Team Lapua’s Keith Trapp Makes History at the 2025 Southwest Nationals
Keith Trapp, talented member of Team Lapua, has etched his name in history by claiming his third Southwest Nationals F-Class Target Rifle (F-TR) LR Championship with a Grand Aggregate score of 1237-72X. It was a great performance. Keith finished 3 points ahead of second-place Oleg Savelyev (1234-48X), but with 24 more Xs! (The next highest X-count was fourth-place Alen Tempke with 1223-54X.)
Trapp competed with a .308-Win chambered rifle, utilizing Lapua .308 Winchester Palma brass, Vihtavuori N150 powder, and Berger 200.20X Hybrid Target bullets.
The 2025 Southwest Nationals took place from February 12-16 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Arizona. Hosted by the Desert Sharpshooters Rifle Club, this prestigious annual event attracted over 350 competitors across Sling, F-Open, and F-TR categories. CLICK HERE for full F-TR individual results.
Trapp not only earned him the championship title but he also coached the USA F-TR Vortex team to a strong second-place finish with a score of 2556-106X, which tied first-place Berger F-TR team (1556-125X) on points. Led by team captain Ian Klemm, the F-TR Vortex squad featured Drew Rutherford, Brad Sauve, Tracy Hogg, Mike Francis, Luke Ramsey, and Trapp himself.
2025 Southwest Nationals F-TR Individual and Team Top Five
F-TR Long Range Top 5 Individual
KEITH TRAPP 1237-72X *MW*
OLEG SAVELYEV 1234-48X
NIKLAS MONTIN 1227-49X
ALLEN TAMPKE 1223-54X
BRAD SAUVE 1223-47X HiSr
F-TR Long Range Top Five Teams
USA F-TR BERGER 2556-125X
USA F-TR VORTEX 2556-106X
GUN RUNNERS 2551-117X
TEAM USA VIHTAVUORI 2543-114X
SPIN DRIFTERS 2526-102X
“We congratulate Keith on this momentous achievement,” said Morgan Joy-Twenter, Capstone’s Director of Communications. “This past weekend, he made history as the only shooter to ever win the F-T/R Championship at the Southwest Nationals three times!” Watch the interview below to hear Keith talk about the 2025 SWN event:
Modern F-TR rifle looking down-range at Ben Avery Shooting Facility.
The F-Class Target Rifle (F-TR) category has strict regulations, requiring a rifle to weigh no more than 18 pounds with bipod. See an example above. Additionally, chambers must remain unmodified and use a standard .308 Win /7.62 NATO or .223 Rem/5.56 NATO cartridge.
2025 SWN F-TR champ Keith Trapp has won the Southwest Nationals LR match three times. Here he is shown after his impressive 2022 victory. That year Keith scored 1233-62X, winning by five points with high X-count among all F-TR shooters.
About Lapua Lapua produces superb-quality brass, cartridges, and components for civilian and professional use. In the USA, Lapua products are exclusively imported by Capstone Precision Group, the official distributor for Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori, and SK-Rimfire products.
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The 2025 Southwest Nationals (SWN) concluded yesterday at the Ben Avery Range outside Phoenix. The individual long-range matches were held for F-Open, F-TR, and Sling shooters. There was a good turn-out, particularly in the F-Open class. The match was very challenging at the end, with strong winds (see Brandon Green short video below). Along with the individual competitions there were team matches for F-Open, F-TR, and Sling (Palma/Optic) Teams. The weekend featured individual and team matches at 1000 yards on Saturday and Sunday. This was preceded by multi-distance (800, 900, 1000 yard) events on Thursday (Team) and Friday (Individual). EDITOR’s NOTE: We are still awaiting the final published results for some events. We will update/correct the information when available.
Shown above are Tim Vaught (left) and Keith Trapp, winners in F-Open and F-TR classes respectively. Congratulations to Tim (F-Open) and Keith (F-TR) for their first-place finishes among very tough competition. Well done!
2025 SWN Long-Range Match, Individual Results
2025 Southwest Nationals F-Open, F-TR, Sling 600-Yard Top 10
F-Open LR Top Ten
TIM VAUGHT 1245-66X *MW*
ROBERT MASSINGILL 1241-59X
DOUG SKOGMAN 1240-62X
ALAN KULCAK 1239-65X
WILLIAM KOLODZIEJ 1236-82X
JOSEPH FAIRLEY 1236-62X HiGS
SCOTT MCNEELY 1235-75X
PETER JOHNS 1235-69X
SHANE HOWETH 1235-68X
JOSHUA MASSINGILL 1235-62X HiJr
F-TR LR Top Ten
KEITH TRAPP 1237-72X *MW*
OLEG SAVELYEV 1234-48X
NIKLAS MONTIN 1227-49X
ALLEN TAMPKE 1223-54X
BRAD SAUVE 1223-47X HiSr
JEREMY NEWELL 1223-40X
ERIC BISSON 1222-53X
ALAN BARNHART 1221-50X
BENOIT VAUTOUR 1221-50X
TRACY HOGG 1220-39X
SLING LR Top Ten
BOBBY GILL A 791-33X *MW*
DAVID LUCKMAN P 790-35X
JUSTIN SKARET A 790-33X
MICHAEL STORER P 788-36X
MIKE KELLEY P 788-34X
JESS MELLEN F 788-28X
LARRY SOLLARS P 787-35X
PHIL HAYES A 787-32X
PARAG PATEL P 787-30X
RYAN HAYES P 786-30X
Forum member Johnnyi praised the folks who worked hard to run this major match: “Thank you so much to all of the volunteers organizers and staff who run one of the best matches in the country. So many friendly and welcoming faces! Much much appreciated in donating your time away from your families to put on this event!”
The Southwest Nationals is one of the few American events where sling shooters compete on the same firing line as F-Class competitors (though in separate groups).
