Gregory Kielma • October 21, 2023
223 Remington/5.56 x 45mm NATO Cartridge
223 Remington/5.56 x 45mm NATO Cartridge
Hey Gregory,
Today's workbench is written by guest contributor and AGI Certified Gunsmith and GCA Moderator Robert Dunn:
There isn’t a day of my life that goes by that I don’t work with, reload, think or write about the .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO cartridges. Those cartridges are what a couple of my favorite and most used rifles are chambered for.
When I worked in an ammunition factory, I would sometimes get paid in .223 ammunition. When I was growing up in the early 1970s I became familiar with the .223 Remington cartridge, as it was the new round being used by our Armed Forces.
Warfighters throughout the world had realized the advantage of automatic firepower, but finding the perfect firearm and cartridge design is a huge challenge. In the case of the .223 Remington, many sources helped bring this cartridge into use by both civilians and the military.
Eugene Stoner of ArmaLite (then a division of Fairchild Industries) had gained the attention of the Military with his 7.62 x 51mm chambered AR-10 rifle. Like many high powered rifles, the AR-10 was hard to control during automatic fire.
Consequently, Fairchild Industries and Stoner were asked to scale down the AR-10 to fire a smaller caliber cartridge. Stoner came up with a prototype AR-15 and after a demonstration for the army, he was asked to produce more rifles for testing in 1957.
Select engineers and other companies like Remington Arms, Winchester as well as ArmaLite were asked to take part in developing this project. Springfield Armory’s Earle Harvey lengthened the .222 Remington case to the required specifications and it became the .224 Springfield, which was commercially known as the .222 Remington Magnum.
Frank Snow (of Sierra Bullets) and Eugene Stoner calculated the ballistics data for the .222 Remington to find the best bullet for the project, which ended up being a 55 grain bullet. Meanwhile, the Technical Editor for Gun and Ammo magazine, Robert Hutton, worked up a propellant recipe that could attain a velocity of 3,300 fps. Ultimately, Remington came up with the .222 Special cartridge, which was later renamed the .223 Remington because there were so many .222 designations.
Just a few of the military requirements for the firearm and cartridges were that they needed to be able to penetrate one side of a US Steel helmet at 500 yards, had to be able to exceed supersonic speed at 500 yards, had to be .22 caliber and select fire. From years of research and development of the AR-10 and AR-15, ArmaLite was facing financial difficulties and sold the rights for the rifles to Colt in 1959.
The AR-15 and the T44E4 rifle that would later be known as the M14 were being testing at the same time. To make a long story short, it was found that the AR-15 had far less failures per 1,000 rounds fired and that riflemen had a higher hit probability when firing Stoner’s rifle.
After Air Force General Curtis Le May test fired the AR-15, he ordered a batch of AR-15s to replace some of the M2 carbines that the Air Force was using. As the trials and testing continued, it was found that during marksmanship testing that many more men were achieving Expert shooting status with the AR-15 than they were with the M14. With these findings and the failure rate of the AR-15 going down even further, General Le May placed an order for 80,000 rifles in 1961.
In 1962, Remington filed the specs for the .223 Remington cartridge with SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturer’s Institute) and the cartridge was later marketed commercially as a chambering for the Remington 760 rifle in 1963.
At this point in time, the United States was embroiled in the conflicts arising in Southeast Asia. It was politically decided that contracts for rifle manufacturing could be bid on by the private sector and Colt was awarded the contract to provide AR-15 rifles to fill orders for the Vietnam War.
The AR-15 rifle and the .223 Remington cartridge were formally adopted in 1964 and designated the XM16E1 rifle, commonly referred to as the M16, and the 5.56 Ball M193 cartridge. It was decided that the South Vietnamese troops would be supplied with the M16 rifle. Eventually, the Air Force, the US Army, Special Forces, the Coast Guard, the US Navy, the Marines as well as the SEAL teams had orders in for M16 rifles and cartridges. In 1965, Colt received orders for 800,000 M16E1 rifle and over 28,000 M16 rifles.
The M16 and the 5.56 Ball ammo would go through some major growing pains as the rifles and cartridges were issued to troops in Vietnam. Besides not being trained on how to properly clean the gun, the rifle suffered from many types of jams and failures.
Broken extractors and extractor springs accounted for many ejection failures and through more research, it was found that the propellant being used in the cartridges was creating horrific fouling of the gas and bolt system. The ball powder that was being used also created a longer pressure spike, which caused the case to expand in the chamber but it would not contract enough to be extracted.
