The new Tunable Ultimate Recoil Device from MDT allows you to shoot smaller calibers with nearly 3.14 times more recoil. This is a big deal for tactical competitors who want to cross-train with rimfire rifles that use much more affordable .22 LR ammo. (Good .22 LR ammo can be purchased for under $0.15/round.)
With this new MDT reverse-pulse muzzle brake, a .22 LR rig will feel like a .223 Rem, and a .223 Rem can feel like a .308 Win. The added recoil provides realistic training, stressing perfect body position while allowing you to save money on ammo.
Watch Video to See Tunable Ultimate Recoil Device in Action
With very large calibers (.338 and above), the MDT-TURD can increase felt recoil up to 900%. This heavier recoil pulse can help a shooter build muscle strength during training.
Built with marine-grade submarine steel and reverse baffles, the MDT-TURD creates parabolic concussion forward and to the side. The unique patent-pending design removes the need for hearing protection for the shooter while creating disorientation for competitors at your match.
The above image shows a .22 LR tactical rifle on recoil-measuring slide platform. (See Video at 1:15 time-mark). With the MDT-TURD fitted, the rimfire rifle shows significantly greater recoil — 314% more compared to the same rig with bare muzzle. This allows more effective cross-training, as the device-equipped rimfire rifle will have a recoil pulse more similar to a centerfire PRS/NRL rig.
This image show how the forward-angle brake ports INCREASE the felt recoil by venting the explosive energy FORWARD. This effectively pushes the rifle backward, increasing felt recoil. This way a .223 Rem can recoil like a .308 Win, and a .22 LR rimfire rifle can recoil like a .223 Rem.
About MDT ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
MDT was born with a single purpose — to provide better value and better accuracy for precision rifles. The first MDT chassis was developed from the ground up based on the needs of shooters. Our engineers verified every function and feature based on the input from competitive shooters. The end result was a game-changing product called the TAC21 that continues to perform at the range, in the field and in competitions around the world.
Today, MDT chassis systems, magazines, and accessories are still developed the same way. We collaborate, question and verify our concepts with precision shooters from around the globe to ensure that every MDT product is designed with the same single purpose — to provide our customers with the absolute best product possible.
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The National Rifle League (NRL) started off sponsoring major centerfire tactical matches, similar to PRS competitions. That proved successful so the NRL added a .22 LR Rimfire series, called NRL22. The NRL22 rimfire discipline has been a major success, as rimfire guns are fun to shoot and ammo is very affordable. The most popular NRL22 matches have drawn up to 200 rimfire competitors. And now there is a companion rimfire long-range series, NRL22X. Learn more about NRL22 and NRL22X at NRL22.org.
NRL22 is a great way to get into competition shooting with minimal expense. There are six (6) classes: Open, Base, Ladies, Young Guns (8-16), OG (60+)/Adaptive, and Air Rifle. Base Class is for the budget-minded shooter — the combined MSRP of Rifle and Optic may not exceed $1200.00 (so you could spend $700 on a rifle and $500 on a scope for example). That keeps the sport affordable.
Open, Youth, OG, and Ladies Classes have no price limits on rifle and optic. Visit NRL22.org to find an NRL22 match near you. CLICK HERE for a full set of NRL22/NRL22X rules. The NRL also sponsors NRL22X matches. These involve significantly longer distances for greater challenge. Currently, an NRL22 membership costs $60/year for adult classes or $25/year for Young Guns Class.
March 2023 NRL22 Course of Fire
For actual NRL22 competitors, this is a very useful video. It shows how shooting from a variety of positions, and it includes very cool through-the-lens views. This covers the NRL22 March 2023 course of fire.
NRL22 Competition with Base Class ($1200 Max) Rifle
One good thing about NRL22 competition is you don’t need to spend a fortune to compete. Base class is limited to $1200.00 for rifle and optic. You can do very well even at this budget level. This video, complete with through-the-lens imagery, shows an NRL22 match shot with a Base Class Ruger Precision Rimfire rifle.
NRL22 and NRL22X are not just for guys. The ladies enjoy the competition too and do very well. There is a separate Ladies class, but women can also compete in other classes. Photo by Jonathan Ocab.
Interview with NRL22 Founder Travis Ishida
This Vortex Nation video features an 80-minute interview with Travis Ishida, one of the original founders of the NRL22 and NRL22X disciplines. Travis told us that the NRL now runs 7-8 times as many rimfire matches as centerfire matches.
