Thompson/Center’s World of Muzzleloading Series 2 Now on YouTube

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact:

Matt Spafford, Smith & Wesson Corp.

1-844-772-5159

media@smith-wesson.com

 

Thompson/Center Arms™ releases “World of Muzzleloading Series 2” on YouTube

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., (September 11, 2017)– Thompson/Center Arms today announced that it has released it’s new “World of Muzzleloading Series 2” instructional videos on YouTube, hosted by Gregg Ritz of Outdoor Channel’s Hunt Masters. Updated for 2017, the “World of Muzzleloading Series 2” YouTube series provides current techniques, product recommendations and insights to help educate viewers on how to hunt safely in the field using today’s muzzleloaders.

 

Gregg Ritz of Outdoor Channel’s Hunt Masters, said, “For the last three decades, I have been pursuing big game around the world with a muzzleloader and have fired countless rounds at the range. A large portion of my hunting career has been spent using a muzzleloader and I am excited to be able to share my knowledge of the sport to help both new and experienced hunters enhance their skillset with a muzzleloader.  The “World of Muzzleloading Series 2” provides tips and techniques for those new to the sport, as well as plenty of refresher knowledge for experienced muzzleloading enthusiasts.”

 

Thompson/Center Arms has been known as America’s Master Gunmaker® since 1967 and has been producing muzzleloaders since 1970. Thompson/Center Arms manufactures a diverse line of muzzleloaders suitable for every level of shooter, ranging from the affordable T/C® Impact!™ to the premium T/C Encore® Pro Hunter XT™.

 

Danielle Sanville, Brand Manager for Thompson/Center Arms, said, “Thompson/Center has a long history of innovation in the firearms industry and our products have been trusted by hunters across North America for over 50 years. The “World of Muzzleloading Series 2” was designed to help those looking to get involved in the sport, as well as to offer tips and tricks to those who are experienced with a muzzleloader and looking to hone their skills. We hope this video series helps inspire our customers to get out and enjoy the sport of muzzleloading.”

 

To view Thompson/Center’s “World of Muzzleloading Series 2” videos, click here.

 

For more information, follow Thompson/Center Arms on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, or visit the website at www.tcarms.com.

About Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Corp. is a provider of quality firearms for personal protection, target shooting and hunting in the global consumer and professional markets. Smith & Wesson is world famous for its handguns and long guns sold under the Smith & Wesson®, Performance Center®, M&P®, Thompson/Center Arms™, and Gemtech® brands.  Through its Manufacturing Services Division, Smith & Wesson Corp. also provides forging, machining, and precision plastic injection molding services to a wide variety of consumer goods companies. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.

 

Flood Victims Deal with Their Submerged Ammunition -SAAMI Responds

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Thanks to the NSSF – National Shooting Sports Foundation I share a  link they provided:

http://www3.nssf.org/share/pdf/SAAMI-Ammunition_Exposed_to_Water.pdf

An Excerpt from the PDF above.

“Regarding ammunition that has been submerged in water for any period of time, there are too many variables that would need to be considered such as the cartridge type (e.g., rimfire, shotshell, centerfire rifle, centerfire handgun); depth of the water; length of time the cartridges were submerged; are the primers on the cartridges sealed providing some degree of water resistance? what contaminates may have been in the water that might affect the powder charge or priming compound? and many others. ”

In short, the Sporting Arms and Manufacturing Institute, Inc. does not recommend use of ammo submerged in flooded areas and to dispose of it by contacting your local law enforcement office.

 

Testing the S&W Model 69 Combat Magnum in 44 Magnum for Bear Back-Up – Updated

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The key to any back up weapon, or any weapon for that matter, is to easily access it and shoot accurately.  No matter how powerful the cartridge and gun are, if you miss, or wound a bear that is charging such as a brown bear or grizzly or large black bear, you could soon be dead and likely dinner.

