Transform your build for any purpose with the LSS GEN3 Chassis. Swap out grips, forends, buttstocks, and buttstock interfaces without removing your action and losing your zero.
Hunting. It's one of the most basic and innate forms of human nature. For thousands of years, hunting meant survival. It's how society was formed. Today, there is a disconnect in how our food gets to our refrigerators and tables, and for most, hunting has become a pastime rather than a necessity. In a recent video, Leupold brought YouTube personality, 2a Activist, and lawyer Colion Noir out to experience the thrill and the hardship of the hunt. Colion Noir is best known for his YouTube channel, Colion Noir, where he reviews new products, dissects court rulings, and discusses the importance of the 2nd Amendment.ABOUT LEUPOLD OPTICSLeupold Optics is a brand that is bigger than its product line. The company and its people live, breathe, and eat the things their consumers do. Unsurprisingly, they have a facility perfect for tuning up before a big game hunt that includes rifle setup and optics sight in, a flat range proving ground, and a dynamic range to practice hiking and shooting from uncomfortable positions. Colion learns the basics of backpack hunting in the hills and mountains of the American West. For many Eastern Hunters, hiking over thousands of acres of untamed wilderness to stalk and hunt is a dream—and Colion is living it. While the exact details of the rifle are unclear, the rifle appears to be a custom action and carbon-fiber barrel sitting in an MDT HNT26 chassis. The glass, of course, is from Leupold and comes from their VX-6 line—Leupold's highest tier in their hunting line. While the video overviews an amazing experience, connecting man and beast, it also highlights Leupold's line of products—from optics and binoculars to chest harnesses that keep everything close at hand.THE HUNTHiking over rough terrain is hard. Adding the logistics of carrying everything on your back, including a rifle and handgun, makes the experience all that more exhausting. But the serenity of nature substantiates the experience—or, as Colion describes it, "beautiful misery." Conversely, the video's highlight isn't Colion talking about his youth or experiences or even the products showcased, but the cinematography of the hunt. The beauty of nature, the peace and idyllic presence of the world, and inner peace are breathtakingly captured. All of this erupts into a conclusion that can only be described as reverence—a deep respect for the game taken, the challenges that were overcome, and the momentary realization of taking life. It's that deep respect that drives hunters. It was an experience that Colion craved. It was the connection he needed. While the urban lifestyle brings the immediacy of interaction, hunting in the mountains brings something entirely beautiful—inner peace.Check out Colion Noir's epic hunt, titled Colion Noir's FIRST Elk Hunt – Leupold Behind the Core, and all of the other epic adventure videos Leupold creates. More information about the MDT HNT26 Chassis System can be found here.RECENT MDT MENTIONS! Mountains, Mullets, Merica! Shorty 6.5 CreedmoorTeam MDT Wins the PRS Rimfire National Finale!Long Range Beginners: Tips & TricksSheep Hunting in Kyrgyzstan3,000 YARD TIKKA 7 SAUM RIFLEAndy Slade Wins The 2023 AG Cup!ABOUT THE AUTHORI have worked in the firearms industry for 11 years and counting. What started as a part-time job during undergrad has become a career. In that time, I have been lucky to work with some incredible people and companies. I also completed a Master of Arts in History from Cleveland State University. When I am not shooting, reloading, or working on my firearms, I am reading, writing, and tinkering with Legos.
