Ep. 231 - Practical Precision: NRL Hunter

This episode recaps the NRL Sheep Mountain Shoot Out, highlighting the differences between PRS and NRL Hunter formats. Key takeaways include the importance of target acquisition in blind stages, building efficient shooting positions under pressure, and practicing realistic hunting scenarios. The discussion emphasizes how competitive shooting, particularly NRL Hunter, can significantly improve a hunter's ability to make critical shots in the field by forcing efficient processes and stress management.

This guide details how to participate in the '1 MOA All Day Long' challenge, emphasizing the importance of 10-shot groups over 3-shot groups for proving rifle and ammunition accuracy. It covers rifle preparation, long-range sighting, firing the challenge group, and accurate measurement. Instruction is provided by Kit Badger, an expert in precision shooting, highlighting the need for patience and consistent performance under challenge conditions.

This YouTube video details the complete setup process for a new "Hunter Series Rifle" intended for precision rifle shooting, specifically for NRL Hunter and Comp Dynamics field matches. The creator outlines five essential steps for breaking in and "doling out" a new rifle, offering a long and mostly uncut view of the process. The video also features mini-reviews of specific gear like the MDT comp brake and mentions various brands for mounts, storage, and hearing protection, encouraging viewer engagement and discussion on their methods and chosen equipment.

This video features a discussion on the Hornady Precision Rifle Series match, highlighting the challenges of difficult conditions and the importance of reliable equipment. Tom Beckrand, rifle and optics editor for Guns & Ammo, shares his experience and insights on his Accuracy International rifle setup, the 25 Creedmoor cartridge, and the benefits of using a suppressor. The conversation also touches on the competitive shooting community and advice for newcomers.

This video explains the unique challenges and benefits of competing in NRL Hunter, a precision rifle competition that simulates real-world hunting scenarios. It highlights how hunters often outperform flat-range shooters due to their ability to find, range, and engage targets in natural environments. The presenter details three key reasons to participate: testing skill sets, evaluating gear under load, and improving overall marksmanship through precision shooting. The video also provides a comprehensive look at the gear carried and lessons learned from a two-day match, emphasizing positional stability, communication, and efficient equipment use.

This guide covers the essential steps for a new competitor preparing for an NRL Hunter match. It details rifle setup with specific components like a Bergara .308, MDT chassis, and Vortex optic, emphasizing the importance of meeting class weight requirements for the 'Open Light' division. The process includes magazine preparation and the crucial rifle weigh-in procedure at the match check-in. Instruction is provided by an experienced shooter familiar with PRS and NRL Hunter formats.

This guide details how to test propellant temperature sensitivity, a crucial factor for consistent long-range accuracy. It emphasizes using a reliable chronograph and testing ammunition across a wide temperature range, from cold to hot conditions. The process involves calculating the muzzle velocity change per degree Fahrenheit to understand how temperature fluctuations affect performance, enabling shooters to account for these variations in their ballistic solutions.

This episode delves into the engineering and manufacturing innovations at Altera Arms, focusing on their pursuit of extreme accuracy and reliability in hunting rifles. Key discussions include the development of a unique receiver action with adjustable tolerances for cycling and lock-up, a mortise and tenon barrel attachment system to eliminate barrel flex, and advanced manufacturing techniques for carbon fiber barrels. The conversation highlights the company's commitment to vertical integration and in-house quality control to achieve sub-MOA performance.

This episode of the Hornady Podcast features Rob Gearing from Spartan Precision, discussing the importance of stability in precision shooting, particularly for hunting. Gearing highlights the evolution of hunting gear, emphasizing how products like the Javelin bipod and other support systems from Spartan Precision aim to manage the human factor and provide a stable shooting platform. The conversation touches on the challenges of hunting in different environments, the balance between weight and functionality in gear, and the importance of user education in selecting the right tools for specific applications.

Geoff Nemnich discusses his choice of the .22 ARC cartridge for coyote hunting as an upgrade from the .223 Remington. He highlights the .22 ARC's superior ballistics, increased muzzle velocity, and enhanced downrange performance. Nemnich also praises the terminal performance of Hornady's ELD-VT ammunition, noting its impressive expansion and devastating effect on coyotes, even at extended ranges.