2025 SWN Long-Range Match, TEAM Results
2025 Southwest Nationals F-Open, F-TR, Sling TEAM Results
USA F-TR BERGER 2556-125X
USA F-TR VORTEX 2556-106X
GUN RUNNERS 2551-117X
TEAM USA VIHTAVUORI 2543-114X
SPIN DRIFTERS 2526-102X
SLING LR Top Five
USNRT FRIGUGLIETTI 2570-115X
USNRT-VFB THEURER 2560-119X
USNRT MRNAK 2557-127X
THREE MEN & A BABY 2556-125X
USNRT GROSS 2546-107X
Congrats to the Winning Teams in F-Open, F-TR, and Sling disciplines: F-Open, Bayou Boyz
Captain: Neil Woody, Coach: Peter Johns
Johnny Ingram, Joseph Fairley, Pat Wood, Alan Kulcak, Michael Kurtz
F-TR, Team USA F-TR Berger
Captain: Charles Rowe, Coach: Jim Crofts
Robert Garibay, Todd Strasavich, Kimberly Rowe, Oleg Savelyev, Adam Husted
SLING (Palma), USNRT Friguglietti
Captain: Justin Utley, Coach: John Friguglietti
Michael Storer, Curtis Gordon, Trudie Fay, Benjamin Lucchesi, John Friguglietti
Interview with 2025 F-Open Winner Tim Vaught and Range View Video at Ben Avery:
Here are two members of winning Team USA F-TR Berger with Brandon Green (at left). Brandon posted: “Helping good friends celebrate their F-TR team win yesterday. Great job guys!”
The SWN was made possible this year through the participation of three dozen sponsors including Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori, Applied Ballistics, BAT Machine, Brux Barrels, SEB Rests, Lilja Barrels, F-Class Products, Borden Accuracy, McMillen Stocks, Whidden Gunworks, 21st Century, Sightron, PMA Tool, Kelbly’s, Creedmoor Sports, Doan Trevor, Nightforce, SW Action Works and many other companies.
Photo by Nancy Tompkins near Ben Avery Shooting Facility in 2022. Nancy posted: “Thank you to all of the sponsors, volunteers, and shooters who have traveled from all over… to make this match so special.”
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With the major Southwest Nationals competition just 3 days away we thought our readers would enjoy a look at a contemporary F-TR competition rifles campaigned by a talented, multi-discipline lady shooter. Texan Tracy Slayton is a gifted action pistol and 3-Gun competitor who now also competes in F-Class, F-TR Division. Under F-Class rules, F-TR shooters are limited to two caliber types: .223 Rem (5.56 NATO) and .308 Win (7.62x51mm).
A while back, on Facebook, Tracy posted a nice training session with her Krieger-barreled .308 Winchester F-TR rifle. Her rifle features a McMillan composite stock with a SEB JoyStick bipod attached up front. The optic is a Kahles SFP 1/8 MOA zoom optic (10-50x50mm we believe). You can watch her shooting video HERE on her Facebook page. She used a battery-powered, Chamber Chiller fan unit to cool the barrel.
On her Facebook page, Tracy posted: “Very, very windy day today but pulled off a 444/450 18X which is a High Master score. My Krieger barrel is the bomb and my Kahles scope allows me to see that target at 600 yards clearly. My Chamber Chiller really cools my barrel down in between matches and my Stiller action is as smooth as butter.”
Click Photo for short video of Tracy’s shooting session, with shots called on audio:
Match-Winning F-TR .308 Win Load INFO
Texan Tracy Slayton (featured above) did not supply her .308 Win load data for this article. However, we’ve got something even better! For our readers who compete in F-TR, we obtained .308 Win F-TR load information from top F-TR shooter, Peter Johns. A U.S. Navy veteran, Peter won the 2020 Berger SW Nationals F-TR title, after finishing second at that same event in 2019. Here is Peter’s load profile, a very good place to start for any .308 Win F-TR shooter…
F-TR .308 Win Match Load and Reloading Methodology
Loading for .308 Win F-TR — Do What Matters
Peter told us: “My loading technique has evolved almost full circle from where I started. I went from the basics to doing every step a person could conceive. Then I decided to start testing all the different steps to see what didn’t matter or made things worse. I am now back to almost no steps in my reloading process.
I don’t clean brass anymore. I just wipe the case off, lube, size, prime, and load. I anneal when I feel the necks getting inconsistent when seating the bullets. I pre-load all my ammo for matches. I tried seating them at the match but I didn’t find it to matter on the score card and it takes my focus away from conditions.
Peter’s 2020 SWN-winning .308 Win load consists of Berger 200.20X bullets, Lapua Palma brass, Federal 205M primers, and Varget powder. Peter revealed: “The Berger 200-grainers are running in the mid-2600 fps range. I have tried them much faster but found the best consistency at this speed.”
Peter measures powder to the kernel and also weighs/sorts other components. He runs Berger 200.20X bullets slightly off the lands in a 0.170 freebore chamber. Notably he tests a variety of powders, ascertaining each barrel’s particular preference: “In the last few years I have tried N140, N150, H4895, and Varget. I think they are all good powders for F-TR and the 200.20X bullet. This year I was using Varget. At the 2018 SWN I placed 4th with H4895, in 2019 SWN I got 2nd with N140. I find what powder my particular barrel likes best. I also test CCI BR4 and Fed 205M to see which my rifle likes best. This year I was using Fed 205M. I have been using Lapua Palma brass and it seems to last forever.” Peter full-length sizes with a Redding bushing FL die. He seats his Berger bullets with a Wilson inline seater.
Berger Bullets on SALE Now at Creedmoor Sports
Right now Creedmoor Sports is running a major Berger bullet sale. You’ll find many .30-cal Berger match bullet types that work great for .308-caliber F-TR rigs like today’s featured rifle. Berger .30-cal match bullets, ranging from 155gr to 220gr in weight, are currently in stock with many types discounted.
In addition to the .30-cal Bergers, Creedmoor Sports has significant supplies of Berger .17, .20, .223, .243 (6mm), .257, .264 (6.5mm), .270, and .284 (7mm) caliber bullets in stock now at good prices. There are a wide variety of bullet types for various discplines. Choose target hybrids, varmint bullets, Elite Hunters or other bullet types for your next match or hunt.
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What’s wrong (or right?) with this picture? Does the “F” in F-class refer to “Fauna”? Look carefully at this Bisley Range photo taken by Australian R. Hurley while looking downrange through his March 8-80X scope. The photo was taken in 2015 at the Bisley National Shooting Centre in the UK.
The Story Behind the Photo
British shooter T. Stewart reports: “I was there when this photos was taken. All I can say was that Mr. Hurley was firmly reminded that should said deer accidentally jump in front of his bullet … he would spend five years ‘At Her Majesty’s Pleasure’.”
“That morning we had five deer moving across the targets, literally blocking the V-Bull. Since we were on the 900-yard Firing Point, and elevated for such, obviously the bullet would pass well above them. But they do NOT move or flinch at the noise or passing bullets since they are not hunted on the Bisley Ranges. Earlier this year we saw a herd of 20 or so deer grazing slowly across the Range.”