The extractor would simply tear through the case rim, leaving the stuck case in the chamber. By using a different propellant, chrome plating the barrels and replacing the buffer with a new design that slowed down the cyclic rate, along with some other design changes, the problems were gradually sorted out. Unfortunately many American lives were lost because of these errors.
The process of selecting a smaller cartridge for use by NATO forces began in 1960. The cartridge design was based on the .223 Remington cartridge and its development was placed in the hands of FN Herstal. The rimless bottlenecked cartridge was named the 5.56 x 54mm NATO cartridge.
In 1980, the 5.56 NATO cartridge became the standard NATO rifle cartridge (known as the SS109 for NATO and the M855 for the United States). The 5.56mm cartridges allowed the soldier to be able to carry more ammunition, which equated to more firepower and logistically many more rounds could be transported to hot spots around the world by weight than the larger 7.62 NATO cartridges. On a global scale this can equal a savings of millions of dollars.
The number of firearms that are chambered for the 5.56 NATO cartridge is too numerous to list here. Just think about all of the different squad automatic weapons, rifles, carbines and machine guns that each NATO country uses…that is a lot of different weapons!
The Frankford Arsenal, Remington and Winchester produced the first lots of .223 ammunition for the United States Armed Forces. During the trials and testing of the AR-15, 19 Million .223 cartridges were purchased. When a cartridge does well for the military, the Law Enforcement and civilian communities usually follows their lead. If you have ever read the 27 page document for the military specifications for the M855 cartridge (5.56 x 54mm), you can see that heavy scrutiny has already been applied to the 5.56mm round!
The .223 Remington cartridge has become one of the most used cartridges in the United States. It is a great varmint and predator cartridge and could be used for larger game if need be by loading a heavier bullet like a Hornady GMX or Barnes TSX 70-grain projectiles. These slower moving heavier bullets seem to do quite well in windy conditions. The above attributes make the 5.56mm round a flexible survival cartridge too.
You may have noticed or even been annoyed by the interchanging .223/5.56 terminology, here are of the important similarities and difference between the two cartridges. The case dimensions are exactly the same, though case thickness/propellant capacity can vary significantly between manufacturers which will have an effect on the resulting pressures.
The 5.56 x 45mm NATO or other military 5.56 ammo tends to be loaded hotter, so chamber pressures will be greater than the typical .223 Remington load. For this reason, .223 Remington rounds can be safely fired in a 5.56 chambered gun but 5.56mm ammo should not be fired in a .223 Rem chambered gun.
The reason for this really comes down to the differences in the chamber dimensions between .223 and 5.56 barrels. The throat/free bore and leade of a 5.56mm chamber is longer. The throat of the chamber is the unrifled section of the chamber just forward of the neck and gives the bullet a place to sit. Leade or lead is the section of the bore of a rifled barrel located just ahead of the throat of the chamber. It is a conical shaped transition from end of the throat to the fully rifled part of the barrel.
In an effort to gain more accuracy from the 5.56mm NATO cartridge, Bill Wylde created the .223 Wylde, which is a chamber design that utilizes the same external dimensions and lead angle of a 5.56 NATO cartridge and the freebore diameter of the .223 Remington cartridge. Another company that uses a proprietary chamber design to achieve better accuracy from the 5.56mm NATO cartridge is Noveske. A Noveske barrel is not cheap but they are known for their precision and high quality products.
SAAMI specs are followed by manufacturers in the U.S. loading .223 Remington ammo but those same manufacturers who also load 5.56 ammo do not follow SAAMI specs because the 5.56 rounds are loaded to military specifications and thus not held to SAAMI specs. In Europe, the international organization C.I.P. tests and sets the safety standards for firearms and ammunition. In countries that are regulated by the C.I.P., .223 Remington ammunition is proof tested at the same maximum service pressure as the 5.56 x 54mm NATO cartridges.
There have been a lot of challenges that had to be met throughout the history of the AR-15 and the 5.56 x 54mm cartridge. The twist rate of a barrel and the chamber dimensions greatly effect performance and accuracy. The shorter barreled M4 carbines and the requests for even shorter barrel lengths coming from the Special Forces communities have kept firearms and ammunition engineers busy. At this point in time, the AR-15 style rifles and the .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO cartridges offer a very reliable and accurate shooting platform.