NRL22 Competition Guide — Match Procedures and Equipment
If you want a basic overview about NRL 22 Competition, there is a good NRL22 Competition Guide on the Widener’s website. This covers the classes, the rules, target dimensions, the types of supports used, and match strategies. Here are some samples:
Any rifle system that comes in under a combined MSRP of $1200 shall be eligible to compete in the Base class. This combined MSRP price is for the rifle and scope only. It excludes scope rings and bases, bipods, suppressors, data cardholders, magazines, spare magazine holders, auto bolt releases, aftermarket triggers, and extended magazine releases. Adjustments are also allowed in this division as well as adding rails of any type. If any shooter goes over the MSRP amount of $1200, they get bumped into Open class.
One of the most obvious rules is that all rifles must be chambered in .22 Long Rifle. Magnum and like rimfire cartridges are not allowed. It is recommended that whatever rifle you choose has a removable magazine rather than a fixed, tubular magazine since it’s harder to make safe, but they are allowed.
You can use any equipment in NRL22 unless a specific course of fire rules out using an item specifically. The only exception is tripods are never allowed. The sharing of equipment is allowed as well as slings to assist in unsupported positional shooting.
The steel target dimensions range from .25 inches wide to 6 inches wide. Some stages will require 10 rounds to be shot, while others may have you shoot 12 rounds. Most often, you’ll have 120 seconds to shoot a course of fire.
Ammunition Selection for NRL22 and NRL22X
Our friend F-Class John, a top F-Open competitor, has recently started tactical rimfire matches. He enjoys the challenge. And he admits a big part of the appeal is the MUCH cheaper ammunition. He has seen good results with relatively inexpensive Norma Tac-22 ammo, but he now favors SK ammo which he says offers great performance for the price. In this video, F-Class John tests SK Rifle Match Ammo vs. the premium Lapua Center-X ammo. He tested using a benchrest set-up with his MPA chassis rimfire rifle.
How to Register for NRL22 Competitions
Looking to get started in NRL22 or NRL22X (long range) competition? CLICK HERE to visit the NRL22 home page. The NRL22/NRL22X website has a registration page along with information on equipment rules, match locations, match rules, and the 2023 Match Schedule. CLICK HERE for NRL22 rules and CLICK HERE for NRL22X-specific Rules.
BONUS — Rimfire Practice Targets
SPECIAL BONUS–Rimfire Tactical Precision Targets
These FREE targets by DesertFrog are offered in Adobe Acrobat format for easy printing. CLICK HERE to download all six targets as a .ZIP archive.
This article Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. Any reproduction without authorization gives rise to penalties under 17 U.S. Code § 501.
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Vudoo V22 Ravage with a fluted 18″ Kukri barrel in an Urban Camo Grayboe Ridgeback stock.
Rimfire precision shooting is hot. NRL22 and PRS Rimfire are some of the fastest-growing shooting disciplines in the USA. The NRL now runs 7-8 times as many rimfire matches as centerfire matches these days. The popularity of rimfire precision shooting is easy to understand — .22 LR ammo is a small fraction of the cost of handloaded centerfire ammunition and you can have a fun competition at any local range that goes out to 200 yards or so.
If you’re looking for a top-tier .22 LR precision bolt-action rifle, here is a very impressive option…
Vudoo Gun Works Ravage Precision .22 LR Rifle
Among the most accurate .22 LR precision rifles you can buy is the mag-fed Vudoo Ravage with Ridgeback stock. Popular YouTube gun tester 22Plinkster declared: “It’s a Tack-Driver … this .22 LR Rifle is the most accurate .22 LR bolt-action rimfire rifle I have ever shot in my life.” And he notes that he has shot Anschutz, Lithgow, and other quality rifles.
Firing from a Lead Sled, 22Plinkster starts out at 50 yards, and produced a 0.335″ group at 50 yards using Lapua Midas+ ammunition (4:00 time-mark). Then this session gets really impressive. Continuing with Lapua Midas+ ammo, this Vudoo Ravage produced a sub-half-inch group at 100 yards*. You can watch that Midas+ group form up from 7:20 to 8:25 in the video. Then, with ELEY Tenex ammo, he produced a 0.707″ group (10:30) and an even smaller group (11:55). This complete rifle is available from Vudoo Gun Works for $2905.00 without optics. That a ton of money, but if you compete in the rimfire ELR game, the investment may be worth it, as the exceptional accuracy really makes a difference past 250 yards.
22Plinkster says Vudoo’s Ravage is a top choice for NRL22/PRS rimfire matches and Rimfire ELR competitions: “This is the cream of the crop. [Many] people who are winning PRS rimfire matches are shooting Vudoos. What sets this rifle apart from a lot of the other Match 22 rifles is what it does past 300 yards. A lot of rifles — Anschutz, Lithgow, CZ — shoot really good out to 300 yards. But after 300 yards, their accuracy diminishes big-time.”