More Fauna Findings…
Apparently Bisley is not the only place were “the deer and the antelope play”. In Canada, on the Connaught Ranges near Ottawa, Ontario, shooters often encounter a variety of wildlife. William McDonald from Ontario says: “Animals are a common sight on the Range. Along with deer we see geese, turkeys, and coyotes on a daily basis.”
Likewise, E. Goodacre from Queensland, Australia often sees ‘Roos on his home range: “I shoot at Ripley, Australia, and shooting is regularly interrupted by kangaroos. Our last silhouette match was delayed by an hour while 30 ‘Roos dawdled across — silly buggers!”
R. Hurley wasn’t the first fellow to view deer through his F-Class rifle’s scope. After seeing Hurley’s photo from Bisley, B. Weeks posted this image, saying: “Been there, done that!”
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Today we share some smart tips from a past F-Class and Sling Champion who is both a great shooter AND a ballistics wizard. Founder of Applied Ballistics LLC, Bryan Litz is the author of multiple books and creator of advanced Ballistics Software.
Bryan is also a highly skilled competitor. In 2015, Bryan Litz won the F-TR Mid-Range AND Long-Range National Championships hosted at Ben Avery. And at the 2014 Berger SW Nationals (SWN), Bryan took top honors among all sling shooters. If you only know Bryan Litz from his Applied Ballistics Books and DVDs, you may not realize that this guy is a also great marksman along with being an actual rocket scientist!
Given his impressive track record in both F-Class and Palma (Fullbore) out to 1000 yards, we asked Bryan if he had any advice for other long-range competitors.
First Bryan provided three tips concerning Ballistics, his special area of expertise. Next Bryan offered three more general tips about long-range competition — how to analyze your shooting, how to choose your ‘wind strategy’, and how to avoid the most costly mistakes, i.e. how to avoid the “train-wrecks”.
Bryan Litz won the 2015 F-TR Mid-Range and Long-Range Championships with this sleek rig:
Litz Ballistics Tips
Ballistics TIP ONE. If you’re having trouble getting your ballistic software to match actual drops, you need to look at a number of possible reasons. Here are some common issues that can cause problems.
Click Values Are Not Exact. Scopes and iron sights don’t always produce accurate adjustments. In other words, if your ballistics program predicts 30 MOA of drop, and you dial 30 MOA but hit low, it might be that your sight actually only moved 28 MOA (for example). To see if your sight is adjusting accurately, shoot a tall target at 100 yards and measure group separation when dialing your sight.
Barometric vs. Station Pressure. This is a commonly misunderstood input to ballistics programs. You can avoid this pitfall by remembering the following: station pressure is the actual measured pressure at your location, and you don’t need to tell the program your altitude when using station pressure. Barometric pressure is corrected for sea level. If you’re using barometric pressure, you also have to input your altitude.
Muzzle Velocity. Chronographs are not always as accurate as shooters think they are — your true MV may be off by 10-20 fps (or more). If your drop is different than predicted at long range, it might be because your muzzle velocity input is wrong.
Mixing Up BC (G1 vs. G7). Knowledgeable long range shooters know that the G7 standard is a more representative standard for modern LR bullets. However, using G7 BCs isn’t just a matter of clicking the ‘G7′ option in the program. The numeric value of the BC is different for G1 and G7. For example, the G1 BC of the Berger 155.5 grain Fullbore bullet is .464 but the G7 BC is .237. If you were to enter .464 but click on G7, the results would be way off.
Ballistics TIP TWO. A properly installed level is absolutely essential for long range shooting. Without a good level reference, your long range wind zero will be off due to minor canting of the rifle from side to side. You can verify that your level is installed correctly on a 100-yard ‘tall target’. Draw a plumb line straight up the target and verify that your groups track straight up this line as you go up in elevation.
Ballistics TIP THREE. If your long range ballistic predictions aren’t tracking, always come back and verify your 100-yard zero. Sometimes a simple zero shift can be misconstrued as errors in long range ballistics predictions.
Litz Competition Shooting Tips
Competition TIP ONE. Improving your scores in long range competition is a constant process of self-assessment. After each match, carefully analyze how you lost points and make a plan to improve. Beginning shooters will lose a lot of points to fundamental things like sight alignment and trigger control. Veteran shooters will lose far fewer points to a smaller list of mistakes. At every step along the way, always ask yourself why you’re losing points and address the issues. Sometimes the weak links that you need to work on aren’t your favorite thing to do, and success will take work in these areas as well.
Competition TIP TWO. Select your wind shooting strategy carefully. For beginners and veterans, most points are typically lost to wind. Successful shooters put a lot of thought into their approach to wind shooting. Sometimes it’s best to shoot fast and minimize the changes you’ll have to navigate. Other times it’s best to wait out a condition which may take several minutes. Develop a comfortable rest position so you have an easier time waiting when you should be waiting.
Competition TIP THREE. Actively avoid major train wrecks. Sounds obvious but it happens a lot. Select equipment that is reliable, get comfortable with it and have back-ups for important things. Don’t load on the verge of max pressure, don’t go to an important match with a barrel that’s near shot out, physically check tightness of all important screws prior to shooting each string. Observe what train wrecks you and others experience, and put measures in place to avoid them.
Looking down-range with F-TR rifle at Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Arizona.
Bullet Stability and Twist Rates
In this video, Bryan Litz talks about bullet in-flight stability and how to calculate barrel twist-rate requirements for long-range bullets. Bryan explains that bullet stability (for conventional projectiles) is basically provided by the spinning of the bullet. But this spin rate is a function of BOTH the nominal twist rate of the barrel AND the velocity of the projectile. Thus, when shooting the same bullet, a very high-speed cartridge may work with a slower barrel twist rate than is required for a lower-speed (less powerful) cartridge. For match bullets, shot at ranges to 1000 yards and beyond, Bryan recommends a twist rate that offers good stability.
You’ll find more expert information on long-range shooting and ballistics on the Applied Ballistics website and the Bryan Litz Ballistics Facebook page. Bryan’s most recent Facebook post talks about the Coriolis effect — the apparent drift of a rifle trajectory due to the rotation of the earth.
To learn more, we recommend you subscribe to the Applied Ballistics Science of Accuracy — with in-depth articles, brilliant podcasts, exclusive videos and more.
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Proud owner Dirk L. says: “This is my first build — never thought it would be a .308!”
