Caring for Ammo at the Range Can Improve Long-Distance Performance

Long range sniper at night, Guy J. Sagi, Hoke County NC, caring for ammunition, proper ammo handling in heat and cold
Photo courtesy of DoD/US Marine Corps

Canadian marksman Robert Furlong told the History Channel he laid his ammunition in the sun before he neutralized a machinegun-carrying Afghan insurgent at 1.5 miles in 2005. He said it was “an old sniper’s trick,” one designed to increase the .50 BMG’s velocity slightly as it left his McMillan TAC-50.

The storyline rivals football’s Immaculate Reception, but most experts agree it’s not the best approach for civilian shooters. “A phrase I commonly utilize is ‘Accuracy is derived from mechanical repeatability,’” said Dan Hanus, former USMC Precision Weapons Section supervisor at Quantico, VA, and current Custom Rifle Production Manager for Bergara. “What this means is if you can make the rifle, ammunition, weather and shooter or shooting device do the exact same thing every time, then the strike of the round will be in the same place every time. A realist knows it is impossible to control all of these variables, but by shooting an accurate rifle, using match ammunition, getting in a solid position, and practicing in all temperatures, a shooter definitely increase his chances of hitting his target.”

“I have seen shifts of impact, particularly in precision rifles,” Greg Jordan, a member of Team ArmaLite, said of the solar-heating effect. “Each occurrence was different, as it depended on the ammo used. I would say that shifts of 1 MOA are not out of the question for some ammo combinations.”

It can also cause stoppages, according to Hornady’s Neal B. Emery. “One thing to note is the composition of the powder itself—specifically if it is a single- or double-base powder,” he said. “Single-base powders contain nitrocellulose, while double-base powders also have nitroglycerin. While the added nitroglycerin can increase energy, it is much more temperature sensitive. Loads that may function fine at 75 degrees may cause your bolt to stick when you travel to Africa and hunt Cape buffalo in 115-degree heat—not a good combination!”

I placed Hornady 55-grain V-Max .223 Rem. loads in the sun to determine how much heating was possible. A cartridge on a black tactical bag in the sun regularly reached nearly 70 degrees higher than ambient temperature—hotter than an identical cartridge left in an enclosed, sunlit vehicle tested simultaneously.

Most of today’s powders minimize temperature-induced pressure fluctuations, though. “It is difficult to generalize about the ballistic response of ammunition at hot and cold temperatures, as each application responds slightly differently,” according to ATK engineer Paul Furrier. “At Federal we are fortunate to have strong relationships with the best propellant manufacturers in the world, so we choose powders for our premium ammunition that moderate the response at extreme temperatures and deliver consistent performance on target. In most applications we are able to keep pressure changes well below 10 percent at hot (+125°F) and cold (-40°F). Velocity change will typically be less than that, since it is generally not a linear response to pressure at extremes.”

Hanus warned that results from heat are unpredictable. One study done by Picatinny Arsenal in the 1930s found as ammunition heat increased, so did velocity. However, a subsequent study he was involved with in 2003 showed different results—thought to be partially a product of improved gunpowder.

Experienced marksmen take steps to avert migrating points-of-impact. “I try to keep my ammo out if direct sunlight when possible,” Jordan said. “I usually keep match ammo in an ammo case inside of another larger case, all of which is kept out of the sun.” Furrier admits he and other shooters at ATK often take advantage of a cooler’s insulating properties, regardless of season. “It makes sense to keep your ammunition supply out of temperature extremes before firing.”

Now that the dog days of summer are behind us, how do you maintain constant cartridge temperature in the winter? “Something our snipers and match shooters used to do is put their ammunition in their breast pocket,” Hanus said. “…[N]o matter how hot or cold it was on the range or in the field, the ammunition was always the same temperature.”

And if you’re ready to buy a new long-distance connection, but haven’t decided on the rifle’s chambering, here is advice from some of the industry’s foremost experts. Once that’s decided, though, here’s more on how to connect with that long-distance target.

Darwinian Evolution at Gun Ranges

Frisco Gun Club, Guy J. Sagi, Fear & Loading, Hoke County NC
Photo courtesy of Frisco Gun Range

Not long ago shooters braved the elements and made long drives to wring out a new gun or practice, but an epoch change is underway. Even the mid-town, the eight-lane indoor range that seemed so evolutionary a decade ago feels like a dinosaur when compared to a new breed of shooting range.

They may share the same DNA, but Nexus Shooting in Davie, FL, is a prime example of the new species. It officially opened on May 13, 2013, and in that short period its atmosphere and technology has already attracted national media attention.