The AR-15 rifle and .223/5.56 cartridge combination have gone through many changes together. They are still being used by our Military/Law Enforcement and civilian populations to good affect every day. This combo is a must for 3-gun competition. The .223 Remington cartridge is not overly expensive and there is always a wide variety of ammunition to choose from. There is a lot of surplus ammo to select from as well. Many other firearms are chambered in .223 Rem besides the AR-15 type guns.
The 5.56mm round is a good cartridge to reload for, as there is a huge variety of quality components to choose from as well. In 1964, the year I was born, these cartridges were the new warfighting cartridge and the US Armed Forces began using them. It’s easy for me to remember how many years these cartridges have been in use!
Become an American Gunsmith and continue to preserve our Firearm’s Heritage!
Robert Dunn,
Gunsmith & Community Moderator
American Gunsmithing Institute
Gunsmithing Club of America
The Age-Old Debate… Who Shoots Better, Men or Women? By Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms As a professional instructor here is my perspective. Let’s Take a LOOK As a firearms instructor, I’ve spent countless hours on the range working with shooters of every background—men, women, young adults, seniors, first timers, and seasoned gun owners. One question comes up more often than you might expect: “Who shoots better, men or women?” From my experience, the answer isn’t as simple as choosing one over the other. Shooting skill isn’t determined by gender—it’s shaped by mindset, training, and the willingness to learn. But there are consistent tendencies I see on the range, and they’re worth talking about. Women Often Excel in the Fundamentals Many women come into training without preconceived notions about firearms. They’re not trying to prove anything; they’re trying to learn. That mindset gives them a major advantage. • They listen closely to instruction. • They don’t fight the fundamentals. • They’re patient with themselves. • They’re more open to correcting mistakes early. Because of this, women often develop solid technique faster than men, especially in areas like trigger control, stance, and sight alignment. I’ve seen many women outshoot their husbands, boyfriends, or male friends within the first hour of training. Men Often Bring Confidence—Sometimes Too Much Confidence can be an asset on the range, but it can also get in the way. Many men arrive with prior experience or assumptions about how shooting “should” work. That can lead to: • Overconfidence in bad habits • Resistance to correction • Rushing shots • Trying to muscle the firearm instead of letting technique do the work Once men slow down, accept coaching, and focus on fundamentals, they improve quickly. But early on, that confidence gap can make women appear to be the “better shooters.” Skill Comes Down to Discipline, Not Gender After training thousands of shooters, I can say this with certainty: The best shooters are the ones who respect the process. The ones who: • Practice consistently • Stay humble • Focus on safety • Build good habits • Seek continuous improvement I’ve seen exceptional male shooters and exceptional female shooters. I’ve also seen both struggle. The difference isn’t physical strength or gender—it’s mindset and discipline. Why This Question Matters When people ask who shoots better, they’re usually trying to understand what to expect from training. My answer is always the same: Everyone can become a highly skilled, confident, and safe shooter with proper instruction and the right attitude. At my range, I don’t train “men” or “women.” I train students—each with their own strengths, challenges, and goals. Kielma’s Parting Shot If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: Women often start stronger, but men catch up fast once they embrace the fundamentals. But in the end, the real competition isn’t between men and women. It’s between who you were yesterday and the safer, more skilled shooter you can become today. Gregg Kielma
90 Day Firearm Hold/Storage Policy: Why It Matters and What Clients Need to Know Tactical K Training and Firearms As a firearms instructor and business owner, I’ve learned that clarity, consistency, and responsibility are the backbone of any safe and professional operation. One area where this becomes especially important is how long a firearm can be left in my possession—whether for training, cleaning, mounting optics, troubleshooting, or any other service. To protect both the gun owner and my business, I follow a 90 day policy for firearms left on site. Not years. This isn’t about being strict for the sake of it; it’s about maintaining accountability, legal compliance, and respect for the property entrusted to me. Why a 90 Day Policy Exists 1. Firearms Are Not Items to Be Abandoned A gun isn’t a forgotten lawnmower or a pair of shoes at the cobbler. It’s a regulated tool that demands responsible handling and timely retrieval. When a firearm sits unclaimed, it creates unnecessary liability and risk. • Storage Costs: $10.00 per firearm per month. 2. Secure Storage Is Limited and Regulated Every firearm left in my care must be stored securely, logged, and monitored. Space is finite, and the longer a gun sits, the more it complicates inventory, insurance, and compliance. 