Here’s a handsome F-TR rifle with a beautiful red stock that suits the holiday season. This ruby red beauty was a recent addition to the long-running Pride and Joy Rifle thread in our Shooters’ Forum. The rifle belongs to Forum member Dirk L. (aka “Pinkes”) who hails from South Africa. This is a .308 Win, with 30″ Bartlein barrel, and X-Max action. The stock is a custom composite with carbon fiber for strength and lightness. And yes this rifle shoots as good as it looks. Check out the impressive 5-shot groups below…
X-Max for Xmas — Impressive Metal-work
Along with that beautiful red stock, this F-TR rig has some very cool features, including a South African-crafted X-Max Action. The action designer Piet Welgemoed explains: “The X-Max action body is 17-4PH stainless steel pre-hardened to 44° Rockwell. Bolt and handle are one-piece stainless steel, nitrated to 55° Rockwell 0.2mm deep. Bolt is also fluted. Inside is the firing pin with washers (see below). The washer cuts the lock-time almost by half and also weighs less. The bolt-knob and bolt shroud are CNC aluminum. The action has very tight tolerances.” The complete action with +20 MOA rail and trigger weighs 1.475 kg (3.25 lbs).” Owner Dirk notes that the competition trigger, set at 3.0 ounces, is also Welgemoed’s design.
Wicked Accuracy with Bartlein Barrel, Varget, and 220gr SMKs
This gun has already proven to be a great shooter. Below are two FIVE-shot groups at 100 meters. The group on the left is in the low threes, with three of five shots essentially in one hole. Dirk loads Lapua .308 Palma brass and #2231 200gr Sierra Matchkings, seated 20 thousandths off the lands. The Varget powder and CCI primers drives the 200gr SMKs at 2620 fps.
Brass: Lapua .308 Win Palma (small primer) | Primers: CCI 450 | Powder: Varget
Bullet: New 200gr SMK #2231 | Seating: 0.020″ Off | Velocity: 2620fps
Composite Stock — One of Three by Renier Mostert
And what about that beautiful red stock? The rifle’s owner told us: “This was one of three similar stocks built as a test run by Renier Mostert, a professional composite stock builder and former benchrest shooter from Pretoria, South Africa. Renier was approached by three friends, who were all looking for decent, custom-built FTR composite stocks. There were a number of stocks available to them (mostly imported), but [those] were either made of wood or aluminum. The requirements for the composite stock build was very specific. Aluminum V-Blocks for the actions were required. The stocks had to be light enough to carry some beefy barrels and optics without compromising rigidity and still be within the F-TR weight limit. The three friends supplied Renier with an imported wooden stock as their shape of choice. Although the shape was quite straight-forward, Renier made a few dimensional changes to features which were not symmetrically correct on the sample, and then built a mold from it.”
Renier uses several methods to craft composite stocks for various disciplines: F-Class, benchrest, competition rimfire, hunting, and tactical. For this build he chose to build a shell constructed of a well-planned mix of woven fiberglass cloth and bi-directionally woven carbon fiber with aerospace quality epoxy resin to reduce weight in some areas and increase stiffness in other areas. He used a wet lay-up process where the two halves gets laid up and joined together while still wet to form a complete, continuous shell. The closed mold gets cured under pressure in an oven for several hours at very specific temperatures. After curing, the shell is filled with a high-tech mix of lightweight filler and epoxy resin. The composition of the mix varies in different areas of the stock to facilitate more strength or reduced weight where applicable.
After the initial build, the aluminum hardware was installed. An adjustable cheek piece, Anschutz rail, and adjustable recoil pad mechanism were installed. The stocks were inletted by Renier, while the final fitting and bedding procedures were left for each customer’s gunsmith to complete. The stocks were light enough for the rifles to comfortably be within the F-TR weight limit. A barrel tuner was mounted on one of the rifles, and the rifle still made the F-TR Class weight limit, 8.25 kg (including bipod). The bipod shown in photos in the SEB Joy-Pod.
Paint — Candy Apple Red over Metallic Silver Base
After final gunsmithing, the stocks were returned to Renier Mostert for custom painting. The rifle featured in this article was done in Candy-Apple Red paint from DNA Paints (an Australian company). To get the desired effect, a metallic silver base coat was used, enhanced with a modest amount of medium coarse glitter, followed with multiple layers of candy until the correct shade was achieved. A high-quality automotive clear coat was used to finish off the paintwork.
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Erik Cortina is one of America’s top F-Class competitors. He has won major matches and is a member of Team Lapua-Brux-Borden. Erik, who produces his own line of EC Barrel Tuners and Tuner Brakes, also has a popular Believe the Target YouTube Channel which features interviews with top shooters, parts makers, and gunsmiths. For this Saturday Movie showcase, we feature videos created by Erik for his channel.
Interview with Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics
Bryan Litz, head honcho of Applied Ballistics LLC, is arguably the leading ballistics expert on planet earth. A talented shooter who has won major F-Class, ELR, and Palma matches, Bryan is a high-IQ scientist who has developed the ballistics software many of us now use in Kestrels and other devices to calculate scope clicks with extreme precision. In this interview, Bryan explains basic ballistics principles and also corrects some popular misconceptions. This is a great interview that has received much praise from viewers, one of whom has noted: “Bryan is a walking science lab. He puts out amazing data-based info[.]” With 87,000 views, this is Erik’s second-most popular video ever.
Interview with 6-Time Nat’l Long Range Champion John Whidden
CLICK HERE for full 81-minute interview with John Whidden.
John Whidden of Whidden Gunworks is one of the greatest American marksman in history. Shooting sling rifles, John has won the U.S. Long Range National Championship a remarkable six times. He has also won a Palma World Championship, and this summer John won the 2022 Smallbore Prone U.S. National Championship. While a humble individual, John has superb shooting skills and unrivaled mental toughness. In this interview, John talks about the challenges of competition and what motivates him to excel. John also talks about the products he has developed for Whidden Gunworks.
Interview with NBRSA 3-Gun and Tackdriver Champ Bart Sauter
Bullet-maker Bart Sauter is one of the world’s best benchrest shooters. He won the 2022 NBRSA 3-Gun National Championship this year, and he also has won the multi-class Tack Driver event two years in a row. Plus he has set small-group world record at 600 yards. In this very informative interview, Bart talks about bullets, equipment selection, match preparation, and shooting techniques. We think every benchrest shooter should watch this video.
Master at Work — Sauter in Action
If you want to see how a world-class bench shooter runs his rifle, check out this short video showing Bart Sauter in action. He runs five shots in about 9 seconds.
