Before chambering my 308 Shorty build, I had to decide what length to cut the barrel to and what color to Cerakote it. I put out the poll, and you all answered! Now that the results are in, we’ll cover the end-to-end process in this story. Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: […]
Category: Gunsmithing
How short? 308 Shorty Build Kick-Off
Though I typically feature more modern cartridges in my rifle builds like the 7mm PRC, I’ve recently developed an affinity for the 308, partly due to testing the Bergara B-14² Crest. I’ll be basing my next rifle build (a 308 shorty) around the Foundation Dominion stock and BAT Igniter action, but need some help deciding on […]
Silencer Central’s BANISH 46: Our Most Versatile Suppressor Yet!
The BANISH 46 from Silencer Central is our most versatile suppressor yet! Read on to find out why! Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading data, technical articles, gunsmithing and other […]
COMPLETE Cerakote Shop Tour at Ultimate Reloader (Everything it takes)
Following my official Cerakote training, I built a Cerakote shop here at the Ultimate Reloader Ranch. Today, we’re giving a tour! Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading data, technical articles, […]
338 Lapua Build Start to Finish
If you liked the 7mm PRC Freedom Rifle Build, you’re going to love this 338 follow up! Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading data, technical articles, gunsmithing and other information) […]
AWESOME Light-Weight Rails from SRS (Arca, Picatinny, Combo)
Salmon River Solutions (SRS) makes a number of specialty rails — let’s take a closer look. Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading data, technical articles, gunsmithing and other information) […]
Bullet Clearance -vs- Brake Recoil (Shocking Results)
Ever wondered how bullet clearance affects muzzle brake performance? Our findings may surprise you. Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading data, technical articles, gunsmithing and other information) is for demonstration […]
The Orange Vise: Next-Level Work Holding
I first heard of the Orange Bench Vise from some friends at Area 419 who said it is the best bench vise out there. I decided to investigate and found the orange vise is likely the coolest bench vise on the market with lots of aftermarket options. Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal […]
A&D EJ-3000: Versatile Scale for Cerakote, Epoxy, and More
I’ve been looking for the perfect high-quality scale for things like mixing Cerakote and mixing epoxy for bedding jobs. I’ve found it in the A&D EJ-3000 from Cambridge Environmental. Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website […]
7mm PRC vs. 6.5 PRC vs. 300 PRC
With the announcement of the new 7mm PRC cartridge, we’re comparing it to 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC to see how it stacks up! Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading […]
How to Start Your Own Gunsmithing Business
Starting your own business can be terrifying and exciting. It is a significant undertaking, but with the possibility of great reward and fulfillment at the end. Rick Casner from the Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) joins us today to walk through the process, specifically to discuss starting a gunsmithing shop! Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making […]
Quick Look: Lyman Pro-Drive Torque Wrench
I’ve had my eye on Lyman’s Pro-Drive Torque Wrench for a while — now I have the perfect opportunity to use it! Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading data, technical […]
Gordy Gritters’ Precision Rifle Building Class Overview (Extreme Accuracy Institute)
Ever dream of building your own custom rifle? Do you want to take your gunsmithing skills to the next level? Gordy Gritters’ Extreme Accuracy Institute is worth a closer look. In this story, I’ll review my experiences taking this class! Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching […]
6GT Build Part 3: Barrel Break-In
I’ve always wanted a 6GT. Now that it’s complete, it’s time to send rounds down range! In this story, I’ll cover optics, break-in, and some first loads! Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, […]
Hands-On: Short Action Customs Barrel Vises
Changing barrels can be easy, or a bit tricky. Having the right tools helps, and that’s where the Short Action Customs barrel vises come in handy! Today we take a closer look at two vises from Short Action Customs, the modular vise and Bravo vise. Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by […]
Bat Machine IN-DEPTH Chambering Discussion/Demo with Bruce Thom
It is truly a privilege to have the opportunity to work with some of the best experts in the gunsmithing and manufacturing industry. During my recent visit to Bat Machine, I had the opportunity to watch owner Bruce Thom perform a complete barrel job including threading the muzzle and chambering the barrel for 22 Creedmoor. […]
Modular Action Wrench from Short Action Customs
I very frequently use a variety of Short Action Customs (SAC) equipment in my gunsmithing shop and on the channel. I often use one action for multiple barrels, so a barrel vise and action wrench are everyday must-haves for me. Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching […]
Complete Hand-Built Rifles by Bruce Thom (Bat Machine)
Can you imagine building a rifle from scratch (including the action) in High School shop class? That’s exactly what Bruce Thom of Bat Machine did when he was just 16 years old! In this story, we’ll look at some of his early rifle builds, and a recent one too! It was very inspiring to see […]
6GT PRS Rifle Build Kick-Off!
It’s finally begun! My next rifle build is a super precision 6GT with an MDT ACC chassis and Bat TR action. Let’s kick off the series! Disclaimer Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, […]
6 CREED UR: Rebuilding a HOWA 1500 for Accuracy
A while back I put together a rifle for PRS competition that “checked all the right boxes” for what I was looking for. 6mm Creedmoor is flat shooting and has manageable recoil, I wanted to try a HOWA 1500 action, and a KRG Bravo stock would have the ergonomics and features I was looking for. […]
Precision Matthews PM-949TV Milling Machine: Overview and Tour
Originally posted on our partner website Making with Metal. There are two pieces of machine shop equipment that are considered “essentials” for manual machine work: the metal lathe, and the milling machine. With these two machines, you can perform almost any common machining task. Here on Making with Metal, I’ve already posted a deep-dive on […]
Meet Gordy Gritters: Record-Setting Master Gunsmith, In-Depth Discussion
There are certain people that are geared towards “pushing the limits”. These people thrive when they are innovating and evolving technology, refining products, and setting records in competition. Gordy Gritters is one of these people. Gordy has been instrumental in the world of precision rifle both as a shooter and as a master gunsmith. I […]
UR Rifle Builds Update + Gordy Gritters’ Precision Rifle Building Class
Hello everyone- lots to talk about related to rifle builds and related projects! I wanted to provide a roll-up summary and update related to all of the builds/projects I’m working on, and some very cool training that I’ll be taking with Gordy Gritters in December 2019! Gordy Gritters’ One Week Precision Rifle Building Class If […]
300 PRC Custom Build: Benchmark Tactical Brake Machining and Install
When you’re talking magnum calibers, a brake is one of the best investments you can make! Sure, the guys shooting next to you may not like it, but it’s a GREAT way to take the edge off heavy recoiling rifles and cartridges. Benchmark is known for world-record-setting barrels- but they also make muzzle brakes! In […]
300 PRC Custom Build: Chambering and Machining the Barrel
For any precision-oriented rifle, the chambering work is absolutely critical. Having a chamber with smooth walls, proper headspace, and correct alignment is an absolute requirement when maximum precision is the goal. In this article, I’ll outline the chambering and machining work I did for my full-custom 300 PRC rifle build. I did things a bit […]