3. Accountability Protects Everyone A clear timeline ensures: • The owner stays engaged and responsible • I maintain accurate records • There’s no confusion about ownership or intent A 90 day window is fair, reasonable, and gives ample time for pickup—even with life’s interruptions. What Happens After 90 Days If a firearm remains unclaimed after 90 days, it enters the forfeiture process. This is not a punishment—it’s a necessary step to protect the integrity of my business and comply with legal and safety standards. Consequences of Forfeiture Once forfeited, the firearm may be: • Disposed of according to policy • Sold or transferred legally • Used to recover storage or service costs At that point, the original owner loses all rights to the firearm. It cannot be reclaimed, reversed, or disputed after the forfeiture is complete. Communication Is Key It’s incumbent on you to make every effort to contact Tactical K Training and Firearms before the 90 day mark to make arrangements for pick up or extend the hold for 90 more days: • Phone calls • Emails • Text reminders Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the firearm owner. If you leave a gun with me, stay in touch. If something comes up, communicate. I’m always willing to work with someone who reaches out. Why This Policy Protects Responsible Gun Owners A structured system reinforces the values I teach every day: • Responsibility • Accountability • Respect for firearms • Respect for others’ time and property When gun owners follow the policy, everyone benefits. When they don’t, the consequences are clear and fair. Tactical K Training and Firearms Final Thoughts My goal is never to take someone’s firearm. My goal is to run a safe, professional, and legally compliant operation that serves responsible gun owners. The 90 day policy ensures that firearms don’t sit forgotten, that my storage remains secure, and that every gun in my possession is accounted for. If you entrust me with your firearm, I take that responsibility seriously. All I ask is that you do the same. Gregg Kielma
Gregg Kielma Tactical Training at My Range: A Perspective From the Instructor’s Side Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms Tactical training isn’t just a service I offer at Tactical K Training and Firearms—it’s a responsibility I take personally. Every time a student steps onto my range, I’m reminded that they’re trusting me with something far more important than marksmanship. They’re trusting me with their safety, their confidence, and in many cases, their ability to protect the people they love. That trust shapes everything I do. A Training Philosophy Built on Real-World Purpose My approach to tactical training is simple: it must be practical, it must be safe, and it must be rooted in real-world application. I don’t teach fantasy scenarios or encourage a “warrior mindset.” I teach avoidance, awareness, and the skills necessary to survive and escape dangerous situations. Firearms are tools of last resort, and I make sure every student understands that before we ever load a magazine. When someone trains with me, they learn more than how to shoot. They learn how to think under pressure, how to move with purpose, and how to make decisions that prioritize life over ego. That’s the heart of tactical training. A Range Dedicated for Learning, Not Intimidation My outdoor range in Parrish, Florida, is intentionally set up to be welcoming and controlled. Students don’t need to be experts to train here. They don’t need to show up with the latest gear or years of experience. What they need is an open mind and a willingness to learn. I structure every session to match the student’s comfort level. Whether it’s a brand new gun owner or someone preparing for advanced defensive scenarios, I meet them where they are. No yelling, no pressure, no judgment—just clear instruction, steady progression, and a focus on building confidence. Training That Builds Skills You Can Depend On Tactical training at my range covers a wide spectrum of real-life skills: • Safe firearm handling under stress • Drawing from concealment • Movement, cover, and positional shooting • Decision making and threat identification • Home defense fundamentals • Situational awareness and de escalation Every drill has a purpose, and every purpose ties back to one goal: helping students become responsible, capable, and confident gun owners. Why I Teach the Way I Do I’ve seen what happens when people rely on luck instead of training. I’ve seen what happens when someone buys a firearm but never learns how to use it safely. That’s why I take my role seriously. My job isn’t to impress students—it’s to prepare them. When someone leaves my range, I want them to walk away with more than improved accuracy. I want them to walk away with a mindset that prioritizes safety, responsibility, and respect for the tool they carry. Kielma's Parting Shot: A Community Built on Responsibility Tactical K Training and Firearms isn’t just a business. It’s a community of people who value preparedness, safety, and continuous learning. I’m proud of the students who train here—people who choose to invest in themselves and take ownership of their skills. From first time shooters to seasoned firearm owners, everyone who trains with me becomes part of that community. And every time I see a student grow, improve, and gain confidence, it reinforces why I do what I do.