Interview with Tod Hendricks, 2021 F-Open National Champion
A member of Team Lapua/Brux/Borden, Tod Hendricks has been one of the most talented and consistent F-Open competitors for many years. He used his mental toughness and wind-reading skills to capture a National Championship in 2021. In this wide-ranging interview with his team-mate Erik Cortina, Tod reveals what it takes to win in F-Open these days, covering equipment, ammo quality, and match preparation.
Brux Barrels is a machine tool company located in Lodi, Wisconsin, specializing in premium, custom, cut-rifled barrels. Brux barrels have set some impressive benchrest records, and have won championships in multiple disciplines. In this video Erik Cortina interviews Ken Clemens of Brux. They discuss the production process at Brux, from the selection of top-quality steel blanks to the final hand-lapping procedures.
Interview with Lanny Bassham, Olympic Gold Medalist and Author
Erik Cortina recently interviewed noted author and Olympic Gold Medal-winning shooter Lanny Bassham. Erik asked Lanny about his book With Winning in Mind. Lanny discussed the “mental game” in the shooting sports and Lanny’s program for visualization of a winning performance. Lanny explains that after you have mastered your rifle skills, and learned to read the wind, it is important to adopt a winning mentality and to visualize success. Lanny should know. He won a shooting Gold Medal in the Olympics along with 22 world individual and team titles.
Interview with Lindsey Paul, Queen of 2 Miles
Lindsey Paul is the only women to win the King of Two Miles ELR competition, becoming the first-ever QUEEN of Two Miles, shooting a .375 CheyTac. In 2021, the talented lady Texan beat a field of top competitors, including past KO2M Champions, all guys. Lindsey had a truly outstanding performance, including 3 hits in 5 shots at the max distance, 2.0 miles (3520 yards). In this interview, Lindsey, who works in the law enforcement field, talks about the Extreme Long Range (ELR) game, and she also explains what it’s like to shoot the heavy-recoiling .375 CheyTac.
Interview with Frank Galli — Founder of Sniper’s Hide
The founder of the popular Sniper’s Hide Forum, Frank Galli is an online pioneer and living legend in the tactical shooting sports world. A former U.S. Marine Scout-Sniper, Frank (aka “Lowlight”) runs a very active Forum with over 180,000 members. Along with moderating his Forum, Frank runs training clinics and hosts regular podcasts. Frank is also the author of the book Precision Rifle Marksmanship: The Fundamentals, an excellent resource for PRS/NRL competitors as well as tactical marksmen.
BONUS Videos — Two Great Tech and Reloading Videos
How to Find Jam Point on your Barrel
Loading for F-Class
Erik Cortina produces his own line of EC Barrel Tuners and Tuner Brakes. These have been used successfully by many top shooters. View the full line of Cortina Precision products at: ShootSmallGroups.com.
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The 2024 F-Class Mid-Range and Long Range National Championships were held August 10-17 at the Winnequah Gun Club in Lodi, Wisconsin. The match was a success, drawing 145 competitors in F-Open and 67 shooters in F-TR. Shooters tell us the Long-Range match was tough, with challenging weather conditions. The entire competition — Mid-Range and Long Range — was shot using a ShotMarker Electronic Target System. Each target frame had sensors that locate shot placement (and score) with great precision. This system provides instant score access, and eliminates the burdens of pit duty.
We congratulate the new 2024 Long Range National Champions: Alan Kulcak (F-Open) and Randy Littleton (F-TR). These men both showed great shooting skills and impressive wind-reading abilities — there were some tough conditions in Lodi this year.
F-Open champ Alan Kulcak shot a great match to win with 1390-71X, four points ahead of second-place Peter Johns (1386-72X) and third-place Robert Sebold (1386-60X). F-TR Long Range National Champion Randy Littleton fought a tight battle to the very end. The F-TR LR match went down to the final target with Littleton (1376-54X) edging runner-up Mike Plunkett (1375-56X) by a single point. Now that’s close competition!
Credit AccurateShooter Forum member Turbulent Turtle for all the images in this story. You can see over 340 photos from the match, thanks to Turbulent Turtle and his camera. CLICK HERE to see 2024 F-Class Nationals Photo Archive.
Here are the Long Range Top 10 for F-Open and F-TR:
F-Open LR Top 10
1 Kulcak, Alan (HM) 1390-71X
2 Johns, Peter (HM) 1386-72X
3 Sebold, Robert (HM) 1386-60X
4 Dileva, Dan (HM) 1384-73X
5 Skogman, Doug (HM) 1384-72X
6 Fairley, Joseph (HM) 1383-67X
7 Nettesheim, Brian (HM) 1382-73X
8 Basalla, Matthew (HM) 1382-67X
9 Kolodziej, William (HM) 1382-63X
10 Mitchell, Ryan (HM) 1382-62X
F-TR LR Top 10
1 Littleton, Randy (HM) 1376-54X
2 Plunkett, Mike (MA) 1375-56X
3 Trapp, Keith (HM) 1373-57X
4 Hubbard, Tom (HM) 1373-50X
5 Hogg, Tracy (HM) 1370-51X
6 Strasovich, Todd (MA) 1367-44X
7 Lucy, Dale (MA) 1363-41X
8 Klemm, Ian (HM) 1362-55X
9 Casale, Lou (MA) 1362-53X
10 Faloon, Christopher (HM) 1360-46X
Long Range F-Class Nationals Team Competition
In F-Open Long-Range team competition, Team Bayou Boyz won the F-Open Team title followed by Team Lapua-Brux-Borden (Second) and Team Vihtavuori (Third). It was a close match, with the Bayou Boyz (1590-83X) edging Team Lapua-Brux-Borden by a slim 2-point margin (1588-83X) with the same X-count. Congrats to Team Bayou Boyz members: Joseph Fairley, Johnny Ingram, Peter Johns, and Alan Kulcak.
Team Bayou Boyz won both the Long Range and Mid-Range F-Open Team events.
In F-TR LR Team competition, Team Vortex (1583-80X) finished first, followed by Team USA White and Team USA Red. Team Vortex recorded an impressive victory, winning by 20 points over runner-up squad Team USA White (1563-54X). Congrats to Team Vortex members: Tracy Hogg, Ian Klemm, Brad Sauve, and Keith Trapp.
Team Vortex recorded an impressive 20-point win in the F-TR Long Range Team Match.
The Mid-Range F-Open event saw tight competition. We congratulate new Mid-Range Champ Johnny Ingram who edged second-place Jim Fowler by two points. The top five F-Open finishers were separated by just five points and third-place finisher Matt Basalla had the highest X-Count with an impressive 99X. In the F-TR division, 2024 Mid-Range Champion Tom Hubbard put on a dominant performance, winning by ten points with the highest X-Count (87X) among all F-TR competitors.
