Popsbengo

Yes, I was surprised by the clause to permit handholds loaded by another. I wonder why when NRA advice is personal insurance cover may be compromised (Winter 2007 Journal). Well worth reading, it's on the NRA website. Otherwise a sensible policy providing club's don't just hand out SCC like sweeties - as I've observed by some. We ensure a solid paper-trail of proven skill and underpinning knowledge to every SCC issued by our club.

you might want to edit your unfortunate title?

I don't do PRS myself but would it be practical / cost-effective to build a containment butts/ canopy etc to capture bullets for stand-alone targets? I would think the likes of Eskdalemuir ranges to also be a challenge to manage lead capture & recovery. I also wonder if civvies using MoD field firing ranges will continue to be permitted ?

The HSE have released their "opinion" document regarding lead in shot and bullets. https://nra.org.uk/hse-publish-proposals-for-restrictions-on-lead-ammunition/ https://nra.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Lead-in-Ammunition-Restriction-Opinion-Document-Draft-SEA-Opinion.pdf On first reading it seems that for rifle shooting, provided controls can be made for containing and removing lead from an outdoor range it can be 'business as usual'. It's proposed that there's formal registration of ranges required with some sort of audit/enforcement protocol. What this could mean for field firing ranges with no practical method of containment and removal remains concerning. The use of lead shot for shotguns is coming to an end for sure. Indoor ranges appear to be outside of the scope of the report for some reason not explained. Of course, as yet it's a proposal and will require legislation to implement.

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I'd agree with that from my own tests so I do both. My Lapua brass lasts until the primer pockets are too slack, usually 12-15 uses for LRP brass - I run quite hot but not "F Class silly". Not got to a problem yet with 6.5CM SRP or Lap Mag.

Consistent neck tension seems to be the issue rather than higher or lower tension settings. I've experimented with different bushings/mandrel expanders and have settled on .002" under calibre for .308, 6.5CM & .338LM. Using an in-line bullet seater with an arbour press one can really tell how consistent the necks are. It's important to ensure the inside of the neck is clean and smooth - lube is a matter of opinion, I use graphite dry-lube on untreated bullets. A problem with low neck tension is bullet movement in the case due to knocks and also the risk of pulling a bullet out of the case if unloading a live round - powder everywhere... I have read that gentle taper crimping can work (Andrew from Montana mentioned on here I think?) I use molten-salt annealing and it's extremely repeatable, much more so than gas flame. I would expect an induction heater to be excellent too, but it's either make one (loads of advice on line) or save your pennies up! I used to maintain 60kW RF induction heaters back in the day for RR, bit too much for a brass case 😁

useful, I didn't realise how prices had changed. Just upped the insurance value of my Rolex ! It's now three times what I paid for it new in 2023

Good luck with your quest for the mile !

I have regularly shot out to a mile at Eskdalemuir with .338LM. The bullet is all important; for example Lapua Scenar 250gr launched at 3000fps from my 32" barrel are transonic and all over the place by 1600yds. The Scenar 300gr on the other hand leaves the muzzle at 2830fps but retains accuracy at the mile. Hornady 285ELD-M also pretty good in my rifle. I have Berger 300gr which I have high hopes for but got around to development yet. I'd recommend .338LM but it is very expensive. However, hitting the 1moa target (18" gong) at a mile three times in a row is quite a reward though 😁

Dangerously modern gizmo - where's the spring ?

a thermometer and barometer - both built into my Kestrel instrument (a basic 'orange' one). Takes two seconds to add the data to my ballistic app (I use Shooter). I use No1 finger and eye interface utilising some grey-matter software. If conditions change my Spidey Senses alert the above interface and Bob's yer mother's brother Of course none of the above cost much so it's bound to be crap, oh dear..... 😁

as requested; stainless steel shim stock, snipped from sheets I have for general engineering. I know some shooting company or other sells shims in a pack for the same task - only at muggins money

LE Wilson dies are super quality. I use a their F/L bushing and their in-line seating die with my arbour press. I'm not sure that the micrometer is necessary unless you regularly adjust sizes, just a little more faff to home in on the desired setting. If I'm doing development I use shims in 0.001" increments, cheap as chips and dead accurate

Bryan Litz has some interesting thoughts on primer insertion force etc. He says it's a 5th order variable and not worth consideration unless so many other factors are sorted. They certainly don't bother when testing at Applied Ballistics Lab. F-Class John did some tests (in his words, not very scientific) and found increasing crush made grouping worse. Me, I think quality brass with uniformed pocket depth and an RCBS bench primer sets all my primers the same finished depth (ok, from the head not the rim, I know) works well enough to be a non-issue.

How very dare you compare a precision tool at £850 to one at £32 ! Next you'll be saying that a funnel for ££££ is not worth it !! 😂😂 Personally I use an RCBS bench primer bought second hand, it works just fine with plenty of feel.

I wonder if there's any difference in steel grades between standard and magnum cups ?

The Grauniad - par for the course I'm afraid.

Having looked into this subject further and discussing with some knowledgable people it would seem this whole NRA "300g primers" is not founded on solid ground - as Roy W suggested above

I agree that seems to be the correct interpretation but the NRA training still refers to 300g of primers. I guess until it's tested in the courts it will remain a matter of opinion.

Maybe, I report what's in. Guidance for Firearms Users and Associated Trades. ISSUE 1 January 2020 I may have interpreted incorrectly, however, NRA Handloading training notes also mention 300g of percussion caps as part of the 15Kg NEQ. (Lesson 1 Slide 7) I'd be happy to be corrected as I agree the wording seems to conflict as you say.

It's in the code of practice document produced by the various shooting organisations and HSE. "Explosives Rev2" on the HSE website

Had an interesting question raised by a club mate. "How many primers can I have at home ?" I didn't know until I'd done some research today. According to Explosive Regs 2014 we can hold 300g of primer explosive, that's 4,630 grains. Industry recommendation is 0.8gr explosive per primer so a holding of 5,750 primers would approximately come to Net Explosive Quantity (NEQ) limits allowable for a home-loader to keep. And 15Kg of made-up ammunition NEQ plus 15Kg of smokeless powder (less any primers NEQ). Of course there won't be any folks nudging those limits without first holding an explosives ticket for the appropriate hazard... Happy to be corrected if there's anyone with more knowledge willing to chip in.

Ah, I see. Good shooting

I can vouch for George's gear being tip-top, the custom rifle I had from him awhile back was mint.