"Never send a friend to buy your ammunition," muttered the hunter at the shooting bench beside me. He'd arrived at the range to sight in his rifle, and with a box of 7mm-08 ammunition in his hand and a 7mm Remington Magnum rifle on the bench, he went home without firing a shot. He reluctantly admitted it was his fault because he hadn't been specific enough when he told his buddy to pick up a box of "140-grain 7mm ammo." Caliber confusion like that is getting easier all the time because more calibers show up on the shelf every year. As hunting and sport shooting grow in popularity, more new shooters join our ranks and need a little guidance as to what all that information printed on a box of ammunition means. Let's look at how to interpret the markings and data on a common box of ammunition. CALIBER MARKINGS Every box of ammo is clearly marked as to the caliber of the firearm for which it's intended. Caliber designations are the product of a standards organization known as SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute). In collaboration with the developer, this organization establishes the dimensions and loading specifications of cartridges and assigns a name by which that caliber will be identified. All manufacturers then use that designation, which is essentially a proper name, to mark their firearms and ammunition. It's just like the name on your birth certificate, only not many people are named 6mm Creedmoor. So, the first lesson is to make sure the caliber marking on a firearm and the box of ammunition matches. Additionally, shooters should check each round of ammunition to make sure the headstamp marking is correct, and the ammunition looks like it's supposed to. It's not unheard of to find a stray round of the wrong ammunition in a box of factory cartridges. Mistakes happen; check everything. The two fired cartridge cases seen here were found in the brass bucket at a local range. At left is a .300 Winchester Magnum mistakenly fired in a .300 Weatherby Magnum, and at right is a .303 Savage mistakenly fired in a .303 British. Be careful; cartridge designations matter! PROJECTILE SPECIFICATIONS Besides caliber, every box of ammunition contains markings as to the type of projectile loaded in the cartridges. Rifle ammunition normally does this by specifying the weight of the bullet in grains (7,000 grains in a pound), then adding specifics on the bullet, such as whether it's a hollow point, soft nose, or flat point. However, this varies by manufacturer and may include some rather cryptic abbreviations. Some common ones are SP – soft point, HP – hollow point, and BT – boat tail. PRODUCT CODE Besides caliber and projectile information, a product code is also marked on every box. This code is usually printed on the end flap, near the caliber marking, and takes different forms, depending on the manufacturer. Its purpose is to identify the particular loading of people and computers in the supply chain. There's a lot of information on a box of ammo, including caliber designation, bullet weight, velocity, and trajectory. The five-digit number under the word "Hornady" is the product code, while the lot number appears below the muzzle velocity. A retailer who wants more of this ammo on the shelf will make sure he specifies that product code number in his order. This number matters to a consumer because if a rifle shoots this ammo superbly, they'll want to buy the same product with the same load number again. LOT NUMBER Most boxes of ammunition are also marked with a lot number by the manufacturer. It's usually found in an obscure location, often inside a box's end flap, and consists of a series of letters and numbers, sometimes barely legible. Its primary purpose is to identify to the manufacturer the exact components, machine, date, and maybe even people used to load that box of ammunition. This is critical information for rifle shooters looking for maximum accuracy because factories regularly switch components (especially gunpowder) based on price and availability. This component change can dramatically affect how well a particular rifle shoots this ammo and point of impact. Competitive shooters who use factory ammunition, especially rimfire shooters, test lot numbers extensively to identify one that shoots best in their rifles. Both military and law enforcement snipers do the same thing because lot numbers matter when looking for maximum accuracy. They then buy as much as can be found of that same lot number. It's the only way to assure absolute consistency in what's being fed to a rifle. FACTORY RECOMMENDATIONS A relatively new trend in ammo box marking is to place a recommendation on the box indicating what type of shooting activity the product is suitable for. These markings may be a short phrase or two but often take the form of various logos or silhouettes, including images of a paper or clay target or a representative animal. It's a great idea and has real potential for helping a neophyte find suitable ammunition. However, there is no standardized system yet, so the buyer needs to look carefully at the information provided. Animal icons on a cartridge box indicate the species the ammo is recommended for. VELOCITY AND TRAJECTORY Another recent trend is to mark the projectile velocity a consumer can expect on the box. Then, this information is often paired with trajectory data. However, every shooter should be aware this is only approximate information and may have a limited relationship to reality. Only actual shooting and chronograph data will determine what trajectory ammunition produces in a rifle. Reading a box of ammunition may not be as riveting as the latest Stephen Hunter novel, but it's worth the effort. Learning what it says on the box and how it applies to your needs means you'll become a better and safer shooter. And if you task a buddy with picking up some ammo for you, be precise.
For many, shooting is the highlight of their day. Whether it's rifles, pistols, air guns, compound bows, muzzleloaders, or anything else in between, it's a pastime deeply woven into many people's lives. For Nito of AP2020 Outdoors, that's what stands out on the screen. His passion stems from 50 years of enjoying the hobby, and In this episode, Nito and Francis discuss MDT's latest offering, the LSS Gen III, the importance of an aftermarket chassis for hunters and shooters, cartridge ballistics, competitive shooting, rifle builds, and more! The conversation is engaging and valuable for all shooters to listen to. If you enjoy this content and Nito's charismatic personality, scroll through his video history. I guarantee you will find something enjoyable. Check him out on YouTube at AP2020 Outdoors.