Here are the Mid-Range Top 10 for F-Open and F-TR:
F-Open Mid-Range Top 10
1 Ingram, Johnny (HM) 1783-95X
2 Fowler, Jim (HM) 1781-82X
3 Basalla, Matthew (HM) 1779-99X
4 Waite, Boe (HM) 1779-92X
5 Brooks, David (HM) 1778-88X
6 Kulcak, Alan (HM) 1777-78X
7 Thomas, Jamie (MA) 1777-71X
8 Stob, James (HM) 1776-86X
9 Basalla, Gwen (HM) 1776-70X
10 Zwahr, Brandon (HM) 1775-86X
F-TR Mid-Range Top 10
1 Hubbard, Tom (HM) 1770-87X
2 Gavrock, Gabriel (HM) 1760-68X
3 Crofts, James (HM) 1759-78X
4 Conrad, Keith (HM) 1756-73X
5 Retzloff, Robin (EX) 1755-62X
6 Faloon, Christopher (HM) 1749-63X
7 Brindle, Jerry (HM) 1749-55X
8 Wiens, Gerry (HM) 1746-62X
9 Sowa, Mike (EX) 1743-58X
10 Dixon, Richard (HM) 1739-59X
Mid-Range F-Class Nationals Team Competition
In Mid-Range Team Competition, Team Bayou Boyz (1598-115X) won the F-Open Division while Team USA White (1585-87X) won the F-TR Division. Congrats to the Mid-Range Bayou Boyz (Johnny Ingram, Peter Johns, Alan Kulkak, and Pat Wood) and to USA White (Keith Conrad, Christopher Faloon, Dale Lucy, Mike Plunkett). There were 17 teams competing in F-Open, and 10 Teams competing in F-TR.
CLICK HERE for 2024 F-Class Nationals Program and Match Rules. NOTE: This official program incorrectly states that Silver Mountain electronic targets are used. Instead the ShotMarker system was used.
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Competition Note:This past week the 2024 F-Class National Championships have been running in Lodi, Wisconsin with competition in both F-Open and F-TR divisions. F-TR is shot with a bipod and cartridge types are limited to .223 Rem (5.56 NATO) and .308 Win (7.62×51). The 2024 Mid-Range Championship ran August 10-13 while the 2024 Long-Range Championship ran August 14-17, concluding late yesterday. CLICK HERE for 2024 Championship Results.* We will soon have a full report on the 2024 event, but for today’s Sunday GunDay story, we look back at a Mid-Range winning F-TR rifle from a few years back.
Story based on Report by Bryan Blake, Blake Machine Company
Here’s the gold medal-winning .308 Win rifle of the 2020 F-TR National Mid-Range Champion, Andy Cyr. Arizona native Cyr won the F-TR Mid-Range Championship with an impressive score of 1761-72X out of a possible 1800 points. At this three-day Mid-Range event at Ben Avery in Phoenix, all 180 rounds were shot at 600 yards. Andrew delivered a convincing victory, winning by NINE points over runner-up James Crofts, a past national champion himself. We congratulate Andrew on his impressive win. And today’s Sunday GunDay feature examines the details of Andrew’s impressive .308 Win F-TR rifle.
Cyr Overcame Incredibly Tough Conditions at Ben Avery
After Day One of the Mid-Range Nationals, Andy was in 5th place. Andy made up some serious ground on the next two days despite winds that were well into the 20 MPH+ range. In fact, many experienced shooters took misses (not hitting the scoring ring) because the winds were so fierce. Interestingly, Andy’s 1761-72X score beat all but eight F-Open shooters.
Andrew Cyr’s .308 Win F-TR rifle during load development and accuracy testing.
F-TR Mid-Range Championship-Winning .308 Win Rifle Specifications:
Blake Barrel and Rifle 32″ .30 Caliber, 1:11″-twist barrel with custom specs
McMillan XIT Stock (lightened with ports on butt area)
Borden BRM Action
Kahles K1050 10-50x56mm Scope
Phoenix Bipod with F-Class Products lowering kit and skeleton legs
Andrew Cyr’s Championship-winning F-TR rifle was built by Phoenix-based Blake Barrel and Rifle (BBR) in 2018. Interestingly, this rifle was originally built for Andy’s daughter Jessica. The rifle was used by Andy a few months later. The rifle features a severely-lightened XIT stock with the grip smoothed out. Andy was actually the first customer of Blake Barrel and Rifle back in 2018. He has always been willing to try out new rifling profiles, twist rates, and barrel configurations as recommended by BBR.
Bryan Blake tells us: “Many customers demand exact specs and there is no way of changing their mind, even if it is factual-based. With Andy he was always willing to try new things, some things didn’t work well, but some things worked very well, just like the barrel used to win the Nationals.” Andy preferred a heavier barrel in the chamber area than most TR shooters. The shank diameter is 1.350″ rather than 1.250″. What this does is keep as much material around the chamber, which is the hottest area of the barrel. That way the barrel is less affected by heat over a string of fire, since the heat can be dissipated into a larger area.
Andy used a 32″ barrel, a length not commonly used in F-TR anymore. Most are running 30″ or even 28″ now. Many folks think a shorter barrel is more accurate so these competitors do not use a 32″ barrel. Well as you can see by his results, Andrew’s 32″ tube shot great. The extra length was NOT a handicap. We should remember that longer barrels can normally produce higher velocities than shorter barrels or deliver equivalent speeds with less pressure.
Many people also believe that a 1:9-10″ twist is needed to shoot 200-grain class bullets out of a .308 Win accurately. However, Andy took the advice of Blake Barrel and Rifle, and went with a 1:11″-twist Blake cut-rifled barrel. Many would say this twist is too slow, and some online calculators say a 1:11″-twist won’t fully stabilize 200-grain bullets. Obviously this is also not the case. Andy’s 11-twist and Berger 200-grain Hybrid bullets (NOT 200.20X bullets) work very well with this combination. NOTE: Andy uses an F-Class Products barrel tuner to tune his load. He will sometimes even alter tune between relays to compensate for changing barometric conditions.
Winning .308 Win Load — Lapua Palma Brass, VV N550, CCI 450s, Berger 200gr Hybrids
Andy Cyr took the Mid-Range title loading Vihtavuori N150 powder, CCI 450 primers, Berger 200gr Hybrids, and Lapua .308 Win Palma brass. Andy does not push his bullets very fast and finds a big accuracy node at the mid-2600 FPS range. He jumps his bullets .015″ off the lands. One thing Andy consistently does is test, test, test. He will test different powders, charge weights, seating depths nearly every time he is at the range. He will shoot a different load for each string to see what works best.