The Top 10 Pistols Made in America By Gregg Kielma, Tactical K Training and Firearms As an instructor and lifelong student of firearms, I’ve had the privilege of working with pistols from every corner of the industry. But there’s something special about American made handguns — the engineering, the innovation, and the pride that goes into each design. Whether for concealed carry, home defense, competition, or professional use, the United States produces some of the finest pistols in the world. These are the top 10 American made pistols that consistently stand out in performance, reliability, and real-world practicality. 1. Glock 42/43/47 (Georgia) While Glock is Austrian by origin, many of its most popular models are manufactured right here in America. The slimline 42 and 43 are outstanding for concealed carry, and the 47 brings duty grade performance with Glock’s signature simplicity and reliability. 2. Smith & Wesson M&P Series (Massachusetts / Tennessee) The M&P line has earned its place as one of the most trusted platforms in law enforcement and civilian carry. With excellent ergonomics, modularity, and a proven track record, the M&P series delivers reliability you can stake your life on. 3. SIG Sauer P320 (New Hampshire) The P320’s modular fire control unit changed the industry. Its adaptability, accuracy, and clean trigger make it a favorite among professionals — and its selection as the U.S. military’s M17/M18 platform speaks volumes. 4. Ruger American Pistol (North Carolina / New Hampshire) Ruger’s American Pistol is built like a tank. With a robust chassis system, excellent recoil management, and rugged construction, it’s a dependable option for shooters who want durability above all else. 5. Kimber 1911 Series (Alabama) Kimber produces some of the finest production 1911s available. Their attention to detail, crisp triggers, and tight tolerances make them a favorite for shooters who appreciate classic American craftsmanship. 6. Springfield Armory 1911 (Illinois) Springfield’s 1911 lineup blends tradition with modern enhancements. From entry level models to high end custom shop builds, these pistols offer exceptional accuracy and a timeless feel. 7. Colt Government Model 1911 (Connecticut) The original American fighting pistol. Colt’s 1911 remains a benchmark for reliability and heritage. For many shooters — myself included — it represents the foundation of modern handgun design. 8. Staccato 2011 Series (Texas) Staccato pistols have become the gold standard in duty grade performance. Their 2011 platform offers unmatched shootability, fast follow up shots, and competition level accuracy in a defensive ready package. 9. Walther PDP (Arkansas) Walther’s U.S. produced PDP has one of the best striker fired triggers on the market. Its ergonomics and optics ready design make it a top choice for shooters who want precision without sacrificing comfort. 10. FN 509 Series (South Carolina) Built to compete in the U.S. Army’s handgun trials, the FN 509 is rugged, reliable, and combat proven. FN’s American manufacturing facility produces some of the most durable pistols available today. Kielma’s Parting Shot As an instructor, I always remind students that the “best” pistol is the one that fits your hand, your purpose, and your level of training. But these ten American made pistols consistently rise to the top because they combine engineering excellence with real world reliability. Whether you’re a new gun owner or a seasoned shooter, investing in a quality American made pistol is a decision you can feel confident about — and at Tactical K Training and Firearms, we’re here to help you make that choice with knowledge, skill, and responsibility.
Marijuana and Firearms: A Responsible Perspective By Gregg Kielma 01/31/2026 As a firearms instructor, my priority is always the same: safety, legality, and sound judgment. That means having honest conversations about topics that affect responsible gun ownership—even when those topics are uncomfortable or misunderstood. One of the biggest areas of confusion today is the relationship between marijuana use and firearms. Whether someone uses marijuana recreationally or medicinally, the reality is simple: you cannot mix impaired judgment with a firearm. A firearm demands clarity, awareness, and the ability to make life‑altering decisions in fractions of a second. Anything that dulls reaction time, alters perception, or affects decision‑making undermines the core principles of responsible gun ownership. Beyond safety, there’s the legal side. Even in states where marijuana is legal, federal law still classifies it as a controlled substance. That means marijuana users—regardless of state law—can face serious federal consequences if they possess or attempt to purchase a firearm. Many gun owners don’t realize that answering “yes” to marijuana use on a federal background check disqualifies them, and answering “no” when they do use it is a federal crime. These are not small technicalities; they’re issues that can cost someone their rights, their record, and their future. From my perspective, responsible ownership means understanding the law, respecting the law, and making choices that protect yourself and those around you. If someone chooses to use marijuana, that’s their decision—but they must also understand how that decision affects their ability to legally and safely own or handle a firearm. Kielma's Parting Shot Firearms and impaired judgment simply do not mix. My goal is to help every student make informed, responsible decisions that keep them safe, keep them legal, and keep them in control.