If you are interested in getting a Vudoo rimfire rifle, then definitely watch this 20-minute Guns & Tactics video. It provides extensive accuracy testing for multiple ammo types with verified group sizes. Then the reviewer shows the working details of the rifle, including the bolt, trigger system, and magazine. The video also includes field testing from bipod as well as competition-type practical stages out to nearly 400 yards.
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The ZEISS LRP S5 525-56 rifle scope has won a prestigious honor from Outdoor Life magazine. This advanced 5-25x56mm First Focal Plane (FFP) optic was named “Best Overall” in the article entitled The Best Long Range Rifle Scopes of 2023. This ZEISS scope won overall top honors for its exceptionally good lenses and its best-in-class elevation adjustment. Outdoor Life’s award article summarized: “Why It Made The Cut: Built around premium glass and a reticle designed for Precision Rifle Series steel-target competitions, the [ZEISS LRP S5 525-56] has the best turrets and most adjustment range in the class.”
The review continued: “The LRP S5 … easily won the top award in this year’s Outdoor Life optics test, taking top spots in both the resolution and low-light portions of the test. But what wowed testers were the features built for both dialing and holding for distant targets.
The illuminated ZF reticle is available in either MOA or MRAD versions. The MRAD version incorporates a tree-style structure with abundant elevation and windage references without seeming cluttered. The MOA version is more of a hash-style, with references on the main stadia. Both are fast, precise, and simple. In keeping with those superlatives, the [ZEISS LRP S5] scope has a crazy amount of internal adjustment in the 34mm tube, 40.7 MRAD (140 MOA) of elevation travel and 24 MRAD (60 MOA) of windage adjustment. That means you can engage targets from inside 100 yards out to 1,500 yards simply by holding on the reticle’s center aiming point and dialing your aiming solution.”
Advanced Optical Technology — ZEISS LRP S5 Features
The ZEISS LRP S5 525-56 has many notable features, including a lockable windage turret, adjustable reticle illumination, and a HUGE amount of elevation travel — 40.7 Mils in the MIL model and 140 MOA in the MOA version. That gives this optic the ability to shoot at extreme range without requiring holdovers.
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Congratulations to Lapua’s Chris Simmons, who won the 2022 Precision Rifle Series (PRS) Rimfire season with a total score of 689.803.
Simmons was crowned the 2022 Champion this past weekend at the PRS Rimfire Finale hosted by the TX Precision Matches in Navasota, Texas. Competing with Lapua Center-X .22 LR ammunition, Simmons had three podium finishes in the series this year. He took first place at the July-Alabama Precision Rimfire Challenge, first at the Caroline Shooters Group PRS rimfire Series, and second place at the Atlantic Coast Regional Rimfire Finale. In addition to his recent PRS overall rimfire championship, Simmons won the NRLX22 Rimfire National Championship title for the second consecutive year. Having won BOTH both the PRS Rimfire title AND the NRLX22 crown in the same year, Chris is arguably the world’s most successful rimfire tactical competitor.
“The PRS Rimfire Series is a year-long marathon of single matches that comes down to two days of shooting against the best shooters in the country,” commented Simmons. “Consistency wins championships and using Lapua products helps me achieve success with consistency.”
Simmons’ Lapua Center-X .22 LR ammunition is matched to his firearms at Lapua’s Rimfire Performance Center. Specific lots of ammunition are tested at 50 and 100 meters simultaneously, identifying the best performing ammunition in a particular rifle. This service is available to any shooter who wishes to gain a competitive advantage. You can schedule testing at Lapua’s Rimfire Performance Centers. There are two testing facilities — one in Mesa, Arizona, and the other in Marengo, Ohio.
About Lapua
Lapua produces high-quality rimfire and centerfire cartridges and components for civilian and professional use. Lapua is a part of the Capstone Precision Group, exclusive U.S. distributor for Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori and SK-Rimfire products. For more information, visit Lapua.com.
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Story by Paula Crenshaw
Congratulations to Team Lapua’s Allison Zane for winning overall Top Lady for the 2022 Precision Rifle Series (PRS). Zane, who scored a 169 at the PRS Pro Series Finale, clinched the Top Lady title for the third consecutive year. That’s an impressive “Three-Peat” for the Ladies’ title.
The 2022 PRS Pro Series Finale was held November 5-6 at the K&M Precision Rifle Training Complex in Finger, TN. The Finale brings together the best of the best within the PRS Pro Series to crown the annual champion. Competitors must qualify to attend the Finale. Out of 260 competitors, Zane finished Top Lady and placed 27th overall.