Its website claims it is, “…the most technologically advanced indoor shooting facility in the world.” Zach Snow, manager of Shooting Promotions for the National Shooting Sports Foundation described the facility to Range Report magazine recently as, “…beyond state of the art.”

The indoor range has a total of 40 lanes. Eighteen of them are fully automated paper or reactive steel, but it’s the 22 Nexus lanes that are unique. There, a video screen serves as the target, and shooters use real guns and ammunition. A computer analyzes shot placement, automatically generates scores, calculates group-size averages and relays the information. A digital account creates a record of all your sessions for long-term monitoring of your improvement—or those areas that need work.

A keypad at each lane also allows shooters to change instantly from targets presented, and options include paper, steel, shooting gallery or even defense of the Earth from an asteroid shower. Regardless of preference, a shot-by-shot record of your range time can also arrive by e-mail.

There’s also a state-of-the-art showroom with seventy two 60-inch LCD video displays, more than 400 popular firearms for sale, rentals—just in case you want to take one for a test ride—a VIP lounge with private lanes and classes that range from basic pistol, carbine, carry and even a free youth-firearms program.

A trio of gun enthusiasts own the $15 million range, including Dr. Bernard Hsiao, a physician who started shooting in 2008. He grew concerned about health issues in the indoor range he frequented, and as a result, insisted Nexus Shooting addressed those concerns. Oversized ventilation systems (with a price tag of more than $1 million) that exceed OSHA and EPA standards, generous lighting, an unusual floor design that collects brass and even hospital-grade soap to scrub lead particulates make the entire experience a modern one.

There are several other modern choices in Florida, including 62,000-square-foot Shooters World in Tampa. It has 34 indoor shooting lanes, with seven of them able to stretch rifle distances to 100 yards (and a video monitor at the target provides instant feedback at the bench). Over at Lake Mary, Gander Mountain Academy also has firearms and accessories for sale, as well as live and virtual ranges, and a video simulator puts self-defense enthusiasts to the test.

The trend is spilling out of the Sunshine State, though. Elite Shooting Sports opened in Virginia’s Prince William County in 2014 and the company’s ambitious long-term plans include an expansion to 65,000 square feet. Four separate ranges with 42 lanes are available, including 50- and 100-yard offerings.

A pair of customer lounges, gunsmith, dojo, lockers, gun rental, four classrooms and a café are part of the amenities. However, it’s the simulator and 1,600-square foot, two-level shoot house that attract most of the attention. Elite Shooting Sport’s retail area, which covers 5,600 square feet, offers virtually everything you need, and classes are available for pistol, carry, carbine, rifle and more.

Near Charlotte, NC, Blackstone Shooting Sports opened its 6,000-square-foot retail shop and 27 lanes (up to .50 BMG is allowed) in late 2014. Members of the law enforcement community, first responders and military qualify for special discounts, and the company will offer regular training sessions. It has a member’s lounge, a pair of classrooms and covers 28,000 square feet.

In 2013, Frisco Gun Club in Texas opened with a slightly different business plan. The exterior’s grounds are manicured better than most PGA courses, but inside the 45,000-square-foot building, there’s a gun shop, gunsmith, café (with a special VIP lounge and a real chef) and 40 shooting lanes—including four 100-yard rifle bays. “We designed our club to be different from your typical gun range, more like a high-end department store and country club in look and feel,” said Brandon Johnson vice president of the club’s marketing. “As a result, we have many more female shooters coming in along with entire families spending time together learning safety and proper techniques.”

And if you’re looking for a machine gun experience, here’s another strategically located near Orlando, FL.

And there’s a whole new generation of specialty destinations. If you’re looking for something to add to your bucket list, here’s a few places to consider. The trend doesn’t show any sign of slowing, either, putting traditional ranges on notice—if new shooters keep finding this kind of selection natural, it may be time to evolve.

FAA Report on Dangers of Low-Budget CR-123s

CR123, SureFire battery, Guy J. Sagi, Fear & Loading, Raeford NC

We have all heard the warnings of spontaneous CR-123 battery combustion, but where can you find a reliable source that actually confirms it happens? The FAA keeps track of battery incidents—most related to cargo—although the passenger and crew experiences provide some valuable lessons for today’s shooter.     

One problem occurred on Aug. 28, 2010, when a FedEx crewmember had the CR-123s installed in his flashlight suffer a thermal runaway that set his bag on fire while waiting for his flight. The report doesn’t list a cause, but rough handling or counterfeit batteries seem most likely as you read on.

A CR-123-powered flashlight used by a flight-crew member to inspect the aircraft dimmed unexplainably on March 18, 2008. He turned it off and put it away. The crew reported hearing sounds like “gunshots” as the tailcap “became projectile,” according to the FAA. One person suffered burns to the hands and fingers while moving the flashlight.