Enter the S&W Model 69 Combat  Magnum with a 2.75 inch barrel and Red embedded composite front sight.  This S&W Combat magnum shoots 5 rounds and has a very smooth double action and can be shot in single action as well. This week I shot 240 grain soft point in Remington 44 magnum and 300 grain hollow point at 8 yards and a few shots at 25 yards. Below is the 8 yard target. The first three shots are at 6 oclock in the center two bullets are from the 300 grain loads. The cluster to the right was double action with the 300 grain heads and but more recoil.

At 25 yards I fired a few rounds single action with 240 grain and 300 grain and hit a small metal plate each time. I really like this Model 69! The grip is adequate for the recoil but could be better. The straight back recoil allows me to get on target faster. The sights and barrel length are excellent for a back up side arm for bear or a closer shot at deer.

The size of a black bears brain is around 3 inches (2.54 cm/inch) front to back. Accordingly, I would suggest that you be able to place a bullet accurately there is imperative. From the front the nasal cavity just below and between the eyes is a good bet and from the side the skull forward below the ears and behind the eyes.

 

Image result for bear anatomy shot placement in brain

 

More later.

Good Shooting!

© 2017

 

 

 

Seeking a Weatherby Vanguard to Test – Update

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For those that want a hard hunting rifle, a Weatherby®, in the Vanguard® Series is supposed to be hard to beat for quality and cost effectiveness. It is guaranteed Sub-MOA out of the box. We have inquired to test one in 6.5 Creedmoor. The MSRP for these exceptional rifles begin around $600 but have see them for under $600 and go up from there. Below is the Vanguard Synthetic. I will keep you informed…

Looks very positive at this time! The process is under way!

 

Sniper Rifle of the American Revolution

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The first rifles of the American Revolution were made in Pennsylvania by Swiss and German immigrant gunsmiths based on a German hunting weapon.  The most prolific of these gunsmiths was Jacob Dickert born in Europe and built these rifles in Pennsylvania.  The barrel usually 45 and 50 caliber (1/2 inch) and over 40 inches in length was grooved (rifled) to impart spin to the ball as it left the barrel and was far superior in accuracy to the Brown Bess below in long range accuracy.

Image result for brown bess musket

The Brown Bess musket was first imported from Europe, a smoothbore (no rifling) of .75 caliber (3/4 inch) which was used by local settlers and militia men in New England. The Brown Bess could be fitted with a bayonette and was good in traditional head to head battles of short range but it was the Pennsylvania rifle and guerilla tactics that won the war.

The Pennsylvania  rifle  was brought into the war by one of the first acts of the Continental Congress and called for companies of “expert rifleman” says John W. Wright of  https://historicfloridamilitia.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/the-rifle-in-the-american-revolution.pdf

These are, I believe,  “the first snipers” and armed with the Pennsylvania Rifle, originally made in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and vicinity.

 

The above rifle is a replica of the Lancaster style Jacob Dickert Pennylvania Rifle recently this reproduction in kit as a Lancaster Rifle by Jim Chambers Flintlocks LTD of North Carolina was purchased and built by yours truly.  The daisy patchbox was engraved by a master engraver using a Dickert design.  This is one of America’s first Sniper Rifles and used to provide game and to later settle Kentucky. I will use it to deer hunt and do reenactments.

Recorded in the article, The Rifle in the American Revolution by John W. Wright states in the American Historical Review of 1924 vol. 29, no.2 that “the best American Rifleman (sniper) could, in a good light and with no wind, hit a mans head at 200 yards and his body at 300. We are told that the rifleman (Morgan’s Rifleman) when they joined the army near Boston in August 1775, gave an exhibition, in which a company on a quick advance, placed their shots in seven-inch targets at 250 yards. It was during the battle of Saratoga where General Morgan and his rifleman ended the war by sniping the native Indian scouts and British officers in the Battle of Saratoga.  The British soldiers were left leaderless and without scouts, they were lost. In the battle of Saratoga below, the British lost 1000 men and the Continental Army lost only half.

https://youtu.be/YPy3o1vGaH4

 

“From the 1760s, Jacob Dickert and others were known both as a military contractors but Dickert more than others perhaps earned more respect as a Lancaster County gun maker. As an arms contractor to the Continental Army and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, he made and sold rifles to the government, and repaired muskets and other firearms. http://www.customflintlock.com/dickert_history.php

An unnamed military writer in 1811 said “where the musket ends, the rifle begins”.