At the PRS Finale, Zane competed in the Open Division and used Lapua 6mm Creedmoor cartridge cases loaded with Berger 109gr Long Range Hybrid Target (LRHT) bullets. This combination was a favorite among the attendees competing in this year’ Finale. Zane’s next big match is the AG Cup in Finger, Tennessee.
Zane Competed with Team USA This Summer in France
This past summer Zane competed with the U.S.A. precision rifle team in France at the Precision Rifle World Championships. That event, held at the at France’s Bitche Military Camp in August, saw competitors from 26 countries including: Australia, Austria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Namibia, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, and Sweden.
About representing the USA at the Precision Worlds, Allison said: “I am beyond excited and humbled to have been selected by the U.S. Precision Rifle Association as a member of the first U.S. Precision Rifle Team competing in the inaugural World Championship. I can’t think of a greater honor in this sport I love, than the opportunity to represent the United States of America on an international level.”
Zane competed at the worlds with a 6mm Creedmoor rifle shooting Lapua brass and Berger 109gr LRHT bullets. Her precision rifle was built by Short Action Customs using a Defiance Machine Ruckus Tactical action, Modular Driven Technologies (MDT) ACC chassis system, Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56 scope, Hawk Hill Custom Marksman Contour barrel with MDT brake, and Huber two-stage trigger.
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This week, Shooting USA TV spotlights the 2022 GAP Grind, the largest PRS Pro-Am Tactical match with nearly 400 competitors. The 10th Annual GA Precision/Elite Tactical GAP Grind PRO-AM was held September 30 through October 2, 2022 at the K&M Shooting Complex in Tennessee. The GAP Grind, the largest, most popular PRS match in the world, drew nearly 400 amateur and pro shooters from across the USA and from many other nations. Recognized as the premier PRO-AM precision rifle match with both individual and team competition, the GAP Grind has introduced thousands of new shooters to the sport since its inception. It was great to see the GAP Grind successfully mark its 10th Anniversary.
SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show at any time on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode.
In this video Eagle Eye Shooting Shares Highlights from the 2022 GAP Grind
Excellent Attendance at 10th Annual GAP Grind Event
The year’s largest PRS match drew hundreds of attendees, and more than 80,000 rounds were fired throughout the three-day event. In addition to competition stages, the GAP Grind featured a vendor area, live music and entertainment. Bushnell gave out $5,000 to the top place finishers and added over $5,000 worth of product to the prize table. Trophies were awarded to the top 5 teams, top 5 professionals, and to the top 5 amateurs.
Lots of Action, with 20+ Stages
The GAP Grind is a challenging, “high tempo” match with minimal down-time between stages. Over the course of 20+ stages, competitors will fire 200+ shots at a variety of steel, paper, moving, and reactive targets out to 1,200 yards. Targets vary in size/difficulty based on the shooter’s position, distance, and time allotted. Most stages include “stressors” — i.e. time limits or required movement(s).
This extensive, 45-minute video shows many of the 2022 GAP Grind Stages
GAP Grind Pro-Am Format — Seasoned Shooters Help Newcomers
The GAP Grind typically attracts nearly 400 competitors — half experienced shooters and the other half newcomers to the sport. The key to growing the shooting sports is attracting new shooters. The best way to bring in “new blood” seems to be the Pro-Am type format. At the GAP Grind, experienced shooters share their knowledge and guide the new shooters through the competition.
GAP Grind Hardware
You’ll find the latest and greatest PRS hardware at the GAP Grind. Over the past few seasons, most top competitors have “stepped down” from the 6.5/6mm Creedmoor to the smaller, more efficient 6mm Dasher, 6BRA, 6 GT and other 6mm cartridges. The Dasher offers excellent accuracy with less recoil than the 6.5 Creedmoor. Also, many competitors will be switching to the impressive new Zeiss FFP LRP S3 and S5 scopes in the months ahead.
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Our friends, Ed Mobley and Steve Lawrence, aka the “6.5 Guys”, have written an excellent article on getting started in practical/tactical competition. If you are new to the game, these tips can help you save money, progress faster, and have more fun. Here are article highlights, but we recommend you read the full story,5 Tips for Attending Your First Precision Rifle Match, onwww.65guys.com.
We often meet people who are new to long range precision shooting, and want to improve their knowledge and skill level. However, they aren’t sure if they are ready to sign up to compete in a match. They often ask, “What knowledge or skills are necessary to compete in a match?” Others may state, “I need to purchase this gear or that gear before I can attend a match”. For those guys who have a strong interest in precision rifle shooting, and who wish to chec out a precision rifle match, below are Five Tips to make it a positive experience.
