KJD Firearms Training

Cartridge Comparison Guide

The Cartride Comparison Guide (CCG) copyright @ 2009 by Chamberlain Development provides "Better understanding (of) cartridge performance empowering the reader to select the best cartridge for their personal shooting requirements."  (cartridgecomparisonguide.com).

This Guide is a wealth of information benefiicial to any serious firearms enthusiast. 

"This manual will help you gain the maximum benefit from a personalized cartridge selection. It will also help you understand and compare cartridge capabilities and give you confidence in your personalized cartridge choice". (CCG p.1).

"Rifle and cartridge selections involve highly personal choices. Purpose, performance, style, comfort and ease of use should all be considered. There is much written about how properly select a rifle. However, there is a void of information regarding cartridge comparison and selection. Cartridges do not typically get the same high level of scrutiny as rifles; when, in reality, this selection should receive as much consideration as the rifle itself. This is why we have written this manual. This Guide fills the void of information pertaining to cartridge performance potential, comparative data and selection criteria. It also provides our readers with discussion and analytic tools that will help them refine their cartridge selections to best meet their individual needs and expectations." (CCG p. 5)

As is stated often in the Guide, THIS IS NOT A RELOADING MANUAL. "The load data presented excludes powder measures. The data is intended to create a VIABLE COMPARISON of cartridge performance. Cartridge performance and load data is constantly evolving. This Guide is a 'snap shot in time' of the data available to the public." (CCG p.1)

In Chapter 3 and 4, there are specific examples that help the reader understand how the Guide is used. The Chapter 3 example discusses optimizing your shooting capability and overall hunting experience. The hunting objective is to harvest an elk in moutainous terrain. It goes on to cover "Who, What, Where and Why Questions".

The Chapter 4 example walks through "a cartridge for a 14 or 15 year old youth with little experience shooting or hunting" (CCG p. 25). Again it covers the "Who, What, Where and Why Questions".

The Guide is spiral bound and neatly packaged. The detail tables are many and clearly presented. Good pictures are used often throughout.

This information is certainly critical for any hunter or someone thinking of getting into hunting. It is also very beneficial for target shooters wanting to understand what cartridge would be optimal for their shooting needs. It's a great investment!

Rifle scopes & Shims

Shimming may be required to properly align the riflescope to the bore of the rifle. 

Major adjustments of the scope's elevation and windage are usually not needed. If major adjustments are needed, shims should be used for elevation. Shims are thin pieces of paper or plastic or aluminum (can) that are put under the scope's rings to either raise or lower the shot. Elevation adjustments should be reserved for minor correction. Over adjustment of the elevation (or windage) controls may damage the scope.

Determining shim thickness will take several tests. With one of my scopes I used both a small thin piece of paper and plastic. Positioning the shims can be a bit of a challenge. My rifle has a Picatinny rail, I cut the small pieces thin enough to fit in the rail's slot. The ring needs to fit snuggly over the shims.

If the rifle rings attach to a flat surface (non-picatinny) place a shim under the scope ring (either front or rear). An aluminum can be used for a shim. Cut a small piece and press it down so it matches the contour of the ring. Bend, mark and cut the excess metal so the shim is contoured to the scope ring base.

Place the shim under the scope ring you want to raise. To raise your shot (shooting low), put a shim under the back ring. To lower it (shooting high), put a shim under the front ring. Re-install the scope on the rings. Tighten the screws to the manufacturer's recommended torque setting.

It will take several repetitions using various shims (of various thicknesses) to sight in the scope. 

Rifle scopes - an introduction

Rifle scopes work by magnifying an image and by placing your eye on the same optic plane as the target. Magnification works by bending light rays via a number of lenses within the scope, the higher the power of magnification, the longer the scope. Low powered rifle scopes are usually shorter and contain smaller lenses.

Most rifle scopes have a crosshair, a dot, a post or similar markings to help align the scope with the target. A reticle or crosshair is a cross shape (+) put on the center of the target. Rifle scopes help to eliminate the problems associated with open sights, and allow for precise shooting.

A novice shooter or an expert or anyone in between can benefit from a scope. It is a helpful tool for hunting and target practice. A scope sits on top of the rifle and allows the shooter to see very well at distances.  The power of the scope can vary widely, from 1.5 times magnification to 50 times or more.

The better rifle scopes are light in weight, rugged and precise. When you first obtain the scope, it will need to be zeroed. This means that you'll need to determine how far off target the bullet hit and then adjust the scope accordingly. Scopes come with windage and elevation knobs which are used to adjust the scope. Bore sighting can help zero the scope as well as save you time, ammo and targets. See the "Bore Sighting" post.

You can certainly shoot without a scope but a scope will enhance your accuracy and enjoyment.  Be sure to purchase a scope that is waterproof and fog-proof.  This will ensure its use in all weather conditions and situations. There are many companies today that feature high quality rifle scopes at affordable prices.  

When it comes to installing the scope, be sure to read the directions that come with it.  Buy quality mounts, bases and rings - this is very important. Quality products are easier to install, hold up well and with the proper care, last longer. Once put on the rifle, check to ensure the scope is level and straight. Small levels can help with this. Look at the rifle and scope in several different ways - front, back & sides. Have someone else check it as well. Pick up the rifle and aim it. Be sure the scope is at least 3 inches from your face and that you can see the recticle clear when you rest your face on the comb of the rifle.

The real fun, of course, begins when you shot at the range. If you bore sighted, the amount of time, ammo and targets used for sighting in may be less. Sight in the scope at 25 to 50 yards. It will be much easier if there is another person checking the shots on target with a spotting scope. The whole process of sighting in the scope will take some time and patience as you adjust and readjust the windage and elevation knobs based on the hits on target.