel. For me, this would be the appeal for the civilian shooter. York Guns are now thesoleUKimporterforUniqueAlpineandSchmidt In conclusion, the Unique Alpine is a very well &Benderandwethankthemfortheloanofourtest thought-out,robust,professional-leveltacticalrifle.It rifle.www.yorkguns.com

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HANDLOADING OLD FAITHFUL THE .308 WINCHESTER (part 7)

By Laurie Holland

Above - British shooters have a choice of around thirty .30 calibre match bullets from six manufacturers, although Speer and Nosler primarily make sporting models and see little range use here.Ill carry on looking at bullets this month, drawing heavilyonBryanLitzsexperimentallyobtaineddata published in his book Applied Ballistics For Long RangeShootingandreproducedwithhisgenerous agreement.Yes,boringisntit......butyourchoices here can affect performance at all but the shortest ranges. Lets make one thing clear now. Although Ill put bullets under various headings this month and next, its not about good and bad nobody makes poor 0.308match bullets these days. The issue is about choosing an appropriate model for the rifle and shooting purpose, in particular the ranges shot over. Ive already noted that there are eightHPBTmatchbullets,mostly168s,thatarenot suitableforverylong-rangesbecausetheyhaveoverly steepboat-tailanglesinthe12.6to13.5range.This seesairturbulenceinducedaroundthebackofthe bulletsbody,ultimatelyleadingtodynamicinstability beyond800yardsat.308WinMVs. known thirty-calibre match bullet of all time, the 168gn Sierra MatchKing (SMK) introduced as the SierraInternationalhalfacenturyagofor300Metre shootingandstillgoingstrong.Itisnocoincidence thatwhentheFBIpublishedtenderspecificationsa fewyearsagoforabolt-actionrifleforitsspecialist teams,therequiredprecisionwasfiveshotsin0.5MOA or better at 100yd using Federal Gold Match ammunition loaded with this bullet. The steeply angledtailsectioneitherdoesnotharmshort-range (up to 300M) precision, or maybe even helps it through seeing the bullet stabilise quickly after leaving the muzzle. Despite the many new bullets introduced in recent years, this load plus its Black Hillsequivalentremainthegoldstandardformost law enforcement users, also many target shooters who dont handload. Federals nominal MV for the 168gnGMMatchis2,600fps,andwhiletheBlack Hills equivalent is warmer at 2,650 fps, both are welldownonthe2,882fpsequivalentvaluetoour Suchbulletsmostlydrawuponthedesignfeatures standardload(a155at3,000fpsproducing3,098 of one of the oldest, and almost certainly the best ft/lbsME).Theprimaryreasonisfactoryammunition

Nextpage-Fourmodelsthataresuperbshort-rangebulletsandwillstillperformadequatelyat 600yd.Lefttoright:168gnSMK,168gnHornadyMatch,168gnSpeerGoldMatch,180gnSMK. Short,sharplyangledboat-tailbasesgivethemhighi7andlowBCvaluesandtheyshouldnotbe usedforlongrangeshooting. Target Shooter 47

600ydisenoughdistancetoallowoptimalbulletchoicesand ballisticcombinationstogivethecannyhandloaderanedge inthewind. 48 Target Shooter

Left - Not all 168s are short-range bullets. 168gn Berger VLD on the left alongside the much shorter and blunter SMK. the SAAMI standard for 165/168gn .308Win is 2,670 fps producing 2,660 ft/lbs, and this is what Ive used as the baseline for obtaining comparable MVs with otherbulletweights.Ive also assumed heavybarrel 650mm (25.5) or 26 barrel varmint and tactical rifles such as the Remington 700VS/PSS, Accuracy International AE and AW,andSakoTRGwill produce another 60-80 fps, adding 75 to most computed MVs where appropriate. 300 and 600 So we need to have a look at 300-600yd external ballistics for such rifles. Terminal velocities are not an MVsbeingquotedfora24barrel,whileour3,098 issue, all being well above 1.3 Mach (1,460 fps) ft/lbs comes from a 30-32 length match rifle andthereforeclearoftransonicspeeds,sothekey exampleaccountingforanother200+fps.Evenso, Sierra MKs from 155 to 200gn with the new 155gn Palma MK (#2156) and 210gn (VLD form) separate on the right.