TIP ONE: Make Plans and Commit to Go
First you need to start by finding a match to attend. This may entail a little bit of research and investigative work on your part to find what matches are scheduled in the next few months. We recommend starting with any match that may be within a reasonable driving distance. This may likely be a local “club” match, many of which are held on a regular basis. These make great venues because it will provide an opportunity to meet some of the regular attendees as well as shooters that are from your geographic area. Additionally, most of the smaller matches are a little more relaxed in terms of level of competitiveness.
Once you decide on the match you want to attend, do your homework. This means finding out if you need to pre-register or pre-pay the match fee. Commit to going by registering for the match and putting it on your schedule. Be sure to find other useful information for questions such as:
— What time should I arrive?
— Is there a mandatory safety briefing for new shooters at that venue?
— What is the travel time required to get to the match site?
— How many stages will there be?
— Is there a description of the stages available before the match?
— How many rounds should you bring?
— Are there special equipment requirements? (E.g. do you need chamber flags, is there a pistol stage?)
TIP TWO: Bring What You Have
(Don’t Spend a Fortune at the Start)
Some new shooters often assume they need a custom match rifle or all of the miscellaneous shooting gear associated with long range precision shooting to compete in match. While having a Kestrel weather meter and a high quality laser range finder and other shooting accoutrements are invaluable kit, you will find other shooters at your first match that will provide you with the information and coaching you need to get on target.
In fact, the only gear you really need to bring is a scoped rifle with a bipod and ammo capable of consistently shooting within one MOA. Also, be sure to know the ballistic drops or have a ballistic drop table prepared for your rifle/ammo to dial the correct DOPE on your scope for different target ranges. Many of the other participants at the match will be willing to let you borrow a support bag, bipod, tripod or other gear if you need one — just ask. Don’t use the excuse of not having the right gear to delay getting out to a match!
One reason not to make a big initial investment in a new rifle and assorted gear before competing, is we’ve seen a number of people come into the sport and try it for a year and then make the decision to move on to something else.
TIP THREE: Be Prepared to Learn
As a new shooter at a match, there is no better opportunity to learn. We often look to our local club matches as a group ‘training’ session to prepare for the bigger matches. You will find competitors at all levels of skill and many of your fellow shooters will enthusiastically provide helpful advice once they learn you are new to the sport. Take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions if you would like ideas for how to engage a stage, but also be sure to do more listening than talking as you receive guidance and tips from more experienced competitors.
Watch and observe other shooters and how they approach and ‘game’ a specific stage or course of fire. You’ll begin to recognize which shooting positions work best for different scenarios, and maybe even come up with some new ones that no one has thought of before.
Seeing what the better shooters do is an invaluable instructional tool. You can use your smart phone’s video camera to record other shooters (with their permission). When you’re ready to shoot, ask another shooter to record your performance. Watching yourself will point out needed areas of improvement.
After each match conduct an informal after action review and summarize for yourself the things that went well and what you should continue to do. You should also identify the specific shooting skills you should develop and make a plan to integrate the appropriate practice drills into your practice sessions. Finally, if you maintain a shooter’s data book or journal you’ll want to note things such as:
After Action Review – How you did, what went well, things you need to work on in practice. Stage Observations – Successful methods used for specific courses of fire. Note barricades, positions used, specific gear used for stages. Gear Observations – How your rifle/gear performed, what new items you should add to your “buy list”.
TIP FOUR: Be Safe and Have Fun
You’ve all heard a parent or teacher say, “It’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye.” The same can be said of the shooting sports. Safe handling of firearms is the number one rule at any match, and comes before the FUN part in terms of importance.
Before all matches start there will always be some form of a mandatory safety briefing. Make sure you know, understand, and follow any unique safety protocols for the match you attend. Some matches require all rifles have chamber flags inserted and are stowed in bags/cases while not on the firing line — other matches may not. If you run afoul of any safety rules, you risk the chance of being disqualified from a stage or worse, the entire match.
The second rule is simply have fun. This starts with having a good attitude throughout the day. Keep in mind that as a new competitor you should think of a match as a solid day of practice and training. If you blow a stage, use it as an opportunity to diagnose what you could have done differently or what you need to improve on — then smile and drive on.
Any day at the range or shooting is a good day. A match is an opportunity to hang out with like-minded people who are passionate about shooting and impacting targets far-far away. Life is great when you are doing what you enjoy!
TIP FIVE: Make Friends
There is no better way to meet lots of precision rifle shooters and make friends than at a match. The people that attend the tactical precision matches on a regular basis are those that have ‘fallen into the deep end of the pool’ and are really into the sport. As a result, they have become part of the local precision shooting community. As you strike up conversations at the match, find out if your new-found friends visit specific forum boards or social media outlets, or if there are other matches they attend.