I picked up some budget-level .308 caliber bullets recently. They came packed in 100-count plastic bags and were labeled as being 147-grain, full metal jacket, boattail design, with a cannelure. Clearly not match bullets, but intended for volume shooting, they were nearly half the price of offerings from the major bullet companies. The bullets look great, but before working up some loads for these shiny new projectiles, I couldn't help wondering how much quality control was involved in their manufacture. So, it seemed an easy test would be to measure the weight variation present in a handful of them. I'm no statistician, but I know it's necessary to weigh a considerable number, likely at least 30, before arriving at a reasonable conclusion. A good rule of thumb for any sampling/measuring exercise is to keep sampling until a classic bell curve is formed. Then, we're likely to see a valid statistical result. Using a laboratory-grade scale capable of measuring 0.02 grains and then rounding the result to 0.1 grains, I weighed 50 bullets and got the result shown below. The plus and minus symbols indicate bullets heavier or lighter than the indicated weight. Clearly, these bullets are a bit heavier than the advertised 147 grains, with the majority falling between 148.0- and 148.3 grains. With a weight difference between the two extremes of 1.0 grain, that's not too bad for budget bullets. But then I realized I didn't have any figures to compare this against. And that's when I started down a rabbit hole. Just how consistent are the weights of modern rifle bullets? I didn't have anything comparable to these bullets in my collection, so I looked for some simple, basic hunting bullets, i.e., no polymer tips, no boattails, no bonding. Settling on some Hornady .30 caliber, 150-grain round nose, flat base bullets, with cannelure, I weighed out 50 of those as well. That was surprising, as I really didn't expect a level of consistency showing just 0.5-grain as an extreme spread. To me, that seems like a great result for what is a low-cost, short-range hunting bullet. Of course, then I just had to try a match bullet. A look at my bullet shelf turned up some 6.5mm, Sierra 130-grain, Tipped Match King bullets. These have always shot well in my Creedmoor, so I weighed 50 of them with the following result. This certainly suggests Sierra has weight consistency figured out in their TMK line. And let's remember these are complicated, three-component bullets in that they have a lead core, a gilding metal jacket, and a polymer tip. After all, it would seem reasonable that the more complicated the bullet is, the more difficult it is to keep weight consistent. That led me to think about bonded, three-component bullets, like Nosler's AccuBond, a hunting bullet with a great reputation for accuracy and weight retention. Not only do they have three components, but they also undergo a bonding process that "attaches" the lead core to the jacket. I found an unopened box of .30 caliber 165-grain AccuBonds in my collection and weighed them with the following result. They came in a little heavier than advertised at around 165.6 grains, with enough outliers to make an extreme spread of 0.7-grain. Can we assume the more elaborate construction is responsible for the outliers? Maybe. Okay, one more then. I decided to weigh the simplest bullets of all, mono-metal lathe-turned bullets constructed only of copper alloy. Barnes is well known for producing these bullets, and I have most of a box (43) of 6.5mm 130-grain TSX Flat Base bullets. These bullets count on the hollow point in the tip to initiate expansion, so they really are single-component slugs. My weight sorting produced the following result. Overall, they were a touch lighter than advertised, with a 0.6-grain extreme spread—an interesting result. After all this, I've learned more about the weight consistency of modern bullets, including what great results look like. Overall, these findings suggest manufacturers are doing a really great job of producing consistent-weight bullets. However, as for a practical application, I'm not convinced there is much of one. Even the 1.0-grain spread of the budget blaster bullets that started this journey isn't enough to create a practical difference in trajectory except at the most extreme of ranges. And since those outliers are only 0.5-grain away from the average, it makes even less of a difference. Additionally, it's important not to extrapolate these findings too widely, as the numbers could change significantly with the next lot number. What we can perhaps say is that modern quality rifle bullets should have less than 0.5% variation in weight. All the above made that standard, except for those budget bullets, and they didn't miss by much. Now, if you want to weight sort the bullets you use, go ahead; at least you'll have something to compare the results to. I'm just going to shoot all these bullets.