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Varmint and tactical rifle users can improve the ballistic odds in their favour by using heavier high-BC bullets like the Berger 185gn BT Long-Range and 190gn SMK on the right against long-barrel target rifle competitors who stick to 155s, older SMK and Lapua Scenar on the left. metriciswinddrift.Table2listsitforaselectionof bination could win any major long-distance match bulletsover600yards.Iranthenumbersfor300yd, today. but the difference between the best and worst Anyway,thedisappointingwinddriftfiguresawme examplesissorelativelysmallthatwecaneffectively run the older Sierra models through the Berger discount ballistics efficiency rankings here two Bullets PC Ballistics program at comparable MVs inchesdifferenceindriftinthefull10mphcrosswind, (producing2,660ft/lbME)andgroupthemtogether reducing to a quarter-inch in the simulated missed inTable2,addingtworecentlyintroducedandvery wind-call scenario. How about the extra velocity low-drag Bergers, but note neither a VLD model. fromthe38-50mmlongerbarrelsinthevarmintand These seven models are visibly members of the tacticalrifles?Itreducedthe300yd10mphdriftof same design family, tangent ogive with 7-calibres themostwind-affectedbulletbyonly0.34andthe radius curves, but in three groups according to 1.5 mph wind at 4 o clock by 0.05 a miniscule their rear end shapes.The 168 and 180gn models twentiethofaninchor1.27mm. have the steeply angled form at 12.7 and 13.0 respectively,andarealsoshortat0.135-0.140long. At 600yd, we see a significant difference between The 155 and 175 have a shallower 9 form, at the thebestandworstballisticcombinations,10inches top end of the ideal range, but still relatively short or 1.6-MOA in the uncorrected 10 mph crosswind, sothebulletbodytapersfrom0.308to0.255dia. and 1.4, a little under a quarter-MOA, in the and the 190, 200, and 220gn models have a long simulated misread wind change. Thats potentially (nearlyquarter-inch)9.1anglesectionthatreduces a lot on F-Class targets with 0.5-MOA score rings. the base diameter to 0.235. Think on how the Some results surprised me, especially that for the boat-tailworksitreducesbulletbase-dragdirectly 175gn Sierra MK which produced the largest wind inlinewiththereductioninbasearea.The155/175 drift figure. Id thought this an excellent design shapeproducesa31%areareductionovera0.3080 givingtheprecisionofthe168gnMK,butwithamuch flat-baseform,thethreeheaviermodels42%. improved long range capability thanks to its 9.1 angle boat-tail. It was used by Brad Sauve to take Studying the 600yd wind effect in a notional 24 the 2004 US National F/TR Championship running barrelrifle,the168and175gnMKsactuallyproduce at a modest 2,610 fps, right in line with the value moredriftthantheolder155gnPalmamodelandits used in Table 2. This says two things firstly just onlywhenwegetupto180gnthatweseeasmall howgoodashooterBradis;secondly,howmuchF/ reduction,thisfollowedbyastepchangeonreachTRhaschangedinsixyears,asIdoubtifthiscom- ingthelong-boat-tailtriowiththe190gnSMK.The

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200 and 220gn models produce relatively small further improvements thereafter and we should bearinmindthereisapricetobepaidinincreased recoilandbarrelwear.Also,manyfactoryrifleswill notbesuitablythroatedtosuitoptimumCOALsfor cartridges loaded with these bullets and may also have too slow a rifling twist to stabilise them if the manufacturer chose the industry standard 1-12 rate.ReadersmayquestionwhyallIdidntchoose any VLD examples for the Table. Two reasons the155.5,175,and185gnBergerBTFullboreand Long-Range models are actually more efficient thansameweightVLDs,alsoIseelittleornoben-

The best of the 155s. Left to right: New model SMK (#2156); Lapua Scenar; Berger 155.5gn BT Fullbore. For the full story on 155gn 30s, see Bryan Litzs detailed ballistic evaluation in the October and November 2009 issues of Target Shooter available free from the archive section.

efitinusingVLDdesignsattheserangesgiventhe well-knownproblemsintuningtheloadsandthecrucial importance of finding tolerant combinations that producesmallgroupsinarangeofconditions. Talking about small groups, let me remind you againthatallofthisdissectionofexternalballistics performance has been carried out in isolation, and the rifle-ammunition grouping capability may well makealargerdifferencetoshotdispersionatthese ranges.A load that groups into 1-MOA spreads its hitsoverthreemoreinchesofpaperat600ydthan

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anextra250fpsoverthat attainable from a 24 barrel. The 185gn Berger Target BT Long-Range at 2,800 fps MV sees 24.5 and3.2600yddriftinthe 10mphand1.5mphwind scenarios respectively, thatsafullthirdlessthan those of the worst performer in Table 2, the 175gn SMK. Since we must assume such a rig and load will group into less than a half MOA too, its obvious that the varmint or tactical rifle owner is at a real disadvantage even at this range unless loads are carefully chosen and optimised for both accuracy and wind drift minimisation. However, if we look at an optimised short-barrel load against anoutandouttargetrifle combination where the latter is either limited to 155sbyaslowriflingtwist or its owner has stuck to them out of custom and practice,thingsarenotso bleak. Ive put figures for theoldSierra155andthe widelyusedLapuaScenar at 3,000 fps on the back of Table 2, and we can see that assuming both types of rifle-ammunition combinations produce equal accuracy, the 24 tactical rifle owner can match the former and All key data was sourced from this book. It contains far more than almostreachtheScenars just bullet evaluation and is a must-have for any competitor who performance using wants to understand the ballistics that underpin his performance the 185gn Berger BT and identify ways to improve them. Long-Range or Sierra one that manages 0.5-MOA.Also, since we shoot 190gn MK. With the PSS intoringsnotsquares,ahighorlowshotthatwould /AI type 650-660mm barrel rifles and an extra 60beonlyjustcontainedbythefiveringneedshardly 80 fps, its even possible to beat the 155gn in an anywindoraiming-inducedsidewaysmovementto out and out target rifle too.Taking these examples bepushedoutandloseapoint,soapoorlygrouping outto1,000ydrange(Table3)showsthatthecanny combination affects scores in multiple ways. So a handloaderwithashorterbarrelriflecanstillmatch really good-shooting load with the poorest bullet orevenbeatthelong-barreltargetrifleownerinthis still trumps a poor performer using a ballistic star scenario,especiallyifweretalkingabouta660mm at this range. However,lets see how a long-barrel (26)barrelversionwithsuitablebulletselection.Of F/TRorTRriflemanageswithahigh-BCbulletwith course, as soon as the target rifle owner switches

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Table1 0.308MatchBulletsavailableintheUKWeight/Model Type/Ogive G7BC Weight/Model Type/Ogive G7BC Weight/Model Type/Ogive G7BC

Berger 155gnBT Tangent

Sierra 0.224 155gnPalma (2155) 0.225 155gnPalma (2156) 0.237 168gnMK 0.231 175gnMK 0.242 180gnMK 0.264 190gnMK 0.255 200gnMK 0.2