Precision shooters tend to congregate and share information in different corners of the Internet. It will serve you well to meet some of the guys in person at matches and be able to connect a face to a screen name. As you develop your friendships and develop a level of trust, you will find opportunities become available to shoot with others in your local area, or get ‘read-in’ on a secret honey-hole of a spot to shoot long distance. Additionally, the local shooting community will often find it more convenient to sell or trade gear and equipment locally than deal with buyers/sellers that are out of state.
Getting Started in PRS/NRL — One Man’s Story
My name is Jeff Cosgrove. I have shot for 20+ years but I found my interest in shooting was dwindling over time. I got somewhat bored with shooting paper at 100 yards or plinking cans out in the desert. About 3 years ago I decided I wanted to shoot long range. I picked up a used MPA in .300 Win Mag and started shooting long range with a new buddy. That day I fell in love with guns all over again.
With that new .300 WM I found my reloads were not up to my expectations (high ES/SD), so I purchased all new reloading hardware. One of my purchases was a used Benchsource Annealer. The guy I bought that from asked if I had ever tried PRS and he invited me to check out a match. So I went to a local PRS event as a spectator. I looked at many rigs and took notes. By the end of the day I knew this was something I really wanted to do. I then acquired a used chassis rifle that I thought would work well for PRS.
After working with that first PRS rifle, a 6.5 CM with Stiller Tac30 action, MDT chassis, and Proof Carbon-wrapped barrel, I quickly learned that gun did not handle and balance the way I hoped. It was too light in the front, the ergos were poor, and scope eye relief was not optimal. So I decided to build my own GEN 2 PRS rifle, a switch-barrel rig that I now use in competition. READ FULL Story HERE.
Load Development Using 6.5 Guys Custom Spreadsheet
To hold and analyze his load development data, Jeff uses the spreadsheet from 65Guys.com. this can really help identifying your best load. The Excel spreadsheet is detailed, yet makes it simple to analyze your data. You can even copy and paste your chronograph data if your chrono logs on to a SD card.
In this 6.5 Guys video Steve provides an overview and tutorial for using the Excel load development analysis model that he has developed. The Excel Load Development Analysis Spreadsheet version 2.0 is FREE. Download from the 6.5 Guys Load Development Page.
NOTE: If that direct link does not work, CLICK HERE, then look for the “Load Development Analysis Model Version 2.0″ link in the second paragraph.
In this video Steve explains some key statistical concepts for performing load data analysis. He also provides tips and guidance for determining the optimal load for your rifle as you analyze the load data you’ve collected.
Good Resource for PRS/NRL Newbies — Practical Shooter’s Guide
Marcus Blanchard, $19.99 Paperback, $9.99 Kindle
Thinking of getting started in the Practical/Tactical shooting game? Looking for ways to be more stable when shooting from unconventional positions? Then you may want to read Marcus Blanchard’s Practical Shooter’s Guide (A How-To Approach for Unconventional Firing Positions and Training). Unlike almost every “how to shoot” book on the market, Blanchard’s work focuses on the shooting skills and positions you need to succeed in PRS matches and similar tactical competitions. Blanchard provides clear advice on shooting from barricades, from roof-tops, from steep angles. Blanchard says you need to train for these types of challenges: “I believe the largest factor in the improvement of the average shooter isn’t necessarily the gear; it’s the way the shooter approaches obstacles and how they properly train for them.”
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The 10th Annual GA Precision/Elite Tactical GAP Grind PRO-AM was held September 30 through October 2, 2022 at the K&M Shooting Complex in Tennessee. The GAP Grind, the largest, most popular PRS match in the world, drew hundreds of amateur and pro shooters from across the USA and from many other nations. Recognized as the premier PRO-AM precision rifle match with individual and team competition, the GAP Grind has introduced thousands of new shooters to the sport since its inception. It was great to see the GAP Grind successfully mark its 10th Anniversary.
In overall standings, Daniel Hereid (photo below) finished first among Pro shooters, while Toby Phillips was top Amateur Overall. The Top Five Pros and Amateurs, along with Top Five Teams are listed overall below. There were four hardware-based divisions: Gas Gun, Open, Production, and Tactical. Pro shooter Robert Brantley led the Tactical Division and pro Ryan Kerr topped the Production Division. Notably, both Brantley and Kerr were running Bushnell Elite Tactical XRS3 riflescopes.