The History Channel you tube clip goes on to further document in other you tubes the total Battle of Saratoga and is very much worth your time.

Good Shooting!

 

Detailing my 50 Cal. Pennsylvania Flintlock Rifle Build by Ed Hale

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A study of patchboxes prompted me to upgrade the one I installed (see earlier articles on this rifle build) and to correctly seat it. The beauty is in the details. Of course this is my first Flintlock Build but I can’t help but be pleased.

Details like correctly recessing my brass patchbox with all of its curves and getting the door to latch perfectly in prep for placing my now engraved patchbox and brass side plate. I did enlist the services of Certified Master Engraver Mark Swanson to recreate the 1770-80 Jacob Dickert design. A masterpiece of engraving! Thanks Mark!

A closer look below.

And the sideplate.

http://gunriflemasterengraver.webs.com/

Of course it is a Patchbox for patches and such for use in the field. And the side plate was for holding the lock, stock and barrel together into position with the two large screws seen in the lower image.

I do intend to deer hunt with this 50 cal rifle this upcoming deer season. It is very accurate so far to 100 yards, where may testing has stopped.

Good Shooting!

© 2017 All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

Nosler AccuBond 130 grain; 6.5 Creedmoor vs .270 Winchester

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Just for fun and comparison purposes I decided to do some ballistic comparisons using the Nosler AccuBond™ in this article as I am such a believer of Nosler bonded (welded) lead to the copper jacket for big game hunting. The 130 grain bullet was used and made so famous in the .270 Winchester by Jack O’connor.

Below you can see the significant differences in the cartridge size.

 

It is simple amazing that the smaller than .308 cartridge size of the 6.5 Creedmoor verses the 30-06 size of the .270 parent Cartridge can launch Nosler AccuBond bullets that at 400 to 500 yards are essentially equals.

Max Point Blank Range for 130 grain .270 is 301 yards w muzzle velocity of 3100 fps

Max Point Blank Range of 130 grain 6.5 Creedmoor is 286 yards with muzzle velocity of 2900 fps

MPBR Difference: 15 yards. Not much!

At 500 yards the .270 has around 50 ft-lbs more energy than the 6.5 Creedmoor. Not much difference.

At 575 yards both max out deer killing energy at 1000 ft lbs according to JBM Ballistics comparisons.

At 325 yards the 6.5 will deliver elk killing energy of 1500 ft-lbs where the .270 delivers the same energy at 50 more yards of 375 ft-lbs. Again not much difference

The recoil of a .270 Rifle is around 19 ft-lbs and the 6.5 Creedmoor is around  4 ft-lbs less  at around 14.5 to 15 ft-lbs. 4 pound less is a big difference that is near 30% in favor of the Creedmoor.

The .270 Winchester is not as inherently accurate as the 6.5 Creedmoor.

Last but not least, my  Ruger American Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor costs under $400 dollars. Wow! and shoots 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards.

Nosler introduced the AccuBond Long Range bullet  few years back. I just purchased the 142 g version with a G1 BC of .719. The 142 grain being heavier shoots around 2700 fps at the muzzle but the BC is so high that it cuts the air like a razor delivering over 1000 ft-lbs at nearly 700 yards for deer.

© 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

New 6.5 Creedmoor Bullet designs Edging Out .270 Winchester Performance?