Profile of 2020 F-TR Mid-Range National Champion — Andrew Cyr
Father and Daughter Compete Together
Andy started shooting F-Class in 2012 to help him shoot better in the PRS series. He hoped to learn to read the wind better and get more experience in long-range shooting in general. After shooting F-Class he was hooked and found he enjoyed it more than PRS. Andy and his daughter Jessica have shot many state matches together, with both of them shooting F-TR. Jessica owned the Mid-Range 20-shot woman’s Aggregate record for years with a score of 200-11X. Interestingly Andy shot his very first clean at 1000 yards at the Nationals in Raton, NM in 2018 with a score of 200-11X also. This year Andy started using a spotting scope to help read mirage and it has helped him tremendously he reports.
The “Master” Beat the “High Masters”
Andy is currently classified in Mid-Range as a Master for F-Class, not yet High Master. Even after winning the F-Class Mid-Range Nationals, the most prestigious F-Class match of the year, he is still classified as a Master. Andy’s 1761-72X score works out to 97.8% of a perfect 1800. But the requirement for F-Class High Master is 98%. That just shows you how tough the conditions were at Ben Avery this year. But still the Master beat ALL the High Masters — if you look at the score sheet above, all the other Top 10 F-TR competitors were High Masters. Impressive. And we believe Andy is the first Arizona resident to ever win a national F-Class Championship in either F-Open or F-TR.
About Blake Barrel and Rifle Blake Barrel and Rifle (BBR) has been in business since 2018. BBR built the rifle that Brian Bowling used to win the 2019 F-Open National Championship. And now another ultra-accurate BBR-built rifle has won the 2020 F-TR Mid-Range Championship. Bryan Blake tells us that Blake Barrel and Rifle has recently upgraded BBR’s rifle barrel building equipment. There are advanced CNC lapping machines, CNC bore-honing machines, and all-new, proprietary rifling cutter designs that no one else in the barrel business uses.
Blake Barrel and Rifle produces cut-rifled, 6-groove barrels with a unique rifling profile no other barrel manufacturer is using. Blake barrels have an impressive winning record in recent major competitions — earning National Championships, plus many match wins and podium performances. Bryan Blake tells us that “The time and quality control spend on Blake barrels is second to none and the proof in the results.” For more information, visit Blakebarrel.com.
* We believe that Alan Kulcak won 2024 Long-Range F-Open while Randy Littleton won 2024 Long-Range F-TR Division. We believe Johnny Ingram is the 2024 Mid-Range Champ in F-Open and Tom Hubbard won the 2024 Mid-Range F-TR title.
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Last weekend, a prestigious competition, the V2 Finale, was held in Texas. This double-elimination match is the culmination of the F-Class Points Series conducted around the country. The F-Class Points Series V2 Finale was held May 23-26, 2024 at the Bayou Rifles Juliff Range in Rosharan, Texas. This is a unique competition with head-to-head pairs competition from start to finish. The event attracted leading F-Open and F-TR shooters including many past National Champions. There were tough conditions this year, with hot and very humid weather. To learn more about the F-Class Points Series visit FclassPointsSeries.com.
We congratulate the 2024 V2 Finale Champions, Norm Harrold in F-Open, and Scott Kyle in F-TR division.
F-Open third-place finisher Erik Cortina told us: “The fourth Vihtavuori V2 Finale was a success. Bayou Rifle Club proved to be a challenging range and gave way to many nail-biting matches. After three days of grueling competition, two shooters came out on top. Norm Harrold won F-Open and Scott Kyle won F-TR”. CLICK HERE to see more photos from the recent competition.
Here the Top 8 V2 Finale F-Open competitors receive their awards. Left to right are: Norm Harrold (Champion), Joe Fairley (2nd), Erik Cortina (3rd), Peter Johns, Tim Vaught, Matthew Bassala, Doug Skogman, and Jay Christopherson.
This Erik Cortina video features interviews with many top shooters including Norm Harrold (F-Open winner), and Scott Kyle (F-TR winner). The two F-Class John short videos below feature music (very cool).
High-Tech Hardware on the Firing Line
There was some interesting hardware on the firing line. With the electronic target systems used, competitors could see shot locations/scores via mobile WiFi devices. Many shooters also had spotting scopes which allowed then to watch wind and weather conditions on the 1000-yard range. And to beat the heat some shooters had battery-powered portable fans.
Above Erik Cortina, Cortina Precision, shoots his F-Open rifle with SEB NEO-X Front Rest.
Match photos from 2024 courtesy Denys Beauchemin, aka “Turbulent Turtle” in our AccurateShooter Forum. CLICK HERE to see more photos in 2024 V2 Finale Photo Archive.
Many of the Canadian F-TR shooters used a handy unitized base pad for their bipods. This provided consistent support and smooth tracking for both ski-type bipod feet.
Here are six of the Top 8 F-TR shooters: Scott Kyle (Champion), Brad Traynor (2nd), Allen Tempke (3rd), Ray Weaver, Robin Retzloff, Eric Bisson. Not present are Skip Barkley and Adam MacDonald.
Match Organizers Thank Vihtavuori and Other Sponsors
“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Vihtavuori for the 2024 V2 Finale event! As one of our original sponsors, their direct support has been instrumental in bringing this event to life and supporting its growth, commented Tod Hendricks, F-Class Point Series member. “Now serving as the lead sponsor, Vihtavuori’s continued generosity ensures that events like ours can flourish, offering fresh and exhilarating experiences in the competitive shooting sports arena.” Along with Vihtavuori, other V2 Finale sponsors included: Borden Accuracy, SEB Rests, Brux Barrels, and PrecisionPay. Our friend F-Class John served as Match Director.
This was a high-tech match with video cameras and electronic target monitors. Shown above is the main video recording station on the firing line. This was used by Erik Cortina to monitor/record match video feeds. The video below shows the Bayou Rifles Juliff 1000-yard range where the V2 Finale was held.
F-Class Points Series Rules and Course of Fire
The F-Class Points Series is a yearlong F-Class points system and leaderboard, that culminates in the V2 Finale, which pits F-Class competitors against each other in a bracket-style double elimination match. Sixty-four competitors, 32 for each class (F-Open and FT/R), are invited to the Finale based on their series ranking. Since the V2’s inaugural series in 2021, partnerships have begun in Canada, South Africa, Italy, and Australia. The 2024 Finale was held May 23-26 at Bayou Rifles in Rosharon, Texas.