1st – Daniel Hereid
2nd – Francis Colon
3rd – Chad Heckler
4th – Chris Simmons
5th – Nathan Cushman
Top 5 Amateurs:
1st – Toby Phillips
2nd – Tyler Yauch
3rd – Jeff Johnson
4th – Ryder Smith
5th – Caleb Purinton
Top 5 Pro/Am Teams:
1st – Tate Streater + Toby Phillips
2nd – Chad Heckler + Jacob Strutt
3rd – Joey McConnell + Ryder Smith
4th – Daniel Herald + Vince Yarling
5th – Troy Livesay + Rick Lovely
Excellent Attendance at 10th Annual GAP Grind Event
The year’s largest PRS match drew hundreds of attendees, and more than 80,000 rounds were fired throughout the three-day event. In addition to competition stages, the GAP Grind featured a vendor area, live music and entertainment. Bushnell gave out $5,000 to the top place finishers and added over $5,000 worth of product to the prize table.
The PRS website explains how the GAP Grind is conducted and scored: “Competitors will compete as individuals and as a team; scores will be maintained for both. Trophies will be awarded to the top 5 teams, top 5 professionals, and to the top 5 amateurs. Each team member will shoot a similar course of fire with slight modifications for the Amateurs. Professionals will shoot first and unassisted. The Amateur will shoot each stage with the Professional’s assistance. Scores for both days will count toward team standings and individual standings. This allows Precision Rifle Series shooters the ability to earn 2 day PRO Series points for this match. Amateurs … may earn PRS Regional Series points.”
In this video Eagle Eye Shooting Shares Highlights from the 2022 GAP Grind
Lots of Action, with 20+ Stages
The GAP Grind is a challenging, “high tempo” match with minimal down-time between stages. Over the course of 20+ stages, competitors will fire 200+ shots at a variety of steel, paper, moving, and reactive targets out to 1,200 yards. Targets vary in size/difficulty based on the shooter’s position, distance, and time allotted. Most stages include “stressors” — i.e. time limits or required movement(s).
This extensive, 45-minute video shows many of the 2022 GAP Grind Stages
“Sponsoring the GAP Grind is always a privilege, and this 10-year mark made it especially fun,” said Matt Rice, Bushnell senior media relations manager. “GAP Grind is all about giving both experienced and new shooters a welcoming place to test and hone their skills, and our partners at K&M, G.A. Precision and PRS have done a fantastic job of making that goal a reality.”
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In this video series host Sean Utley covers many gear-related topics including rifle configuration, scope selection, chambering choices, ammunition options, bipods/tripods, and chronographs. In addition, the series covers training methods, bullet ballistics, wind reading, and rifle handling.
Most of this is pretty basic stuff, but it can be helpful for newcomers to long range shooting. For example, Season 3 Episode 1 covers rifle set-up and fitting, so you can set LOP, cheek height, and scope position optimally. And Season 1 Episode 4 covers chambering choices such as 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester.
Season 1, Episode 5: Anatomy of Bullet Flight
This is a cool video that shows ballistics testing at the Barnes Bullets underground testing lab. The video also includes interesting 3D animations showing how bullets run through a barrel and then fly down-range.
Season 1, Episode 6: Critical Equipment for Long Range Shooting
If you’re getting started in Long Range Precision Shooting, this video is worth watching. The video covers key equipment for long range shooting, including LabRadar chronograph, tripods, spotting scope, and mobile Ballistics Apps.
Season 1, Episode 1: Anatomy of a Long Range Precision Rifle
Season 3, Episode 1: Gun Fitting
Season 2, Episode 6: Choosing the Right Optic
Season 1, Episode 3: Mechanics of Long Range Shooting
Season 1, Episode 4: Best Calibers for Long Range Shooting
Watch All 17 Long Range Precision Videos
Along with the seven videos linked above, ten other Long Range Precision videos can be watched via the Ballistic Magazine Video Archive. And if you are interested in learning how Doppler Radar is used to develop bullet designs, we recommend Episode 7 from Season 2. This 7-minute video covers the latest technology in ballistics radar. CLICK HERE to watch video.
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IPRF Open Division champion Austin Buschman of Team USA.
The first-ever International Precision Rifle Federation (IPRF) World Championship was held in France in mid-August. The inaugural IPRF event drew 250 shooters from 26 nations to France’s Militaire Camp de Bitche. Hosted by the French Precision Rifle Association (FRPRA), this 7-day event featured 5 days of competition. Team USA dominated the match, taking first place in Open, Limited, and Ladies divisions. Team Great Britain & Northern Ireland took first place in Factory division. Team South Africa won the Senior division, while Team Norway claimed the Military & Law Enforcement division. At the end of the event the World Champion Trophy was awarded to highest scoring shooter, Austin Buschman of Team USA.
The inaugural Precision Rifle World Championship was held August 6-12, 2022 in Bitche, France, at the Bitche Military Camp. Team USA and 25 other national squads competed in Open, Limited, and Factory classes, which included Ladies, Junior, Senior, and Mil/LE divisions.