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Need a long range bullet that operates at all ranges? Both Nosler’s 142g Long Range AccuBond™ and Hornady’s Precision Hunter™ 143g ELD-X™ in 6.5 Creedmoor have come up with bullet Long Range designs that edge out the .270 Winchester bullets even though the .270 spitzer bullet is a bit faster at the muzzle. No we aren’t talking leaps here just that the 6.5 is better at delivered energy, bullet drop and wind deflection and yes sectional density, the key to penetration. For a given diameter science has added 10 grains to the oft touted .270 in 130 grain bullet for better sectional density at 140 grains. Does it matter much? Not hugely but it is a numbers game and it is about bullet construction and usefulness whether near or far and call it “all range hunting”. The ELD-X is said to hold its weight at close range by some folks and it is an interlock design. See the excellent article below from American Rifleman.org.

https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2015/12/21/tested-hornady-eld-x-bullet/ 

I am a big believer in the accuracy of the Hornady ELD-Xpanding however the Nosler AccuBond LR is bonded meaning the lead and copper are welded not just interlocked. I am a believer in Bonded bullets for game or all gilding copper as my Moose and Buffalo and deer attest, Particularly the Nosler AccuBond. Where this may matter is that Nosler’s LR AccuBond in close quarters, say 100 yards or less will perhaps hold on to more lead than the Hornady leaving less lead in your game at shorter ranges. Long range penetration by both bullets is controlled leaving most all of the bullets intact. Below is a You-Tube from a hunter that discusses penetration and how the AccuBond really holds tenaciously onto the lead.

It is like splitting hairs for some folks! Both Bullets are the very best in Long Range choices! For shorter ranges inside 100 yards, I am a Nosler AccuBond fan and I like the new gilding copper. See next article on Copper Bullets.

Get ready to hunt! Good Shooting!

 

 

Recoil is a Large Factor in a New Rifle Purchase for Most Hunters

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There is no way I’m gonna buy that rifle. It is gonna beat my shoulder to death! Heard that before? Yes, it is a common lament. Going into a purchase, the buyer should have an idea of what is tolerable and what is not for deer hunting.  Most rifles for deer hunting weigh in 6 to 7 lb class w/o scope and larger calibers up to 8 and 9 pounds. I think 7 to 8 pounds is ideal for a typical hunter to  carry in the deer woods. A scope will add just a pound.

Shooting a prospective rifle at a bench rest is not the real way to gauge tolerance of recoil.  If you have an opportunity to test a rifle at the range for hunting, shoot it in a standing position at shorter ranges of say 25 to 50 yards. If you want to bench rest it, ok but get a shoulder pad or a jacket to absorb some energy. Better yet get a Simms SVL  Simms Vibration Laboratory slip-on pad or a Pachmayr Decelerator or similar slip on pad that will cut recoil in half and make your shooting a much more pleasant experience. The bench rest locks your shoulder into the rifle with little ability for your body to sway and absorb the recoil.

A recoil calculator is helpful in seeing the recoil of your perspective caliber purchase. http://www.shooterscalculator.com/recoil-calculator.php

I shoot an African 375 Ruger full power load 260 grain head traveling at 2650 fps with a Pachmayr decelerator pad, standing and in my t-shirt. No Problem! Not only does the pad reduce felt recoil by 50% but your vertical body will sway with the recoil and absorb even more. At the bench I use a decelerator or Simms pad too. This is a level of intelligent shooting that anyone can do! You just have to understand that and make it happen each time you shoot. Your conscious brain wants to shoot but your sub-conscious protective brain is ready to flinch if the recoil is severe and painful. By practice you can teach your sub-conscious brain to trust the conscious side by adding protective pads etc. Years ago I had a flinch but it has been gone for years because I understand and protect my shoulder all the time.

So go ahead and buy a adequate rifle that has a measured amount of recoil but get the recoil reducing pads with it and train your brain.

Good Shooting!

© 2017