On Valentine’s Day, 2008, flashlight batteries caught fire in an overhead compartment as an International flight was boarding. The FAA report doesn’t confirm the culprit cells were CR-123s, but it does specify a small flashlight.

A flight from Buenos Aires to Miami on March 19, 2007, got particularly exciting when someone in business class dropped a CR-123 from his digital camera. It landed on the seat, arced into the metal frame, set off sparks, smoke and launched a battery fragment into a passenger when it shattered/exploded. The plane arrived safely with four damaged seats and seven members of the flight crew suffering from smoke inhalation.  

On December 14, 2006, a counterfeit CR-123 caught fire after a crewmember had dropped the flashlight from a height of 6 inches. The most dangerous April fool’s joke of 2004 was on a flight attendant who just purchased an inexpensive flashlight overseas. A passenger borrowed and dropped it. It then overheated, began smoking and it took oven mitts to move it to the galley where it was probably used to heat coffee.

Is there a way to tell run time of batteries in your tactical flashlight? An expert explains PLATO ratings seen on today’s best portable lights.

In all honestly, the report linked above indicates laptop, MP3 player, tablet, cell phone, breathing device and even C-cell batteries cause more problems with air travel. But, it’s amazing how dangerous counterfeit CR-123 batteries can be. SureFire has issued a warning that includes a pretty good explanation of the dangers. The firearm industry isn’t the only one affected. Canon has a good collection of counterfeit vs. genuine camera product photos that apply pretty much anytime you’re considering a purchase of electronics gear. Nikon often posts photos of counterfeits that demonstrate how shoddy graphics/lettering is usually a good tipoff you’re about to be ripped on in that purchase.

The TSA requirement that we separate and insulate spare camera batteries seems more reasonable after reading the report—and something we should all consider, even when heading to the range.

Red Ruger 10/22 Target Lite

Red Ruger 10/22 Target Lite, Guy J. Sagi, Fear and Loading

I recently had the pleasure of testing and photographing a red Ruger 10/22 Target Lite. Rimfires are always fun, but this one’s bright color had me worried about images.

They turned out great and my grandson is begging me to buy it rather than ship it back to Ruger. He probably sent 200 rounds through the gun without a single hiccup. That’s saying a lot considering he’s only 10 and never stuffed a 10-round, rotary magazine before.

That’s no stoppages, malfunctions or bruised knuckles the entire day. He was so comfortable with the thumbhole stock that we didn’t adjust length of pull, either, which is impressive with his spindly stature.

Amazing Accuracy

I wrote a review for Shooting Illustrated. The accuracy was amazing for a production firearm and—in reality—a little frustrating. Every five-shot group had one round wander significantly. They were random, too. The barrel never got warm, much less hot. I stuck to sub-sonic loads.

User malfunction is the only explanation. If you haven’t tried this new Ruger drop in trigger, you’re missing a real treat.

Red Ruger 10/22 Target Lite Photo Challenge

Red looks great in person and caught the eye of my grandson immediately. I surmise it does the same with customers in sporting goods stores.

My concerns stemmed from the fact that the color has an annoying habit of oversaturating and “vibrating” in photos. If you look at some of the images and video I posted on YouTube, it turns out I didn’t have a thing to worry about. The gun and all its details look great, although I think that gray/black layer did the heavy lifting.

Focus Stacked

A red Ruger 10/22 Target Lite is too good looking to leave things fuzzy and slightly out of focus. So, I focus stacked.

The technique is labor intensive and torturous. You find your exposure, manually focus on the closest point you want tack sharp, then hit the shutter.

Minutely change focus on the next furthest point and take another picture. You can do this by turning the lens or using a fancy contraption akin to a miniature model of a Medieval rack to stretch naughty servants.

Repeat (the shutter that  is, not more torture for the help) until you’ve run out of gun/parts you want in focus. Don’t touch the tripod or breathe heavily during the process. You might have to start over.

The above photo is somewhere around 50 separate ones combined using software. I quit keeping inventory when I ran out of fingers and toes.

I touched on the technique before, and there’s a lot of authoritative writing on the web about photo stacking. If you’re interested do a Google search. Adobe Photoshop gets it done nicely, but there are other programs available as well.

With the Mission First Compensator I used a 100 mm Macro Canon lens. For the red Ruger 10/22 Target Lite I went with my battle-worn 50 mm macro, just because I didn’t want to leave the county to finish the photos.

For those Ruger fans, and there’s a ton of them, here are 3 things you probably didn’t know about Ruger.

This photo approach is very similar to what I used for the FN 15 Combat Tactical FDE P-LOK review.

I think they turned out great, but take a look at my slide show/videos on YouTube and let me know what you think.