CLICK HERE for V2 Finale and F-Class Points Series rules. For more information on the F-Class Points Series and V2 Finale, visit FClassPointSeries.com.
This new-format match pits F-Class competitors against each other in a bracket-style double elimination match. The elite field (32 per class) is selected via a preceding Points series. In the past targets were placed at 1000 yards. In something unusual for an American F-Class match, in the V2 Finale all shooting will be done via PAIR FIRING, with shooters going head-to-head with alternating shots. The listed course of fire for 2024 is:
3.1. 2 CONVERTIBLE SIGHTERS AND 15 SHOTS FOR RECORD AT 1000 YARDS, PAIR FIRE
3.2. 2 CONVERTIBLE SIGHTERS AND 10 SHOTS FOR RECORD AT 1000 YARDS, PAIR FIRE
3.3. 5 SHOTS FOR RECORD AT 1000 YARDS, PAIR FIRE
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Vihtavuori Powders, a leading choice of competitive target shooters and long-range hunters, returns as the title sponsor of the F-Class Points Series V2 Finale. The 2024 V2 Finale will be held May 23-26, 2024 and at the Bayou Rifles Juliff Range in Rosharan, Texas.
“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Vihtavuori for the 2024 V2 Finale event! As one of our original sponsors, their direct support has been instrumental in bringing this event to life and supporting its growth, commented Tod Hendricks, F-Class Point Series member. “Now serving as the lead sponsor, Vihtavuori’ s continued generosity ensures that events like ours can flourish, offering fresh and exhilarating experiences in the competitive shooting sports arena.”
The F-Class Points Series is a yearlong F-Class points system and leaderboard, that culminates in the V2 Finale, which pits F-Class competitors against each other in a bracket-style double elimination match. Sixty-four competitors, 32 for each class (F-Open and FT/R), are invited to the Finale based on their series ranking. Since the V2’s inaugural series in 2021, partnerships have begun in Canada, South Africa, Italy, and Australia. The 2024 Finale will be held May 23-26 at Bayou Rifles in Rosharon, TX.
CLICK HERE for V2 Finale and F-Class Points Series rules. For more information on the F-Class Points Series and V2 Finale, visit FClassPointSeries.com.
This new-format match pits F-Class competitors against each other in a bracket-style double elimination match. The elite field (32 per class) is selected via a preceding Points series. In the past targets were placed at 1000 yards. In something unusual for an American F-Class match, in the V2 Finale all shooting will be done via PAIR FIRING, with shooters going head-to-head with alternating shots. The listed course of fire for 2024 is:
3.1. 2 CONVERTIBLE SIGHTERS AND 15 SHOTS FOR RECORD AT 1000 YARDS, PAIR FIRE
3.2. 2 CONVERTIBLE SIGHTERS AND 10 SHOTS FOR RECORD AT 1000 YARDS, PAIR FIRE
3.3. 5 SHOTS FOR RECORD AT 1000 YARDS, PAIR FIRE
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A multi-time F-TR National Champion, James “Jimmy” Crofts is one of America’s top F-Class competitors. And now this F-TR ace has a stunning new rifle in his arsenal. AccurateShooter Forum member CigarCop, head honcho of KW Precision LLC, built a stunning F-TR rig for Crofts a few seasons back. This handsome, top-tier rifle features top-tier components: Borden action, twin Brux barrels, Cerus RifleWorks F-TR Stock, and Jewell trigger, all resting on a wide-base Phoenix Bipod.
James Crofts photo by Kent Reeve.
Have a good look at these photos below. Yes, envy is the appropriate reaction. With the smooth operation of the Borden action and the predictable accuracy of Brux barrels, we know James’s rig shoots as good as it looks.
CigarCop actually chambered two barrels for James, with different fluting patterns — conventional linear flutes for one tube, and lines of staggered ovals for the other. Finished length for both barrels is 30″. Yes it looks cool, but the fluting was done mainly to save weight with the 30″-long lengths. CigarCop tells us the complete rifle, without scope and rings, weighs just under 15 pounds. Max allowed weight for an F-TR rifle, with scope, is 18.18 pounds (8.25 kg).
When James Crofts is not shooting his .308 Win F-TR rig,
he often trains with a .22 LR Rimfire rifle. Read on…
Rimfire Training for F-Class Competitors
2014 and 2012 U.S. National F-TR Champion James Crofts is one of America’s top F-Class shooters. A member of 2013 World Championship-winning F-TR Team USA squad, James knows a thing or two about long-range shooting. But you may be surprised to learn how James sharpens his shooting skills at relatively short distances. You see, James often practices with a .22 LR rimfire rifle at distances from 50 to 200 yards. James tells us: “Shooting my F-Class rimfire trainer saves me money and improves my shot process and wind-reading abilities.”
Remington rimfire 40X barreled action in PR&T LowBoy stock with PT&G bolt.
Rimfire Training Teaches Wind-Reading Skillsby James Crofts
Training with the rimfire is extremely useful and can be done from 25 yards out to 200 yards. I am lucky and can shoot 50 yards right off my back deck. That is far enough that any miscue on rifle handling will show up on the target. I use a two dry-fire to one actual shot routine for my practices. This gives me much more positive reinforcement without any negative reinforcement.
Wind reading is extremely important with a .22 LR rifle. I use a set of smallbore flags to aid my wind calls. The smallbore flags are a must and force you to look at the flags and mirage on each and every shot.
This Rimfire rifle features a CMP-sourced Rem 40X barreled action, PR&T Low Boy stock, Jewell trigger, and Phoenix bipod. The gun was built by Ray Bowman of Precision Rifle & Tool. James Crofts told us: “The project turned out awesome — the rifle was a hammer from the beginning even with the stock barrel.”
Rimfire Training Is Cost-Effective
Rimfire ammunition is much less costly than centerfire ammo. Though .22 LR prices have risen, you can still get a 500-round brick of decent ELEY .22 LR target ammo for around $70.00. That works out to fourteen cents a round. That’s a fraction of the cost of handloading .308 Win match ammo, with the price of bullets, brass, and primers these days. The top match-grade, .308-cal centerfire bullets can cost around $70 per hundred. Then you have to figure in brass, primers, and powder. Finally you have to consider your precious centerfire barrel life lost to practice.
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Lapua produces superb-quality brass, cartridges, and components for civilian and professional use. In the USA, Lapua products are exclusively imported by Capstone Precision Group, the official distributor for Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori, and SK-Rimfire products.
