Articles on
Rifle Shooting

F Class Basics Part 2: Ballistics and Reloading

The F Class basics series continues with information about ballistics and reloading.

F Class Basics Part 1: Introduction and Equipment

Looking into F Class? Here's an intro to the sport.

Jump Sensitivity Factor - A New (Old) Way to Evaluate Bullets

We examine a method of quantifying the accuracy potential of match bullets.

Case Neck Tension - A Stress Analysis

We take an analytical look at the impact of annealing on case neck tension.

Statistics and Load Development

A walk through of the statistical analysis required to show how good a rifle's load really is.

Sort-of Scientific Load Development for F Class

There are a lot of ways to find a load that shoots well in your rifle. This is how I do it.

The Hornady 4DOF Ballistics Calculator (Modified Point Mass)

Hornady recently introduced a new ballistics calculator, called the 4DOF Ballistics Calculator. We investigate what it is and isn't.

Does Rifling Affect Ballistics?

Barrels come with different rifling types, and they all leave marks on the bullet. But do they impact the way it flies? We look at some US Army ballistics research to try to find an answer.

ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Scale and Dispenser Combo

The RCBS ChargeMaster is one of the more popular automatic powder measurement devices on the market. We take a look at how well it works and what you can expect from it.

Why Headwinds are More Difficult than Crosswinds

It's often said that a headwind is more difficult to shoot in than a crosswind. This article explores the differences.

The Details of a Ballistics Calculator Solver

The differences between various methods of calculating ballistic trajectories are investigated in this article. What's the difference between Point Mass and Pejsa? Find out.

Optimal Group Size for Rifles

Evaluating handloads is all about statistics. Learn about the optimal group size and how many groups you need to shoot if you want to get a handle on just how accurate your rifle is.

Pressure, Temperature, and Humidity for Ballistics Calculators

Confused about how to input pressure, temperature and humidity into a ballistics calculator? We untangle the details in this article.

Nightforce Competition Rifle Scope (2014 Edition)

Competition is demanding, and having the right scope optimized for the job is a big help. If you're a long distance benchrest or F class shooter, you'll be interested in the Nightforce Competition rifle scope.

Book Review: Applied Ballistics for Long-Range Shooting, 2nd Edition

An in-depth review of what just might be the best ballistics book on the market. Find out what you need to pay attention to, and what you don't.

Bullet Stability

If bullet stability seems complicated, that's because it is. We take a look at gyroscopic and dynamic stability, and how they interact with each other.

Sightron SII 36X42mm Rifle Scope

High magnification scopes are getting very expensive. We take a look at a more affordable model from Sightron - the fixed power 36X SII.

An Introduction to Rifle Chambers

There are some dimensions that matter more than others when selecting a match rifle chamber. This article covers the basics.

Beginner's Guide to Reloading Equipment

There is a lot of equipment you need to get started in reloading. There is also a lot of gear you don't. This guide will help you know the difference.

21st Century Hand Priming Tool

We take a look at the Cadillac of hand priming tools - the adjustable, stainless unit from 21st Century Shooting.

The Science of Cartridge Brass Annealing

Annealing brass necks can increase the life of your cases. But why? We'll take a look at the materials science behind cartridge brass annealing.

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme

The RCBS Rock Chucker has been around for ages, and remains one of the most popular single stage reloading press. We take a look at the newest version.

Centra/MEC Hand Stop

The lowly hand stop gets some attention. Here we take a look at how good a hand stop can get and what you get for your money.

Rifle Barrels: How to Choose One

Choosing a custom rifle barrel for a competition rifle is complicated. Or is it? There are so many options - material, contour, rifling, twist. Get started here with a little knowledge.

Barnard Action, Model P

Barnard of New Zealand makes some impressive actions. We take a look at a new Barnard Model P single shot bolt action before it gets sent off to have a barrel installed.

Skymate SM-18 Wind Meter

Reading the wind is critical calibrating your sites for long range shooting. But how do you calibrate your eyes? A wind meter may be just the ticket.

Warner Tool Company Rear Sight

Your rifle is only as good as your sights. We take a close up look at one of the best - the Warner Tool Company #2 rear sight.

An Introduction to Rifle Cases

Get a base line understanding of the nomenclature and important aspects of rifle cartridge cases from the perspective of a precision marksman.

Norma 6mm XC Brass

Not all brass is created equal. To find out how unequal, we made detailed measurements of a batch of brand new 6mm XC brass. It's good, but good case prep can make it better.

Modern Exterior Ballistics by Robert McCoy

A chapter by chapter summary and review of the modern day Bible of ballistics. Engineers will love this, but there's something for the rest of us too.

Barrel Twist and Bullet Stability

What are the effects of a barrel's twist rate on a bullet's stability? Can you over-spin a bullet?

The Fluted Barrel: Stiffness and Rifle Accuracy

A fluted barrel is stiffer. Or is it? Here we take a look at what fluting does to your barrel and how it might impact accuracy.

Rifle Action Screws: Torque, Accuracy and Bedding Issues

The unexpectedly complex world of action screws and how to figure out how high to torque them, and why it might not matter.

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