MDT is proud to announce its return to the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, taking place April 24–27 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 14 acres of exhibits and thousands of Second Amendment supporters expected to attend, the NRA Show is one of the year's largest and most exciting events—and MDT is bringing some serious innovation to Booth #1163. Attendees will get a close look at some of the company's most anticipated new products. One standout is the MDT LSS Gen 3 Chassis System, a highly modular platform designed for flexibility across a wide range of shooting applications. Built around a central chassis core that mates directly to the rifle action, the LSS Gen 3 allows shooters to configure their rifle with interchangeable handguards and buttstocks to fit their exact needs—whether it's for hunting, tactical use, recreational shooting, or competition. Also being shown off at the booth is the updated Gen2 SendIt Level. Building on the success of the original model, this latest version features a smaller form factor and an attachable ocular housing. It offers a streamlined, adaptable leveling system that gives shooters more mounting options and cleaner integration with optics setups. MDT is also exhibiting several products designed with hunters in mind. The MDT HUNT Brake is a lightweight muzzle brake engineered to reduce felt recoil and muzzle rise, making it an ideal choice for lightweight hunting rifles. For those looking for a traditional look with modern performance, the MDT TIMBR Core offers a sporter-style wood stock with an adjustable length of pull and a built-in micro aluminum chassis that requires no bedding. To complement the TIMBR Core and other factory stocks, MDT will also be showing the Core Bottom Metal—compatible with AICS-patterned magazines and designed to fit Remington 700 SA (M5 Badger profile), Tikka T3/T3x SA (CTR profile), Savage SA (current 110 profiles), and MDT's own TIMBR Core and CRBN Stock. It weighs just 0.21 lbs, delivering strength without bulk. On the accessories side, MDT has two new ultralight bipods ideal for mountain and backcountry use. The MDT Backcountry Bipod weighs only 5 oz with a Picatinny interface, while the Mountain Bipod comes in at 5.6 oz for Picatinny and 5.9 oz for ARCA. Both feature twist-lock legs that extend from 4" to 15", combining compact storage with versatile deployment. MDT is also showing off The Champion, a purpose-built shooting pack aimed at long-range competitive shooters. It's designed to help competitors move efficiently between stages, carry all their gear, and set up quickly from a consistent shooting position—all from the same pack. In the gun maintenance department, MDT is exhibiting Nanoguard, a gun cleaning and lubrication solution featuring patented spherical tungsten nanotechnology. These microscopic particles create a low-friction, protective surface that keeps bolts and other moving parts operating smoothly under all conditions. Whether you're a competitive shooter, hunter, or firearms enthusiast, MDT's booth is a must-visit for anyone serious about performance, modularity, and innovation.
How shooting matches makes you a better hunter Shooting precision rifle matches is the best practice for hunting. Ryan McLean covers some of the similarities between shooting matches and making shots on game animals. He covers positional shooting, shooting movers, using your optic and reloading. THE GEAR Check out the gear we highlighted in the video. mdt TIMBR FRONTIER STOCK SHOP NOW MDT ACC ELITE CHASSIS SYSTEM SHOP NOW mdt lightweight premier scope rings SHOP NOW mdt 20 moa picatinny scope base SHOP NOW more from mdt watch: getting the most out of the mdt baker wings Keith Baker, Team MDT pro shooter, invented the Baker Wings to get an advantage over his competition. Your non-shooting hand can now improve target acquisition and recoil management. watch: HOW TO SET UP YOUR SCOPE FOR LONG RANGE ACCURACY An improperly set up scope can cost you points at a match or a trophy animal on a hunt. If you trust your local gun store to properly set your scope up then you’re good to go. But, if you don’t, we have Pro Shooter Keith Baker. WATCH: HOW A PRO SHOOTER SETS UP HIS .22 What is your perfect rimfire rifle build? Pro shooter Andy Slade breaks down the setup he used to reach the podium at the PRS Rimfire Series Finale in Texas.
Are You Making These Score-Crushing Mistakes in NRL Hunter?
Pro competitor Rusty Ulmer breaks down the most common slip-ups he sees—and how to fix them. From mindset to mechanics, he shares proven tips to help you level up your performance.
The MDT LSS GEN3–the most adaptable and customizable rifle chassis ever built.
Whether building a competition rifle, dialling in a hunting setup, or putting together a tactical beast, this system lets you customize every detail without ever pulling your barrelled action.
The ORYX Chassis System is a high-performance, drop-in upgrade designed to maximize your rifle’s accuracy, stability, and ergonomics. Built for hunters, competitive shooters, and long-range enthusiasts, this precision-engineered chassis delivers superior control and consistency.
What's the best way to measure a bullet’s downrange impact on a target? It might not be the most convenient method, but it’s definitely the coolest—repurposing a decommissioned punch machine into a device that measures bullet impact force. Here’s how we did it!
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