Nashua Woman Pleads Guilty to Straw Purchasing a Firearm Later Recovered at a Crime Scene CONCORD – A Nashua woman pleaded guilty today in federal court to making a false statement to acquire a firearm for another person, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Tanya Hunter, 40, pleaded guilty to making a false statement in connection with acquiring a firearm. According to the charging documents and statements made in court, on December 20, 2023, Hunter purchased the gun from a federally licensed firearms dealer in Hudson, New Hampshire, for a Massachusetts man. Hunter lied on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) form for the purchase when she said she was the actual buyer or transferee of the firearm. The firearm was later recovered from a crime scene in Massachusetts. The charges carry a possible sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The Court scheduled sentencing in this matter for May 11, 2026. The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Howard is prosecuting the case. Updated January 29, 2026
FRT Update 01/31/2026 In a move that has stunned many in the firearms community, the United States government, through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), filed a rare “Statement of Interest” on January 26, 2026, in a private patent infringement lawsuit in the Eastern District of Tennessee. The case pits ABC IP, LLC and Rare Breed Triggers, Inc. against Timothy Hoffman, an individual inventor, and his small Tennessee-based company, Hoffman Tactical LLC. Rather than remaining neutral in what is ostensibly a civil dispute over intellectual property, the Department of Justice chose to weigh in heavily on the side of the plaintiffs, urging the court to consider the “public interest” as strongly favoring a preliminary injunction against Hoffman. At the heart of the dispute are forced reset triggers (FRTs). These devices allow semi-automatic firearms to achieve a faster cyclic rate by mechanically resetting the trigger after each shot. Rare Breed Triggers holds several patents on its version of this technology, and it alleges that Hoffman infringed those patents by designing and publicly sharing 3D-printable files for a similar “super safety” trigger design. Hoffman, like many innovators in the 3D-printing and home-gun-building community, openly released his files, enabling hobbyists to experiment and manufacture their own parts. What makes this case extraordinary is the federal government’s intervention. The ATF’s filing explicitly states that it has a “strong interest… in discouraging unregulated manufacture of forced reset triggers.” It argues that enjoining Hoffman would advance public safety and support the agency’s broader efforts to limit the proliferation of FRTs. Remarkably, the government cites a May 2025 settlement agreement it reached with Rare Breed, after years of aggressive enforcement actions against the company, as justification for now backing Rare Breed’s private patent enforcement crusade. This settlement is worth examining closely. After the Supreme Court’s 2024 decision in Garland v. Cargill struck down the ATF’s bump-stock rule, the agency’s legal position on other rapid-fire devices like FRTs became precarious. Facing multiple adverse court rulings, the ATF chose to settle its civil enforcement actions against Rare Breed. In exchange for dropping the lawsuits, Rare Breed agreed not to design FRTs for handguns and crucially to “take all reasonable efforts to enforce its patents and seek injunctions” against anyone else making or distributing FRTs. In essence, the government outsourced part of its regulatory agenda to a private company, turning a former enforcement target into an ally. Now, when a small inventor like Timothy Hoffman independently develops and shares a competing design, the federal government steps in, not to prosecute him criminally, but to lend its considerable weight to a corporate plaintiff seeking to shut him down. This move is a profoundly troubling development for several reasons.
Before Prices Shift: An Important Update The inevitable is upon us, as price increases plan to take effect on April 1, 2026. These changes will apply to a wide variety of ammunition types, from rifle ammo to shot shells. Largely due to the volatile nature of raw materials utilized in ammo production, such as copper, lead, and zinc; manufacturers have emphasized this price adjustment is simply unavoidable. Here’s the breakdown: • No sole manufacturer will be affected, multiple brands will show adjusted pricing • Increases are predicted to fall in the low to mid-single digit range • Orders shipped on or after April 1 may reflect new pricing This means you may not have all that long before the current prices you see on shelves today, disappear. So, take action now. For more information, click here to read the full article.