We hail Austin Buschman as the first IPRF World Champion. And we congratulate the USA Precision Rifle Team for winning the first-ever Precision Rifle Team World Championship. American competitors shooting Berger Bullets won the Open, Limited, and Senior Open classes.
Team USA Members Win Big with Berger Bullets
Team USA’s Austin Buschman won gold in the Open Class with 158 impacts. Austin used Berger 6mm 109gr Long Range Hybrid Target (LRHT) bullets. Fellow American and Team Berger member Morgun King took second in Open Class with 157 impacts. And Team USA member Coulter Mariott took first place in the Limited Class.
1st Place Open – Austin Buschman, Berger 6mm 109gr LRHT
2nd Place Open – Morgun King, Berger 6.5mm 156gr Elite Hunter
1st Place Limited – Coulter Mariott, Berger 6mm 105gr Hybrid Target
1st Place Senior Open – Rusty Ulmer, Berger 6mm 105gr Hybrid Target
2nd Place Senior Open – Paul Higley, Berger 6mm 109gr LRHT
3rd Place Ladies Open – Allison Zane, Berger 6mm 109gr LRHT
Open class Champion Austin Bushman noted: “Berger 105 grain Hybrid Target and 109 grain LRHT bullets are what I’ve used exclusively in PRS style competitions for three years. I find these 6mm Berger bullets to be very consistent over many different charge weights and seating depths. This has allowed me to focus on developing my shooting skills rather than spend hours on load development”.
Berger Long Range Hybrid Target Bullets — Bryan Litz Explains Features
Team Great Britain & Northern Ireland Wins Factory Division
The Great Britain and Northern Ireland IPRF Team (aka Team GB), won the Factory Division title at the IPRF Championships. Team GB members place 1st, 3rd, 5th and 25th place in the factory division. The combined score earn Team GB 1st place overall in the factory division.
On Facebook, Team GB shooter Tom Rice posted: “Huge congratulations to [class winner] Lawrence Barnes for showing us all how it should be done right from the first stage. Benjamin Mcilwaine rounded out the podium in 3rd place with an exceptional performance. A huge thank you goes out to Accuracy International Ltd. for supporting all four of us as we were all using their AT-X rifles.”
Team GB’s Tom Rice added: “Another massive thank-you must go out to ZEISS Hunting, Andy Simpson, and Precision Rifle Series UK for supplying me with the absolutely awesome new ZEISS LRP rifle scope. Never before have I seen such impressive glass. It performed flawlessly in some pretty hostile conditions that we’ve had to endure out here.”
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A new discipline has proven very successful. The NRL Precision Hunter Challenge features a multi-distance, walk-around shooting course similar in some ways to PRS/NRL, but limitations on weight and cost of equipment make this more affordable and more practical. The new discipline is catching on — the 2022 NRL Precision Hunter Challenge match, held June 24-26, 2022, in Price, Utah, drew nearly 150 competitors. Hornady was the title sponsor of the event.
Shooters from all over the country competed in 20 challenging stages. The course of fire consisted of 160 rounds with hiking between stages at the North Springs Shooting Complex. The Precision Hunter Challenge featured target distances from 200-850 yards, and angled shots between 0-10°. At the North Springs Shooting Complex, there were natural terrain obstacles and tree stands. Competitors had to navigate the terrain to establish their shooting positions — very much the opposite of a benchrest match!
“The NRL HUNTER Series is designed to help educate new and seasoned hunters about their skills, gear, and personal limitations. The Hornady Precision Hunter Challenge did just that!” said Travis Ishida, President of the NRL. “With a well-designed course of fire that was both challenging and fun, this match encompassed everything we are looking for. With over 50% new faces at this match the NRL HUNTER Series is growing faster than we ever imagined” he added. Verl Dallin, Match Director, added: “With the help of the staff and ROs, the Hornady Precision Hunter Match turned out simply fantastic”.
This video contains highlights from the 2021 Hornady Precision Hunter Challenge:
Here are the 2022 Hornady Precision Hunter Challenge division and class winners:
Factory – Kevin Wilkey
Open Light – Morgun King
Open Heavy – Serge Ducourneau
Team -Tyler Payne & Scott Peterson
Top Young Gun – Marshall Lewis
Top Lady – Katalin Burjan
CLICK HERE for complete 2022 Precision Hunting Challenge Match results on Practiscore.com. The next major NRL Hunter event is the 2022 COMPEXPO Hunter Challenge taking place July 20-22, 2022, at the Cameo Shooting and Education Complex, in Palisade, Colorado.
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