VR Firearms Training at Tactical K Training and Firearms: How ACE and Meta Are Enhancing My Students’ Skills By Gregg Kielma-Tactical K Training and Firearms As an instructor who has spent years teaching responsible firearm handling in real world environments, I never adopt new technology just because it’s trendy. It must add value, reinforce safety, and genuinely improve a student’s ability to make good decisions under stress. That’s why VR training with ACE and the Meta platform has earned a place in my program — not as a replacement for live fire instruction, but as a powerful tool that strengthens everything we do on the range. A Safe Way to Build Confidence Before Live Fire One of the biggest advantages of VR is the ability to introduce new shooters to firearms concepts without the pressure of recoil, noise, or the anxiety that sometimes comes with handling a real weapon for the first time. Inside the ACE training environment, students can practice stance, grip, sight alignment, and movement in a calm, controlled setting. For many beginners, this reduces the learning curve dramatically. By the time they step onto my outdoor range, they already understand the fundamentals and feel more prepared. Realistic Scenarios Without Real World Risk ACE’s scenario-based modules allow me to expose students to decision making situations that would be impossible — or unsafe — to recreate in person. They can practice threat identification, situational awareness, and de escalation in a virtual environment that feels immersive but carries zero physical risk. This aligns perfectly with my teaching philosophy: avoidance first, escape if possible, and defense only as a last resort. VR gives students a chance to experience those judgment calls in a way that’s both educational and emotionally manageable. Repetition Without Fatigue In VR, students can repeat drills endlessly without burning through ammunition or dealing with physical fatigue. That means more reps, more consistency, and more opportunities to correct mistakes early. Whether it’s drawing from concealment, moving to cover, or practicing reloads, VR allows for focused, efficient skill building that complements the hands-on work we do with real firearms. A Bridge Between Technology and Practical Training I’ve found that VR doesn’t replace the range — it enhances it. Students who train with ACE and Meta tend to arrive more confident, more aware, and more mentally prepared. When they transition to live fire, they absorb instruction faster and make fewer fundamental errors. For experienced shooters, VR offers a way to sharpen decision making and refine tactics without the limitations of physical space. For beginners, it provides a gentle introduction that builds comfort and competence. The Future of Responsible Firearms Education As technology evolves, so does the way we teach. VR training with ACE and Meta has become a valuable part of my curriculum because it supports the same goals I’ve always had, safety, confidence, and responsible firearm ownership. Kielma’s Parting Shot: Combined with ACE and Meta, it’s not about replacing traditional training — it’s about giving students every possible advantage to learn the right way, at the right pace, in the right environment. Gregg Kielma
Instructor Rick S and Student Training in My Pasture: A Look at Your Outdoor Range: Tactical K Training and Firearms Gregg Kielma Set in the quiet openness of a Florida farm pasture, your outdoor shooting range offers something that’s getting harder to find these days — a private, peaceful, and purpose-built space where students can learn without pressure or distraction. The setting isn’t just scenic, cows and all, it plays a real role in the quality of training we deliver at Tactical K Training and Firearms. A Natural, Comfortable Environment The wide-open pasture creates a calm backdrop for learning. Fresh air, open sky, and the natural spacing of the land help students feel at ease, especially those who may be nervous or new to firearms. The rural setting also keeps noise low and distractions minimal, allowing shooters to focus on fundamentals and safety. Designed for Practical, Real World Training My range layout takes advantage of the pasture’s natural contours, giving you safe shooting lanes, solid backstops, and plenty of room for controlled drills. Whether teaching basic marksmanship, firearm handling, or scenario based skills, the space supports the kind of practical, real world training that responsible gun owners appreciate. Safety as the Foundation Even in a relaxed farm setting, my range maintains the same disciplined safety standards we are known for. Clear boundaries, structured instruction, and your emphasis on avoidance, escape, and defense ensure that every student understands not just how to shoot, but how to do so responsibly. A Personal, One on One Experience Unlike crowded public ranges, my pasture range offers privacy and personal attention. Students can ask questions freely, take their time, and build confidence at a pace that fits them. The farm setting reinforces that sense of comfort — it feels like learning with a trusted instructor like Gregg Kielma or Rick S, not performing in front of strangers. More Than a Range — A Place to Grow My outdoor pasture range isn’t just a place to fire rounds. It’s a place where people gain skills, confidence, and a deeper respect for safe firearm ownership. The combination of professional instruction and a peaceful rural setting creates an experience that sticks with students long after they leave. Gregg Kielma
